10-K 1 e77711_10k.htm ANNUAL REPORT

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K

(x) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2017
OR

( ) 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: 1-10026
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware |  | 14-0462060
(State or other jurisdiction of |  | (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization) |  | Identification No.)
216 Airport Drive, Rochester, New Hampshire |  | 03867
(Address of principal executive offices) |  | (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 603-330-5850

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: |  | None
|  | (Title of Class)

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Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes X No _

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes _ No X

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 X No _

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes X No _

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.[ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a small reporting company.

Large accelerated filer X | Accelerated filer _
Non-accelerated filer_ | Smaller reporting company _
| Emerging growth company _

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes _ No X

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 30, 2017, 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 $1.5 billion.

The registrant had 29 million shares of Class A Common Stock and 3.2 million shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding as of January 31, 2018.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE |  | PART
Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 11, 2018 |  | III

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
Item 1. | Business |  | 5
Item 1A. | Risk Factors |  | 10
Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments |  | 21
Item 2. | Properties |  | 21
Item 3. | Legal Proceedings |  | 21
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures |  | 21
PART II
Item 5. | Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities |  | 22
Item 6. | Selected Financial Data |  | 24
Item 7. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |  | 25
Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk |  | 49
Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data |  | 50
Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |  | 104
Item 9A. | Controls and Procedures |  | 104
Item 9B. | Other Information |  | 105
PART III
Item 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance |  | 106
Item 11. | Executive Compensation |  | 106
Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |  | 107
Item 13. | Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence |  | 108
Item 14. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services |  | 108
PART IV
Item 15. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules |  | 109

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Forward-Looking Statements

This annual report and the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this annual report contain statements concerning future results and performance and other matters that are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “may,” “will,” “should,” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended, but are not the exclusive means, to identify forward-looking statements. Because forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

There are a number of risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to:

| ● | Conditions in the industries in which our Machine Clothing and Albany Engineered Composites segments compete, along with general risks associated with macroeconomic conditions;

| ● | In the Machine Clothing segment, greater than anticipated declines in the demand for publication grades of paper or, lower than anticipated growth in other paper grades;

| ● | In the Albany Engineered Composites segment, unanticipated reductions in demand, delays, technical difficulties or cancellations in aerospace programs that are expected to drive growth;

| ● | Failure to achieve or maintain anticipated profitable growth in our Albany Engineered Composites segment; and

| ● | Other risks and uncertainties detailed in this report.

Further information concerning important factors that could cause actual events or results to be materially different from the forward-looking statements can be found in Item 1A - “Risk Factors”, as well as in the “Business Environment Overview and Trends” in Item 7 of this annual report. Statements expressing our assessments of the growth potential of the Albany Engineered Composites segment are not intended as forecasts of actual future growth. While we believe such assessments to have a reasonable basis, such assessments are, by their nature, inherently uncertain. This report sets forth a number of assumptions regarding these assessments, including projected timing and volume of demand for aircraft and for LEAP aircraft engines. Such assumptions could prove incorrect. Although we believe the expectations reflected in our other forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it is not possible to foresee or identify all factors that could have a material and negative impact on our future performance. The forward-looking statements included or incorporated by reference in this annual report are made on the basis of our assumptions and analyses, as of the time the statements are made, in light of our experience and perception of historical conditions, expected future developments, and other factors believed to be appropriate under the circumstances.

Except as otherwise required by the federal securities laws, we disclaim any obligation or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference in this annual report to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

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PART I

| Item 1. | Business

Albany International Corp. (the Registrant, the Company, we, us, or our) and its subsidiaries are engaged in two business segments.

The Machine Clothing (MC) segment supplies permeable and impermeable belts used in the manufacture of paper, paperboard, tissue and towel, pulp, nonwovens, fiber cement and several other industrial applications.

We design, manufacture, and market paper machine clothing for each section of the paper machine and for every grade of paper. We manufacture and sell approximately twice as much paper machine clothing worldwide than any other company. Paper machine clothing products are customized, consumable products of technologically sophisticated design that utilize polymeric materials in a complex structure. 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. Principal paper machine clothing products include forming, pressing, and dryer fabrics, and process belts. A forming fabric assists in paper sheet formation and conveys the very wet sheet (more than 75 percent water) through the forming section. Press fabrics are designed to carry the sheet through the press section, where water is pressed from the sheet as it passes through the press nip. In the dryer section, dryer fabrics manage air movement and hold the sheet against heated cylinders to enhance drying. Process belts are used in the press section to increase dryness and enhance sheet properties, as well as in other sections of the machine to improve runnability and enhance sheet qualities.

The Machine Clothing segment also supplies customized, consumable fabrics used in the manufacturing process in the pulp, corrugator, nonwovens, fiber cement, building products, and tannery and textile industries.

We sell our Machine Clothing products directly to customer end-users in countries across the globe. Our products, manufacturing processes, and distribution channels for Machine Clothing are substantially the same in each region of the world in which we operate. The sales of paper machine clothing forming, pressing, and dryer fabrics, individually and in the aggregate, accounted for more than 10 percent of our consolidated net sales during one or more of the last three years. No individual customer accounted for as much as 10 percent of Machine Clothing net sales in any of the periods presented.

The Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) segment, including Albany Safran Composites, LLC (ASC), in which our customer SAFRAN Group owns a 10 percent noncontrolling interest, provides highly engineered, advanced composite structures to customers in the aerospace and defense industries. AEC’s largest aerospace customer is the SAFRAN Group and sales to SAFRAN (consist primarily of fan blades and cases for CFM’s LEAP engine) accounted for approximately 14 percent of the Company’s consolidated net sales in 2017. AEC, through ASC, is the exclusive supplier to this program of advanced composite fan blades and cases under a long-term supply contract. Other significant AEC programs include components for the Lockheed F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), fuselage frame components for the Boeing 787, Sikorsky CH-53K, and Lockheed JASSM programs; vacuum waste tanks for Boeing 7-Series aircraft; components for the Rolls Royce lift fan of JSF; and the fan case for the GE9X engine. In 2017, approximately 30 percent of the AEC segment’s sales were related to U.S. government contracts or programs.

See “Business Environment Overview and Trends” under Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, for a discussion of general segment developments in recent years.

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Following is a table of net sales by segment for 2017, 2016, and 2015.

(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Machine Clothing |  |  | $590,357 |  |  |  | $582,190 |  |  |  | $608,581 |
Albany Engineered Composites |  |  | 273,360 |  |  |  | 197,649 |  |  |  | 101,287 |
Consolidated total |  |  | $863,717 |  |  |  | $779,839 |  |  |  | $709,868 |

The table setting forth certain sales, operating income, and balance sheet data that appears in Note 3, “Reportable Segments and Geographic Data,” of the Consolidated Financial Statements, included under Item 8 of this Form 10-K, is incorporated herein.

International Operations

Our Machine Clothing business segment maintains manufacturing facilities in Brazil, Canada, China, France, Italy, Mexico, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Our AEC business segment maintains manufacturing facilities in the United States, France, and Mexico.

Our global presence subjects us to certain risks, including controls on foreign exchange and the repatriation of funds. We have a cash repatriation strategy that targets a certain amount of foreign current year earnings that are not indefinitely reinvested. To date, while we have been able to make such repatriations without substantial governmental restrictions, and while the 2017 U.S. tax reform should reduce the costs of such repatriation, changes in the trade or regulatory compliance in any country that we have significant cash balances could make it more difficult to repatriate foreign earnings cost-effectively in the future. We believe that the risks associated with our operations outside the United States are no greater than those normally associated with doing business in those locations.

Working Capital, Customers, Seasonality, and Backlog

Payment terms granted to paper industry and other machine clothing customers reflect general competitive practices. Terms vary with product, competitive conditions, and the country of operation. In some markets, customer agreements require us to maintain significant amounts of finished goods inventories to assure continuous availability of our products.

In addition to supplying paper, paperboard, and tissue companies, the Machine Clothing segment is a leading supplier to the nonwovens (which includes the manufacture of products such as diapers, personal care and household wipes), building products, and tannery and textile industries. These non-paper industries have a wide range of customers, with markets that vary from industrial applications to consumer use.

The Albany Engineered Composites segment primarily serves customers in commercial and military aircraft engine and airframe markets. Sales and working capital rose sharply in the last few years in this segment. Additionally, we anticipate intensive growth in the future, which could lead to further increases in working capital levels.

In the Machine Clothing segment, the Chinese New Year, summer months, and the end of the year are often periods of lower production for some of our customers, which, in the past has contributed to seasonal variation in sales and orders. In recent years, shorter order cycles and lower inventory levels throughout the supply chain have become a more significant factor in quarterly sales. The impact of these combined factors on any quarter can be difficult to predict, and can make quarterly comparisons less meaningful than in prior years. While seasonality is generally not a significant factor in the Albany Engineered Composites segment, the commercial terms of the supply agreement governing the LEAP program has resulted in fourth quarter sales volatility in recent years.

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Backlog in the MC segment was $201.1 million at December 31, 2017, compared to $163.8 million at December 31, 2016. The increase reflects a weakening of the U.S. dollar in 2017 and strong orders during the fourth quarter of 2017. Backlog in the AEC segment increased to $157.7 million at December 31, 2017, compared to $128.4 million at December 31, 2016, reflecting the ramp-up in several key programs. The backlog in each segment is generally expected to be invoiced during the next 12 months.

Research and Development and Technology

We invest in research, new product development, and technical analysis with the objective of maintaining our technological leadership in each business segment. While much of our research activity supports existing products, we also engage in significant research and development activities for new technology platforms, products and product enhancements.

Machine Clothing is custom-designed for each user, depending on the type, size, and speed of the machine, and the products being produced. Product design is also a function of the machine section, the grade of product being produced, and the quality of the stock used. Technical expertise, judgment, and experience are critical in designing the appropriate clothing for machine, position, and application. As a result, many employees in sales and technical functions have engineering degrees, paper mill experience, or other manufacturing experience in the markets in which they operate. Our market leadership position reflects our commitment to technological innovation. This innovation has resulted in a continuing stream of new Machine Clothing products and enhancements across all of our product lines.

Albany Engineered Composites designs, develops and manufactures advanced composite parts for complex aerospace and other high-performance applications, using a range of core technologies, including its proprietary 3D-woven reinforced composites technology, traditional 2D laminated composite structures, automated material placement, filament winding, through-thickness reinforcement and braiding.

In addition to continuous significant investment in core research and development activities in pursuit of new proprietary products and manufacturing processes, experienced research and development employees in each business segment also work collaboratively with customers, OEMs and suppliers on targeted development efforts to introduce new products and applications in their respective markets.

Company-funded research expenses totaled $30.7 million in 2017, $28.8 million in 2016, and $31.7 million in 2015. In 2017, these costs were 3.6 percent of total Company net sales, including $12.2 million, or 4.5 percent of net sales, in our AEC segment. Research and development in the AEC segment includes both Company-sponsored and customer-funded activities. Some customer funded research and development may be on a cost sharing basis, in which case, amounts charged to the customer are credited against research and development costs. For customer-funded research and development in which we anticipate funding to exceed expenses, we include amounts charged to the customer in Net sales. Cost of sales associated with customer-funded research was $4.7 million in 2017, $2.0 million in 2016, and $3.4 million in 2015.

We have developed, and continue to develop, proprietary intellectual property germane to the industries we serve. Our intellectual property takes many forms, including patents, trademarks, trade names and domains, and trade secrets. Our trade secrets include, among other things, manufacturing know-how and unique processes and equipment. Because intellectual property in the form of patents is published, we often forgo patent protection and preserve the intellectual property as trade secrets. We aggressively protect our proprietary intellectual property, pursuing patent protection when appropriate. Our active portfolio currently contains well over 2,300 patents, and more than 250 new patents are typically granted each year. While we consider our total portfolio of intellectual property, including our patents, to be an important competitive advantage, we do not believe that any single patent is critical to the continuation of our business. All brand names and product names are trade names of Albany International Corp. or its subsidiaries. We have from time to time licensed some of our patents and/or know-how to one or more competitors, and have been licensed under some competitors’ patents, in each case

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mainly to enhance customer acceptance of new products. The revenue from such licenses is less than 1 percent of consolidated net sales.

Raw Materials

Primary raw materials for our Machine Clothing products are polymer monofilaments and fibers, which have generally been available from a number of suppliers. In addition, we manufacture polymer monofilaments, a basic raw material for all types of Machine Clothing, at our facility in Homer, New York, which supplies approximately 32 percent of our worldwide monofilament requirements. In the AEC segment, the primary raw materials are carbon fiber and resin. While there are a number of potential suppliers of carbon fiber and other raw materials used by AEC, the use of certain suppliers may be mandated by customer agreements, and alternative suppliers would be subject to material qualification or other requirements that may preclude or delay their availability. In the case of mandated suppliers, AEC endeavors to enter into long-term supply agreements to help mitigate price and availability risks. Currently, the primary raw materials used in each segment are derived from petroleum, and are therefore sensitive to changes in the price of petroleum and petroleum intermediates.

Competition

In the paper machine clothing market, we believe that we had a worldwide market share of approximately 30 percent in 2017, while the two largest competitors each had a market share of approximately half of ours.

While some competitors in the Machine Clothing segment tend to compete more on the basis of price, and others attempt to compete more on the basis of technology, both are significant competitive factors in this industry. Albany’s Machine Clothing product portfolio is broad and deep, with products for every part of the machine and for every machine type and paper grade. The Company’s research and development team works closely with the sales and technical organization to develop new products to meet changes in customer needs, and also pursues targeted joint development activities with customers and equipment manufacturers to create new products. Albany’s experienced sales and technical team members – many of whom have worked in the industries that we serve - work closely with each customer to acquire deep understanding of the customer’s combination of raw materials, manufacturing equipment, manufacturing processes, and paper, pulp, nonwovens or other product being produced – a combination that is unique to each customer, plant and machine. This experience and knowledge, combined with knowledge of and experience with the Company’s own extensive product portfolio, allows the sales and technical teams to ensure that the appropriate machine clothing products are being supplied for each part of the machine, to customize those products as needed for best performance, and to continuously propose new Machine Clothing products that offer each customer the possibility of even better performance and increased savings. These efforts – which effectively integrate the Company’s experience and technological expertise into each product we sell – are reflected in the Company’s strong competitive position in the marketplace. Some of the Company’s paper machine clothing competitors also supply paper machines, papermaking equipment, and aftermarket parts and services, and endeavor to compete by bundling clothing with original equipment and aftermarket services.

The primary competitive factors in the markets in which our Albany Engineered Composites segment competes is product performance and price. Achieving lower weight without sacrificing strength is the key to improving fuel efficiency, and is a critical performance requirement in the aerospace industry. Our broad array of capabilities in composites enable us to offer customers the opportunity to displace metal components and, in some cases, conventional composites with lower-weight, high-strength, and potentially high-temperature composites. The dominant competitive factor is how the customer weighs these performance benefits, which include fuel savings due to lower weight, against the possible cost advantage of more traditional metal and composite components.

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Employees

We employ approximately 4,400 persons, of whom 68 percent are engaged in manufacturing our products. Wages and benefits are competitive with those of other manufacturers in the geographic areas in which our facilities are located. In general, we consider our relations with employees to be excellent.

A number of hourly employees outside of the United States are members of various unions.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the executive officers of the Company as of February 28, 2018:

Joseph G. Morone, 64, President and Chief Executive Officer, joined the Company in 2005. He has served the Company as President and Chief Executive Officer since January 1, 2006, and President since August 1, 2005. Effective January 1, 2018, he assumed the role of President, Albany Engineered Composites. He has been a director of the Company since 1996. From 1997 to July 2005, he served as President of Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts. Prior to joining Bentley, he served as the Dean of the Lally School of Management and Technology at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he also held the Andersen Consulting Professorship of Management. During 2017, Mr. Morone announced his intent to retire from the Company in 2018. On February 5, 2018, the Company announced that Mr. Morone would retire effective March 2, 2018, and Olivier Jarrault will join the Company on that day as President and Chief Executive Officer.

John B. Cozzolino, 51, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, joined the Company in 1994. He has served the Company as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since February 2011. From September 2010 to February 2011, he served as Vice President – Corporate Treasurer and Strategic Planning/Acting Chief Financial Officer, from February 2009 to September 2010, he served as Vice President – Corporate Treasurer and Strategic Planning, and from 2007 to February 2009 he served as Vice President – Strategic Planning. From 2000 until 2007 he served as Director – Strategic Planning, and from 1994 to 2000 he served as Manager – Corporate Accounting.

Daniel A. Halftermeyer, 56, President – Machine Clothing, joined the Company in 1987. He has served the Company as President – Machine Clothing since February 2012. He previously served the Company as President – Paper Machine Clothing and Engineered Fabrics from August 2011 to February 2012, as President – Paper Machine Clothing from January 2010 until August 2011, Group Vice President – Paper Machine Clothing Europe from 2005 to August 2008, Vice President and General Manager – North American Dryer Fabrics from 1997 to March 2005, and Technical Director – Dryer Fabrics from 1993 to 1997. He held various technical and management positions in St. Stephen, South Carolina, and Sélestat, France, from 1987 to 1993.

Robert A. Hansen, 60, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, joined the Company in 1981. He has served the Company as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer since January 2010. He previously served as Vice President – Corporate Research and Development from April 2006 to January 2010, and Director of Technical and Marketing – Europe Press Fabrics from 2004 to April 2006. From 2000 to 2004, he served as Technical Director – Press Fabrics, Göppingen, Germany. Before 2000, he served the Company in a number of technical management and research and development positions in Europe and the U.S.

David M. Pawlick, 56, Vice President – Controller, joined the Company in 2000. He has served the Company as Vice President – Controller since 2008, and as Director of Corporate Accounting from 2000 to 2008. From 1994 to 2000 he served as Director of Finance and Controller for Ahlstrom Machinery, Inc. in Glens Falls, New York. Prior to 1994, he was employed as an Audit Manager for Coopers & Lybrand.

Charles J. Silva Jr., 58, Vice President – General Counsel and Secretary, joined the Company in 1994. He has served the Company as Vice President – General Counsel and Secretary since 2002. He served as

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Assistant General Counsel from 1994 until 2002. Prior to 1994, he was an associate with Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen and Hamilton, an international law firm with headquarters in New York City.

Dawne H. Wimbrow, 60, Vice President – Global Information Services and Chief Information Officer, joined the Company in 1993. She has served the Company as Vice President – Global Information Services and Chief Information Officer since 2005. She previously served the Company in various management positions in the Global Information Systems organization. From 1980 to 1993, she worked as a consultant supporting the design, development, and implementation of computer systems for various textile, real estate, insurance, and law firms.

Joseph M. Gaug, 54, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, joined the Company in 2004. He has served the Company as Associate General Counsel since 2004 and as Assistant Secretary since 2006. Prior to 2004, he was a principal with McNamee, Lochner, Titus & Williams, P.C., a law firm located in Albany, New York.

We are incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware and are the successor to a New York corporation originally incorporated in 1895, which was merged into the Company in August 1987 solely for the purpose of changing the domicile of the corporation. References to the Company that relate to any time prior to the August 1987 merger should be understood to refer to the predecessor New York corporation.

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Business Ethics Policy, and Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Controller, and the charters of the Audit, Compensation, and Governance Committees of the Board of Directors are available at the Corporate Governance section of our website (www.albint.com).

Our 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 our website (www.albint.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after such filing. The public may read and copy any materials filed by the Company with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reading Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reading Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC0330. The SEC maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy, information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

The Company’s business, operations, and financial condition are subject to various risks. Some of these risks are described below and in the documents incorporated by reference, and investors should take these risks into account in evaluating any investment decision involving the Company. This section does not describe all risks applicable to the Company, its industry or business, and it is intended only as a summary of certain material factors.

A number of industry factors have had, and in future periods could have, an adverse impact on sales, profitability and cash flow in the Company’s Machine Clothing and AEC segments

Significant consolidation and rationalization in the paper industry in recent years has reduced global consumption of paper machine clothing in certain markets. Developments in digital media have adversely affected demand for newsprint and for printing and writing grades of paper, which has had, and is likely to continue to have, an adverse effect on demand for paper machine clothing in those markets. At the same time, technological advances in papermaking, including in paper machine clothing, while contributing to the papermaking efficiency of customers, have in some cases lengthened the useful life of our products and reduced the number of pieces required to produce the same volume of paper. These factors have had, and in future are likely to have, an adverse effect on paper machine clothing sales.

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The market for paper machine clothing in recent years has been characterized by increased pressure to provide more favorable commercial terms, which has negatively affected our operating results. We expect such pressure to remain intense in all paper machine clothing markets, especially during periods of customer consolidation, plant closures, or when major contracts are being renegotiated. The emergence of Chinese competitors exacerbates this risk.

Similar pressures exist in the markets in which AEC competes. Many of AEC’s customers, as well as the companies supplied by our customers in turn, are under pressure to achieve acceptable returns on their substantial investments in recent years in new technology, new programs and new product platforms. This has contributed to a relentless focus on reducing costs, resulting in growing pressure for cost and price improvements throughout the supply chain. The recent wave of consolidation in the aerospace industry could intensify these pressures.

AEC is subject to significant execution risk related to the ramp up of key programs in the short and medium term

The expected size and steep growth rate of the market for LEAP engines continues to put significant pressure on AEC to execute in the short- and medium-term. In the short term, AEC must continue to fulfill critical program schedule and production-readiness milestones at its LEAP facilities in Rochester, New Hampshire and Commercy, France, as well as at the third LEAP facility in Queretaro, Mexico. In addition, a number of programs acquired in the purchase of Harris Corporation’s composite aerostructures business – including airframe components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, forward fuselage frames for the Boeing 787, and sponsons, tail-rotor pylons and horizontal stabilizers for the CH-53K helicopter – will be ramping significantly during the next few years while LEAP output increases toward full production. AEC will be required to execute all of these ramp-ups while continuing to maintain and improve performance on legacy programs. AEC’s ability to realize its full growth potential will depend on how effectively it accomplishes these goals. Failure to accomplish these goals could have a material adverse impact on the amount and timing of anticipated AEC revenues, income, and cash flows, which could in turn have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial results.

AEC is subject to significant financial risk related to potential quality escapes that could cause customer recalls, or production shortfalls that could cause delays in customer deliveries

In the short term, AEC must continue to ramp up and mature its manufacturing capacity while meeting increasingly demanding quality, delivery, and cost targets across a broad spectrum of programs and facilities. In addition to LEAP, these programs include airframe components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, forward fuselage frames for the Boeing 787, and sponsons, tail-rotor pylons and horizontal stabilizers for the CH-53K helicopter. AEC’s ability to realize its full financial objectives will depend on how effectively it meets these execution challenges. Failure to accomplish these customer quality, delivery, and cost targets on any key program could result in material losses to the Company and have a material adverse impact on the amount and timing of anticipated AEC revenues, income, and cash flows, which could in turn have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial results.

The long-term growth prospects of AEC are subject to a number of risks

The prospect of future growth and long-term success of AEC depends in large part on its ability to maintain and grow a healthy pipeline of potential new products and applications for its technologies, to transform a sufficient number of those potential opportunities into commercial supply agreements, and to then execute its obligations under such agreements. In addition, existing and future supply agreements, especially for commercial and military aircraft programs, are subject to the same curtailment or cancellation risks as the programs they support.

AEC is currently working on a broad portfolio of potential new product applications, primarily in the aerospace and defense industries. These development projects may or may not result in commercial supply

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opportunities. In the event that AEC succeeds in developing products and securing contracts to manufacture and supply them, it will face the same industrialization and manufacturing ramp-up risks that it currently faces in the LEAP and other programs, and may or may not be successful in meeting its obligations under these contracts. Failure to manage these development, commercialization and execution risks could have a material adverse impact on AEC’s prospects for revenue growth.

In addition to dealing with these development and manufacturing execution risks, future AEC growth will likely require increasingly larger amounts of cash to fund the investments in equipment, capital, and development efforts needed to achieve this growth. While AEC is starting to generate increasing amounts of cash, it is likely to be some time before AEC generates sufficient cash to fund this growth. Until that time, absent the incurrence of additional indebtedness to fund this growth, AEC will remain dependent on the Machine Clothing segment’s ability to generate cash, and a significant decline in Machine Clothing sales, operating income or cash flows could therefore have a material adverse impact on AEC’s growth.

Long-term supply contracts in our Albany Engineered Composites segment pose certain risks

AEC has a number of long-term or life-of-program contracts, including a number with fixed pricing, and is likely to enter into similar contracts in the future. While long-term or life-of-program contracts provide an opportunity to realize steady and reliable revenues for extended periods, they pose a number of risks, such as program cancellations, reductions or delays in orders by AEC’s customers under these contracts, the termination of such contracts or orders, or the occurrence of similar events over which AEC has no or limited control. The occurrence of one or more of these events could have a material adverse effect on AEC revenues and earnings in any period. Such events could also result in the write-off of deferred charges that have been accumulated in anticipation of future revenues.

While long-term fixed-price contracts also provide AEC with the opportunity to enjoy increased profits as the result of cost reductions and efficiencies, their profitability is dependent on estimates and assumptions regarding contract performance costs over the life of the contract, which in some cases can last for many years. Such estimates and assumptions are subject to many variables, and may prove over time to have been inaccurate when made, or may become inaccurate over time. Additionally, many of the parts AEC agrees to develop and produce have highly complex designs, and technical, quality, or other specifications. Manufacturing or development challenges, disagreements over technical, quality or other contract requirements, and other variables may arise during development or production that result in higher costs, or an inability to achieve required technical specifications. If actual production and/or development costs should prove higher, or revenues prove lower, than AEC’s estimates, our expected profits may be reduced, or if such costs should exceed contract prices, we may be required to recognize losses for future periods, and potentially for the remaining life of the program. One or more of these events could have a material adverse effect on AEC’s revenues or operating results in any period. Such events could also result in the write-off of deferred charges that have been or could be accumulated in anticipation of future revenues.

In the second quarter of 2017, AEC recorded a charge of $15.8 million related to the revision in the estimated profitability of its BR 725 and A380 programs. The charge was driven primarily by a reduction in the estimated future demand in these long-term contracts. That charge followed a $14.0 million charge in 2015 for the BR 725 program. Each quarter, the Company updates its outlook for each of its long-term contracts and records the effect of the change in estimated profitability. While the Company believes its estimates on long-term contracts to be accurate based on available information, new information may become available in future periods, or other changes in the program could occur, which may lead to additional program losses, which could have a material effect on operating results in future periods.

Sales of components for a number of programs that are currently considered to be important to the future sales growth of AEC are pursuant to short-term purchase orders for a finite period or number of parts, or short-

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term supply agreements with terms of one to four years. Such programs include airframe components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, forward fuselage frames for the Boeing 787, and sponsons, tail-rotor pylons and horizontal stabilizers for the CH-53K helicopter. As a result, while AEC reasonably expects to continue as a supplier on these programs as long as it meets its obligations, there can be no assurance that this will be the case, or that, in programs where it is currently a sole supplier that this sole supplier status will continue even if it continues as a supplier. Even if AEC’s status as a supplier is extended or renewed, there can be no assurance that such extension or renewal will be on the same or similar commercial or other terms. Any failure by AEC to maintain its current supplier status under these programs, or any material change in their commercial or other terms, could have a material adverse effect on AEC’s future sales and operating income.

AEC is subject to significant risks related to the potential manufacture and sale of defective or non-conforming products

AEC manufactures and sells products that are incorporated into commercial and military aircraft. If AEC were to supply products with manufacturing defects, or products that failed to conform to contractual requirements, we could be required to recall and/or replace them, and could also be subject to substantial contractual damages or warranty claims from our customers. AEC could also be subject to product liability claims if such failures were to cause death, injury or losses to third parties, or damage claims resulting from the grounding of aircraft into which such defective or non-conforming products had been incorporated. While we maintain product liability insurance and other insurance at levels we believe to be prudent and consistent with industry practice to help mitigate these risks, these coverages may not be sufficient to fully cover AEC’s exposure for such risks, which could have a material adverse effect on AEC’s results of operations and cash flows.

Deterioration of current global economic conditions could have an adverse impact on the Company’s business and results of operations

The Company identifies in this section a number of risks, the effects of which may be exacerbated by an unfavorable economic climate. For example, a recession could lead to lower consumption in all paper grades including tissue and packaging, which would not only reduce consumption of paper machine clothing but could also increase the risk of greater price competition in the machine clothing industry.

Similarly, in the Company’s AEC segment, a decline in global or regional economic conditions could result in lower orders for aircraft or aircraft engines, or the cancellation of existing orders, which would in turn result in reduced demand for the AEC components utilized on such aircraft or engines. Demand for AEC’s light-weight composite aircraft components is driven by demand for the lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft engine and other applications into which they are incorporated, such as the CFM LEAP engine. Fuel costs are a significant part of operating costs for airlines and, in many cases, may constitute a carrier’s single largest operating expense. A sustained drop in oil prices, and related decline in the price of jet fuel, could prompt airlines to defer orders or delivery dates for such newer, more fuel-efficient airframes and aircraft engines, as the urgency to reduce fuel consumption may be lessened. In addition, any economic conditions that led to sustained high interest rates could affect the airline’s ability to finance new aircraft and engine orders.

Weak or unstable economic conditions also increase the risk that one or more of our customers could be unable to pay outstanding accounts receivable, whether as the result of bankruptcy or an inability to obtain working capital financing from banks or other lenders. In such a case, we could be forced to write off such accounts, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or operating results. Furthermore, both the Machine Clothing and AEC business segments manufacture products that are custom-designed for a specific customer application. In the event of a customer liquidity issue, the Company could also be required to write off amounts that are included in inventories. In the case of AEC, such write-offs could also

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include investments in equipment, tooling, and non-recurring engineering, some of which could be significant depending on the program.

AEC derives a significant portion of its revenue from contracts with the U.S. government, which are subject to unique risks

The funding of U.S. government programs is subject to congressional appropriations. Many of the U.S. government programs in which we participate may last several years, but they are normally funded annually. Changes in military strategy and priorities may affect our future procurement opportunities and existing programs. Long-term government contracts and related orders are subject to cancellation, delay or restructure, if appropriations for subsequent performance periods are not made. The termination or reduction of funding for existing or new U.S. government programs could result in a material adverse effect on our earnings, cash flow and financial position.

Additionally, our business with the U.S. government is subject to specific procurement regulations and our contract costs are subject to audits by U.S. government agencies. U.S. government representatives may audit our compliance with government regulations, and such audits could result in adjustments to our contract costs. Any costs found to be improperly allocated to a specific contract will not be reimbursed, and such costs already reimbursed must be refunded. If any audit uncovers improper or illegal activities, we may be subject to civil and criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, including termination of contracts, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspension or prohibition from doing business with the U.S. government, which could result in a material adverse effect on our earnings, cash flow and financial position.

The loss of one or more major customers could have a material adverse effect on sales and profitability

One customer (Safran) accounted for approximately 44 percent of net sales in the AEC segment in 2017, substantially all of which was under an exclusive long-term supply agreement relating to parts for the LEAP engine. Although we are an exclusive supplier of such parts, our customer is not obligated to purchase any minimum quantity of parts, and cancellation of the LEAP program, or of existing orders for LEAP engines, would have a material adverse impact on segment sales and profitability. The LEAP long-term supply agreement also contains certain events of default that, if triggered, could result in termination of the agreement by the customer, which would also have a material adverse impact on segment sales and profitability.

AEC’s short- and medium-term non-LEAP future sales growth is currently limited to and dependent upon a small number of customers and program. Unlike the 3D-woven composite components supplied by ASC, parts supplied for such non-LEAP programs are capable of being made by a number of other suppliers. Such programs include airframe components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, forward fuselage frames for the Boeing 787, and sponsons, tail-rotor pylons and horizontal stabilizers for the CH-53K helicopter. Any failure by AEC to maintain its current supplier status under these programs, or any material change in their commercial or other terms, could have a material adverse effect on AEC’s future sales and operating income.

