UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

ý ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

OR

          TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _________________ to _______________________

Commission file number 001-11595

ASTEC INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Tennessee
62-0873631
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
 1725 Shepherd Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee
37421
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(423)  899-5898


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
(Title of each class)
(Name of each exchange on which registered)
Common Stock, $0.20 par value
NASDAQ National Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
                                 Yes  ý
 No 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
                                 Yes 
 No  ý

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes  ý
No 



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

                                 Yes   ý
No 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ý

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer ý
Accelerated Filer 
 
Non-accelerated Filer  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller Reporting Company 


 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes            
No ý
 


As of June 30, 2015, the aggregate market value of the registrant's voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $945,735,000 based upon the closing sales price as reported on the NASDAQ National Market System.


(APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE REGISTRANTS)
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

As of February 9, 2016, Common Stock, par value $0.20 - 22,988,374 shares


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the following documents have been incorporated by reference into the Parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K indicated:


Document
Form 10-K
Proxy Statement relating to Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 28, 2016
Part III
   




ASTEC INDUSTRIES, INC.
2015 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS


PART I
   
Page
 
Item 1.
Business
   
2
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
   
17
 
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
   
23
 
Item 2.
Properties
   
23
 
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
   
26
 
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
   
26
 
  Executive Officers     26  
PART II
         
Item 5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity; Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
   
29
 
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
   
30
 
Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
   
30
 
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
   
30
 
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
   
30
 
Item 9
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
   
30
 
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
   
30
 
Item 9B.
Other Information
   
30
 
           
PART III
         
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
   
31
 
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
   
31
 
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
   
31
 
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
   
32
 
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
   
32
 
           
PART IV
         
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
   
33
 
           
           
Appendix A
ITEMS 6, 7, 7A, 8, 9A and 15(a)(1), (2) and (3),and 15(b) and 15(c)
   
A-1
 
           
Signatures
         




FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Statements contained anywhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are not limited to historical information are considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, without limitation, statements regarding:

·
execution of the Company's growth and operation strategy;
·
plans for technological innovation;
·
compliance with covenants in our credit facility;
·
liquidity and capital expenditures;
·
sufficiency of working capital, cash flows and available capacity under the Company's creditfacilities;
·
compliance with government regulations;
·
compliance with manufacturing and delivery timetables;
·
forecasting of results;
·
general economic trends and political uncertainty;
·
government funding and growth of highway construction and commercial projects;
·
taxes or usage fees;
·
interest rates;
·
integration of acquisitions;
·
industry trends;
·
pricing, demand and availability of steel, oil and liquid asphalt;
·
development of domestic oil and natural gas production;
·
condition of the economy;
·
strength of the dollar relative to foreign currencies;
·
the success of new product lines;
·
presence in the international marketplace;
·
suitability of our current facilities;
·
future payment of dividends;
·
competition in our business segments;
·
product liability and other claims;
·
protection of proprietary technology;
·
demand for products;
·
future filling of backlogs;
·
employees;
·
the seasonality of our business;
·
tax assets and reserves for uncertain tax positions;
·
critical accounting policies and the impact of accounting changes;
·
anticipated future operations in our Brazilian facility;
·
our backlog;
·
ability to satisfy contingencies;
·
contributions to retirement plans and plan expenses;
·
reserve levels for self-insured insurance plans and product warranties;
·
construction of new manufacturing facilities;
·
supply of raw materials; and
·
inventory.

1


These forward-looking statements are based largely on management's expectations, which are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in this report and in other documents filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which may cause actual results, financial or otherwise, to be materially different from those anticipated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.  All forward-looking statements included in this document are based on information available to us on the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.  You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "goal", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "may", "will", "should" and similar expressions.

In addition to the risks and uncertainties identified elsewhere herein and in other documents filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the risk factors described in this document under the caption "Risk Factors" should be carefully considered when evaluating our business and future prospects.

PART I

Item 1Business

All dollar amounts included in this section are in thousands.

General

Astec Industries, Inc. (the "Company") is a Tennessee corporation which was incorporated in 1972.  The Company designs, engineers, manufactures and markets equipment and components used primarily in road building and related construction activities as well as other products discussed below.  The Company's products are used in each phase of road building, from quarrying and crushing the aggregate to application of the road surface. The Company also manufactures certain equipment and components unrelated to road construction, including equipment for the mining, quarrying, construction and demolition industries and port and rail yard operators; gas and oil drilling rigs; water well and geothermal drilling rigs; industrial heat transfer equipment; whole-tree pulpwood chippers; horizontal grinders; and blower trucks.  The Company also manufactures a line of multiple use plants for cement treated base, roller compacted concrete and ready-mix concrete.  The Company recently developed and began marketing pelletizing equipment used to compress wood and other products into dense pellets for the renewable energy market among other applications.  The Company's subsidiaries hold 77 United States and 69 foreign patents and have an additional 40 United States and 69 foreign patent applications pending. The Company has been responsible for many technological and engineering innovations in the industries in which it operates.  The Company's products are marketed both domestically and internationally.  In addition to equipment sales, the Company manufactures and sells replacement parts for equipment in each of its product lines and replacement parts for some competitors' equipment.  The distribution and sale of replacement parts is an integral part of the Company's business.
2


The Company's fifteen manufacturing subsidiaries are:
(i)
Astec, Inc. (including its Dillman division), which designs, engineers, manufactures and markets asphalt plants, wood pellet plants and related components of each;
(ii)
Roadtec, Inc., which designs, engineers, manufactures and markets highway and commercial classes of asphalt pavers, material transfer vehicles, milling machines and a line of soil stabilizing-reclaiming machinery;
(iii)
Carlson Paving Products, Inc., which designs, engineers, manufactures and markets asphalt paver screeds and commercial pavers;
(iv)
Telsmith, Inc., which designs, engineers, manufactures and markets aggregate processing and mining equipment for the production and classification of sand, gravel, crushed stone and minerals used in road construction and other applications;
(v)
Kolberg-Pioneer, Inc., which designs, engineers, manufactures and markets aggregate processing equipment for the crushed stone, gravel, manufactured sand, recycle, top soil and remediation markets;
(vi)
Johnson Crushers International, Inc., which designs, engineers, manufactures and markets portable and stationary aggregate and ore processing equipment for the crushed stone, gravel, manufactured sand, recycle, top soil and remediation markets;
(vii)
Astec Mobile Screens, Inc. which designs, engineers, manufactures and markets mobile screening plants, portable and stationary structures and vibrating screens for the aggregate, recycle and material processing industries;
(viii)
Breaker Technology Ltd/Inc., which designs, engineers, manufactures and markets rock breaking systems in addition to processing equipment and utility vehicles for the mining and quarrying industries;
(ix)
Osborn Engineered Products SA (Pty) Ltd, which designs, engineers, manufactures and markets a complete line of bulk material handling and minerals processing plant and equipment used in the aggregate, mineral mining, metallic mining and recycling industries and also markets equipment produced by other Astec companies;
(x)
Astec do Brasil Fabricacao de Equipamentos Ltda., which manufactures and sells rock crushers, feeders, screens and asphalt plants and represents the brands of several other Astec companies in the South American construction and mining industries;
(xi)
Telestack Limited, acquired in April 2014 and located in Northern Ireland, which designs, manufactures and installs a complete line of material handling systems to serve the port handling, bulk material handling and aggregate markets;
(xii)
Heatec, Inc., which designs, engineers, manufactures and markets thermal fluid heaters, process heaters, waste heat recovery equipment, liquid storage systems and polymer and rubber blending systems;
(xiii)
CEI Enterprises, Inc., which designs, engineers, manufactures and markets thermal fluid heaters, storage tanks, concrete plants and rubberized asphalt and polymer blending systems;
(xiv)
GEFCO, Inc., which designs, engineers, manufactures and markets portable drilling rigs and related equipment for the water well, environmental, groundwater monitoring, construction, geothermal, mining and shallow oil and gas exploration and production industries.  Additionally, during 2015 the Astec Underground, Inc. product lines were absorbed by GEFCO coincident with the closing of Astec Underground, including high pressure diesel powered pump trailers used for fracking and cleaning oil and gas wells and drilling rigs for the oil and gas industries; and
(xv)
Peterson Pacific Corp., which designs, engineers, manufactures and markets whole-tree pulpwood chippers, horizontal grinders and blower trucks.
3


The Company also has subsidiaries in Australia, Astec Australia Pty Ltd, and Germany, Astec Mobile Machinery GmbH, that market, service and install equipment and provide parts in the regions in which they operate for many of the products produced by the Company's manufacturing subsidiaries.

