Astec Industries Reports Fourth Quarter and 2008 Results

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Astec Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: ASTE) today reported results for the fourth quarter and for the year ended December 31, 2008. Revenues for 2008 were $974 million and net income for 2008 was $63 million. Net income was $2.80 per diluted share for 2008 compared to $2.53 per diluted share for 2007, for an increase of $0.27, or 11% per diluted share.

Revenues for 2008 were $974 million compared with $869 million for 2007, for an increase of 12%. Domestic sales were $621 million for 2008, or 64% of 2008 revenues, compared to domestic sales of $591 million for 2007, or 68% of 2007 revenues. International sales were $353 million for 2008, a 27% increase over 2007, or 36% of 2008 revenues, compared to international sales of $278 million for 2007, or 32% of 2007 revenues. Gross margins for 2008 compared to 2007 decreased 10 basis points. The Company reported net income of $63 million, or $2.80 per diluted share, for 2008 compared with a net income of $57 million, or $2.53 per diluted share for 2007, resulting in an 11% increase in diluted earnings per share.

Income from operations increased 6% from $87 million in 2007 to $92 million in 2008.

Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2008 were $195 million compared with $221 million for the fourth quarter of 2007, for a decrease of 12%. Domestic sales were $130 million for the fourth quarter of 2008, or 67% of 2008 fourth quarter revenues, compared to domestic sales of $136 million for the fourth quarter of 2007, or 62% of 2007 fourth quarter revenues. International sales were $65 million for the fourth quarter of 2008, or 33% of 2008 fourth quarter revenues, compared to international sales of $85 million for the fourth quarter of 2007, or 38% of 2007 fourth quarter revenues. Other income in the fourth quarter was primarily the gain on sale of investments. The Company reported net income of $9 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2008 compared with net income of $11 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2007, resulting in a 24% decrease in diluted earnings per share.

Consolidated financial statements for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2008 and additional information related to segment revenues, profits and backlogs are attached as addenda to this press release.

The Company’s backlog at December 31, 2008 was $193 million compared to $281 million at December 31, 2007, for an $88 million decrease or 31%. The international backlog at December 31, 2008 was $88 million compared to $89 million at the end of 2007. The domestic backlog at December 31, 2008 was $105 million compared to $192 million at the end of 2007, a decrease of 45%. The aggregate segment accounted for 52% of the domestic backlog decrease and the asphalt segment accounted for 40% of the domestic backlog decrease. We believe there were several reasons for the reduced backlog, including the general downturn in economic conditions, and uncertainty regarding the proposed stimulus package and its effect on the rebuilding of the country’s infrastructure.

Commenting on the announcement, Dr. J. Don Brock, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are pleased with our 2008 results. During the last three months of the year, we saw the market go from optimistic yet cautious to completely pessimistic and frozen. The Company’s sales grew 20% in the first nine months, but the fourth quarter slowdown only allowed us to finish the year with 12% sales growth. The credit crisis that started in September practically stopped investment and spending worldwide, slowing many of our businesses almost to a creep. Those businesses with strong backlogs were able to continue operating at reasonable levels but those that typically do not have very strong backlogs were forced to slow production dramatically and lay off personnel. During the fourth quarter, the dollar strengthened against other currencies impacting the international markets.”

“During the year, we acquired Dillman Equipment Company of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Dillman is a well respected manufacturer of asphalt plants and gives Astec, Inc. a third asphalt plant manufacturing facility with experienced personnel. It also adds an additional range of products to the Astec asphalt plant offering. We started Astec Australia, which acquired most of the assets of Q-Pave Pty Ltd, which had served as our dealer in Australia for Astec, Roadtec, Heatec, CEI Enterprises, Astec Underground and Carlson Paving Products. We hope this distribution will continue to grow by adding other products from the Astec family of companies. Astec Australia adds value to the products by providing turn-key installations, after sales service, and parts distribution. The acquisitions did not have a significant effect upon the fourth quarter or year.”

“We believe many states have delayed finalizing highway improvement projects in anticipation of receiving stimulus funds dedicated to infrastructure. The stimulus legislation will require that approximately 50% of the funds be placed under contract within 120 days of adoption. This has encouraged states to delay awarding of highway bids so they can obtain their complete share of the stimulus funds. This has led to a very slow start of the year and will make a very difficult first quarter. We anticipate that volumes for the balance of the year will improve as contractors put their equipment back to work and order additional equipment for the expected higher volume of work. We anticipate the first beneficiaries will be our Asphalt and Mobile Asphalt Paving Groups that build asphalt plants, recycling equipment, and paving equipment.”

Dr. Brock continued, “The Company enters 2009 with a very strong balance sheet and little debt. The debt that we have is classified as current and we will focus on asset management to minimize or eliminate the debt. Our current bank agreement extends through May, 2011. At December 31, our credit line availability was $86 million. We are positioned to face the difficult market and to take advantage of available opportunities.”