Our top ten customers in the Machine Clothing segment accounted for a significant portion of our net sales in 2017. The loss of one or more of these customers, or a significant decrease in the amount of Machine Clothing they purchase from us, could have a material adverse impact on segment sales and profitability. We could also be subject to similar impacts if one or more such customers were to suffer financial difficulties and be unable to pay us for products they have purchased. While we normally enter into long-term supply agreements with significant Machine Clothing customers, the agreements generally do not obligate the customer to purchase any products from us, and may be terminated by the customer at any time with appropriate notice.

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The Company may experience supply constraints due to a limited number of suppliers of certain raw materials and equipment

There are a limited number of suppliers of polymer fiber and monofilaments, key raw materials used in the manufacture of Machine Clothing, and of carbon fiber and carbon resin, key raw materials used by AEC. In addition, there are a limited number of suppliers of some of the equipment used in each of the Machine Clothing and AEC segments. While we have always been able to meet our raw material and equipment needs, the limited number of suppliers of these items creates the potential for disruptions in supply. AEC currently relies on single suppliers to meet the carbon fiber and carbon resin requirements for the LEAP program. Lack of supply, delivery delays, or quality problems relating to supplied raw materials or for our key manufacturing equipment could harm our production capacity, and could require the Company to attempt to qualify one or more additional suppliers, which could be a lengthy, expensive and uncertain process. Such disruptions could make it difficult to supply our customers with products on time, which could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Some of the Company’s competitors in the Machine Clothing segment have the capability to make and sell paper machines and papermaking equipment as well as other engineered fabrics

Although customers historically have tended to view the purchase of paper machine clothing and the purchase of paper machines as separate purchasing decisions, the ability to bundle fabrics with new machines and after-market services could provide a competitive advantage. This underscores the importance of our ability to maintain the technological competitiveness and value of our products, and a failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Moreover, we cannot predict how the nature of competition in this segment may continue to evolve as a result of future consolidation among our competitors, or consolidation involving our competitors and other suppliers to our customers.

Conditions in the paper industry have required, and could further require, the Company to reorganize its operations, which could result in significant expense and could pose risks to the Company’s operations

During the last several years, we have engaged in significant restructuring that included the closing of a number of manufacturing operations. These restructuring activities were intended to match manufacturing capacity to shifting global demand, and also to improve the efficiency of manufacturing and administrative processes. Future shifting of customer demand, the need to reduce costs, or other factors could cause us to determine in the future that additional restructuring steps are required. Restructuring involves risks such as employee work stoppages, slowdowns, or strikes, which can threaten uninterrupted production, maintenance of high product quality, meeting of customers’ delivery deadlines, and maintenance of administrative processes. Increases in output in remaining manufacturing operations can likewise impose stress on these remaining facilities as they undertake the manufacture of greater volume and, in some cases, a greater variety of products. Competitors can be quick to attempt to exploit these situations. Although we plan each step of the process carefully, and work to reassure customers who could be affected that their requirements will continue to be met, we could lose customers and associated revenues if we fail to execute properly.

Natural disasters at one or more of our facilities could make it difficult for us to meet our supply obligations to our customers

Significant consolidation of manufacturing operations in our Machine Clothing segment over the past decade has reduced the number of facilities available to produce our products, and increased utilization significantly at remaining facilities. Not all product lines are produced at, or capable of being produced at, all facilities. We have Machine Clothing facilities located near Mexico City, which has been identified as an area vulnerable to flood, storm surge and earthquake risks, and in the Pearl River Delta area of China, which has been identified as vulnerable to flood, storm and storm surge risks.

AEC’s production of LEAP engine components is currently located in three facilities. An interruption at any of these locations would have a significant adverse effect on AEC’s ability to timely satisfy orders for LEAP

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components. Production of almost all of AEC’s other legacy and growth programs – including components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, fuselage components for the Boeing 787, components for the CH-53K helicopter, vacuum waste tanks for Boeing 7-Series aircraft, and missile bodies for Lockheed Martin’s JASSM air-to-surface missiles – is located primarily in facilities in Salt Lake City, Utah or Boerne, Texas.

A significant interruption in the operation of any one or more of our plants, whether as the result of a natural disaster or other causes, could significantly impair our ability to timely meet our supply obligations to customers being supplied from an affected facility. While the occurrence of a natural disaster or other business interruption event in an area where we have a facility may not result in any direct damage to the facility itself, it may cause disruptions in local transportation and public utilities on which such locations are reliant, and may also hinder the ability of affected employees to report for work. Although we carry property and business interruption insurance to help mitigate the risk of property loss or business interruption that could result from the occurrence of such events, such coverage may not be adequate to compensate us for all loss or damage that we may incur.

The Standish family has a significant influence on our Company and could prevent transactions that might be in the best interests of our other stockholders

As of December 31, 2017, Standish Family Holdings, LLC and related persons (including Christine L. Standish and John C. Standish, both directors of the Company) held in the aggregate shares entitling them to cast approximately 53 percent of the combined votes entitled to be cast by all stockholders of the Company. The Standish family has significant influence over the management and affairs of the Company and matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. The Standish family currently has, in the aggregate, sufficient voting power to elect all of our directors and determine the outcome of any shareholder action requiring a majority vote. This could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control or a merger, consolidation, or other business combination at a premium price, even if such transaction were favored by our other stockholders.

We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the Corporate Governance Rules of the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and qualify for, and rely on, certain exemptions from corporate governance requirements applicable to other listed companies

As a result of the greater-than-50 percent voting power of the Standish family described above, we are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the rules of the NYSE. Therefore, we are not required to comply with certain corporate governance rules that would otherwise apply to us as a listed company on the NYSE, including the requirement that the Compensation and Governance Committees be composed entirely of “independent” directors (as defined by the NYSE rules). In addition, although we believe that all of our current directors, other than Dr. Morone, Christine Standish and John Standish may be deemed independent under the NYSE rules, as a controlled company our Board of Directors is not required to include a majority of “independent” directors. Should the interests of the Standish family differ from those of other stockholders, it is possible that the other stockholders might not be afforded such protections as might exist if our Board of Directors, or these Committees, were required to have a majority, or be composed exclusively, of directors who were independent of the Standish family or our management.

The Company is increasingly dependent on information technology and our business, systems, assets and infrastructure face certain risks, including cybersecurity and data leakage risks. The failure to prevent attacks on our operational systems or infrastructure could result in disruptions to our businesses, or the loss or disclosure of confidential and proprietary intellectual property or other assets.

As our dependence on information technology and communication systems has increased, so have the risks associated with cyber-attacks from third parties attempting to gain access to our systems, data, or assets using varied means, from electronic “hacking” to traditional social engineering aimed at our employees. The Company has been, and will likely continue to be, the target of such attacks, none of which have, individually or in the aggregate, been material to the Company.

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Any significant breakdown, invasion, destruction or interruption of our business systems by employees, others with authorized access to our systems, or unauthorized persons could negatively impact operations. There is also a risk that we could experience a business interruption, theft of information or other assets, or reputational damage. While we have made, and will continue to make, significant investments in business systems, information technology infrastructure, internal controls systems and employee training to attempt to reduce these risks, there can be no assurance that our efforts will prevent breakdowns, losses or breaches that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.

Inflation as a result of changes in prices of commodities and labor costs may adversely impact our financial results of operations

The Company is a significant user of raw materials that are based on petroleum or petroleum derivatives. Increases in the prices of petroleum or petroleum derivatives, particularly in regions that are experiencing higher levels of inflation, could increase our costs, and we may not be able to fully offset the effects through price increases, productivity improvements, and cost-reduction programs.

The Company also relies on the labor market in many regions of the world to meet our operational requirements, advance our technology and differentiate products. Low rates of unemployment in key geographic areas in which the Company operates can lead to high rates of turnover and loss of critical talent, which could in turn lead to higher labor costs.

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations

We operate our business in many regions of the world, and currency rate movements can have a significant effect on operating results. The effect of currency rate changes on gross profit in the Machine Clothing segment can be difficult to anticipate because we use a global sourcing and manufacturing model. Under this model, while some non-U.S. sales and associated costs are in the same currency, other non-U.S. sales are denominated in currencies other than the currency in which most costs of such sales are incurred. At the same time, the geographic sources of materials purchased (and the currencies in which these purchases are denominated) can vary depending on market forces, and the Company may also shift production of its products between manufacturing locations, which can result in a change in the currency in which certain costs to produce such products are incurred.

Changes in exchange rates can result in revaluation gains and losses that are recorded in Selling, Technical, General and Research expenses or Other expense/(income), net. Revaluation gains and losses occur when our business units have cash, intercompany or third-party trade receivable or payable balances in a currency other than their local reporting (or functional) currency. Operating results can also be affected by the translation of sales and costs, for each non-U.S. subsidiary, from the local functional currency to the U.S. dollar. The translation effect on the income statement is dependent on our net income or expense position in each non-U.S. currency in which we do business. A net income position exists when sales realized in a particular currency exceed expenses paid in that currency; a net expense position exists if the opposite is true.

As a result of these exposures to foreign currency transactions and balances, changes in currency rates could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

The Company may fail to adequately protect its proprietary technology, which would allow competitors or others to take advantage of its research and development efforts

Proprietary trade secrets are a source of competitive advantage in each of our segments. If our trade secrets were to become available to competitors, it could have a negative impact on our competitive strength. We employ measures to maintain the confidential nature of these secrets, including maintaining employment and confidentiality agreements; maintaining clear policies intended to protect such trade secrets; educating our

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employees about such policies; clearly identifying proprietary information subject to such agreements and policies; and vigorously enforcing such agreements and policies. Despite such measures, our employees, consultants, and third parties to whom such information may be disclosed in the ordinary course of our business may breach their obligations not to reveal such information, and any legal remedies available to us may be insufficient to compensate our damages.

We have a substantial amount of indebtedness. At December 31, 2017, the Company had outstanding short-term debt of $2.1 million and long-term debt of $514 million

At December 31, 2017, our leverage ratio (as defined in our primary borrowing agreement) was 2.62 to 1, and we had borrowed $501 million under our $685 million revolving credit facility. While we feel that we generate sufficient cash from operations and have sufficient borrowing capacity to make required capital expenditures to maintain and grow our business, any decrease in our cash generation could result in higher leverage. Higher leverage could hinder our ability to make acquisitions, capital expenditures, or other investments in our businesses, pay dividends, or withstand business and economic downturns. Our primary borrowing agreements contain a number of covenants and financial ratios that the Company is required to satisfy. The most restrictive of these covenants pertain to prescribed leverage and interest coverage ratios and asset dispositions. Any breach of any such covenants or restrictions would result in a default under such agreements that would permit the lenders to declare all borrowings under such agreements to be immediately due and payable and, through cross-default provisions, could entitle other lenders to accelerate their loans. In such an event, the Company would need to modify or restructure all or a portion of such indebtedness. Depending on prevailing economic conditions at the time, the Company might find it difficult to modify or restructure the debt on attractive terms, or at all.

As of December 31, 2017, we had approximately $184 million of additional borrowing capacity under our $685 million revolving credit facility. Incurrence of additional indebtedness could increase the above-described risks associated with higher leverage. In addition, any such indebtedness could contain terms that are more restrictive than our current facilities.

The Company is subject to legal proceedings and legal compliance risks, and has been named as defendant in a large number of suits relating to the actual or alleged exposure to asbestos-containing products

We are subject to a variety of legal proceedings. Pending proceedings that the Company determines are material are disclosed in Note 17, to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference. Litigation is an inherently unpredictable process and unanticipated negative outcomes are always possible. An adverse outcome in any period could have an adverse impact on the Company’s operating results for that period.

We are also subject to a variety of legal compliance risks. While we believe that we have adopted appropriate risk management and compliance programs, the global and diverse nature of our operations means that legal compliance risks will continue to exist and related legal proceedings and other contingencies, the outcome of which cannot be predicted with certainty, are likely to arise from time to time. Failure to resolve successfully any legal proceedings related to compliance matters could have an adverse impact on our results in any period.

Changes in actuarial assumptions and differences between actual experience and assumptions could adversely affect our pension and postretirement benefit costs and liabilities

Although we have reduced pension liabilities by a significant amount during the past few years, as of December 31, 2017, remaining net liabilities under our defined benefit pension plans exceeded plan assets by $25.3 million ($13.8 million for the U.S. plan, $11.5 million for non-U.S. plans). Additionally, the liability for unfunded postretirement welfare benefits, principally in the United States, totaled $58.5 million. Annual expense associated with these plans, as well as annual cash contributions, are subject to a number of variables, including

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discount rates, return on plan assets, mortality, and differences between actuarial assumptions and actual experience. Those liabilities include $76.2 million of deferred costs which are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income. The deferred costs will be amortized into expense in future periods, or a significant charge could be recorded if we were to settle pension or postretirement obligations.

Although the Company has taken actions to hedge certain pension plan assets to the pension liabilities, weakness in investment returns on plan assets, changes in discount rates or actuarial assumptions, and actual future experience could result in higher benefit plan expense and the need to increase pension plan contributions in future years.

The Company is exposed to the risk of increased expense in health-care related costs

We are largely self-insured for some employee and business risks, including health care and workers’ compensation programs in the United States. Losses under all of these programs are accrued based upon estimates of the ultimate liability for claims reported and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported, with assistance from third-party actuaries and service providers. However, these liabilities are difficult to assess and estimate due to unknown factors, including the severity of an illness or injury and the number of incidents not reported. The accruals are based upon known facts and historical trends, and management believes such accruals to be adequate. The Company also maintains stop-loss insurance policies to protect against catastrophic claims above certain limits. If actual results significantly differ from estimates, our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially impacted by losses under these programs, as well as higher stop-loss premiums in future periods.

Changes in or interpretations of tax rules, structures, country profitability mix, and regulations may adversely affect our effective tax rate

We are a United States-based multinational company subject to tax in the United States and foreign tax jurisdictions. Unanticipated changes in tax rates, or tax policies in the countries in which we operate, could affect our future results of operations. Our future effective tax rate could be unfavorably affected by changes in or interpretation of tax rules and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we do business, by structural changes in the Company’s businesses, by unanticipated decreases in the amount of revenue or earnings in countries with low statutory tax rates, or by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities. Additionally, changes in the tax laws in any country, including the U.S. tax reform in 2017, may be difficult to interpret without additional guidance, which could lead to future adjustments to our financial statements.

The Company has substantial deferred tax assets that could become impaired, resulting in a charge to earnings

The Company has substantial deferred tax assets in several tax jurisdictions, including the U.S. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon many factors, including generation of future taxable income in specific countries. (See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference, for a discussion of this matter.) Lower than expected operating results, organizational changes, or changes in tax laws could result in those deferred tax assets becoming impaired, thus resulting in a charge to earnings.

Our business could be adversely affected by adverse outcomes of pending or future tax audits

The Company is currently under audit in certain jurisdictions and could be audited in other jurisdictions in the future. While the Company believes its tax filings to be correct, a final adverse outcome with respect to pending or future audits could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results in any period in which it occurs.

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The Company’s insurance coverage may be inadequate to cover other significant risk exposures

In addition to asbestos-related claims, the Company may be exposed to other liabilities related to the products and services we provide. AEC is engaged in designing, developing, and manufacturing components for commercial jet aircraft and defense and technology systems and products. We expect this portion of the business to grow in future periods. Although we maintain insurance for the risks associated with this business, there can be no assurance that the amount of our insurance coverage will be adequate to cover all claims or liabilities. In addition, there can be no assurance that insurance coverage will continue to be available to us in the future at a cost that is acceptable. Any material liability not covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The Company has significant manufacturing operations outside of the U.S., which could involve many uncertainties

We currently have manufacturing facilities outside the U.S. In 2017, 47 percent of consolidated net sales were generated by our non-U.S. subsidiaries. Operations outside of the U.S. are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including: governments may impose limitations on our ability to repatriate funds; governments may impose withholding or other taxes on remittances and other payments from our non-U.S. operations, or the amount of any such taxes may increase; an outbreak or escalation of any insurrection or armed conflict may occur; governments may seek to nationalize our assets; or governments may impose or increase investment barriers or other restrictions affecting our business. In addition, emerging markets pose other uncertainties, including the protection of our intellectual property, pressure on the pricing of our products, and risks of political instability. The occurrence of any of these conditions could disrupt our business or prevent us from conducting business in particular countries or regions of the world.

We have significant manufacturing operations in Mexico, Canada and China. Changes in U.S. trade policy with these countries (including the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA), or other changes in U.S. laws and policies governing foreign trade, as well as any responsive or retaliatory changes in regulations or policies by such countries, could have an adverse impact on our business.

Our global presence subjects us to certain risks, including controls on foreign exchange and the repatriation of funds. While we have been able to repatriate current earnings in excess of working capital requirements from certain countries in which we operate without substantial governmental restrictions, there can be no assurance that we will be able to cost effectively repatriate foreign earnings in the future.

The Company is subject to laws and regulations worldwide, changes to which could increase our costs and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations

The Company is subject to laws and regulations relating to employment practices and benefits, taxes, import and export matters, corruption, foreign-exchange controls, competition, workplace health and safety, intellectual property, health-care, the environment and other areas. These laws and regulations have a significant impact on our domestic and international operations.

We incur significant expenses to comply with laws and regulations. Changes or additions to laws and regulations could increase these expenses, which could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Such changes could also have an adverse impact on our customers and suppliers, which in turn could adversely impact the Company.

While we have implemented policies and training programs designed to ensure compliance, there can be no assurance that our employees or agents will not violate such laws, regulations or policies, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

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| Item 1B. | UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

| Item 2. | PROPERTIES

Our principal manufacturing facilities are located in Brazil, Canada, China, France, Italy, Mexico, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The aggregate square footage of our operating facilities in the United States is approximately 2.1 million square feet, of which 1.1 million square feet are owned and 1.0 million square feet are leased. Our facilities located outside the United States comprise approximately 3.4 million square feet, of which 3.0 million square feet are owned and 0.4 million square feet are leased. We consider these facilities to be in good condition and suitable for our purpose. The capacity associated with these facilities is adequate to meet production levels required and anticipated through 2017.

| Item 3. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information set forth above under Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference.

| Item 4. | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

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PART II

| Item 5. | MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

We have two classes of Common Stock, Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, each with a par value of $0.001 and equal liquidation rights. Our Class A Common Stock is principally traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIN. As of December 31, 2017, we estimate that there were over 20,000 beneficial owners of our Class A Common Stock, including employees owning shares through our 401(k) defined contribution plan. Our Class B Common Stock does not trade publicly. As of December 31, 2017, there were 6 holders of Class B Common Stock. Dividends are paid equally on shares of each class. Our cash dividends, and the high and low prices per share of our Class A Common Stock, were as follows for the periods presented:

Quarter Ended |  | March 31 |  |  | June 30 |  |  | September 30 |  |  | December 31 |
2017 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash dividends per share |  |  | $0.17 |  |  |  | $0.17 |  |  |  | $0.17 |  |  |  | $0.17 |
Class A Common Stock prices: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
High |  |  | $49.05 |  |  |  | $53.40 |  |  |  | $57.60 |  |  |  | $65.25 |
Low |  |  | $43.90 |  |  |  | $43.90 |  |  |  | $50.25 |  |  |  | $56.45 |
2016 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash dividends per share |  |  | $0.17 |  |  |  | $0.17 |  |  |  | $0.17 |  |  |  | $0.17 |
Class A Common Stock prices: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
High |  |  | $38.21 |  |  |  | $41.31 |  |  |  | $43.78 |  |  |  | $49.25 |
Low |  |  | $31.43 |  |  |  | $37.27 |  |  |  | $38.92 |  |  |  | $38.65 |

The graph below matches the cumulative 5-Year total return of holders of Albany International Corp.’s common stock with the cumulative total returns of the Russell 2000 index and a customized peer group of twenty- six companies that includes: Actuant Corp., Astronics Corp., Barnes Group, Inc., Circor International Inc., Curtiss-Wright Corp., Ducommun Inc., Enpro Industries, Inc., Esco Technologies, Inc., Esterline Technologies, Corp., Heico Corp., Hexcel Corp., Idex Corp., Kadant, Inc., Key W Holding Corp., National Presto Industries, Neenah Paper, Inc., Nordson Corp., Omnova Solutions, Inc., P H Glatfelter Co., Raven Industries, Inc., Rogers Corp., Schweitzer-Maudit International, Inc., Tredegar Corp., Trimas Corp., Watts Water Technologies Inc., Xerium Technologies Inc., The graph assumes that the value of the investment in our common stock, in each index, and in the peer group (including reinvestment of dividends) was $100 on December 31, 2012 and tracks it through December 31, 2017.

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*$100 invested on 12/31/12 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.

Fiscal year ending December 31.

Copyright© 2018 Russell Investment Group. All rights reserved.

December 31, |  | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017
Albany International Corp. |  | 100.00 | 161.36 | 173.57 | 170.14 | 219.14 | 294.70
Russell 2000 |  | 100.00 | 138.82 | 145.62 | 139.19 | 168.85 | 193.58
Peer Group |  | 100.00 | 149.71 | 147.54 | 130.94 | 175.49 | 219.19

The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

Restrictions on dividends and other distributions are described in Note 14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Disclosures of securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans are included under Item 12 of this Form 10-K.

In August 2006, we announced that the Board of Directors had authorized management to purchase up to 2 million additional shares of our Class A Common Stock. The Board’s action authorized management to purchase shares from time to time, in the open market or otherwise, whenever it believes such purchase to be advantageous to our shareholders, and it is otherwise legally permitted to do so. Management has made no share purchases under this authorization.

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| Item 6. | SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected historical financial data have been derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference. The data should be read in conjunction with those financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7, which is incorporated herein by reference.

(in thousands, except per share amounts) |  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |  |  | 2013 |
Summary of Operations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales (2) |  |  | $863,717 |  |  |  | $779,839 |  |  |  | $709,868 |  |  |  | $745,345 |  |  |  | $757,414 |
Cost of goods sold (1) |  |  | 567,937 |  |  |  | 479,271 |  |  |  | 431,182 |  |  |  | 453,710 |  |  |  | 466,860 |
Restructuring and other (1) (6) |  |  | 13,491 |  |  |  | 8,376 |  |  |  | 23,846 |  |  |  | 5,759 |  |  |  | 25,108 |
Pension settlement expense (5) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 8,190 |  |  |  | - |
Operating income |  |  | 76,151 |  |  |  | 91,776 |  |  |  | 63,895 |  |  |  | 71,360 |  |  |  | 52,091 |
Interest expense, net |  |  | 17,091 |  |  |  | 13,464 |  |  |  | 9,984 |  |  |  | 10,713 |  |  |  | 13,759 |
Income from continuing operations |  |  | 32,585 |  |  |  | 52,812 |  |  |  | 57,265 |  |  |  | 41,749 |  |  |  | 17,704 |
(Loss) from discontinued operations |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (46 | )
Net income attributable to the Company |  |  | 33,111 |  |  |  | 52,733 |  |  |  | 57,279 |  |  |  | 41,569 |  |  |  | 17,517 |
Earnings per share attributable to Company |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Shareholders- Basic |  |  | 1.03 |  |  |  | 1.64 |  |  |  | 1.79 |  |  |  | 1.31 |  |  |  | 0.55 |
Earnings per share attributable to Company |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Shareholders- Diluted |  |  | 1.03 |  |  |  | 1.64 |  |  |  | 1.79 |  |  |  | 1.30 |  |  |  | 0.55 |
Dividends declared per share |  |  | 0.68 |  |  |  | 0.68 |  |  |  | 0.67 |  |  |  | 0.63 |  |  |  | 0.59 |
Weighted average number of shares |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
outstanding - basic |  |  | 32,169 |  |  |  | 32,086 |  |  |  | 31,978 |  |  |  | 31,832 |  |  |  | 31,649 |
Capital expenditures, including software |  |  | 87,637 |  |  |  | 73,492 |  |  |  | 50,595 |  |  |  | 58,873 |  |  |  | 64,457 |
Financial position |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash |  |  | $183,727 |  |  |  | $181,742 |  |  |  | $185,113 |  |  |  | $179,802 |  |  |  | $222,666 |
Asset held for sale (3) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 4,988 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Property, plant and equipment, net (3) |  |  | 454,302 |  |  |  | 422,564 |  |  |  | 357,470 |  |  |  | 395,113 |  |  |  | 418,830 |
Total assets (1) (2) |  |  | 1,361,198 |  |  |  | 1,263,433 |  |  |  | 1,009,562 |  |  |  | 1,029,304 |  |  |  | 1,126,157 |
Current liabilities (4) |  |  | 161,517 |  |  |  | 200,009 |  |  |  | 126,231 |  |  |  | 183,398 |  |  |  | 157,546 |
Long-term debt |  |  | 514,120 |  |  |  | 432,918 |  |  |  | 265,080 |  |  |  | 222,096 |  |  |  | 300,111 |
Total noncurrent liabilities (4) |  |  | 626,666 |  |  |  | 552,134 |  |  |  | 380,778 |  |  |  | 332,338 |  |  |  | 420,832 |
Total liabilities |  |  | 788,183 |  |  |  | 752,143 |  |  |  | 507,009 |  |  |  | 515,736 |  |  |  | 578,378 |
Total equity (7) |  |  | 573,015 |  |  |  | 511,290 |  |  |  | 502,553 |  |  |  | 513,568 |  |  |  | 547,779 |

| (1) | In 2017, we discontinued the Bear Claw® line of hydraulic fracturing components used in the oil and gas industry, which led to a charge of $2.8 million to Cost of goods sold for the write-off of inventory, and a non-cash restructuring charge of $4.5 million for the write-off of equipment and intangibles.

| (2) | In 2016, we acquired the outstanding shares of Harris Corporation’s composite aerostructures business for cash of $187 million, plus the assumption of certain liabilities. The table above includes operational results from April 8, 2016 to December 31, 2016 and for full year 2017.

| (3) | In 2015, we discontinued operations at the Company’s press fabric manufacturing facility in Germany, and recorded a charge of $3.3 million related to the write down of the land and building to their estimated fair market value. This asset was reclassified from Property, plant, and equipment to Asset held for sale.

| (4) | In 2015, we adopted the provisions of ASU 2015-17, “Income Taxes” using the prospective transition method. This accounting update affected the amount and classification of deferred tax assets and liabilities.

| (5) | In 2014, we took action to settle certain pension plan liabilities in the United States which led to charges totaling $8.2 million.

| (6) | During the period 2013 through 2017, we recorded restructuring charges related to organizational changes and cost reduction initiatives.

| (7) | In 2013, Safran S.A. obtained a 10 percent noncontrolling equity interest in Albany Safran Composites, LLC (ASC) resulting in an $18.9 million increase in Shareholders’ equity.

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| ITEM 7. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the results of operations and financial condition of the Company. MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes.

Business Environment Overview and Trends

Our reportable segments, Machine Clothing (MC) and Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) draw on the same advanced textiles and materials processing capabilities, and compete on the basis of product-based advantage that is grounded in those core capabilities.

The Machine Clothing segment is the Company’s long-established core business and primary generator of cash. While it has suffered from well-documented declines in publication grades in the Company’s traditional markets, the paper and paperboard industry is still expected to grow slightly on a global basis, driven by demand for packaging and tissue grades, as well as the expansion of paper consumption and production in Asia and South America. We feel we are now well-positioned in these markets, with high-quality, low-cost production in growth markets, substantially lower fixed costs in mature markets, and continued strength in new product development, technical product support, and manufacturing technology. Because of pricing pressures and industry overcapacity, the machine clothing and paper industries will continue to face top line pressure. Nonetheless, the business retains the potential for maintaining stable earnings in the future. It has been a significant generator of cash, and we seek to maintain the cash-generating potential of this business by maintaining the low costs that we have achieved through previous restructuring, and competing vigorously by using our differentiated and technically superior products to reduce our customers’ total cost of operation and improve their paper quality.

The AEC segment provides significant growth potential for our Company both near and long term. Our strategy is to grow by focusing our proprietary 3D-woven technology, as well as our conventional non-3D technology, on high-value aerospace and defense applications, while at the same time performing successfully on our portfolio of growth programs. AEC (including Albany Safran Composites, LLC (ASC), in which our customer SAFRAN Group owns a 10 percent noncontrolling interest) supplies a number of customers in the aerospace and defense industry. AEC’s largest aerospace customer is the SAFRAN Group and sales to SAFRAN (consist primarily of fan blades and cases for CFM’s LEAP engine) accounted for approximately 14 percent of the Company’s consolidated net sales in 2017. Through ASC, AEC develops and sells 3D-woven composite aerospace components to SAFRAN, with the most significant current program being the production of fan blades and other components for the LEAP engine. AEC, through ASC, also supplies 3D-woven composite fan cases for the GE9X engine. AEC’s current portfolio of non-3D programs includes components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, fuselage components for the Boeing 787, components for the CH-53K helicopter, vacuum waste tanks for Boeing 7-Series aircraft, and missile bodies for Lockheed Martin’s JASSM air-to-surface missiles. AEC is actively engaged in research to develop new applications in the aircraft engine, airframe, and automotive markets.

Consolidated Results of Operations

On April 8, 2016, the Company acquired the outstanding shares of Harris Corporation’s composite aerostructures business for $187 million in cash, plus the assumption of certain liabilities. The acquired entity, located in Salt Lake City (SLC), Utah, is part of the AEC segment. Management believes that the acquisition broadened and deepened AEC’s products, experience and manufacturing capabilities, and significantly increased opportunities for future growth.

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The following table presents operational results of the acquired entity that are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income:

(in thousands) |  | January 1 to December 31, 2017 |  |  | April 8 to December 31, 2016 |
Net sales |  |  | $108,112 |  |  |  | $67,011 |
Gross profit |  |  | 12,524 |  |  |  | 9,375 |
Selling, technical, general and research expenses |  |  | 11,849 |  |  |  | 10,310 |
Restructuring expense |  |  | 6,594 |  |  |  | 311 |
Operating loss |  |  | (5,919 | ) |  |  | (1,246 | )

Net sales

The following table summarizes our net sales by business segment:

|  | (in thousands, except percentages) |
Years ended December 31, |  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Machine Clothing |  |  | $590,357 |  |  |  | $582,190 |  |  |  | $608,581 |
Albany Engineered Composites |  |  | 273,360 |  |  |  | 197,649 |  |  |  | 101,287 |
Total |  |  | $863,717 |  |  |  | $779,839 |  |  |  | $709,868 |
% change |  |  | 10.8% |  |  |  | 9.9% |  |  |  | - |

2017 vs. 2016

| ● | Changes in currency translation rates had the effect of increasing net sales by $3.7 million (0.4% of net sales), compared to 2016. That currency translation effect was principally due to the effect on European sales that resulted from the euro strengthening in the second half of 2017.

| ● | Excluding the effect of changes in currency translation rates:

| ■ | Consolidated Net sales increased 10.3%.

| ■ | Net sales in MC increased $5.1 million, or 0.9%.

| ■ | Net sales in AEC increased $75.0 million, or 38.0%.

| ● | The increase in MC net sales was due to the growth in tissue, packaging and pulp grades, which more than offset continuing declines in the publication grades.

| ● | The increase in AEC Net sales was principally due to:

| ■ | SLC sales increased $41.1 million. The 2016 SLC acquisition occurred in the second quarter of 2016, resulting in an additional quarter of sales in 2017. The SLC sales increase was also due to the ramping up of key programs.

| ■ | Sales in the LEAP program increased $32.8 million, or 39.5%, compared to 2016.

