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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

ý ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2002
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                              to                             

Commission file number:    0-16214


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


Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

14-0462060
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

1373 Broadway, Albany, New York
(Address of principal executive offices)

 

12204
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code    518-445-2200

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
  Name of each exchange
on which registered

Class A Common Stock ($0.001 par value)   New York Stock Exchange and
Pacific Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:


None
(Title of Class)

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ý

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes ý    No o

        The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 28, 2002, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second quarter, computed by reference to the price at which Common Stock was last sold on such a date, was $26,363,360.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

  PART
Registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2002.   II
Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 8, 2003.   III




PART I

Item 1. BUSINESS

        Albany International Corp. (the Registrant) and its subsidiaries are engaged in three business segments. The largest segment is Engineered Fabrics, which includes paper machine clothing. The Registrant designs, manufactures, and markets paper machine clothing for each section of the paper machine. It manufactures and sells more paper machine clothing worldwide than any other company. Paper machine clothing consists of large continuous belts of custom-designed and custom-manufactured, engineered fabrics that are installed on paper machines and carry the paper stock through each stage of the paper production process. Paper machine clothing is a consumable product of technologically sophisticated design that is made with synthetic monofilament and fiber materials. The design and material composition of paper machine clothing can have a considerable effect on the quality of paper products produced and the efficiency of the paper machines on which it is used.

        The majority of press fabrics manufactured by the Registrant are woven tubular or endless from monofilament yarns on large, specially designed looms. After weaving, the base press fabric goes to a needling operation where a thick fiber layer, called a batt, is laid on the base just before passing through the needling machine. The needles are equipped with tiny barbs that grab batt fibers, locking them into the body of the fabric. After needling, the composite fabrics are usually washed, and water is removed. The fabric then is heat set, treatments and coatings may be applied, and it is measured and trimmed to width.

        The Registrant's manufacturing process is similar for forming fabrics and drying fabrics, except that there is normally no needling operation in the construction of those fabrics. Most forming and drying fabrics are woven flat on wide looms. The fabrics are seamed to produce an endless loop, and heat stabilized by running them around two large cylinders under heat and drawn out by tension. After heat setting, the fabrics are seamed and boxed. In addition to paper machine clothing, the Registrant manufactures other engineered fabrics for the non-wovens industry, as well as corrugator belts and filtration media.

        Albany Door Systems, which includes RAPID ROLL DOORS, is the operation of the Registrant that developed high- speed high-performance doors, which grew from the application of the Registrant's coated fabric technology. Since the inception of RAPID ROLL DOORS in the early 1980s, manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, and Australia have supplied more than 100,000 installations worldwide.

        The Applied Technologies segment manufactures a wide variety of products, including wet and dry filtration media, high-performance materials, and PRIMALOFT, a patented alternative to down for the home furnishings and outerwear markets.

Industry Factors

        There are approximately 1,100 paper machines in the United States located in approximately 550 paper mills. It is estimated that there are approximately 5,200 paper machines in the world that produce at least 50 tons of paper per day. Additionally, there are many smaller paper machines. Increases in paper production have a positive impact on demand for paper machine clothing, while increases in paper machines' efficiency and the useful life of paper machine clothing have a negative impact on demand. According to published data, world paper production volumes have grown at an annual rate of approximately 2.8% over the last ten years. The Registrant anticipates continued growth for the long term in world paper production. The profitability of the paper machine clothing business has generally been less cyclical than the profitability of the papermaking industry.

        Because the paper industry has been characterized by an evolving but essentially stable manufacturing technology based on the wet forming papermaking process, which requires a very large

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capital investment, the Registrant does not believe that a commercially feasible substitute technology that does not employ paper machine clothing is likely to be developed and incorporated into the paper production process by paper manufacturers in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the prospects for continued demand for paper machine clothing appear excellent.

        Over the last few years, paper manufacturers have generally reduced the number of suppliers of paper machine clothing per machine position. In addition, eight major paper machine clothing companies have been reduced to four through mergers or acquisitions. These factors have increased opportunities for market leaders, including the Registrant, to expand their market share.

International Operations

        The Registrant maintains manufacturing facilities in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden and the United States. The Registrant has 50% interests in an entity in South Africa and an entity in Russia that are engaged primarily in the engineered fabrics business (developing, manufacturing, marketing, and servicing custom-designed engineered fabrics used in the manufacture of paper, paperboard, and products in other process industries).The Registrant also has a 50% interest in an entity in England that is engaged in the Albany Door Systems business (see Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

        The Registrant's geographically diversified operations allow it to serve the world's paper markets more efficiently and to provide superior technical service to its customers. The Registrant benefits from the transfer of research and development product innovations between geographic regions. The worldwide scope of the Registrant's manufacturing and marketing efforts also limits the impact on the Registrant of economic downturns that are limited to a geographic region.

        The Registrant's widespread presence subjects it to certain risks, including controls on foreign exchange and the repatriation of funds. However, the Registrant has been able to repatriate earnings in excess of working capital requirements from the countries in which it operates without substantial governmental restrictions and does not foresee any material changes in its ability to continue to do so in the future. In addition, the Registrant believes that the risks associated with its operations and locations outside the United States are those normally associated with doing business in these locations.

Marketing, Customers, and Backlog

        Paper machine clothing is custom-designed for each user depending on the type, size and speed of the paper machine, the machine section, the grade of paper being produced, and the quality of the pulp stock used. Technical expertise, judgment, and experience are critical in designing the appropriate clothing for each position on the machine. As a result, the Registrant employs highly skilled sales and technical service personnel in 25 countries who work directly with paper mill operating management. The Registrant's technical service program in the United States gives its service engineers field access to the measurement and analysis equipment needed for troubleshooting and application engineering. Sales, service and technical expenses are major cost components of the Registrant. The Registrant employs approximately 1,110 people in the sales and technical functions combined, many of whom have engineering degrees or paper mill experience. The Registrant's market leadership position reflects the Registrant's commitment to technological innovation.

        Typically, the Registrant experiences its highest quarterly sales levels in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. The Registrant believes that this pattern only partially reflects seasonal shifts in demand for its products but is more directly related to purchasing policies of the Registrant's customers.

        Payment terms granted to paper industry customers reflect general competitive practices. Terms vary with product and competitive conditions, but generally require payment within 30 to 90 days from

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the date of invoice, depending on the country of operation. Historically, bad debts were insignificant, but several paper companies have declared bankruptcy during recent years; therefore, bad debt expense has increased in recent years.

        The Registrant's Albany Door Systems segment markets high-performance doors to industrial companies. The Registrant offers a complete range of products, service, and maintenance for internal and external applications.

        The Registrant's Applied Technologies segment has a wide range of customers, with markets that vary from consumers to industrial applications. PRIMALOFT synthetic insulation is an alternative to down, used in high-end retail home furnishings and outerwear applications. Techniweave and the High Performance Materials businesses serve a wide variety of specialty materials and structure needs for applications from aerospace to industrial tooling. Albany's Industrial Process Technologies businesses focus on wet and dry filtration needs of process industries such as mining and petrochemical.The Advanced Thermal Protection Systems products are marketed for aerospace, commercial aircraft, and personal protection markets. Each of these technologies is based in our core competencies in textiles, structures, coatings, and specialty materials.

        The two largest customers of the Registrant account for approximately 6% and 5% of the Registrant's net sales, respectively. Management does not believe that the loss of any one customer would have a material adverse effect on the Registrant's business.The Registrant's order backlogs at December 31, 2002 and 2001 were approximately $568 million and $595 million, respectively. Order backlog at December 31, 2002 is generally expected to be invoiced during the next 12 months.

Research and Development

        The Registrant invests heavily in research, new product development, and technical analysis to maintain its leadership in the paper machine clothing industry. The Registrant's expenditures fall into two primary categories: research and development and technical expenditures. Research and development expenses totaled $24.9 million in 2002, $23.2 million in 2001, and $23.3 million in 2000. While much research activity supports existing products, the Registrant engages in research for new products and product enhancements. New product research has focused primarily on more sophisticated paper machine clothing and has resulted in a stream of products and enhancements such as PRINTEX, KRAFTEX, and MICROTEX forming fabrics, DYNATEX, SEAM DYNATEX, and APERTECH press fabrics, process belts such as TRANSBELT, VENTABELT, GLOSSBELT, and PRESSBELT, as well as AEROGROOVE, AERO 2000, SPIRALNETICS, and AEROJET, which are dryer fabrics. Technical expenditures totaled $24.9 million in 2002, $23.7 million in 2001,and $26.2 million in 2000. Technical expenditures are focused on design, quality assurance, and customer support.

        Although the Registrant has focused most of its research and development efforts on paper machine clothing products and design, the Registrant also has made progress in developing non-paper machine clothing products, such as PRIMALOFT, a synthetic down insulation. PRIMALOFT insulation is widely used in outdoor apparel as well as in premium comforters and pillows. The Registrant conducts its major research at its operations in Mansfield, Massachusetts, and Halmstad, Sweden. Additionally, the Registrant conducts process and product design development activities at manufacturing locations in Sélestat, France; Göppingen, Germany; Albany, New York; and Menasha, Wisconsin.

        The Registrant holds a number of patents, trademarks and licenses, none of which are material to the continuation of the Registrant's business. All brand names and product names are trademarks of Albany International Corp. or subsidiaries. The Registrant has from time to time licensed some of its patents to one or more competitors, and has been licensed under some competitors' patents, in each case mainly to enhance customer acceptance of new products. The revenue from such licenses is less than 1% of consolidated net sales.

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Raw Materials and Inventory

        Primary raw materials for the Registrant's products are synthetic fibers, which are generally available from a number of suppliers. The Registrant, therefore, is not required to maintain raw material inventories in excess of its current needs to assure availability. In addition, the Registrant manufactures monofilament, a basic raw material for all types of paper machine clothing, at its facility in Homer, New York, which supplies approximately 33% of its world-wide monofilament requirements. This manufacturing capability assists the Registrant in its negotiations with monofilament producers for the balance of its supply requirements, and enhances the ability of the Registrant to develop proprietary products.

Competition

        Although there are a number of small regional paper machine clothing suppliers worldwide, only four compete on a global basis. Market shares vary depending on the country and the type of paper machine clothing produced. In the paper machine clothing market, the Registrant believes that it has a market share of approximately 37% in the United States and Canadian markets, taken together, 28% in the rest of the world, and approximately 31% in the world overall. Together, the United States and Canada constitute approximately 38% of the total world market for paper machine clothing.

        Competition is intense in all areas of the Registrant's business. While competition in pricing and payment terms is an important factor, the primary bases for competition are the performance characteristics of the Registrant's products, which are principally technology-driven, and the quality of customer service. The Registrant, like its competitors, provides diverse services to customers through its sales and technical service personnel, including: (1) consulting on performance of the paper machine, (2) consulting on paper machine configurations, both new and rebuilt, (3) selection and custom manufacture of the appropriate paper machine clothing, and (4) storing fabrics for delivery to the user.

Employees

        The Registrant employs 6,208 persons, of whom approximately 65% are engaged in manufacturing the Registrant's products. Wages and benefits are competitive with those of other manufacturers in the geographic areas in which the Registrant's facilities are located. The Registrant considers its relations with its employees in general to be excellent.

Executive Officers of Registrant

        The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the executive officers of the Registrant:

Name

  Age
  Position
Frank R. Schmeler   64   Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Michel J. Bacon   53   Group Vice President—Europe
William M. McCarthy   52   Group Vice President—Technology and the Pacific Region
Edward Walther   59   Group Vice President—North America
Michael C. Nahl   60   Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Frank Kolf   57   Senior Vice President—Administration and Development
Dieter Polt   60   Senior Vice President—Industrial Products
Thomas H. Hagoort   70   Senior Vice President—Legal Affairs and Secretary
Richard A. Carlstrom   59   Vice President—Controller
Thomas H. Curry   54   Vice President—North American Sales and Marketing
David C. Michaels   47   Vice President—Treasury and Tax
Kenneth C. Pulver   59   Vice President—Corporate Communications
Charles J. Silva Jr.   43   Vice President—General Counsel

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        Frank R. Schmeler joined the Registrant in 1964. He has served the Registrant as Chairman of the Board since 2001, Chief Executive Officer since 2000, President from 1998 to 2001, Chief Operating Officer from 1997 to 2000, Executive Vice President from 1997 to 1998, Senior Vice President from 1988 to 1997, Vice President and General Manager of the Felt Division from 1984 to 1988, Division Vice President and General Manager, Albany International Canada, from 1978 to 1984, and Vice President of Marketing, Albany International Canada, from 1976 to 1978. He has been a Director of the Registrant since 1997.

        Michel J. Bacon joined the Registrant in 1978. He has served the Registrant as Group Vice President—Europe since 2001, Senior Vice President from 1996 to 2001, Vice President and General Manager of Albany International Canada from 1991 to 1996, Vice President of Operations, Albany International Canada Press Division, from 1989 to 1991, and Vice President of Marketing, Albany International Canada, from 1987 to 1989.

        William M. McCarthy joined the Registrant in 1977. He has served the Registrant as Group Vice President—Technology and the Pacific Region since 2003, Group Vice President—Canada, Pacific, and Latin America from 2001 to 2002, and Senior Vice President from 1997 to 2001, and since 1991 has held various positions for Press Fabrics U.S., including Vice President and General Manager, Vice President—Marketing, and Technical Director. From 1988 to 1991 he was Technical Director for Continental Europe—Press Fabrics.

        Edward Walther joined the Registrant in 1994. He has served the Registrant as Group Vice President—North America since 2003, Group Vice President—United States from 2001 to 2002, Executive Vice President from 1997 to 2001, Senior Vice President from 1995 to 1997, and Vice President and General Manager—Continental Europe from 1994 to 1995. Prior to joining the Registrant, he held various management positions with a company in the paper machine clothing business.

        Michael C. Nahl joined the Registrant in 1981. He has served the Registrant as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 1983 and prior to 1983 as Group Vice President. From 1965 to 1979 he served in marketing, financial, logistical, analytical, and management positions for the Exxon Corporation, and from 1979 to 1981 he was with General Refractories Corporation as Director of Strategic Planning and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He is a Director of GrafTech International Ltd. and of Lindsay Manufacturing Co.

        Frank Kolf joined the Registrant in 2001. He has served the Registrant as Senior Vice President—Adminstratation and Development since 2001. Prior to joining the Registrant, he served as Executive Vice President for the Wangner Group and as Director of Strategic Corporate Controlling with Carl Schenck AG.

        Dieter Polt joined the Registrant in 2001. He has served the Registrant as Senior Vice President—Industrial Products since 2003, and as Senior Vice President from 2001 to 2002. Prior to joining the Registrant, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Wangner Group and held senior management positions in the instrumentation industry.

        Thomas H. Hagoort joined the Registrant in 1991. He has served the Registrant as Senior Vice President—Legal Affairs since 2002, General Counsel from 1991 to 2002, and Secretary since 1997. From 1968 until December 31, 1990 he was a partner in Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen and Hamilton, an international law firm with headquarters in New York City.

        Richard A. Carlstrom joined the Registrant in 1972. He has served the Registrant as Vice President—Controller since 1993, Controller since 1980, and Controller of a U.S. division from 1975 to 1980.

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        Thomas H. Curry joined the Registrant in 1992. He has served the Registrant as Vice President—North American Sales and Marketing since 2003, and Vice President—Sales and Marketing U.S. from 1999 to 2002. From 1995 to 1999 he held various positions for Press Fabrics U.S., including Vice President—General Manager and Vice President—Marketing, and from 1992 to 1995 held various sales and marketing positions for the U.S. Dryer Division.

        David C. Michaels joined the Registrant in 1987. He has served the Registrant as Vice President—Treasury and Tax since 2000 and previously served as Director of Tax. Prior to 1987, he held various financial and tax positions at Veeco Instruments, Inc.

        Kenneth C. Pulver joined the Registrant in 1968. He has served the Registrant as Vice President—Corporate Communications since 1997 and as Vice President of Operations for Primaloft from 1992 to 1997. From 1984 to 1992 he served in various marketing positions with Albany Engineered Systems.

        Charles J. Silva Jr. joined the Registrant in 1994. He has served the Registrant as Vice President—General Counsel since 2002 and as Assistant Secretary from 1994 to 2001. He served as Assistant General Counsel from 1996 until May 2002. Prior to 1994, he was an associate with Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen and Hamilton, an international law firm with headquarters in New York City.

        The Registrant believes it is in material compliance with federal, state, and local provisions that have been enacted or adopted regarding the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, and does not have knowledge of environmental regulations that do or might have a material effect on future capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position.

        The Registrant is incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware and is the successor to a New York corporation originally incorporated in 1895, which was merged into the Registrant in August 1987 solely for the purpose of changing the domicile of the corporation. Upon such merger, each outstanding share of Class B Common Stock of the predecessor New York corporation was changed into one share of Class B Common Stock of the Registrant. References to the Registrant that relate to any time prior to the August 1987 merger should be understood to refer to the predecessor New York corporation.

        The Registrant's current reports on Form 8-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and annual reports on Form 10-K are electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and all such reports and amendments to such reports filed subsequent to November 15, 2002, have been and will be made available, free of charge, through the Registrant's Web site (http://www.albint.com) as soon as resaonably practicable after such filing. Such reports will remain available on the Registrant's Web site for at least twelve months. The public may read and copy any materials filed by the Registrant with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

        The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The Registrant's Investor Relations Department may be contacted at:

Investor Relations Department

Albany International Corp.

Post Office Box 1907

Albany, New York 12201-1907

Telephone: (518) 445-2284

Fax: (518) 447-6343

E-mail: investor_relations@albint.com

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Item 2. PROPERTIES

        The Registrant's principal manufacturing facilities are located in the United States, Canada, Europe, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, South Korea, and China. The aggregate square footage of the Registrant's operating facilities in the United States and Canada is approximately 2,513,000 square feet, of which 2,337,000 square feet are owned and 176,000 square feet are leased. The Registrant's facilities located outside the United States and Canada comprise approximately 3,911,000 square feet, of which 3,075,000 square feet are owned and 836,000 square feet are leased. The Registrant considers these facilities to be in good condition and suitable for their purpose. The capacity associated with these facilities is adequate to meet production levels required and anticipated through 2003. The Registrant's expected 2003 capital expenditures of about $55 million will provide sufficient capacity for anticipated growth.

        The Registrant believes it has modern, efficient production equipment. In the last five years, excluding acquisitions, it has spent approximately $168 million on new plants and equipment or upgrading existing facilities.

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        Albany International Corp. ("Albany") and many other companies are defendants in suits brought in various courts in the United States by plaintiffs who allege that they have suffered personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing products. Albany was defending against 21,688 such claims as of February 28, 2003. This compares with 22,593 such claims as of December 31, 2002, 17,922 claims as of October 31, 2002, 7,347 claims as of December 31, 2001, 1,997 claims as of December 31, 2000, and 2,276 claims as of December 31, 1999. These suits allege a variety of lung and other diseases based on alleged exposure to products previously manufactured by Albany and related companies. Albany anticipates that additional claims will be filed against it and the related companies in the future but is unable to predict the number and timing of such future claims.

        These suits typically involve claims against from 20 to more than 200 defendants, and the complaints usually fail to identify the plaintiffs' work history or the nature of the plaintiffs' alleged exposure to Albany's products. (Production of asbestos-containing paper machine clothing products was limited to certain synthetic dryer fabrics marketed during the period 1967 to 1976 and used in certain paper mills. Such fabrics generally had a useful life of three to twelve months.) In the vast majority of these suits, claimant work histories have not been provided. In cases in which work histories have been provided, approximately one-third of the claimants have alleged time spent in a paper mill.

        Approximately 18,700 of the claims pending against Albany are filed in various counties in Mississippi. The Registrant expects that only a portion of these claimants will be able to demonstrate time spent in a paper mill during a period in which Albany's asbestos-containing products were in use. Based on past experience, communications from certain plaintiffs' counsel and the advice of the Registrant's Mississippi counsel, the Registrant expects the percentage of claimants with paper mill exposure in the Mississippi proceedings to be considerably lower than the total number of claims asserted.

        It is the position of Albany and the other paper machine clothing defendants that there was insufficient exposure to asbestos from any paper machine clothing products to cause asbestos-related injury to any plaintiff. Furthermore, asbestos contained in Albany's synthetic products was encapsulated in a resin-coated yarn woven into the interior of the fabric, further reducing the likelihood of fiber release.

        While the Registrant believes it has meritorious defenses to these claims, it has settled certain of these cases for amounts it considers reasonable given the facts and circumstances of each case. The Registrant's insurer, Liberty Mutual, has defended each case under a standard reservation of rights. As

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of February 28, 2003, the Registrant had resolved, by means of settlement or dismissal, 4,348 claims, and had reached tentative agreement to resolve an additional 4,563 claims reported above as pending. The total cost of resolving all 8,911 such claims was $4,846,000. Of this amount, $4,811,000, or 99%, was paid by the Registrant's insurance carrier. The Registrant has more than $130 million in confirmed insurance coverage that should be available with respect to current and future asbestos claims, as well as additional insurance coverage that it should be able to access.

Brandon Drying Fabrics, Inc.

        Brandon Drying Fabrics, Inc. ("Brandon"), a subsidiary of Geschmay Corp., is also a separate defendant in most of these cases. Brandon was defending against 12,632 claims as of February 28, 2003. This compares with 11,802 such claims as of December 31, 2002, 10,347 claims as of October 31, 2002, 8,759 claims as of December 31, 2001, 3,598 claims as of December 31, 2000, and 1,887 claims as of December 31, 1999. The Registrant acquired Geschmay Corp., formerly known as Wangner Systems Corporation, in 1999.