The Company's strategy is to be the industry's most cost-efficient producer in each of its product lines while continuing to develop innovative new products and provide first class service for its customers.  Management believes that the Company is the technological innovator in the markets in which it operates and is well positioned to capitalize on the need to rebuild and enhance roadway and utility infrastructure as well as in other areas in which it offers products and services, both in the United States and abroad.

Segment Reporting

The Company's business units have their own management teams and offer different products and services.  Since January 1, 2014, the Company's business units have been aggregated into three reportable business segments based upon the nature of the product or services produced, the type of customer for the products, the similarity of economic characteristics, the manner in which management reviews results and the nature of the production process, among other considerations.  The Company's current reportable business segments are (i) Infrastructure Group, (ii) Aggregate and Mining Group and (iii) Energy Group.  The remaining business units not included in one of the reportable segments provide support and corporate oversight for all the Company's business units and include Astec Industries, Inc., the parent company, and Astec Insurance Company, a captive insurance company.  We refer to these two companies as the "Corporate" category throughout this document.  The Company records U.S. federal income tax expenses for all business segments on the parent company's books; therefore, these taxes are included in the Corporate category for segment reporting.

Financial information in connection with the Company's financial reporting for segments of a business and for geographic areas under FASB Accounting Standards Codification 280 is included in Note 17, Operations by Industry Segment and Geographic Area, in "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" presented in Appendix A of this report.

Infrastructure Group

The Infrastructure Group segment is made up of five business units.  These business units include Astec, Inc. ("Astec"), Roadtec, Inc. ("Roadtec"), Carlson Paving Products, Inc. ("Carlson"), Astec Mobile Machinery GmbH ("AMM") and Astec Australia Pty Ltd ("Astec Australia").  Three of the business units (Astec, Roadtec and Carlson) design, engineer, manufacture and market a complete line of asphalt and wood pellet plants and their related components, asphalt pavers, screeds, milling machines, material transfer vehicles, stabilizers and related ancillary equipment.  The other two business units (AMM and Astec Australia) primarily sell, service and install products produced by the manufacturing subsidiaries of the Company with a majority of their sales to customers in the infrastructure industry.
4


Products

Astec designs, engineers, manufactures and markets a complete line of asphalt and wood pellet plants and related components primarily for the asphalt paving and wood pellet industries.  Certain component equipment supplied by Astec for asphalt and wood pellet plants is manufactured by other Company subsidiaries such as heating and storage equipment (manufactured by the Company's Energy Group) and material handling equipment (manufactured by the Company's Aggregate and Mining Group).  A typical asphalt mixing plant consists of heating and storage equipment for liquid asphalt; cold feed bins for blending aggregates; a counter-flow continuous type unit (Astec Double Barrel) for drying, heating and mixing; a baghouse composed of air filters and other pollution control devices; hot storage bins or silos for temporary storage of hot-mix asphalt; and a control house. Astec introduced the concept of high plant portability for asphalt plants in 1979. Its current generation of portable asphalt plants is marketed as the Six Pack and consists of six or more portable components designed to be easily relocated from one construction site to another, thereby reducing relocation expenses. High plant portability represents an industry innovation developed and successfully marketed by Astec. Astec's enhanced version of the Six Pack, known as the Turbo Six Pack, is a highly portable plant which is especially useful in less populated areas where plants must be moved from job-to-job and can be disassembled and erected without the use of cranes.

Astec developed the patented Double Barrel Green System, which allows the asphalt mix to be prepared and placed at lower temperatures than conventional systems and operates with a substantial reduction in emissions during paving and load-out. Previous technologies for warm mix production rely on expensive additives, procedures and/or special asphalt cement delivery systems that significantly increase the cost per ton of mix. The Company's new Astec multi-nozzle device eliminates the need for the expensive additives by mixing a small amount of water and asphalt cement together to create microscopic bubbles that reduce the viscosity of the asphalt mix coating on the rock, thereby allowing the mix to be handled and worked at lower temperatures.

Astec is focused on producing equipment with the most advanced mix recycling technology in the industry.  More tons of asphalt are available for recycling than is currently being utilized due to restrictions in the amount of recycle allowed by various governmental agencies.  Astec's recycle technology is continuously being enhanced and is providing the science to alleviate fears driving these restrictions and thereby improve recycling percentages in the asphalt industry.

The components in Astec's asphalt mixing plants are fully automated and use both microprocessor-based and programmable logic control systems for efficient operation. The plants are manufactured to meet or exceed federal and state clean air standards. Astec also builds batch type asphalt plants and has developed specialized asphalt recycling equipment for use with its hot-mix asphalt plants.

Astec's wood pellet plants have been in commercial production since 2013. Astec's modular design for its wood pellet plants includes replicated parallel production lines (for instance, a 60 ton-per-hour ("TPH") plant consists of three 20 TPH lines) resulting in very few points in the process where any individual equipment failure can shut the entire plant down.  In most other pellet plant designs, one small equipment failure, such as a dryer outage would mean a total plant shutdown. In a 60 TPH Astec plant, a dryer outage means the plant continues to operate at 40 TPH. In fact, there are very few reasons why the plant would ever be completely shut down. Even major maintenance cycles may be performed line-by-line while the plant continues to operate on the other lines.

Roadtec manufactures asphalt pavers, material transfer vehicles, milling machines, soil stabilizing-reclaiming machinery and other equipment used in road building and resurfacing.  Roadtec pavers have been designed to minimize maintenance costs while exceeding road surface smoothness requirements.  The equipment offered by Roadtec can be used in tandem with each other or separately with equipment already owned by the customer.
5


Roadtec's Shuttle Buggy is a mobile, self-propelled material transfer vehicle which allows continuous paving by separating truck unloading from the paving process while remixing the asphalt.  A typical asphalt paver must stop paving to permit truck unloading of asphalt mix.  By permitting continuous paving, the Shuttle Buggy allows the asphalt paver to produce a smoother road surface while reducing the time required to pave the road surface and reducing the number of haul trucks required.  As a result of the pavement smoothness achieved with this machine, certain states now require the use of the Shuttle Buggy.  Studies using infrared technology have revealed problems caused by differential cooling of the hot-mix during hauling.  The Shuttle Buggy remixes the material to a uniform temperature and gradation, thus eliminating these problems.  Roadtec's newest version of its highly successful Shuttle Buggy will be introduced to the market in 2016.  Roadtec's paver models recommended for use with the Shuttle Buggy are also designed to carry and spray tack coat directly in front of the hot mix asphalt in a single process.

Roadtec manufactures milling machines designed to remove old asphalt from the road surface before new asphalt mix is applied.  Roadtec's line of milling machine, which are designed for larger jobs, are manufactured with a simplified control system, wide conveyors, direct drives and a wide range of horsepower and cutting capabilities to provide versatility in product application.  In addition to its half-lane and larger highway class milling machines, Roadtec also manufactures a smaller, utility class machine for two to four foot cutting widths and a utility class cold planer model mounted on wheels.