2016 vs. 2015

| ● | Changes in currency translation rates had the effect of decreasing net sales by $3.0 million (0.4% of net sales), compared to 2015. That currency translation effect was principally due to sales in China, as the Chinese renminbi was approximately 5% weaker in 2016, compared to 2015.

| ● | Excluding the effect of changes in currency translation rates:

| ■ | Consolidated Net sales increased 10.3%.

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| ■ | Net sales in MC decreased $26.3 million, or 3.9%.

| ■ | Net sales in AEC increased $96.4 million, or 95.3%.

| ● | The reduction in MC net sales was due to the continuation of declines in the market for publication grades, coupled with economic weakness in South America.

| ● | The SLC acquisition increased AEC segment sales by $67.0 million. The remaining increase was due to growth in the LEAP program.

Backlog

Backlog in the MC segment was $201.1 million at December 31, 2017, compared to $163.8 million at December 31, 2016. The increase reflects a weakening of the U.S. dollar in 2017 and strong orders in the fourth quarter of 2017. Backlog in the AEC segment increased to $157.7 million at December 31, 2017, compared to $128.4 million at December 31, 2016, reflecting the ramp-up in several key programs. The backlog in each segment is generally expected to be invoiced during the next 12 months.

Gross Profit

The following table summarizes gross profit by business segment:

|  | (in thousands, except percentages)
Years ended December 31, |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Machine Clothing |  | $280,683 |  |  | $276,402 |  |  | $286,847 |
Albany Engineered Composites |  | 15,875 |  |  | 25,121 |  |  | (6,596 | )
Corporate expenses |  | (778 | ) |  | (955 | ) |  | (1,565 | )
Total |  | $295,780 |  |  | $300,568 |  |  | $278,686 |
% of Net Sales |  | 34.2% |  |  | 38.5% |  |  | 39.3% |

The decrease in 2017 gross profit, as compared to 2016, was principally due to the net effect of the following individually significant items:

| ● | The increase in MC gross profit was principally due to the increase in net sales, as noted above. Changes in currency translation rates did not have a significant effect on MC gross profit in 2017.

| ● | Machine Clothing gross profit as a percentage of sales was 47.5% in both 2017 and 2016.

| ● | The decrease in AEC gross profit was principally due to the net effect of the following individually significant items:

| ■ | In the second quarter of 2017, we recorded a charge of $15.8 million for a revision in the contract profitability of two long-term manufacturing contracts for the BR 725 and A380 programs.

| ■ | During the third quarter of 2017, the Company decided to discontinue the Bear Claw® line of hydraulic fracking components used in the oil and gas industry, which was part of the 2016 SLC acquisition. This decision resulted in a $2.8 million charge to Cost of goods sold for the write-off of inventory.

| ■ | The acquired SLC business generated $3.1 million of additional gross profit in 2017 as compared 2016 due, in part, to an additional quarter of operations in 2017.

| ■ | In the fourth quarter of 2017, we recorded the following items that had only a minor net effect on Gross profit:

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| ■ | A $4.9 million decrease to Cost of goods sold for an amendment to a long-term agreement with a licensor for the A380 program.

| ■ | Additional Cost of goods sold of approximately $4 million for inefficiencies in the ramp-up of production.

| ■ | A charge of $1.1 million related to an unfavorable change in the estimated profitability of a long-term contract.

The increase in 2016 gross profit, as compared to 2015, was principally due to the net effect of the following individually significant items:

| ● | The decline in MC gross profit was principally due to the decline in net sales, as noted above.

| ● | Changes in currency translation rates did not have a significant effect on MC gross profit in 2016.

| ● | The increase in AEC gross profit was principally due to:

| ■ | In 2015, we recorded a charge of $14.0 million for a revision in the contract profitability of a long-term manufacturing contract for the BR 725 program.

| ■ | The acquired SLC business generated $9.4 million of gross profit in 2016.

| ■ | The remaining $8.3 million increase in AEC gross profit was principally due to increased sales in the LEAP program.

Selling, Technical, General, and Research (STG&R)

Selling, Technical, General and Research (STG&R) expenses include selling, general, administrative, technical, product engineering and research expenses. The following table summarizes STG&R by business segment:

|  | (in thousands, except percentages)
Years ended December 31, |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Machine Clothing |  | $123,318 |  |  | $117,804 |  |  | $123,325 |
Albany Engineered Composites |  | 37,470 |  |  | 38,170 |  |  | 21,882 |
Corporate expenses |  | 45,350 |  |  | 44,442 |  |  | 45,738 |
Total |  | $206,138 |  |  | $200,416 |  |  | $190,945 |
% of Net Sales |  | 23.9% |  |  | 25.7% |  |  | 26.9% |

| ● | The increase in STG&R expenses in 2017 compared to 2016, was principally due to the following individually significant items:

| ■ | MC revaluation of nonfunctional currency assets and liabilities resulted in losses of $3.9 million in 2017 and gains of $0.4 million in 2016.

| ■ | Changes in currency translation rates increased MC STG&R expenses by $1.1 million, of which approximately $0.7 million was attributable to the Brazilian real which strengthened during 2017. The remainder of the increase was principally attributable to the stronger euro.

| ■ | AEC STG&R expenses decreased $0.7 million, principally due to the net effect of the following individually significant items:

| ■ | 2016 SLC acquisition expenses were $5.4 million. There was no comparable item in 2017.

| ■ | STG&R expenses of the SLC business were $1.5 million higher in 2017, principally due to the timing of the acquisition in 2016.

| ■ | STG&R expenses were $2.3 million higher in 2017 due to expansion of our facilities outside of the U.S.

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The increase in STG&R expenses in 2016 compared to 2015, was principally due to the following individually significant items:

| ● | Changes in currency translation rates reduced MC STG&R expenses by $1.7 million, of which approximately $0.5 million resulted from expenses in Brazil, and $0.6 million from European-based costs, which were principally incurred in locations with the euro and the Swedish krona as the functional currency.

| ● | MC revaluation of nonfunctional currency assets and liabilities resulted in gains of $0.4 million in 2016 and $5.1 million in 2015.

| ● | Restructuring actions taken in 2015 and 2016 reduced 2016 MC STG&R costs by approximately $7 million.

| ● | AEC STG&R expenses increased $16.3 million, principally due to the net effect of the following individually significant items:

| ■ | The acquired SLC business had STG&R expenses of $10.3 million.

| ■ | We recorded expenses of $5.4 million related to the SLC acquisition transaction.

| ■ | We incurred expenses of approximately $1.0 million related to integration activities.

| ● | Corporate STG&R expenses decreased $1.3 million principally due to restructuring actions announced in 2015.

Research and Development

The following table is a subset of the STG&R table above and summarizes expenses associated with internally funded research and development by business segment:

|  | (in thousands)
Years ended December 31, |  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Machine Clothing |  | $18,483 |  |  | $16,882 |  |  | $19,838 |
Albany Engineered Composites |  | 12,188 |  |  | 11,920 |  |  | 11,042 |
Corporate expenses |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 868 |
Total |  | $30,671 |  |  | $28,802 |  |  | $31,748 |

Restructuring

In addition to the items discussed above affecting gross profit, and STG&R expenses, operating income was affected by restructuring costs of $13.5 million in 2017, $8.4 million in 2016, and $23.8 million in 2015.

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The following table summarizes restructuring expense by business segment:

|  | (in thousands)
Years ended December 31, |  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Machine Clothing |  | $3,429 |  |  | $6,069 |  |  | $22,211 |
Albany Engineered Composites |  | 10,062 |  |  | 2,314 |  |  | - |
Corporate expenses |  | - |  |  | (7 | ) |  | 1,635 |
Total |  | $13,491 |  |  | $8,376 |  |  | $23,846 |

In 2017, the Company announced the initiation of discussions with the local works council regarding a proposal to discontinue operations at its MC production facility in Sélestat, France. During 2017, we incurred $1.1 million of restructuring expense associated with this proposal. In February 2018, we completed negotiations with the Works Council regarding benefits that would be provided to affected employees, and submitted the proposed plan to the government labor authorities for approval. While there can be no assurance that such approval will be obtained, we consider it probable that such approval will be obtained in the first quarter of 2018. We are presently unable to reasonably estimate the total costs for severance and other charges associated with the proposal.

AEC restructuring charges in 2017 included the discontinuation of the Bear Claw® line of hydraulic fracturing components used in the oil and gas industry, which led to restructuring charges totaling $4.5 million. We also reduced our direct labor workforce in Salt Lake City and administrative positions in Salt Lake City, Utah and Rochester, New Hampshire, which led to restructuring charges of $5.0 million. Cost savings from these actions principally affect Cost of goods sold. While some cost savings were recognized in 2017, we expect the actions will result in additional cost savings of approximately $2.0 million in 2018.

In 2016, the Company discontinued research and development activities at its MC facility in Sélestat, France, which resulted in $2.2 million of restructuring expense in 2016. In 2017, we recorded additional restructuring charges of $1.6 million principally related to additional termination benefits paid to former employees.

AEC restructuring expenses in 2016 were principally related to the consolidation of legacy programs into Boerne, Texas.

In 2015, the Company announced a plan to discontinue manufacturing operations at its MC manufacturing facility in Göppingen, Germany and manufacturing operations were discontinued during the second quarter. The restructuring program was driven by the Company’s need to balance manufacturing capacity with demand. In 2015, we recorded charges of $11.4 million related to this restructuring. In 2016 and 2017, we recorded additional restructuring charges of $2.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively, related to the final closure of the plant.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company implemented an early retirement program for certain employees in the United States. Restructuring charges associated with this restructuring program were $8.1 million. 2015 restructuring charges also include $4.3 million related to the reduction in STG&R employment in the MC and Corporate segments.

For more information on our restructuring charges, see Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference.

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Operating Income

The following table summarizes operating income/(loss) by business segment:

|  | (in thousands)
Years ended December 31, |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Machine Clothing |  | $153,936 |  |  | $152,529 |  |  | $141,311 |
Albany Engineered Composites |  | (31,657 | ) |  | (15,363 | ) |  | (28,478 | )
Corporate expenses |  | (46,128 | ) |  | (45,390 | ) |  | (48,938 | )
Total |  | $76,151 |  |  | $91,776 |  |  | $63,895 |

Other Earnings Items

|  | (in thousands)
Years ended December 31, |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Interest expense, net |  | $17,091 |  |  | $13,464 |  |  | $9,984 |
Other expense, net |  | 4,352 |  |  | 46 |  |  | 2,433 |
Income tax expense/(benefit) |  | 22,123 |  |  | 25,454 |  |  | (5,787 | )
Net (loss)/income attributable to the noncontrolling interest |  | (526 | ) |  | 79 |  |  | (14 | )

Interest Expense, net

Interest expense, net, increased $3.6 million in 2017 principally due to borrowings to fund the 2016 SLC acquisition, and the interest associated with the capital lease obligation assumed in the acquisition. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further discussion of borrowings and interest rates.

Other Expense, net

The increase in Other expense, net included the following individually significant items:

| ● | Foreign currency revaluations of cash and intercompany balances resulted in losses of $4.6 million in 2017, gains of $3.5 million in 2016, and losses of $1.5 million in 2015.

| ● | In 2016, we recorded a $2.5 million charge related to the theft of cash at the Company’s subsidiary in Japan. In 2017, we recorded a gain of $2.0 million based on an insurance settlement related to that theft.

Income Taxes

The Company has operations which constitute a taxable presence in 18 countries outside of the United States. All of these countries had income tax rates that are below the United States federal tax rate of 35% during the periods reported. The jurisdictional location of earnings is a significant component of our effective tax rate each year and therefore on our overall income tax expense.

The Company’s effective tax rate for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015 was 40.4%, 32.5% and (11.2%), respectively. New tax legislation in the U.S. had a significant impact on tax expense in 2017; tax expense of $5.8 million was recorded to reflect the impact of the mandatory deemed repatriation of the post-1986 earnings and profits of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, while expense of $1.0 million was recorded as the result of the revaluation of U.S. net deferred tax assets using the new lower rate of 21%. These charges are based on the Company’s current estimates. The final impact of the new tax legislation may differ due to factors such as further refinement of the Company’s calculations, changes in interpretations and assumptions that the Company has made, additional guidance that may be issued by the U.S. Government, and actions the Company may take, among other items.

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The tax rate is also affected by recurring items, such as the income tax rate in the U.S. and in non-U.S. jurisdictions and the mix of income earned in those jurisdictions and discrete items that may occur in any given year but are not consistent from year to year.

Significant items that impacted the 2017 effective tax rate included the following (percentages reflect the effect of each item as a percentage of income before income taxes):

| ● | A tax charge of $5.8 million (10.5%) related to the impact of the U.S. mandatory deemed repatriation.

| ● | A tax charge of $1.9 million (3.4%) related to tax rate changes, both foreign and domestic.

| ● | A tax benefit of $0.8 million (-1.5%) related to U.S. and non-U.S. return to provision adjustments.

| ● | A tax benefit of $3.5 million (-6.4%) related to changes in the opening valuation allowances.

| ● | A net effective tax rate reduction of 10.5% was recognized from income tax rate differences between non-U.S. and U.S. jurisdictions. Earnings in Brazil, Switzerland, Mexico and China, where tax rates are lower than the U.S. notional rate of 35%, contributed to the majority of the reduction noted. U.S. tax costs on foreign earnings that have been or will be repatriated and foreign withholdings resulted in an increase of 1.4% to the effective tax rate.

| ● | A tax charge of $1.4 million (2.4%) related to the settlement of audits throughout the year.

| ● | Income tax rate on continuing operations, excluding discrete items, was 32%.

Significant items that impacted the 2016 tax rate included the following (percentages reflect the effect of each item as a percentage of income before income taxes):

| ● | A tax benefit of $2.6 million (-3.4%) related to changes in uncertain tax positions.

| ● | A $0.5 million (0.6%) net tax expense related to other discrete items.

| ● | A net effective tax rate reduction of 9.7% was recognized from income tax rate differences between non-U.S. and U.S. jurisdictions. Earnings in Brazil, Switzerland, Mexico and China, where tax rates are lower than the U.S. notional rate of 35%, contributed to the majority of the reduction noted. U.S. tax costs on foreign earnings that have been or will be repatriated and foreign withholdings resulted in an increase of 5.8% to the effective tax rate.

| ● | Income tax rate on continuing operations, excluding discrete items, was 35%.

Significant items that impacted the 2015 tax rate included the following (percentages reflect the effect of each item as a percentage of income before income taxes):

| ● | A tax benefit of $28.6 million (-55.5%) for a worthless stock deduction related to the Company’s investment in its Germany subsidiary, where manufacturing operations have ceased.

| ● | A tax charge of $6.4 million (12.5%) related to the estimated settlement of the German step-up appeal.

| ● | A tax charge of $0.4 million (0.8%) related to changes in uncertain tax positions.

| ● | A $0.5 million (-0.9%) net tax benefit related to other discrete items.

| ● | A net rate reduction of 6.2% was recognized from income tax rate differences between non-U.S. and U.S. jurisdictions. Earnings in Brazil, Switzerland, Mexico and China, where tax rates are lower than the U.S. notional rate of 35%, contributed to the majority of the reduction noted. Additionally, U.S. tax costs on foreign earnings that have been or will be repatriated and foreign withholdings resulted in a reduction of 1.8% to the effective tax rate.

| ● | Income tax rate on continuing operations, excluding discrete items, was 32%.

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Segment Results of Operations

Machine Clothing Segment

Machine Clothing is our primary business segment and accounted for 68 percent of our consolidated revenues during 2017. Machine Clothing products are purchased primarily by manufacturers of paper and paperboard.

According to RISI, Inc., global production of paper and paperboard is expected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 1 percent over the next five years, driven primarily by global growth in packaging and tissue, which is expected to be greater than expected declines in publication grades.

While the Machine Clothing business has suffered from well-documented declines in publication grades in the Company’s traditional markets, the paper and paperboard industry is still expected to grow slightly on a global basis, driven by demand for packaging and tissue grades, as well as the expansion of paper consumption and production in Asia and South America. We feel we are now well-positioned in these markets, with high-quality, low-cost production in growth markets, substantially lower fixed costs in mature markets, and continued strength in new product development, technical product support, and manufacturing technology. Recent technological advances in paper machine clothing, while contributing to the papermaking efficiency of customers, have lengthened the useful life of many of our products and had an adverse impact on overall paper machine clothing demand.

The Company’s manufacturing and product platforms position us well to meet these shifting demands across product grades and geographic regions. Our strategy for meeting these challenges continues to be to grow share in all markets, with new products and technology, and to maintain our manufacturing footprint to align with global demand, while we offset the effects of inflation through continuous productivity improvement.

We have incurred significant restructuring charges in recent periods as we reduced Machine Clothing manufacturing capacity and administrative positions in the United States, Germany and France.

Review of Operations

|  | (in thousands, except percentages)
Years ended December 31, |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Net sales |  | $590,357 |  | $582,190 |  | $608,581
% change from prior year |  | 1.4% |  | -4.3% |  | -
Gross profit |  | 280,683 |  | 276,402 |  | 286,847
% of net sales |  | 47.5% |  | 47.5% |  | 47.1%
STG&R expenses |  | 123,318 |  | 117,804 |  | 123,325
Operating income |  | 153,936 |  | 152,529 |  | 141,311

Net Sales

2017 vs. 2016

| ● | Changes in currency translation rates had the effect of increasing 2017 sales by $3.1 million compared to 2016. That currency translation effect was principally due to the effect on European sales that resulted from the euro strengthening in the second half of 2017.

| ● | Excluding the effect of changes in currency translation rates, Net sales in MC increased $5.1 million, or 0.9%, principally due to the growth in tissue, packaging and pulp grades, which more than offset continuing declines in the publication grades.

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2016 vs. 2015

| ● | Changes in currency translation rates had the effect of decreasing 2016 sales by $2.8 million compared to 2015. That currency translation effect was principally due to sales in China, as the Chinese renminbi was approximately 5% weaker in 2016 compared to 2015. Excluding the effect of changes in translation rates, net sales decreased 3.9%.

| ● | The reduction in MC net sales was due to the continuation of declines in the market for publication grades, coupled with economic weakness in South America.

Gross Profit

2017 vs. 2016

| ● | The increase in MC gross profit was principally due to the increase in net sales, as noted above. Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, was 47.5% in both 2017 and 2016. Changes in currency translation rates did not have a significant effect on gross profit in 2016.

2016 vs. 2015

| ● | The decline in MC gross profit was principally due to the decline in net sales, as noted above.

| ● | Changes in currency translation rates did not have a significant effect on gross profit in 2016.

Operating Income

2017 vs. 2016

The increase in operating income was principally due to the net effect of the following individually significant items:

| ● | Gross profit increased $4.3 million due to higher sales, as described above.

| ● | STG&R expenses increased $5.5 million, as described above.

| ● | Restructuring charges were $3.4 million in 2017, compared to $6.1 million in 2016.

2016 vs. 2015

The increase in operating income was principally due to the net effect of the following individually significant items:

| ● | Gross profit decreased $10.4 million due to lower sales, as described above.

| ● | STG&R expenses decreased $5.5 million, as described above.

| ● | Restructuring charges were $6.1 million in 2016, compared to $22.2 million in 2015.

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Albany Engineered Composites Segment

The Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) segment, including Albany Safran Composites, LLC (ASC), in which our customer SAFRAN Group owns a 10 percent noncontrolling interest, provides highly engineered advanced composite structures to customers primarily in the aerospace and defense industries. AEC’s largest program relates to CFM International’s LEAP engine. AEC, through ASC, is the exclusive supplier of advanced composite fan blades and cases for this program under a long-term supply contract. Other significant AEC programs include components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, fuselage frame components for the Boeing 787, and the fan case for the GE9X engine. The AEC segment also includes the Company’s April 2016 SLC acquisition of Harris Corporation’s composite aerostructures business for cash of $187 million, plus the assumption of certain liabilities.

Review of Operations

|  | (in thousands, except percentages) |
Years ended December 31, |  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Net sales |  | $273,360 |  |  | $197,649 |  |  | $101,287 |
% change from prior year |  | 38.3% |  |  | 95.1% |  |  | - |
Gross profit/(loss) |  | 15,875 |  |  | 25,121 |  |  | (6,596 | )
% of net sales |  | 5.8% |  |  | 12.7% |  |  | -6.5% |
STG&R expenses |  | 37,470 |  |  | 38,170 |  |  | 21,882 |
Operating loss |  | (31,657 | ) |  | (15,363 | ) |  | (28,478 | )

Net Sales

2017 vs. 2016

The increase in net sales was principally due to the net effect of the following individually significant items:

| ● | Net sales for the SLC business increased $41.1 million, compared to 2016. The 2016 SLC acquisition occurred in the second quarter of 2016, resulting in an additional quarter of sales in 2017. SLC net sales were also higher as a result of growth in the 787 fuselage frames and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programs.

| ● | Sales in the LEAP program increased $32.8 million, or 39.5%, compared to 2016.

2016 vs. 2015

The increase in sales was principally due to the net effect of the following individually significant items:

| ● | AEC sales increased $67.0 million in 2016 due to the acquisition.

| ● | The remainder of the sales increase was due to growth in the LEAP program.

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Gross Profit

2017 vs. 2016

| ● | The decrease in AEC gross profit in 2017 was principally due to the net effect of the following:

| ■ | In the second quarter of 2017, we recorded a charge of $15.8 million for a revision in the contract profitability of two long-term manufacturing contracts for the BR 725 and A380 programs.

| ■ | During the third quarter of 2017, the Company decided to discontinue the Bear Claw® line of hydraulic fracking components used in the oil and gas industry, which was part of the 2016 SLC acquisition. This decision resulted in a $2.8 million charge to Cost of goods sold for the write-off of inventory.

| ■ | The acquired business generated $3.1 million of additional gross profit in 2017 as compared 2016 due, in part, to an additional quarter of operations in 2017.

| ■ | In the fourth quarter of 2017, we recorded the following items that had only a minor net effect on Gross profit:

| ● | A $4.9 million decrease to Cost of goods sold for an amendment to a long-term agreement with a licensor for the A380 program.

| ● | Additional Cost of goods sold of approximately $4 million for inefficiencies in the ramp-up of production.

| ● | A charge of $1.1 million related to an unfavorable change in the estimated profitability of a long-term contract.

2016 vs. 2015

The increase in gross profit was principally due to the net effect of the following individually significant items:

| ● | In 2015, we recorded a charge of $14.0 million for a revision in the profitability of a long-term manufacturing contract for the BR 725 program.

| ● | The business acquired in 2016 generated $9.4 million of gross profit.

| ● | The remaining $8.3 million increase in AEC gross profit was principally due to increased sales in the LEAP program.

Long-term contracts

AEC has contracts with certain customers, including its contract for the LEAP program, where revenue is determined by cost, plus a defined profit margin. Revenue earned under these arrangements accounted for approximately 44 percent, 45 percent, and 50 percent of segment revenue for 2017, 2016, and 2015 respectively.

In addition, AEC has long-term contracts in which the total contract price is fixed. In accounting for those contracts, we estimate the profit margin expected at the completion of the contract and recognize a pro-rata share of that profit during the course of the contract using a cost-to-cost or units of delivery approach. Changes in estimated contract profitability will affect revenue and gross profit when the change occurs, which could have a significant favorable or unfavorable effect on revenue and gross profit in any reporting period.

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AEC has a contract for the manufacture of composite components for the Rolls-Royce BR 725 engine, which powers Gulfstream’s G-650 business jet. The contract obligates AEC to supply these components for the life of the BR 725 program. During the second quarter of 2017, the Company revised its estimate of the profitability of this contract and we recorded a charge of $10.2 million as a provision for anticipated losses through the end of the program. The charge was driven primarily by a reduction in the estimated future demand for these components. The Company previously recorded a charge of $14.0 million in the second quarter of 2015 for this program, including $10.9 million for the write-off of development costs for nonrecurring engineering and tooling, and $3.1 million for anticipated future losses.

The SLC business has a contract for the manufacture of composite struts for the Airbus A380, under which it is obligated to supply composite wing box struts through 2020 and floor beam struts through 2023. During the second quarter of 2017, the Company revised its estimate of the profitability of this contract and determined that a charge of $5.6 million should be recorded as a provision for anticipated losses through contract completion. The revision was driven by a decrease in estimated demand for these components during the contract term, as well as by program inefficiencies. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we amended a long-term agreement with a licensor for the A380 program, which resulted in a $4.9 million decrease to Cost of goods sold.

Other than the adjustments noted above for the BR 725 and A380 programs, changes in contract estimates decreased gross profit by $0.6 million in 2017, increased gross profit by $1.5 million in 2016 and by $0.4 million in 2015.

The table below provides a summary of long-term fixed price contracts that were in process at the end of each year:

| (in thousands)
As of December 31, | 2017 | 2016 | 2015
Revenue earned on incomplete long-term contracts | $123,688 | $77,190 | $16,891
Contracts in process at year-end: |  |  |
Total value of contracts | 568,739 | 351,779 | 17,670
Revenue recognized to date | 164,093 | 55,091 | 6,471
Revenue to be recognized in future periods | 404,646 | 296,688 | 11,199

Selling, Technical, General, and Research (STG&R)

2017 vs. 2016

STG&R expenses decreased $0.7 million principally due to the following individually significant items:

| ● | 2016 acquisition expenses were $5.4 million. There was no comparable item in 2017.

| ● | STG&R expenses of the SLC business were $1.5 million higher in 2017, principally due to the timing of the acquisition in 2016.

| ● | STG&R expenses were $2.3 million higher in 2017 due to expansion of our facilities outside of the U.S.

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2016 vs. 2015

STG&R expenses increased $16.3 million principally due to the following individually significant items:

| ● | The acquired business had STG&R expenses of $10.3 million.

| ● | We recorded expenses of $5.4 million related to the acquisition transaction.

| ● | We incurred expenses of approximately $1.0 million related to integration activities.

Operating Loss

2017 vs. 2016

The operating loss increased by $16.3 million in 2017, principally due to the following individually significant items:

| ● | Gross profit decreased $9.2 million in 2017, principally due to the $10.2 million charge for the BR 725 program noted above.

| ● | Restructuring charges increased by $7.7 million in 2017.

2016 vs. 2015

The operating loss improved by $13.1 million in 2016, principally due to the following individually significant items:

| ● | The $14.0 million charge recorded in 2015 for the revision to estimated contract profitability.

| ● | Gross profit increased by approximately $6 million due to higher sales in the LEAP program.

| ● | The acquired business had an operating loss of $1.2 million in 2016.

| ● | The Company incurred costs of $6.4 million related to the SLC acquisition transaction and integration activities.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow Summary

| (in thousands) |
For the years ended December 31, | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015 |
Net income | $32,585 |  | $52,812 |  | $57,265 |
Depreciation and amortization | 71,956 |  | 67,461 |  | 60,114 |
Changes in working capital | (38,728 | ) | (45,816 | ) | 1,707 |
Fair value adjustment on asset held for sale | - |  | - |  | 3,212 |
Gain on disposition of assets | - |  | - |  | (1,056 | )
Changes in long-term liabilities, deferred taxes and other credits | (11,409 | ) | 657 |  | (25,909 | )
Write-off of pension liability adjustment | - |  | 51 |  | 103 |
Write-off of intangible assets in a discontinued product line | 4,149 |  | - |  | - |
Other operating items | 5,663 |  | 5,775 |  | 2,574 |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 64,216 |  | 80,940 |  | 98,010 |
Net cash used in investing activities | (87,637 | ) | (253,553 | ) | (47,798 | )
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities | 12,867 |  | 172,038 |  | (29,402) |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash flows | 12,539 |  | (2,796 | ) | (15,499 | )
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 1,985 |  | (3,371 | ) | 5,311 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 181,742 |  | 185,113 |  | 179,802 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $183,727 |  | $181,742 |  | $185,113 |

Operating activities

Cash provided by operating activities was $64.2 million in 2017, compared to $80.9 million in 2016, and $98.0 million in 2015. Changes in working capital for 2017 includes a use of cash of $44.3 million for AEC segment Accounts receivable, Inventories and Contract receivables, due to the ongoing ramp up of several key programs. Changes in working capital for 2016 includes a use of cash of $42.8 million for AEC segment Accounts receivable, Inventories, Contract receivables and Other assets. Changes in working capital for 2015 includes the $14.0 million write-off related to the BR 725 program, while changes in Accounts receivable, Inventories and Accounts payable resulted in an offsetting use of cash. Changes in long-term liabilities, deferred taxes and other liabilities resulted in a use of cash totaling $11.4 million in 2017, a provision of cash totaling $0.7 million in 2016, and a use of cash totaling $25.9 million in 2015. The amount reported for 2017 was principally due to an amendment to a long-term agreement with a licensor for the A380 program. That agreement resulted in a $3.0 million cash payment, plus a $4.9 million reduction in the present value of the obligation to the supplier. The amount reported for 2015 was principally due to the $28.6 million deferred tax benefit related to the elimination of the value of the Company’s investment in its Germany subsidiary. Cash paid for income taxes was $23.7 million, $23.4 million, and $18.4 million in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

At December 31, 2017, the Company had $183.7 million of cash and cash equivalents, of which $156.7 million was held by subsidiaries outside of the United States. As disclosed in Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference, we determined that all but $40.8 million of this amount (which represents the amount of cumulative earnings expected to be repatriated to the United States at some point in the future) is intended to be utilized by these non-U.S. operations for an indefinite period of time. Our current plans do not anticipate that we will need funds generated from foreign operations to fund our domestic operations or satisfy debt obligations in the United States.

Investing Activities

On April 8, 2016, the Company acquired the outstanding shares of Harris Corporation’s composite aerostructures business for $187 million in cash, plus the assumption of certain liabilities. Total capital expenditures for continuing operations, including purchased software, were $87.6 million in 2017, compared to

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$73.5 million in 2016, and $50.6 million in 2015. In the AEC segment, capital expenditures were $63.9 million in 2017, compared to $54.7 million in 2016, and $30.4 million in 2015. We currently estimate full-year spending in 2018 to be $80 million to $100 million.

Financing Activities and Capital Resources

We finance our business activities primarily with cash generated from operations and borrowings, largely through our revolving credit agreement as discussed below. Our subsidiaries outside of the United States may also maintain working capital lines with local banks, but borrowings under such local facilities tend not to be significant. The majority of our cash balance at December 31, 2017 was held by non-U.S. subsidiaries. Based on cash on hand and credit facilities, we anticipate that the Company has sufficient capital resources to operate for the foreseeable future. We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2017.

On November 7, 2017, we entered into a $685 million unsecured Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) which amended and restated the prior $550 million Agreement, entered into on April 8, 2016 (the “Prior Agreement”). Under the Credit Agreement, $501 million of borrowings were outstanding as of December 31, 2017. The applicable interest rate for borrowings was LIBOR plus a spread, based on our leverage ratio at the time of borrowing. At the time of the last borrowing on December 18, 2017, the spread was 1.500%. The spread was based on a pricing grid, which ranged from 1.250% to 1.750%, based on our leverage ratio. Based on our maximum leverage ratio and our Consolidated EBITDA, and without modification to any other credit agreements, as of December 31, 2017, we would have been able to borrow an additional $184 million under the Agreement.

As of December 31, 2017, our leverage ratio was 2.62 to 1.00 and our interest coverage ratio was 9.27 to 1.00. Under the Credit Agreement we are currently required to maintain a leverage ratio (as defined in the agreement) of not greater than 3.75 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter ending prior to (but not including) September 30, 2019, and 3.50 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter ending on or after September 30, 2019, and minimum interest coverage (as defined) of 3.00 to 1.00. We may purchase our Common Stock or pay dividends to the extent our leverage ratio remains at or below 3.50 to 1.00, and may make acquisitions with cash provided our leverage ratio does not exceed the limits noted above.