        Brandon is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Geschmay Corp. Geschmay Corp. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant, acquired in 1999. In 1978, Brandon acquired certain assets from Abney Mills ("Abney"), a South Carolina textile manufacturer. Among the assets acquired by Brandon from Abney were assets of Abney's wholly-owned subsidiary, Brandon Sales, Inc., which, among other things, had sold dryer fabrics containing asbestos made by its parent, Abney. It is believed that Abney ceased production of asbestos-containing fabrics prior to the 1978 transaction. Although Brandon manufactured and sold dryer fabrics under its own name subsequent to the asset purchase, none of such fabrics contained asbestos.

        Under the terms of the Assets Purchase Agreement between Brandon and Abney, Abney agreed to indemnify, defend, and hold Brandon harmless from any actions or claims on account of products manufactured by Abney and its related corporations prior to the date of the sale, whether or not the product was sold subsequent to the date of the sale. It appears that Abney has since been dissolved. Nevertheless, a representative of Abney has been notified of the pendency of these actions and demand has been made that it assume the defense of these actions.

        Because Brandon did not manufacture asbestos-containing products, and because it does not believe that it was the legal successor to, or otherwise responsible for obligations of Abney with respect to products manufactured by Abney, it believes it has strong defenses to the claims that have been asserted against it. In some instances, plaintiffs have voluntarily dismissed claims against it, while in others it has entered into what it considers to be reasonable settlements. As of February 28, 2003, Brandon has resolved, by means of settlement or dismissal, 2,881 claims for a total of $152,499. Brandon's insurance carriers have agreed to pay 88.2% of the total indemnification and defense costs related to these proceedings, subject to the standard reservation of rights. The remaining 11.8% is being sought from an insurance company that denies that it issued a policy. Brandon's internal records demonstrate otherwise, and Brandon has filed suit against this company as well as its other carriers. Based on advice of counsel, Brandon is confident that it will prevail in establishing 100% indemnification and defense cost coverage.

Mount Vernon

        In some of these cases, the Registrant is named both as a direct defendant and as the "successor in interest" to Mount Vernon Mills ("Mount Vernon"). The Registrant acquired certain assets from Mount Vernon in 1993. Certain plaintiffs allege injury caused by asbestos-containing products alleged to have been sold by Mount Vernon many years prior to this acquisition. Mount Vernon is contractually obligated to indemnify the Registrant against any liability arising out of such products. The Registrant denies any liability for products sold by Mount Vernon prior to the acquisition of the Mount Vernon

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assets. Pursuant to its contractual indemnification obligations, Mount Vernon has assumed the defense of these claims. On this basis, the Registrant has successfully moved for dismissal in a number of actions.


        The Registrant believes that all asbestos-related claims against it are without merit. Based on its understanding of the insurance policies available, how settlement amounts have been allocated to various policies, its recent settlement experience, the absence of any judgments against the Registrant or Brandon, the ratio of paper mill claims to total claims filed, and the defenses available, the Registrant currently does not anticipate any material liability relating to the resolution of the aforementioned pending proceedings in excess of existing insurance limits. Consequently, the Registrant does not believe, based on currently available information, that the ultimate resolution of the aforementioned proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the Registrant.

        Although the Registrant cannot predict the number and timing of future claims, based on the foregoing factors and the trends in claims against it to date, the Registrant does not anticipate that additional claims likely to be filed against it in the future will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. However, the Registrant is aware that litigation is inherently uncertain, especially when the outcome is dependent primarily on determinations of factual matters to be made by juries. The Registrant is also aware that numerous other defendants in asbestos cases, as well as others who claim to have knowledge and expertise on the subject, have found it difficult to anticipate the outcome of asbestos litigation, the volume of future asbestos claims, and the anticipated settlement values of those claims. For these reasons, there can be no assurance that the foregoing conclusions will not change.

Item 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

        There were no matters submitted during the fourth quarter of 2002 to a vote of security holders.

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PART II

Item 5.   MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

"Stock and Shareholders" and "Quarterly Financial Data" on page 48 of the Annual Report are incorporated herein by reference.

        Restrictions on dividends and other distributions are described in Note 6, on page 27 of the Annual Report. Such description is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

        "Eleven Year Summary" on pages 46 and 47 of the Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 7.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

"Financial Review" on pages 39 to 45 of the Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

        The following consolidated financial statements of the Registrant and its subsidiaries, included on pages 17 to 38 in the Annual Report, are incorporated herein by reference:

Item 9.   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

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PART III

Item 10.    DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Item 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        The information set forth in the sections of the Proxy Statement captioned "Executive Compensation," "Summary Compensation Table," "Option/SAR Grants in Last Fiscal Year," "Option/SAR Exercises During 2002 and Year-End Values," "Pension Plan Table," "Compensation and Stock Option Committee Report on Executive Compensation," "Compensation and Stock Option Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation," "Stock Performance Graph," and "Directors' Fees" is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information set out in the section captioned "Share Ownership" of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.


Equity Compensation Plan Information

Plan Category

  Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants, and rights
(a)

  Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants, and rights
(b)

  Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(c)

 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders   3,834,225   $ 18.69   443,655 (1)(2)(3)
   
 
 
 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders   250,000   $ 25.56    
   
       
 
Total   4,084,225   $ 20.48   443,655  
   
       
 
(1)
Reflects only the number of shares for which options may be granted as of January 1, 2003 under the Registrant's 1998 Stock Option Plan ("the 1998 Plan"). Additional shares of Class A Common Stock are available for issuance under the 1998 Plan (see note 2 below) as well as under the Registrant's Directors Retainer Plan (see note 3 below).

(2)
The 1998 Plan allows the Board to increase the amount of shares available for future option grants, from time to time, provided that it may not be increased by more than 500,000 in any calendar year and that no such increase may cause the total number of shares then available for option to exceed 1,000,000. If options granted under the 1998 Plan expire or are terminated or surrendered without having been exercised, the shares of Class A Common Stock subject thereto may again be optioned. Assuming full exercise by the Board of its power to increase annually the number of shares available for options, the maximum number of additional shares that could yet

12


(3)
The Directors Retainer Plan provides that the aggregate dollar amount of the annual retainer payable for service as a member of the Registrant's Board of Directors is $40,000. Of this total, $10,000 is paid in shares of Class A Common Stock of the Registrant, the exact number of shares to be paid for any year being determined on the basis of the per share closing price of such stock on the day of the Annual Meeting at which the election of directors for such year occurs, as shown in the composite index published for such day in the Wall Street Journal, rounded down to the nearest whole share.

        The Registrant has adopted only one equity compensation "plan" not approved by security holders and required to be disclosed under Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K. In 1997, the Registrant granted an option exercisable at $25.56 per share for 250,000 shares of the Registrant's Class A Common Stock to Michael C. Nahl, the Registrant's Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. The option is not exercisable unless the market price of Class A Common Stock reaches $48 per share while Mr. Nahl is employed by the Registrant or a subsidiary. When the target price is achieved, the option becomes exercisable as to a number of shares determined by multiplying 25,000 times the number of full years that have elapsed since the grant date. Thereafter, the option becomes exercisable as to an additional 25,000 shares on each anniversary of the grant date while the optionee remains an employee. In the event of termination of the optionee's employment, the option terminates as to all shares as to which it is not then exercisable, except that, in the case of voluntary termination after age 62, death, disability, or involuntary termination, if the target price has been achieved prior to such termination, the option becomes exercisable, immediately prior to such termination, as to one-half of the shares as to which it is not then exercisable.

Item 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

        None.

Item 14.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

        Within the 90-day period prior to the filing of this report, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) was carried out under the supervision, and with the participation, of the Registrant's management, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Based on such evaluation, the Registrant's CEO and CFO have concluded that the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that the Registrant files or submits under the Securities Exchange Commission Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Subsequent to the date of such evaluation, there have been no significant changes in the Registrant's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect such controls, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies or material weaknesses.

13



PART IV

Item 15.    EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULE AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)(1)   Financial Statements. The consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report are incorporated by reference in Item 8.
(a)(2)   Schedule. The following financial statement schedule for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002:

 

 

Report of Independent Accountants on Financial Statement Schedule
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(a)(3)

 

Exhibits

3(a)

 

Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant.(3)
3(b)   Bylaws of Registrant.(10)
4(a)   Article IV of Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (included in Exhibit 3(a)).
4(b)   Specimen Stock Certificate for Class A Common Stock.(1)

Credit Agreement

10(i)(i)   Credit Agreement, dated as of August 11, 1999 (the "Credit Agreement"), among the Registrant, certain banks listed therein, the Chase Manhattan Bank as Administrative Agent, Chase Manhattan International Limited as London Agent, Citibank N.A. as Syndication Agent, and Banc One Capital Markets, Inc. as Documentation Agent.(9)
10(i)(ii)   Amendment No. 1, dated as of December 22, 1999, to the Credit Agreement.(11)
10(i)(iii)   Amendment No. 2, dated as of October 1, 2002, to the Credit Agreement. Filed herewith.
10(j)(i)   Receivables Sale Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2001, among the Registrant as the Collection Agent, Albany International Receivables Corporation as the Seller, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as the Agent the Committed Purchasers party thereto, and Amsterdam Funding Corporation.(11)
10(j)(i)(a)   Amendment No. 1, dated as of September 27, 2002 to the Receivables Sale Agreement. Filed herewith.
10(j)(i)(b)   Amendment No. 2, dated as of October 25, 2002 to the Receivables Sale Agreement. Filed herewith.
10(j)(ii)   Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2001, among the Registrant, Geschmay Corp., Albany International Research Co., Albany International Techniweave, Inc., Albany International Canada Inc., M&I Door Systems Ltd., as Originators, and Albany International Receivables Corporation as Buyer.(11)
10(j)(ii)(a)   Amendment No. 1, dated as of March 1, 2002, to Exhibit A of the Purchase and Sale Agreement. Filed herewith.

14


Stock Options

10(m)(i)   Form of Stock Option Agreement, dated as of August 1, 1983, between the Registrant and each of five employees, together with schedule showing the names of such employees and the material differences among the Stock Option Agreements with such employees.(1)
10(m)(ii)   Form of Amendment of Stock Option Agreement, dated as of July 1, 1987, between the Registrant and each of the five employees identified in the schedule referred to as Exhibit 10(m)(i).(1)
10(m)(iii)   1988 Stock Option Plan.(2)
10(m)(iv)   1992 Stock Option Plan.(4)
10(m)(v)   1997 Executive Stock Option Agreement.(7)
10(m)(vi)   1998 Stock Option Plan.(8)

Executive Compensation

10(n)   Pension Equalization Plan adopted April 16, 1986, naming two current executive officers and one former executive officer of Registrant as "Participants" thereunder.(1)
10(n)(i)   Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.(5)
10(o)(l)   Form of Executive Deferred Compensation Plan adopted September 1, 1985, as amended and restated as of August 8, 2001.(11)
10(o)(ii)   Form of Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan adopted September 1, 1985, as amended and restated as of August 8, 2001.(11)
10(o)(iii)   Deferred Compensation Plan of Albany International Corp., as amended and restated as of August 8, 2001.(11)
10(o)(iv)   Centennial Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated as of August 8, 2001.(11)
10(o)(v)   Directors Annual Retainer Plan, as amended and restated as of May 10, 2001.

Other Exhibits

13   Annual Report to Security Holders for the year ended December 31, 2002.
21   Subsidiaries of Registrant.
23   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
24   Powers of Attorney.
99.1   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
99.2   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(b)

 

No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the fourth quarter of 2002.

15


        All other schedules and exhibits are not required or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.


(1)   Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1, No. 33-16254, as amended, declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 30, 1987, which previously filed Exhibit is incorporated by reference herein.
(2)   Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 8, 1988, which previously filed Exhibit is incorporated by reference herein.
(3)   Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, File No. 1-10026, declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 26, 1988 (as to The Pacific Stock Exchange, Inc.), and on September 7, 1988 (as to The New York Stock Exchange, Inc.), which previously filed Exhibit is incorporated by reference herein.
(4)   Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 18, 1993, which previously filed Exhibit is incorporated by reference herein.
(5)   Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 1994, which previously filed Exhibit is incorporated by reference herein.
(6)   Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 15, 1996, which previously filed Exhibit is incorporated by reference herein.
(7)   Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 10-K dated March 16, 1998, which previously filed Exhibit is incorporated by reference herein.
(8)   Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 10-Q dated August 10, 1998, which previously filed Exhibit is incorporated by reference herein.
(9)   Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Current Report on form 8-K dated September 21, 1999, which previously filed Exhibit is incorporated by reference herein.
(10)   Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 10-Q dated November 10, 1999, which previously filed Exhibit is incorporated by reference herein.
(11)   Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 10-Q dated November 12, 2001, which previously filed Exhibit is incorporated by reference herein.

16



SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on the 21st day of March, 2003.

    ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
         
    By:   /s/  MICHAEL C. NAHL      
Michael C. Nahl
Principal Financial Officer
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

17


        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signatures

  Titles
  Date

 

 

 

 

 
*
(Frank R. Schmeler)
  Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer   March 21, 2003

/s/  
MICHAEL C. NAHL      
Michael C. Nahl

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

March 21, 2003

*

(Richard A. Carlstrom)

 

Vice President—Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

March 21, 2003

*

(Thomas R. Beecher Jr.)

 

Director

 

March 21, 2003

*

(Charles B. Buchanan)

 

Director

 

March 21, 2003

*

(James L. Ferris, Ph.D.)

 

Director

 

March 21, 2003

*

(Erland E. Kailbourne)

 

Director

 

March 21, 2003

*

(Francis L. McKone)

 

Director

 

March 21, 2003

*

(Joseph G. Morone, Ph.D.)

 

Director

 

March 21, 2003

*

(Christine L. Standish)

 

Director

 

March 21, 2003

*

(John C. Standish)

 

Director

 

March 21, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

18



*

(Allan Stenshamn)

 

Director

 

March 21, 2003

*

(Barbara P. Wright)

 

Director

 

March 21, 2003

*By:

 

/s/  
MICHAEL C. NAHL      

 

 

 

 
   
Michael C. Nahl
Attorney-in-fact
       

19



CERTIFICATION

I, Frank R. Schmeler, certify that:

1.
have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Albany International Corp.;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

b)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

c)
presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors:

a)
all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and
6.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this annual report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.


Date: March 21, 2003

 

 

 
    By: /s/  FRANK R. SCHMELER      
Frank R. Schmeler
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

20



CERTIFICATION

I, Michael C. Nahl, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Albany International Corp.;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

b)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

c)
presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors:

a)
all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and
6.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this annual report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.


Date: March 21, 2003

 

 

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

21



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

To the Board of Directors of Albany International Corp.

        Our audits of the consolidated financial statements referred to in our report dated January 28, 2003, appearing in the 2002 Annual Report to Shareholders of Albany International Corp. (which report and consolidated financial statements are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) also included an audit of the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a)(2) of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, the financial statement schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.


/s/  
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP      
Albany, New York
January 28, 2003

 

22



SCHEDULE II

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(Dollars in thousands)


Column A

  Column B

  Column C

  Column D

  Column E


Description
  Balance at
Beginning
of Period

  Charged to
Expense

  Other (A)
  Balance at
End of Period


Allowance for doubtful accounts
Year ended December 31:
                       
  2002   $ 10,488   $ 2,651   $ 1,349   $ 11,790
  2001   $ 7,688   $ 4,878   $ 2,078   $ 10,488
  2000   $ 8,768   $ 1,008   $ 2,088   $ 7,688

(A)
Includes accounts written off as uncollectible, recoveries, and the effect of currency exchange rates.

23




QuickLinks

PART I
PART II
PART III
Equity Compensation Plan Information
PART IV
SIGNATURES
CERTIFICATION
CERTIFICATION
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
SCHEDULE II ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Dollars in thousands)

Exhibit 10(i)(iii)

                 AMENDMENT NO. 2 AND WAIVER dated as of October 1, 2002 (this "Amendment") to the CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of August 11, 1999 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"), among ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), the BORROWING SUBSIDIARIES from time to time party thereto, the Lenders referred to therein, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK (f/k/a The Chase Manhattan Bank), a New York banking corporation, as administrative agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, the "Administrative Agent"), and J.P.MORGAN EUROPE, LTD. (f/k/a Chase Manhattan International Limited), as London Agent.

        WHEREAS, the Company has informed the Administrative Agent that it proposes to enter into the transactions specified on Schedule 10.15 hereto and, in connection therewith, has requested that the Lenders amend and waive certain provisions of the Credit Agreement as set forth herein; and

        WHEREAS, the Lenders are willing, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, to so amend and waive the Credit Agreement.

        THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency and receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as set forth below.

        SECTION 1.    Defined Terms.    Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

        SECTION 2.    Amendment of Credit Agreement.    (a) Amendment of Section 1.01. Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding thereto, in the proper alphabetical order, the following definitions:

        "AI AG" shall mean Albany International Holding (Switzerland) AG, an entity organized under the laws of Switzerland.

        "AI GmbH" shall mean AI (Switzerland), an entity organized under the laws of Switzerland.

        "Realignment Transactions" shall mean the transactions specified on Schedule 10.15 to the Second Amendment.

        "Second Amendment" shall mean Amendment No. 2 dated as of October 1, 2002 to this Agreement (as in effect prior to the date of such Amendment).

        (b)    Amendment of Article VI.    Article VI of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting at the end thereof a new Section 6.11 as follows:

        "SECTION 6.11.    Business and Liabilities of Certain Subsidiaries.    (a) The Company will not permit Albany International Holdings Two, Inc. to (i) incur, assume or permit to exist any liabilities or obligations other than ordinary course liabilities not constituting Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness under this Agreement) incidental to its existence as a corporation, such as taxes and administrative expenses or (ii) engage in any activity other than (A) holding the Equity Interests in its subsidiaries, (B) holding other assets of the Company and the Subsidiaries and (C) other activities incidental thereto, including the licensing of patents and trademarks to the Company and the Subsidiaries, and the licensing of intellectual property to third parties in the ordinary course of business.

        (b) The Company will not permit AI AG or, until such time as the Realignment Transactions are consummated, AI GmbH to engage in any activities other than (i) engaging in any of the transactions permitted under Section 10.15 of this Agreement, (ii) holding Equity Interests in its subsidiaries, (iii) making loans to, and borrowing funds from, the Company and the Subsidiaries, to the extent otherwise permitted under this Agreement, (iv) providing administrative and managerial service and

1



assistance to the Subsidiaries, (v) purchasing from the Company and the Subsidiaries and selling to third parties products manufactured by Affiliates of AI AG, (vi) holding other assets of the Company and the Subsidiaries and (vii) engaging in activities such as hiring a de minimus number of employees and other persons, licensing patents and trademarks to the Company and the Subsidiaries, licensing intellectual property to third parties in the ordinary course of business and conducting other ordinary course business activities, incidental to the activities in clauses (I)-(vi) of this Section 6.11(b); provided, however, that nothing set forth in this Section 6.11(b) shall be construed so as to permit AI AG or, until such time as the Realignment Transactions are consummated, AI GmbH to incur, assume or permit to exist any liabilities or obligations, other than (w) ordinary course liabilities not constituting Indebtedness incidental to its corporate existence, such as taxes and administrative expenses, (x) intercompany Indebtedness to the extent permitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, (y) Indebtedness under this Agreement and (z) obligations not constituting Indebtedness to the extent reasonably necessary to be incurred in connection with the activities permitted by clauses (I)-(v) of this Section 6.11(b)."

        (c)    Amendment of Article X.    Article X of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding at the end thereof the following new Section 10.15:

        "SECTION 10.15.    Business Realignment.    Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Loan Parties are expressly permitted to consummate the Realignment Transactions; provided that (a) the Loan Parties shall, on or prior to the final consummation of the Realignment Transactions, have (i) executed and delivered to the Collateral Agent a reaffirmation agreement in the form of Exhibit A to the Second Amendment or in such other form and scope satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, reaffirming the security interests and guarantees not required to be released in connection with the Realignment Transactions and confirming the obligations of the Loan Parties to provide the additional collateral and other further assurances required by the Loan Documents, (ii) taken, or arranged for the taking of, all actions required or reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent to satisfy the Collateral Requirement after giving effect to the Realignment Transactions, including the pledge of 65% of the issued and outstanding voting Equity Interests of AI AG pursuant to a pledge agreement in the form of Exhibit B to the Second Amendment or in such other form and scope satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, (iii) delivered to the Administrative Agent a favorable written opinion (addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and dated the date upon which the Realignment Transactions are consummated) of (A) Charles Silva, Esq., General Counsel of the Company, and (B) Homburger, Swiss counsel for the Company, in the case of each such opinion covering such matters relating to AI AG and AI GmbH, the Realignment Transactions, the documents executed in connection with the Realignment Transactions and related transactions as the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders shall reasonably request; and such other evidence of authority as the Collateral Agent shall have reasonably requested, all in form and scope satisfactory to the Collateral Agent and (iv) delivered to the Administrative Agent such other documents and certificates as the Administrative Agent or its counsel may reasonably request relating to the organization, existence and good standing of AI AG and AI GmbH, the authorization of the Realignment Transactions and related transactions and any other legal matters relating to the Loan Parties, the Loan Documents, the Realignment Transactions and related transactions, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel, and (b) all the Realignment Transactions shall be consummated on or prior to December 31, 2002. The Agents are hereby directed and authorized to take such action and execute such documents as the Company may reasonably request, at the Company's sole expense, including the release of any Lien or the consent to any transfer of any asset subject to any Lien, to facilitate or permit the Realignment Transactions. It is understood that the Realignment Transactions may be modified with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent to eliminate or alter particular transactions set forth on Schedule 10.15 to the Second Amendment or to include transactions not set forth on Schedule 10.15 to the Second Amendment; provided, that no such changes shall, in the judgment of the Collateral Agent, taken

2



together with any other changes, (i) reduce the benefit to the Lenders of the Collateral and the Guarantees, taken as a whole, in any material respect from that anticipated after giving effect to the Realignment Transactions as described on Schedule 10.15 to the Second Amendment or (ii) otherwise be adverse in any material respect to the rights or interest of the Lenders. In making any determination referred to in the proviso to the immediately preceding sentence, the Administrative Agent may, if it deems appropriate, but shall not be required to, communicate any proposed modifications to the Realignment Transactions to the Lenders prior to its consent thereto, and shall be entitled, in the absence of any contrary communication received from any Lender within a reasonable period of time specified in such communication to assume that such Lender agrees that the proposed modification will satisfy the standards set forth in clauses (I) and (ii) of this proviso."