Roadtec currently produces soil stabilizers in configurations of 275HP, 440HP, 625HP and 755HP.  These machines double as asphalt reclaiming machines for road rehabilitations, in addition to their primary purpose of stabilizing soil sub-grades with additives to provide an improved base on which to pave.

 Roadtec recently introduced several new products including an international class 2.5 meter track paver designed to carry a tamper bar screed, an international compatible track mounted material transfer vehicle, a sweeper with an integral conveyor and a Tier IV emission compliant eight foot rubber tired paver.

Carlson manufactures its patented screeds which attach to asphalt paving machines and place asphalt on the roadbed at a desired thickness and width while smoothing and compacting the surface.  Carlson screeds can be configured to fit many types of asphalt paving machines, including machines manufactured by both the Company and its competitors. The Carlson screed uses a hydraulic powered generator to electrify elements that heat a screed plate so asphalt will not stick to it while paving.  A generator is also available to power tools or lights for night paving.  Carlson offers options to its screeds which allow extended paving widths and the addition of a curb on the road edge.  Carlson also offers two commercial class eight foot pavers designed for parking lots, residential and secondary road applications to fill the void between competitors' commercial pavers and Roadtec's highway class paver line.

Astec Mobile Machinery functions primarily as a distributor of Roadtec products in the European market.  Additionally, it designed and manufactures a small road widener attachment to meet the unique needs of the European market.

Astec Australia markets relocatable and portable asphalt plants and components produced by Astec, Heatec and CEI, asphalt paving equipment and components produced by Roadtec and Carlson, and aggregate equipment produced by the Company's Aggregate & Mining Group with a majority of their sales being to customers in the infrastructure industry.  In addition to selling equipment, Astec Australia provides complete support for their customers' equipment with service, training and spare parts.  Astec Australia also provides turnkey installation solutions for large asphalt plants, aggregate and mining plants and bitumen tank farms.
6


Marketing

The Company markets its hot-mix asphalt products domestically under the Astec and Astec Dillman trademarks and internationally under the Astec trademarks.  Asphalt plants and related equipment are sold directly to asphalt producers or domestic and foreign government agencies through Astec's domestic and international sales departments and through a Company owned dealership (Astec Australia), although independent agents are also used to market asphalt plants and their components in certain international markets.  The Company markets wood pellet plants to individual plant operators supplying wood pellets to the utility and home-use industries.

The Company markets its asphalt paving equipment both domestically and internationally to highway and heavy equipment contractors, utility contractors and foreign and domestic governmental agencies both directly and through dealers (including AMM in the European market).  Mobile construction equipment and factory authorized machine rebuild services are marketed both directly and through dealers.

This segment employs 88 direct sales staff, 74 domestic independent distributors and 92 international independent distributors, including Astec-owned distributors in Australia and Germany.

Raw Materials

Raw materials used in the manufacture of products in the Infrastructure Group include carbon steel, pipe and various types of alloy steel, which are normally purchased from distributors and other sources.  Raw materials for manufacturing are normally readily available.  Most steel is delivered on a "just-in-time" arrangement from the supplier to reduce inventory requirements at the manufacturing facilities, but steel is occasionally inventoried after purchase.  Other components used in the manufacturing processes include engines, gearboxes, power transmissions and electronic systems.

Competition

This industry segment faces strong competition in price, service and product performance and competes with both large publicly-held companies and various smaller manufacturers. Domestic hot-mix asphalt plant competitors include Gencor Industries, Inc., ADM and Almix.  In the international market, the hot-mix asphalt plant competitors include Ammann, Fayat/Marini, Benninghoven/Wirtgen and local manufacturers.  Paving equipment and screed competitors include Weiler, Caterpillar Paving Products, Inc., Volvo Construction Equipment, Vogele America, a subsidiary of Wirtgen America, Dynapac, a subsidiary of Atlas-Copco, Bomag Fayat Group and Lee Boy.  The segment's milling machine equipment competitors include Wirtgen, CMI, Caterpillar, Bomag, Dynapac and Volvo.  The Company believes that it is the only company offering a single source for a complete pellet plant as known competitors only sell individual plant components thereby requiring the customer to purchase the remaining plant components from other sources.

Employees

At December 31, 2015, the Infrastructure Group segment employed 1,395 individuals, of which 935 were engaged in manufacturing, 162 in engineering and 298 in selling, general and administrative functions. None of the employees of the Infrastructure Group are covered by collective bargaining agreements.
7


Backlog

The backlog for the Infrastructure Group at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $203,830 and $147,190, respectively. Approximately $60,249 of the 2015 and $59,275 of the 2014 backlog relates to the Company's first three-line pellet plant order from a single customer.  Substantially all of this order was manufactured and delivered to the customer prior to December 31, 2015.  As the Company is financing this sale, revenue recognition on the plant sale will not occur until customer payments are received.  The 2015 backlog also includes a $29,273 order for the first line of an expected four-line pellet plant order from another customer.  Substantially all of this order was shipped by December 31, 2015 and the Company expects to recognize the related revenue in the first half of 2016.  Management expects the current backlog to be filled in 2016.

Aggregate and Mining Group

The Company's Aggregate and Mining Group is comprised of eight business units which are focused on designing and manufacturing heavy processing equipment, servicing and supplying parts for the aggregate, metallic mining, recycling, ports and bulk handling markets.  These business units achieve their strength by distributing products into niche markets and drawing on the advantages of the Company's technical experience and brand recognition in the global market.  These business units are Telsmith, Inc. ("Telsmith"), Kolberg-Pioneer, Inc. ("KPI"), Astec Mobile Screens, Inc. ("AMS"), Johnson Crushers International, Inc. ("JCI"), Breaker Technology Ltd/Breaker Technology, Inc. ("BTI"), Osborn Engineered Products, SA (Pty) Ltd ("Osborn"), Astec do Brasil Fabricacao de Equipamentos Ltda. ("Astec Brazil") and Telestack Limited ("Telestack"), which was acquired in April 2014.

Products

Telsmith designs, engineers, manufactures and supports equipment servicing the aggregate, metallic mining, concrete and asphalt, recycling markets. Telsmith's core products are crushers, vibrating equipment, modular relocatable stationary plants, mobile portable plants and larger track mounted systems.  Telsmith also provides consulting and engineering services to provide complete "turnkey" processing systems.

Telsmith maintains an ISO 9001:2008 certification, an internationally recognized standard of quality assurance. In addition, Telsmith has achieved CE designation (a standard for quality assurance and safety) on its crushing and vibration equipment products marketed into European Union countries.

Telsmith recently introduced new models expanding its Hydra Jaw line and T-Series Cone Crusher product lines. These products are advanced in design with patent pending features to address customer needs such as easier maintenance, increased safety and higher production rates.

 KPI, JCI and AMS design, engineer, manufacture and support equipment that serves the aggregate, metallic and nonmetallic, bulk handling and concrete and asphalt recycling markets.  KPI's, JCI's and AMS's core products include crushers, vibrating equipment including high frequency, washing equipment, material handling equipment, stationary plants, portable plants including the industry recognized Fast Pack System, and a complete line of fast track and global track systems.  This equipment is marketed through an extensive network of KPI-JCI and AMS distributors.  In 2015, JCI added 10,000 square feet to its manufacturing plant to expand its cone crushing production capabilities.

8


During 2015, KPI, JCI and AMS  expanded their product offering of the Global Trax by adding the GT104 and GT205MF mobile track-screens. They added a new model to the Vanguard Crusher Series, a 2056 Gravel Jaw, and introduced an industry first JCI 4-deck Horizontal Screen line. These new products specifically meet the needs of the companies' growing global customer base.

