Zacks Research Downgrades Astec Industries (NASDAQ:ASTE) to Strong Sell

Posted by George Bondi on Aug 8th, 2026

Astec Industries (NASDAQ:ASTE – Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities researchers at Zacks Research from a “hold” rating to a “strong sell” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday,Zacks.com reports.

A number of other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on the stock. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Astec Industries from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Saturday, July 4th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “hold (c)” rating on shares of Astec Industries in a research note on Tuesday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of “Moderate Buy”.

Read Our Latest Report on ASTE

Astec Industries Price Performance

Shares of ASTE stock opened at $44.25 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $1.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 52.06, a PEG ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 1.36. Astec Industries has a 12 month low of $40.47 and a 12 month high of $65.69. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 2.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $54.29 and a 200 day moving average price of $54.75.

Astec Industries (NASDAQ:ASTE – Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, August 5th. The industrial products company reported $0.94 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.04 by ($0.10). The business had revenue of $408.10 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $405.50 million. Astec Industries had a net margin of 1.26% and a return on equity of 10.26%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.72 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that Astec Industries will post 3.36 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. iSAM Funds UK Ltd acquired a new stake in Astec Industries in the third quarter worth $50,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Astec Industries by 8,994.1% during the fourth quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 1,546 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $67,000 after purchasing an additional 1,529 shares in the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its holdings in shares of Astec Industries by 412.0% in the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 2,212 shares of the industrial products company’s stock valued at $92,000 after buying an additional 1,780 shares during the period. Aster Capital Management DIFC Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Astec Industries in the 4th quarter valued at $127,000. Finally, QRG Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Astec Industries in the 1st quarter valued at $210,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.16% of the company’s stock.

Astec Industries News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Astec Industries this week:

Positive Sentiment: Second-quarter sales exceeded expectations, backlog increased significantly, and demand in Materials Solutions and the aftermarket remained supportive. Management also highlighted growth opportunities and healthy cash flow, although shipment timing remains a risk. ASTE’s Q2 Earnings Miss Estimates on Higher Interest Expense
Positive Sentiment: Sidoti raised its fourth-quarter 2026 EPS estimate to $1.37 from $1.29, suggesting expectations for improved results later in the year. Sidoti estimate update
Neutral Sentiment: Analysts noted that ASTE’s valuation appears inexpensive relative to its growth potential, while its rising backlog and aftermarket strength provide a longer-term support case. However, investors must weigh those positives against near-term execution risks. Is ASTE Stock a Buy Now on Cheap Valuation Despite Execution Risk?
Negative Sentiment: Astec lowered its 2026 adjusted EBITDA outlook to $160 million-$175 million as asphalt-plant order delays shift deliveries and pressure shipment timing. Astec forecasts 2026 adjusted EBITDA amid asphalt plant delivery shifts
Negative Sentiment: Second-quarter EPS was $0.94, below the $1.04 consensus estimate. Higher interest expense added to the earnings pressure, and the reduced outlook has weakened confidence in near-term results. ASTE’s Q2 Earnings Miss Estimates on Higher Interest Expense
Negative Sentiment: Sidoti cut its FY2026 EPS estimate to $3.36 from $3.63 and reduced its FY2027 estimate to $3.84 from $4.06, reflecting concerns about execution and delayed orders. Sidoti estimate revisions

Astec Industries Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Astec Industries, Inc is a designer and manufacturer of specialized equipment for infrastructure-related markets. Headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the company develops, engineers and produces machinery for asphalt road-building, aggregate processing, concrete production, underground mining, landscaping and utility installation. Astec’s product portfolio includes asphalt plants, portable crushers, conveyors, screening plants, mixers, continuous miners and related support equipment.

Organized into multiple operating segments—Roadbuilding; Aggregate & Mining; Energy; and Pavement Preservation & Maintenance—Astec Industries serves contractors and municipalities that build and maintain transportation, energy and utility networks.