        SECTION 3.    Waiver of Section 6.    7(g). Pursuant to Sections 10.02(a) and 10.02(b) of the Credit Agreement, effective as of the Effective Date (as defined below), the Lenders hereby waive (a) compliance by the Company with Section 6.07(g)(iv) of the Credit Agreement with respect, and only with respect, to the contribution of the capital stock of certain foreign subsidiaries of the Company described in Schedule 10.15 hereto (the "Contributed Subsidiaries") to be made by Albany International Holdings Two, Inc. to AI AG and AI GmbH in connection with the Transactions and (b) the application of the principal amount of such contribution to the basket in the proviso thereunder.

        SECTION 4.    Release of Liens.    From time to time on or after the Effective Date, as the Company shall hereafter request, the Administrative Agent will cause the Collateral Agent to release from the Liens of the Pledge Agreement the capital stock of such of the Contributed Subsidiaries pledged thereunder as shall be from time to time required in order to consummate the Realignment Transactions and the Administrative Agent shall execute an instrument releasing any such Contributed Subsidiaries from any further obligations under the Loan Documents.

        SECTION 5.    Representations and Warranties.    To induce the other parties hereto to enter into this Amendment, the Company represents and warrants to each of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent that:

        (a) This Amendment has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company, and each of this Amendment and the Credit Agreement, after giving effect to this Amendment, constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium and similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

        (b) The representations and warranties contained in Article III of the Credit Agreement, after giving effect to this Amendment, are true and correct on and as of the date hereof, (i) except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties were true and correct as of such earlier date) or (ii) with respect to matters described in Section 3.06 of the Credit Agreement, except as disclosed in the Company's periodic reports heretofore delivered to the Lenders pursuant to Section 5.01 of the Credit Agreement.

        (c) No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the execution and delivery of this Amendment.

        SECTION 6.    Effectiveness.    This Amendment shall become effective on the first date (the "Effective Date") upon which each of the following conditions shall have been satisfied:

        (a) the Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received counterparts of this Amendment that, when taken together, bear the signatures of the Company and the Required Lenders; and

        (b) the Administrative Agent shall have received all amounts due and payable by the Company under the Credit Agreement on or prior to the date hereof, including, to the extent invoiced,

3



reimbursement or payment of all out-of-pocket expenses (including fees and disbursements of Cravath, Swaine & Moore, counsel to the Administrative Agent) required to be reimbursed or paid by the Company thereunder.

        SECTION 7.    Amendment Fee.    The Company agrees to pay to each Lender that executes and delivers to the Administrative Agent (or its counsel) a copy of this Amendment at or prior to 4:00 p.m., New York City time, on October 1, 2002 an amendment fee (the "Amendment Fee") in an amount of $10,000; provided that the Company shall not have liability for any such Amendment Fee if this Amendment does not become effective. The Amendment Fee shall be payable on October 4, 2002 to each Lender entitled to receive such fee as determined pursuant to this Section 7.

        SECTION 8.    Limited Effect of Amendment.    Except as expressly set forth herein, this Amendment shall not by implication or otherwise limit, impair, constitute a waiver of, or otherwise affect the rights and remedies of the Lenders or the Administrative Agent under the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, and shall not alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, all of which are ratified and affirmed in all respects and shall continue in full force and effect. Nothing herein shall be deemed to entitle any Loan Party to a consent to, or a waiver, amendment, modification or other change of, any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document in similar or different circumstances. This Amendment shall apply and be effective only with respect to the provisions of the Credit Agreement specifically referred to herein. After the date hereof, any reference to the Credit Agreement shall mean the Credit Agreement, as modified hereby. This Amendment shall constitute a "Loan Document" for all purposes of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

        SECTION 9.    Expenses.    The Company agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent for its out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Amendment, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of Cravath, Swaine & Moore, counsel for the Administrative Agent.

        SECTION 10.    Counterparts.    This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, but all which counterparts together shall constitute but one and the same contract. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Amendment by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

        SECTION 11.    Governing Law.    THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

        SECTION 12.    Headings.    The headings of this Amendment are for purposes of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

4



        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.


 

 

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.,

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
DAVID C. MICHAELS      
Name:    David C. Michaels
Title:    Vice President—Treasury & Tax

 

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, individually and as Administrative Agent,

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
KRISTIN SANDS      
Name:    Kristin Sands
Title:    Vice President

 

 

ABN AMRO BANK N.V.

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
DONALD SUTTON      
Name:    Donald Sutton
Title:    Group Vice President & Director

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
DAVID CARROLL      
Name:    David Carroll
Title:    Assistant Vice President

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
JOHN W. POCALYKO      
Name:    John W. Pocalyko
Title:    Managing Director

 

 

BANK OF MONTREAL

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
PAM SCHWARTZ      
Name:    Pamela E. Schwartz
Title:    Vice President

 

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
RUSSELL A. BURR      
Name:    Russell A. Burr
Title:    Senior Vice President

5



 

 

THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
STEPHEN LOCKHART      
Name:    Stephen Lockhart
Title:    Authorized Signatory

 

 

BANKNORTH, N.A., formerly known as Peoples Heritage Bank, N.A. Successor by merger to Evergreen Bank, N.A.

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
ROBERT C. HERGRUETER      
Name:    Robert C. Hergrueter
Title:
Senior Vice President

 

 

CREDIT AGRICOLE INDOSUEZ,

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
PAUL A. DYTRYCH      
Name:    Paul A. Dytrych
Title:    Vice President
          Senior Relationship Manager

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
LAURENCE F. GRANT      
Name:    Laurence F. Grant
Title:    Vice President
          Senior Relationship Manager

 

 

CREDIT LYONNAIS NEW YORK BRANCH

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
SCOTT R. CHAPPELKA      
Name:    Scott R. Chappelka
Title:    Vice President

 

 

FLEET NATIONAL BANK

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
PAMELA A. OPPERMAN      
Name:    Pamela A. Opperman
Title:    Vice President

 

 

HSBC BANK USA

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
CHARLES R. KREUTER      
Name:    Charles R. Kreuter
Title:    Vice President

6



 

 

KEY BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
LAWRENCE A. MACK      
Name:    Lawrence A. Mack
Title:    Senior Vice President

 

 

MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
CRAIG A. KEEFER      
Name:    Craig A. Keefer
Title:    Vice President

 

 

MIZUHO CORPORATE BANK, LTD.

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
RICKY SIMMONS      
Name:    Ricky Simmons
Title:    Vice President

 

 

NORDEA BANK FINLAND PLC

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
ULF FORSSTROM      
Name:    Ulf Forsstrom
Title:    Vice President

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
CHARLES J. LANSDOWN      
Name:    Donald Sutton
Title:    Senior Vice President

 

 

SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORP.

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
EDWARD D. HENDERSON      
Name:    Edward D. Henderson
Title:    Joint General Manager

 

 

SUN TRUST BANK

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
LAUREN P. CARRIGAN      
Name:    Lauren P. Carrigan
Title:    Vice President

 

 

THE TROY SAVINGS BANK

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
STEPHEN R. VON SCHENK      
Name:    Stephen R. von Schenk
Title:    Vice President & Director Commercial Lending

7



 

 

UFJ BANK LIMITED

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
RUSSELL BOHNER      
Name:    Russell Bohner
Title:    Vice President

 

 

WACHOVIA BANK, N.A.

 

 

 

 

    by

 

/s/  
MEG BERERIDGE      
Name:    Meg Bereridge
Title:    Vice President

8




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Exhibit 10(j)(i)(a)


FIRST AMENDMENT
DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2002
TO RECEIVABLES SALE AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2002

        THIS FIRST AMENDMENT (the "Amendment"), dated as of September 27, 2002, is entered into among Albany International Receivables Corporation (the "Seller"), Albany International Corp. (the "Initial Collection Agent," and, together with any successor thereto, the "Collection Agent"), ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as agent for the Purchaser (the "Agent"), the committed purchasers party thereto (the " Committed Purchasers") and Amsterdam Funding Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Amsterdam");


WITNESSETH:

        WHEREAS, the Seller, Collection Agent, Agent, Committed Purchasers and Amsterdam have heretofore executed and delivered a Receivables Sale Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2001 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified through the date hereof, the "Sale Agreement"),

        WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to amend the Sale Agreement as provided herein;

        NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree that the Sale Agreement shall be and is hereby amended as follows:

        Section 1.    The defined term "Liquidity Termination Date" appearing in Schedule I to the Sale Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the date "September 27, 2002" appearing in clause (d) thereof and inserting in its place the date "October 25, 2002".

        Section 2.    This Amendment shall become effective on the date the Agent has received (i) counterparts hereof executed by the Seller, Collection Agent, each Purchaser, Amsterdam and the Agent and (ii) the acknowledgment and consent in the form set forth below duly executed and delivered by the Parent.

        Section 3.1.    This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the different parties on separate counterparts and each such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same Amendment.

        Section 3.2.    Except as specifically provided above, the Sale Agreement and the other Transaction Documents shall remain in full force and effect and are hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects. The execution, delivery, and effectiveness of this Amendment shall not operate as a waiver of any right, power, or remedy of any Agent or any Purchaser under the Sale Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, nor constitute a waiver or modification of any provision of any of the other Transaction Documents. All defined terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the same meaning herein as in the Sale Agreement. The Seller agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) of or incurred by the Agent and each Purchaser Agent in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment.

        Section 3.3.    This Amendment and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be construed in accordance with and be governed by the law of the State of New York.


        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.

    ABN AMRO BANK N.V., as the Agent, as the Committed Purchaser

 

 

By:

/s/  
THOMAS J. CHIATE      
Thomas J. Chiate
Title: 
SVP

 

 

By:

/s/  
NANCY C. BEEBE      
Nancy C. Beebe
Title: 
GVP

 

 

AMSTERDAM FUNDING CORPORATION

 

 

By:

/s/  
ANDREW L. STIDD      
Andrew L. Stidd
Title: 
President

 

 

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL RECEIVABLES CORPORATION, as Seller

 

 

By:

/s/  
CHARLES J. SILVA, JR.      
Charles J. Silva, Jr.
Title: 
Vice President and Secretary

 

 

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP., as Initial Collection Agent

 

 

By:

/s/  
DAVID C. MICHAELS      
David C. Michaels
Title: 
Vice President, Treasury and Tax

2



GUARANTOR'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONSENT

        The undersigned, Albany International Corp., has heretofore executed and delivered the Limited Guaranty dated as of September 28, 2002 (the "Guaranty") and hereby consents to the Amendment to the Sale Agreement as set forth above and confirms that the Guaranty and all of the undersigned's obligations thereunder remain in full force and effect. The undersigned further agrees that the consent of the undersigned to any further amendments to the Sale Agreement shall not be required as a result of this consent having been obtained, except to the extent, if any, required by the Guaranty referred to above.

    ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.

 

 

By:

/s/  
FRANK R. SCHMELER      
Frank R. Schmeler
Title: 
Chief Executive Officer

3




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FIRST AMENDMENT DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2002 TO RECEIVABLES SALE AGREEMENT DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2002
WITNESSETH
GUARANTOR'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONSENT

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Exhibit 10(j)(i)(b)


SECOND AMENDMENT
DATED AS OF OCTOBER 25, 2002
TO RECEIVABLES SALE AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2002

        THIS SECOND AMENDMENT (the "Amendment"), dated as of October 25, 2002, is entered into among Albany International Receivables Corporation (the "Seller"), Albany International Corp. (the "Initial Collection Agent," and, together with any successor thereto, the "Collection Agent"), ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as agent for the Purchaser (the "Agent"), the committed purchasers party thereto (the " Committed Purchasers") and Amsterdam Funding Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Amsterdam");


WITNESSETH:

        WHEREAS, the Seller, Collection Agent, Agent, Committed Purchasers and Amsterdam have heretofore executed and delivered a Receivables Sale Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2001 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified through the date hereof, the "Sale Agreement"),

        WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to amend the Sale Agreement as provided herein;

        NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree that the Sale Agreement shall be and is hereby amended as follows:

        Section 1.    The defined term "Liquidity Termination Date" appearing in Schedule I to the Sale Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the date "October 25, 2002" appearing in clause (d) thereof and inserting in its place the date "September 26, 2003".

        Section 2.    The defined term "Eligible Receivable" appearing in Schedule I to the Sale Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the reference to "35%" appearing in clause (ii) thereof and inserting in its place " 50%".

        Section 3.    The defined term "Loss Reserve" appearing in Schedule I to the Sale Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the reference to "20.0%" appearing in clause (i)(a) thereof and inserting in its place "16%".

        Section 4.    The defined term "Loss Horizon Ratio" appearing in Schedule I to the Sale Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety and as so amended shall read as follows:

        Section 5.    The defined term "Obligor Concentration Limit" appearing in Schedule I to the Sale Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the table appearing therein and inserting in its place the following table:

S&P Rating
  Moody's Rating
  Allowable % of
Eligible Receivables

A- or higher   A3 or higher   16.0%
BBB+   Baa1   12.0%
BBB   Baa2   10.0%
BBB-   Baa3   8.0%
Below BBB- or Not Rated by either S&P or Moody's   Below Baa3 or Not Rated by either S&P or Moody's   4.0%

        Section 6.    Clause (g) of the defined term "Termination Event" is hereby amended in its entirety and as so amended shall read as follows:

        Section 7.    The defined term "Delinquent Receivable" is hereby amended in its entirety and as so amended shall read as follows:

        Section 8.    The following proviso is hereby added to the end of Section 5.1(m):

        Section 9.    The following sentence shall be inserted at the end of Section 9.11:

        Section 10.    The following sentence shall be inserted at the end of Section 9:12:

        Section 11.    This Amendment shall become effective on the date the Agent has received (i) counterparts hereof executed by the Seller, Collection Agent, each Purchaser, Amsterdam and the Agent, (ii) the acknowledgment and consent in the form set forth below duly executed and delivered by the Parent and (iii) a $25,000 amendment fee payable to the Agent.

        Section 12.1.    This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the different parties on separate counterparts and each such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same Amendment.

        Section 12.2.    Except as specifically provided above, the Sale Agreement and the other Transaction Documents shall remain in full force and effect and are hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects. The execution, delivery, and effectiveness of this Amendment shall not operate as a waiver of any right, power, or remedy of any Agent or any Purchaser under the Sale Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, nor constitute a waiver or modification of any provision of any of the other Transaction Documents. All defined terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the same meaning herein as in the Sale Agreement. The Seller agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) of or incurred by the Agent and each Purchaser Agent in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment.

        Section 12.3.    This Amendment and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be construed in accordance with and be governed by the law of the State of New York.

2


        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.

    ABN AMRO BANK N.V.,
as the Agent, as the Committed Purchaser

 

 

By:

/s/  
THOMAS J. CHIATE      
Thomas J. Chiate
Title: 
SVP

 

 

By:

/s/  
THOMAS M. GRENCY      
Thomas M. Grency
Title: 
VP

 

 

AMSTERDAM FUNDING CORPORATION

 

 

By:

/s/  
ANDREW L. STIDD      
Andrew L. Stidd
Title: 
President

 

 

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL RECEIVABLES CORPORATION, as Seller

 

 

By:

/s/  
CHARLES J. SILVA, JR.      
Charles J. Silva, Jr.
Title: 
Vice President and Secretary

 

 

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP., as Initial Collection Agent

 

 

By:

/s/  
DAVID C. MICHAELS      
David C. Michaels
Title: 
Vice President, Treasury and Tax

3



GUARANTOR'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONSENT

        The undersigned, Albany International Corp., has heretofore executed and delivered the Limited Guaranty dated as of September 28, 2001 (the "Guaranty") and hereby consents to the Amendment to the Sale Agreement as set forth above and confirms that the Guaranty and all of the undersigned's obligations thereunder remain in full force and effect. The undersigned further agrees that the consent of the undersigned to any further amendments to the Sale Agreement shall not be required as a result of this consent having been obtained, except to the extent, if any, required by the Guaranty referred to above.

    ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.

 

 

By:

/s/  
FRANK R. SCHMELER      
Frank R. Schmeler
Title: 
Chief Executive Officer

4




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SECOND AMENDMENT DATED AS OF OCTOBER 25, 2002 TO RECEIVABLES SALE AGREEMENT DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2002
WITNESSETH
GUARANTOR'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONSENT

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Exhibit 10(j)(ii)(a)

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL RECEIVABLES CORPORATION

Albany International Corp.
Geschmay Corp.
Albany International Research Co.
Albany International Techniweave, Inc.
Albany International Canada Inc.
M & I Door Systems Ltd.

 
   
Re:   Exhibit A to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of
September 28, 2001 (the "Agreement")

Ladies and Gentlemen:

        The undersigned, Albany International Receivables Corporation, as Buyer under the Agreement, hereby proposes to amend Exhibit A of the Agreement as follows:

1.
The Historical Loss Factor, which is described as 0.6% of the Face Amount of receivables sold to Buyer, is amended to 0.1%.

2.
The Payment Timing Adjustment shall be revised so that it is equal to the product of (i) the Face Amount of receivables purchased pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, multiplied by (ii) 0.40% of the Discount Rate applicable to such purchased receivables under the Receivables Sale Agreement (for calculation of the initial Payment Timing Adjustment applicable on September 28, 2001, the Discount Rate is deemed to be 2.7%), multiplied by (iii) the fraction the numerator of which is the average tenor, expressed in days, of each Originator's pool, and the denominator of which is 360.

        These changes in pricing terms shall be effective March 1, 2002. Capitalized terms used but not defined above shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement.

        Please indicate your acceptance of the foregoing by executing in the space provided below your name.

    Very truly yours,

 

 

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL
RECEIVABLES CORPORATION

 

 

By:

/s/  
DAVID C. MICHAELS      
David C. Michaels, President & Treasurer

2


ACCEPTED BY:  

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.

 

By:

/s/  
JOHN C. TREANOR      

 
Name: John C. Treanor
Title: Treasurer
 

GESCHMAY CORP.

 

By:

/s/  
CHARLES J. SILVA, JR.      

 
Name: Charles J. Silva, Jr.
Title: Vice President and Secretary
 

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CO.

 

By:

/s/  
CHARLES J. SILVA, JR.      

 
Name: Charles J. Silva, Jr.
Title: Vice President
 

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL TECHNIWEAVE, INC.

 

By:

/s/  
CHARLES J. SILVA, JR.      

 
Name: Charles J. Silva, Jr.
Title: Secretary
 

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CANADA INC.

 

By:

/s/  
WILLIAM M. MCCARTHY      

 
Name: William M. McCarthy
Title: President
 

M & I DOOR SYSTEMS LTD.

 

By:

/s/  
CHARLES J. SILVA, JR.      

 
Name: Charles J. Silva, Jr.
Title: Vice President
 

3



EXHIBIT A

See Attached

4



Flow of Funds; Determination of Purchase Price of Receivables

        Reference is made herein to (a) the Purchase and Sale Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement"), dated as of September 28, 2001, among Albany International Corp. ("Parent"), Albany International Receivables Corporation ("AIRC"), and certain other subsidiaries of Albany International Corp. (Parent, AIRC and such other subsidiaries, collectively, the "Originators"), relating, among other things, to the purchase by AIRC of accounts receivable from the Originators, and (b) the Receivables Sale Agreement (the "Receivables Sale Agreement"), also dated as of September 28, 2001, among AIRC, Parent as Collection Agent, ABN AMRO Bank N.V. as Agent, the Committed Purchasers described therein and Amsterdam Funding Corporation, relating, among other things, to the financing by the AIRC of certain receivables which it purchases from the Originators.

        The undersigned agree that, in connection with the closing of the initial purchase of receivables pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the following information is accurate:

Originator

  Face
Amount of
receivables
sold to
AIRC

  Historical
Loss Factor
(0.6% of
Face
Amount of
receivables
sold to
AIRC)

  Payment
Timing
Adjustment1

  Net Purchase
Price (Face
amount less
Historical
Loss Factor
less Payment
Timing
Adjustment)
paid by AIRC

  Cash Portion
of Net
Purchase
Price Paid by
AIRC

  Portion of Net
Purchase Price
evidenced by
AIRC
Promissory Note to
indicated
Originator

Albany International Corp.   $ 44,070,896   $ 264,425   $ 154,033   $ 43,652,437   $ 26,219,573   $ 16,682,8652
Albany International Research Co.   $ 194,498   $ 1,167   $ 430   $ 192,901   $ 115,715   $ 77,186
Geshmay Corp.   $ 4,645,683   $ 27,874   $ 14,085   $ 4,603,723   $ 2,763,906   $ 1,839,817
Albany International Techniweave, Inc.   $ 1,645,187   $ 9,871   $ 7,684   $ 1,627,631   $ 978,789   $ 648,843
Albany International Canada, Inc.   $ 15,313,387   $ 91,880   $ 135,152   $ 15,086,355   $ 9,110,558   $ 5,975,797
M&I Door Systems, Ltd.   $ 657,285   $ 3,944   $ 4,686   $ 648,656   $ 391,046   $ 257,610
TOTALS:   $ 66,526,936   $ 390,719   $ 316,071   $ 65,811,703   $ 39,579,5863   $ 25,482,117

1.
Payment Timing Adjustment equals the product of (i) the face amount of receivables purchased pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, multiplied by (ii) 0.25% plus the Discount Rate applicable to such purchased receivables under the Receivables Sale Agreement (for calculation of the initial Payment Timing Adjustment applicable on September 28, 2001, the Discount Rate is deemed to be 2.7%), multiplied by (iii) the fraction the numerator of which is the average tenor, expressed in days, of each originators' pool, less 13 days to adjust for the approximate number of days elapsed from the original date of sale to the date of the receivable sale, over 360.

