ASTEC INDUSTRIES INC

Previous wording

•rising steel prices and steel surcharges;

Current wording

•rising steel prices and steel surcharges, including as a result of tariffs or other trade policies;

Previous wording

Governmental funding that is committed or earmarked for federal highway projects is always subject to political decision making that may result in repeal or reduction. Congress could pass legislation in future sessions that would allow for the diversion of previously appropriated highway funds for other national purposes, or it could restrict funding of infrastructure projects unless states comply with certain federal policies. Furthermore, the presidential and congressional elections in November 2024 could alter legislative priorities and have a material impact on government funding of infrastructure projects.

Current wording

Governmental funding that is committed or earmarked for federal highway projects is always subject to political decision making that may result in repeal or reduction. Congress could pass legislation in future sessions that would allow for the diversion of previously appropriated highway funds for other national purposes, or it could restrict funding of infrastructure projects unless states comply with certain federal policies. Furthermore, the 2024 U.S. presidential and congressional election results could alter legislative priorities and have a material impact on government funding of infrastructure projects.

Previous wording

Throughout 2022 and 2023, global interest rates increased substantially from historically low levels, which had facilitated low financing costs for construction projects. Periods of rising interest rates could have a dampening effect on overall economic activity and/or the financial condition of our customers, either or both of which could negatively affect customer demand for our products, make it more difficult for customers to cost-effectively secure financing to fund the purchase of new equipment or our customers' ability to repay obligations to us. Our customers’ inability to secure financing for projects on attractive terms could result in the delay, cancellation or downsizing of new purchases which could adversely affect our sales.

Current wording

Continued periods of higher interest rates, compared to historic low levels, could have a dampening effect on overall economic activity and/or the financial condition of our customers, either or both of which could negatively affect customer demand for our products, make it more difficult for customers to cost-effectively secure financing to fund the purchase of new equipment or our customers' ability to repay obligations to us. Our customers’ inability to secure financing for projects on attractive terms could result in the delay, cancellation or downsizing of new purchases which could adversely affect our sales.

Previous wording

We currently face strong competition in product performance, price and service. Some of our domestic and international competitors have greater financial, product development and marketing resources than we have. If competition in our industry intensifies or if our current competitors enhance their products or lower their prices for competing products, we may lose sales or be required to lower the prices we charge for our products. This may reduce revenue from our products and services, lower our gross margins or cause us to lose market share. In addition to the general competitive challenges we face, international trade policies could negatively affect the demand for our products and services and reduce our competitive position in such markets. In addition, unfavorable currency fluctuations could result in our products and services being more expensive than local competitors. The implementation of more restrictive trade policies, such as higher tariffs, duties or charges, in countries where we operate could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

We currently face strong competition in product performance, price and service. Some of our domestic and international competitors have greater financial, product development and marketing resources than we have. If competition in our industry intensifies or if our current competitors enhance their products or lower their prices for competing products, we may lose sales or be required to lower the prices we charge for our products. This may reduce revenue from our products and services, lower our gross margins or cause us to lose market share. In addition to the general competitive challenges we face, international trade policies could negatively affect the demand for our products and services and reduce our competitive position in such markets. The 2024 U.S. presidential and congressional election results may have a significant impact on U.S. domestic and global trade policies. The implementation of more restrictive trade policies, such as higher tariffs, duties or charges, in countries where we operate could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, unfavorable currency fluctuations could result in our products and services being more expensive than local competitors.

Previous wording

In 2023, international sales represented approximately 19.0% of our total sales as compared to 20.4% in 2022. We plan to continue increasing our already significant sales and production efforts in international markets. Both the sales from international operations and export sales are subject in varying degrees to risks inherent in doing business outside of the United States. Such risks include the possibility of unfavorable circumstances arising from host country laws or regulations and general economic and political conditions in the countries we do business, which are typically more volatile than the U.S. and more vulnerable to geopolitical conditions. In addition, the U.S. Government has established and, from time to time, revises sanctions that restrict or prohibit U.S. companies and their subsidiaries from doing business with certain foreign countries, entities and individuals. Doing business internationally also subjects us to numerous U.S. and foreign laws and regulations, including regulations relating to anti-bribery, privacy regulations and anti-boycott provisions. We incur meaningful costs complying with these laws and regulations. The continued expansion of our international operations could increase the risk of violations of these laws in the future. Significant violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could harm our reputation, disrupt our business and result in significant fines and penalties that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