KPI, JCI and AMS mobile plants combine various combinations of cone crushers, horizontal screens, combo screens and conveyors mounted on tow away chassis and track chassis configurations.  Due to high transportation costs of construction materials, many producers use portable equipment to process materials they need close to their job sites.  Portable plants allow aggregate producers the ability to quickly and efficiently move equipment from one location to another as their jobs necessitate.   The portable track plants are fully self-contained and allow operators to be producing materials within minutes of unloading equipment off of their transport trucks.  The introduction of track-mounted crushing and screening plants has enabled contractors to perform jobs that in the past were not economically feasible and also allows dealers to compete in the large track-mounted rental market. 

KPI, JCI and AMS sand classifying and washing equipment is designed to clean, separate and re-blend material from sand deposits to meet the size specifications for critical applications. KPI-JCI and AMS products include fine and coarse material washers, log washers, blade mills, sand classifying tanks, cyclones, dewatering screens, density classifiers, sieve blend screens and attrition cells. KPI-JCI and AMS also offer additional portable and stationary plants to handle the growing needs in construction sands, specialty sands and fines recovery.  Screening plants are available in both stationary and highly portable models and are complemented by a full line of radial stacking and overland belt conveyors.

KPI, JCI and AMS conveying equipment is designed to move or store aggregate and other bulk materials in radial cone-shaped or windrow stockpiles. The KPI-JCI and AMS SuperStacker telescoping conveyor and Wizard Touch automated controls are designed to add efficiency and accuracy to whatever the stockpile specifications require. Additionally, high capacity rail and barge loading/unloading material handling systems are an important part of the KPI-JCI and AMS product lines.

KPI, JCI and Astec Mobile Screens also recently launched a  competitively-priced brand of cone wear liner and jaw die wear lines designed by the Company's  foundry experts who specialize in metallurgy and manufacturing engineering. These parts are offered in addition to the company's OEM and PDQ parts as part of its comprehensive parts offering sold through its global dealer network.

BTl located in Thornbury, Canada, designs, engineers, manufactures and markets a complete line of industry leading rockbreaker systems for the mining, quarry and recycling markets, and provides large-scale stationary rockbreakers for open pit mining, as well as mid-sized stationary rock breakers for underground applications. In addition BTI offers a full line of smaller rock breaker systems for mobile track and portable primary crushing plants.  BTl also designs, engineers, manufactures and markets a complete line of four wheel drive articulated production and utility vehicles, scalers and rock breakers for underground mining.

In addition to supplying equipment for the mining and quarry industries, BTl also designs, manufactures and markets a complete line of hydraulic breakers, compactors and demolition attachments for the North American construction and demolition markets.

BTl maintains ISO9001:2008 and 14001:2004 certifications, internationally recognized standards of quality and environmental assurance. BTI has adhered to the OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health & Safety standards and expects to achieve certification in 2016.  BTl offers an extensive aftermarket sales and service program through a highly qualified and trained dealer network.
9


During 2015, BTI designed a new generation of mechanized scaler for ground control of underground hard rock mines, with the first machines expected to be operational in 2016.  Refinements and improvements to its hydraulic breaker line of equipment were also launched during 2015.

Osborn, which is located in South Africa, maintains an ISO:9001:2008 certification for quality assurance and designs, engineers, manufactures and markets a range of minerals processing equipment. This equipment is used in the aggregate, mining, metallurgical and recycling industries. Osborn has been a licensee of Telsmith's technology for over 60 years and recently became a licensee of KPI's vertical and horizontal shaft impact crushers.  Osborn also offers the following equipment: mineral sizers; single and double-toggle jaw crushers; cone crushers; rotary breakers; roll crushers; rolling ring crushers; mills; out-of-balance or exciter-driven screens and feeders; modular "containerized" crusher and screening systems  and a full range of idlers.  Osborn also markets equipment produced by other Astec companies in the sub-Saharan African market acting as an Astec Company Store.

Osborn has recently added a number of new products to its product offerings, including a 300 HP gyratory crusher for secondary applications, horizontal shaft impactors, an extension to the range of out-of-balance exciter gearboxes and a low profile apron feeder, in addition to numerous modernization and updates to its existing product lines.

Assembly operations began in Astec Brazil's newly constructed 132,400 square foot facility in the fourth quarter of 2014 and complete production operations began in the first quarter of 2015.  Manufacturing operations, sales, distribution and product support are all located within the new facility, which currently employees 58 out of an ultimately expected 120 employees at full capacity.  During 2015, the facility began the manufacture of crushing equipment, vibrating equipment, stationary plants and mobile portable systems. They represent the brands of KPI-JCI, AMS, BTI and Telsmith in the aggregate and mining markets. Astec Brazil also operated as a Company Store in the Brazilian market for the other Astec Aggregate and Mining companies and Astec asphalt plants.

Additionally, in late 2015, Astec Brazil started production of its first asphalt plant.  The Company also plans to manufacture other product lines at the facility in the future. Once fully funded, Astec Brazil is expected to be 75% owned by the Company, with the other 25% being owned by MDE, a recognized leader in providing material handling solutions to the Brazilian mining market.

Telestack, located in Omagh, Northern Ireland, designs, engineers, manufactures and markets mobile bulk material handling solutions that are designed to handle all free flowing bulk materials including but not limited to ores, coal, aggregates, fertilizers, grains, woodchips and pellets. Telestack's comprehensive suite of product offerings is sold on a global basis and operates within a significant number of working environments such as mines, quarries, ports, rail yards, power stations and steel mills.

Telestack maintains ISO9001:2008 (quality assurance), ISO 14001:2004 (environmental assurance) and ISO 18001:2007 (health and safety assurance) accreditations.  Telestack is also an approved supplier of equipment that conforms to Western Australian Mining Standards (As 4524:1).

Telestack introduced several new products during 2015 including the two new TS "AggStack" models, telescoping anti-segregation stockpile conveyors that can be shipped in 40 foot shipping containers. Telestack also designed and delivered a new larger loader than previously offered for a major USA aggregate producer which reduces the handling costs of loading barges for transport of aggregates.
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Marketing

Aggregate processing and mining equipment is marketed by approximately 132 direct sales employees, 196 domestic independent distributors and 144 international independent distributors.  The principal purchasers of aggregate processing equipment include highway and heavy equipment contractors, sand and gravel producers, recycle and crushing contractors, mine operators, quarry operators, port and inland terminal authorities, power stations and foreign and domestic governmental agencies.

Raw Materials

Raw materials used in the manufacture of products in the Aggregate and Mining Group include carbon steel and various types of alloy steel, which are normally purchased from distributors.  Raw materials for manufacturing are normally readily available.  BTI purchases hydraulic breakers under a purchasing arrangement with a South Korean supplier.  The Company believes the South Korean supplier has sufficient capacity to meet the Company's anticipated demand; however, alternative suppliers exist for these components should any supply disruptions occur.

Competition

The Aggregate and Mining Group faces strong competition in price, service and product performance.  Aggregate and Mining equipment competitors include Metso Minerals, Sandvik Mining and Construction, Terex MP and Powerscreen, Atlas Copco Mining, McCloskey, Superior Industries, Wirtgen (Klemmann), Deister,  McLanahan, CDE Global, Weir Minerals (Trio) and other smaller manufacturers, both domestic and international.

Employees

At December 31, 2015, the Aggregate and Mining Group segment employed 1,570 individuals, of which 1,106 were engaged in manufacturing, 146 in engineering and engineering support functions and 318 in selling, general and administrative functions.

