ASTEC INDUSTRIES INC

Previous wording

The following risks are considered material to our business, operating results and financial condition based upon current knowledge, information and assumptions. This discussion of risk factors should be considered closely in conjunction with Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes thereto included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we presently deem less significant, may also impair our business, operating results and financial condition. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. The order of these risk factors does not reflect their relative importance or likelihood of occurrence. Some of these risks and uncertainties could affect particular lines of business, while others could affect all of our businesses. We, except as required by law, undertake no obligation to update or revise this risk factors discussion, whether as a result of new developments or otherwise.

Current wording

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes thereto included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we presently deem less significant, may also impair our business, operating results and financial condition. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. The order of these risk factors does not reflect their relative importance or likelihood of occurrence. Some of these risks and uncertainties could affect particular lines of business, while others could affect all of our businesses. We, except as required by law, undertake no obligation to update or revise this risk factors discussion, whether as a result of new developments or otherwise.

Previous wording

Many of our customers depend on government funding of highway construction and maintenance and other infrastructure projects. Historically, much of the U.S. highway infrastructure market has been driven by government spending programs, and federal government funding of infrastructure projects has typically been accomplished through bills that establish funding over a multi-year period. For example, the U.S. government funds highway and road improvements through the Federal Highway Trust Fund Program. This program provides funding to improve the nation's roadway system. In November 2021, the U.S. government enacted the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ("IIJA"). The IIJA allocates $548 billion in government spending to new infrastructure over the five-year period concluding in 2026, with certain amounts specifically allocated to fund highway and bridge projects.

Current wording

Many of our customers depend on government funding of highway construction and maintenance and other infrastructure projects. Historically, much of the U.S. highway infrastructure market has been driven by government spending programs, and federal government funding of infrastructure projects has typically been accomplished through bills that establish funding over a multi-year period. For example, the U.S. government funds highway and road improvements through the Federal Highway Trust Fund Program. This program provides funding to improve the nation's roadway system. In November 2021, the U.S. government enacted the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ("IIJA"). The IIJA allocates $548 billion in government spending to new infrastructure over the five-year period concluding in 2026, with certain amounts specifically allocated to fund highway and bridge projects. If Congress does not reauthorize or fully fund the IIJA when it expires at the end of fiscal year 2026, demand for our products could decline.

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 2024 U.S. presidential and congressional election results 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 have altered and may continue to alter legislative priorities and have a material impact on government funding of infrastructure projects.

Previous 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.

Current wording

In recent years, global interest rates have remained elevated compared to historically low levels that previously enabled low financing costs for construction projects. 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. 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.

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 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 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.

Current wording

In 2025, international sales represented approximately 19.9% of our total sales as compared to 22.2% in 2024. We plan to increase 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

Our ability to match new product offerings to diverse global customers' anticipated preferences for different types and sizes of equipment and various equipment features and functionality, at affordable prices, is critical to our success. This requires a thorough understanding of our existing and potential customers on a global basis, particularly in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Failure to deliver quality products that meet customer needs at competitive prices ahead of competitors could have a significant adverse effect on our business.

Current wording

Our ability to match new product offerings to diverse global customers' anticipated preferences for different types and sizes of equipment and various equipment features and functionality, at affordable prices, is critical to our success. This requires a thorough understanding of our existing and potential customers on a global basis. Failure to deliver quality products that meet customer needs at competitive prices ahead of competitors could have a significant adverse effect on our business.

Previous wording

Additionally, our international sales involve some level of export from the U.S., either of components or completed products. Policies and geopolitical events affecting exchange rates could adversely affect the demand for construction equipment in many areas of the world. Further, any strengthening of the U.S. dollar or any other currency of a country in which we manufacture our products and/or any weakening of local currencies can increase the cost of our products in foreign markets. Irrespective of any effect on the overall demand for construction equipment, the effect of these changes can make our products less competitive relative to local producing competitors or other non-U.S. competitors and, in extreme cases, can result in our products not being cost-effective for customers. As a result, our international sales and profit margins could decline.