Current wording

In 2024, international sales represented approximately 22.2% of our total sales as compared to 19.0% in 2023. We plan to continue increasing our already significant sales and production efforts in international markets. Both the sales from international operations and export sales are subject in varying degrees to risks inherent in doing business outside of the United States. Such risks include the possibility of unfavorable circumstances arising from host country laws or regulations and general economic and political conditions in the countries we do business, which are typically more volatile than the U.S. and more vulnerable to geopolitical conditions. In addition, the U.S. Government has established and, from time to time, revises sanctions that restrict or prohibit U.S. companies and their subsidiaries from doing business with certain foreign countries, entities and individuals. Doing business internationally also subjects us to numerous U.S. and foreign laws and regulations, including regulations relating to anti-bribery, privacy regulations and anti-boycott provisions. We incur meaningful costs complying with these laws and regulations. The continued expansion of our international operations could increase the risk of violations of these laws in the future. Significant violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could harm our reputation, disrupt our business and result in significant fines and penalties that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

Previous wording

We require access to various parts, components and raw materials at competitive prices in order to manufacture our products. Changes in the availability and price of these parts, components and raw materials (including steel) have changed significantly and rapidly at times. The availability and price of such items are affected by factors like demand, changes to international trade policies that may result in additional tariffs, duties or other charges, freight costs, global pandemics, shipping and container constraints and labor shortages and costs, each of which can significantly increase the costs of production. Due to price competition in the market for construction equipment and certain infrastructure products which have longer contract to completion cycles, we may not be able to recoup increases in these costs through price increases for our products, which would result in reduced profitability. Whether increased operating costs can be passed through to the customer depends on a number of factors, including the price of competing products and the nature of our customers' orders. Further, we rely on a limited number of suppliers for steel and certain other raw materials, parts and components in the manufacturing process. Disruptions or delays in supply or significant price increases from these suppliers could adversely affect our operations and profitability, including our ability to convert our backlog and net sales. Such disruptions, terminations or cost increases could result in cost inefficiencies, delayed sales or reduced sales.

Current wording

Due to price competition in the market for construction equipment and certain infrastructure products which have longer contract to completion cycles, we may not be able to recoup increases in these costs through price increases for our products, which would result in reduced profitability. Whether increased operating costs can be passed through to the customer depends on a number of factors, including the price of competing products, the nature of our customers' orders and overall demand for our products. Further, we rely on a limited number of suppliers for steel and certain other raw materials, parts and components in the manufacturing process. Disruptions or delays in supply or significant price increases from these suppliers could adversely affect our operations and profitability, including our ability to convert our backlog and net sales. Such disruptions, terminations or cost increases could result in cost inefficiencies, delayed sales or reduced sales.

Previous wording

We have historically grown, in large part, through strategic acquisitions, and our strategy is to continue to pursue attractive acquisition opportunities if and when they become available. Failure to identify and acquire suitable acquisition candidates on appropriate terms could adversely impact our growth strategy. In addition, although we have been successful in the past with the integration of numerous acquisitions, we may not be able to fully integrate the operations of any future acquired businesses with our own operations in an efficient and cost-effective manner or without significant disruption to our or the acquired companies’ existing operations. Moreover, acquisitions involve significant risks and uncertainties, including uncertainties as to the future financial performance of the acquired business, the achievement of expected synergies, difficulties integrating acquired personnel and corporate cultures into our business, the potential loss of key employees, customers or suppliers, difficulties in integrating different computer and accounting systems, exposure to unforeseen liabilities of acquired companies and the diversion of management attention and resources from existing operations. We may be unable to successfully complete potential acquisitions due to multiple factors, such as issues related to regulatory review of the proposed transactions or obtaining favorable financing. We may also be required to incur additional debt or issue additional shares of our common stock in order to consummate acquisitions in the future. Potential new indebtedness may be substantial and may limit our flexibility in using our cash flow from operations. The issuance of new shares of our common stock could dilute the equity value of our existing shareholders. Our failure to fully integrate future acquired businesses effectively or to manage other consequences of our acquisitions, including increased indebtedness, could prevent us from remaining competitive and, ultimately, could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