Telsmith has a labor agreement covering approximately 165 manufacturing employees which expires on September 17, 2017.  Approximately 125 of Osborn's manufacturing employees fall within the scope of a collective labor union agreement that expires on June 30, 2017. None of the other employees of the Aggregate and Mining Group are covered by collective bargaining agreements.

Backlog

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the backlog for the Aggregate and Mining Group was approximately $74,484 and $89,789, respectively.  Approximately $10,500 of the decline in backlogs between years relates to orders from international customers.  Management expects the current backlog to be filled in 2016.
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Energy Group

The Company's Energy Group is currently comprised of four business units focused on supplying heavy equipment such as heaters, drilling rigs, concrete plants, wood chippers and grinders, pump trailers, storage equipment and related parts to the oil and gas, construction, and water well industries.  The business units currently included in the Energy Group are Heatec, Inc. ("Heatec"), CEI, Inc. ("CEI"), GEFCO, Inc. ("GEFCO") and Peterson Pacific, Inc. ("Peterson").  The Energy Group previously included the operations of Astec Underground, Inc. ("Astec Underground") located in Loudon, Tennessee.  Astec Underground ceased operations in May 2015, the manufacturing facilities were sold later in 2015 and the responsibility for the sales and manufacturing responsibilities for the Astec Underground product lines were transferred to GEFCO during 2015.

Products

Heatec designs, engineers, manufactures and markets a variety of thermal fluid heaters, process heaters, waste heat recovery equipment, liquid storage systems and polymer and rubber blending systems under the HEATEC trademark.  For the construction industry, Heatec designs and manufactures a complete line of asphalt heating and storage equipment to serve the hot-mix asphalt industry including complete asphalt terminal facilities.  In addition, Heatec builds a wide variety of heaters to fit a broad range of applications, including heating equipment for marine vessels, roofing material plants, refineries, oil sands, energy related processing, chemical processing, rubber plants and water heaters for many industrial applications.  Heatec has the technical staff to custom design heating systems and has systems operating as large as 50 million BTU's per hour.

CEI designs, engineers, manufactures and markets thermal fluid heaters, portable and stationary storage tanks, rubberized asphalt and polymer blending systems for the asphalt and other industries.  CEI also designs and builds continuous and batch type concrete production plants as well as water heaters and other equipment for the concrete industry. The Company believes the CEI continuous production plant is the most innovative plant in the concrete industry and is designed to produce consistent high quality, low cost concrete due to its advanced process control.

GEFCO designs and manufactures portable drilling rigs and related equipment for the water well, environmental, groundwater monitoring, construction, mining and shallow oil and gas exploration and production industries. Portable drilling rigs are offered in a variety of designs with optional equipment, including truck, trailer or track mounted units, diesel engine on deck or Power Take Off powered units, hydraulic pump drives, transmission, hydraulic pumps and motors, hydraulic cylinders, gear boxes, plumbing and all related controls.

During 2015, GEFCO absorbed responsibility for the design, manufacture and sales of the product lines previously produced by Astec Underground, including large oil and gas well drilling equipment and a trailer-mounted double fluid pumper for use in the hydraulic fracturing and the oil and gas extraction industries.

GEFCO is in the process of introducing a new, smaller drilling rig with improved functionality to serve the residential geothermal, environmental and geotechnical markets.  The new rigs will be offered in both truck-mounted and track-mounted options.

Peterson designs, engineers, manufactures and distributes large whole-tree pulpwood chippers, biomass chippers, horizontal grinders and blower trucks primarily for the construction, landscaping, recycling, and biomass energy markets.  A deck screen model for the wood chipping and grinding market is produced for Peterson by JCI.  Peterson has granted rights under a licensing agreement to Morbark, USA, whereby Morbark may produce and sell certain grinder equipment covered by a Peterson patent.
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Marketing

The Energy Group markets its products domestically through a combination of employee sales agents, manufacturer reps and distributors, while international sales are typically accomplished with the assistance of independent sales agents.  The group's products are marketed by approximately 56 direct sales employees, 38 domestic independent distributors and 27 international independent distributors. Customers typically include oil and gas field operators, industrial product manufacturers, independent contractors and government agencies.  The market for the Company's heat transfer equipment is diverse because of the multiple applications for such equipment.

Raw Materials

Raw materials used in the manufacture of products in the Energy Group include carbon steel and various types of alloy steel, which are normally purchased from distributors and other sources.  Raw materials for manufacturing are normally readily available.  Most steel is delivered on a "just-in-time" arrangement from suppliers to reduce inventory requirements at the manufacturing facilities, but steel is occasionally inventoried after purchase.  Components used in the manufacturing process include engines, hydraulic pumps and motors, gearboxes, burners, power transmissions and electronic systems.

Competition

The Energy Group faces strong competition in price, service and product performance and competes both with large companies that have resources significantly greater than those of the Company and with various smaller manufacturers.  Major competitors include Gencor, Almix, Fulton, Sigma Thermal, Erie Strayer, Con-E-Co, Meeker, Versa Drill, Schramm, Atlas Copco, National Oil Well, Blohm & Vos, Oil Country, NOV/Rolligon, Stewart & Stevenson, Dragon, Morbark, CBI (Terex), Precision Doppstadt, Bandit, Jenz, Komptech and Fin.

Employees

At December 31, 2015, the Energy Group segment employed 734 individuals, of which 484 were engaged in manufacturing, 92 in engineering and 158 in selling, general and administrative functions.  GEFCO has a collective bargaining agreement in place for approximately 73 manufacturing employees.  The current agreement expires on May 30, 2016. None of the other employees of the Energy Group are covered by collective bargaining agreements.

Backlog

The backlog for the Energy Group at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $34,977 and $95,072, respectively.  Approximately $43,300 of the decline in backlog between years relates to orders from international customers.  Management expects all of the current backlog to be filled in 2016.

Corporate (Other Business Units)

This category consists of the two business units that do not meet the requirements of separate disclosure as an operating segment or inclusion in one of the other reporting segments and includes Astec Industries, Inc., the parent company, and Astec Insurance Company, a captive insurance company.  These two companies provide support and corporate oversight for all the other business units.  The Company records U.S. federal income tax expenses for all business segments on the parent company's books; therefore, these taxes are included in the Corporate category for segment reporting.
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Employees

At December 31, 2015, the Corporate category employed 41 individuals, all of which were engaged in selling, general and administrative functions.

Common to All Operating Segments

The following information applies to all operating segments of the Company.

Raw Materials

Steel is a major component in the Company's equipment. Steel prices declined significantly during the majority of 2015 due in large part to the decline in primary steel making materials. Pricing appears to have bottomed out in late 2015. Moderate seasonal price increases are expected during the first six months of 2016. The Company continues to utilize forward-looking contracts coupled with advanced steel purchases to minimize the impact of any price increases.  The Company will review the trends in steel prices entering into the second half of 2016 and establish future contract pricing accordingly.

Government Regulations

The Company is subject to various laws and governmental regulations concerning environmental matters and employee safety and health in the United States and other countries. The Environmental Protection Agency, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, other federal agencies and certain state agencies have the authority to promulgate regulations that have an effect on the Company's operations.  Many of these federal and state agencies may seek fines and penalties for violations of these laws and regulations.  The Company has been able to operate under these laws and regulations without any material adverse effect on its business.

None of the Company's operating segments operate within highly regulated industries.  However, air pollution control equipment manufactured by the Company, principally for hot-mix asphalt plants, must comply with certain performance standards promulgated by the federal Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Air Act applicable to "new sources" or new plants.  Management believes the Company's products meet all material requirements of such regulations and applicable state pollution standards and environmental protection laws.

