Core Viewpoint - Albany International (AIN) reported a significant decline in revenue and earnings for the quarter ended September 2025, indicating potential challenges in its financial performance [1]. Financial Performance - Revenue for the quarter was $261.43 million, down 12.4% year-over-year, and below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $297.89 million, resulting in a surprise of -12.24% [1]. - Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $0.71, compared to $0.80 a year ago, reflecting a decrease in profitability [1]. - The company delivered an EPS surprise of +1.43%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $0.70 [1]. Segment Performance - Revenue from Albany Engineered Composites was $86.48 million, significantly below the two-analyst average estimate of $122.85 million, marking a year-over-year decline of 25% [4]. - Revenue from Machine Clothing was $174.95 million, slightly below the two-analyst average estimate of $175.04 million, with a year-over-year change of -4.4% [4]. - Operating income for Machine Clothing was reported at $43.1 million, compared to the estimated $48.88 million by two analysts [4]. Stock Performance - Albany International's shares have returned -3.5% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.3% change, indicating underperformance relative to the broader market [3]. - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell), suggesting potential further underperformance in the near term [3].

Core Insights - Albany International Corp. released its 2024 Climate Report, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and climate-related disclosures [1][2] - The report reflects the company's commitment to integrating climate considerations into its business strategy, focusing on product-level emissions to drive innovation and accountability [2] Sustainability Commitment - The company aims to understand the full lifecycle impact of its products, which is essential for driving meaningful change and uncovering new opportunities for smarter design and emission reductions [2] - Albany International is dedicated to transparency and open communication, inviting feedback and collaboration to enhance sustainability practices [2] Company Overview - Albany International is a leading developer and manufacturer of engineered components, operating 30 facilities in 13 countries and employing approximately 5,400 people worldwide [4][5] - The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIN [5] Business Segments - The Machine Clothing segment is the world's leading producer of custom-designed fabric and high-speed process belts for various industrial applications [6] - Albany Engineered Composites specializes in innovative composite technology solutions for aerospace and defense applications, providing advanced composite structures and assembly solutions [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales were $311 million, down 6.2% from $332 million in the same quarter last year [19] - Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased to 16.7% from 19% in the prior year [9] - GAAP net income attributable to the company for the quarter was $9.2 million compared to $24.6 million last year [22] - Adjusted diluted EPS was $0.57 versus $0.89 in the same period last year [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Machine Clothing reported revenues of $181 million, a decrease of 6.5% year-over-year [20] - Engineered Composites segment revenues were $130 million, reflecting a sequential growth of 14% from the first quarter [13] - Machine Clothing gross profit decreased to $84 million from $89 million in the prior year, while gross margin improved by 40 basis points to 46.3% [20] - AEC gross profit decreased to $14 million from $24 million, primarily due to cumulative EAC adjustments [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America experienced a slight decline in deliveries due to packaging machine production curtailments [11] - Europe showed solid signs of recovery with good deliveries and orders, offsetting weakening conditions in Asia, particularly in China [11] - The global MC order backlog remains healthy, indicating confidence for a stronger second half of the year [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing its global production footprint and has commenced two additional facility closures [7] - Investments in operational excellence are aimed at transforming execution of current programs and driving process improvements [8] - Advanced air mobility is identified as a significant source of growth, with new long-term agreements and investments in capabilities [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in recovery despite second quarter results lagging expectations due to timing and operational issues [5] - The company expects global growth to continue as tariff environments become more predictable [6] - Full year guidance is reaffirmed, projecting stronger performance in the second half driven by ramping programs and operational efficiencies [25] Other Important Information - The company successfully completed its S4HANA upgrade, enhancing systems and operational efficiencies [17] - Will Station has been appointed as the new CFO, bringing extensive experience from McKesson and Boeing [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about overall build rates in aerospace? - Management noted that ramp-up is occurring as Boeing is destocking and material is being brought in, indicating momentum towards prior production levels [28] Question: What factors could affect revenue range in the second half? - Key factors include Machine Clothing synergies and increased commercial programs at AEC, which are expected to drive growth and profitability [29] Question: Can you provide updates on the CH-53K program? - The ramp-up is being approached carefully, with significant investments in team training and production capabilities [33] Question: Can you elaborate on AEC margins and investments in labor? - AEC is performing well, but challenges remain with the CH-53K program, requiring more resources and time for ramp-up [37] Question: What gives confidence to maintain guidance despite challenges? - Confidence stems from improved performance indicators, including reduced quality issues and better operational efficiency [45] Question: What new programs are ramping up in the second half? - Existing and new programs, including the Bell 525 and JASSM, are expected to contribute to growth in the second half [48] Question: Can you provide details on the 3D woven composite parts? - The company is focused on replacing titanium with 3D woven technology, with certification expected in the next 18 months [55]

Company Overview - Albany International's market capitalization is $2 billion[13] - The company's 2024 revenue reached $1.231 billion[13] - Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 was $232 million[13] - The company's net debt in 2024 was $203 million[13] Machine Clothing (MC) Segment - The MC segment holds approximately 37% of the global paper machine clothing market share[63, 65] - Machine Clothing adjusted EBITDA margin is approximately 37% including Heimbach acquisition[83] - The Heimbach Group acquisition broadens the manufacturing footprint and enhances the sales and service network[81] Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) Segment - The AEC segment is focused on technology differentiation and maximizing customer solutions[101] - The company is investing in next-generation technologies for future growth in the AEC segment[97] Financial Performance & Strategy - The company's strategy for continued growth includes serving vital industries and solid execution[9] - The company's capital deployment is primarily focused on organic growth[37]

Core Insights - Albany International (AIN) reported revenue of $288.77 million for the quarter ended March 2025, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 7.8% and an EPS of $0.73 compared to $0.90 a year ago [1] - The revenue fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $290.24 million by 0.51%, while the EPS exceeded the consensus estimate of $0.58 by 25.86% [1] Revenue Performance - Albany Engineered Composites generated revenue of $114.08 million, surpassing the average estimate of $112.10 million, but showing an 11% decline year-over-year [4] - Machine Clothing revenue was reported at $174.70 million, below the average estimate of $178.14 million, with a year-over-year decrease of 5.7% [4] Operating Income - Albany Engineered Composites reported an operating income of $1.62 million, significantly better than the average estimate of -$0.90 million [4] - Machine Clothing's operating income was $38.43 million, which fell short of the average estimate of $44.26 million [4] Stock Performance - Albany International's shares have returned -5.2% over the past month, compared to a -0.2% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]