2.
Albany International Corp. has made a $750,000 contribution to the capital of Albany International Holdings Two, Inc., which has made a back-to-back $750,000 contribution to the capital of AIRC. This series of capital contributions has been effected by reducing the principal amount of the Promissory Note payable by AIRC to Albany International Corp. by $750,000.

3.
This cash amount equals the amount of cash which AIRC received on the date hereof from Amsterdam Funding Corporation in respect of transactions closed under the Receivables Sale Agreement.

                        *                         *                        *                         *                        *                         *                         

5


        The following transactions occurred on the date hereof:

a.
The capital contributions referred to in note 1 above were made, through reduction of the principal amount of the Promissory Note payable to Albany International Corp.

b.
The applicable cash portion of the Net Purchase Price was paid by AIRC to each Originator.

c.
Each Originator (other than Albany International Corp.) paid the cash portion so received to Albany International Corp. as a dividend, return of capital, or repayment of intercompany indebtedness.

d.
Albany International Corp. made a payment in reduction of its bank debt in an aggregate amount equal to the aggregate cash portion received by all Originators (i.e. the amount shown in the "TOTALS" row for the column entitled "Cash Portion of Net Purchase Price Paid by AIRC").

e.
To effect the foregoing transactions, the Originators and AIRC hereby agree that AIRC will instruct Amsterdam to pay, pursuant to the Receivables Sale Agreement, an amount equal to such aggregate cash portion directly to Albany International Corp.'s bank lenders in accordance with the instructions of Albany International Corp.

        The undersigned further agree that the purchase price for receivables purchased by AIRC from time to time pursuant to the Purchase Agreement will equal (i) the face amount of such receivables, less (ii) the Historical Loss Factor (computed as indicated above), less (iii) the Payment Timing Adjustment (computed as indicated above).

        [Signature Page Follows]

6


        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Flow of Funds as of this 28th day of September, 2001.

 
   
   
   
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.   ALBANY INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CO.

By:

 

 

 

By:

 

 
   
Name: William M. McCarthy
Title: Group Vice President
Secretary
     
Name: Charles J. Silva, Jr.
Title: Vice President & Assistant

GESHMAY CORP.

 

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL TECHNIWEAVE, INC.

By:

 

 

 

By:

 

 
   
Name: John C. Treanor
Title: Treasurer & Assistant Secretary
     
Name: John C. Treanor
Title: Treasurer & Assistant Secretary

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CANADA, INC.

 

M&I DOOR SYSTEMS, LTD.

By:

 

 

 

By:

 

 
   
Name: William M. McCarthy
Title: President
     
Name: Charles J. Silva, Jr.
Title: Vice President & Secretary

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL RECEIVABLES CORPORATION

By:

 

 

 

 

 

 
   
Name: David C. Michaels
Title: President
       

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS TWO, INC.

By:

 

 

 

 

 

 
   
Name: Charles J. Silva, Jr.
Title: Vice President & Secretary
       

7




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ALBANY INTERNATIONAL RECEIVABLES CORPORATION
EXHIBIT A See Attached
Flow of Funds; Determination of Purchase Price of Receivables

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Exhibit 13


2002 ANNUAL REPORT



FINANCIAL SECTION

Contents    

Report of Management

 

17

Report of Independent Accountants

 

17

Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings

 

18

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 

19

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

20

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

21

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

22

Financial Review

 

39

Eleven Year Summary

 

46

Quarterly Financial Data

 

48

23



REPORT OF MANAGEMENT

        Management of Albany International Corp. is responsible for the integrity and objectivity of the accompanying financial statements and related information. These statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and include amounts that are based on our best judgments with due consideration given to materiality.

        Management maintains a system of internal accounting controls designed to provide reasonable assurance, at reasonable cost, that assets are safeguarded and that transactions and events are recorded properly. A program of internal audits and management reviews provides a monitoring process that allows the Company to be reasonably sure the system of internal accounting controls operates effectively.

        The financial statements have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants. Their role is to express an opinion as to whether management's financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the Company's financial condition and operating results. Their opinion is based on procedures which include reviewing and evaluating certain aspects of selected systems, procedures and internal accounting controls, and conducting such tests as they deem necessary.

        The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, composed solely of outside directors, meets periodically with the independent accountants, management and internal audit to review their work and confirm that they are properly discharging their responsibilities. In addition, the independent accountants are free to meet with the Audit Committee without the presence of management to discuss results of their work and observations on the adequacy of internal financial controls, the quality of financial reporting and other relevant matters.

SIG

Frank R. Schmeler
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

SIG

Michael C. Nahl
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

24



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND
SHAREHOLDERS OF ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.

        In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income and retained earnings, of comprehensive income and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Albany International Corp. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        As discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, on January 1, 2002 the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.

        As discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, on January 1, 2001 the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.

LOGO

Albany, New York
January 28, 2003

25



ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS

 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
Statements of Income                    
Net sales   $ 816,047   $ 836,696   $ 852,934  
Cost of goods sold     475,765     497,301     515,649  
   
 
 
 
  Gross profit     340,282     339,395     337,285  

Selling and general expenses

 

 

188,347

 

 

186,441

 

 

184,123

 
Technical and research expenses     49,847     46,950     49,528  
Restructuring, net         21,892      
   
 
 
 
  Operating income     102,088     84,112     103,634  
Interest income     (3,084 )   (1,977 )   (1,336 )
Interest expense     20,620     30,893     43,158  
Other expense/(income), net     5,003     2,833     (755 )
   
 
 
 
  Income before income taxes     79,549     52,363     62,567  

Income taxes

 

 

25,041

 

 

19,374

 

 

25,027

 
   
 
 
 
  Income before associated companies     54,508     32,989     37,540  

Equity in earnings of associated companies

 

 

270

 

 

342

 

 

545

 
   
 
 
 
  Income before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles, net of taxes     54,778     33,331     38,085  

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles, net of taxes

 

 

(5,837

)

 

(1,129

)

 


 
   
 
 
 
  Net income     48,941     32,202     38,085  

Retained Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Retained earnings, beginning of period     345,273     314,639     276,554  
Less dividends     6,605     1,568      
   
 
 
 
Retained earnings, end of period   $ 387,609   $ 345,273   $ 314,639  
   
 
 
 

Earnings per share—basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Income before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles   $ 1.70   $ 1.07   $ 1.24  
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles     (0.18 )   (0.03 )    
   
 
 
 
Net income   $ 1.52   $ 1.04   $ 1.24  
   
 
 
 

Earnings per share—diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Income before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles   $ 1.68   $ 1.06   $ 1.24  
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles     (0.18 )   (0.03 )    
   
 
 
 
Net income   $ 1.50   $ 1.03   $ 1.24  
   
 
 
 
Dividends per share   $ 0.205   $ 0.05   $  
   
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

26



ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Net income   $ 48,941   $ 32,202   $ 38,085  

Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Foreign currency translation adjustments     47,550     (29,259 )   (45,090 )
  Pension liability adjustment     (34,815 )   (20,043 )   1,680  
  Derivative valuation adjustments:                    
    Transition adjustment as of January 1, 2001         (4,888 )    
    Decline in fair value     (8,484 )   (8,204 )    

Income taxes related to items of other comprehensive income/(loss)

 

 

16,020

 

 

13,083

 

 

276

 
   
 
 
 
  Comprehensive income/(loss)   $ 69,212   $ (17,109 ) $ (5,049 )
   
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

27



ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
  At December 31,
 
 
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (in thousands, except share data)

 
Assets              
Current assets:              
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 18,799   $ 6,153  
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
($11,790 in 2002; $10,488 in 2001)
    135,339     143,156  
Note receivable     20,075     21,103  
Inventories              
  Finished goods     90,766     97,789  
  Work in process     44,763     46,638  
  Raw material and supplies     28,534     29,649  
Prepaid expenses     7,173     5,288  
Deferred taxes     43,439     16,170  
   
 
 
  Total current assets     388,888     365,946  
   
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, at cost, net     346,073     339,102  
Investments in associated companies     4,849     4,374  
Intangibles     16,274     15,395  
Goodwill     137,146     127,944  
Deferred taxes     65,574     48,539  
Other assets     52,717     30,629  
   
 
 
  Total assets   $ 1,011,521   $ 931,929  
   
 
 
Liabilities              
Current liabilities:              
Notes and loans payable   $ 12,224   $ 28,786  
Accounts payable     39,624     42,555  
Accrued liabilities     101,510     87,924  
Current maturities of long-term debt     1,914     4,837  
Income taxes payable and deferred     31,222     21,970  
   
 
 
  Total current liabilities     186,494     186,072  
   
 
 
Long-term debt     221,703     248,146  
Other noncurrent liabilities     168,765     156,055  
Deferred taxes and other credits     33,961     25,012  
   
 
 
  Total liabilities     610,923     615,285  
   
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies          

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 28,983,057 in 2002 and 27,711,738 in 2001     29     28  
Class B Common Stock, par value $.001 per share; authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 5,607,576 in 2002 and 5,867,476 in 2001     6     6  
Additional paid-in capital     255,484     234,213  
Retained earnings     387,609     345,273  
Accumulated items of other comprehensive income:              
  Translation adjustments     (147,400 )   (194,950 )
  Derivative valuation adjustment     (13,592 )   (8,248 )
  Pension liability adjustment     (35,962 )   (14,027 )
   
 
 
      446,174     362,295  
Less treasury stock, at cost     45,576     45,651  
   
 
 
  Total shareholders' equity     400,598     316,644  
   
 
 
  Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   $ 1,011,521   $ 931,929  
   
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

28



ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Operating Activities                    
Net income   $ 48,941   $ 32,202   $ 38,085  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
                   
  Equity in earnings of associated companies     (270 )   (342 )   (545 )
  Depreciation and amortization     52,863     57,546     62,216  
  Provision for deferred income taxes, other credits and long-term liabilities     (21,094 )   (18,634 )   6,108  
  Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles     5,837     1,129      
  Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance, net of premiums paid     (2,617 )   (1,434 )   (728 )
  Unrealized currency transaction gains     (1,933 )   (1,040 )   (3,172 )
  (Gains)/losses on disposition of assets     (2,688 )   (1,323 )   2,152  
  Shares contributed to ESOP     4,635     4,835     4,489  
  Tax benefit of options exercised     1,672     577      
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                    
  Accounts receivable     14,737     30,066     1,654  
  Sale of accounts receivable     7,237     63,878      
  Note receivable     1,028     (21,103 )    
  Inventories     17,687     42,797     18,809  
  Prepaid expenses     (1,885 )   2,245     (2 )
  Accounts payable     (10,653 )   (4,449 )   4,357  
  Accrued liabilities     (5,671 )   11,967     (8,313 )
  Income taxes payable     8,346     10,848     3,280  
  Other, net     2,653     4,513     2,192  
   
 
 
 
  Net cash provided by operating activities     118,825     214,278     130,582  
   
 
 
 
Investing Activities                    
  Purchases of property, plant and equipment     (31,678 )   (25,831 )   (36,866 )
  Purchased software     (1,465 )   (2,407 )   (978 )
  Proceeds from sale of assets     6,373     6,828     8,938  
  Acquisitions, net of cash acquired             (1,037 )
  (Repayments of)/loans from life insurance policies     (25,934 )   10,602      
  Premiums paid for life insurance     (1,159 )   (1,161 )   (1,161 )
   
 
 
 
  Net cash used in investing activities     (53,863 )   (11,969 )   (31,104 )
   
 
 
 
Financing Activities                    
  Proceeds from borrowings     60,208     67,400     18,921  
  Principal payments on debt     (106,446 )   (265,158 )   (102,048 )
  Proceeds from options exercised     14,950     4,907      
  Dividends paid     (6,391 )        
   
 
 
 
  Net cash used in financing activities     (37,679 )   (192,851 )   (83,127 )
   
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash flows     (14,637 )   (8,664 )   (18,017 )
   
 
 
 
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     12,646     794     (1,666 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year     6,153     5,359     7,025  
   
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year   $ 18,799   $ 6,153   $ 5,359  
   
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

29



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.    ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Consolidation

        The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Albany International Corp. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") after elimination of intercompany transactions. The Company has one subsidiary that is a qualified special purpose entity that is not consolidated in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities" (see Note 6). The Company has 50% interests in an entity in South Africa, an entity in England and an entity in Russia. The consolidated financial statements include the Company's original investment in these entities, plus its share of undistributed earnings or losses, in the account "Investments in associated companies".

Revenue Recognition

        The Company records sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the selling price is fixed and collectibility is reasonably assured. The Company limits the concentration of credit risk in receivables by closely monitoring credit and collection policies. The allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate to absorb estimated losses.

        The Company records the costs of freight associated with the shipment of goods as a reduction to net sales. These freight costs were $16,452,000 in 2002, $16,797,000 in 2001, and $17,431,000 in 2000.

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. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

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 the average rates of exchange for the year. 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".

        Gains or losses resulting from currency transactions denominated in a currency other than the entity's local currency, forward exchange contracts which are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes and futures contracts are generally included in income in "Other expense/(income), net." Changes in value of forward exchange contracts which are effective as hedges for accounting purposes are generally recorded, net of tax, in "Other comprehensive income" and accumulated in shareholders' equity in the caption "Translation adjustments".

Research Expense

        Research expense consists primarily of compensation and supplies and is charged to operations as incurred. Research expense was $24,918,000 in 2002, $23,224,000 in 2001, and $23,287,000 in 2000.

30



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.

Inventories

        Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and are valued at average cost.

Property, Plant and Equipment

        Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets for financial reporting purposes; accelerated methods are used for income tax purposes. Useful lives for buildings, and machinery and equipment are 25 to 40 years, and 3 to 10 years, respectively. 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 are included in the respective asset and accumulated depreciation accounts. When items are sold or retired, related gains or losses are included in net income.

        Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted FAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets". In accordance with FAS No. 144, the Company reviews 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 may not be recoverable from the estimated future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. Adoption of FAS No. 144 did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill, Intangibles and Other Assets

        The excess purchase price over fair values assigned to net assets acquired (goodwill) had been amortized on a straight-line basis over 20 to 40 years. Beginning in 2002, the Company adopted the provisions of FAS No. 142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" which eliminated the prior practice of goodwill amortization and instead adopted an impairment-only approach (see Note 4). Goodwill and other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events such as significant changes in the business climate, plant closures, changes in product offerings, or other circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In accordance with FAS No. 142, the Company performs a test for goodwill impairment at least annually during the second quarter of the year.

        Patents, trade names and technology, at cost, are amortized on a straight-line basis over 8 to 12 years. Computer software purchased for internal use, at cost, is amortized on a straight-line basis over 5 years and is included in "Other assets".

Stock Options

        As described in Note 16, the Company has Stock Option plans for key employees. The Company accounts for non-cash stock-based compensation in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (APB 25), "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", and its related interpretations, which state that no compensation expense is recognized for stock options that are granted with an exercise price equal to or above the estimated fair value of the Company's common stock on the grant date. The Company has adopted the disclosure requirements of FAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" and FAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—an Amendment of FAS No. 123" which require proforma disclosures as if compensation expense was determined based on the fair value of the options granted at the date of the grant.

31



Derivatives

        Gains or losses on forward exchange contracts and other derivative instruments that function as an economic hedge against currency fluctuation effects on future revenue streams are recorded in "Other expense/(income), net". All open positions on forward exchange contracts are valued at fair value using the estimated forward rate of a matching contract.

        Gains or losses on forward exchange contracts and other derivative instruments that are designated as a hedge of a foreign operation's net assets and long-term intercompany loans not intended to be repaid in the foreseeable future are recorded in "Translation adjustments", a separate component of shareholders' equity. These contracts reduce the risk of currency exposure on foreign currency net assets and do not exceed the foreign currency amount being hedged. To the extent the above criteria are not met, or the related assets are sold, extinguished, or terminated, activity associated with such hedges is recorded in "Other expense/(income), net".

Income Taxes

        The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the asset and liability method. 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 financial statement and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. The effect of tax rate changes on deferred taxes is recognized in the income tax provision in the period that includes the enactment date.

        It is the Company's policy to accrue appropriate U.S. and non-U.S. income taxes on earnings of subsidiary companies that are intended to be remitted to the parent company in the near future.

        The provision for taxes is reduced by investment and other tax credits in the years such credits become available.

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

        Substantially all employees are covered under either Company or government-sponsored pension plans. The defined benefit pension plan in the United States was closed to new participants as of October 1999. The plans are generally trusteed or insured and accrued amounts are funded as required in accordance with governing laws and regulations. The annual expense and liability 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. The Company considers current market conditions in making these assumptions.

Reclassifications

        Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years' financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.

Earnings Per Share

        Net income 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 (stock options). Dilutive common shares are calculated in accordance with the treasury stock method, which assumes that proceeds from the exercise of options are used to repurchase common stock at market value.

32



Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        In August 2001, FAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations" was issued. FAS No. 143 requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred commencing for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Company does not expect the adoption of FAS No. 143 to have a material effect on its financial statements.

        In April 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FAS No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections as of April 2002". This Standard addresses a number of items related to leases and other matters. The Company is required to adopt this Standard as of January 1, 2003. The Company does not expect the adoption of FAS No. 145 to have a material effect on its financial statements.

        In June 2002, the FASB issued FAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities". This Standard provides guidance on the recognition and measurement of liabilities associated with exit or disposal activities and requires that such liabilities be recognized when incurred. This statement is effective for exit or disposal activities initiated on or after January 1, 2003. Adoption of this standard is expected to affect the timing of recognizing costs associated with future exit and disposal activities.

        In December 2002, the FASB issued FAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation—an amendment of FAS 123". This Standard provides transitional guidance for companies that elect to adopt the provisions of FAS No. 123, and also specifies certain disclosure requirements for companies that continue to use APB 25 to account for stock options. In accordance with FAS No. 148, the disclosure requirements have been adopted and are included in this annual report.

        In December 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45 (FIN 45), "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees". This interpretation requires that certain guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002 be valued and recorded as liabilities while disclosure requirements are effective immediately and have been adopted. The Company does not expect the adoption of FIN 45 to have a material effect on its financial statements.

2.    EARNINGS PER SHARE

        The amounts used in computing earnings per share and the weighted average number of shares of potentially dilutive securities are as follows:

(in thousands)

  2002
  2001
  2000
Income available to common shareholders:                  
  Income available to common shareholders   $ 48,941   $ 32,202   $ 38,085
   
 
 
Weighted average number of shares:                  
  Weighted average number of shares used in net income per share calculations     32,126     31,089     30,632
  Effect of dilutive securities: stock options     509     259     4
   
 
 
  Weighted average number of shares used in diluted net income per share calculations     32,635     31,348     30,636
   
 
 

        An option to purchase 250,000 shares of common stock at $25.56 per share was outstanding at December 31, 2002, but was not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because the option's exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares which was $23.41 for 2002. Total shares issued and outstanding, net of treasury shares, was 32,396,840 as of December 31, 2002 and 31,382,028 as of December 31, 2001.

33



3.    PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

        The components of property, plant and equipment are summarized below:

(in thousands)

  2002
  2001
Land   $ 29,241   $ 26,620
Buildings     175,353     161,295
Machinery and equipment     580,338     527,417
   
 
      784,932     715,332
   
 
Accumulated depreciation     438,859     376,230
   
 
    $ 346,073   $ 339,102
   
 

        Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to income as incurred and amounted to $18,522,000 in 2002, $18,643,000 in 2001, and $20,300,000 in 2000.

        Capital expenditures were $31,678,000 in 2002, $25,831,000 in 2001, and $36,866,000 in 2000. At the end of 2002, the Company was committed to $25,060,000 of future expenditures for new equipment and facilities.

        Construction in progress was $398,000 in 2002, and none in 2001. Depreciation expense was $47,478,000 in 2002, $45,792,000 in 2001, and $49,937,000 in 2000.

4.    GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES

        Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted FAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". FAS No. 142 changed the accounting for goodwill from an amortization method to an impairment-only approach. An initial transition impairment test of goodwill was required as of January 1, 2002. The initial transition impairment test resulted in a non-cash charge of $5,837,000 to write-off the carrying value of goodwill in the Applied Technologies business segment. This charge has been reflected as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and retained earnings. There was no tax effect from this charge. As required by FAS No. 142, the Company performed an additional test for impairment during the second quarter of 2002 and determined there was no additional impairment.

        For purposes of applying FAS No. 142, the Company has determined that the reporting units are consistent with the operating segments identified in Note 12, Operating Segment and Geographic Data. Fair values of the reporting units and the related implied fair values of their respective goodwill were established using public company analysis and discounted cash flows.

        The Company is continuing to amortize certain patents and trade names that have finite lives.

34



        The changes in intangible assets and goodwill from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002 were as follows:

(in thousands)

  Balance at January 1, 2002
  Transition Impairment
  Amortization
  Currency Translation/other
  Balance at December 31, 2002
Amortizable intangible assets:                              
  Patents   $ 3,091   $   $ 333   $ 483   $ 3,241
  Trade Names     3,398         519     687     3,566
   
 
 
 
 
    Total     6,489         852     1,170     6,807
  Deferred Pension Costs     8,906             561     9,467
   
 
 
 
 
    Total Intangibles   $ 15,395   $   $ 852   $ 1,731   $ 16,274
   
 
 
 
 
Unamortized intangible assets:                              
  Goodwill   $ 127,944   $ (5,837 ) $   $ 15,039   $ 137,146
   
 
 
 
 

        The change in goodwill resulted primarily from the transitional impairment test and the effect of currency translation rates.