Current wording

As part of our growth strategy, we may pursue attractive acquisition opportunities if and when they become available. Failure to identify and acquire suitable acquisition candidates on appropriate terms could adversely impact our growth strategy. In addition, we may not be able to fully integrate the operations of any future acquired businesses with our own operations in an efficient and cost-effective manner or without significant disruption to our or the acquired companies’ existing operations. Moreover, acquisitions involve significant risks and uncertainties, including uncertainties as to the future financial performance of the acquired business, the achievement of expected synergies, difficulties integrating acquired personnel and corporate cultures into our business, the potential loss of key employees, customers or suppliers, difficulties in integrating different computer and accounting systems, exposure to unforeseen liabilities of acquired companies and the diversion of management attention and resources from existing operations. We may be unable to successfully complete potential acquisitions due to multiple factors, such as issues related to regulatory review of the proposed transactions or obtaining favorable financing or losing out on attractive acquisition opportunities to competing bidders that may have greater financial resources than us. We may also be required to incur additional debt or issue additional shares of our common stock in order to consummate acquisitions in the future. Potential new indebtedness may be substantial and may limit our flexibility in using our cash flow from operations. The issuance of new shares of our common stock could dilute the equity value of our existing shareholders. Our failure to fully integrate future acquired businesses effectively or to manage other consequences of our acquisitions, including increased indebtedness, could prevent us from remaining competitive and, ultimately, could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with the financial covenants contained in our credit agreement. However, in the future we may be unable to comply with the financial covenants in our credit facility or to obtain waivers with respect to such financial covenants. If such violations occur, our creditors could elect to pursue their contractual remedies under the credit facility, including requiring immediate repayment in full of all amounts then outstanding and requiring cash collateral to support outstanding letters of credit. As of December 31, 2023, we had outstanding borrowings of $72.0 million and an additional $3.3 million in letters of credit outstanding under the credit agreement. We may also borrow additional amounts under the credit agreement in the future. Certain of our international subsidiaries in Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Africa and the United Kingdom have entered into their own independent loan agreements with the same lenders to our credit agreement as well as with other lending institutions.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we were in compliance with the financial covenants contained in our credit agreement. However, in the future we may be unable to comply with the financial covenants in our credit facility or to obtain waivers with respect to such financial covenants. If such violations occur, our creditors could elect to pursue their contractual remedies under the credit facility, including requiring immediate repayment in full of all amounts then outstanding and requiring cash collateral to support outstanding letters of credit. As of December 31, 2024, we had outstanding borrowings of $105.0 million and an additional $5.2 million in letters of credit outstanding under the credit agreement. We may also borrow additional amounts under the credit agreement in the future. Certain of our international subsidiaries in Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Africa and the United Kingdom have entered into their own independent loan agreements with the same lenders to our credit agreement as well as with other lending institutions.

Previous wording

We are subject to income taxes in the United States and other jurisdictions. Our results of operations could be adversely affected by, among other things, changes in the effective tax rates in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, a change in the mix of earnings between U.S. and non-U.S. jurisdictions or among jurisdictions with differing tax rates, changes in tax laws or treaties, including the global implementation of a minimum tax under Pillar 2 of the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development's Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Pillar 2 rules and related changes in generally accepted accounting principles.

Current wording

We are subject to income taxes in the United States and other jurisdictions. Our results of operations could be adversely affected by, among other things, changes in the effective tax rates in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, a change in the mix of earnings between U.S. and non-U.S. jurisdictions or among jurisdictions with differing tax rates, changes in tax laws or treaties and related changes in generally accepted accounting principles.

Previous wording

Goodwill is subject to impairment assessments at least annually (or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred). Other intangible assets are subject to impairment assessments if conditions exist that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. At October 1, 2023, we performed a qualitative assessment of goodwill impairment, and our testing indicated no impairment had occurred at any of our four reporting units. A decrease in our market capitalization, profitability or negative or declining cash flows increases the risk of goodwill or other intangible asset impairments. Future impairment charges could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and shareholders' equity.

Current wording

At October 1, 2024, we performed a subsequent qualitative assessment of goodwill impairment, and our testing indicated no additional impairment had occurred at any of our reporting units. A decrease in our market capitalization, profitability or negative or declining cash flows increases the risk of goodwill or other intangible asset impairments. Future impairment charges could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and shareholders' equity.

Previous wording

We depend to a large extent on the abilities and continued participation of our executive officers and other key employees. We believe that as our activities increase and change in character, additional experienced personnel will be required to implement our OneASTEC business model. Competition for such personnel is intense, and we cannot assure that they will be available when required, or that we will have the ability to attract and retain them. The loss of any of these individuals or an inability to attract, retain and maintain additional personnel could prevent us from implementing our business strategy. There is no assurance that we will be able to retain our existing management personnel or to attract additional qualified personnel when needed.

Current wording

We depend to a large extent on the abilities and continued participation of our executive officers and other key employees. Competition for such personnel is intense, and we cannot assure that they will be available when required, or that we will have the ability to attract and retain them. The loss of any of these individuals or an inability to attract, retain and maintain additional personnel could prevent us from implementing our business strategy. There is no assurance that we will be able to retain our existing management personnel or to attract additional qualified personnel when needed.

Previous wording

Furthermore, we have had recent leadership changes and transitions involving our senior leadership team, including our Chief Executive Officer, Group Presidents of both of our Infrastructure Solutions and Materials Solutions segments and General Counsel, as previously announced. Such leadership changes can be inherently difficult to manage, and an inadequate transition may cause disruption to our business, including to our relationships with our customers, suppliers, vendors and employees. It may also make it more difficult for us to hire and retain key employees. In addition, any failure to ensure the effective transfer of knowledge and a smooth transition could hinder our strategic planning, execution and future performance.

