Astec Industries reports Q4 net earnings from continuing operations of US$8.3M, up 51% from year-ago period; net sales fall 2% to US$223.9M

Nevin Barich

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee , February 25, 2014 (press release) – Astec Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: ASTE) today reported results for their fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2013.

Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2013 were $223.9 million compared to $227.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2012, a 2% decrease. Earnings from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2013 were $8.3 million or $0.36 per diluted share compared to $5.5 million or $0.24 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2012, an increase of 51%.

Domestic sales increased 10% to $142.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2013 from $129.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2012. International sales decreased 17% to $81.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2013 from $98.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2012.

Net sales for 2013 were $933.0 million compared to $936.3 million for 2012, a decrease of $3.3 million. Earnings from continuing operations for 2013 were $39.0 million or $1.69 per diluted share compared to $34.0 million or $1.48 per diluted share of 2012, a 15% increase.

Domestic sales increased 5% to $599.1 million for 2013 from $572.5 million for 2012. International sales were $333.9 million for 2013 compared to $363.8 million for 2012, an 8% decrease.

The Company's domestic backlog increased 28%, from $156.6 million at December 31, 2012 to $200.5 million at December 31, 2013. The international backlog at December 31, 2013 was $89.7 million compared to $107.2 million at December 31, 2012 for a decrease of 16%. Total backlog increased 10% to $290.2 million at December 31, 2013 from $263.8 million at December 31, 2012.

Consolidated financial information for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2013 and additional information related to segment revenues and profits are attached as addenda to this press release.

Commenting on the announcement of quarterly and annual results, Benjamin G. Brock, Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We were pleased with our bottom line results during the 4th Quarter of 2013, especially given the continued instability in the federal highway funding. On a positive note, the new turn-key wood pellet plant in Georgia is operating to our customer's satisfaction. As a result of its performance, the customer ordered an additional two lines for $40 million during the fourth quarter. In addition, our aggregate processing equipment businesses performed well. On the downside, our Underground Group, which is now focused on supplying equipment to the oil and gas drilling industry, continued to struggle in the quarter, and for the year. We believe this group has developed and is producing superior products, but is battling a soft market with low demand. We are focused on this group and working to reverse the unfavorable trends."

Mr. Brock continued, "Orders so far in 2014 have been steady. At the same time, we have continued to develop new products for the energy, mining and infrastructure industries. We will display 41 new products at the ConExpo show in Las Vegas during the first week of March. This will be the largest display in our history of exhibiting at this event. Our balance sheet remains strong with no debt and a strong cash position. We are continuing our acquisition efforts and will work to add companies that represent strategic fits for our business during 2014."

Investor Conference Call and Web Simulcast

Astec will conduct a conference call on February 25, 2014, at 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time to review its December 31, 2013 results as well as current business conditions. 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: www.astecindustries.com/conferencecalls. 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 11, 2014 by dialing (877) 660-6853, or (201) 612-7415 for international callers, Conference ID# 13575987. A transcription of the conference call will be made available under the Investor Relations section of the Astec Industries, Inc. website within 5 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 primary business segments: aggregate processing and mining equipment; asphalt production equipment; mobile asphalt paving equipment; and oil, gas and water drilling equipment (Underground Group). Additionally, the Other Group contains one subsidiary that manufactures equipment used for wood processing and recycling and one that is a company-owned dealership located in Australia.

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