        As of December 31, 2002, the remaining goodwill included $113,048,000 in the Engineered Fabrics segment and $24,098,000 in the Albany Door Systems segment.

        Estimated amortization expense for the years ending December 31, 2003 through 2007 is as follows:

(in thousands)

  Annual Amortization
2003   $ 850
2004     850
2005     850
2006     850
2007     850

        The following table shows the effect on net income had FAS No. 142 been adopted in the prior periods.

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

  2002
  2001
  2000
Net Income, as reported   $ 48,941   $ 32,202   $ 38,085
Add back amortization of goodwill         6,800     7,000
   
 
 
Adjusted net income   $ 48,941   $ 39,002   $ 45,085
   
 
 
Earnings per share-basic:                  
Net income, as reported   $ 1.52   $ 1.04   $ 1.24
Add back amortization of goodwill         0.21     0.23
   
 
 
Adjusted net income   $ 1.52   $ 1.25   $ 1.47
   
 
 
Earnings per share-diluted:                  
Net income, as reported   $ 1.50   $ 1.03   $ 1.24
Add back amortization of goodwill         0.21     0.23
   
 
 
Adjusted net income   $ 1.50   $ 1.24   $ 1.47
   
 
 

35


5.    ACCRUED LIABILITIES

        Accrued liabilities consists of:

(in thousands)

  2002
  2001
Salaries and wages   $ 23,132   $ 23,584
Employee benefits     26,666     16,207
Pension liability—current portion (see Note 13)     12,000    
Interest rate swaps—current portion (see Note 6)     9,977    
Returns and allowances     5,471     4,990
Interest     1,378     2,222
Restructuring costs—current portion (see Note 17)     5,472     24,279
Other     17,414     16,642
   
 
    $ 101,510   $ 87,924
   
 

36


6.    FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

        Notes and loans payable at December 31, 2002 and 2001 were short-term debt instruments with banks, denominated in local currencies with a weighted average interest rate of 3.14% in 2002 and 7.14% in 2001.

        Long-term debt at December 31, 2002 and 2001, principally to banks and bondholders, exclusive of amounts due within one year, consists of:

(in thousands)

  2002
  2001
August 1999 credit agreement that expires in August 2004 with borrowings outstanding at an average interest rate of 2.19% in 2002 and 5.44% in 2001   $ 200,000   $ 229,000
Various notes and mortgages relative to operations principally outside the United States, at an average interest rate of 6.23% in 2002 and 5.68% in 2001, due in varying amounts through 2008     9,418     6,468
Industrial revenue financings at an average interest rate of 6.32% in 2002 and 6.09% in 2001, due in varying amounts through 2009     12,285     12,678
   
 
    $ 221,703   $ 248,146
   
 

        The weighted average interest rate for all debt was 3.05% in 2002 and 5.56% in 2001.

        Principal payments due on long-term debt for the next five years are: 2003, $1,914,000; 2004, $206,720,000; 2005, $1,291,000; 2006 $1,134,000; 2007, $11,178,000 and thereafter $1,380,000. The Company expects to refinance its borrowings under the August 1999 credit agreement before the revolving credit agreement expires in August 2004.

        Interest paid was $21,377,000 in 2002, $32,169,000 in 2001 and $40,647,000 in 2000.

        In August 1999, the Company entered into a $750 million credit agreement with its banks. This facility included a $250 million term loan that was fully paid during 2001. The remaining $500 million is a revolving loan with the banks' commitment to lend terminating in August 2004. This credit agreement includes commitment fees and variable interest rates based on various loan pricing methods. The interest rate margin is determined by the Company's leverage ratio. The credit agreement contains various covenants that include limits on the disposition of assets, cash dividends, and the Company's ability to purchase its common stock. Additionally, the credit agreement specifies a minimum interest coverage of 3.0, a maximum leverage ratio of 3.0 and a limitation on guarantees to non-U.S. subsidiaries. The Company cannot purchase its common stock or pay cash dividends unless, and only to the extent that, the leverage ratio, as defined in the credit agreement, is less than 2.75. The December 31, 2002 leverage ratio as calculated under the Company's principal credit agreement was below 1.5. Borrowings are collateralized by a pledge of shares of, and intercompany loans to, certain subsidiaries of the Company. In the event of nonperformance by any bank on its commitment to extend credit, the Company could not borrow the full amount under the credit agreement. However, the Company does not anticipate nonperformance by any bank.

        Under the August 1999 credit agreement, the Company could have borrowed an additional $240,000,000 at December 31, 2002. The Company's ability to borrow additional amounts under the credit agreement is conditional upon the absence of any material adverse change.

        During 2000, the Company entered into swap agreements that hedge a portion of its interest rate exposure. Under the terms of the agreements, each party makes payments on a notional amount of $100,000,000. The Company pays a blended fixed rate of 7.17% and the counterparties pay a floating rate based on LIBOR. These swap agreements expire on June 6, 2005. As of December 31, 2002, the

37



blended rate receivable from the counterparties was 1.8%. On January 2, 2001, the Company entered into four additional swap agreements which fixed interest rates on an additional notional amount of $100,000,000. The blended fixed rate payable by the Company under these agreements is 5.65%. The counterparties pay a floating rate, based on LIBOR which, at December 31, 2002 was 1.8%. These agreements expire on August 11, 2005. The total cost of the swap agreements of $9,251,000 in 2002, $3,423,000 in 2001, and $167,000 in 2000 was recorded as "Interest expense". With the exception of the portion of debt which has been hedged, the estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt excluding current maturities is considered to be the carrying value on the basis that the significant components are variable rate debt.

        At December 31, 2002, the Company had open forward exchange contracts with a total unrealized gain of $346,000. These financial instruments were held for purposes other than trading. For all positions there is risk from the possible inability of the counterparties (major financial institutions) to meet the terms of the contracts and the risk of unfavorable changes in interest and currency rates which may reduce the benefit of the contracts. However, for most closed forward exchange contracts, both the purchase and sale sides of the Company's exposures were with the same financial institution. The Company seeks to control risk by evaluating the credit worthiness of counterparties and by monitoring the currency exchange and interest rate markets, hedging risks in compliance with internal guidelines and reviewing all principal economic hedging contracts with designated directors of the Company.

        On January 1, 2001, the Company adopted the provisions of FAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". This Standard requires that all derivative instruments are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair value and changes in fair value are recognized immediately in earnings, unless the derivatives qualify as hedges in accordance with the Standard. The change in fair value for those derivatives that qualify as hedges are recorded in shareholders' equity in the caption "Derivative valuation adjustment". The Company's interest rate swaps qualify as cash flow hedges as defined in the Standard and, accordingly, changes in the fair value are recognized in "Other noncurrent liabilities" and "Other comprehensive income". Subsequently, amounts will be reclassified to "Interest expense" in accordance with the Standard. On the date of adoption, the Company recognized an initial transition adjustment of $4,888,000. The fair value of the interest rate swaps declined an additional $8,484,000 in 2002 and $8,204,000 in 2001. As of December 31, 2002, accrued liabilities included $9,977,000 for the estimated 2003 cash payments under the swap agreements, with the remaining liability included in other noncurrent liabilities. The Company has a lease for manufacturing facilities with an embedded derivative that must be recognized in earnings in accordance with this Standard. The cumulative after-tax effect of this change in accounting principle in 2001 was expense of $1,129,000. Included in other expense/(income), net, is income of $357,000 in 2002 and $1,482,000 in 2001 related to changes in fair value of this derivative.

        During 2001, the Company entered into a trade accounts receivable securitization program whereby it sells designated North American accounts receivable, with no recourse. The accounts receivable are sold on an ongoing basis to a subsidiary of the Company which is a qualified special purpose entity and, in accordance with FAS No. 140, is not consolidated in the Company's financial statements. The Company receives fees for collecting accounts receivable and for performing certain other administrative functions. The amount of accounts receivable sold is subject to change based upon certain criteria and was approximately $71,115,000 as of December 31, 2002. In addition to $48,917,000 of cash received from the sale of accounts receivable, the Company has a note receivable in the amount of $20,075,000 as of December 31, 2002. As of December 31, 2001, the Company had sold accounts receivable of $63,878,000, had received cash of $40,916,000 and a note receivable of $21,103,000. The note is subject to monthly fluctuation based on the amount of receivables sold and bears interest at variable rates. As of December 31, 2002, the interest rate was 2.41%; interest income was $578,000 in 2002 and $193,000 in 2001. The estimated fair value of the note receivable is

38



considered to be the carrying value on the basis that the note carries a variable interest rate and the proceeds from the sale have been reduced by a discount factor. Included in other expense/(income), net, are costs of $2,053,000 in 2002 and $1,794,000 in 2001 representing initial transaction costs and the discounts applied in the sale of accounts receivable. The discount factor is based on timing of cash receipts, interest rates and anticipated credit losses.

        The unconsolidated subsidiary receives cash from an unrelated third party in exchange for an undivided ownership interest in the accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2002, the unconsolidated subsidiary had assets of $20,882,000 consisting primarily of the $71,115,000 of accounts receivables sold to it by the Company, net of the $48,917,000 ownership interest sold to the unrelated third party, and an allowance for doubtful accounts. The December 31, 2002 liabilities of the unconsolidated subsidiary included a note payable of $20,075,000 to the Company.

7.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

        Principal leases are for machinery and equipment, vehicles and real property. Certain leases contain renewal and purchase option provisions at fair market values. There were no significant capital leases. Total rental expense amounted to $19,962,000, $22,198,000, and $22,671,000 for 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively.

        Future rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2002 are: 2003, $15,174,000; 2004, $12,361,000; 2005, $10,329,000; 2006, $6,824,000; 2007, $5,280,000 and thereafter, $4,662,000.

        The Company has guaranteed a letter of credit to a bank that loaned money to a joint venture partner in South Africa. The bank can draw upon the letter of credit if the joint venture partner defaults on the loan. The letter of credit is denominated in South African rand and was approximately $3,200,000 as of December 31, 2002.

        Albany International Corp. ("Albany") and many other companies are defendants in suits brought in various courts in the United States by plaintiffs who allege that they have suffered personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing products. Albany was defending against 21,688 such claims as of February 28, 2003. This compares with 22,593 such claims as of December 31, 2002, 17,922 claims as of October 31, 2002, 7,347 claims as of December 31, 2001, 1,997 claims as of December 31, 2000, and 2,276 claims as of December 31, 1999. These suits allege a variety of lung and other diseases based on alleged exposure to products previously manufactured by Albany and related companies. Albany anticipates that additional claims will be filed against it and the related companies in the future but is unable to predict the number and timing of such future claims.

        These suits typically involve claims against from twenty to over two hundred defendants, and the complaints usually fail to identify the plaintiffs' work history or the nature of the plaintiffs' alleged exposure to Albany's products. (Production of asbestos-containing paper machine clothing products was limited to certain synthetic dryer fabrics marketed during the period from 1967 to 1976 and used in certain paper mills. Such fabrics generally had a useful life of three to twelve months.) In the vast majority of these suits, claimant work histories have not been provided. In cases in which work histories have been provided, approximately one-third of the claimants have alleged time spent in a paper mill.

        Approximately 18,700 of the claims pending against Albany are filed in various counties in Mississippi. The Company expects that only a portion of these claimants will be able to demonstrate time spent in a paper mill during a period in which Albany's asbestos-containing products were in use. Based on past experience, communications from certain plaintiffs' counsel and the advice of the Company's Mississippi counsel, the Company expects the percentage of claimants with paper mill exposure in the Mississippi proceedings to be considerably lower than the total number of claims asserted.

39



        It is the position of Albany and the other paper machine clothing defendants that there was insufficient exposure to asbestos from any paper machine clothing products to cause asbestos-related injury to any plaintiff. Furthermore, asbestos contained in Albany's synthetic products was encapsulated in a resin-coated yarn woven into the interior of the fabric, further reducing the likelihood of fiber release.

        While the Company believes it has meritorious defenses to these claims, it has settled certain of these cases for amounts it considers reasonable given the facts and circumstances of each case. The Company's insurer, Liberty Mutual, has defended each case under a standard reservation of rights. As of February 28, 2003, the Company had resolved, by means of settlement or dismissal, 4,348 claims, and had reached tentative agreement to resolve an additional 4,563 claims reported above as pending. The total cost of resolving all 8,911 such claims was $4,846,000. Of this amount, $4,811,000, or 99%, was paid by the Company's insurance carrier. The Company has more than $130 million in confirmed insurance coverage that should be available with respect to current and future asbestos claims, as well as additional insurance coverage that it should be able to access.

Brandon Drying Fabrics, Inc.

        Brandon Drying Fabrics, Inc. ("Brandon"), a subsidiary of Geschmay Corp., is also a separate defendant in most of these cases. Brandon was defending against 12,632 claims as of February 28, 2003. This compares with 11,802 such claims as of December 31, 2002, 10,347 claims as of October 31, 2002, 8,759 claims as of December 31, 2001, 3,598 claims as of December 31, 2000, and 1,887 claims as of December 31, 1999. The Company acquired Geschmay Corp., formerly known as Wangner Systems Corporation, in 1999.

        Brandon is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Geschmay Corp. Geschmay Corp. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired in 1999. In 1978, Brandon acquired certain assets from Abney Mills ("Abney"), a South Carolina textile manufacturer. Among the assets acquired by Brandon from Abney were assets of Abney's wholly-owned subsidiary, Brandon Sales, Inc. which, among other things, had sold dryer fabrics containing asbestos made by its parent, Abney. It is believed that Abney ceased production of asbestos-containing fabrics prior to the 1978 transaction. Although Brandon manufactured and sold dryer fabrics under its own name subsequent to the asset purchase, none of such fabrics contained asbestos.

        Under the terms of the Assets Purchase Agreement between Brandon and Abney, Abney agreed to indemnify, defend, and hold Brandon harmless from any actions or claims on account of products manufactured by Abney and its related corporations prior to the date of the sale, whether or not the product was sold subsequent to the date of the sale. It appears that Abney has since been dissolved. Nevertheless, a representative of Abney has been notified of the pendency of these actions and demand has been made that it assume the defense of these actions.

        Because Brandon did not manufacture asbestos-containing products, and because it does not believe that it was the legal successor to, or otherwise responsible for obligations of, Abney with respect to products manufactured by Abney, it believes it has strong defenses to the claims that have been asserted against it. In some instances, plaintiffs have voluntarily dismissed claims against it, while in others it has entered into what it considers to be reasonable settlements. As of February 28, 2003, Brandon has resolved, by means of settlement or dismissal, 2,881 claims for a total of $152,499. Brandon's insurance carriers have agreed to pay 88.2% of the total indemnification and defense costs related to these proceedings, subject to the standard reservation of rights. The remaining 11.8% is being sought from an insurance company that denies that it issued a policy. Brandon's internal records demonstrate otherwise, and Brandon has filed suit against this company as well as its other carriers. Based on advice of counsel, Brandon is confident that it will prevail in establishing 100% indemnification and defense cost coverage.

40



Mount Vernon

        In some of these cases, the Company is named both as a direct defendant and as the "successor in interest" to Mount Vernon Mills ("Mount Vernon"). The Company acquired certain assets from Mount Vernon in 1993. Certain plaintiffs allege injury caused by asbestos-containing products alleged to have been sold by Mount Vernon many years prior to this acquisition. Mount Vernon is contractually obligated to indemnify the Company against any liability arising out of such products. The Company denies any liability for products sold by Mount Vernon prior to the acquisition of the Mount Vernon assets. Pursuant to its contractual indemnification obligations, Mount Vernon has assumed the defense of these claims. On this basis, the Company has successfully moved for dismissal in a number of actions.

        The Company believes that all asbestos-related claims against it are without merit. Based on its understanding of the insurance policies available, how settlement amounts have been allocated to various policies, its recent settlement experience, the absence of any judgments against the Company or Brandon, the ratio of paper mill claims to total claims filed, and the defenses available, the Company currently does not anticipate any material liability relating to the resolution of the aforementioned pending proceedings in excess of existing insurance limits. Consequently, the Company does not believe, based on currently available information, that the ultimate resolution of the aforementioned proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

        Although the Company cannot predict the number and timing of future claims, based on the foregoing factors and the trends in claims against it to date, the Company does not anticipate that additional claims likely to be filed against it in the future will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, the Company is aware that litigation is inherently uncertain, especially when the outcome is dependent primarily on determinations of factual matters to be made by juries. The Company is also aware that numerous other defendants in asbestos cases, as well as others who claim to have knowledge and expertise on the subject, have found it difficult to anticipate the outcome of asbestos litigation, the volume of future asbestos claims and the anticipated settlement values of those claims. For these reasons, there can be no assurance that the foregoing conclusions will not change.

8.    OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES

        Other noncurrent liabilities consists of:

(in thousands)

  2002
  2001
Defined benefit pension plans (see Note 13)   $ 75,190   $ 42,958
Postretirement benefits other than pensions (see Note 14)     57,206     61,681
Deferred compensation (see Note 16)     12,364     29,003
Interest rate swaps (see Note 6)     11,599     13,092
Other     12,406     9,321
   
 
    $ 168,765   $ 156,055
   
 

9.    SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

        The Company has two classes of Common Stock, Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, each with a par value of $.001, and equal liquidation rights. Each share of the Company's Class A Common Stock is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to shareholders, and each share of Class B Common Stock is entitled to ten votes. Class A and Class B Common Stock will receive

41



equal dividends as the Board of Directors may determine from time to time. The Class B Common Stock is convertible into an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock at any time. At December 31, 2002, 9,885,456 shares of Class A Common Stock were reserved for the conversion of Class B Common Stock and the exercise of stock options.

        In January 1998, the Board authorized the purchase of 3,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, in the open market or otherwise, at such prices as management may from time to time consider to be advantageous to the Company's shareholders. Since January 1998, the Company has purchased 1,616,900 shares of its Class A Common Stock pursuant to this authorization and of the shares purchased, none were purchased during 2002, 2001, or 2000.

        In November 2001, and February, May and August 2002, the Board declared cash dividends of $.05 per share. In November 2002, the Board declared a dividend of $.055 per share, payable in January 2003. Dividends payable were $1,781,000 and $1,568,000 as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

        As discussed in Note 6, the Company is restricted from purchasing its Common Stock or paying cash dividends when the leverage ratio, as defined in the August 1999 credit agreement, is 2.75 or higher.

        Changes in shareholders' equity for 2002, 2001, and 2000 are as follows:

 
  Class A
Common Stock

  Class B
Common Stock

   
  Treasury Stock
(Class A)

 
 
  Additional Paid-in Capital
 
(in thousands)

  Shares
  Amount
  Shares
  Amount
  Shares
  Amount
 
Balance: January 1, 2000   26,804   $ 27   5,869   $ 6   $ 219,443   2,206   $ 45,843  
Shares contributed to ESOP   334               4,489        
Shares issued to Directors                 (35 ) (5 )   (105 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance: December 31, 2000   27,138   $ 27   5,869   $ 6   $ 223,897   2,201   $ 45,738  
Shares contributed to ESOP   261               4,835        
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares   2       (2 )              
Options exercised   311     1           5,483        
Shares issued to Directors                 (2 ) (4 )   (87 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance: December 31, 2001   27,712   $ 28   5,867   $ 6   $ 234,213   2,197   $ 45,651  
Shares contributed to ESOP   197               4,635        
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares   259       (259 )              
Options exercised   815     1           16,621        
Shares issued to Directors                 15   (3 )   (75 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance: December 31, 2002   28,983   $ 29   5,608   $ 6   $ 255,484   2,194   $ 45,576  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

42


10.  OTHER EXPENSE/(INCOME), NET

        The components of other expense/(income), net, as further described in Note 6, are:

(in thousands)

  2002
  2001
  2000
 
Currency transactions   $ (2,680 ) $ (1,932 ) $ (4,012 )
Interest rate protection agreements             (382 )
Lease with embedded derivative     (357 )   (1,482 )    
Costs associated with sale of accounts receivable     2,053     1,794      
Sale of buildings         (1,323 )    
Amortization of debt issuance costs and loan origination fees     2,093     2,258     2,328  
Other     3,894     3,518     1,311  
   
 
 
 
    $ 5,003   $ 2,833   $ (755 )
   
 
 
 

11.  INCOME TAXES

        The components of income/(loss) before income taxes and the income tax provision are as follows:

(in thousands)

  2002
  2001
  2000
 
Income/(loss) before taxes:                    
  U.S.   $ 24,527   $ (2,775 ) $ (4,469 )
  Non-U.S.     55,022     55,138     67,036  
   
 
 
 
    $ 79,549   $ 52,363   $ 62,567  
   
 
 
 
Current:                    
  U.S. Federal   $ 7,892   $ 5,545   $ 5,506  
  U.S. State     539     1,024     1,360  
  Non-U.S.     23,571     29,012     21,177  
   
 
 
 
      32,002     35,581     28,043  
   
 
 
 
Deferred:                    
  U.S. Federal     1,169     (5,633 )   (4,212 )
  U.S. State     709     (897 )   (578 )
  Non-U.S.     (8,839 )   (9,677 )   1,774  
   
 
 
 
      (6,961 )   (16,207 )   (3,016 )
   
 
 
 
Total income tax provision   $ 25,041   $ 19,374   $ 25,027  
   
 
 
 

        The significant components of deferred income tax (benefit)/expense are as follows:

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

  2002
  2001
  2000
 
Net effect of temporary differences   $ (433 ) $ (10,388 ) $ (2,727 )
Adjustments to deferred tax assets and liabilities for enacted changes in tax laws and rates     1,232     (1,729 )   (282 )
Utilization (benefit) of loss carryforward     (7,760 )   (4,090 )   (7 )
   
 
 
 
    $ (6,961 ) $ (16,207 ) $ (3,016 )
   
 
 
 

43


        A reconciliation of the U.S. Federal statutory rate to the Company's effective tax rate is as follows:

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

  2002
  2001
  2000
U.S. statutory rate   35.0%   35.0%   35.0%
State taxes   1.0   (0.5 ) 1.0
Non-U.S. tax rates, repatriation of earnings, and other net charges associated with prior years   (1.9 ) 1.5   3.9
Favorable resolution of contingency related to prior years   (3.5 )  
Other   0.9   1.0   0.1
   
 
 
Effective tax rate   31.5%   37.0%   40.0%
   
 
 

        Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of certain assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 
  U.S.