On November 28, 2017, we entered into interest rate swap agreements for the period December 18, 2017 through October 17, 2022. These transactions have the effect of fixing the LIBOR portion of the effective interest rate (before addition of the spread) on $350 million of indebtedness drawn under the Credit Agreement at the rate of 2.11% during the period. Under the terms of these transactions, we pay the fixed rate of 2.11% and the counterparties pay a floating rate based on the one-month LIBOR rate at each monthly calculation date, which on December 18, 2017 was 1.50%, during the swap period. On December 18, 2017, the all-in-rate on the $350 million of debt was 3.61%.

Dividends have been declared each quarter since the fourth quarter of 2001. Decisions with respect to whether a dividend will be paid, and the amount of the dividend, are made by the Board of Directors each quarter. Cash dividends paid were $21.9 million, $21.8 million, and $21.1 million, in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. To the extent the Board declares cash dividends in the future, we expect to pay such dividends out of operating cash flows. Future cash dividends will also depend on debt covenants and on the Board’s assessment of our ability to generate sufficient cash flows.

On May 6, 2016, we terminated our interest rate swap agreements that had effectively fixed the interest rate on $120 million of revolving credit borrowings, in order to enter into a new interest rate swap with a greater notional amount, and the same maturity as the Credit Agreement. We paid $5.2 million to terminate these swap agreements and that cost will be amortized into interest expense through June 2020. On November 27, 2017, we terminated interest rate swap agreements, originally entered into on May 9, 2016, that had effectively fixed the interest rate on $300 million of revolving credit borrowings, in order to enter into a new interest rate swap with a greater notional amount, and the same maturity as the Credit Agreement. We received $6.3 million to

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terminate the swap agreements. The amounts paid and received to terminate these swap agreements will be amortized into Interest expense through March 2021.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2017, we have no off-balance sheet arrangements required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

Contractual Obligations

As of December 31, 2017, we have the following cash flow obligations:

|  | Payments Due by Period
|  | Less than | One to three | Three to | After
(in millions) | Total | one year | years | five years | five years
Total debt | $516.2 | $2.1 | $3.9 | $510.2 | -
Interest payments (a) | 104.0 | 18.1 | 36.0 | 35.5 | 14.4
Pension plan contributions (b) | 4.8 | 4.8 | - | - | -
Other postretirement benefits (c) | 58.5 | 4.1 | 7.9 | 7.6 | 38.9
Restructuring accruals | 3.3 | 2.7 | 0.6 | - | -
Other noncurrent liabilities (d) | - | - | - | - | -
Operating leases | 15.6 | 4.1 | 5.7 | 3.3 | 2.5
Totals | $702.4 | $35.9 | $54.1 | $556.6 | $55.8

| (a) | The terms of variable-rate debt arrangements, including interest rates and maturities, are included in Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The interest payments are based on the assumption that we maintain $151.0 million of variable rate debt until the November 2017 Credit Agreement matures on November 7, 2022, and the rate as of December 31, 2017 (3.40%) continues until October 17, 2022, then continues at 3.00% until maturity. Both rates include the effects of interest rate hedging transactions.

| (b) | We estimate pension benefits to be paid directly by the Company in 2017 to be $4.8 million, however, that estimate is subject to revision based on many factors. The Company may also make contributions to pension trusts that exist in certain countries. The amount of contributions after 2017 is subject to many variables, including return of pension plan assets, interest rates, and tax and employee benefit laws. Therefore, contributions beyond 2017 are not included in this schedule.

| (c) | Estimated cash outflow for other postretirement benefits is consistent with the expected benefit payments as presented in Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. Estimated payments beyond five years are subject to many variables, therefore no estimate is included in the table above.

| (d) | Estimated payments for deferred compensation, interest rate swap agreements, and other noncurrent liabilities are not included in this table due to the uncertain timing of the ultimate cash settlement. Also, this table does not reflect unrecognized tax benefits, the timing of which is uncertain. Refer to Note 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference, for additional discussion on unrecognized tax benefits.

The foregoing table should not be deemed to represent all of our future cash requirements, which will vary based on our future needs. While the cash required to satisfy the obligations set forth in the table is reasonably determinable in advance, many other cash needs, such as raw materials costs, payroll, and taxes, are dependent on future events and are harder to predict. In addition, while the contingencies described in Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are not currently anticipated to have a material adverse effect on our Company, there can be no assurance that this may not change. Subject to the foregoing, we currently expect that cash from operations and the other sources of liquidity described above will be sufficient to enable us to meet the foregoing cash obligations, as well as to meet our other cash requirements.

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

The information set forth above may be found under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

For the discussion of our accounting policies, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 1, which is incorporated herein by reference. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make assumptions and estimates that directly affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Each of these assumptions is subject to uncertainties and changes in those assumptions or judgments can affect our results of operations. In addition to the accounting policies stated in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 1, financial statement amounts and disclosures are significantly influenced by market factors, judgments and estimates as described below.

Revenue Recognition

Products and services provided under long-term contracts represent a significant portion of sales in the Albany Engineered Composites segment. We have a contract with a major customer for which revenue is recognized under a cost, plus a defined profit margin. We also have fixed price long-term contracts, for which we use the percentage of completion (actual cost to estimated cost) method. That method requires significant judgment and estimation, which could be considerably different if the underlying circumstances were to change. When adjustments in estimated contract revenues or costs are required, any changes from prior estimates are included in earnings in the period the change occurs. For contracts with anticipated losses at completion, a provision for the entire amount of the estimated remaining loss is charged against income in the period in which the loss becomes known. Contract losses are determined considering all direct and indirect contract costs, exclusive of any selling, general or administrative cost allocations, which are treated as period expenses.

The Albany Engineered Composites segment also has some long-term aerospace contracts under which there are two phases: a phase during which the production part is designed and tested, and a phase of supplying production parts. Certain costs are capitalized during the first phase, such as costs for engineering, equipment, and inventory, where recovery is probable. Revenue will be recognized during the second phase using a percentage of completion (units of delivery) method. Accumulated capitalized costs are written-off when those costs are determined to be unrecoverable. Also, refer to information under Long-term Contracts in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of this Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which could have a significant effect on how we account for certain contracts in the AEC segment. We will also be implementing new controls and procedures in 2018 to ensure accurate reporting under the new standard. See additional information in Item 8.

Pension and Postretirement Liabilities

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. As of December 31, 2017, total liabilities under our defined benefit pension plans (including unfunded plans) exceeded plan assets by $25.3 million, of which $11.5 million was for plans outside of the U.S. Additionally, at December 31, 2017, other postretirement liabilities totaled $58.5 million, substantially all of which related to our U.S. plan. As of December 31, 2017, we have unrecognized

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pretax net losses of $67.9 million for pension plans and $8.3 million for other postretirement benefit plans that may be amortized into earnings in future periods.

We are required to consider current market conditions, including changes in interest rates, in making these assumptions. For 2017, we anticipate pension contributions and direct payments to retirees to total $4.8 million, and payments for other postretirement benefit plans to be $4.1 million. Changes in the related pension and other postretirement benefit costs or credits may occur in the future due to changes in the assumptions. 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, and actual contributions could vary significantly. Assumptions used for determining pension plan liabilities and expenses are evaluated and updated at least annually.

Income Taxes

In the ordinary course of business there is inherent uncertainty in determining assets and liabilities related to income tax balances. We exercise significant judgment in order to estimate taxes payable or receivable in future periods. Tax-related balances may also be impacted by organizational changes or changes in the tax laws of any country in which we operate. We assess our income tax positions and record tax assets and liabilities for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have determined the amount of the tax benefit to be recognized by estimating the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.

Deferred tax assets are expected to be realized through the reversal of existing temporary differences and future taxable income. A valuation allowance is established, as needed, to reduce net deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. In the event it becomes more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset valuation allowances will not be needed, the valuation allowance will be adjusted.

In late 2017, new tax legislation was enacted in the United States which resulted in significant charges to income tax expense. The charges associated with the Tax Reform Act represent provisional amounts and the Company’s current best estimates. Any adjustments recorded to the provisional amounts through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 will be included in income from operations as an adjustment to tax expense. The provisional amounts incorporate assumptions made based upon the Company’s current interpretation of the Tax Reform Act and may change as the Company receives additional clarification and implementation guidance.

Goodwill and Intangible assets

Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment at least annually. Estimating the fair value of reporting units requires the use of estimates and significant judgments that are based on a number of factors including actual operating results. It is possible that these judgments and estimates could change in future periods.

The determination of the fair value of intangible assets and liabilities acquired in a business acquisition, including the Company’s acquisition in 2016, is subject to many estimates and assumptions. We review amortizable intangible asset groups for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable.

Non-GAAP Measures

This Form 10-K contains certain non-GAAP metrics, including: percent change in net sales excluding currency rate effects (for each segment and the Company as a whole); EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (for each segment and the Company as a whole); net debt; and net income per share attributable to the Company,

43

excluding adjustments. Such items are provided because management believes that, when presented together with the GAAP items to which they relate, they provide additional useful information to investors regarding the Company’s operational performance.

Presenting increases or decreases in sales, after currency effects are excluded, can give management and investors insight into underlying sales trends. EBITDA, or net income with interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization added back, is a common indicator of financial performance used, among other things, to analyze and compare core profitability between companies and industries because it eliminates effects due to differences in financing, asset bases and taxes. An understanding of the impact in a particular period of specific restructuring costs, acquisition expenses, currency revaluation, inventory write-offs associated with discontinued businesses, or other gains and losses, on net income (absolute as well as on a per-share basis), operating income or EBITDA can give management and investors additional insight into core financial performance, especially when compared to periods in which such items had a greater or lesser effect, or no effect. Restructuring expenses in the MC segment, while frequent in recent years, are reflective of significant reductions in manufacturing capacity and associated headcount in response to shifting markets, and not of the profitability of the business going forward as restructured. Net debt is, in the opinion of the Company, helpful to investors wishing to understand what the Company’s debt position would be if all available cash were applied to pay down indebtedness. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and net income per share attributable to the Company, excluding adjustments, are performance measures that relate to the Company’s continuing operations.

Percent changes in net sales, excluding currency rate effects, are calculated by converting amounts reported in local currencies into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of a prior period. That amount is then compared to the U.S. dollar amount reported in the current period. The Company calculates EBITDA by removing the following from Net income: Interest expense net, Income tax expense, and Depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by: adding to EBITDA costs associated with restructuring, inventory write-offs associated with discontinued businesses and pension settlement charges; adding (or subtracting) revaluation losses (or gains); subtracting (or adding) gains (or losses) from the sale of buildings or investments; subtracting insurance recovery gains in excess of previously recorded losses; subtracting (or adding) Income (or loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest in Albany Safran Composites (ASC); and adding expenses related to the Company’s acquisition of Harris Corporation’s composite aerostructures division. Net income per share attributable to the Company, excluding adjustments, is calculated by adding to (or subtracting from) net income attributable to the Company per share, on an after-tax basis: restructuring charges; inventory write-offs associated with discontinued businesses; discrete tax charges (or gains) and the effect of changes in the income tax rate; foreign currency revaluation losses (or gains); acquisition expenses; and losses (or gains) from the sale of investments.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and net income per share attributable to the Company, excluding adjustments, as defined by the Company, may not be similar to similarly named measures of other companies. Such measures are not considered measurements under GAAP, and should be considered in addition to, but not as substitutes for, the information in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

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The following tables show the calculation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:

|  | (in thousands) |
Consolidated results |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Years ended December 31, |  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Operating income (GAAP) |  |  | $76,151 |  |  |  | $91,776 |  |  |  | $63,895 |
Interest, taxes, other income/expense |  |  | (43,566 | ) |  |  | (38,964 | ) |  |  | (6,630 | )
Net income (GAAP) |  |  | 32,585 |  |  |  | 52,812 |  |  |  | 57,265 |
Interest expense, net |  |  | 17,091 |  |  |  | 13,464 |  |  |  | 9,984 |
Income tax expense/(benefit) |  |  | 22,123 |  |  |  | 25,454 |  |  |  | (5,787 | )
Depreciation and amortization |  |  | 71,956 |  |  |  | 67,461 |  |  |  | 60,114 |
EBITDA (non-GAAP) |  |  | 143,755 |  |  |  | 159,191 |  |  |  | 121,576 |
Restructuring and other, net |  |  | 13,491 |  |  |  | 8,376 |  |  |  | 23,846 |
Foreign currency revaluation losses/(gains) |  |  | 8,761 |  |  |  | (3,913 | ) |  |  | (3,594 | )
Acquisition expenses |  |  | - |  |  |  | 5,367 |  |  |  | - |
Gain on sale of investment |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (872 | )
Write-off of inventory in a discontinued product line |  |  | 2,800 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Pretax loss/(income) attributable to noncontrolling interest in ASC |  |  | 567 |  |  |  | (125 | ) |  |  | 20 |
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) |  |  | $169,374 |  |  |  | $168,896 |  |  |  | $140,976 |

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|  |  |  |  | (in thousands) |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |  | Albany |  |  |  | Corporate |  |  |  |  |
|  |  | Machine |  |  |  | Engineered |  |  |  | expenses |  |  |  | Total |
Year ended December 31, 2017 |  |  | Clothing |  |  |  | Composites |  |  |  | and other |  |  |  | Company |
Operating income/(loss) (GAAP) |  |  | $153,936 |  |  |  | ($31,657 | )(a) |  |  | ($46,128 | ) |  |  | $76,151 |
Interest, taxes, other income/expense |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (43,566 | ) |  |  | (43,566 | )
Net income (GAAP) |  |  | 153,936 |  |  |  | (31,657 | ) |  |  | (89,694 | ) |  |  | 32,585 |
Interest expense, net |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 17,091 |  |  |  | 17,091 |
Income tax expense |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 22,123 |  |  |  | 22,123 |
Depreciation and amortization |  |  | 33,527 |  |  |  | 33,533 |  |  |  | 4,896 |  |  |  | 71,956 |
EBITDA (non-GAAP) |  |  | 187,463 |  |  |  | 1,876 |  |  |  | (45,584 | ) |  |  | 143,755 |
Restructuring and other, net |  |  | 3,429 |  |  |  | 10,062 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 13,491 |
Foreign currency revaluation losses |  |  | 3,903 |  |  |  | 214 |  |  |  | 4,644 |  |  |  | 8,761 |
Write-off of inventory in a discontinued product line |  |  | - |  |  |  | 2,800 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 2,800 |
Pretax loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in ASC |  |  | - |  |  |  | 567 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 567 |
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) |  |  | $194,795 |  |  |  | $15,519 |  |  |  | ($40,940 | ) |  |  | $169,374 |

(a) Includes second-quarter charge of $15.8 million related to revisions in the estimated profitability of two long-term contracts.

|  |  |  |  | (in thousands) |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |  | Albany |  |  |  | Corporate |  |  |  |  |
|  |  | Machine |  |  |  | Engineered |  |  |  | expenses |  |  |  | Total |
Year ended December 31, 2016 |  |  | Clothing |  |  |  | Composites |  |  |  | and other |  |  |  | Company |
Operating income/(loss) (GAAP) |  |  | $152,529 |  |  |  | ($15,363 | ) |  |  | ($45,390 | ) |  |  | $91,776 |
Interest, taxes, other income/expense |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (38,964 | ) |  |  | (38,964 | )
Net income (GAAP) |  |  | 152,529 |  |  |  | (15,363 | ) |  |  | (84,354 | ) |  |  | 52,812 |
Interest expense, net |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 13,464 |  |  |  | 13,464 |
Income tax expense |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 25,454 |  |  |  | 25,454 |
Depreciation and amortization |  |  | 36,428 |  |  |  | 24,211 |  |  |  | 6,822 |  |  |  | 67,461 |
EBITDA (non-GAAP) |  |  | 188,957 |  |  |  | 8,848 |  |  |  | (38,614 | ) |  |  | 159,191 |
Restructuring and other, net |  |  | 6,069 |  |  |  | 2,314 |  |  |  | (7 | ) |  |  | 8,376 |
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses |  |  | (404 | ) |  |  | 16 |  |  |  | (3,525 | ) |  |  | (3,913 | )
Acquisition expenses |  |  | - |  |  |  | 5,367 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 5,367 |
Pretax income attributable to noncontrolling interest in ASC |  |  | - |  |  |  | (125 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (125 | )
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) |  |  | $194,622 |  |  |  | $16,420 |  |  |  | ($42,146 | ) |  |  | $168,896 |

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|  |  |  |  | (in thousands) |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |  | Albany |  |  |  | Corporate |  |  |  |  |
|  |  | Machine |  |  |  | Engineered |  |  |  | expenses |  |  |  | Total |
Year ended December 31, 2015 |  |  | Clothing |  |  |  | Composites |  |  |  | and other |  |  |  | Company |
Operating income/(loss) (GAAP) |  |  | $141,311 |  |  |  | ($28,478 | )(a) |  |  | ($48,938 | ) |  |  | $63,895 |
Interest, taxes, other income/expense |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (6,630 | ) |  |  | (6,630 | )
Net income (GAAP) |  |  | 141,311 |  |  |  | (28,478 | ) |  |  | (55,568 | ) |  |  | 57,265 |
Interest expense, net |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 9,984 |  |  |  | 9,984 |
Income tax benefit |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (5,787 | ) |  |  | (5,787 | )
Depreciation and amortization |  |  | 39,503 |  |  |  | 12,140 |  |  |  | 8,471 |  |  |  | 60,114 |
EBITDA (non-GAAP) |  |  | 180,814 |  |  |  | (16,338 | ) |  |  | (42,900 | ) |  |  | 121,576 |
Restructuring and other, net |  |  | 22,211 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,635 |  |  |  | 23,846 |
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses |  |  | (5,075 | ) |  |  | (17 | ) |  |  | 1,498 |  |  |  | (3,594 | )
Gain on sale of investment |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (872 | ) |  |  | (872 | )
Pretax loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
ASC |  |  | - |  |  |  | 20 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 20 |
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) |  |  | $197,950 |  |  |  | ($16,335 | ) |  |  | ($40,639 | ) |  |  | $140,976 |

(a) Includes a second-quarter charge of $14.0 million related to BR 725 program

The Company discloses certain income and expense items on a per-share basis. The Company believes that such disclosures provide important insight into the underlying earnings and are financial performance metrics commonly used by investors. The Company calculates the per-share amount for items included in continuing operations by using the income tax rate based on income from continuing operations and the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for each period. Year-to-date earnings per-share effects were determined by adding the amounts calculated at each reporting period.

The following tables show the earnings per share effect of certain income and expense items:

|  | (in thousands, except per share amounts) |
|  | Pre tax |  |  | Tax |  |  | After tax |  |  | Per Share |
Year ended December 31, 2017 |  | Amounts |  |  | Effect |  |  | Effect |  |  | Effect |
Restructuring and other, net |  |  | $13,491 |  |  |  | $4,768 |  |  |  | $8,723 |  |  |  | $0.27 |
Foreign currency revaluation losses |  |  | 8,761 |  |  |  | 3,107 |  |  |  | 5,654 |  |  |  | 0.18 |
Inventory write-off from discontinued product line |  |  | 2,800 |  |  |  | 1,036 |  |  |  | 1,764 |  |  |  | 0.05 |
Net discrete income tax charge |  |  | - |  |  |  | 4,602 |  |  |  | 4,602 |  |  |  | 0.14 |
Charge for Q2 revision to estimated profitability of AEC contracts |  |  | 15,821 |  |  |  | 5,854 |  |  |  | 9,967 |  |  |  | 0.31 |

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|  | (in thousands, except per share amounts) |
|  | Pre tax |  |  | Tax |  |  | After tax |  |  | Per Share |
Year ended December 31, 2016 |  | Amounts |  |  | Effect |  |  | Effect |  |  | Effect |
Restructuring and other, net |  |  | $8,376 |  |  |  | $3,220 |  |  |  | $5,156 |  |  |  | $0.16 |
Foreign currency revaluation gains |  |  | 3,913 |  |  |  | 1,389 |  |  |  | 2,524 |  |  |  | 0.07 |
Acquisition expenses |  |  | 5,367 |  |  |  | 1,933 |  |  |  | 3,434 |  |  |  | 0.11 |
Loss due to theft |  |  | 2,506 |  |  |  | 877 |  |  |  | 1,629 |  |  |  | 0.05 |
Net discrete income tax benefit |  |  | - |  |  |  | 2,175 |  |  |  | 2,175 |  |  |  | 0.07 |
|  |  | (in thousands, except per share amounts) |
|  |  | Pre tax |  |  |  | Tax |  |  |  | After tax |  |  |  | Per Share |
Year ended December 31, 2015 |  |  | Amounts |  |  |  | Effect |  |  |  | Effect |  |  |  | Effect |
Restructuring and other, net |  |  | $23,846 |  |  |  | $8,434 |  |  |  | $15,412 |  |  |  | $0.48 |
Foreign currency revaluation gains |  |  | 3,594 |  |  |  | 1,422 |  |  |  | 2,172 |  |  |  | 0.07 |
Gain on sale of investment |  |  | 872 |  |  |  | 331 |  |  |  | 541 |  |  |  | 0.02 |
Net discrete income tax benefit |  |  | - |  |  |  | 22,174 |  |  |  | 22,174 |  |  |  | 0.69 |
Charge for revision in estimated contract profitability |  |  | 14,000 |  |  |  | 5,180 |  |  |  | 8,820 |  |  |  | 0.28 |

The following table contains the calculation of net income per share attributable to the Company, excluding adjustments:

|  | Per share amounts (Basic) |
Years ended December 31, |  | 2017 (a) |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 (b) |
Net income attributable to the Company |  |  | $1.03 |  |  |  | $1.64 |  |  |  | $1.79 |
Adjustments: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Restructuring expenses, net |  |  | 0.27 |  |  |  | 0.16 |  |  |  | 0.48 |
Discrete tax charges/(benefits) |  |  | 0.14 |  |  |  | (0.07 | ) |  |  | (0.69 | )
Foreign currency revaluation losses/(gains) |  |  | 0.18 |  |  |  | (0.07 | ) |  |  | (0.07 | )
Write-off of inventory in a discontinued product line |  |  | 0.05 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Gain on sale of investment |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (0.02 | )
Acquisition expenses |  |  | - |  |  |  | 0.11 |  |  |  | - |
Net income attributable to the Company, excluding adjustments |  |  | $1.67 |  |  |  | $1.77 |  |  |  | $1.49 |

(a) includes a second-quarter charge of $0.31 per share for revisions in estimated profitability of two AEC contracts
(b) includes a second-quarter charge of $0.28 per share related to BR 725 program |  |

The following table contains the calculation of net debt:

|  | (in thousands) |
As of December 31, |  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Notes and loans payable |  |  | $262 |  |  |  | $312 |  |  |  | $587 |
Current maturities of long-term debt |  |  | 1,799 |  |  |  | 51,666 |  |  |  | 16 |
Long-term debt |  |  | 514,120 |  |  |  | 432,918 |  |  |  | 265,080 |
Total debt |  |  | 516,181 |  |  |  | 484,896 |  |  |  | 265,683 |
Cash |  |  | 183,727 |  |  |  | 181,742 |  |  |  | 185,113 |
Net debt |  |  | $332,454 |  |  |  | $303,154 |  |  |  | $80,570 |

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| Item 7a. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We have 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.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We have manufacturing plants and sales transactions worldwide and therefore are 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, we periodically enter into forward exchange contracts either to 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 nonfunctional currencies subject to potential loss amount to approximately $527 million. The potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10 percent adverse change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates amounts to $52.7 million. Furthermore, related to foreign currency transactions, we have exposure to various nonfunctional currency balances totaling $119.3 million. This amount includes, on an absolute basis, exposures to assets and liabilities held in currencies other than our local entity’s functional currency. On a net basis, we had $88.3 million of foreign currency assets as of December 31, 2017. As currency rates change, these nonfunctional currency balances are revalued, and the corresponding adjustment is recorded in the income statement. A hypothetical change of 10 percent in currency rates could result in an adjustment to the income statement of approximately $8.8 million. Actual results may differ.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to interest rate fluctuations with respect to our variable rate debt, depending on general economic conditions.

On December 31, 2017, we had the following variable rate debt:

(in thousands, except interest rates) |  |  |
Short-term debt |  |  |
Notes payable, end of period interest rate of 1.190% |  |  | $262 |
Long-term debt |  |  |  |
Credit agreement with borrowings outstanding, net of fixed rate portion, at an end of period interest rate of 2.915% in 2017, due in 2022 |  |  | 151,000 |
Total |  |  | $151,262 |

Assuming borrowings were outstanding for an entire year, an increase of one percentage point in weighted average interest rates would increase/decrease interest expense by $1.5 million. To manage interest rate risk, we may periodically enter into interest rate swap agreements to effectively fix the interest rates on variable debt to a specific rate for a period of time. (See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, which is incorporated herein by reference).

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Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |  | 51
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 |  | 53
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 |  | 54
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 |  | 55
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 |  | 56
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |  | 57

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Albany International Corp.:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Albany International Corp. and subsidiaries (“Albany International Corp.”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income/(loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule of valuation and qualifying accounts (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Albany International Corp. as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), Albany International Corp.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 28, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of Albany International Corp.’s internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of Albany International Corp.’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to Albany International Corp. in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ KPMG LLP

We have served as the auditor of Albany International Corp. since 2014.

Albany, New York
February 28, 2018

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Shareholders and Board of Directors of Albany International Corp.:

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited Albany International Corp. and subsidiaries’ (“Albany International Corp.”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, Albany International Corp. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets of Albany International Corp. as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income/(loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule of valuation and qualifying accounts (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”) and our report dated February 28, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

Albany International Corp.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting (Item 9A). Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Albany International Corp.’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to Albany International Corp. in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definitions and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Albany, New York

February 28, 2018

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Albany International Corp.

Consolidated Statements of Income

For the years ended December 31,

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

|  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Net sales |  | $863,717 |  | $779,839 |  | $709,868
Cost of goods sold |  | 567,937 |  | 479,271 |  | 431,182
Gross profit |  | 295,780 |  | 300,568 |  | 278,686
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  | 164,964 |  | 160,112 |  | 146,192
Technical and research expenses |  | 41,174 |  | 40,304 |  | 44,753
Restructuring expenses, net |  | 13,491 |  | 8,376 |  | 23,846
Operating income |  | 76,151 |  | 91,776 |  | 63,895
Interest income |  | (1,511) |  | (2,077) |  | (1,857)
Interest expense |  | 18,602 |  | 15,541 |  | 11,841
Other expense, net |  | 4,352 |  | 46 |  | 2,433
Income before income taxes |  | 54,708 |  | 78,266 |  | 51,478
Income tax expense/(benefit) |  | 22,123 |  | 25,454 |  | (5,787)
Net income |  | 32,585 |  | 52,812 |  | 57,265
Net (loss)/income attributable to the noncontrolling interest |  | (526) |  | 79 |  | (14)
Net income attributable to the Company |  | $33,111 |  | $52,733 |  | $57,279
Earnings per share attributable to Company shareholders - Basic |  | $1.03 |  | $1.64 |  | $1.79
Earnings per share attributable to Company shareholders - Diluted |  | $1.03 |  | $1.64 |  | $1.79
Dividends declared per share, Class A and Class B |  | $0.68 |  | $0.68 |  | $0.67
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

53

Albany International Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
For the years ended December 31,
(in thousands)
|  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Net income |  | $32,585 |  | $52,812 |  | $57,265
Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax: |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency translation adjustments |  | 44,162 |  | (23,967) |  | (51,177)
Pension/postretirement settlements and curtailments |  | - |  | 51 |  | 103
Pension/postretirement plan remeasurement |  | 2,955 |  | (5,498) |  | (700)
Amortization of pension liability adjustments: |  |  |  |  |  |
Prior service credit |  | (4,453) |  | (4,450) |  | (4,440)
Net actuarial loss |  | 5,439 |  | 5,102 |  | 5,932
Payments related to interest rate swaps included in earnings |  | 1,490 |  | 2,400 |  | 1,988
Derivative valuation adjustment |  | 325 |  | 1,297 |  | (2,961)
Income taxes related to items of other comprehensive income/(loss): |  |  |  |  |  |
Pension/postretirement settlements and curtailments |  | - |  | (6) |  | -
Pension/postretirement plan remeasurement |  | (918) |  | 1,104 |  | 78
Amortization of pension liability adjustments |  | (22) |  | 27 |  | (270)
Payments related to interest rate swaps included in earnings |  | (566) |  | (912) |  | (755)
Derivative valuation adjustment |  | (124) |  | (493) |  | 1,125
Comprehensive income |  | 80,873 |  | 27,467 |  | 6,188
Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to the noncontrolling interest |  | (520) |  | 77 |  | (9)
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company |  | $81,393 |  | $27,390 |  | $6,197
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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Albany International Corp.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

At December 31,

(in thousands, except per share data)

|  | 2017 |  | 2016
Assets |  |  |  |
Current assets: |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | $183,727 |  | $181,742
Accounts receivable, net |  | 202,675 |  | 171,193
Inventories |  | 136,519 |  | 133,906
Income taxes prepaid and receivable |  | 6,266 |  | 5,213
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |  | 14,520 |  | 9,251
Total current assets |  | 543,707 |  | 501,305
Property, plant and equipment, net |  | 454,302 |  | 422,564
Intangibles, net |  | 55,441 |  | 66,454
Goodwill |  | 166,796 |  | 160,375
Deferred income taxes |  | 68,648 |  | 68,865
Contract receivables |  | 32,811 |  | 14,045
Other assets |  | 39,493 |  | 29,825
Total assets |  | $1,361,198 |  | $1,263,433
Liabilities |  |  |  |
Current liabilities: |  |  |  |
Notes and loans payable |  | $262 |  | $312
Accounts payable |  | 44,899 |  | 43,305
Accrued liabilities |  | 105,914 |  | 95,195
Current maturities of long-term debt |  | 1,799 |  | 51,666
Income taxes payable |  | 8,643 |  | 9,531
Total current liabilities |  | 161,517 |  | 200,009
Long-term debt |  | 514,120 |  | 432,918
Other noncurrent liabilities |  | 101,555 |  | 106,827
Deferred taxes and other liabilities |  | 10,991 |  | 12,389
Total liabilities |  | 788,183 |  | 752,143
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 37,395,753 in 2017 and 37,319,266 in 2016 |  | 37 |  | 37
Class B Common Stock, par value $.001 per share; authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 3,233,998 in 2017 and 2016 |  | 3 |  | 3
Additional paid-in capital |  | 428,423 |  | 425,953
Retained earnings |  | 534,082 |  | 522,855
Accumulated items of other comprehensive income: |  |  |  |
Translation adjustments |  | (87,318) |  | (133,298)
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments |  | (50,536) |  | (51,719)
Derivative valuation adjustment |  | 1,953 |  | 828
Treasury stock (Class A), at cost; 8,431,335 shares in 2017 and 8,443,444 shares in 2016 |  | (256,876) |  | (257,136)
Total Company shareholders’ equity |  | 569,768 |  | 507,523
Noncontrolling interest |  | 3,247 |  | 3,767
Total equity |  | 573,015 |  | 511,290
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity |  | $1,361,198 |  | $1,263,433
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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Albany International Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the years ended December 31,
(in thousands)
|  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Operating Activities |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income |  | $32,585 |  | $52,812 |  | $57,265
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation |  | 61,517 |  | 58,106 |  | 52,974
Amortization |  | 10,439 |  | 9,355 |  | 7,140
Change in other noncurrent liabilities |  | (10,145) |  | (5,232) |  | 3,608
Change in deferred taxes and other liabilities |  | (1,264) |  | 5,889 |  | (29,517)
Provision for write-off of property, plant and equipment |  | 2,870 |  | 2,778 |  | 867
Fair value adjustment on available-for-sale assets |  | - |  | - |  | 3,212
Gain on disposition or involuntary conversion of assets |  | - |  | - |  | (1,056)
Non-cash interest expense |  | 660 |  | 564 |  | -
Write-off of pension liability adjustment due to settlement |  | - |  | 51 |  | 103
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in Class A Common Stock |  | 2,133 |  | 2,433 |  | 1,707
Write-off of intangible assets in a discontinued product line |  | 4,149 |  | - |  | -
Changes in operating assets and liabilities that provide/(use) cash, net of impact of business acquisition: |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts receivable |  | (21,859) |  | (12,697) |  | (404)
Inventories |  | 3,090 |  | (12,520) |  | (8,277)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |  | (4,989) |  | (2,595) |  | 1,253
Income taxes prepaid and receivable |  | (941) |  | (2,206) |  | (3,156)
Contract receivable |  | (18,766) |  | (14,045) |  | -
Accounts payable |  | 2,910 |  | 2,108 |  | (6,001)
Accrued liabilities |  | 5,303 |  | 1,312 |  | 2,081
Income taxes payable |  | (799) |  | 1,398 |  | 9,072
Other, net |  | (2,677) |  | (6,571) |  | 7,139
Net cash provided by operating activities |  | 64,216 |  | 80,940 |  | 98,010
Investing Activities |  |  |  |  |  |
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired |  | - |  | (187,000) |  | -
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |  | (85,510) |  | (71,244) |  | (48,622)
Purchased software |  | (2,127) |  | (2,248) |  | (1,973)
Proceeds from sale or involuntary conversion of assets |  | - |  | 6,939 |  | 2,797
Net cash used in investing activities |  | (87,637) |  | (253,553) |  | (47,798)
Financing Activities |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from borrowings |  | 115,334 |  | 235,907 |  | 95,126
Principal payments on debt |  | (84,047) |  | (34,356) |  | (102,215)
Debt acquisition costs |  | (2,130) |  | (1,771) |  | (1,673)
Cash received/(paid) to settle swap agreements |  | 6,346 |  | (5,175) |  | -
Proceeds from options exercised |  | 597 |  | 517 |  | 1,897
Taxes paid in lieu of share issuance |  | (1,364) |  | (1,272) |  | (1,449)
Dividends paid |  | (21,869) |  | (21,812) |  | (21,088)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities |  | 12,867 |  | 172,038 |  | (29,402)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |  | 12,539 |  | (2,796) |  | (15,499)
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |  | 1,985 |  | (3,371) |  | 5,311
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |  | 181,742 |  | 185,113 |  | 179,802
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |  | $183,727 |  | $181,742 |  | $185,113

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

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1. Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Albany International Corp. and its subsidiaries (the Company, Albany, we, us, or our) after elimination of intercompany transactions. We have a 50 percent interest in an entity in Russia. The consolidated financial statements include our original investment in the entity, plus our share of undistributed earnings or losses, in the account “Other Assets.”