In addition, due to the size and weight of certain equipment the Company manufactures, the Company and its customers may encounter conflicting state regulations on maximum weights transportable on highways.  Also, some states have regulations governing the operation of asphalt mixing plants, and most states have regulations relating to the accuracy of weights and measures, which affect some of the control systems manufactured by the Company.

Compliance with these government regulations has no material effect on the Company's capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position within the market.

Employees

At December 31, 2015, the Company and its subsidiaries employed 3,740 individuals, of which 2,525 were engaged in manufacturing, 400 in engineering, including support staff, and 815 in selling, administrative and management functions.
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Other than the Telsmith and Osborn labor agreements described under the "Employee" subsection of the Aggregate and Mining Group above and the GEFCO labor agreement described under the "Employee" subsection of the Energy Group above, there are no other collective bargaining agreements applicable to employees of the Company or its subsidiaries.  The Company considers its employee relations to be good.

Manufacturing

The Company manufactures many of the component parts and related equipment for its products, while several large components of its products are purchased "ready-for-use".  Such items include engines, axles, tires and hydraulics.  In many cases, the Company designs, engineers and manufactures custom component parts and equipment to meet the particular needs of individual customers.  Manufacturing operations during 2015 took place at 19 separate locations.  The Company's manufacturing operations consist primarily of fabricating steel components and the assembly and testing of its products to ensure that the Company achieves quality control standards.

Seminars and Technical Bulletins

The Company periodically conducts technical and service seminars, which are primarily for dealer representatives, contractors, owners, employees and other users of equipment manufactured by the Company.  In 2015, approximately 495 representatives of contractors and owners of hot-mix asphalt plants attended seminars held by the Company in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  These seminars, which are led by Company management and employees, along with select outside speakers and discussion leaders, cover a range of subjects, including, but not limited to, technological innovations in the hot-mix asphalt, aggregate processing, paving, milling and recycling markets.

The Company also sponsors executive seminars for the management of the customers of Astec, Heatec, CEI and Roadtec.  Primarily, members of the Company's management conduct the various seminars, but outside speakers and discussion leaders are also utilized.

During 2015, nine service training seminars were held at the Roadtec facility for approximately 530 customer representatives, and six remote seminars were conducted at other locations for approximately 185 additional customer personnel.  Telsmith conducted three technical seminars for approximately 120 customer and dealer representatives during 2015.  KPI, JCI and AMS jointly conduct National Dealers Conference, an annual dealer event. The event offers the entire dealer network a preview of future products, marketing and promotional programs to help dealers operate successful businesses. In addition to this event, the companies also provide factory customer and dealer training and on-site local, regional and national sales training programs throughout the year.

In addition to seminars, the Company publishes a number of technical bulletins and information bulletins detailing various technological and business issues relating to the industries in which it operates.

Patents and Trademarks

The Company seeks to obtain patents to protect the novel features of its products and processes.  The Company's subsidiaries hold 77 United States patents and 69 foreign patents.  The Company's subsidiaries have 40 United States and 69 foreign patent applications pending.  
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The Company and its subsidiaries have 77 trademarks registered in the United States, including logos for Astec, Astec Dillman, Carlson Paving, CEI, GEFCO, Heatec, JCI, Peterson Pacific, Roadtec, and Telsmith, and the names ASTEC, CARLSON, HEATEC, JCI, KOLBERG, PETERSON, ROADTEC and TELSMITH, as well as a number of other product names.  The Company also has 88 trademarks registered in foreign jurisdictions, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and the European Union.  The Company and its subsidiaries have 4 United States and 13 foreign trademark registration applications pending.

Engineering and Product Development

The Company dedicates substantial resources to engineering and product development. At December 31, 2015, the Company and its subsidiaries had 400 full-time individuals employed in engineering and design capacities.

Seasonality and Backlog

Revenues for recent years, adjusted for acquisitions, have been strongest during the first half of the year, with the second half of the year consistently being weaker. We expect future operations in the near term to be typical of this historical trend.

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had a backlog for delivery of products at certain dates in the future of approximately $313,291 and $332,051, respectively.  The Company's contracts reflected in the backlog generally are not, by their terms, subject to termination.  Management believes the Company is in substantial compliance with all manufacturing and delivery timetables.

Competition

Each business segment operates in domestic markets that are highly competitive with respect to price, service and product quality.  While specific competitors are named within each business segment discussion above, imports do not generally constitute significant competition for the Company in the United States, except for milling machines and track-mounted crushers.  In international sales, however, the Company often competes with foreign manufacturers that may have a local presence in the market the Company is attempting to penetrate.

In addition, asphalt and concrete are generally considered competitive products as a surface choice for new roads and highways.  A portion of the interstate highway system is paved in concrete, but over 90% of all surfaced roads in the United States are paved with asphalt.  Although concrete is used for some new road surfaces, asphalt is used for most resurfacing.

Available Information

The Company's internet website can be found at www.astecindustries.com.  We make available, free of charge on or through our internet website, access to our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Information contained in our website is not part of, and is not incorporated into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors

Downturns in the general economy or the commercial and residential construction industries may adversely affect our revenues and operating results.

General economic downturns, including downturns in the commercial and residential construction industries, could result in a material decrease in our revenues and operating results.  Demand for many of our products, especially in the commercial construction industry, is cyclical.  Sales of our products are sensitive to the states of the U.S., foreign and regional economies in general, and in particular, changes in commercial construction spending and government infrastructure spending.  In addition, many of our costs are fixed and cannot be quickly reduced in response to decreased demand.  The following factors could cause a downturn in the commercial and residential construction industries:

·
a decrease in the availability of funds for construction;
·
declining economy domestically and internationally;
·
labor disputes in the construction industry causing work stoppages;
·
rising gas and oil prices;
·
rising steel prices and steel surcharges;
·
rising interest rates;
·
energy or building materials shortages;
·
inclement weather; and
·
availability of credit for customers.

Downturns in the general economy and restrictions in the credit markets may negatively impact our earnings, cash flows and/or financial position and access to financing sources by the Company and our customers. 
 
Worldwide economic conditions and the international credit markets have significantly deteriorated in recent years and may remain depressed for the foreseeable future. Continued deterioration of economic conditions and credit markets could adversely impact our earnings as sales of our products are sensitive to general declines in U.S. and foreign economies and the ability of our customers to obtain credit.  In addition, we rely on the capital markets and the banking markets to meet our financial commitments and short-term liquidity needs if internal funds are not available from our operations. Further disruptions in the capital and credit markets, or deterioration of our creditors' financial condition, could adversely affect the Company's ability to draw on its revolving credit facility.  The Company's current credit facility expires in April 2017, and deterioration in the credit markets could make it more difficult or expensive for us to replace our current credit facility, enter into a new credit facility or obtain additional financing.

A decrease or delay in government funding of highway construction and maintenance may cause our revenues and profits to decrease.

Many of our customers depend on government funding of highway construction and maintenance and other infrastructure projects.  Any decrease or delay in government funding of highway construction and maintenance and other infrastructure projects could cause our net sales and profits to decrease.  Historically, federal government funding of infrastructure projects has typically been accomplished through bills that establish funding over a multi-year period, such as the Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act - A Legacy for Users ("SAFETEA-LU"), which provided $286.5 billion to fund federal transit projects from 2004 to 2009.  SAFETEA-LU funding expired on September 30, 2009, and federal transportation funding operated on a number of shorter term appropriations until December 4, 2015 when the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act ("FAST Act") signed into law.  Included in the  $305 billion FAST Act was approved funding for highways of approximately $205 billion and transit projects of approximately $48 billion for the five year period ending September 30, 2020.
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Given the inherent uncertainty in the political process, the level of government funding for federal highway projects will similarly continue to be uncertain.  Governmental funding that is committed or earmarked for federal highway projects is always subject to repeal or reduction.  Although continued funding under the FAST Act is expected, it may be at lower levels than originally approved.  In addition, 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.