Investor Conference Call and Web Simulcast

Astec will conduct a conference call on February 24, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. EST to review its fourth quarter and fiscal 2008 financial results as well as its near term general outlook for 2009. The number to call for this interactive teleconference is (877) 407-9210. International callers should dial (201) 689-8049. Please reference Astec Industries.

The Company will also provide an online Web simulcast and rebroadcast of the conference call. The live broadcast of Astec’s conference call will be available online at the Company’s website at: www.astecindustries.com/www/docs/100. An archived webcast will be available for 90 days at www.astecindustries.com.

A replay of the conference call will be available through midnight on Tuesday, March 3, 2009, by dialing (877) 660-6853 or (201) 612-7415 for international callers; Account #: 286; Conference ID #: 313683. A transcription of the conference call will be made available under the investor relations section of the Astec Industries, Inc. website within five business days after the call.

Astec Industries, Inc. is a manufacturer of specialized equipment for building and restoring the world’s infrastructure. Astec’s manufacturing operations are divided into four business segments: aggregate processing and mining equipment; asphalt production equipment; mobile asphalt paving equipment; and underground boring, directional drilling and trenching equipment. We also have a company engaged in the wood grinding and processing industry.

The information contained in this press release contains “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) regarding the future performance of the Company, including statements about the Company’s financial performance for 2009, the effects on the Company from its backlog, the effects of the economic downturn, stimulus package and credit crisis, and the effects of our recent acquisitions. These forward-looking statements reflect management’s expectations and are based upon currently available information, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise such statements. These statements are not guarantees of performance and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted or anticipated. Future events and actual results, financial or otherwise, could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause future events or actual results to differ materially include: general uncertainty in the economy, future downturns in the economy, rising oil and liquid asphalt prices, rising steel prices, a failure to comply in the future with covenants in the Company’s credit facility or to obtain waivers thereof, rising interest rates, decreased funding for highway projects, production capacity, general business conditions in the industry, demand for the Company’s products, seasonality and cyclicality in operating results, seasonality of sales volumes or lower than expected sales volumes, lower than expected margins on custom equipment orders, competitive activity and those other factors listed from time to time in the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the Company’s quarterly reports on Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2008. The Company plans to file its Form 10-K timely by March 2, 2009.

                             Astec Industries, Inc.
                          Consolidated Balance Sheets
                                 (In thousands)
                                  (Unaudited)

                                                    December 31 December 31
                                                           2008        2007
                         Assets
    Current assets
    Cash and cash equivalents                            $9,674     $34,636
    Receivables, net                                     75,161      87,487
    Inventories                                         285,817     210,819
    Prepaid expenses and other                           24,447      15,790
    Total current assets                                395,099     348,732
    Property and equipment, net                         169,130     141,528
    Other assets                                         48,583      52,310
    Total assets                                       $612,812    $542,570

          Liabilities and shareholders' equity
    Current liabilities
    Revolving credit loan                                $3,427          $-
    Accounts payable                                     51,053      54,840
    Other current liabilities                            89,356      89,054
    Total current liabilities                           143,836     143,894
    Other non-current liabilities                        28,942      21,204
    Minority interest                                       808         883
    Total shareholders' equity                          439,226     376,589
    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity         $612,812    $542,570

                             Astec Industries, Inc.
                     Consolidated Statements of Operations
                                (In thousands)
                                 (Unaudited)

                                 Three Months Ended     Twelve Months Ended
                                      December 31            December 31
                                   2008        2007       2008       2007

    Net sales                   $195,482    $220,810   $973,700   $869,025
    Cost of sales                152,936     172,909    739,842    659,247
    Gross profit                  42,546      47,901    233,858    209,778
    Selling, general,
     administrative &
     engineering expenses         34,904      30,276    141,542    123,050
    Income from operations         7,642      17,625     92,316     86,728
    Interest expense                 323          88        851        853
    Other income, net of expenses  5,497         493      6,597      2,531
    Income before income taxes
     and minority interest        12,816      18,030     98,062     88,406
    Income taxes                   4,174       6,586     34,767     31,398
    Minority interest                 67          60        167        211
    Net income                    $8,575     $11,384    $63,128    $56,797

    Earnings per Common Share
    Net income
              Basic                $0.38       $0.51      $2.83      $2.59
              Diluted              $0.38       $0.50      $2.80      $2.53

    Weighted average common shares outstanding
              Basic           22,339,477  22,224,429 22,287,554 21,967,985
              Diluted         22,557,181  22,595,714 22,585,775 22,444,866

                            Astec Industries, Inc.
                         Segment Revenues and Profits
             For the three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007
                                (in thousands)
                                  (Unaudited)

                                          Aggregate and     Mobile Asphalt
                         Asphalt Group     Mining Group      Paving Group

     2008 Revenues              56,764           76,598           20,512
     2007 Revenues              56,722           85,045           28,827
          Change $                  42           (8,447)          (8,315)
          Change %                0.1%            (9.9%)          (28.8%)