The Company owns 90 percent of the common equity of Albany Safran Composites, LLC (ASC) which is reported within the Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) segment. Additional information regarding that entity is included in Note 10.

Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, revenue recognition, contract profitability, allowances for doubtful accounts, rebates and sales allowances, inventory allowances, pension benefits, goodwill and intangible assets, contingencies, income tax related balances, and other accruals. Our estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions, which are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods may differ from those estimates. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of any revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary.

Revenue Recognition

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

Products and services provided under long-term contracts represent a significant portion of sales in the Albany Engineered Composites segment. We have a contract with a major customer for which revenue is recognized under a cost, plus a defined profit margin. We also have fixed price long-term contracts, for which we use the percentage of completion method (actual cost to estimated cost, or units of delivery). Accounting for long-term contracts requires significant judgment and estimation, which could be considerably different if the underlying circumstances were to change. When adjustments in estimated contract revenues or costs are required, any changes from prior estimates are included in earnings in the period the change occurs. In the second quarter of 2017, we recorded a $15.8 million charge to Cost of goods sold related to revisions on estimated profitability of our BR 725 and A380 programs, which included the write-off of $4.0 million of program inventory costs and a reserve of $11.8 million for additional anticipated losses. Later in 2017, we amended a long-term agreement with a licensor for the A380 program that resulted in a reduction to Cost of goods sold of $4.9 million. In 2015, we recorded a $14.0 million charge on our BR 725 contract, which included the write-off of $10.9 million of deferred contract costs and a reserve of $3.1 million for additional anticipated losses. Changes in estimates on contracts other than the profitability changes noted above, decreased gross profit by $0.6 million in 2017, increased gross profit by $1.5 million in 2016, and increased gross profit by $0.4 million in 2015. The Company includes contractual change orders and claims in the estimated value of customer contracts when there is a legal basis for such items and recovery is probable. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the value of change

57

orders and claims that was included in estimated contract value was not significant. For contracts with anticipated losses at completion, a provision for the entire amount of the estimated remaining loss is charged against income in the period in which the loss becomes known. Contract losses are determined considering all direct and indirect contract costs, exclusive of any selling, general or administrative cost allocations that are treated as period expenses.

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

We limit the concentration of credit risk in receivables by closely monitoring credit and collection policies. We record allowances for sales returns as a deduction in the computation of net sales. Such provisions are recorded on the basis of written communication with customers and/or historical experience. Any value added taxes that are imposed on sales transactions are excluded from net sales.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold includes the cost of materials, provisions for obsolete inventories, labor and supplies, shipping and handling costs, depreciation of manufacturing facilities and equipment, purchasing, receiving, warehousing, and other expenses. Cost of goods sold also includes provisions for loss contracts and charges for the write-off of inventories that result from an exit activity.

Selling, General, Administrative, Technical, and Research Expenses

Selling, general, administrative, and technical expenses are primarily comprised of wages, benefits, travel, professional fees, revaluation of trade foreign currency balances, and other costs, and are expensed as incurred. Selling expense includes provisions for bad debts and costs related to contract acquisition. Research expenses are charged to operations as incurred and consist primarily of compensation, supplies, and professional fees incurred in connection with intellectual property. Total Company research expense was $30.7 million in 2017, $28.8 million in 2016, $31.7 million in 2015.

The Albany Engineered Composites segment participates in both Company-sponsored, and customer-funded research and development. Some customer-funded research and development may be on a cost-sharing basis and be considered a collaborative arrangement, in which case both parties are active participants and are exposed to the risks and rewards dependent on the success of the activity. In such cases, amounts charged to the customer are credited against research and development expense. While no such arrangements existed during the last three years, we may enter into such arrangements in the future. For customer-funded research and development in which we anticipate funding to exceed expenses, we include amounts charged to the customer in Net sales, while expenses are included in Cost of goods sold.

Restructuring Expense

We may incur expenses related to restructuring of our operations, which could include employee termination costs, costs to consolidate or close facilities, or costs to terminate contractual relationships. Restructuring expenses may also include impairment of Property, plant and equipment, as described below. Employee termination costs include the severance pay and social costs for periods after employee service is completed. Termination costs related to an ongoing benefit arrangement are recognized when the amount becomes probable and estimable. Termination costs related to a one-time benefit arrangement are recognized at the communication date to employees. Costs related to contract termination, relocation of employees, outplacement and the consolidation or the closure of facilities, are recognized when incurred.

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Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable for future years to differences between existing assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax return purposes. The effect of tax rate changes on deferred taxes is recognized in the income tax provision in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established, as needed, to reduce net deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. In the event it becomes more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset valuation allowances will not be needed, the valuation allowance will be adjusted.

In the ordinary course of business there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying our income tax positions. We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have determined the amount of the tax benefit to be recognized by estimating the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties have also been recognized. We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.

Earnings Per Share

Net income or loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding during each year. Diluted net income per share includes the effect of all potentially dilutive securities. If we report a net loss from continuing operations, the diluted loss is equal to the basic earnings per share calculation.

Translation of Financial Statements

Assets and liabilities of non-U.S. operations are translated at year-end rates of exchange, and the income statements are translated at average exchange rates. Gains or losses resulting from translating non-U.S. currency financial statements are recorded in other comprehensive income and accumulated in Shareholders’ equity in the caption “Translation adjustments”.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses include foreign currency gains and losses resulting from third party balances, such as receivables and payables, which are denominated in a currency other than the entity’s local currency. Gains or losses resulting from cash and short-term intercompany loans and balances denominated in a currency other than the entity’s local currency, and foreign currency options are generally included in Other expense/(income), net. Gains and losses on long-term intercompany loans not intended to be repaid in the foreseeable future are recorded in other comprehensive income.

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

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

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

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Accounts Receivable

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

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

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

In connection with certain sales in Asia Pacific, the Company accepts a bank promissory note as customer payment. The notes may be presented for payment at maturity, which is less than one year.

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

Inventories

Costs included in inventories are raw materials, labor, supplies and allocable depreciation and overhead. Raw material inventories are valued on an average cost basis. Other inventory cost elements are valued at cost, using the first-in, first out method. The Company writes down inventories for estimated obsolescence, and to the lower of cost or net realizable value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual demand or market conditions are less favorable than those projected by the Company, additional inventory write-downs may be required. Once established, the original cost of the inventory less the related write-down represents the new cost basis of such inventories. The AEC segment has long-term contracts under which we incur engineering and development costs that are allocable to parts that will be delivered over multiple years. These costs are included in Work in process in the table below.

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

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

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost, or if acquired as part of a business combination, at fair value. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets for financial reporting purposes; in some cases, accelerated methods are used for income tax purposes. Significant additions or improvements extending assets’ useful lives are capitalized; normal maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. The cost of fully depreciated assets remaining in use is included in the respective asset and accumulated depreciation accounts. When items are sold or retired, related gains or losses are included in net income.

Computer software purchased for internal use, at cost, is amortized on a straight-line basis over five to eight years, depending on the nature of the asset, after being placed into service, and is included in property, plant, and equipment. We capitalize internal and external costs incurred related to the software development stage. Capitalized salaries, travel, and consulting costs related to the software development amounted to $1.2 million in both 2017 and 2016.

We review the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable from the estimated future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition.

Goodwill, Intangibles, and Other Assets

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

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

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

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

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Stock-Based Compensation

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

Derivatives

We use derivatives from time to time to reduce potentially large adverse effects from changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates. We monitor our exposure to these risks and evaluate, on an ongoing basis, the risk of potentially large adverse effects versus the costs associated with hedging such risks.

We use interest rate swaps in the management of interest rate exposures and foreign currency derivatives in the management of foreign currency exposure related to assets and liabilities (including net investments in subsidiaries located outside the U.S.) denominated in foreign currencies. When we enter into a derivative contract, we make a determination whether the transaction is deemed to be a hedge for accounting purposes. For those contracts deemed to be a hedge, we formally document the relationship between the derivative instrument and the risk being hedged. In this documentation, we specifically identify the asset, liability, forecasted transaction, cash flow, or net investment that has been designated as the hedged item, and evaluate whether the derivative instrument is expected to reduce the risks associated with the hedged item. To the extent these criteria are not met, we do not use hedge accounting for the derivative.

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

For derivatives that are designated and qualify as hedges of net investments in subsidiaries located outside the United States, changes in the fair value of derivatives are reported in other comprehensive income as part of the Cumulative translation adjustment.

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

As described in Note 4, we have pension and postretirement benefit plans covering substantially all employees. Our defined benefit pension plan in the United States was closed to new participants as of October 1998 and, as of February 2009, benefits accrued under this plan were frozen. We have liabilities for postretirement benefits in the U.S. and Canada. Substantially all of the liability relates to the U.S. plan. Effective January 2005, our postretirement benefit plan in the U.S. was closed to new participants, except for certain life insurance benefits. In September 2008, we changed the cost sharing arrangement under this program such that increases in health care costs are the responsibility of plan participants and, in August 2013, we reduced the life insurance benefit for retirees and eliminated that benefit for active employees.

The pension plans are generally trusteed or insured, and accrued amounts are funded as required in accordance with governing laws and regulations. The annual expense and liabilities recognized for defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefit plans are developed from actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates and expected return on plan assets, which are updated on an annual basis. We consider current market conditions, including changes in interest rates, in making these assumptions. Discount rate assumptions are based on the population of plan participants and a mixture of high-quality fixed-income investments for with durations that match expected future payments. The assumption for expected return on plan assets is based on historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets.

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

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

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

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

In March 2016, an accounting update was issued which simplifies several aspects related to the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, statutory tax withholding

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requirements, and classification of excess tax benefits and cash paid to a tax authority in lieu of share issuances to employees on the statements of cash flows. The update also affects presentation in the Statements of Cash Flows of income tax effects of shares withheld for incentive compensation, and the exercise of stock options. We adopted this accounting update on January 1, 2017 and it had an insignificant effect on income tax expense. The updates affecting the Statements of Cash Flows have been applied retrospectively as follows:

-As a result of the change affecting cash payments of taxes in lieu of share issuance, operating cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were increased $1.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively, and financing cash flows were decreased by the same amount.
-As a result of the change affecting classification of excess tax benefits, operating cash flows were increased $0.1 million and financing cash flows were decreased by the same amount in the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In August 2017, an accounting update was issued that will make more financial and nonfinancial hedging strategies eligible for hedge accounting. It also amends the presentation and disclosure requirements and changes how companies assess effectiveness. It is intended to more closely align hedge accounting with companies’ risk management strategies, simplify the application of hedge accounting, and increase transparency

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as to the scope and results of hedging programs. This accounting update is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this update to have a significant effect on our financial statements.

2. Business Acquisition

On April 8, 2016, the Company acquired the outstanding shares of Harris Corporation’s composite aerostructures business for cash of $187 million, plus the assumption of certain liabilities. The Company funded the cash payable at closing by utilizing proceeds from a $550 million, unsecured credit facility agreement that was completed April 8, 2016 (see Note 14). The seller provided representations, warranties and indemnities customary for acquisition transactions, including indemnities for certain customer claims identified before closing. The acquired entity is part of the Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) segment.

There were no changes during 2017 to the provisional allocation recorded in 2016. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired:

(in thousands) |  | April 8, 2016
Assets acquired |  |
Accounts receivable |  | $15,443
Inventories |  | 16,670
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |  | 402
Property, plant and equipment |  | 62,784
Intangibles |  | 71,630
Goodwill |  | 95,730
Total assets acquired |  | $262,659
Liabilities assumed |  |
Accounts payable |  | $10,323
Accrued liabilities |  | 2,862
Capital lease obligation |  | 17,560
Deferred income taxes |  | 33,143
Other noncurrent liabilities |  | 11,771
Total liabilities assumed |  | $75,659
Net assets acquired |  | $187,000

Goodwill of $95.7 million reflects that the acquisition broadened and deepened AEC’s products, experience and manufacturing capabilities, and significantly increases opportunities for future growth. The goodwill is non-deductible for tax purposes.

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The following table presents operational results of the acquired entity that are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited):

(in thousands, except per share amounts) |  | April 8 to December 31, 2016 |
Net sales |  | $67,011 |
Operating loss |  | (1,246 | )
Loss before income taxes |  | (2,342 | )
Net loss attributable to the Company |  | (1,495 | )
Loss per share: |  |  |
Basic |  | ($0.05 | )
Diluted: |  | ($0.05 | )

The Consolidated Statements of Income reflect operational activity of the acquired business for only the period subsequent to the closing, which affects comparability of results. The following table shows total Company pro forma statements of what results would have been if the 2016 acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2015.

|  | Unaudited - Pro forma
(in thousands, except per share amounts) |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Combined Net sales |  | $802,023 |  | $786,623
Combined Income before income taxes |  | $80,639 |  | $52,542
Pro forma increase/(decrease) to income before income taxes: |  |  |  |
Acquisition expenses |  | 5,367 |  | -
Interest expense related to purchase price |  | (1,382) |  | (5,133)
Acquisition accounting adjustments: |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization on property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets |  | (1,575) |  | (7,875)
Valuation of contract inventories |  | 1,997 |  | 6,908
Interest expense on capital lease obligation |  | 300 |  | 1,096
Interest expense on other obligations |  | (133) |  | (533)
Pro forma Income before income taxes |  | $85,213 |  | $47,005
Pro forma Net Income attributable to the Company |  | $57,229 |  | $54,245

3. Reportable Segments and Geographic Data

In accordance with applicable disclosure guidance for enterprise segments and related information, the internal organization that is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance is used as the basis for our reportable segments.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1. Corporate expenses include wages and benefits for corporate headquarters personnel, costs related to information systems development and support, and professional fees related to legal, audit, and other activities. These costs are not

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allocated to the reportable segments because the decision-making for these functions lies outside of the segments.

Machine Clothing:

The Machine Clothing segment supplies permeable and impermeable belts used in the manufacture of paper, paperboard, nonwovens, fiber cement and several other industrial applications. The Machine Clothing segment also supplies customized, consumable fabrics used in the manufacturing process in the pulp, corrugator, nonwovens, fiber cement, building products, and tannery and textile industries. We sell our Machine Clothing products directly to customer end-users in countries across the globe. Our products, manufacturing processes, and distribution channels for Machine Clothing are substantially the same in each region of the world in which we operate.

We design, manufacture, and market paper machine clothing for each section of the paper machine and for every grade of paper. Paper machine clothing products are customized, consumable products of technologically sophisticated design that utilize polymeric materials in a complex structure.

Albany Engineered Composites:

The Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) segment, including Albany Safran Composites, LLC (ASC), in which our customer SAFRAN Group (Safran) owns a 10 percent noncontrolling interest, provides highly engineered, advanced composite structures to customers in the aerospace and defense industries. AEC’s largest program relates to CFM International’s LEAP engine. Under this program, AEC through ASC, is the exclusive supplier of advanced composite fan blades and cases under a long-term supply contract. The manufacturing spaces used for the production of parts under the long-term supply agreement are owned by Safran, and leased to the Company at either a market rent or a minimal cost. All lease expense is reimbursable by Safran to the Company due to the cost-plus nature of the supply agreement. AEC net sales to Safran were $119.2 million in 2017, $88.9 million in 2016, and $58.1 million in 2015. The total of invoiced receivables, unbilled receivables and contract receivables due from Safran amounted to $58.6 million and $37.1 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Other significant AEC programs include components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, fuselage frame components for the Boeing 787, and the fan case for the GE9X engine. In 2017, approximately 30 percent of AEC sales were related to U.S. government contracts or programs.

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The following tables show data by reportable segment, reconciled to consolidated totals included in the financial statements:

(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Net Sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Machine Clothing |  | $590,357 |  |  | $582,190 |  |  | $608,581 |
Albany Engineered Composites |  | 273,360 |  |  | 197,649 |  |  | 101,287 |
Consolidated total |  | $863,717 |  |  | $779,839 |  |  | $709,868 |
Depreciation and amortization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Machine Clothing |  | 33,527 |  |  | 36,428 |  |  | 39,503 |
Albany Engineered Composites |  | 33,533 |  |  | 24,211 |  |  | 12,140 |
Corporate expenses |  | 4,896 |  |  | 6,822 |  |  | 8,471 |
Consolidated total |  | $71,956 |  |  | $67,461 |  |  | $60,114 |
Operating income/(loss) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Machine Clothing |  | 153,936 |  |  | 152,529 |  |  | 141,311 |
Albany Engineered Composites |  | (31,657 | ) |  | (15,363 | ) |  | (28,478 | )
Corporate expenses |  | (46,128 | ) |  | (45,390 | ) |  | (48,938 | )
Operating income |  | $76,151 |  |  | $91,776 |  |  | $63,895 |
Reconciling items: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest income |  | (1,511 | ) |  | (2,077 | ) |  | (1,857 | )
Interest expense |  | 18,602 |  |  | 15,541 |  |  | 11,841 |
Other expense, net |  | 4,352 |  |  | 46 |  |  | 2,433 |
Income before income taxes |  | $54,708 |  |  | $78,266 |  |  | $51,478 |

The table below presents restructuring costs by reportable segment (also see Note 5):

(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Restructuring expenses, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Machine Clothing |  | $3,429 |  |  | $6,069 |  |  | $22,211 |
Albany Engineered Composites |  | 10,062 |  |  | 2,314 |  |  | - |
Corporate expenses |  | - |  |  | (7 | ) |  | 1,635 |
Consolidated total |  | $13,491 |  |  | $8,376 |  |  | $23,846 |

In the measurement of assets utilized by each reportable segment, we include accounts and contract receivables, inventories, net property, plant and equipment, intangibles and goodwill. Excluded from segment assets are cash, tax related assets, prepaid and other current assets, and certain other assets not directly associated with segment operations.

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The following table presents assets and capital expenditures by reportable segment:

(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Segment assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Machine Clothing |  | $464,468 |  |  | $454,010 |  |  | $494,347 |
Albany Engineered Composites |  | 584,076 |  |  | 514,527 |  |  | 181,825 |
Reconciling items: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash |  | 183,727 |  |  | 181,742 |  |  | 185,113 |
Asset held for sale |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 4,988 |
Income taxes prepaid, receivable and deferred |  | 74,914 |  |  | 74,078 |  |  | 111,872 |
Other assets |  | 54,013 |  |  | 39,076 |  |  | 31,417 |
Consolidated total assets |  | $1,361,198 |  |  | $1,263,433 |  |  | $1,009,562 |
Capital expenditures and purchased software |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Machine Clothing |  | $20,522 |  |  | $15,651 |  |  | $16,010 |
Albany Engineered Composites |  | 63,865 |  |  | 54,678 |  |  | 30,378 |
Corporate expenses |  | 3,250 |  |  | 3,163 |  |  | 4,207 |
Consolidated total |  | $87,637 |  |  | $73,492 |  |  | $50,595 |

In 2016, the Company recorded expense of $5.4 million for cost directly related to the acquisition. These costs are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses of the AEC segment.

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. Net sales recorded by our entity in Switzerland are derived from products sold throughout Europe and Asia, and are invoiced in various currencies.

(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
United States |  | $459,525 |  |  | $396,238 |  |  | $323,399 |
Switzerland |  | 147,601 |  |  | 145,479 |  |  | 159,804 |
Brazil |  | 60,535 |  |  | 60,287 |  |  | 58,846 |
China |  | 48,920 |  |  | 48,043 |  |  | 48,490 |
France |  | 57,195 |  |  | 42,862 |  |  | 26,081 |
Mexico |  | 31,902 |  |  | 27,526 |  |  | 30,581 |
Other countries |  | 58,039 |  |  | 59,404 |  |  | 62,667 |
Consolidated total |  | $863,717 |  |  | $779,839 |  |  | $709,868 |
Property, plant and equipment, at cost, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
United States |  | $252,639 |  |  | $245,626 |  |  | $172,372 |
China |  | 61,840 |  |  | 65,987 |  |  | 80,786 |
France |  | 58,196 |  |  | 42,272 |  |  | 28,539 |
Mexico |  | 22,981 |  |  | 7,781 |  |  | 5,264 |
Korea |  | 14,558 |  |  | 15,585 |  |  | 19,095 |
United Kingdom |  | 14,256 |  |  | 14,591 |  |  | 19,029 |
Canada |  | 10,230 |  |  | 11,455 |  |  | 12,861 |
Other countries |  | 19,602 |  |  | $19,267 |  |  | 19,524 |
Consolidated total |  | $454,302 |  |  | $422,564 |  |  | $357,470 |

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4. Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

Pension Plans

The Company has defined benefit pension plans covering certain U.S. and non-U.S. employees. The U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan has been closed to new participants since October 1998 and, as of February 2009, benefits accrued under this plan were frozen. As a result of the freeze, employees covered by the pension plan will receive, at retirement, benefits already accrued through February 2009, but no new benefits accrue after that date. Benefit accruals under the U.S. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) were similarly frozen. The U.S. pension plan accounts for 42 percent of consolidated pension plan assets, and 43 percent of consolidated pension plan obligations. The eligibility, benefit formulas, and contribution requirements for plans outside of the U.S. vary by location.

The December 31, 2017 benefit obligation for the U.S. pension and postretirement plans were calculated using the RP-2014 mortality table with MP-2017 generational projection. For U.S. pension funding purposes, the Company uses the plan’s IRS-basis current liability as its funding target, which is determined based on mandated assumptions. Weak investment returns and low interest rates could result in higher than expected contributions to pension plans in future years.

Other Postretirement Benefits

In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company provides various medical, dental, and life insurance benefits for certain retired United States employees. U.S. employees hired prior to 2005 may become eligible for these benefits if they reach normal retirement age while working for the Company. Benefits provided under this plan are subject to change. Retirees share in the cost of these benefits. Effective January 2005, any new employees who wish to be covered under this plan will be responsible for the full cost of such benefits. In September 2008, we changed the cost-sharing arrangement under this program such that increases in health care costs are the responsibility of plan participants. In August 2013, we reduced the life insurance benefit for retirees and eliminated the benefit for active employees.

The Company also provides certain postretirement life insurance benefits to retired employees in Canada. As of December 31, 2017, the accrued postretirement liability was $57.4 million in the U.S. and $1.1 million in Canada. The Company accrues the cost of providing postretirement benefits during the active service period of the employees. The Company currently funds the plans as claims are paid.

Accounting guidance requires the recognition of the funded status of each defined benefit and other postretirement benefit plan. Each overfunded plan is recognized as an asset and each underfunded plan is recognized as a liability. Company pension plan data for U.S. and non-U.S. plans has been combined for both 2017 and 2016, except where indicated below.

The Company’s pension and postretirement benefit costs and benefit obligations are based on actuarial valuations that are affected by many assumptions, the most significant of which are the assumed discount rate, expected rate of return on pension plan assets, and mortality. Each of the assumptions is reviewed and updated annually, as appropriate. The assumed rates of return for pension plan assets are determined for each major asset category based on historical rates of return for assets in that category and expectations of future rates of return based, in part, on simulated future capital market performance. The assumed discount rate is based on yields from a portfolio of currently available high-quality fixed-income investments with durations matching the expected future payments, based on the demographics of the plan participants and the plan provisions.

Gains and losses arise from changes in the assumptions used to measure the benefit obligations, and experience different from what had been assumed, including asset returns different than what had been expected. The Company amortizes gains and losses in excess of a “corridor” over the average future service of the plan’s current participants. The corridor is defined as 10 percent of the greater of the plan’s projected benefit obligation or market-related value of plan assets. The market-related value of plan assets is also used to determine the expected return on plan assets component of net periodic cost. The Company’s market-related value for its U.S.

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plan is measured by first determining the absolute difference between the actual and the expected return on the plan assets. The absolute difference in excess of 5 percent of the expected return is added to the market-related value over two years; the remainder is added to the market-related value immediately.

To the extent the Company’s unrecognized net losses and unrecognized prior service costs, including the amount recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income, are not reduced by future favorable plan experience, they will be recognized as a component of the net periodic cost in future years.

The following table sets forth the plan benefit obligations:

|  | As of December 31, 2017 |  |  | As of December 31, 2016 |
(in thousands) |  | Pension plans |  |  | Other postretirement benefits |  |  | Pension plans |  |  | Other postretirement benefits |
Benefit obligation, beginning of year |  | $210,856 |  |  | $57,488 |  |  | $199,856 |  |  | $59,970 |
Service cost |  | 2,720 |  |  | 244 |  |  | 2,656 |  |  | 254 |
Interest cost |  | 7,476 |  |  | 2,214 |  |  | 7,885 |  |  | 2,443 |
Plan participants’ contributions |  | 211 |  |  | - |  |  | 249 |  |  | - |
Actuarial (gain)/loss |  | 6,626 |  |  | 2,743 |  |  | 17,676 |  |  | (395 | )
Benefits paid |  | (7,697 | ) |  | (4,230 | ) |  | (7,057 | ) |  | (4,812 | )
Settlements and curtailments |  | (8 | ) |  | - |  |  | (2,436 | ) |  | - |
Plan amendments and other |  | (3 | ) |  | - |  |  | 36 |  |  | - |
Foreign currency changes |  | 10,730 |  |  | 72 |  |  | (8,009 | ) |  | 28 |
Benefit obligation, end of year |  | $230,911 |  |  | $58,531 |  |  | $210,856 |  |  | $57,488 |
Accumulated benefit obligation |  | $220,622 |  |  | $- |  |  | $200,790 |  |  | $- |
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations, end of year: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Discount rate - U.S. plan |  | 3.70 | % |  | 3.59 | % |  | 4.20 | % |  | 4.00 | %
Discount rate - non-U.S. plans |  | 2.83 | % |  | 3.40 | % |  | 2.98 | % |  | 3.70 | %
Compensation increase - U.S. plan |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |
Compensation increase - non-U.S. plans |  | 3.02 | % |  | 3.00 | % |  | 3.29 | % |  | 3.00 | %

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The following sets forth information about plan assets:

|  | As of December 31, 2017 |  |  | As of December 31, 2016 |
(in thousands) |  | Pension plans |  |  | Other postretirement benefits |  |  | Pension plans |  |  | Other postretirement benefits |
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year |  | $180,672 |  |  | $- |  |  | $171,387 |  |  | $- |
Actual return on plan assets, net of expenses |  | 19,182 |  |  | - |  |  | 19,740 |  |  | - |
Employer contributions |  | 4,645 |  |  | 4,230 |  |  | 6,605 |  |  | 4,812 |
Plan participants’ contributions |  | 211 |  |  | 37 |  |  | 249 |  |  | 72 |
Benefits paid |  | (7,697 | ) |  | (4,267 | ) |  | (7,057 | ) |  | (4,884 | )
Settlements |  | (8 | ) |  | - |  |  | (2,308 | ) |  | - |
Foreign currency changes |  | 8,581 |  |  | - |  |  | (7,944 | ) |  | - |
Fair value of plan assets, end of year |  | $205,586 |  |  | $- |  |  | $180,672 |  |  | $- |

The funded status of the plans was as follows:

|  | As of December 31, 2017 |  |  | As of December 31, 2016 |
(in thousands) |  | Pension plans |  |  | Other postretirement benefits |  |  | Pension plans |  |  | Other postretirement benefits |
Fair value of plan assets |  | $205,586 |  |  | $- |  |  | $180,672 |  |  | $- |
Benefit obligation |  | 230,911 |  |  | 58,531 |  |  | 210,856 |  |  | 57,488 |
Funded status |  | ($25,325 | ) |  | ($58,531 | ) |  | ($30,184 | ) |  | ($57,488 | )
Accrued benefit cost, end of year |  | ($25,325 | ) |  | ($58,531 | ) |  | ($30,184 | ) |  | ($57,488 | )
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of the following: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncurrent asset |  | $16,242 |  |  | $- |  |  | $7,794 |  |  | $- |
Current liability |  | (2,094 | ) |  | (4,108 | ) |  | (2,057 | ) |  | (4,195 | )
Noncurrent liability |  | (39,473 | ) |  | (54,423 | ) |  | (35,921 | ) |  | (53,293 | )
Net amount recognized |  | ($25,325 | ) |  | ($58,531 | ) |  | ($30,184 | ) |  | ($57,488 | )
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net actuarial loss |  | $67,283 |  |  | $34,717 |  |  | $72,400 |  |  | $34,782 |
Prior service cost/(credit) |  | 572 |  |  | (26,411 | ) |  | 597 |  |  | (30,899 | )
Net amount recognized |  | $67,855 |  |  | $8,306 |  |  | $72,997 |  |  | $3,883 |

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The composition of the net pension plan funded status as of December 31, 2017 was as follows:

|  |  |  | Non-U.S. |  |  |
(in thousands) |  | U.S. plan |  |  | plans |  |  | Total |
Pension plans with pension assets |  | ($6,466 | ) |  | $13,870 |  |  | $7,404 |
Pension plans without pension assets |  | (7,356 | ) |  | (25,373 | ) |  | (32,729 | )
Total |  | ($13,822 | ) |  | ($11,503 | ) |  | ($25,325 | )

The composition of the net periodic benefit plan cost for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, was as follows:

|  | Pension plans |  |  | Other postretirement benefits |
(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Components of net periodic benefit cost: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Service cost |  | $2,720 |  |  | $2,656 |  |  | $2,959 |  |  | $244 |  |  | $254 |  |  | $330 |
Interest cost |  | 7,476 |  |  | 7,885 |  |  | 7,787 |  |  | 2,214 |  |  | 2,443 |  |  | 2,437 |
Expected return on assets |  | (8,152 | ) |  | (8,675 | ) |  | (8,630 | ) |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit) |  | 36 |  |  | 38 |  |  | 48 |  |  | (4,488 | ) |  | (4,488 | ) |  | (4,488 | )
Amortization of net actuarial loss |  | 2,628 |  |  | 2,283 |  |  | 2,594 |  |  | 2,811 |  |  | 2,819 |  |  | 3,338 |
Settlement |  | - |  |  | 162 |  |  | 103 |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |
Curtailment (gain)/loss |  | - |  |  | (111 | ) |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |
Special/contractual termination of benefits |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 44 |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |
Net periodic benefit cost |  | $4,708 |  |  | $4,238 |  |  | $4,905 |  |  | $781 |  |  | $1,028 |  |  | $1,617 |
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net cost: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Discount rate - U.S. plan |  | 4.20 | % |  | 4.54 | % |  | 4.18 | % |  | 4.00 | % |  | 4.24 | % |  | 3.90 | %
Discount rate - non-U.S. plan |  | 2.98 | % |  | 3.67 | % |  | 3.58 | % |  | 3.70 | % |  | 4.00 | % |  | 3.85 | %
Expected return on plan assets - U.S. plan |  | 4.40 | % |  | 4.74 | % |  | 4.43 | % |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |
Expected return on plan assets - non-U.S. plans |  | 4.46 | % |  | 5.39 | % |  | 5.52 | % |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |
Rate of compensation increase - U.S. plan |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |
Rate of compensation increase - non-U.S. plans |  | 3.29 | % |  | 3.24 | % |  | 3.23 | % |  | 3.00 | % |  | 3.00 | % |  | 3.00 | %

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Pretax (gains)/losses on plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income during 2017 were as follows:

|  |  |  |  | Other |
|  | Pension |  |  | postretirement |
(in thousands) |  | plan |  |  | benefits |
Settlements/curtailments |  | $- |  |  | $- |
Asset/liability loss/(gain) |  | (4,408 | ) |  | 2,743 |
Amortization of actuarial (loss) |  | (2,628 | ) |  | (2,811 | )
Amortization of prior service (cost)/credit |  | (36 | ) |  | 4,488 |
Currency impact |  | 1,930 |  |  | 2 |
Cost/(benefit) in other comprehensive income |  | ($5,142 | ) |  | $4,422 |
Total cost/(benefit) recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income |  | ($434 | ) |  | $5,203 |

The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost in 2018 are as follows:

|  |  |  |  | Total |
|  | Total |  |  | postretirement |
(in thousands) |  | pension |  |  | benefits |
Actuarial loss |  | $2,232 |  |  | $2,956 |
Prior service cost/(benefit) |  | 35 |  |  | (4,488 | )
Total |  | $2,267 |  |  | ($1,532 | )

Investment Strategy

Our investment strategy for pension assets differs for the various countries in which we have defined benefit pension plans. Some of our defined benefit plans do not require funded trusts and, in those arrangements, the Company funds the plans on a “pay as you go” basis. The largest of the funded defined benefit plans is the United States plan.