The cyclical nature of our industry and the customization of the equipment we sell may cause adverse fluctuations to our revenues and operating results.

We sell equipment primarily to contractors whose demand for equipment depends greatly upon the volume of road or utility construction projects underway or to be scheduled by both government and private entities.  The volume and frequency of road and utility construction projects are cyclical; therefore, demand for many of our products is cyclical.  The equipment we sell is durable and typically lasts for several years, which also contributes to the cyclical nature of the demand for our products.  As a result, we may experience cyclical fluctuations to our revenues and operating results. Any difficulty in managing the Company's manufacturing workflow during downturns in demand could adversely affect our financial results.

A significant change in the price or availability of oil could reduce demand for our products.  Significant increases in the purchase price of certain raw materials used to manufacture our equipment could have a negative impact on the cost of production and related gross margins.

A significant portion of our revenues relates to the sale of equipment involved in the production, handling, recycling or installation of asphalt mix.  Liquid asphalt is a byproduct of the refining of oil, and asphalt prices correlate with the price and availability of oil.  An increase in the price of oil or a decrease in the availability of oil would increase the cost of producing asphalt, which would likely decrease demand for asphalt, resulting in decreased demand for many of our products.  This would likely cause our revenues and profits to decrease.  Rising gasoline, diesel fuel and liquid asphalt prices will also adversely impact the operating and raw material costs of our contractor and aggregate producer customers, and if such customers do not properly adjust their pricing, they could experience reduced profits resulting in possible delays in purchasing capital equipment.

Contrary to the impact of increasing oil prices on many of the Company's products impacted by changes in the cost of asphalt mix as discussed above, the products manufactured by the Company's Energy Group, which are used in drilling for oil and natural gas, in heaters for refineries and oil sands, and in double fluid pump trailers for fracking and oil and gas extraction, would be negatively impacted by lower oil and natural gas prices, to the extent that such lower prices lead to decreased development in the oil and natural gas production industries.

Steel is a major component in the Company's equipment. Steel prices fluctuate routinely. Our reliance on third-party suppliers for steel and other raw materials exposes us to volatility in the prices and availability of these materials. Price increases or a decrease in the availability of these raw materials could increase our operating costs and adversely affect our financial results. 

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Acquisitions that we have made in the past and future acquisitions involve risks that could adversely affect our future financial results.

We have completed several acquisitions in the past, including the acquisition of Telestack Limited in April 2014.  We may acquire additional businesses in the future.  We may be unable to achieve the benefits expected to be realized from our acquisitions.  In addition, we may incur additional costs and our management's attention may be diverted because of unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other risks inherent in acquiring businesses, including the following:

·
we may have difficulty integrating the financial and administrative functions of acquired businesses;
·
acquisitions may divert management's attention from our existing operations;
·
fluctuations in exchange rates and a weakening of the dollar may impact the competitiveness of acquired businesses;
·
we may have difficulty in competing successfully for available acquisition candidates, completing future acquisitions or accurately estimating the financial effect of any businesses we acquire;
·
we may have delays in realizing the benefits of our strategies for an acquired business;
·
we may not be able to retain key employees necessary to continue the operations of the acquired business;
·
acquisition costs may deplete significant cash amounts or may decrease our operating income;
·
we may choose to acquire a company that is less profitable or has lower profit margins than our company;
·
future acquired companies may have unknown liabilities that could require us to spend significant amounts of additional capital; and
·
we may incur domestic or international economic declines that impact our acquired companies.

Competition could reduce revenue from our products and services and cause us to lose market share.

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.

Our success depends on key members of our management and other employees.

Certain members of our senior management team are of significant importance to our business and operations.  The loss of their services may adversely affect our business.  In addition, 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.
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Difficulties in managing and expanding in international markets could divert management's attention from our existing operations.

In 2015, international sales represented approximately 26.5% of our total sales as compared to 32.9% in 2014.  We plan to continue our significant sales and production efforts in international markets.  In connection with any increase in international sales efforts, we will need to hire, train and retain qualified personnel in countries where language, cultural or regulatory barriers may exist.  Any difficulties in expanding our international sales may divert management's attention from our existing operations.  In addition, international revenues are subject to the following risks:

·
fluctuating currency exchange rates, which can reduce the profitability of foreign sales;
·
the burden of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws and regulations;
·
dependence on foreign sales agents;
·
political and economic instability of governments;
·
the imposition of protective legislation such as import or export barriers; and
·
fluctuating strengths or weakness of the dollar, which can impact net sales or the cost of purchased products.

We may be unsuccessful in complying with the financial ratio covenants or other provisions of our credit agreement.

As of December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with the financial covenants contained in our credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.  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, the Company's creditors could elect to pursue their contractual remedies under the credit facility, including requiring immediate repayment in full of all amounts then outstanding.  As of December 31, 2015, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Wells Fargo credit agreement but did have $17,684 of letters of credit outstanding under the credit agreement.  Additional amounts may be borrowed in the future.  The Company's Osborn, Astec Brazil, Telestack and Astec Australia subsidiaries have entered into their own independent loan agreements.

Our quarterly operating results are likely to fluctuate, which may decrease our stock price.

Our quarterly revenues, expenses and operating results have varied significantly in the past and are likely to vary significantly from quarter to quarter in the future.  As a result, our operating results in some quarters may fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, which could result in a decrease in the market price of our common stock.  The reasons our quarterly results may fluctuate include:

·
general competitive and economic conditions, domestically and internationally;
·
delays in, or uneven timing in, the delivery of customer orders;
·
the seasonal trend in our industry;
·
the introduction of new products by us or our competitors;
·
product supply shortages; and
·
reduced demand due to adverse weather conditions.

Period-to-period comparisons of such items should not be relied on as indications of future performance.
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We may face product liability claims or other liabilities due to the nature of our business.  If we are unable to obtain or maintain insurance or if our insurance does not cover liabilities, we may incur significant costs which could reduce our profitability.

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.  Any liabilities not covered by insurance could reduce our profitability or have an adverse effect on our financial condition.

If we are unable to protect our proprietary technology from infringement or if our technology infringes technology owned by others, then the demand for our products may decrease or we may be forced to modify our products, which could increase our costs.

We hold numerous patents covering technology and applications related to many of our products and systems as well as numerous trademarks and trade names registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in foreign countries.  Our existing or future patents or trademarks may not adequately protect us against infringements, and pending patent or trademark applications may not result in issued patents or trademarks.  Our patents, registered trademarks and patent applications, if any, may not be upheld if challenged, and competitors may develop similar or superior methods or products outside the protection of our patents.  This could reduce demand for our products and materially decrease our revenues.  If our products are deemed to infringe upon the patents or proprietary rights of others, we could be required to modify the design of our products, change the name of our products or obtain a license for the use of some of the technologies used in our products.  We may be unable to do any of the foregoing in a timely manner, upon acceptable terms and conditions, or at all, and the failure to do so could cause us to incur additional costs or lose revenues.

If we become subject to increased governmental regulation, we may incur significant costs.

Our hot-mix asphalt plants contain air pollution control equipment and several of our other products contain engines that must comply with performance standards promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency.  These performance standards may increase in the future.  Changes in these requirements could cause us to undertake costly measures to redesign or modify our equipment or otherwise adversely affect the manufacturing processes of our products.  Such changes could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

Also, due to the size and weight of some of the equipment that we manufacture, we often are required to comply with conflicting state regulations on the maximum weight transportable on highways and roads.  In addition, some states regulate the operation of our component equipment, including asphalt mixing plants and soil remediation equipment, and most states regulate the accuracy of weights and measures, which affect some of the control systems we manufacture.  We may incur material costs or liabilities in connection with the regulatory requirements applicable to our business.
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As an innovative leader in the industries in which we operate, we occasionally undertake the engineering, design, manufacturing and construction of equipment systems that are new to the market.  Estimating the cost of such innovative equipment can be difficult and could result in our realization of significantly reduced or negative margins on such projects.