Current wording

Additionally, our international sales include exporting both components and completed products from the U.S. to customers in other countries. Policies and geopolitical events affecting exchange rates could adversely affect the demand for construction equipment in many areas of the world. Further, any strengthening of the U.S. dollar or any other currency of a country in which we manufacture our products and/or any weakening of local currencies can increase the cost of our products in international markets. Irrespective of any effect on the overall demand for construction equipment, the effect of these changes can make our products less competitive relative to local producing competitors or other non-U.S. competitors and, in extreme cases, can result in our products not being cost-effective for customers. As a result, our international sales and profit margins could decline.

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. Increased production costs could become particularly significant if the U.S. or foreign governments impose additional tariffs, including on steel. The Trump administration recently imposed a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, which may result in meaningfully higher steel costs and, as a result, increased production costs that we may not be able to pass onto our customers.

Current 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. Increased production costs could become particularly significant if the U.S. or foreign governments impose additional tariffs, including on steel. The U.S. recently imposed significant increases in tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, which may result in meaningfully higher steel costs and, as a result, increased production costs that we may not be able to pass onto our customers.

Previous wording

The OneASTEC business model was designed to better set strategic direction, define priorities and improve overall operating performance. Coupled with our strategic pillars that are aligned to focus on our employees, our customers and our innovation, the OneASTEC business model is centered around continuous improvement. Our future success is partly dependent upon successfully executing and realizing performance improvements, revenue gains, cost savings and other benefits from our initiatives. It is possible that we may not fully realize, or sustain, the expected benefits from the OneASTEC business model. Furthermore, the implementation of the OneASTEC initiatives will result in an increase in near-term expenses and may negatively impact operational effectiveness and employee morale.

Current wording

The OneASTEC business model was designed to better set strategic direction, define priorities and improve overall operating performance. Coupled with our strategic pillars that are aligned to focus on our employees, our customers and our innovation, the OneASTEC business model is centered around continuous improvement. Our future success is partly dependent upon successfully executing and realizing performance improvements, revenue gains, cost savings and other benefits from our initiatives. It is possible that we may not fully realize, or sustain, the expected benefits from the OneASTEC business model.

Previous 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.

Current wording

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, 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.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2025, we had outstanding principal indebtedness of $341.3 million and availability of $244.7 million under the 2025 Credit Facilities, subject to certain financial covenants. 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. Our level of indebtedness could:

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 and related changes in generally accepted accounting principles.

Current wording

We are subject to income taxes in the United States and other foreign jurisdictions. Our provision for income taxes and cash tax liabilities in the future could be adversely affected by numerous factors, including changes in the geographic mix of our earnings among jurisdictions, challenges by tax authorities to our tax positions and intercompany transfer pricing arrangements, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, adverse resolution of audits and examinations of previously filed tax returns and changes in tax laws and regulations. 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, adverse resolution of audits or examinations of previously filed tax returns and changes in tax laws or treaties.

Previous wording

Additionally, we typically incur substantial research and development costs each year and have historically received significant research and development tax credits due to these expenditures. Congress could reduce or eliminate such tax credits in future years, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

Current wording

Further changes in the tax laws of foreign jurisdictions could arise as a result of the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development's Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Pillar Two ("Pillar Two") rules, including the adoption of Pillar Two by several jurisdictions in which we operate. Additionally, we typically incur substantial research and development costs each year and have historically received significant research and development tax credits due to these expenditures. Congress could reduce or eliminate such tax credits in future years, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

Previous 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.