United States plan:

During 2009, we changed our investment strategy for the United States pension plan by adopting a liability-driven investment strategy. Under this arrangement, the Company seeks to invest in assets that track closely to the discount rate that is used to measure the plan liabilities. Accordingly, the plan assets are primarily debt securities. The change in investment strategy is reflective of the Company’s 2008 decision to freeze benefit accruals under the plan.

Non-United States plans:

For the countries in which the Company has funded pension trusts, the investment strategy is to achieve a competitive, total investment return, achieving diversification between and within asset classes and managing other risks. Investment objectives for each asset class are determined based on specific risks and investment opportunities identified. Actual allocations to each asset class vary from target allocations due to periodic investment strategy changes, market value fluctuations, the length of time it takes to fully implement investment allocation positions, and the timing of benefit payments and contributions.

Fair-Value Measurements

The following tables present plan assets as of December 31, 2017, and 2016, using the fair-value hierarchy, which has three levels based on the reliability of inputs used, as described in Note 15. Certain investments that are measured at fair value using net asset value (NAV) as a practical expedient are not required to be categorized in the fair value hierarchy table. The total fair value of these investments is included in the table

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below to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to amounts presented in the funded status table above. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no investments expected to be sold at a value materially different than NAV.

|  | Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2017 |
|  | Quoted prices |  |  | Significant other |  |  | Significant |  |  |  |
|  | in active markets |  |  | observable inputs |  |  | unobservable inputs |  |  |  |
(in thousands) |  | Level 1 |  |  | Level 2 |  |  | Level 3 |  |  | Total |
Common Stocks and equity funds |  | $335 |  |  | $- |  |  | $- |  |  | $335 |
Debt securities |  | - |  |  | 81,363 |  |  | - |  |  | 81,363 |
Insurance contracts |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 2,407 |  |  | 2,407 |
Cash and short-term investments |  | 3,253 |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 3,253 |
Total investments in the fair value hierarchy |  | $3,588 |  |  | $81,363 |  |  | $2,407 |  |  | 87,358 |
Investments at net asset value: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Common Stocks and equity funds |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 37,768 |
Fixed income funds |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 75,881 |
Limited partnerships |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4,579 |
Hedge funds |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | - |
Total plan assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $205,586 |

|  | Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2016 |
|  | Quoted prices |  |  | Significant other |  |  | Significant |  |  |  |
|  | in active markets |  |  | observable inputs |  |  | unobservable inputs |  |  |  |
(in thousands) |  | Level 1 |  |  | Level 2 |  |  | Level 3 |  |  | Total |
Common Stocks and equity funds |  | $309 |  |  | $- |  |  | $- |  |  | $309 |
Debt securities |  | - |  |  | 74,449 |  |  | - |  |  | 74,449 |
Insurance contracts |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 2,238 |  |  | 2,238 |
Cash and short-term investments |  | 3,401 |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 3,401 |
Total investments in the fair value hierarchy |  | $3,710 |  |  | $74,449 |  |  | $2,238 |  |  | 80,397 |
Investments at net asset value: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Common Stocks and equity funds |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 35,510 |
Fixed income funds |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 59,662 |
Limited partnerships |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5,065 |
Hedge funds |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 38 |
Total plan assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $180,672 |

The following tables present a reconciliation of Level 3 assets held during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

(in thousands) |  | December 31, 2016 |  |  | Net realized gains |  |  | Net unrealized gains |  |  | Net purchases, issuances and settlements |  |  | Net transfers (out of) Level 3 |  |  | December 31, 2017 |
Insurance contracts |  | $2,238 |  |  | $- |  |  | $56 |  |  | $113 |  |  | $- |  |  | $2,407 |
Total level 3 assets |  | $2,238 |  |  | $- |  |  | $56 |  |  | $113 |  |  | $- |  |  | $2,407 |

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(in thousands) |  | December 31, 2015 |  |  | Net realized gains |  |  | Net unrealized gains |  |  | Net purchases, issuances and settlements |  |  | Net transfers (out of) Level 3 |  |  | December 31, 2016 |
Insurance contracts |  | $2,403 |  |  | $- |  |  | $26 |  |  | $(191) |  |  | $- |  |  | $2,238 |
Total level 3 assets |  | $2,403 |  |  | $- |  |  | $26 |  |  | ($191) |  |  | $- |  |  | $2,238 |

The asset allocation for the Company’s U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans for 2016 and 2017, and the target allocation for 2018, by asset category, are as follows:

|  | United States Plan |  | Non-U.S. Plans |
|  | Target |  | Percentage of plan assets |  | Target |  | Percentage of plan assets |
|  | Allocation |  | at plan measurement date |  | Allocation |  | at plan measurement date |
Asset category |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Equity securities |  | - |  |  | 1 | % |  | 2 | % |  | 32 | % |  | 30 | % |  | 33 | %
Debt securities |  | 100 | % |  | 95 | % |  | 92 | % |  | 64 | % |  | 64 | % |  | 61 | %
Real estate |  | - |  |  | 4 | % |  | 5 | % |  | 1 | % |  | 1 | % |  | - |
Other (1) |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 1 | % |  | 3 | % |  | 5 | % |  | 6 | %
|  | 100 | % |  | 100 | % |  | 100 | % |  | 100 | % |  | 100 | % |  | 100 | %

(1) Other includes hedged equity and absolute return strategies, and private equity. The Company has procedures to closely monitor the performance of these investments and compares asset valuations to audited financial statements of the funds.

The targeted plan asset allocation is based on an analysis of the actuarial liabilities, a review of viable asset classes, and an analysis of the expected rate of return, risk, and other investment characteristics of various investment asset classes.

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At the end of 2017 and 2016, the projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with projected benefit obligation and an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets were as follows:

|  | Plans with projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets |
(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |
Projected benefit obligation |  | $131,717 |  |  | $121,600 |
Fair value of plan assets |  | 90,149 |  |  | 83,622 |
|  | Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets |
(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |
Accumulated benefit obligation |  | $129,698 |  |  | $119,728 |
Fair value of plan assets |  | 90,149 |  |  | 83,558 |

Information about expected cash flows for the pension and other benefit obligations are as follows:

(in thousands) |  |  | Pension plans |  |  | Other postretirement benefits |
Expected employer contributions and direct employer payments in the next fiscal year |  | $4,787 |  |  | $4,108 |
Expected benefit payments |  |  |  |  |  |
2018 |  |  | $7,495 |  |  | $4,108 |
2019 |  |  | 7,605 |  |  | 3,985 |
2020 |  |  | 8,104 |  |  | 3,872 |
2021 |  |  | 8,925 |  |  | 3,801 |
2022 |  |  | 9,207 |  |  | 3,749 |
2023-2027 |  |  | 55,897 |  |  | 17,890 |

5. Restructuring

In 2017, the Company announced the initiation of discussions with the local works council regarding a proposal to discontinue operations at its Machine Clothing production facility in Sélestat, France. During 2017, we incurred $1.1 million of restructuring expense associated with this proposal. In February 2018, we completed negotiations with the Works Council regarding benefits that would be provided to affected employees, and submitted the proposed plan to the government labor authorities for approval. While there can be no assurance that such approval will be obtained, we consider it probable that such approval will be obtained in the first quarter of 2018. We are presently unable to reasonably estimate the total costs for severance and other charges associated with the proposal.

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AEC restructuring charges in 2017 included the discontinuation of the Bear Claw® line of hydraulic fracturing components used in the oil and gas industry, which led to non-cash restructuring charges totaling $4.5 million relating to the impairment of long-lived assets. We also incurred restructuring charges of $5.0 million in 2017 related to completed work force reductions in Salt Lake City, Utah and Rochester, New Hampshire. Cost savings associated with these actions will result, principally, in lower cost of goods sold in 2018.

In 2016, the Company discontinued research and development activities at its Machine Clothing facility in Sélestat, France as part of a plan to reduce research and development costs. This initiative resulted in 2016 expense of $2.2 million for severance, outplacement, and the write-off of equipment. In 2017, we recorded additional restructuring charges of $1.6 million, principally related to additional termination benefits paid to former employees.

In 2015, the Company announced a plan to discontinue manufacturing operations at its press fabric manufacturing facility in Göppingen, Germany and manufacturing operations were discontinued during the second quarter which led to total restructuring charges of $14.8 million from 2015 to 2017. The restructuring program was driven by the Company’s need to balance manufacturing capacity with demand. In 2015, we recorded charges of $11.4 million related to this restructuring, including $3.3 million related to the write down of the land and former manufacturing facility to estimated fair market value, and the property was sold in 2016 at that value. In 2016 and 2017, we recorded additional restructuring charges of $2.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively, principally related to the final closure of the plant in Germany.

AEC restructuring expenses in 2016 were principally related to the consolidation of legacy programs into Boerne, Texas.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company implemented an early retirement program for certain employees in the United States. Restructuring charges associated with this restructuring program were $8.1 million. 2015 restructuring charges also include $4.3 million related to the reduction in selling, general and administrative employment in Machine Clothing and Corporate.

The following table summarizes charges reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income under “Restructuring expenses, net”:

| Total restructuring costs incurred |  | Termination and other costs |  | Impairment of assets | Benefit plan curtailment/ settlement |
Year ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands)
Machine Clothing | $3,429 |  | $2,945 |  | $484 | $- |
Albany Engineered Composites | 10,062 |  | 5,004 |  | 5,058 | - |
Corporate expenses | - |  | - |  | - | - |
Total | $13,491 |  | $7,949 |  | $5,542 | $- |

| Total restructuring costs incurred |  | Termination and other costs |  | Impairment of assets | Benefit plan curtailment/ settlement |
Year ended December 31, 2016 (in thousands)
Machine Clothing | $6,069 |  | $5,756 |  | $425 | ($112 | )
Albany Engineered Composites | 2,314 |  | 1,502 |  | 812 | - |
Corporate expenses | (7 | ) | (7 | ) | - | - |
Total | $8,376 |  | $7,251 |  | $1,237 | ($112 | )

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Year ended December 31, 2015 | Total restructuring costs incurred | Termination and other costs | Impairment of assets | Benefit plan curtailment/ settlement
(in thousands)
Machine Clothing | $22,211 | $18,906 | $3,305 | $-
Albany Engineered Composites | - | - | - | -
Corporate expenses | 1,635 | 1,635 | - | -
Total | $23,846 | $20,541 | $3,305 | $-

We expect that approximately $2.7 million of Accrued liabilities for restructuring at December 31, 2017 will be paid within one year and approximately $0.6 million will be paid the following year. The table below presents the changes in restructuring liabilities for 2017 and 2016, all of which related to termination costs:

| December 31, | Restructuring |  | Currency | December 31,
(in thousands) | 2016 | charges accrued | Payments | translation/other | 2017
Total termination and other costs | $5,559 | $7,949 | ($10,351) | $169 | $3,326

| December 31, | Restructuring |  | Currency | December 31,
(in thousands) | 2015 | charges accrued | Payments | translation/other | 2016
Total termination and other costs | $10,177 | $7,251 | ($11,800) | ($69) | $5,559

6. Other Expense/(Income), net

The components of Other Expense/(Income), net, are:

(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Currency transactions |  | $4,634 |  |  | ($3,532 | ) |  | $1,496 |
Bank fees and amortization of debt issuance costs |  | 487 |  |  | 759 |  |  | 916 |
Gain on insurance recovery |  | (2,000 | ) |  | - |  |  | - |
Loss due to theft |  | - |  |  | 2,506 |  |  | - |
Gain on sale of investment |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | (872 | )
Other |  | 1,231 |  |  | 313 |  |  | 893 |
Total |  | $4,352 |  |  | $46 |  |  | $2,433 |

In 2016, the Company had a loss due to theft of cash in Japan, resulting in a loss of $2.5 million. In September 2017, the Company recorded an insurance recovery gain of $2.0 million related to that incident.

In March 2015, the Company sold its total equity investment in an unaffiliated company, resulting in a gain of $0.9 million. The value of the investment had been written off in 2004.

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7. Income Taxes

The following tables present components of income tax expense/(benefit) and income before income taxes on continuing operations:

(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Income tax based on income from continuing operations, at estimated tax rates of 32%, 35%, and 32%, respectively |  | $17,519 |  |  | $27,629 |  |  | $16,388 |
Income tax before discrete items |  | 17,519 |  |  | 27,629 |  |  | 16,388 |
Discrete tax expense(benefit): |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Worthless stock deduction |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | (28,553 | )
Net impact of mandatory deemed repatriations |  | 5,758 |  |  | - |  |  | - |
Provision for/resolution of tax audits and contingencies, net |  | 1,329 |  |  | (2,856 | ) |  | 6,500 |
Adjustments to prior period tax liabilities |  | (840 | ) |  | 586 |  |  | (867 | )
Provision for/adjustment to beginning of year valuation allowances |  | (3,522 | ) |  | (88 | ) |  | 75 |
Enacted tax legislation |  | 1,879 |  |  | 183 |  |  | 670 |
Total income tax expense/(benefit) |  | $22,123 |  |  | $25,454 |  |  | ($5,787 | )

(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Income/(loss) before income taxes: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. |  | ($5,865 | ) |  | $8,556 |  |  | ($7,211 | )
Non-U.S. |  | 60,573 |  |  | 69,710 |  |  | 58,689 |
|  | $54,708 |  |  | $78,266 |  |  | $51,478 |
Income tax provision: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Federal |  | $1,551 |  |  | $3,728 |  |  | $- |
State |  | 1,770 |  |  | 176 |  |  | 1,993 |
Non-U.S. |  | 19,282 |  |  | 19,979 |  |  | 20,842 |
|  | $22,603 |  |  | $23,883 |  |  | $22,835 |
Deferred: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Federal |  | $1,881 |  |  | $2,138 |  |  | ($34,135 | )
State |  | (1,237 | ) |  | 1,984 |  |  | (40 | )
Non-U.S. |  | (1,124 | ) |  | (2,551 | ) |  | 5,553 |
|  | ($480 | ) |  | $1,571 |  |  | ($28,622 | )
Total income tax expense/(benefit) |  | $22,123 |  |  | $25,454 |  |  | ($5,787 | )

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

(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Net effect of temporary differences |  | ($5,774 | ) |  | $7,214 |  |  | ($7,615 | )
Foreign tax credits |  | 8,340 |  |  | (6,869 | ) |  | (17,874 | )
Retirement benefits |  | (502 | ) |  | 1,734 |  |  | 1,844 |
Net impact to operating loss carryforwards |  | (900 | ) |  | (603 | ) |  | (5,722 | )
Enacted changes in tax laws and rates |  | 1,878 |  |  | 183 |  |  | 670 |
Adjustment to beginning-of-the-year valuation allowance balance for changes in circumstances |  | (3,522 | ) |  | (88 | ) |  | 75 |
Total |  | ($480 | ) |  | $1,571 |  |  | ($28,622 | )

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A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate is as follows:

|  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
U.S. federal statutory tax rate |  | 35.0 | % |  | 35.0 | % |  | 35.0 | %
State taxes, net of federal benefit |  | 1.0 |  |  | 2.3 |  |  | 2.4 |
Non-U.S. local income taxes |  | 5.9 |  |  | 3.5 |  |  | 4.1 |
Foreign permanent adjustments |  | 0.4 |  |  | 1.6 |  |  | 7.4 |
Foreign rate differential |  | (10.5 | ) |  | (11.3 | ) |  | (13.6 | )
Net U.S. tax on non-U.S. earnings and foreign withholdings |  | 11.9 |  |  | 5.8 |  |  | (1.8 | )
Provision for/resolution of tax audits and contingencies, net |  | 2.4 |  |  | (3.4 | ) |  | 12.6 |
Research and development and other tax credits |  | (1.5 | ) |  | (1.2 | ) |  | (2.4 | )
Adjustment to beginning-of-the-year valuation allowances |  | (6.4 | ) |  | (0.1 | ) |  | 0.1 |
Worthless stock deduction |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | (55.5 | )
Other |  | 2.2 |  |  | 0.3 |  |  | 0.5 |
Effective income tax rate |  | 40.4 | % |  | 32.5 | % |  | (11.2 | )%

The Company has operations which constitute a taxable presence in 18 countries outside of the United States. All of these countries had income tax rates that were below the United States federal tax rate of 35% during the periods reported. The jurisdictional location of earnings is a significant component of our effective tax rate each year. The rate impact of this component is influenced by the specific location of non-U.S. earnings and the level of our total earnings. From period to period, the jurisdictional mix of earnings can vary as a result of operating fluctuations in the normal course of business, as well as the extent and location of other income and expense items, such as pension settlement and restructuring charges. The foreign income tax rate differential that is included above in the reconciliation of the effective tax rate includes the difference between tax expense calculated at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35% and the expense accrued based on lower statutory tax rates that apply in the jurisdictions where the income or loss is earned.

During the periods reported, income outside of the U.S. was heavily concentrated within Brazil (blended 34% tax rate), China, (25% tax rate), Mexico (30% tax rate) and France (33.33% tax rate). As a result, the foreign income tax rate differential was primarily attributable to these tax rate differences.

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”) was signed into law. The Tax Reform Act significantly revised the U.S. corporate income tax regime by, among other things, lowering the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, while also repealing the deduction for domestic production activities, implementing a territorial tax system and imposing a transition tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. U.S. GAAP requires that the impact of tax legislation be recognized in the period in which the law was enacted.

In December 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (SAB 118), which addresses how a company recognizes provisional amounts when a company does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete its accounting for the effect of the changes in the Tax Reform Act. The measurement period ends when a company has obtained, prepared and analyzed the information necessary to finalize its accounting, but cannot extend beyond one year. The Company has elected to apply the measurement period guidance provided in SAB 118.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities: The Company remeasured certain deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the federal rate of 21%. However, the Company is still analyzing certain aspects of the Tax Reform Act, such as IRC section 162(m), and refining its calculations which could potentially affect the measurement of these balances or potentially give rise to new deferred tax amounts. The provisional amount recorded related to the remeasurement of the Company’s deferred tax balance was a tax charge of $1.0 million.

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Foreign tax effects: The one-time transition tax is based on the Company’s total post 1986 earnings and profits (E&P). The Company recorded a provisional federal tax charge of $5.8 million due to the transition tax on deemed repatriation of foreign earnings, for the year-ended December 31, 2017.

The final impact on the Company from the Tax Reform Act’s transition tax legislation may differ from the aforementioned reasonable estimate of $5.8 million due to the complexity of calculating and supporting with primary evidence such U.S. tax attributes as accumulated foreign earnings and profits, foreign tax paid, and other tax components involved in foreign tax credit calculations for prior years back to 1986. Such differences could be material, due to, among other things, changes in interpretations of the Tax Reform Act, future legislative action to address questions that arise because of the Tax Reform Act, changes in accounting standards for income taxes or related interpretations in response to the Tax Reform Act, or any updates or changes to estimates the Company has utilized to calculate the transition tax’s reasonable estimate.

Given the lack of guidance from various states on the treatment of the mandatory deemed repatriation, the Company did not record any additional tax provision for the potential state tax impact of this item, but will, if necessary, as guidance is provided and analyzed during the measurement period.

The Company has foreign tax credit carryforward that can be applied against the federal tax liability of the mandatory deemed repatriation, therefore, the Company did not record a tax payable liability for the mandatory deemed repatriation.

The Company has determined at this time that the Base Erosion Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT) does not apply under the Company’s current policies. Therefore no adjustments have been recorded in the December 31, 2017 consolidated financial statements.

Because of the complexity of the new Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) tax rules, the Company continues to evaluate this provision of the Tax Reform Act and the application of ASC 740, Income Taxes. Under U.S. GAAP, the Company is allowed to make an accounting policy choice of either (1) treating taxes due on future U.S. inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI as a current-period expense when incurred (the “period cost method”) or (2) factoring such amounts into the Company is measurement of its deferred taxes (the “deferred method”). The Company’s selection of an accounting policy with respect to the new GILTI tax rules will depend, in part, on analyzing its global income to determine whether it expects to have future U.S. inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI and, if so, what the impact is expected to be. Whether the Company expects to have future U.S. inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI depends on not only the Company’s current structure and estimated future results of global operations, but also its intent and ability to modify its structure. The Company is currently in the process of analyzing its structure and, as a result, is not yet able to reasonably estimate the effect of this provision of the Tax Reform Act. Therefore, the Company has not made any adjustments related to potential GILTI tax in its financial statements and has not made a policy decision regarding whether to record deferred tax on GILTI.

Other federal tax: As a result of the Tax Reform Act, the corporate alternative minimum tax (AMT) was repealed. In addition, taxpayers with AMT carryforwards in excess of their regular tax liability may have the credits refunded over years from 2018 to 2022. The Company has $1.0 million of AMT credit carryforward; the Company is still determining the potential future AMT credit utilization and any carryforward remaining will be reclassified to non-current federal tax receivable during the measurement period.

The charges associated with the Tax Reform Act represent provisional amounts and the Company’s current best estimates. Any adjustments recorded to the provisional amounts through the end of the measurement period, and no later than the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, will be included in income from operations as an adjustment to tax expense. The provisional amounts incorporate assumptions made based upon the Company’s current interpretation of the Tax Reform Act and may change as the Company receives additional clarification and implementation guidance.

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

|  | U.S. |  | Non-U.S.
(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Noncurrent deferred tax assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts receivable |  | $557 |  |  | $1,155 |  |  | $1,341 |  |  | $1,381 |
Inventories |  | 1,109 |  |  | 1,193 |  |  | 961 |  |  | 1,868 |
Deferred compensation |  | 3,300 |  |  | 7,533 |  |  | 1,362 |  |  | - |
Depreciation and amortization |  | - |  |  | 2,786 |  |  | 3,211 |  |  | 2,564 |
Postretirement benefits |  | 18,286 |  |  | 26,602 |  |  | 1,464 |  |  | 2,067 |
Tax loss carryforwards |  | 1,368 |  |  | 1,760 |  |  | 22,639 |  |  | 26,084 |
Tax credit carryforwards |  | 41,920 |  |  | 50,624 |  |  | 1,654 |  |  | 1,186 |
Other |  | 3,891 |  |  | 7,828 |  |  | - |  |  | 2,876 |
Noncurrent deferred tax assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
before valuation allowance |  | 70,431 |  |  | 99,481 |  |  | 32,632 |  |  | 38,026 |
Less: valuation allowance |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | (16,057 | ) |  | (22,821 | )
Total noncurrent deferred tax assets |  | 70,431 |  |  | 99,481 |  |  | 16,575 |  |  | 15,205 |
Total deferred tax assets |  | $70,431 |  |  | $99,481 |  |  | $16,575 |  |  | $15,205 |
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unrepatriated foreign earnings |  | $914 |  |  | $1,602 |  |  | $- |  |  | $- |
Depreciation and amortization |  | 20,170 |  |  | 43,156 |  |  | - |  |  | - |
Deferred gain |  | 4,169 |  |  | 7,156 |  |  | - |  |  | - |
Other |  | 81 |  |  | 2,198 |  |  | 2,597 |  |  | 2,897 |
Total deferred tax liabilities |  | $25,334 |  |  | $54,112 |  |  | $2,597 |  |  | $2,897 |
Net deferred tax asset |  | $45,097 |  |  | $45,369 |  |  | $13,978 |  |  | $12,308 |

Deferred income tax assets, net of valuation allowances, are expected to be realized through the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences and future taxable income. In 2017, the Company recorded the following movements in its valuation allowance: $5.3 million decrease in a valuation allowance due to a net reduction in the related deferred tax assets, $3.6 million decrease due to the elimination of previously recorded valuation allowances, and $2.1 million increase due to the effect of the changes in currency translation rates.

At December 31, 2017, the Company had available approximately $111 million of net operating loss carryforwards, for which we have a deferred tax asset of $23.4 million, with expiration dates ranging from one year to indefinite, that may be applied against future taxable income. We believe that it is more likely than not that certain benefits from these net operating loss carryforwards will not be realized and, accordingly, we have recorded a valuation allowance of $12.7 million as of December 31, 2017. Additionally, management has evaluated its ability to utilize its other Non-U.S. tax attributes during the various carryforward periods and has concluded that the Company will more likely than not be able to utilize the remaining Non-U.S. tax attributes. Included in the net operating loss carryforwards is approximately $20.1 million of state net operating loss carryforwards that are subject to various business apportionment factors and multiple jurisdictional requirements when utilized. In addition, the Company had available a foreign tax credit carryforward of $33.7 million that will begin to expire in 2020, U.S. and Non-U.S. research and development credit carryforwards of $7.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively, that will begin to expire in 2025, and alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards of $1.3 million with no expiration date.

The Company reported a U.S. net deferred tax asset of $45.1 million at December 31, 2017, which contained $43.3 million of tax attributes with limited lives. Management has evaluated its ability to utilize these tax attributes during the carryforward period. Based on the Company’s cumulative book income position over the past three years, the Company’s expected future profits from operations, available tax elections and tax planning opportunities, management has concluded that the Company will more likely than not be able to utilize the remaining tax attributes. Accordingly, no valuation allowance has been established for the remaining U.S. net deferred tax assets.

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The Company records the residual U.S. and foreign taxes on certain amounts of foreign earnings that have been targeted for repatriation to the U.S. These amounts are not considered to be indefinitely reinvested, and the Company accrued for the tax cost on these earnings to the extent they cannot be repatriated in a tax-free manner.

The accumulated undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign operations not targeted for repatriation to the U.S. were approximately $200 million, and are intended to remain indefinitely invested in foreign operations. U.S. income taxes have been provided on these earnings at December 31, 2017 which are included in the provisional transition tax of $5.8 million. The Company has targeted for repatriation $41 million of current year and prior year earnings of the Company’s foreign operations. If these earnings were distributed, the Company would be subject to foreign withholding taxes of $0.9 million which have already been recorded.

No additional income taxes have been provided on the indefinitely invested foreign earnings at December 31, 2017. If these earnings were distributed, the Company could be subject to both foreign income taxes and additional foreign withholding taxes. Determining the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to any additional outside basis difference in these entities is not practicable. In addition, the Company is still evaluating the impact of the one-time transition tax on the outside basis differences and cumulative temporary differences inherent in these subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and as a result, it is not practicable to provide the amount of any cumulative temporary differences related to unrecorded differences.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate:

(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at January 1 |  | $4,183 |  |  | $19,606 |  |  | $19,509 |
Increase in gross amounts of tax positions related to prior years |  | 480 |  |  | 62 |  |  | 2,315 |
Decrease in gross amounts of tax positions related to prior years |  | (50 | ) |  | (2,129 | ) |  | (145 | )
Increase in gross amounts of tax positions related to current years |  | - |  |  | 585 |  |  | 79 |
Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities |  | (381 | ) |  | (14,029 | ) |  | (42 | )
Decrease due to lapse in statute of limitations |  | (29 | ) |  | (163 | ) |  | (90 | )
Currency translation |  | 306 |  |  | 251 |  |  | (2,020 | )
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 31 |  | $4,509 |  |  | $4,183 |  |  | $19,606 |

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within its global operations as a component of income tax expense. The Company recognized interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits noted above of $0.1 million or less in each of 2017, 2016 and 2015. As of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 the Company had approximately $0.4 million, $0.3 million, and $0.4 million respectively, of accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits.

The Company conducts business globally and, as a result, files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business the Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world, including major jurisdictions such as the United States, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico and Switzerland. The open tax years in these jurisdictions range from 2007 to 2017. The Company is currently under audit in non-U.S. tax jurisdictions, including but not limited to Canada and Italy.

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As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, current income taxes prepaid and receivable consisted of the following:

(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Prepaid taxes |  | $4,872 |  |  | $3,914 |
Taxes receivable |  | 1,394 |  |  | 1,299 |
Total current income taxes prepaid and receivable |  | $6,266 |  |  | $5,213 |

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, noncurrent deferred tax liabilities and other credits consisted of the following:

(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Deferred income taxes |  | $9,573 |  |  | $11,188 |
Other liabilities |  | 1,418 |  |  | 1,201 |
Total noncurrent deferred taxes and other liabilities |  | $10,991 |  |  | $12,389 |

Taxes paid, net of refunds, amounted to $23.7 million in 2017, $23.4 million in 2016, and $18.3 million in 2015.