     2008 Gross Profit          12,833           16,929            3,130
     2008 Gross Profit %         22.6%            22.1%            15.3%
     2007 Gross Profit          13,172           18,853            7,261
     2007 Gross Profit %         23.2%            22.2%            25.2%
          Change                  (339)          (1,924)          (4,131)

     2008 Profit (Loss)          6,801            4,090             (943)
     2007 Profit (Loss)          7,881            8,033            3,117
          Change $              (1,080)          (3,943)          (4,060)
          Change %              (13.7%)          (49.1%)         (130.3%)

                             Underground
                                Group         All Others          Total

     2008 Revenues              25,855           15,753          195,482
     2007 Revenues              31,390           18,826          220,810
          Change $              (5,535)          (3,073)         (25,328)
          Change %              (17.6%)          (16.3%)          (11.5%)

     2008 Gross Profit           5,407            4,247           42,546
     2008 Gross Profit %         20.9%            27.0%            21.8%
     2007 Gross Profit           5,461            3,154           47,901
     2007 Gross Profit %         17.4%            16.8%            21.7%
          Change                   (54)           1,093           (5,355)

     2008 Profit (Loss)            539           (2,430)           8,057
     2007 Profit (Loss)            833           (8,508)          11,356
          Change $                (294)           6,078           (3,299)
          Change %              (35.3%)           71.4%           (29.1%)

    Segment revenues are reported net of intersegment revenues.  Segment
    gross profit is net of profit on intersegment revenues.  A
    reconciliation of total segment profits to the Company's consolidated
    net income is as follows:

                                                For the three months ended
                                                        December 31
                                                       2008     2007

    Total profit for all segments                    $8,057  $11,356
    Minority interest                                   (67)     (60)
    Elimination of intersegment profit                  585       88
    Consolidated net income                          $8,575  $11,384

                            Astec Industries, Inc.
                         Segment Revenues and Profits
            For the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007
                                (in thousands)
                                 (Unaudited)

                                         Aggregate and    Mobile Asphalt
                         Asphalt Group    Mining Group     Paving Group

     2008 Revenues             257,336         350,350          150,692
     2007 Revenues             240,229         338,183          146,489
          Change $              17,107          12,167            4,203
          Change %                7.1%            3.6%             2.9%

     2008 Gross Profit          67,485          83,016           35,826
     2008 Gross Profit %          26.2%           23.7%            23.8%
     2007 Gross Profit          61,530          81,297           36,260
     2007 Gross Profit %          25.6%           24.0%            24.8%
          Change                 5,955           1,719             (434)

     2008 Profit (Loss)         40,765          37,032           15,087
     2007 Profit (Loss)         37,707          38,892           17,885
          Change $               3,058          (1,860)          (2,798)
          Change %                8.1%           (4.8%)          (15.6%)

                             Underground
                                Group        All Others          Total

     2008 Revenues             135,152          80,170          973,700
     2007 Revenues             114,378          29,746          869,025
          Change $              20,774          50,424          104,675
          Change %               18.2%          169.5%            12.0%

     2008 Gross Profit          32,135          15,396          233,858
     2008 Gross Profit %         23.8%           19.2%            24.0%
     2007 Gross Profit          25,670           5,021          209,778
     2007 Gross Profit %         22.4%           16.9%            24.1%
          Change                 6,465          10,375           24,080

     2008 Profit (Loss)         12,511         (41,154)          64,241
     2007 Profit (Loss)          7,348         (45,042)          56,790
          Change $               5,163           3,888            7,451
          Change %               70.3%            8.6%            13.1%

    Segment revenues are reported net of intersegment revenues.  Segment
    gross profit is net of profit on intersegment revenues.  A
    reconciliation of total segment profits to the Company's consolidated
    net income is as follows:

                                                   For the twelve months ended
                                                             December 31
                                                            2008     2007

    Total profit for all segments                         $64,241  $56,790
    Minority interest                                        (167)    (211)
    Recapture (elimination) of intersegment profit           (946)     218
    Consolidated net income                               $63,128  $56,797

                         Astec Industries, Inc.
                           Backlog by Segment
                       December 31, 2008 and 2007
                             (in thousands)
                              (Unaudited)

                                   Aggregate and    Mobile Asphalt
                  Asphalt Group     Mining Group     Paving Group

    2008 Backlog        106,223           65,340            2,855
    2007 Backlog        133,358          113,031           12,142
      Change $          (27,135)         (47,691)          (9,287)
      Change %           (20.3%)          (42.2%)          (76.5%)

                      Underground
                         Group         All Others          Total

    2008 Backlog         12,118            6,780          193,316
    2007 Backlog         13,347            9,045          280,923
      Change $           (1,229)          (2,265)         (87,607)
      Change %            (9.2%)          (25.0%)          (31.2%)

SOURCE Astec Industries, Inc.