  Non-U.S.
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

  2002
  2001
  2002
  2001
 
Current deferred tax assets:                          
Accounts receivable   $ 1,606   $ 1,439   $ 687   $ 387  
Inventories     2,870     2,884         (31 )
Tax credit carryforward     7,913              
Tax loss carryforward             10,087     3,220  
Restructuring accruals     6,843              
Other     2,442         10,991     8,271  
   
 
 
 
 
Total current deferred tax assets     21,674     4,323     21,765     11,847  
   
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent deferred tax assets:                          
Sale leaseback transaction     1,052     935     753      
Deferred compensation     12,509     12,365          
Depreciation     (14,697 )   (14,088 )   77     2,208  
Postretirement benefits     40,760     23,087     2,041     706  
Tax loss carryforward     868         20,608     13,553  
Other     2,914     8,272     379     3,640  
   
 
 
 
 
Total noncurrent deferred tax assets before valuation allowance     43,406     30,571     23,858     20,107  
Less: valuation allowance             (1,690 )   (2,139 )
   
 
 
 
 
Total noncurrent deferred tax assets     43,406     30,571     22,168     17,968  
   
 
 
 
 
Total deferred tax assets   $ 65,080   $ 34,894   $ 43,933   $ 29,815  
   
 
 
 
 
Current deferred tax liabilities   $   $   $ 7,129   $ 8,103  
Noncurrent deferred tax liability—depreciation             27,448     19,950  
Other                 (5,162 )
   
 
 
 
 
Total deferred tax liabilities   $   $   $ 34,577   $ 22,891  
   
 
 
 
 

        The deferred income tax assets will be realized through the reversals of existing taxable temporary differences with the remainder, net of the valuation allowance, dependent on future taxable income. Management believes that sufficient taxable income will be earned in the future to realize the remaining deferred income tax assets. The Company has a tax loss carryforward of $1,690,000 for which a full valuation allowance has been recorded.

        At December 31, 2002, the Company has available $29,005,000 of net operating loss carryforwards with expiration dates ranging from one year to indefinite that may be applied against future taxable

44



income. The Company expects to utilize 35% of the tax loss carryforwards next year. In addition, the Company has available foreign tax credit carryforwards of approximately $7,835,000 which begin to expire in 2007.

        The Company has not recognized U.S. deferred income taxes on $165,298,000 of undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries because management considers such earnings to be permanently reinvested. If the earnings were distributed, the Company may be subject to both U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes. Determination of the amount of this unrecognized deferred income tax liability is not practical.

        In February 2003, the Company received notification of a final agreement resolving certain income tax matters. The resolution of these matters will result in a reduction of approximately $5,000,000 in the income tax provision in the first quarter of 2003.

        Taxes paid, net of refunds, were $18,147,000 in 2002, $18,902,000 in 2001, and $18,362,000 in 2000. Income taxes payable were $24,093,000 and $13,869,000 as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Operating Segment and Geographic Data

        In accordance with Financial Accounting Standard No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information", the internal organization that is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance is used as the source of the Company's reportable segments. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1.

        The primary segment of the Company is Engineered Fabrics which includes developing, manufacturing, marketing and servicing custom designed engineered fabrics used in the manufacture of paper, paperboard and products in other process industries. Another segment of the Company, Albany Door Systems is an aggregation of the Company's operations that manufacture, market and service high- performance doors. The Applied Technologies segment is made up of operations that manufacture products outside of the core businesses of the Company.

45



        The following table shows data by operating segment, reconciled to consolidated totals included in the financial statements.

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

  2002
  2001
  2000
 
Net Sales                    
Engineered Fabrics   $ 683,179   $ 690,784   $ 702,486  
Albany Door Systems     91,185     99,206     101,609  
Applied Technologies     41,683     46,706     48,839  
   
 
 
 
Consolidated total   $ 816,047   $ 836,696   $ 852,934  
   
 
 
 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Engineered Fabrics   $ 44,815   $ 47,818   $ 53,329  
Albany Door Systems     2,136     2,659     2,255  
Applied Technologies     2,122     2,097     2,711  
Corporate     3,790     4,972     3,921  
   
 
 
 
Consolidated total   $ 52,863   $ 57,546   $ 62,216  
   
 
 
 
Operating Income                    
Engineered Fabrics   $ 161,875   $ 156,936   $ 150,653  
Restructuring of operations         (21,892 )    
   
 
 
 
      161,875     135,044     150,653  
Albany Door Systems     1,093     9,556     8,152  
Applied Technologies     3,311     1,651     3,397  
Research expense     (24,918 )   (23,224 )   (23,287 )
Unallocated expenses     (39,273 )   (38,915 )   (35,281 )
   
 
 
 
Operating income     102,088     84,112     103,634  
Reconciling items:                    
Interest income     3,084     1,977     1,336  
Interest expense     (20,620 )   (30,893 )   (43,158 )
Other (expense)/income, net     (5,003 )   (2,833 )   755  
   
 
 
 
Consolidated income before income taxes   $ 79,549   $ 52,363   $ 62,567  
   
 
 
 
(in thousands)

  2002
  2001
  2000
 
Operating Assets                    
Engineered Fabrics   $ 1,164,610   $ 1,074,047   $ 1,267,794  
Albany Door Systems     69,938     66,178     68,703  
Applied Technologies     90,162     95,083     83,578  
Reconciling items:                    
Accumulated depreciation     (438,859 )   (376,230 )   (362,901 )
Deferred tax assets     109,013     64,709     46,806  
Investment in associated companies     4,849     4,374     4,300  
Other     11,808     3,768     3,972  
   
 
 
 
Consolidated total assets   $ 1,011,521   $ 931,929   $ 1,112,252  
   
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures                    
Engineered Fabrics   $ 30,042   $ 22,448   $ 33,137  
Albany Door Systems     993     605     531  
Applied Technologies     551     2,635     2,790  
Corporate     92     143     408  
   
 
 
 
Consolidated total   $ 31,678   $ 25,831   $ 36,866  
   
 
 
 

46


        The following table shows data by geographic area. Net sales are based on the location of the operation recording the final sale to the customer.

(in thousands)

  2002
  2001
  2000
Net Sales                  
United States   $ 317,178   $ 329,787   $ 334,253
Canada     57,832     57,873     60,188
Sweden     76,993     81,624     80,828
Germany     99,959     94,697     98,131
Other countries     264,085     272,715     279,534
   
 
 
Consolidated total   $ 816,047   $ 836,696   $ 852,934
   
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment, at cost, net                  
United States   $ 118,908   $ 122,985   $ 134,487
Canada     15,866     17,530     20,356
Sweden     49,833     34,968     42,638
Germany     62,512     48,678     55,144
Other countries     98,954     114,941     135,033
   
 
 
Consolidated total   $ 346,073   $ 339,102   $ 387,658
   
 
 

Pension Plans

        The Company has a noncontributory, qualified defined benefit pension plan covering U.S. employees, a noncontributory, nonqualified pension plan covering certain U.S. executives and both contributory and noncontributory pension plans covering non-U.S. employees. The U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan has been closed to new participants since October 1999. Eligible employees are covered primarily by plans that provide pension benefits based on the employee's service and average compensation during the three to five years before retirement or termination of employment.

        The following table sets forth the components of amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheets:

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

  2002
  2001
 
Projected benefit (obligation) in excess of plan assets   $ (107,688 ) $ (62,655 )
Unrecognized actuarial net loss     77,137     40,839  
Prior service cost not yet recognized in net periodic pension cost     8,794     9,095  
Remaining unrecognized net obligation     257     231  
Contributions     858     704  
   
 
 
Accrued pension (liability)   $ (20,642 ) $ (11,786 )
   
 
 

        The weighted average expected long-term rate of return for these plans was 8.5% for 2002 and 9.0% for 2001. The weighted average discount rate was 6.4% for 2002 and 6.8% for 2001. The weighted average rate of increase in future compensation levels was 3.4% for 2002 and 4.7% for 2001.

        Certain employees of the Company who were active on June 30, 2002 are entitled to receive additional qualified supplemental retirement (QSERP) benefits under the U.S. pension plan. Under the QSERP, each covered employee is credited with an initial QSERP account balance in a specified amount. Each such participant has renounced any and all claims to an equal amount under the Company's deferred compensation plans. The amount of this plan amendment, including credited plan benefits, was $10,222,000.

47



        The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets were $242,424,000, $221,379,000, and $134,982,000, respectively for 2002 and $201,477,000, $182,166,000, and $138,996,000 respectively, for 2001.

        The following table sets forth the reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets, and the funded status of the plans.

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

  2002
  2001
 
Change in benefit obligation:              
  Benefit obligation at beginning of year   $ 209,352   $ 206,947  
  Service cost     5,694     6,084  
  Interest cost     14,576     14,287  
  Participant contributions     547     687  
  Plan amendments     10,222      
  Special termination benefits     1,083      
  Benefits paid     (13,247 )   (14,193 )
  Actuarial loss/(gain)     11,215     2,020  
  Exchange rate loss/(gain)     11,400     (6,480 )
   
 
 
  Benefit obligation at end of year   $ 250,842   $ 209,352  
   
 
 
Change in plan assets:              
  Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year   $ 146,697   $ 162,900  
  Actual return on plan assets     (11,718 )   (8,990 )
  Employer contributions     16,651     10,064  
  Participant contributions     547     687  
  Benefits paid     (13,247 )   (14,193 )
  Administrative expenses     (369 )   (875 )
  Exchange rate gain/(loss)     4,593     (2,896 )
   
 
 
  Fair value of plan assets at end of year   $ 143,154   $ 146,697  
   
 
 

        Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

  2002
  2001
 
Accrued pension liability   $ (87,190 ) $ (42,958 )
Intangible asset     9,467     8,906  
Accumulated other comprehensive income     57,081     22,266  
   
 
 
Net amount recognized at year-end   $ (20,642 ) $ (11,786 )
   
 
 

        As of December 31, 2002, accrued liabilities included $12,000,000 representing the estimated current portion of the accrued pension liability, with the remaining balance included in other noncurrent liabilities. The Company was required to accrue an additional minimum liability for those plans for which accumulated plan benefits exceeded plan assets. This liability at December 31, 2002 and 2001 respectively, of $66,548,000 and $31,172,000 was offset by an intangible asset amounting to $9,467,000 and $8,906,000 and a before tax charge to equity of $57,081,000 and $22,266,000.

48



        Net periodic pension cost included the following components:

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

  2002
  2001
  2000
 
Service cost   $ 5,694   $ 6,084   $ 6,498  
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation     14,576     14,287     14,146  
Expected return on assets     (13,518 )   (14,142 )   (13,504 )
Net amortization and deferral     2,056     1,120     1,215  
   
 
 
 
Net periodic pension cost   $ 8,808   $ 7,349   $ 8,355  
   
 
 
 

        Net periodic pension cost charged to operating expense for all Company plans, including all statutory and defined contribution plans, was $17,423,000 for 2002, $11,645,000 for 2001, and $13,791,000 for 2000.

Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

        In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company provides certain medical, dental and life insurance benefits for its retired United States employees. Substantially all of the Company's U.S. employees may become eligible for these benefits, which are subject to change, if they reach normal retirement age while working for the Company. Retirees share in the cost of these benefits. The Company's non-U.S. operations do not offer such benefits to retirees.

        The Company accrues the cost of providing postretirement benefits during the active service period of the employees. The Company currently funds the plan as claims are paid.

        The following table reflects the status of the postretirement benefit plan:

(in thousands)

  2002
  2001
 
Change in benefit obligation:              
  Benefit obligation at beginning of year   $ 82,173   $ 75,620  
  Service cost     2,213     1,907  
  Interest cost     6,010     5,647  
  Plan participants' contributions     1,067     1,054  
  Amendments         (1,798 )
  Actuarial loss     18,250     6,458  
  Benefits paid     (7,643 )   (6,715 )
   
 
 
  Benefit obligation at end of year     102,070     82,173  
Change in plan assets:              
  Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year          
  Employer contributions     6,576     5,661  
  Plan participants' contributions     1,067     1,054  
  Benefits paid     (7,643 )   (6,715 )
  Fair value of plan assets at end of year          
   
 
 
Unfunded status     102,070     82,173  
Unrecognized prior service cost     8,462     9,409  
Unrecognized net loss     (46,750 )   (29,901 )
   
 
 
Accrued postretirement cost   $ 63,782   $ 61,681  
   
 
 

49


        Net periodic postretirement benefit cost included the following:

(in thousands)

  2002
  2001
  2000
 
Service cost of benefits earned   $ 2,213   $ 1,907   $ 1,848  
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation     6,010     5,647     5,862  
Amortization of gains and losses     1,401     1,146     971  
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost     (947 )   (947 )   (97 )
   
 
 
 
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost   $ 8,677   $ 7,753   $ 8,584  
   
 
 
 

        For measurement purposes at December 31, 2002, the annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered medical and prescription drug benefits was assumed to be 9.0% and 11.0%, respectively. The rate was assumed to decrease to 5.0 percent for 2008 and remain at that level thereafter.

50


        The weighted average discount rate was 6.75% for 2002, 7.25% for 2001 and 7.5% for 2000.

        A one percentage point increase in the health care cost trend rate would result in an increase of $13,917,000 in the postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2002 and an increase of $1,300,000 in the aggregate service and interest cost components of the net periodic postretirement benefit cost.

Translation Adjustments

        The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows were affected by translation as follows:

(in thousands)

  2002
  2001
  2001
 
Change in cumulative translation adjustments   $ 47,550   $ (29,259 ) $ (44,814 )
Other noncurrent liabilities     6,343     (2,749 )   (3,392 )
Deferred taxes     (3,257 )   (118 )   (5,911 )
Long-term debt     308     (411 )   (1,205 )
Accounts receivable     (12,226 )   10,173     13,110  
Inventories     (7,674 )   6,453     9,298  
Investments in associated companies     (340 )   1,018     634  
Property, plant and equipment, net     (26,940 )   15,141     24,835  
Goodwill and intangibles     (17,216 )   6,824     10,719  
Other     (1,185 )   (15,736 )   (21,291 )
   
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes   $ (14,637 ) $ (8,664 ) $ (18,017 )
   
 
 
 

        Shareholders' equity was affected by translation as follows: increase/(decrease) from translation of non-U.S. financial statements of $53,345,000, ($28,296,000), and ($39,454,000), and a decrease from remeasurement of loans of $5,795,000, $963,000, and $5,360,000, in 2002, 2001, and 2000 respectively.

Stock Options and Incentive Plans

        During 1988, 1992 and 1998, the shareholders approved stock option plans for key employees. The 1988 and 1992 plans, under which options can no longer be granted, each provided for the granting of up to 2,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. The 1998 plan provides for the granting of up to 5,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. In addition, in 1997 the Board of Directors granted one option outside these plans for 250,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. Options are normally exercisable in five cumulative annual amounts beginning 12 months after date of grant. Option exercise prices are normally equal to and are not permitted to be less than the market value on the date of grant. The option granted by the Board in 1997 is not exercisable unless the Company's share price reaches $48 per share and is then limited to 10% of the total number of shares multiplied by the number of full years of employment elapsed since the grant date. During 2000, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to increase the period after retirement to exercise options from 5 years to 10 years. This amendment, however, does not change the original termination date of each option. Unexercised options generally terminate twenty years after date of grant for all plans.

        For the purpose of applying FAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", the fair value of each option granted is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. No adjustments were made for certain factors that are generally recognized to reduce the value of option contracts. These factors include limited transferability, a 20% per year vesting schedule, a share price threshold with vesting based on years of employment and the risk of forfeiture of the non-vested portion if employment is terminated. The cash dividend yield assumption was 1.1% for 2002 and 1.0% for 2001. No dividend was assumed for 2000. The expected volatility was 28.3% in 2002, 27.6% in 2001, and 26.8% in 2000. The expected life of the options varies based on employee group

51



and ranges from 11 to 20 years. The risk-free interest rate ranges from 3.4% to 5.0% in 2002, 5.7% to 5.9% in 2001, and 5.3% to 5.7% in 2000. The Company applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", in accounting for the stock option plans. Accordingly, no compensation cost was recognized in 2002, 2001, or 2000. The weighted average fair value of options granted during 2002, 2001, and 2000, for the purposes of FAS No. 123, was $10.64, $11.41, and $7.35 per share, respectively.

        Had the Company elected to adopt FAS No. 123 for its stock option plans, net income and earnings per share would have been affected by additional compensation cost as indicated by the proforma amounts below:

(in thousands)

  2002
  2001
  2001
Proforma stock-based employee compensation cost, net of taxes   $ 2,115   $ 2,127   $ 3,938
Net income, as reported   $ 48,941   $ 32,202   $ 38,085
Proforma     46,826     30,075     34,147
Net income per share—basic, as reported   $ 1.52   $ 1.04   $ 1.24
Proforma     1.46     0.97     1.11
Net income per share—diluted, as reported   $ 1.50   $ 1.03   $ 1.24
Proforma     1.43     0.96     1.11
   
 
 

        Activity with respect to these plans is as follows:

(in thousands)

  2002
  2001
  2001
Shares under option at January 1   4,296,695   4,234,750   3,927,650
Options granted   413,500   433,500   348,000
Options cancelled   62,180   60,325   41,200
Options exercised   813,790   311,230  
   
 
 
Shares under option at December 31   3,834,225   4,296,695   4,234,750
Options exercisable at December 31   2,493,215   2,959,305   2,896,200
Shares available for options   443,655   293,175   168,150
   
 
 

        The weighted average exercise price is as follows:

(in thousands)

  2002
  2001
  2001
Shares under option at January 1   $ 18.42   $ 17.98   $ 18.65
Options granted     20.63     20.45     10.56
Options cancelled     16.98     16.06     18.70
Options exercised     18.37     15.77    
   
 
 
Shares under option at December 31     18.69     18.42     17.98
Options exercisable at December 31     18.16     18.31     18.18
   
 
 

52


        The following is a summary of the status of options outstanding at December 31, 2002:

 
   
  Outstanding Options

  Exercisable Options

Exercise
Price Range

  Number
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

  Number
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

$10.56             297,575   17.9   $ 10.56   123,365   $ 10.56
15.00-15.50   485,000   5.8     15.41   485,000     15.41
15.69-16.25   443,050   14.0     15.84   316,750     15.90
16.75             214,000   7.3     16.75   214,000     16.75
17.63-18.75   164,300   9.6     18.69   164,300     18.69
19.38-19.75   618,150   13.3     19.56   558,150     19.58
20.45             416,300   18.4     20.45   94,300     20.45
20.63             411,000   19.9     20.63   2,500     20.63
22.25             534,850   11.1     22.25   534,850     22.25
25.56             250,000   14.8     25.56      
   
 
 
 
 
    3,834,225             2,493,215      
   
 
 
 
 

        The Company's voluntary deferred compensation plans provided that a portion of certain employees' salaries are deferred in exchange for amounts payable, upon their retirement, disability or death, during a period selected by the participants in accordance with the provisions of each plan. Voluntary withdrawals are permitted under some circumstances. The plans were terminated for active employees during 2002, resulting in $9,548,000 of the liability being renounced by certain participants and $7,721,000 being paid out in January 2003 (see Note 13). The portion paid out in January 2003 was included in accounts payable as of December 31, 2002. The plans are still in effect for retired employees of the Company. The remaining deferred compensation liability was included in the caption "Other noncurrent liabilities" and was $12,364,000 and $29,003,000 at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The Company is the beneficiary of life insurance policies on the lives of certain plan participants. The Company's expense for all plans, net of the increase in cash surrender value, was $3,187,000 in 2002, $3,058,000 in 2001, and $1,780,000 in 2000. The increase in cash surrender value, net of premiums, was $2,617,000 in 2002, $1,434,000 in 2001, and $728,000 in 2000.

        The Company maintains a voluntary savings plan covering substantially all employees in the United States. The Plan, known as "Prosperity Plus," is a 401(k) plan under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Employees may contribute 1% to 15% of their regular wages which under Section 401(k) are tax deferred. The Company matches between 50% and 100% of each dollar contributed by employees up to 10% of their wages, in the form of Class A Common Stock which is contributed to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The investment of employee contributions to the plan is self-directed. The cost of the plan amounted to $4,144,000 in 2002, $4,086,000 in 2001, and $4,150,000 in 2000.

        The Company's profit-sharing plan covers substantially all employees in the United States. After the close of each year, the Board of Directors determines the amount of the profit-sharing contribution and whether the contribution will be made in cash or in shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock. Contributions are only made to current active participants in Prosperity Plus. The expense recorded for this plan was $1,358,000 in 2002, $1,448,000 in 2001, and $974,000 in 2000.