8. 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, except market price and earnings per share) |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Net income attributable to the Company |  | $33,111 |  |  | $52,733 |  |  | $57,279 |
Weighted average number of shares: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted average number of shares used in |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
calculating basic net income per share |  | 32,169 |  |  | 32,086 |  |  | 31,978 |
Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation plans: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Stock options |  | 30 |  |  | 39 |  |  | 58 |
Long-term incentive plan |  | 45 |  |  | 45 |  |  | 52 |
Weighted average number of shares used in |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
calculating diluted net income per share |  | 32,244 |  |  | 32,170 |  |  | 32,088 |
Average market price of common stock used |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
for calculation of dilutive shares |  | $52.19 |  |  | $40.25 |  |  | $36.68 |
Net income per share: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic |  | $1.03 |  |  | $1.64 |  |  | $1.79 |
Diluted |  | $1.03 |  |  | $1.64 |  |  | $1.79 |

Shares outstanding, net of treasury shares, were 32.2 million as of December 31, 2017, 32.1 million as of December 31, 2016, and 32.0 million as of December 31, 2015.

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9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)

The table below presents changes in the components of AOCI from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017:

(in thousands) |  | Translation adjustments |  | Pension and postretirement liability adjustments |  | Derivative valuation adjustment |  | Total Other Comprehensive Income
January 1, 2015 |  | ($55,240 | ) |  | ($51,666 | ) |  | ($861 | ) |  | ($107,767 | )
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications |  | (53,415 | ) |  | 2,238 |  |  | (1,836 | ) |  | (53,013 | )
Pension/postretirement settlements and curtailments |  |  |  |  | 103 |  |  |  |  |  | 103 |
Pension/postretirement plan remeasurement |  |  |  |  | (622 | ) |  |  |  |  | (622 | )
Interest expense related to swaps reclassified to the Statements of Income, net of tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,233 |  |  | 1,233 |
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments reclassified to Statements of Income, net of tax |  |  |  |  | 1,222 |  |  |  |  |  | 1,222 |
Net current period other comprehensive income |  | (53,415 | ) |  | 2,941 |  |  | (603 | ) |  | (51,077 | )
December 31, 2015 |  | (108,655 | ) |  | (48,725 | ) |  | (1,464 | ) |  | (158,844 | )
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications |  | (24,643 | ) |  | 676 |  |  | 804 |  |  | (23,163 | )
Pension/postretirement settlements and curtailments |  |  |  |  | 45 |  |  |  |  |  | 45 |
Pension/postretirement plan remeasurement |  |  |  |  | (4,394 | ) |  |  |  |  | (4,394 | )
Interest expense related to swaps reclassified to the Statements of Income, net of tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,488 |  |  | 1,488 |
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments reclassified to Statements of Income, net of tax |  |  |  |  | 679 |  |  |  |  |  | 679 |
Net current period other comprehensive income |  | (24,643 | ) |  | (2,994 | ) |  | 2,292 |  |  | (25,345 | )
December 31, 2016 |  | (133,298 | ) |  | (51,719 | ) |  | 828 |  |  | (184,189 | )
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications |  | 45,980 |  |  | (1,818 | ) |  | 201 |  |  | 44,363 |
Pension/postretirement plan remeasurement |  |  |  |  | 2,037 |  |  |  |  |  | 2,037 |
Interest expense related to swaps reclassified to the Statements of Income, net of tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 924 |  |  | 924 |
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments reclassified to Statements of Income, net of tax |  |  |  |  | 964 |  |  |  |  |  | 964 |
Net current period other comprehensive income |  | 45,980 |  |  | 1,183 |  |  | 1,125 |  |  | 48,288 |
December 31, 2017 |  | ($87,318 | ) |  | ($50,536 | ) |  | $1,953 |  |  | ($135,901 | )

The components of our Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income that are reclassified to the Statement of Income relate to our pension and postretirement plans and interest rate swaps.

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The table below presents the expense/(income) amounts reclassified, and the line items of the Statement of Income that were affected for the periods ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Pretax Derivative valuation reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expense related to interest rate swaps included in Income before taxes (a) |  | $1,490 |  |  | $2,400 |  |  | $1,988 |
Income tax effect |  | (566 | ) |  | (912 | ) |  | (755 | )
Effect on net income due to items reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |  | $924 |  |  | $1,488 |  |  | $1,233 |
Pretax pension and postretirement liabilities reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Pension/postretirement settlements and curtailments |  | $- |  |  | $51 |  |  | $103 |
Amortization of prior service credit |  | (4,453 | ) |  | (4,450 | ) |  | (4,440 | )
Amortization of net actuarial loss |  | 5,439 |  |  | 5,102 |  |  | 5,932 |
Total pretax amount reclassified (b) |  | 986 |  |  | 703 |  |  | 1,595 |
Income tax effect |  | (22 | ) |  | 21 |  |  | (270 | )
Effect on net income due to items reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |  | $964 |  |  | $724 |  |  | $1,325 |

(a) Included in Interest expense are payments related to the interest rate swap agreements and amortization of swap buyouts (see Note 15).

(b) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 4).

10. Noncontrolling Interest

Effective October 31, 2013, Safran S.A. (Safran) acquired a 10 percent equity interest in a new Albany subsidiary, Albany Safran Composites, LLC (ASC). Under the terms of the transaction agreements, ASC will be the exclusive supplier to Safran of advanced 3D-woven composite parts for use in aircraft and rocket engines, thrust reversers and nacelles, and aircraft landing and braking systems (the “Safran Applications”). AEC may develop and supply parts other than advanced 3D-woven composite parts for all aerospace applications, as well as advanced 3D-woven composite parts for any aerospace applications that are not Safran Applications (such as airframe applications) and any non-aerospace applications.

The agreement provides Safran an option to purchase Albany’s remaining 90 percent interest upon the occurrence of certain bankruptcy or performance default events, or if Albany’s Engineered Composites business is sold to a direct competitor of Safran. The purchase price is based initially on the same valuation of ASC used to determine Safran’s 10 percent equity interest, and increases over time as LEAP production increases.

In accordance with the operating agreement, Albany received a $28 million preferred holding in ASC which includes a preferred return based on the Company’s revolving credit agreement. The common shares of ASC are owned 90 percent by Albany and 10 percent by Safran.

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The table below presents a reconciliation of income attributable to the noncontrolling interest and noncontrolling equity:

(in thousands, except percentages) |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Net (loss)/income of ASC |  | $(4,224 | ) |  | $1,777 |
Less: Return attributable to the Company’s preferred holding |  | 1,032 |  |  | 987 |
Net (loss)/income of ASC available for common ownership |  | ($5,256 | ) |  | $790 |
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling shareholder |  | 10% |  |  | 10% |
Net (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interest |  | ($526 | ) |  | $79 |
Noncontrolling interest, beginning of year |  | $3,767 |  |  | $3,690 |
Net (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interest |  | (526 | ) |  | 79 |
Changes in other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest |  | 6 |  |  | (2 | )
Noncontrolling interest, end of year |  | $3,247 |  |  | $3,767 |

11. Property, Plant and Equipment

The table below sets forth the reclassification and components of property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | Estimated useful life
Land and land improvements |  | $14,853 |  |  | $13,339 |  |  | 25 years for improvements
Buildings |  | 230,987 |  |  | 214,086 |  |  | 25 to 40 years
Building under capital lease |  | 8,140 |  |  | 8,140 |  |  | 7 years
Machinery and equipment |  | 950,519 |  |  | 842,921 |  |  | 5 to 15 years
Furniture and fixtures |  | 8,861 |  |  | 7,632 |  |  | 5 years
Computer and other equipment |  | 15,610 |  |  | 15,264 |  |  | 3 to 10 years
Software |  | 57,847 |  |  | 54,212 |  |  | 5 to 8 years
Capital expenditures in progress |  | 63,951 |  |  | 66,900 |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, gross |  | 1,350,768 |  |  | 1,222,494 |  |  |
Accumulated depreciation and amortization |  | (896,466 | ) |  | (799,930 | ) |  |
Property, plant and equipment, net |  | $454,302 |  |  | $422,564 |  |  |

Depreciation expense was $61.5 million in 2017, $58.1 million in 2016, and $53.0 million in 2015. Software amortization is recorded in Selling, general, and administrative expense and was $3.6 million in 2017, $4.0 million in 2016, and $6.5 million in 2015. We include amortization of the capital lease in depreciation expense. Accumulated amortization of the capital lease was $2.4 million and $0.9 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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Capital expenditures, including purchased software, were $87.6 million in 2017, $73.5 million in 2016, and $50.6 million in 2015. Unamortized software cost was $7.6 million and $7.2 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to income as incurred and amounted to $19.1 million in 2017, $16.6 million in 2016, and $16.6 million in 2015.

12. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

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

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including revenue growth rates, operating margins, discount rates, and future market conditions, among others. 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.

To determine fair value, we utilize two market-based approaches and an income approach. Under the market-based approaches, we utilize information regarding the Company as well as publicly available industry information to determine earnings multiples and sales multiples. Under the income approach, we determine fair value based on estimated future cash flows of each reporting unit, discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of a reporting unit and the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn.

In the second quarter of 2017, the Company applied the qualitative assessment approach in performing its annual evaluation of goodwill and concluded that no impairment provision was required. There were no amounts at risk due to the large spread between the fair, and carrying values, of each reporting unit.

In the third quarter of 2017, the Company decided to discontinue the Bear Claw® line of hydraulic fracturing components used in the oil and gas industry, which was part of the Harris aerostructures business acquired by AEC in 2016. This decision resulted in a non-cash write-off of intangibles for $4.1 million to restructuring expense, which is presented as other changes in the table below for intangible assets and goodwill in 2017. The write-off represents the full carrying value of intangible assets associated with the Bear Claw® product line as, based upon anticipated cash flows and the Company’s plan to exit the business, we determined the product line to have no fair value as of September 30, 2017. Due to the decision to exit this product line, management performed an interim assessment of goodwill and concluded that no goodwill was allocable to the Bear Claw® product line, and no impairment provision was required.

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We are continuing to amortize certain patents, trade names, customer contracts and technology assets that have finite lives. The changes in intangible assets and goodwill from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2017, were as follows:

(in thousands, except for years) |  | Amortization life in years |  | Balance at December 31, 2016 |  | Amortization |  | Other Changes |  | Currency Translation |  | Balance at December 31, 2017
Amortized intangible assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
AEC trade names |  | 15 |  |  | $20 |  |  | ($5 | ) |  | $- |  |  | $- |  |  | $15 |
AEC technology |  | 15 |  |  | 104 |  |  | (24 | ) |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 80 |
AEC customer contracts |  | 6 |  |  | 17,859 |  |  | (3,280 | ) |  | (961 | ) |  | - |  |  | 13,618 |
AEC customer relationships |  | 15 |  |  | 47,009 |  |  | (3,280 | ) |  | (2,211 | ) |  | - |  |  | 41,518 |
AEC other intangibles |  | 5 |  |  | 1,462 |  |  | (275 | ) |  | (977 | ) |  | - |  |  | 210 |
Total amortized intangible assets |  |  |  |  | $66,454 |  |  | ($6,864 | ) |  | ($4,149 | ) |  | $- |  |  | $55,441 |
Unamortized intangible assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
MC Goodwill |  |  |  |  | $64,645 |  |  | $- |  |  | $- |  |  | $6,421 |  |  | $71,066 |
AEC Goodwill |  |  |  |  | 95,730 |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 95,730 |
Total amortized intangible assets |  |  |  |  | $160,375 |  |  | $- |  |  | $- |  |  | $6,421 |  |  | $166,796 |

(in thousands, except for years) |  | Amortization life in years |  | Balance at December 31, 2015 |  | Acquisition |  | Amortization |  | Currency Translation |  | Balance at December 31, 2016
Amortized intangible assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
AEC trade names |  | 15 |  |  | $25 |  |  | $- |  |  | ($5 | ) |  | $- |  |  | $20 |
AEC technology |  | 15 |  |  | 129 |  |  | - |  |  | (25 | ) |  | - |  |  | 104 |
AEC customer contracts |  | 6 |  |  | - |  |  | 20,420 |  |  | (2,561 | ) |  | - |  |  | 17,859 |
AEC customer relationships |  | 15 |  |  | - |  |  | 49,490 |  |  | (2,481 | ) |  | - |  |  | 47,009 |
AEC other intangibles |  | 5 |  |  | - |  |  | 1,720 |  |  | (258 | ) |  | - |  |  | 1,462 |
Total amortized intangible assets |  |  |  |  | $154 |  |  | $71,630 |  |  | ($5,330 | ) |  | $- |  |  | $66,454 |
Unamortized intangible assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
MC Goodwill |  |  |  |  | $66,373 |  |  | $- |  |  | $- |  |  | ($1,728 | ) |  | $64,645 |
AEC Goodwill |  |  |  |  | - |  |  | 95,730 |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 95,730 |
Total amortized intangible assets |  |  |  |  | $66,373 |  |  | $95,730 |  |  | $- |  |  | ($1,728 | ) |  | $160,375 |

As of December 31, 2017, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of amortized intangible assets was $66.7 million and $11.3 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of amortized intangible assets was $72.1 million and $5.6 million, respectively.

On April 8, 2016, the Company acquired the outstanding shares of Harris Corporation’s composite aerostructures business. The assets acquired include amortizable intangible assets of $71.6 million and goodwill of $95.7 million.

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Amortization expense related to intangible assets was reported in the Consolidated Statement of Income as follows: $3.3 million in Cost of goods sold and $3.6 million in Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2017; and $2.6 million in Cost of goods sold and $2.7 million in Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2016. In 2015, all intangible amortization expense was included in Cost of goods sold. Estimated amortization expense of intangibles for the years ending December 31, 2018 through 2022, is as follows:

|  | Annual amortization
Year |  |  | (in thousands)
2018 |  |  | $6,232 |
2019 |  |  | 6,232 |
2020 |  |  | 6,232 |
2021 |  |  | 6,161 |
2022 |  |  | 3,955 |

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13. Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of:

(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Salaries and wages |  | $17,916 |  |  | $18,520 |
Accrual for compensated absences |  | 11,223 |  |  | 10,181 |
Employee benefits |  | 13,553 |  |  | 13,277 |
Workers’ compensation |  | 2,397 |  |  | 2,053 |
Pension liability - current portion |  | 2,094 |  |  | 2,057 |
Postretirement medical benefits - current portion |  | 4,108 |  |  | 4,195 |
Returns and allowances |  | 11,370 |  |  | 13,714 |
Billings in excess of revenue recognized |  | 2,569 |  |  | 2,334 |
Contract loss reserve |  | 11,902 |  |  | 56 |
Professional fees |  | 2,310 |  |  | 3,068 |
Utilities |  | 910 |  |  | 991 |
Dividends |  | 5,474 |  |  | 5,458 |
Restructuring costs |  | 2,714 |  |  | 4,668 |
Interest |  | 817 |  |  | 1,218 |
Other |  | 16,557 |  |  | 13,405 |
Total |  | $105,914 |  |  | $95,195 |

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14. Financial Instruments

Long-term debt, principally to banks and noteholders, consists of:

(in thousands, except interest rates) |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Revolving credit agreements with borrowings outstanding at an end of period interest rate of 3.40% in 2017 and 2.58% in 2016 (including the effect of interest rate hedging transactions, as described below), due in 2022 |  | $501,000 |  |  | $418,000 |
Private placement with a fixed interest rate of 6.84%, final payment was made October 25, 2017 |  | - |  |  | 50,000 |
Obligation under capital lease, matures 2022 |  | 14,919 |  |  | 16,584 |
Long-term debt |  | 515,919 |  |  | 484,584 |
Less: current portion |  | (1,799 | ) |  | (51,666 | )
Long-term debt, net of current portion |  | $514,120 |  |  | $432,918 |

Principal payments due on long-term debt are: 2019, $1.9 million, 2020, $2.0 million, 2021, $2.1 million, and 2022, $508.1 million. Cash payments of interest amounted to $16.0 million in 2017, $13.7 million in 2016, and $12.6 million in 2015.

A note agreement and guaranty (“Prudential Agreement”) was originally entered into in October 2005 with the Prudential Insurance Company of America, and certain other purchasers, with interest at 6.84%. The final principal payment under the Prudential Agreement of $50.0 million was made on October 25, 2017.

On November 7, 2017, we entered into a $685 million unsecured Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) which amended and restated the prior $550 million Agreement, entered into on April 8, 2016 (the “Prior Agreement”). Under the Credit Agreement, $501 million of borrowings were outstanding as of December 31, 2017. The applicable interest rate for borrowings was LIBOR plus a spread, based on our leverage ratio at the time of borrowing. At the time of the last borrowing on December 18, 2017, the spread was 1.500%. The spread was based on a pricing grid, which ranged from 1.250% to 1.750%, based on our leverage ratio. Based on our maximum leverage ratio and our Consolidated EBITDA, and without modification to any other credit agreements, as of December 31, 2017, we would have been able to borrow an additional $184 million under the Agreement.

The Credit Agreement contains customary terms, as well as affirmative covenants, negative covenants and events of default that are substantially comparable to those in the Prior Agreement. The Borrowings are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries.

Our ability to borrow additional amounts under the Credit Agreement is conditional upon the absence of any defaults, as well as the absence of any material adverse change (as defined in the Credit Agreement).

The Company has a long-term capital lease obligation for real property in Salt Lake City, Utah. The lease has an implied interest rate of 5.0% and matures in 2022.

The following schedule presents future minimum annual lease payments under the capital lease obligation and the present value of the minimum lease payments, as of December 31, 2017.

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Years ending December 31, |  | (in thousands)
2018 |  |  | $ 2,473 |
2019 |  |  | 2,473 |
2020 |  |  | 2,520 |
2021 |  |  | 2,520 |
2022 |  |  | 7,373 |
Total minimum lease payments |  |  | 17,359 |
Less: Amount representing interest |  |  | (2,440 | )
Present value of minimum lease payments |  |  | $14,919 |

On November 27, 2017, we terminated our interest rate swap agreements, originally entered into on May 9, 2016, that had effectively fixed the interest rate on $300 million of revolving credit borrowings, in order to enter into a new interest rate swap with a greater notional amount, and the same maturity as the Credit Agreement. We received $6.3 million to terminate the swap agreements and that payment will be amortized into interest expense through March 2021.

On May 6, 2016, we terminated other interest rate swap agreements that had effectively fixed the interest rate on $120 million of revolving credit borrowings, in order to enter into a new interest rate swap with a greater notional amount, and the same maturity as the Credit Agreement. We paid $5.2 million to terminate the swap agreements and that cost will be amortized into interest expense through June 2020.

On November 28, 2017, we entered into interest rate swap agreements for the period December 18, 2017 through October 17, 2022. These transactions have the effect of fixing the LIBOR portion of the effective interest rate (before addition of the spread) on $350 million of indebtedness drawn under the Credit Agreement at the rate of 2.11% during the period. Under the terms of these transactions, we pay the fixed rate of 2.11% and the counterparties pay a floating rate based on the one-month LIBOR rate at each monthly calculation date, which on December 18, 2017 was 1.50%, during the swap period. On December 18, 2017, the all-in-rate on the $350 million of debt was 3.61%.

These interest rate swaps are accounted for as a hedge of future cash flows, as further described in Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. No cash collateral was received or pledged in relation to the swap agreements.

Under the Credit Agreement we are currently required to maintain a leverage ratio (as defined in the agreement) of not greater than 3.75 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter ending prior to (but not including) September 30, 2019, and 3.50 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter ending on or after September 30, 2019, and minimum interest coverage (as defined) of 3.00 to 1.00.

As of December 31, 2017, our leverage ratio was 2.62 to 1.00 and our interest coverage ratio was 9.27 to 1.00. We may purchase our Common Stock or pay dividends to the extent our leverage ratio remains at or below 3.50 to 1.00, and may make acquisitions with cash provided our leverage ratio does not exceed the limits noted above.

Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement is ranked equally in right of payment to all unsecured senior debt.

We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2017.

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15. Fair-Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting principles establish a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the asset or liability, and include situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. We had no Level 3 financial assets or liabilities at December 31, 2017, or at December 31, 2016.

The following table presents the fair-value hierarchy for our Level 1 and Level 2 financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

|  | December 31, 2017 |  |  |  | December 31, 2016 |  |
|  | Quoted prices in active markets |  | Significant other observable inputs |  | Unobservable inputs |  | Quoted prices in active markets |  | Significant other observable inputs |  | Unobservable inputs
(in thousands) |  | (Level 1) |  | (Level 2) |  | (Level 3) |  | (Level 1) |  | (Level 2) |  | (Level 3)
Fair Value |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash equivalents |  | $13,601 |  | $- |  | $- |  | $8,468 |  | $- |  | $-
Other Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Common stock of foreign public company(a) | 999 |  | - |  | - |  | 762 |  | - |  | -
Interest rate swaps |  | - |  | 313 | (b) | - |  | - |  | 5,784 | (c) | -
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other noncurrent liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate swaps |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | -

| (a) | Original cost basis $0.5 million.

| (b) | Net of $34.9 million receivable floating leg and $34.6 million liability fixed leg

| (c) | Net of $21.4 million receivable floating leg and $15.6 million liability fixed leg

Cash equivalents include short-term securities that are considered to be highly liquid and easily tradable. These securities are valued using inputs observable in active markets for identical securities.

The common stock of the unaffiliated foreign public company is traded in an active market exchange. The shares are measured at fair value using closing stock prices and are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Other assets. The securities are classified as available for sale, and as a result any unrealized gain or loss is recorded in the Shareholders’ Equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets rather than in the Consolidated Statements of Income. When the security is sold or impaired, gains and losses are reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Investments are considered to be impaired when a decline in fair value is judged to be other than temporary.

We operate our business in many regions of the world, and currency rate movements can have a significant effect on operating results. Foreign currency instruments are entered into periodically, and consist of foreign currency option contracts and forward contracts that are valued using quoted prices in active markets obtained from independent pricing sources. These instruments are measured using market foreign exchange prices and are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Other current assets and Accounts payable, as applicable. Changes in fair value of these instruments are recorded as gains or losses within Other expense/(income), net.

When exercised, the foreign currency instruments are net settled with the same financial institution that bought or sold them. For all positions, whether options or forward contracts, there is risk from the possible inability of the financial institution to meet the terms of the contracts and the risk of unfavorable changes in interest and currency rates, which may reduce the value of the instruments. We seek to control risk by evaluating the creditworthiness of counterparties and by monitoring the currency exchange and interest rate markets while reviewing the hedging risks and contracts to ensure compliance with our internal guidelines and policies.

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Changes in exchange rates can result in revaluation gains and losses that are recorded in Selling, General and Administrative expenses or Other expense/(income), net. Revaluation gains and losses occur when our business units have cash, intercompany (recorded in Other expense/(income), net) or third-party trade (recorded in Selling, General and Administrative expenses) receivable or payable balances in a currency other than their local reporting (or functional) currency.

Operating results can also be affected by the translation of sales and costs, for each non-U.S. subsidiary, from the local functional currency to the U.S. dollar. The translation effect on the Consolidated Statements of Income is dependent on our net income or expense position in each non-U.S. currency in which we do business. A net income position exists when sales realized in a particular currency exceed expenses paid in that currency; a net expense position exists if the opposite is true.

The interest rate swaps are accounted for as hedges of future cash flows. The fair value of our interest rate swaps are derived from a discounted cash flow analysis based on the terms of the contract and the interest rate curve, and is included in Other assets and/or Other noncurrent liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on the swaps flow through the caption Derivative valuation adjustment in the Shareholders’ equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets, to the extent that the hedges are highly effective. As of December 31, 2017, these interest rate swaps were determined to be highly effective hedges of interest rate cash flow risk. Any gains and losses related to the ineffective portion of the hedges will be recognized in the current period in earnings. Amounts accumulated in Other comprehensive income are reclassified as Interest expense, net when the related interest payments (that is, the hedged forecasted transactions), and amortization related to the swap buyouts, affect earnings. Interest expense related to payments under the active swap agreements totaled $0.8 million in 2017, $1.9 million in 2016 and $1.9 million in 2015. Additionally, non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of swap buyouts totaled $0.7 million in 2017, $0.6 million in 2016, and is expected to be reduce interest expense by $0.6 million in 2018.

Gains/(losses) related to changes in fair value of derivative instruments that were recognized in Other expense/(income), net in the Consolidated Statements of Income were as follows:

|  | Years ended December 31,
(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Foreign currency options |  | ($131) |  | $202 |  | ($121)

16. Other Noncurrent Liabilities

As of December 31 of each year, Other noncurrent liabilities consists of:

(in thousands) |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Pension liabilities |  | $39,473 |  |  | $35,921 |
Postretirement benefits other than pensions |  | 54,423 |  |  | 53,293 |
Obligations under license agreement |  | 897 |  |  | 10,254 |
Incentive and deferred compensation |  | 3,048 |  |  | 3,468 |
Restructuring |  | 600 |  |  | 908 |
Other |  | 3,114 |  |  | 2,983 |
Total |  | $101,555 |  |  | $106,827 |

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17. Commitments and Contingencies

Principal leases are for machinery and equipment, vehicles, and real property. Certain leases contain renewal and purchase option provisions at fair values. Total rental expense amounted to $4.9 million in 2017, $5.2 million in 2016, and $3.5 million in 2015.

Future rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year, as of December 31, 2017, are: 2018, $4.1 million; 2019, $3.3 million; 2020, $2.4 million; 2021, $1.8 million; and 2022 and thereafter, $4.0 million.

Asbestos Litigation

Albany International Corp. is a defendant 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 paper machine clothing synthetic dryer fabrics marketed during the period from 1967 to 1976 and used in certain paper mills.

We were defending 3,730 claims as of December 31, 2017.

The following table sets forth the number of claims filed, the number of claims settled, dismissed or otherwise resolved, and the aggregate settlement amount during the periods presented:

Year ended December 31, | Opening Number of Claims | Claims Dismissed, Settled, or Resolved | New Claims | Closing Number of Claims | Amounts Paid (thousands) to Settle or Resolve
2012 | 4,446 | 90 | 107 | 4,463 | $530
2013 | 4,463 | 230 | 66 | 4,299 | 78
2014 | 4,299 | 625 | 147 | 3,821 | 437
2015 | 3,821 | 116 | 86 | 3,791 | 164
2016 | 3,791 | 148 | 102 | 3,745 | 758
2017 | 3,745 | 105 | 90 | 3,730 | $55

We anticipate that additional claims will be filed against the Company and related companies in the future, but are unable to predict the number and timing of such future claims. Due to the fact that information sufficient to meaningfully estimate a range of possible loss of a particular claim is typically not available until late in the discovery process, we do not believe a meaningful estimate can be made regarding the range of possible loss with respect to pending or future claims and therefore are unable to estimate a range of reasonably possible loss in excess of amounts already accrued for pending or future claims.

While we believe we have meritorious defenses to these claims, we have settled certain claims for amounts we consider reasonable given the facts and circumstances of each case. Our insurance carrier has defended each case and funded settlements under a standard reservation of rights. As of December 31, 2017 we had resolved, by means of settlement or dismissal, 37,594 claims. The total cost of resolving all claims was $10.2 million. Of this amount, almost 100 percent was paid by our insurance carrier, who has confirmed that we have approximately $140 million of remaining coverage under primary and excess policies that should be available with respect to current and future asbestos claims.

The Company’s subsidiary, Brandon Drying Fabrics, Inc. (“Brandon”), is also a separate defendant in many of the asbestos cases in which Albany is named as a defendant, despite never having manufactured any fabrics containing asbestos. While Brandon was defending against 7,707 claims as of December 31, 2017, only nine claims have been filed against Brandon since January 1, 2012, and no settlement costs have been incurred since 2001. Brandon was acquired by the Company in 1999, and has its own insurance policies covering periods prior to 1999. Since 2004, Brandon’s insurance carriers have covered 100 percent of indemnification and defense costs, subject to policy limits and a standard reservation of rights.

In some of these asbestos cases, the Company is named both as a direct defendant and as the “successor in interest” to Mount Vernon Mills (“Mount Vernon”). We 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

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against any liability arising out of such products. We deny 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, we have successfully moved for dismissal in a number of actions.

We currently do not anticipate, 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 we cannot predict the number and timing of future claims, based on the foregoing factors, the trends in claims filed against us, and available insurance, we also do not currently anticipate that potential future claims will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

18. Stock Options and Incentive Plans

We recognized no stock option expense during 2017, 2016 or 2015 and there are currently no remaining unvested options for which stock-option compensation costs will be recognized in future periods.

There have been no stock options granted since November 2002 and we have no stock option plan under which options may be granted, although options may be granted under the Company’s 2011 incentive plan. Options issued under previous plans and still outstanding were exercisable in five cumulative annual amounts beginning twelve months after date of grant. Option exercise prices were normally equal to and were not permitted to be less than the market value on the date of grant. Unexercised options generally terminate twenty years after the date of grant for all plans, and must be exercised within ten years of retirement.

Activity with respect to these plans is as follows:

|  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Shares under option January 1 |  | 62,390 |  |  | 88,773 |  |  | 187,233 |
Options canceled |  | 150 |  |  | - |  |  | - |
Options exercised |  | 32,900 |  |  | 26,383 |  |  | 98,460 |
Shares under option at December 31 |  | 29,340 |  |  | 62,390 |  |  | 88,773 |
Options exercisable at December 31 |  | 29,340 |  |  | 62,390 |  |  | 88,773 |

The weighted average exercise price is as follows:

|  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Shares under option January 1 |  | $18.28 |  |  | $18.67 |  |  | $18.99 |
Options canceled |  | 20.63 |  |  | - |  |  | - |
Options exercised |  | 18.16 |  |  | 19.60 |  |  | 19.27 |
Shares under option December 31 |  | 18.40 |  |  | 18.28 |  |  | 18.67 |
Options exercisable December 31 |  | 18.40 |  |  | 18.28 |  |  | 18.67 |

As of December 31, 2017, the aggregate intrinsic value of vested options was $1.3 million. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised was $1.1 million in 2017, $0.5 million in 2016, and $2.0 million in 2015.

Executive Management share-based compensation:

In 2011, shareholders approved the Albany International 2011 Incentive Plan. Awards granted to date under these plans provide key members of management with incentive compensation based on achieving certain

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performance targets over a three year period. Such awards are paid out partly in cash and partly in shares of Class A Common Stock. Participants may elect to receive shares net of applicable income taxes. In March 2017, we issued 25,899 shares and made cash payments totaling $1.0 million. In March 2016, we issued 26,146 shares and made cash payments totaling $0.8 million. In March 2015, we issued 35,393 shares and made cash payments totaling $1.2 million. If a person terminates employment prior to the award becoming fully vested, the person may forfeit all or a portion of the incentive compensation award. The grant date share price is determined when the awards are approved each year and that price is used for measuring the cost for the share-based portion of the award. Expense associated with these awards is recognized over the three year vesting period. In connection with this plan, we recognized expense of $2.6 million in 2017, $2.7 million in 2016 and $3.0 million in 2015. For share-based awards that are dependent on performance after 2017, we expect to record additional compensation expense of approximately $1.2 million in 2018 and $0.4 million in 2019.