Current wording

At October 1, 2025, we performed a qualitative assessment of goodwill impairment, and our testing indicated no 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 believe our culture, focused on safety, devotion, integrity, respect and innovation, is one of our strongest assets. Our strong culture positions us to recruit and retain top-level talent across our organization. We believe our employees and experienced leadership group are competitive advantages, as the best people, over time, produce the best results. Our ability to attract and retain qualified engineers, skilled manufacturing personnel and other professionals, either through direct hiring or acquisition of other businesses employing such professionals, will also be an important factor in determining our future success. The shrinking availability of qualified talent in these areas is a significant challenge in retaining and attracting sufficiently qualified personnel to enable us to meet customer demand efficiently, resulting in longer lead times to convert backlog to revenue and materially and adversely impacting our margins. If we are unable to attract the most talented candidates, and cannot retain and engage additional highly qualified managerial, technical, manufacturing and sales and marketing personnel by investing in their talent and personal development, our operational and financial performances could continue to suffer.

Current wording

We believe our culture, focused on safety, devotion, integrity, respect and innovation, is one of our strongest assets. Our strong culture positions us to recruit and retain top-level talent across our organization. We believe our employees and experienced leadership group are competitive advantages, as the best people, over time, produce the best results. Our ability to attract and retain qualified engineers, skilled manufacturing personnel and other professionals, either through direct hiring or acquisition of other businesses employing such professionals, will also be an important factor in determining our future success. The shrinking availability of qualified talent in these areas is a significant challenge in retaining and attracting sufficiently qualified personnel to enable us to meet customer demand efficiently, resulting in longer lead times to convert backlog to revenue and materially and adversely impacting our margins. If we are unable to attract the most talented candidates, and cannot retain and engage additional highly qualified managerial, technical, manufacturing and sales and marketing personnel by investing in their talent and personal development, our operational and financial performances could suffer.

Previous wording

Failure to retain our key personnel or attract additional key personnel as required and the impact of our recent leadership changes may adversely impact our ability to implement our business plan and our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Current wording

Failure to retain our key personnel or attract additional key personnel may adversely impact our ability to implement our business plan and our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Previous wording

We are subject to various risks related to conducting business domestically and internationally which encompass a wide range of government regulations including but not limited to: the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, other anti-corruption laws, regulations administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and various non-U.S. government entities, including applicable import and export control regulations and customs requirements, imposition by the U.S. and foreign governments of additional taxes, tariffs, economic sanctions on countries, entities or persons, embargoes or other restrictions on trade, currency exchange regulations and transfer pricing regulations. We are also subject to potential adverse changes or increased uncertainty relating to the political, social, religious and economic stability of the countries in which we do business or transact with and their diplomatic relations with the U.S. Accordingly, we are at risk to comply with complex international laws and regulations that may change unexpectedly, differ or conflict with laws in other countries in which we conduct business. While we maintain compliance programs to help ensure compliance with such regulations, there is no assurance that we will be effective in complying with all such regulations. Failure to comply with such regulations could subject us to criminal and civil penalties, disgorgement and other sanctions, remedial measures, legal expenses and reputational damage, all of which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

Current wording

We are subject to various risks related to conducting business domestically and internationally which encompass a wide range of government regulations including but not limited to: the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, other anti-corruption laws, regulations administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and various non-U.S. government entities, including applicable import and export control regulations and customs requirements, imposition by the U.S. and foreign governments of additional taxes, tariffs, economic sanctions on countries, entities or persons, embargoes or other restrictions on trade, currency exchange regulations and transfer pricing regulations. We are also subject to potential adverse changes or increased uncertainty relating to the political, social, religious and economic stability of the countries in which we do business or transact with and their diplomatic relations with the U.S. Accordingly, we are at risk to comply with complex international laws and regulations that may change unexpectedly and differ or conflict with laws in other countries in which we conduct business. While we maintain compliance programs to help ensure compliance with such regulations, there is no assurance that we will be effective in complying with all such regulations. Failure to comply with such regulations could subject us to criminal and civil penalties, disgorgement and other sanctions, remedial measures, legal expenses and reputational damage, all of which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

Previous 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.

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. Some stakeholders may disagree with our goals and initiatives and the focus of stakeholders may change and evolve over time. Stakeholders also may have different views on where ESG focus should be placed, including differing views of regulations in various jurisdictions in which we operate.