Restructuring

        In 2001, the Company recorded a charge for restructuring of operations of $21,892,000 that included $13,714,000 for termination benefits, $4,106,000 for plant rationalization costs, $6,465,000 for losses on disposal of assets, and a reversal of accruals from previous restructuring programs of

53



$2,393,000. There are approximately 600 employee terminations related to this restructuring. In 2002, pursuant to the previously announced restructuring initiatives, the Company terminated 568 employees.

        The change in accrued restructuring costs from December 31, 2001 to December 31, 2002 was as follows:

(in thousands)

  December 31,
2001

  New
Charges, net

  Payments
  Currency
translation/other

  December 31,
2002

Termination costs   $ 17,532   $   $ (12,200 ) $ (21 ) $ 5,311
Plant rationalization costs     2,327         (246 )   (1,530 )   551
Lease obligations     4,658         (1,470 )   383     3,571
   
 
 
 
 
    $ 24,517   $   $ (13,916 ) $ (1,168 ) $ 9,433
   
 
 
 
 

        The change in accrued restructuring costs from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2001 was as follows:

(in thousands)

  December 31,
2001

  New
Charges, net

  Payments
  Currency
translation/other

  December 31,
2002

Termination costs   $ 11,248   $ 11,321   $ (4,337 ) $ (700 ) $ 17,532
Plant rationalization costs         8,303         (5,976 )   2,327
Lease obligations     3,071     2,268     (892 )   211     4,658
   
 
 
 
 
    $ 14,319   $ 21,892   $ (5,229 ) $ (6,465 ) $ 24,517
   
 
 
 
 

54



FINANCIAL REVIEW

Critical Accounting Policies and Assumptions

        The Company's discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operation are based upon the Company's consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgements that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.

        The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. 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.

        The Company has interest rate swap agreements that fix the rate of interest on $200 million of the Company's debt. The Company has determined that the swaps qualify for hedge accounting in accordance with GAAP, and accordingly, changes in the fair value of these swaps are recorded in shareholders' equity in the caption, "Derivative valuation adjustment". Future events, such as a change in the Company's underlying debt arrangements, could require that the Company record changes in fair value in earnings. The Company values these swaps by estimating the cost of entering into one or more inverse swap transactions that would neutralize the original transactions. As of December 31, 2002, the pre-tax cost to neutralize the original swap transactions would have been approximately $21.6 million.

        Goodwill and other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events such as significant changes in the business climate, plant closures, changes in product offerings, or other circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company performs a test for goodwill impairment at least annually. The determination of whether these assets are impaired involves significant judgments based upon short and long-term projections of future performance. Changes in strategy and/or market conditions may result in adjustments to recorded asset balances.

        The Company has pension and postretirement benefit costs and liabilities that 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. The Company is required to consider current market conditions, including changes in interest rates, in making these assumptions. Changes in the related pension and postretirement benefit costs or credits may occur in the future due to changes in the assumptions.

        During 2001, the Company entered into a trade accounts receivable securitization program whereby it sells designated North American accounts receivable, with no recourse. The accounts receivable are sold on an ongoing basis to a subsidiary of the Company which is a qualified special purpose entity and, in accordance with GAAP, is not consolidated in the Company's financial statements. As of December 31, 2002, the Company had sold accounts receivable of $71.1 million and received cash of $48.9 million plus a note receivable. If the securitization program were terminated, the Company might need to borrow from its existing credit facilities for working capital requirements.

        Albany International Corp. ("Albany") and many other companies are defendants in suits brought in various courts in the United States by plaintiffs who allege that they have suffered personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing products. Albany was defending against 21,688 such claims as of February 28, 2003. This compares with 22,593 such claims as of December 31, 2002, 17,922 claims as of October 31, 2002, 7,347 claims as of December 31, 2001, 1,997 claims as of December 31, 2000, and 2,276 claims as of December 31, 1999. These suits allege a variety of lung and other diseases based on alleged exposure to products previously manufactured by Albany and related companies. Albany anticipates that additional claims will be filed against it and the related companies in the future but is unable to predict the number and timing of such future claims.

55


        These suits typically involve claims against from twenty to over two hundred defendants, and the complaints usually fail to identify the plaintiffs' work history or the nature of the plaintiffs' alleged exposure to Albany's products. (Production of asbestos-containing paper machine clothing products was limited to certain synthetic dryer fabrics marketed during the period from 1967 to 1976 and used in certain paper mills. Such fabrics generally had a useful life of three to twelve months.) In the vast majority of these suits, claimant work histories have not been provided. In cases in which work histories have been provided, approximately one-third of the claimants have alleged time spent in a paper mill.

        Approximately 18,700 of the claims pending against Albany are filed in various counties in Mississippi. The Company expects that only a portion of these claimants will be able to demonstrate time spent in a paper mill during a period in which Albany's asbestos-containing products were in use. Based on past experience, communications from certain plaintiffs' counsel and the advice of the Company's Mississippi counsel, the Company expects the percentage of claimants with paper mill exposure in the Mississippi proceedings to be considerably lower than the total number of claims asserted.

        It is the position of Albany and the other paper machine clothing defendants that there was insufficient exposure to asbestos from any paper machine clothing products to cause asbestos-related injury to any plaintiff. Furthermore, asbestos contained in Albany's synthetic products was encapsulated in a resin-coated yarn woven into the interior of the fabric, further reducing the likelihood of fiber release.

        While the Company believes it has meritorious defenses to these claims, it has settled certain of these cases for amounts it considers reasonable given the facts and circumstances of each case. The Company's insurer, Liberty Mutual, has defended each case under a standard reservation of rights. As of February 28, 2003, the Company had resolved, by means of settlement or dismissal, 4,348 claims, and had reached tentative agreement to resolve an additional 4,563 claims reported above as pending. The total cost of resolving all 8,911 such claims was $4,846,000. Of this amount, $4,811,000, or 99%, was paid by the Company's insurance carrier. The Company has more than $130 million in confirmed insurance coverage that should be available with respect to current and future asbestos claims, as well as additional insurance coverage that it should be able to access.

Brandon Drying Fabrics, Inc.

        Brandon Drying Fabrics, Inc. ("Brandon"), a subsidiary of Geschmay Corp., is also a separate defendant in most of these cases. Brandon was defending against 12,632 claims as of February 28, 2003. This compares with 11,802 such claims as of December 31, 2002, 10,347 claims as of October 31, 2002, 8,759 claims as of December 31, 2001, 3,598 claims as of December 31, 2000, and 1,887 claims as of December 31, 1999. The Company acquired Geschmay Corp., formerly known as Wangner Systems Corporation, in 1999.

        Brandon is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Geschmay Corp. Geschmay Corp. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired in 1999. In 1978, Brandon acquired certain assets from Abney Mills ("Abney"), a South Carolina textile manufacturer. Among the assets acquired by Brandon from Abney were assets of Abney's wholly-owned subsidiary, Brandon Sales, Inc. which, among other things, had sold dryer fabrics containing asbestos made by its parent, Abney. It is believed that Abney ceased production of asbestos-containing fabrics prior to the 1978 transaction. Although Brandon manufactured and sold dryer fabrics under its own name subsequent to the asset purchase, none of such fabrics contained asbestos.

        Under the terms of the Assets Purchase Agreement between Brandon and Abney, Abney agreed to indemnify, defend, and hold Brandon harmless from any actions or claims on account of products manufactured by Abney and its related corporations prior to the date of the sale, whether or not the product was sold subsequent to the date of the sale. It appears that Abney has since been dissolved. Nevertheless, a representative of Abney has been notified of the pendency of these actions and demand has been made that it assume the defense of these actions.

56


        Because Brandon did not manufacture asbestos-containing products, and because it does not believe that it was the legal successor to, or otherwise responsible for obligations of, Abney with respect to products manufactured by Abney, it believes it has strong defenses to the claims that have been asserted against it. In some instances, plaintiffs have voluntarily dismissed claims against it, while in others it has entered into what it considers to be reasonable settlements. As of February 28, 2003, Brandon has resolved, by means of settlement or dismissal, 2,881 claims for a total of $152,499. Brandon's insurance carriers have agreed to pay 88.2% of the total indemnification and defense costs related to these proceedings, subject to the standard reservation of rights. The remaining 11.8% is being sought from an insurance company that denies that it issued a policy. Brandon's internal records demonstrate otherwise, and Brandon has filed suit against this company as well as its other carriers. Based on advice of counsel, Brandon is confident that it will prevail in establishing 100% indemnification and defense cost coverage.

Mount Vernon

        In some of these cases, the Company is named both as a direct defendant and as the "successor in interest" to Mount Vernon Mills ("Mount Vernon"). The Company acquired certain assets from Mount Vernon in 1993. Certain plaintiffs allege injury caused by asbestos-containing products alleged to have been sold by Mount Vernon many years prior to this acquisition. Mount Vernon is contractually obligated to indemnify the Company against any liability arising out of such products. The Company denies any liability for products sold by Mount Vernon prior to the acquisition of the Mount Vernon assets. Pursuant to its contractual indemnification obligations, Mount Vernon has assumed the defense of these claims. On this basis, the Company has successfully moved for dismissal in a number of actions.

        The Company believes that all asbestos-related claims against it are without merit. Based on its understanding of the insurance policies available, how settlement amounts have been allocated to various policies, its recent settlement experience, the absence of any judgments against the Company or Brandon, the ratio of paper mill claims to total claims filed, and the defenses available, the Company currently does not anticipate any material liability relating to the resolution of the aforementioned pending proceedings in excess of existing insurance limits. Consequently, the Company does not believe, based on currently available information, that the ultimate resolution of the aforementioned proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

        Although the Company cannot predict the number and timing of future claims, based on the foregoing factors and the trends in claims against it to date, the Company does not anticipate that additional claims likely to be filed against it in the future will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, the Company is aware that litigation is inherently uncertain, especially when the outcome is dependent primarily on determinations of factual matters to be made by juries. The Company is also aware that numerous other defendants in asbestos cases, as well as others who claim to have knowledge and expertise on the subject, have found it difficult to anticipate the outcome of asbestos litigation, the volume of future asbestos claims and the anticipated settlement values of those claims. For these reasons, there can be no assurance that the foregoing conclusions will not change.

Review of Operations

2002 vs. 2001

        Net sales decreased $20.6 million or 2.5% as compared with 2001. Currency translation had the effect of increasing net sales by $11.6 million. Excluding currency effects, net sales decreased 3.9% as compared to 2001.

        In the Engineered Fabrics segment, net sales decreased 1.1% in U.S. dollars and decreased 2.2% excluding currency translation effects. Sales were negatively affected by a sluggish global demand for

57


paper and paperboard as well as paper machine closures and downtime. Geographically, Engineered Fabrics net sales in the United States were down 2.7% in comparison to 2001. Net sales in Canada were down 5.6% in U.S. dollars and 4.3% in local currency. Engineered Fabrics European sales increased 0.5% in U.S. dollars, but decreased 4.5% in local currencies.

        Albany Door Systems net sales in U.S. dollars were down 8.1% in comparison to 2001. Excluding currency translation effects, net sales were down 11.9%. The weak economy in Europe and, particularly in Germany, negatively affected sales and operating income in this segment.

        Applied Technologies net sales were down 10.8% in U.S. dollars and 10.5% excluding currency translation effects. In addition to global economic weakness, sales were lower due to the sale of a portion of the Company's Mexican operation and the shutdown of nonperforming portions of this segment in the fourth quarter of 2001.

        Gross profit was 41.7% of net sales in 2002 compared to 40.6% in 2001. Cost of goods sold includes expenses incurred in relation to cost reduction initiatives of $6.2 million in 2002 and $1.6 million in 2001. Amortization of goodwill was discontinued as of January 1, 2002 in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 (FAS 142) "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". Goodwill amortization was approximately $6.8 million in 2001. Excluding the expenses related to cost reduction initiatives in both years, and adjusting 2001 gross profit as if FAS 142 had been in effect in 2001, gross profit as a percent of net sales would have been 42.5% in 2002 and 41.6% in 2001.

        Selling, general, technical and research expenses increased 2.1% in 2002 as compared to 2001. Excluding the effect of currency translation, these costs increased 0.2%. Selling and general expenses include $3.6 million in 2002 and $0.5 million in 2001 of remeasurement losses at certain Company operations related to trade accounts receivable denominated in currencies other than their functional currency. Excluding this additional effect, 2002 selling, general, technical and research expenses were down 1.1% in comparison to 2001.

        In 2001, the Company recorded a $21.9 million charge for restructuring of operations related to a $25 million cost reduction initiative that was announced in July 2001. The charge included $13.7 million for termination benefits, $4.1 million for plant rationalization costs, $6.5 million for losses on disposal of assets, and a reversal of accruals from previous restructuring initiatives of $2.4 million. The initiatives resulted in the closing of three plants in Europe and were completed by December 2002. The cost and savings are primarily related to the Engineered Fabrics segment.

        Operating income before the restructuring charge decreased 3.7% to $102.1 million. The decrease was primarily due to lower net sales. In the Engineered Fabrics segment, operating income before restructuring was 23.7% of net sales in 2002, compared to 22.7% in 2001. The higher percentage in 2002 is primarily due to the benefits derived from cost reduction initiatives. In the Albany Door Systems segment, operating income as a percentage of net sales was 1.2% in 2002 in comparison to 9.6% in 2001. The decrease is primarily attributable to lower net sales. In the Applied Technologies segment, operating income as a percentage of net sales was 7.9% in 2002 in comparison to 3.5% in 2001. The improvement is due to the shutdown of nonperforming portions of this segment in the fourth quarter of 2001.

        Other expense/(income), net, was expense of $5.0 million in 2002 compared to $2.8 million in 2001. The increase in expense is primarily due to 2001 results including a larger favorable adjustment on a derivative and a gain of $1.3 million related to the sale of buildings.

        Interest expense decreased $10.3 million as compared with 2001. This decrease was due to lower average debt during 2002, as compared to 2001. Interest income increased $1.1 million in comparison to 2001 as the Company maintained higher average balances of cash and cash equivalents.

        The tax rate for 2002 was 31.5%, compared to 37% in 2001. During the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company recognized a benefit of approximately $2.8 million related to the favorable resolution of certain income tax contingencies. The 2002 tax rate prior to this item was 35%. The decline from 37% to 35% was primarily due to the elimination of goodwill amortization in accordance with FAS 142.

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        In 2002, the Company recorded a charge of $5.8 million for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. The charge relates to the adoption of FAS 142. As a result of the transitional impairment test required by FAS 142, the Company determined that the goodwill in the Applied Technologies segment was impaired. There was no tax effect from this charge.

        In 2001, the Company recorded a charge of $1.1 million for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax. The charge relates to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standard No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". The Company has a lease for manufacturing facilities in Italy that has been accounted for as an adjustment to income in accordance with this Standard.

        Earnings per share before the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles in both years was $1.70 in 2002 compared to $1.07 in 2001. The increase is primarily due to the restructuring charge recorded in 2001. Net income per share was $1.52 in 2002 and $1.04 in 2001. Net income per share on a diluted basis was $1.50 in 2002 and $1.03 in 2001.

        2001 vs. 2000    

        Net sales decreased $16.2 million or 1.9% as compared with 2000. Net sales were reduced by $28.9 million from the effect of a stronger U.S. dollar as compared to 2000. Excluding currency effects, net sales increased 1.5% as compared to 2000.

        In the Engineered Fabrics segment, net sales decreased 1.7% as compared to 2000, but increased 1.4% excluding currency translation effects. Net sales in the United States decreased 1.3% in 2001 as compared to 2000. Net sales in Canada decreased 1.4% in U.S. dollars but increased 2.8% in local currency. European net sales decreased 1.9% in U.S. dollars, but increased 3.5% in local currencies.

        In the Albany Door Systems segment, 2001 sales were down 2.4% when measured in U.S. dollars, but were up 3.6% when excluding currency effects. Applied Technologies sales were down 4.4% in U.S. dollars and 2.0% in local currencies.

        Gross profit was 40.6% of net sales in 2001 as compared to 39.5% in 2000. Excluding the effects of currency fluctuation and costs in both years related to the relocation of assets, gross profit was 40.8% in 2001 and 40.7% in 2000.

        Selling, general, technical and research expenses decreased 0.1% in 2001 as compared to 2000. Excluding the effect of the stronger U.S. dollar, these costs increased 2.7%, principally due to lower currency remeasurement gains on receivables and a one-time insurance benefit received in 2000.

        In 2001, the Company recorded a $21.9 million charge for restructuring of operations related to a $25 million cost reduction initiative that was announced in July 2001. The charge included $13.7 million for termination benefits, $4.1 million for plant rationalization costs, $6.5 million for losses on disposal of assets, and a reversal of accruals from previous restructuring initiatives of $2.4 million. Cost of goods sold includes costs of $1.6 million in 2001 and $9.7 million in 2000 for the relocation of equipment.

        Operating income before restructuring rose 2.3% in comparison to 2000. In the Engineered Fabrics segment, operating income before restructuring was 22.7% of net sales in 2001, compared to 21.4% in 2000. The higher percentage in 2001 is primarily due to higher asset relocation costs in 2000. In the Albany Door Systems segment, operating income as a percentage of net sales was 9.6% in 2001 in comparison to 8.0% in 2000. The increase is primarily attributable to operating efficiency improvements. In the Applied Technologies segment, operating income was lower as the global economic slowdown negatively impacted results.

        Other expense/(income), net was $2.8 million of expense in 2001 compared to $0.8 million of income in 2000. Currency transactions generated income of $1.9 million in 2001 and $4.0 million in 2000. During 2001, the Company entered into a program to sell a portion of its North American accounts receivable (see Notes 1, 6 and 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). In 2001, other expense/(income), net, includes costs of $1.8 million associated with this program. Also included in other expense/(income), net, for 2001 is a gain of $1.3 million related to the sale of buildings.

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        Interest expense decreased $12.3 million as compared with 2000. This decrease was due to lower average debt and interest rates during 2001, as compared to 2000.

        The tax rate for 2001 was 37%, compared to 40% in 2000. The lower tax rate resulted from improvements in the tax efficiency of the Company's global operations.

        The Company recorded a charge in 2001 of $1.1 million for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax. The charge relates to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standard No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". The Company has a lease for manufacturing facilities in Italy that has been accounted for as an adjustment to income in accordance with this Standard.

        Diluted net income per share was $1.03 in 2001 compared to $1.24 in 2000. Excluding the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle, restructuring charges, and asset relocation costs in both years, diluted earnings per share were $1.54 in 2001 compared to $1.43 per share in 2000.

International Activities

        The Company conducts more than half of its business in countries outside of the United States. As a result, the Company experiences transaction and translation gains and losses because of currency fluctuations. The Company periodically enters into foreign currency contracts to hedge this exposure (see Notes 6, 10 and 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). The Company believes that the risks associated with its operations and locations outside the United States are not other than those normally associated with operations in such locations.

        Operating income as a percentage of net sales related to the Company's geographic regions in 2002 as compared to 2001 increased in the United States and Canada and decreased in Europe. Operating income, before the restructuring charges, as a percent of net sales for the United States was 15.8% in 2002, 13.8% in 2001, and 14.1% in 2000; for Canada was 26.3% in 2002, 23.3% in 2001, and 21.8% in 2000; for Europe was 5.5% in 2002, 8.3% in 2001, and 8.8% in 2000; and combined for the rest of the countries where the Company has operations, the percentages were 18.1% in 2002, 17.6% in 2001, and 10.7% in 2000.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        At December 31, 2002 the Company's order backlog was $567.5 million, a decrease of approximately 4.6% from the prior year-end. The decrease is partially due to a change in the timing of when the Company records orders. The change was made to assist with the Company's inventory management programs.

        Accounts receivable decreased $7.8 million and inventory decreased $10.0 million from December 31, 2001. Excluding the effect of currency translation and an increase in the amount of accounts receivable sold, the combined decrease in accounts receivable and inventory was $30.8 million.

        During 2001, the Company entered into a program to sell a portion of its North American accounts receivable. In exchange for the accounts receivable sold, the Company receives cash and a note. As of December 31, 2002, accounts receivable sold under this program were $71.1 million and the note receivable was $20.1 million. The note is subject to monthly fluctuation based on the amount of receivables sold and bears interest at variables rates. As of December 31, 2002, the interest rate was 2.41%.

        Cash flow provided by operating activities was $118.8 million in 2002 compared with $214.3 million in 2001 and $130.6 million in 2000. The cash flow in 2001 included approximately $40.9 million from the sale of accounts receivable. This cash flow contributed to the Company's ability to reduce debt by $197.8 million during 2001 and an additional $46.2 million in 2002.

        In 2002, the Company made an annual contribution of $12.0 million to its United States pension plan compared to $7.4 million in 2001. The amount of annual pension plan funding and annual expense is subject to many variables including the investment return on pension plan assets and interest rates.

60


Continued weakness in investment returns and low interest rates may result in the Company making equal or greater pension plan contributions in future years, as compared to 2002. As of December 31, 2002, the Company has classified $12.0 million of its accrued pension liability as a current liability.

        Capital expenditures were $31.7 million in 2002, $25.8 million in 2001, and $36.9 million in 2000. Capital expenditures are expected to be about $55 million in 2003. The increase is due to a new plant in France, where the Company will consolidate production to serve the nonwovens market, and to an expansion in Finland that will enable the Company to consolidate dryer production into two European locations. The Company will continue to finance these expenditures with cash from operations and existing credit facilities.