In 2011, the Board of Directors modified the annual incentive plan for executive management whereby 40 to 50 percent of the earned incentive compensation is payable in the form of shares of Class A Common Stock. Participants may elect to receive shares net of applicable income taxes. In March 2017, the Company issued 18,784 shares and made cash payments totaling $1.9 million as a result of performance in 2016. In March 2016, the Company issued 26,774 shares and made cash payments totaling $1.9 million as a result of performance in 2015. In March 2015, the Company issued 19,571 shares and made cash payments totaling $1.5 million as a result of performance in 2014. The allocation of the award between cash and shares is determined by an average share price after the year of performance. Expense recorded for this plan was $2.6 million in 2017, $3.3 million in 2016, and $3.4 million in 2015.

Shares payable under these plans generally vest immediately prior to payment. As of December 31, 2017, there were 190,616 shares of Company stock authorized for the payment of awards under these plans. Information with respect to these plans is presented below:

|  | Number of shares |  | Weighted average grant date value per share |  | Year-end intrinsic value (000’s)
Shares potentially payable at January 1, 2015 |  | 185,199 |  |  | $30.69 |  |  | $5,683 |
Forfeitures |  | - |  |  | - |  |  |  |
Payments |  | (95,889 | ) |  | $29.09 |  |  |  |
Shares accrued based on 2015 performance |  | 98,998 |  |  | $38.01 |  |  |  |
Shares potentially payable at December 31, 2015 |  | 188,308 |  |  | $35.35 |  |  | $6,657 |
Forfeitures |  | - |  |  | - |  |  |  |
Payments |  | (86,926 | ) |  | $33.43 |  |  |  |
Shares accrued based on 2016 performance |  | 88,036 |  |  | $36.78 |  |  |  |
Shares potentially payable at December 31, 2016 |  | 189,418 |  |  | $36.90 |  |  | $6,989 |
Forfeitures |  | - |  |  | - |  |  |  |
Payments |  | (75,545 | ) |  | $36.35 |  |  |  |
Shares accrued based on 2017 performance |  | 43,532 |  |  | $48.26 |  |  |  |
Shares potentially payable at December 31, 2017 |  | 157,405 |  |  | $40.30 |  |  | $6,343 |

Other Management share-based compensation:

In 2012, the Company adopted a Phantom Stock Plan that replaced the Restricted Stock Program. Awards under this program vest over a five-year period and are paid annually in cash based on current market prices of the Company’s stock. Under this program, employees may earn more or less than the target award based on the Company’s results in the year of the award. Expense recognized for this plan amounted to $4.9 million in 2017, $3.8 million in 2016, and $2.6 million in 2015. Based on awards outstanding at December 31,

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2017, we expect to record approximately $10.0 million of compensation cost from 2018 to 2021. The weighted average period for recognition of that cost is approximately 2 years.

The determination of compensation expense for other management share-based compensation plans is based on the number of outstanding share units, the end-of-period share price, and Company performance. Information with respect to these plans is presented below:

|  | Number of shares |  | Weighted average value per share |  | Cash paid for share based liabilities (000’s)
Share units potentially payable at January 1, 2015 |  | 347,941 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Grants |  | 90,065 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Changes due to performance |  | 13,966 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Payments |  | (167,482 | ) |  | $36.08 |  |  | $6,040 |
Forfeitures |  | (31,624 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |
Share units potentially payable at December 31, 2015 |  | 252,866 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Grants |  | 118,279 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Changes due to performance |  | 18,779 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Payments |  | (88,073 | ) |  | $33.20 |  |  | $2,924 |
Forfeitures |  | (40,706 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |
Share units potentially payable at December 31, 2016 |  | 261,145 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Grants |  | 96,505 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Changes due to performance |  | (11,891 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |
Payments |  | (89,190 | ) |  | $46.64 |  |  | $4,160 |
Forfeitures |  | (20,473 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |
Share units potentially payable at December 31, 2017 |  | 236,096 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

The Company maintains a voluntary savings plan covering substantially all employees in the United States. The Plan, known as the Prosperity Plus Savings Plan, is a qualified plan under section 401(k) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. The Company matches, in the form of cash, between 50 percent and 100 percent of employee contributions up to a defined maximum. The investment of employee contributions to the plan is self-directed. The Company’s cost of the plan amounted to $5.9 million in 2017, $5.5 million in 2016, and $4.8 million in 2015.

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. Company contributions to the plan are in the form of cash. The expense recorded for this plan was $2.6 million in 2017, $2.9 million in 2016, and $2.4 million in 2015.

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19. Shareholders’ Equity

We have two classes of Common Stock, Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, each with a par value of $0.001 and equal liquidation rights. Each share of our 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 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, 2017, 3.3 million shares of Class A Common Stock were reserved for the conversion of Class B Common Stock and the exercise of stock options.

In August 2006, we announced that the Board of Directors authorized management to purchase up to 2.0 million additional shares of our Class A Common Stock. The Board’s action authorizes management to purchase shares from time to time, in the open market or otherwise, whenever it believes such purchase to be advantageous to our shareholders, and it is otherwise legally permitted to do so. We have made no share purchases under the August 2006 authorization. Activity in Shareholders’ equity for 2015, 2016, and 2017 is presented below:

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Accumulated |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Class A |  | Class B |  | Additional |  |  |  | items of other |  | Class A |  |
|  | Common Stock |  | Common Stock |  | paid-in |  | Retained |  | comprehensive |  | Treasury Stock |  | Noncontrolling
(in thousands) |  | Shares |  | Amount |  | Shares |  | Amount |  | capital |  | earnings |  | income |  | Shares |  | Amount |  | Interest
January 1, 2015 |  | 37,085 |  | $37 |  | 3,235 |  | $3 |  | $418,972 |  | $456,105 |  | ($107,767) |  | 8,459 |  | ($257,481) |  | $3,699
Net income |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 57,279 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | (14)
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares |  | 55 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 1,540 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | -
Options exercised |  | 99 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 2,520 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | -
Shares issued to Directors’ |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 76 |  | - |  | - |  | (4) |  | 90 |  | -
Dividends declared |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | (21,434) |  |  |  | - |  | - |  | -
Cumulative translation adjustments |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | (53,415) |  | - |  | - |  | 5
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 2,941 |  | - |  | - |  | -
Derivative valuation adjustment |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | (603) |  | - |  | - |  | -
December 31, 2015 |  | 37,239 |  | $37 |  | 3,235 |  | $3 |  | $423,108 |  | $491,950 |  | ($158,844) |  | 8,455 |  | ($257,391) |  | $3,690
Net income |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 52,733 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 79
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares |  | 53 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 1,980 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | -
Options exercised |  | 26 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 667 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | -
Shares issued to Directors’ |  | 1 |  | - |  | (1) |  | - |  | 198 |  | - |  | - |  | (12) |  | 255 |  | -
Dividends declared |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | (21,828) |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | -
Cumulative translation adjustments |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | (24,643) |  | - |  | - |  | (2)
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | (2,994) |  | - |  | - |  | -
Derivative valuation adjustment |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 2,292 |  | - |  | - |  | -
December 31, 2016 |  | 37,319 |  | $37 |  | 3,234 |  | $3 |  | $425,953 |  | $522,855 |  | ($184,189) |  | 8,443 |  | ($257,136) |  | $3,767
Net income |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 33,111 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | (526)
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares |  | 44 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 1,564 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | -
Options exercised |  | 33 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 597 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | -
Shares issued to Directors’ |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 309 |  | - |  | - |  | (12) |  | 260 |  | -
Dividends declared |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | (21,884) |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | -
Cumulative translation adjustments |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 45,980 |  | - |  | - |  | 6
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 1,183 |  | - |  | - |  | -
Derivative valuation adjustment |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 1,125 |  | - |  | - |  | -
December 31, 2017 |  | 37,396 |  | $37 |  | 3,234 |  | $3 |  | $428,423 |  | $534,082 |  | ($135,901) |  | 8,431 |  | ($256,876) |  | $3,247

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20. Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

The following table presents certain unaudited quarterly consolidated statement of operations data from continuing operations for each of the quarters in the periods ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015. The information has been derived from our unaudited financial statements, which have been prepared on substantially the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements contained in this report. We have presented quarterly earnings per share numbers as reported in our earnings releases. The table below presents operating results as filed in our quarterly reports for the first three quarters of each year. Fourth quarter results presented below may vary from our quarterly earnings report in order to agree to the full year totals. The results of operations for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.

(in millions, except per share amounts) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2017 |  | 1st |  | 2nd |  | 3rd |  | 4th |  | Total
Net sales |  | $199.3 |  | $215.6 |  | $222.1 |  | $226.7 |  | $863.7
Gross profit |  | 75.9 |  | 63.1 |  | 79.4 |  | 77.4 |  | 295.8
Net income attributable to the Company |  | 10.8 |  | 1.1 |  | 15.3 |  | 5.9 |  | 33.1
Basic earnings per share |  | 0.34 |  | 0.03 |  | 0.47 |  | 0.19 |  | 1.03
Diluted earnings per share |  | 0.34 |  | 0.03 |  | 0.47 |  | 0.19 |  | 1.03
Cash dividends per share |  | 0.17 |  | 0.17 |  | 0.17 |  | 0.17 |  | 0.68
Class A Common Stock prices: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
High |  | 49.05 |  | 53.40 |  | 57.60 |  | 65.25 |  |
Low |  | 43.90 |  | 43.90 |  | 50.25 |  | 56.45 |  |
2016 |  | 1st |  | 2nd |  | 3rd |  | 4th |  | Total
Net sales |  | $172.3 |  | $203.2 |  | $191.3 |  | $213.0 |  | $779.8
Gross profit |  | 72.5 |  | 78.3 |  | 72.4 |  | 77.4 |  | 300.6
Net income attributable to the Company |  | 13.5 |  | 10.4 |  | 13.1 |  | 15.8 |  | 52.8
Basic earnings per share |  | 0.42 |  | 0.32 |  | 0.41 |  | 0.49 |  | 1.64
Diluted earnings per share |  | 0.42 |  | 0.32 |  | 0.41 |  | 0.49 |  | 1.64
Cash dividends per share |  | 0.17 |  | 0.17 |  | 0.17 |  | 0.17 |  | 0.68
Class A Common Stock prices: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
High |  | 38.21 |  | 41.31 |  | 43.78 |  | 49.25 |  |
Low |  | 31.43 |  | 37.27 |  | 38.92 |  | 38.65 |  |
2015 |  | 1st |  | 2nd |  | 3rd |  | 4th |  | Total
Net sales |  | $181.3 |  | $172.3 |  | $178.8 |  | $177.5 |  | $709.9
Gross profit |  | 76.7 |  | 54.6 |  | 75.7 |  | 71.7 |  | 278.7
Net income/(loss) attributable to the Company |  | 12.2 |  | (2.2) |  | 9.7 |  | 37.6 |  | 57.3
Basic earnings per share |  | 0.38 |  | (0.07) |  | 0.30 |  | 1.18 |  | 1.79
Diluted earnings per share |  | 0.38 |  | (0.07) |  | 0.30 |  | 1.18 |  | 1.79
Cash dividends per share |  | 0.16 |  | 0.17 |  | 0.17 |  | 0.17 |  | 0.67
Class A Common Stock prices: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
High |  | 40.31 |  | 41.15 |  | 40.21 |  | 39.25 |  |
Low |  | 34.13 |  | 39.15 |  | 28.28 |  | 28.19 |  |

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Earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2017, as reported in the table above, is $0.01 higher than our quarterly earnings report due to rounding needed to match the full year total.

In 2017, restructuring charges reduced earnings per share by $0.05 in the first quarter, $0.04 in the second quarter, $0.11 in the third quarter, and $0.07 in the fourth quarter. The amount recognized in the third quarter was primarily non-cash charges associated with the decision to exit a discontinued product line.

In 2017, discrete income tax adjustments, increased/(decreased) earnings per share by ($0.03) in the first quarter, ($0.02) in the second quarter, $0.12 in the third quarter, and ($0.21) in the fourth quarter. The amount recognized in the fourth quarter was primarily from changes in U.S. tax laws.

In 2017, we recorded a write-off of inventory in a discontinued product line in the third quarter of 2017. The write-off (decreased)/increased earnings per share by ($0.06) in the third quarter and $0.01 in the fourth quarter.

In 2016, restructuring charges reduced earnings per share by $0.01 in the first quarter, $0.13 in the second quarter, $0.01 in the third quarter, and $0.01 in the fourth quarter.

In 2016, we recorded measurement period adjustments related to the business acquisition that occurred in the second quarter of 2016. Measurement period adjustments decreased earnings per share by $0.03 in the third quarter, and $0.00 in the fourth quarter. Costs related to the acquisition transaction reduced earnings per share by $0.03 in the first quarter, $0.08 in the second quarter, $0.00 in the third quarter, and $0.00 in the fourth quarter.

In 2016, discrete income tax adjustments, increased earnings per share by $0.03 in the first quarter, $0.00 in the second quarter, $0.00 in the third quarter, and $0.04 in the fourth quarter.

In 2015, restructuring charges reduced earnings per share by $0.18 in the first quarter, $0.02 in the second quarter, $0.07 in the third quarter, and $0.21 in the fourth quarter.

In 2015, discrete income tax adjustments, increased/(decreased) earnings per share by $(0.01) in the first quarter, $0.00 in the second quarter, ($0.15) in the third quarter, and $0.85 in the fourth quarter. The amount recognized in the fourth quarter was principally due to a worthless stock deduction for the Company’s investment in its German subsidiary.

In 2015, we recognized a gain related to the sale of investment of $0.02 per share in the first quarter.

The Company’s Class A Common Stock is traded principally on the New York Stock Exchange. As of December 31, 2017, there were over 20,000 beneficial owners of the Company’s common stock, including employees owning shares through the Company’s 401(k) defined contribution plan.

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

None.

| Item 9A. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company, with the participation of its management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15) as of December 31, 2017. Such disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and to ensure that information required to be disclosed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Based on and as of the date of this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal control system is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Because of its limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.

Management, under the supervision of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and oversight of the Board of Directors, conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the 2013 Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework. The objective of this assessment was to determine whether our internal controls over financial reporting was effective at December 31, 2017.

Based on management’s assessment, we have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective at December 31, 2017. Our independent registered accounting firm has issued a report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting which is included under Item 8.

Remediation of Prior Material Weaknesses

As disclosed in Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, we identified the following material weaknesses in our internal controls: The Company did not establish effective reporting lines, appropriate authorities, responsibilities and monitoring activities for financial reporting processes and internal controls, as well as the assignment of banking signatory authorities, limits and responsibilities, at its subsidiary in Japan and certain other foreign locations. As a result, the Company lacked effective written entity and process level controls over initiation, authorization, processing and recording of transactions and safeguarding of assets managed by a

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third party service provider at the Japan location. In addition, the Company did not have effective management review controls over the assessment of a potential reserve for a loss contract due to a failure to understand and document the design requirements and operation of an effective management review control.

When the materials weaknesses were identified, management immediately commenced actions to remediate the material weaknesses. To accomplish this we designed several new controls and enhanced the design of other controls, including a review of financial reporting processes relating to the subsidiary in Japan, and enhancements and additions to internal controls for that location; increasing senior financial and accounting management monitoring of financial reporting at smaller Company locations, establishing effective reporting lines, appropriate authorities, responsibilities and monitoring for financial reporting activities, and assignment of banking signatory authorities, limits and responsibilities at such locations; enhancements to management review controls and procedures for the assessment of potential reserves for loss contracts, and additional training regarding the required documentation of design and operating effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

As part of our assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, management tested and evaluated whether these controls were designed and operating effectively for a sufficient period of time. Based on this assessment, management concluded that the material weaknesses were remediated.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Other than the efforts described above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our fourth fiscal quarter of 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Joseph G. Morone, Ph.D. |  | /s/ John B. Cozzolino |  | /s/ David M. Pawlick
Joseph G. Morone, Ph.D. |  | John B. Cozzolino |  | David M. Pawlick
President and |  | Chief Financial Officer |  | Vice President and
Chief Executive Officer |  | and Treasurer |  | Controller
and Director |  | (Principal Financial Officer) |  | (Principal Accounting Officer)
(Principal Executive Officer) |  |  |  |

| Item 9B. | OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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PART III

| Item 10. | DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

| a) | Directors. The information set out in the section captioned “Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

| b) | Executive Officers. Information about the officers of the Company is set forth in Item 1 above.

| c) | Significant Employees. Same as Executive Officers.

| d) | Nature of any family relationship between any director, executive officer, person nominated or chosen to become a director or executive officer. The information set out in the section captioned “Certain Business Relationships and Related Person Transactions” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

| e) | Business experience, during the past five years, of each director, executive officer, person nominated or chosen to become director or executive officer, and significant employees. Information about the officers of the Company is set forth in Item 1 above and the information set out in the section captioned “Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

| f) | Involvement in certain legal proceedings by any director, person nominated to become a director or executive officer. The information set out in the section captioned “Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

| g) | Certain promoters and control persons. None.

| h) | Audit Committee Financial Expert. The information set out in the section captioned “Corporate Governance” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

| i) | Code of Ethics. The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller. A copy of the Code of Ethics is filed as Exhibit 10(p) and is available at the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website (www.albint.com). A copy of the Code of Ethics may be obtained, without charge, by writing to: Investor Relations Department, Albany International Corp., 216 Airport Drive, Rochester, New Hampshire 03867. Any amendment to the Code of Ethics will be disclosed by posting the amended Code of Ethics on the Company’s website. Any waiver of any provision of the Code of Ethics will be disclosed by the filing of a Form 8-K.

| Item 11. | EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information set forth in the sections of the Proxy Statement captioned “Executive Compensation,” “Summary Compensation Table,” “Grants of Plan-Based Awards,” “Outstanding Equity Awards At Fiscal Year-End,” “Option Exercises and Stock Vested,” “Pension Benefits,” “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation,” “Director Compensation,” “Compensation Committee Report,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” is incorporated herein by reference.

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

The information set forth in the section captioned “Share Ownership” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

| Number of securities to |  | Number of securities remaining
| be issued upon | Weighted average | available for future issuance under
| exercise of outstanding | exercise price of | equity compensation plans
| options, warrants, and | outstanding options, | (excluding securities reflected in
Plan Category | rights | warrants, and rights | column (a))
| (a) | (b) | (c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 29,340 1 | $18.40 | 190,616 2,3,4
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | - | - | -
Total | 29,340 1 | $18.40 | 190,616 2,3,4

| (1) | Does not include 56,452, 45,985, and 29,056 shares that may be issued pursuant to 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively, performance incentive awards granted to certain executive officers pursuant to the 2011 Incentive Plan. Such awards are not “exercisable,” but will be paid out to the recipients in accordance with their terms, subject to certain conditions.

| (2) | Reflects the number of shares that may be issued pursuant to future awards under the 2011 Incentive Plan. Additional shares of Class A Common Stock are available for issuance under the 2011 Incentive Plan (see note 3 below), as well as under the Directors’ Annual Retainer Plan (see note 4 below). No additional shares are available under any of the stock option plans pursuant to which outstanding options were granted.

| (3) | 190,616 shares available for future issuance under the 2011 Incentive Plan. The 2011 Incentive Plan allows the Board from time to time to increase the number of shares that may be issued pursuant to awards granted under that Plan, provided that the number of shares so added may not exceed 500,000 in any one calendar year, and provided further that the total number of shares then available for issuance under the Plan shall not exceed 1,000,000 at any time. Shares of Common Stock covered by awards granted under the 2011 Incentive Plan are only counted as used to the extent they are actually issued and delivered. Accordingly, if an award is settled for cash, or if shares are withheld to pay any exercise price or to satisfy any tax-withholding requirement, only shares issued (if any), net of shares withheld, will be deemed delivered for purposes of determining the number of shares available under the Plan. If shares are issued subject to conditions that may result in the forfeiture, cancellation, or return of such shares to the Company, any shares forfeited, canceled, or returned shall be treated as not issued. If shares are tendered to the Company in payment of any obligation in connection with an award, the number of shares tendered shall be added to the number of shares available under the 2005 Incentive Plan. Assuming full exercise by the Board of its power to increase annually the number of shares available under the 2011 Incentive Plan, the maximum number of additional shares that could yet be issued pursuant to the Plan awards (including those set forth in column (c) above) would be 2,190,616.

| (4) | The Directors’ Annual Retainer Plan provides that the aggregate dollar amount of the annual retainer payable for service as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors is $100,000, $50,000 of which is required to be paid in shares of Class A Common Stock, 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 the 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

107

|  | whole share. A director who owns shares of Common Stock with a value of at least $300,000 may elect to receive, in cash, all or any portion of the retainer otherwise payable in shares of Common Stock.

| Item 13. | CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS, RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information set out in the section captioned “Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

| Item 14. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information set forth in the section captioned “Independent Auditors” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

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PART IV

| Item 15. | EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

|  |  |  | Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit Number |  | Exhibit Description | Filed Herewith | Form | Period Ending | Filing Date
3 (a) |  | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Company |  | 8-K |  | 6/2/15
3 (b) |  | Bylaws of Company |  | 8-K |  | 2/23/11
4 (a) |  | Article IV of Certificate of Incorporation of Company |  | 8-K |  | 6/2/15
4 (b) |  | Specimen Stock Certificate for Class A Common Stock |  | S-1, No. 33- |  | 9/30/87
|  |  |  | 16254 |  |
Credit Agreement
10(k)(xix) |  | $685 Million Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Agreement among Albany International Corp., the other Borrowers named therein, the Lenders Party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, dated as of November 7, 2017 |  | 8-K |  | 11/7/17
Restricted Stock Units
10(l)(viii) |  | 2011 Performance Phantom Stock Plan as adopted on May 26, 2011 (42) |  | 10-Q | 6/30/11 | 8/9/11
Stock Options
10(m)(i) |  | 1992 Stock Option Plan |  | 8-K |  | 1/18/93
10(m)(ii) |  | 1997 Executive Stock Option Agreement |  | 10-K | 12/31/97 | 3/16/98
10(m)(iii) |  | 2011 Incentive Plan |  | 8-K |  | 6/1/11
10(m)(iv) |  | Form of 2011 Annual Performance Bonus Agreement |  | 8-K |  | 3/29/11
10(m)(v) |  | Form of 2011 Multi-Year Performance Bonus Agreement |  | 8-K |  | 3/29/11

109

|  |  |  | Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit Number |  | Exhibit Description | Filed Herewith | Form | Period Ending | Filing Date
Executive Compensation |  |  |  |
10(n)(i) |  | Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, adopted as of January 1, 1994, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2008 |  | 8-K |  | 1/2/08
10(n)(ii) |  | Annual Bonus Program |  | S-1, No. |  | 9/30/87
|  |  |  | 33-16254 |  |
10(n)(iii) |  | Form of Executive Deferred Compensation Plan adopted September 1, 1985, as amended and restated as of August 8, 2001 |  | 10-Q | 9/30/01 | 11/12/01
10(o)(i) |  | Form of Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan adopted September 1, 1985, as amended and restated as of August 8, 2001 |  | 10-Q | 9/30/01 | 11/12/01
10(o)(ii) |  | Deferred Compensation Plan of Albany International Corp., as amended and restated as of August 8, 2001 |  | 10-K | 12/31/02 | 3/21/03
10(o)(iii) |  | Centennial Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated as of August 8, 2001 |  | 10-Q | 9/30/01 | 11/12/01
10(o)(iv) |  | Directors’ Annual Retainer Plan, as amended and restated as of December 8, 2009 |  | 8-K |  | 12/23/09
10(o)(viii) |  | Form of Severance Agreement between Albany International Corp. and certain corporate officers or key executives |  | 8-K |  | 1/4/16
10(p) |  | Code of Ethics |  | 8-K |  | 1/2/08
10(q) |  | Directors Pension Plan, amendment dated as of January 12, 2005 |  | 8-K |  | 1/13/05
10(r) |  | Employment agreement, dated May 12, 2005, between the Company and Joseph G. Morone |  | 8-K |  | 5/18/05
10(s) |  | Form of Indemnification Agreement |  | 8-K |  | 4/12/06
10(t) |  | Executive separation agreement, dated December 4, 2017, between the Company and Diane Loudon | X |  |  |

110

|  |  |  | Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit Number |  | Exhibit Description | Filed Herewith | Form | Period Ending | Filing Date
10.1 |  | Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement by and between Albany International Corp. and ASSA ABLOY AB, dated as of October 27, 2011 |  | 8-K |  | 11/1/11
10.2 |  | Amended and restated LLC operating agreement by and between Albany Engineered Composites and Safran Aerospace Composites, Inc. 10% equity interest in ASC for $28 million |  | 10-K | 12/31/13 | 2/26/14
2.1 |  | Stock Purchase Agreement by and between Albany International Corp. and Harris Corporation, dated as of February 27, 2016 |  | 8-K |  | 3/1/16
11 |  | Statement of Computation of Earnings per share (provided in Footnote 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) | X |  |  |
21 |  | Subsidiaries of Company | X |  |  |
23 |  | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms | X |  |  |
24 |  | Powers of Attorney | X |  |  |
31(a) |  | Certification of Joseph G. Morone required pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) | X |  |  |
31(b) |  | Certification of John B. Cozzolino required pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) | X |  |  |
32(a) |  | Certification of Joseph G. Morone and John B. Cozzolino required pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code | X |  |  |
The following information from the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL), filed herewith:
101(i) |  | Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 | X |  |  |
101(ii) |  | Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(loss) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 | X |  |  |
101(iii) |  | Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 | X |  |  |
101(iv) |  | Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 | X |  |  |
101(v) |  | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | X |  |  |
* As provided in Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this information shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act or otherwise subject to liability under those sections.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on the 28th day of February, 2018.

|  | ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
|  | by /s/ John B. Cozzolino
|  | John B. Cozzolino
|  | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
|  | (Principal Financial Officer)

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

Signature |  | Title |  | Date
* |  | President and Chief Executive Officer and Director |  | February 28, 2018
Joseph G. Morone |  | (Principal Executive Officer) |  |
/s/ John B. Cozzolino |  | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |  | February 28, 2018
John B. Cozzolino |  | (Principal Financial Officer) |  |
* |  | Vice President–Controller |  | February 28, 2018
David M. Pawlick |  | (Principal Accounting Officer) |  |
* |  | Chairman of the Board and Director |  | February 28, 2018
Erland E. Kailbourne |  |  |  |
* |  | Vice Chairman of the Board and Director |  | February 28, 2018
John C. Standish |  |  |  |
* |  | Director |  | February 28, 2018
John F. Cassidy, Jr. |  |  |  |
* |  | Director |  | February 28, 2018
Katharine Plourde |  |  |  |
* |  | Director |  | February 28, 2018
Edgar G. Hotard |  |  |  |
* |  | Director |  | February 28, 2018
John R. Scannell |  |  |  |
* |  | Director |  | February 28, 2018
Christine L. Standish |  |  |  |
* |  | Director |  | February 28, 2018
A. William Higgins |  |  |  |
* |  | Director |  | February 28, 2018
Kenneth W. Krueger |  |  |  |
*By /s/ John B. Cozzolino |  |  |  |
John B. Cozzolino |  |  |  |
Attorney-in-fact |  |  |  |

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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 |  |  | Charge to expense |  |  | Other (A) |  |  | Balance at end of the period |
Allowance for doubtful accounts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Year ended December 31: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2017 |  |  | $6,952 |  |  | $1,388 |  |  | ($421 | ) |  | $7,919 |
2016 |  |  | 8,530 |  |  | 23 |  |  | (1,601 | ) |  | 6,952 |
2015 |  |  | 8,713 |  |  | 744 |  |  | (927 | ) |  | 8,530 |
Allowance for sales returns |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Year ended December 31: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2017 |  |  | $13,714 |  |  | $8,909 |  |  | ($11,253 | ) |  | $11,370 |
2016 |  |  | 14,024 |  |  | 10,851 |  |  | (11,161 | ) |  | 13,714 |
2015 |  |  | 17,265 |  |  | 10,640 |  |  | (13,881 | ) |  | 14,024 |
Valuation allowance deferred tax assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Year ended December 31: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2017 |  |  | $22,821 |  |  | ($3,552 | ) |  | ($3,212 | ) |  | $16,057 |
2016 |  |  | 24,439 |  |  | (88 | ) |  | (1,530 | ) |  | 22,821 |
2015 |  |  | 21,860 |  |  | 75 |  |  | 2,504 |  |  | 24,439 |

| (A) | Amounts sold, written off, or recovered, and the effect of changes in currency translation rates, are included in Column D.

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CORPORATE INFORMATION

Investor Relations

The Company’s Investor Relations Department may be contacted at:

Investor Relations Department

Albany International Corp.
216 Airport Drive

Rochester, NH 03867

Telephone: (603) 330-5850
Fax: (603) 994-3974
E-mail: investor.relations@albint.com

Transfer Agent and Registrar

Computershare

P.O. Box 505000

Louisville, KY 40233-5000

Telephone (toll-free): 1-877-277-9931

Web: www.computershare.com/investor

Shareholder Services

As an Albany International shareholder, you are invited to take advantage of our convenient shareholder services.

Computershare maintains the records for our registered shareholders and can help you with a variety of shareholder-related services at no charge, including:

| ● | Change of name and/or address

| ● | Consolidation of accounts

| ● | Duplicate mailings

| ● | Dividend reinvestment enrollment

| ● | Lost stock certificates

| ● | Transfer of stock to another person

| ● | Additional administrative services

Access your investor statements online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at Investor Center. For more information, go to www.computershare.com/investor.

Notice of Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of the Company’s shareholders is scheduled to be held on Friday, May 11, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at The One Hundred Club, 100 Market Street, Suite 500, Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801.

Stock Listing

Albany International is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol AIN). Stock tables in newspapers and financial publications list Albany International as “AlbanyInt.”

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Equal Employment Opportunity

Albany International, as a matter of policy, does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran. This policy of nondiscrimination is applicable to matters of hiring, upgrading, promotions, transfers, layoffs, terminations, rates of pay, selection for training, recruitment, and recruitment advertising. The Company maintains affirmative action programs to implement its EEO policy.

Trademarks and Trade Names

INLINE, KRAFTLINE, PRINTLINE, HYDROCROSS, SEAM HYDROCROSS, SEAMPLANE, Seam KMX, SPRING, VENTABELT EVM, VENTABELT XTS, VENTABELT XTR, TRANSBELT GX, TRANSBELT GXM, SPIRALTOP, AEROPULSE, AEROPOINT, DURASPIRAL, TOPSTAT, SUPRASTAT, PROVANTAGE, PROVANTAGE LC, PACKLINE and NOVALACE are all trade names of Albany International Corp.

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Directors and Officers |
Directors |
Erland E. Kailbourne, Chairman1 | Edgar G. Hotard1
Retired – Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, | Retired- President and COO, Praxair, Inc.
Fleet National Bank (New York Region) |
John C. Standish,2 Vice Chairman | Joseph G. Morone
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, J.S. Standish Company | President and Chief Executive Officer
John F. Cassidy, Jr.2,3 | Christine L. Standish3
Retired – Senior Vice President, | President, J.S. Standish Company
Science and Technology, United Technologies Corp. |
Katharine L. Plourde1,3 | John R. Scannell2
Retired- Principal and Analyst, | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Moog Inc.
Donaldson, Lufkin& Jenrette, Inc. |
A. William Higgins2 | Kenneth Krueger1
Director, Kaman Corporation and the Bristow Group | Chairman of the Board, Manitowoc Company Inc.
| ¹ Member, Audit Committee
| ² Member, Compensation Committee
| ³ Member, Governance Committee
Officers |
Joseph G. Morone | John B. Cozzolino
President and Chief Executive Officer | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Daniel A. Halftermeyer | David M. Pawlick
President – Machine Clothing | Vice President – Controller
Robert A. Hansen | Charles J. Silva, Jr.
Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer | Vice President – General Counsel and Secretary
Joseph M. Gaug | Dawne H. Wimbrow
Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary | Vice President – Global Information Services and Chief Information Officer

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