Current wording

Furthermore, changes in leadership that occur from time to time can be inherently difficult to manage, and an inadequate transition may cause disruption to our business, including to our relationships with our customers, suppliers, vendors and employees. It may also make it more difficult for us to hire and retain key employees. In addition, any failure to ensure the effective transfer of knowledge and a smooth transition could hinder our strategic planning, execution and future performance.

Previous wording

We manufacture heavy machinery, which is used by our customers at excavation and construction sites, ports and inland terminals and on high-traffic roads. Any defect in or improper operation of our equipment can result in personal injury and death, and damage to or destruction of property, any of which could cause product liability claims to be filed against us. The amount and scope of our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all losses or liabilities we may incur in the event of a product liability claim. We may not be able to maintain insurance of the types or at the levels we deem necessary or adequate or at rates we consider reasonable. A successful claim brought against us in excess of available insurance coverage or a requirement to participate in a product recall may have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, insurance coverage is increasingly expensive, contains more stringent terms and may be difficult to obtain in the future.

Current wording

We manufacture heavy machinery, which is used by our customers at excavation and construction sites, ports and inland terminals and on high-traffic roads. Any defect in or improper operation of our equipment can result in personal injury, death or damage to or destruction of property, any of which could cause product liability claims to be filed against us. The amount and scope of our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all losses or liabilities we may incur in the event of a product liability claim. We may not be able to maintain insurance of the types or at the levels we deem necessary or adequate or at rates we consider reasonable. A successful claim brought against us in excess of available insurance coverage or a requirement to participate in a product recall may have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, insurance coverage is increasingly expensive, contains more stringent terms and may be difficult to obtain in the future.

Previous wording

As a public company, we face increased public and investor scrutiny related to Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) activities. We risk damage to our brand and reputation if we fail to act responsibly or meet any commitments that we may set in a number of areas, such as diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental stewardship, including with respect to climate change, human capital management, support for our local communities, corporate governance and transparency, or fail to consider ESG factors in our business operations.

Current wording

As a public company, we face public and investor scrutiny related to Environmental, Social and Governance ('ESG") activities. We risk damage to our brand and reputation if we fail to act responsibly or meet any commitments that we may set in a number of areas, such as diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental stewardship, including with respect to climate change, human capital management, support for our local communities, corporate governance and transparency, or fail to consider ESG factors in our business operations. Moreover, compliance with applicable laws and regulations and the pursuit of other ESG-related objectives may require us to make additional capital and operational expenditures that may have a material adverse effect on our earnings, liquidity, financial condition or competitive position.

Previous wording

We may not be able to successfully implement our strategic transformation initiatives, including our new enterprise resource planning system.

Current wording

We may not be able to successfully implement our new enterprise resource planning system.

Previous wording

We have launched a multi-year phased implementation of a standardized ERP system across our global organization, which will replace our existing disparate core financial systems. The upgraded ERP will convert our internal operations, manufacturing, finance, human capital resources management and customer relationship systems to cloud-based platforms. This new ERP system will provide for standardized processes and integrated technology solutions that enable us to better leverage automation and process efficiency, transforming how we connect people, products and processes to operate as OneASTEC. An implementation of this scale is a major financial undertaking and has, and will continue to, require substantial time and attention of management and key employees. We may not be able to successfully implement our ERP system without delays related to resource constraints or challenges with the critical design phases of the implementation. Inefficiencies in our financial reporting processes due to the conversion to our new ERP could adversely affect our ability to produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis until the new ERP and processes have matured. Furthermore, we may incur higher than anticipated costs in connection with our ERP implementation, which could adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting could be adversely affected if the new ERP is not successfully implemented.

Current wording

We are undergoing a multi-year phased implementation of a standardized ERP system, which is replacing much of our existing disparate core financial systems. The upgraded ERP will convert our internal operations, manufacturing, finance, human capital resources management and customer relationship systems to cloud-based platforms. This new ERP system will provide for standardized processes and integrated technology solutions that enable us to better leverage automation and process efficiency, transforming how we connect people, products and processes. An implementation of this scale is a major financial undertaking and has, and will continue to, require substantial time and attention of management and key employees. We may not be able to successfully implement our ERP system without delays related to resource constraints or challenges with the critical design phases of the implementation. Inefficiencies in our financial reporting processes due to the conversion to our new ERP could adversely affect our ability to produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis until the new ERP and processes have matured. Furthermore, we may incur higher than anticipated costs in connection with our ERP implementation, which could adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting could be adversely affected if the new ERP is not successfully implemented.