        In August 1999, the Company entered into a $750 million credit agreement with its banks. This facility included a $250 million term loan that was fully paid during 2001. The remaining $500 million is a revolving loan with the banks' commitment to lend terminating in 2004. This agreement includes commitment fees and variable interest rates based on various loan pricing methods. The interest rate margin is determined by the Company's leverage ratio. The credit agreement contains various covenants that include limits on the disposition of assets, cash dividends, and the Company's ability to purchase its Common Stock. Additionally, the credit agreement specifies minimum interest coverage of 3.0, a maximum leverage ratio of 3.0 and a limitation on guarantees to non-U.S. subsidiaries. The December 31, 2002 leverage ratio as calculated under the Company's principal credit agreement was below 1.5. Borrowings are collateralized by a pledge of shares of, and intercompany loans to, certain subsidiaries of the Company. The Company believes it has adequate cash and cash resources to meet its obligations during the next twelve months.

        As described in Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the banks' commitment to lend under the Company's primary debt agreement terminates in 2004. The Company expects to refinance its debt before the revolving credit agreement expires in 2004. Under this debt agreement, the Company could have borrowed an additional $240 million at December 31, 2002. The Company's ability to borrow additional amounts under the credit agreement is conditional upon the absence of any material adverse change.

        As described in Notes 1 and 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has one subsidiary that is a qualified special purpose entity and is not consolidated into the Company's financial statements. As of December 31, 2002, this unconsolidated subsidiary had assets of $20.9 million, liabilities of $20.1 million, and equity of $0.8 million.

        As of December 31, 2002, the Company had accrued liabilities for restructuring of approximately $9.4 million. The Company anticipates that cash payments of this liability will be approximately $5.5 million in 2003, $2.0 million in 2004, $0.6 million in 2005, $0.5 million in 2006, $0.5 million in 2007 and thereafter $0.3 million.

        The Company has guaranteed a letter of credit to a bank that loaned money to a joint venture partner in South Africa. The bank can draw upon the letter of credit if the joint venture partner defaults on the loan. The letter of credit is denominated in South African rand and was approximately $3.2 million as of December 31, 2002.

        A cash dividend of $.05 per share was declared in November 2001 and February, May and August 2002. In November 2002, a cash dividend of $.055 per share was declared.

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        As of December 31, 2002, the Company had the following cash flow obligations:

Payments Due by Period

(in millions)

  Total
  Less
Than
One
Year

  One
to
Three
Years

  Three
to
Five
Years

  After
Five
Years

Total debt   $ 235.8   $ 14.1   $ 208.0   $ 12.3   $ 1.4
Operating leases     54.6     15.2     22.7     12.1     4.7
   
 
 
 
 
    $ 290.4   $ 29.3   $ 230.7   $ 24.1   $ 6.1
   
 
 
 
 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        In August 2001, FAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations" was issued. FAS No. 143 requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred commencing for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Company does not expect the adoption of FAS No. 143 to have a material effect on its financial statements.

        In April 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FAS No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections as of April 2002". This Standard addresses a number of items related to leases and other matters. The Company is required to adopt this Standard as of January 1, 2003. The Company does not expect the adoption of FAS No. 145 to have a material effect on its financial statements.

        In June 2002, the FASB issued FAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities". This Standard provides guidance on the recognition and measurement of liabilities associated with exit or disposal activities and requires that such liabilities be recognized when incurred. This statement is effective for exit or disposal activities initiated on or after January 1, 2003. Adoption of this standard is expected to affect the timing of recognizing costs associated with future exit and disposal activities.

        In December 2002, the FASB issued FAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation—an amendment of FAS 123". This Standard provides transitional guidance for companies that elect to adopt the provisions of FAS No. 123, and also specifies certain disclosure requirements for companies that continue to use APB 25 to account for stock options. In accordance with FAS No. 148, the disclosure requirements have been adopted and are included in this annual report.

        In December 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45 (FIN 45), "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees". This interpretation requires that certain guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002 be valued and recorded as liabilities while disclosure requirements are effective immediately and have been adopted. The Company does not expect the adoption of FIN 45 to have a material effect on its financial statements.

Market Risk Sensitivity

        The Company has market risk with respect to foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in these rates as discussed below.

        The Company has manufacturing plants in 15 countries and sales worldwide and therefore is subject to foreign currency risk. This risk is composed of both potential losses from the translation of foreign currency financial statements and the remeasurement of foreign currency transactions. To manage this risk, the Company periodically enters into forward exchange contracts to either hedge the net assets of a foreign investment or to provide an economic hedge against future cash flows. The total net assets of non-U.S. operations and long-term intercompany loans denominated in non-functional currencies subject to potential loss amount to approximately $589 million. The potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates

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amounts to $58.9 million. Furthermore, related to foreign currency transactions, the same 10% change would cause an additional loss of $1.1 million. Actual results may differ.

        Including the effect of the interest rate swap agreements, the Company had fixed the interest rate on approximately 85% of its total debt. Included in liabilities is $21.6 million which represents the estimated decline in market value since entering into the swap agreements.

Outlook

        The Company expects further consolidation and restructuring in paper manufacturing in 2003, aimed at balancing supply and demand. In response, the Company will balance manufacturing capacity to customer demand. Because Company facilities are strategically located, the Company will be able to support customer needs whenever and wherever they develop.

        It is important that the Company listen to the needs of customers and that customers understand the value delivered through Company products and services. In 2002, the Company created the Albany Value Concept, a campaign to focus internally and externally on value delivered. The Company will continue to develop new products and technology to drive value delivered, which will assist customers in enhancing their products, expanding their markets, and improving their profitability. The Company understands that the success of its customers is essential to its future.

        Ongoing process improvement activities in Albany Door Systems, combined with new product development and cost reductions should positively affect this segment's operations in 2003. Reorganization within the Applied Technologies segment along with new products should lead to improved operating results in 2003.

        Having successfully completed the previously announced cost reduction initiatives, which reduced costs by $75 million since 1999, the Company has announced its intention to reduce costs an additional $30 million by June 2004. This global initiative will focus on the continued rationalization of assets, the reorganization of our research and development activities, and reductions in selling, general, technical and research costs. During February 2003, the Company resolved certain income tax matters that will result in a reduction of approximately $5 million in the first-quarter 2003 income tax provision. The Company expects the favorable resolution of these tax matters to cause the estimated 2003 tax rate to be less than the 30% rate provided as guidance in its fourth-quarter 2002 earnings release.

Forward-Looking Statements

        This annual report contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include statements about such matters as future earnings, pricing, markets, cost reductions, allowances for doubtful accounts, borrowing capacity, exchange rates, new products, paper industry consolidation and outlook, tax rate, capital expenditures, depreciation and amortization, litigation, contingencies, adoption of new accounting standards and operating efficiency. Actual future events and circumstances (including future performance, results and trends) could differ materially from those set forth in such statements due to various factors. These factors include more competitive marketing conditions resulting from customer consolidations, possible softening of customer demand, the occurrence of unanticipated events or difficulties relating to divestiture, joint venture, operating, capital, global integration and other projects, changes in currency exchange rates, changes in general economic and competitive conditions, technological developments, and other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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ELEVEN YEAR SUMMARY
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999

Summary of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net sales   $ 816,047   $ 836,696   $ 852,934   $ 778,366
Cost of goods sold     475,765     497,301     515,649     458,930
Operating income (1)     102,088     84,112     103,634     76,987
Interest expense, net     17,536     28,916     41,822     25,552
Income before income taxes     79,549     52,363     62,567     51,916
Income taxes     25,041     19,374     25,027     22,325
Income before associated companies     54,508     32,989     37,540     29,591
Income/(loss) before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles     54,778     33,331     38,085     30,222
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles, net of tax (2)     (5,837 )   (1,129 )      
Net income/(loss) (3)     48,941     32,202     38,085     30,222
  Net income/(loss) per share—basic     1.52     1.04     1.24     1.00
  Net income/(loss) per share—diluted     1.50     1.03     1.24     0.99
Average number of shares outstanding     32,126     31,089     30,632     30,340
Capital expenditures     31,678     25,831     36,866     34,953
Cash dividends declared     6,605     1,568        
  Per Class A common share     0.205     0.05        
  Per Class B common share     0.205     0.05        

Financial position

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Current assets   $ 388,888   $ 365,946   $ 494,287   $ 508,073
Current liabilities     186,494     186,072     222,034     176,964
Current ratio     2.1     2.0     2.2     2.9
Property, plant and equipment, net     346,073     339,102     387,658     435,172
Total assets     1,011,521     931,929     1,112,252     1,206,842
Long-term debt     221,703     248,146     398,087     521,257
Shareholders' equity     400,598     316,644     324,917     325,407
Shareholders' equity per share     12.37     10.09     10.55     10.68
Total capital (4)     636,439     598,413     804,856     889,677
Total debt to total capital     37.1%     47.1%     59.6%     63.4%
Return on shareholders' equity     12.2%     10.2%     11.7%     9.3%

Number of Employees

 

 

6,208

 

 

6,769

 

 

6,929

 

 

7,164

(1)
In 1992, the Company reported a charge of $12,045,000 for restructuring of certain operations, including plant closings in Norway and Germany and other workforce reductions.

In 1998, the Company reported a charge of $20,191,000 for restructuring certain operations in the United States and Europe.

In 1999, the Company reported a charge of $16,872,000 for restructuring certain operations in the United States and Germany. The restructuring charge included $12,956,000 for termination benefits, $1,540,000 for plant rationalization costs, and $2,376,000 for losses on disposals of fixed assets.

In 2001, the Company recorded a charge of $21,892,000 for restructuring operations in the Engineered Fabrics segment. The charge included $13.7 million for termination benefits, $4.1 million for plant rationalization costs, $6.5 million for losses on disposal of fixed assets, and a reversal of previous restructuring accruals of $2.4 million.

(2)
In 2001, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", which resulted in a net of tax charge of $1,129,000 for the cumulative effect change in accounting principle.

In 2002, the Company adopted FAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", which resulted in a charge of $5,837,000 for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. There was no tax effect on this charge.

64



ELEVEN YEAR SUMMARY

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.

 
  1998
  1997
  1996
  1995
  1994
  1993
  1992
 
    $ 722,653   $ 710,079   $ 692,760   $ 652,645   $ 567,583   $ 546,120   $ 561,084  
      417,375     404,982     399,311     379,696     338,991     345,468     366,756  
      70,608     99,619     96,785     88,827     62,821     40,051     18,893  
      19,310     15,467     15,833     20,009     16,820     16,115     18,829  
      51,704     79,631     80,940     69,842     41,677     24,566     3,282  
      20,163     31,055     31,570     27,208     17,921     9,679     1,247  
      31,541     48,576     49,370     42,634     23,756     14,887     2,035  
      31,772     49,059     48,306     43,011     23,882     15,003     (3,114 )
                                             
                               
      31,772     49,059     48,306     43,011     23,882     15,003     (3,114 )
      1.02     1.52     1.51     1.36     0.76     0.54     (0.12 )
      1.01     1.50     1.50     1.29     0.76     0.53     (0.12 )
      31,073     32,312     31,907     31,737     31,476     28,035     26,858  
      38,825     50,804     53,473     41,921     36,322     30,940     20,219  
      3,140     12,921     12,159     11,708     10,488     9,361     8,950  
      0.105     0.42     0.40     0.3875     0.35     0.35     0.35  
      0.105     0.42     0.40     0.3875     0.35     0.35     0.35  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    $ 409,713   $ 373,323   $ 384,627   $ 364,207   $ 319,947   $ 270,034   $ 256,422  
      220,038     170,440     176,746     126,945     115,863     101,069     112,955  
      1.9     2.2     2.2     2.9     2.8     2.7     2.3  
      325,109     321,611     339,461     342,150     320,719     302,829     308,618  
      866,366     796,897     831,917     802,232     727,157     661,314     652,745  
      181,137     173,654     187,100     245,265     232,767     208,620     239,732  
      314,850     343,108     332,330     304,942     274,632     247,223     193,975  
      10.42     10.63     10.38     9.57     8.70     7.87     7.20  
      613,993     594,560     586,890     567,460     525,119     467,320     456,773  
      48.7%     42.3%     43.4%     46.3%     47.7%     47.1%     57.5%  
      10.1%     14.3%     14.5%     14.1%     8.7%     6.1%     -1.6%  

 

 

 

6,011

 

 

5,881

 

 

5,854

 

 

5,658

 

 

5,404

 

 

5,286

 

 

5,678

 
(3)
In 1992, the Company elected to adopt FAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions", effective January 1, 1992, and recognize the accumulated liability. This adoption resulted in a charge of $27,431,000, net of tax of $16,813,000, and a reduction of 1992 operating income of $2,798,000.

The Company's election to adopt FAS No. 109 as of January 1, 1992, resulted in an increase to 1992 income of $20,142,000.

During the fourth quarter of 1992, the Company elected an early payment of a $3,000,000 tax-exempt financing for $1,357,000, which resulted in an extraordinary gain of $1,019,000, net of tax.

In 1996, the Company recorded a one-time, extraordinary, non-cash charge to income of $1,296,000, net of tax of $828,000, related to the redemption of 5.25% convertible subordinated debentures.

(4)
Includes shareholders' equity and debt.

65



QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

(unaudited)

(in millions, except per share amounts)

  1st
  2nd
  3rd
  4th
2002                        
  Net sales   $ 191.8   $ 203.9   $ 205.1   $ 215.2
  Gross profit     80.5     86.4     84.7     88.7
  Net income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle     8.9     13.9     14.2     17.8
  Net income     3.0     13.9     14.2     17.8
  Income per share before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle—basic     0.28     0.43     0.44     0.55
  Net income per share—basic     0.10     0.43     0.44     0.55
  Net income per share before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle—diluted     0.27     0.43     0.43     0.55
  Net income per share—diluted     0.09     0.43     0.43     0.54
  Cash dividends per share     0.050     0.050     0.050     0.055
  Class A Common Stock prices:                        
    High     30.10     29.88     26.11     21.60
    Low     20.77     24.18     18.93     16.96
   
 
 
 
2001                        
  Net sales   $ 208.5   $ 207.1   $ 202.7   $ 218.4
  Gross profit     87.1     85.9     76.9     89.5
  Net income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle     12.3     10.9     9.4     0.7
  Net income     11.2     10.9     9.4     0.7
  Income per share before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle—basic     .40     .35     .30     .02
  Net income per share—basic     .37     .35     .30     .02
  Income per share before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle—diluted     .39     .35     .30     .02
  Net income per share—diluted     .36     .35     .30     .02
  Cash dividends per share                 .05
  Class A Common Stock prices:                        
    High     19.44     22.88     21.10     21.85
    Low     12.94     17.58     14.55     14.79
   
 
 
 
2000                        
  Net sales   $ 215.7   $ 213.0   $ 201.1   $ 223.1
  Gross profit     87.3     85.3     79.4     85.3
  Net income     10.0     9.4     9.4     9.3
  Net income per share—basic     .33     .31     .30     .30
  Net income per share—diluted     .33     .31     .30     .30
  Cash dividends per share                
  Class A Common Stock prices:                        
    High     15.50     15.38     15.13     14.31
    Low     12.75     12.94     11.94     9.62
   
 
 
 

66


Stock and Shareholders

        The Company's Class A Common Stock is traded principally on the New York Stock Exchange. At December 31, 2002 there were approximately 5,700 shareholders.

67




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2002 ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL SECTION
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FINANCIAL REVIEW
ELEVEN YEAR SUMMARY ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
ELEVEN YEAR SUMMARY ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (unaudited)

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Exhibit 21


SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT

Affiliate

  Percent Ownership
  Percent Ownership
  Country of Incorporation
 
  Direct

  Indirect

   
Albany International Corp.           United States
Albany International Holdings Two, Inc.   100 %     United States
Albany International Research Co.   100 %     United States
Albany International Techniweave, Inc.   100 %     United States
Geschmay Corp.   100 %     United States
Geschmay Export Corp.       100 % Virgin Islands
Albany International Pty., Ltd.       100 % Australia
Albany Door Systems GmbH       100 % Austria
SA Alfadoor NV       100 % Belgium
Albany International Tecidos Tecnicos Ltda.       100 % Brazil
Albany International Feltros e Telas Industriais Ltda.       100 % Brazil
Albany International Canada Corp.       100 % Canada
Albany International Receivables Corporation       100 % Cayman Islands
Albany International (China) Co., Ltd.   100 %     China
Albany Door Systems A/S       67 % Denmark
Albany International Oy       100 % Finland
Metco Form Oy       100 % Finland
Albany Door Systems S.A.R.L.       100 % France
Albany International France, S.A.S.       100 % France
Albany International S.A.S.       100 % France
Cofpa S.A.       100 % France
Albany Door Systems GmbH       100 % Germany
Albany International Germany Holding GmbH       100 % Germany
Albany International Germany Three GmbH       100 % Germany
Albany International GmbH       100 % Germany
Albany International GmbH & Co. KG       100 % Germany
Nomafa GmbH       100 % Germany
Wurttembergische Filztuchfabrik D. Geschmay GmbH & Co. KG       100 % Germany
Albany International Financial Services Company       100 % Ireland
Albany International Italia S.a.r.l.       100 % Italy
Albany International S.p.A.       100 % Italy
Albany Nordiskafilt Kabushiki Kaisha       100 % Japan
Albany International Korea, Inc.       100 % Korea
Albany International Holding S.A. de C.V.   100 %     Mexico
Albany International de Mexico S.A. de C.V.       100 % Mexico
Albany International Service Company S.A. de C.V.       100 % Mexico
Martel Wire S.A. de C.V.       100 % Mexico
Albany Door Systems B.V.       100 % Netherlands
Albany International B.V.       100 % Netherlands
Albany International AS       100 % Norway
Schieffer Polska Sp. zo.o.   100 %     Poland
Nevo-Cloth Ltd.       50 % Russia
Geschmay Asia Private Limited       100 % Singapore
Beier Albany and Company (Proprietary Limited)   50 %     South Africa
Nordiskafilt S.A. (Proprietary) Ltd.       100 % South Africa
Albany International Holding AB       100 % Sweden
Albany Door Systems AB       100 % Sweden
Albany International AB       100 % Sweden
Portsam AB       100 % Sweden
Albany International Holding (Switzerland) AG       100 % Switzerland
AI (Switzerland) GmbH       100 % Switzerland
Albany Door Systems AG       100 % Switzerland
Albany International Ltd.       100 % United Kingdom
Loading Bay Specialists Limited       50 % United Kingdom



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SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT

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Exhibit 23


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

        We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (File Nos. 33-28028, 33-60767, 333-76078, and 333-90069) of Albany International Corp. of our report dated January 28, 2003 relating to the financial statements, which appears in the Annual Report to Shareholders, which is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated January 28, 2003 relating to the financial statement schedule, which appears in this Form 10-K.


/s/  
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP      
Albany, New York
March 20, 2003

 

 

 



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CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

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Exhibit 24


POWERS OF ATTORNEY

        KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned directors and officers of Albany International Corp., a Delaware corporation ("the Company"), which contemplates that from time to time it will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("the SEC") under, or in connection with, the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, reports (including, without limitation, reports on Forms 8-K, 10-Q, and 10-K), statements and other documents (such reports, statements, and other documents, together with amendments, supplements, and exhibits thereto, are collectively hereinafter referred to as "1934 Act Reports"), hereby constitutes and appoints Frank R. Schmeler, Michael C. Nahl, Richard A. Carlstrom, Thomas H. Hagoort, David C. Michaels, and Charles J. Silva Jr., and each of them with full power to act without the others, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full and several power of substitution, for him and her and in his or her name, place, and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all 1934 Act Reports and any or all other documents relating thereto, with power where appropriate to affix the corporate seal of the Company thereto and to attest said seal, and to file any or all 1934 Act Reports, together with any and all other information and documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, hereby granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts and things requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        The appointment of any attorney-in-fact and agent hereunder shall automatically terminate at such time as such attorney-in-fact and agent ceases to be an officer of the Company. Any of the undersigned may terminate the appointment of any of his or her attorneys-in-fact and agents hereunder by delivering written notice thereof to the Company.


        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this Power of Attorney this 9th day of February, 2003.

/s/  FRANK R. SCHMELER      
Frank R. Schmeler
Chairman of the Board and Director (Chief Executive Officer)
  /s/  MICHAEL C. NAHL      
Michael C. Nahl
Senior Vice President
(Chief Financial Officer)

/s/  
RICHARD A. CARLSTROM      
Richard A. Carlstrom
Vice President—Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

/s/  
FRANCIS L. MCKONE      
Francis L. McKone
Director

/s/  
CHARLES B. BUCHANAN      
Charles B. Buchanan
Director

 

/s/  
THOMAS R. BEECHER JR.      
Thomas R. Beecher Jr.
Director

/s/  
ALLAN STENSHAMN      
Allan Stenshamn
Director

 

/s/  
BARBARA P. WRIGHT      
Barbara P. Wright
Director

/s/  
JOSEPH G. MORONE      
Joseph G. Morone, Ph.D.
Director

 

/s/  
CHRISTINE L. STANDISH      
Christine L. Standish
Director

/s/  
ERLAND E. KAILBOURNE      
Erland E. Kailbourne
Director

 

/s/  
JAMES L. FERRIS      
James L. Ferris
Director

/s/  
JOHN C. STANDISH      
John C. Standish
Director

 

 

2




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POWERS OF ATTORNEY

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Exhibit 99.1


Certification
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)

        Pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), Frank R. Schmeler, the Chief Executive Officer of Albany International Corp., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), does hereby certify, to such officer's knowledge, that:

        The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 (the "Form 10-K") of the Company fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company, for the period covered by the report.


Dated: March 21, 2003

/s/  
FRANK R. SCHMELER      
Frank R. Schmeler
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer



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Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)

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Exhibit 99.2


Certification
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)

        Pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), Frank R. Schmeler, the Chief Executive Officer of Albany International Corp., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), does hereby certify, to such officer's knowledge, that:

        The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 (the "Form 10-K") of the Company fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company, for the period covered by the report.


Dated: March 21, 2003

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



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Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)