In the past, we have experienced negative margins on certain large projects. These large contracts included both existing and innovative equipment designs, on-site construction and minimum production levels.  Since it can be difficult to achieve the expected production results during the project design phase, field testing and redesign may be required during project installation, resulting in added cost. In addition, due to any number of unforeseen circumstances, which can include adverse weather conditions, projects can incur extended construction and testing delays which can cause significant cost overruns.  We may not be able to sufficiently predict the extent of such unforeseen cost overruns and may experience significant losses on specialized projects.  Additionally, the Company typically incurs substantial research and development costs each year and has historically received significant research and development tax credits due to these expenditures.  While Congress has authorized research and development tax credits through 2015, they may not be approved for future years.

Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and Tennessee law may inhibit a takeover, which could delay or prevent a transaction in which shareholders might receive a premium over market price for their shares.

Our charter and bylaws and Tennessee law contain provisions that may delay, deter or inhibit a future acquisition or an attempt to obtain control of us.  This could occur even if our shareholders are offered an attractive value for their shares or if a substantial number or even a majority of our shareholders believe the takeover is in their best interest.  These provisions are intended to encourage any person interested in acquiring us or obtaining control of us to negotiate with and obtain the approval of our Board of Directors in connection with the transaction.  Provisions that could delay, deter or inhibit a future acquisition or an attempt to obtain control of us include the following:

·
having a staggered Board of Directors;
·
requiring a two-thirds vote of the total number of shares issued and outstanding to remove directors other than for cause;
·
requiring advance notice of actions proposed by shareholders for consideration at shareholder meetings;
·
limiting the right of shareholders to call a special meeting of shareholders;
·
requiring that all shareholders entitled to vote on an action provide written consent in order for shareholders to act without holding a shareholders' meeting; and
·
being governed by the Tennessee Control Share Acquisition Act.


22


Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

The location, approximate square footage, acreage occupied and principal function and use by the Company's reporting segments of the properties owned or leased by the Company are set forth below:

Location
 
Approximate
Square Footage
   
Approximate
Acreage
 
Principal Function (Use by Segment)
Chattanooga, Tennessee
   
518,000
     
65
 
Offices, manufacturing and training center – Astec (Infrastructure Group)
 
Chattanooga, Tennessee
   
--
     
4
 
Storage yard – Astec (Infrastructure Group)
 
Rossville, Georgia
   
40,500
     
3
 
Manufacturing – Astec (Infrastructure Group)
 
Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
   
91,500
     
39
 
Manufacturing – Dillman division of Astec (Infrastructure Group)
 
Chattanooga, Tennessee
   
135,000
     
15
 
Offices, manufacturing and storage – Heatec (Energy Group)
 
Chattanooga, Tennessee
   
--
     
50
 
Storage—Heatec (Energy Group)
 
Chattanooga, Tennessee
   
237,000
     
15
 
Offices, manufacturing and training center – Roadtec (Infrastructure Group)
 
Chattanooga, Tennessee
   
51,200
     
7
 
Manufacturing – Roadtec (Infrastructure Group)
 
Chattanooga, Tennessee
   
14,100
     
--
 
Leased Hanger and Offices – Astec Industries, Inc. (Corporate)
 
Chattanooga, Tennessee
   
10,000
     
2
 
Corporate offices – Astec Industries, Inc. (Corporate)
 
Mequon, Wisconsin
   
236,000
     
30
 
Offices and manufacturing – Telsmith (Aggregate and Mining Group)
 
Sterling, Illinois
   
60,000
     
7.5
 
Offices and manufacturing – AMS (Aggregate and Mining Group)
 
Orlando, Florida
   
9,000
     
--
 
Leased machine repair and service facility – Roadtec (Infrastructure Group)
 

23


Location
 
Approximate
Square Footage
   
Approximate
Acreage
 
Principal Function (Use by Segment)
Chattanooga, Tennessee
   
66,000
     
--
 
Leased warehouse – Roadtec (Infrastructure Group)
 
Eugene, Oregon
   
130,000
     
8
 
Offices and manufacturing – JCI (Aggregate and Mining Group)
 
Albuquerque, New Mexico
   
115,000
     
14
 
Offices and manufacturing – CEI (Energy Group)
 
Yankton, South Dakota
   
312,000
     
50
 
Offices and manufacturing – KPI (Aggregate and Mining Group)
 
Thornbury, Ontario, Canada
   
60,500
     
12
 
Offices and manufacturing – BTI (Aggregate and Mining Group)
 
Riverside, California
   
12,500
     
--
 
Leased offices, sales, assembly and warehouse – BTI (Aggregate and Mining Group)
 
Solon, Ohio
   
8,900
     
--
 
Leased offices, sales, assembly and warehouse – BTI (Aggregate and Mining Group)
 
Tacoma, Washington
   
55,850
     
8
 
Offices and manufacturing – Carlson (Infrastructure Group)
 
Tacoma, Washington
   
4,400
     
1
 
R&D/Services Offices-Carlson (Infrastructure Group)
 
Cape Town, South Africa
   
4,600
     
--
 
Leased sales office and warehouse – Osborn (Aggregate and Mining Group)
 
Durban, South Africa
   
9,700
     
--
 
Leased sales office and warehouse – Osborn (Aggregate and Mining Group)
 
Witbank, South Africa
   
1,000
     
--
 
Leased sales office and warehouse – Osborn (Aggregate and Mining Group)
 
                      

24


Location
 
Approximate
Square Footage
   
Approximate
Acreage
 
Principal Function (Use by Segment)
Johannesburg, South Africa
   
239,000
     
21
 
Offices and manufacturing – Osborn (Aggregate and Mining Group)
 
Eugene, Oregon
   
130,000
     
7
 
Offices and manufacturing – Peterson Pacific Corp. (Energy Group)
 
Enid, Oklahoma
   
350,000
     
42
 
Offices and manufacturing – GEFCO, Inc. (Energy Group)
 
West Columbia, South Carolina
   
12,300
     
--
 
Leased distribution center – Peterson Pacific Corp. (Energy Group)
 
Acacia Ridge, Australia
   
31,000
     
5
 
Offices, warehousing, service, light fabrication and storage yard – Astec Australia Pty Ltd (Infrastructure Group)
 
Montgomery, Illinois
   
3,000
     
--
 
Leased warehouse -  Roadtec (Infrastructure Group)
 
Canning Vale, Australia
   
9,000
     
--
 
Leased office, warehouse and storage yard -  Astec Australia Pty Ltd (Infrastructure Group)
 
Hameln, Germany
   
35,300
     
3
 
Offices and light assembly – Asphalt Mobile Machinery GmbH (Infrastructure Group)
 
Vespasiano-MG Brazil
   
132,400
     
10
 
Offices and manufacturing - Astec Brazil (Aggregate and Mining Group)
 
Omagh, Northern Ireland
   
85,000
     
8
 
Offices and manufacturing-Telestack (Aggregate and Mining Group)
 
Joplin, Missouri
   
10,000
     
--
 
Leased parts warehouse/rebuild shop-Roadtec (Infrastructure Group)
 
                      

The properties above are owned by the Company unless they are indicated as being leased.

25


Item 3. Legal Proceedings

The Company is currently a party to various claims and legal proceedings that have arisen in the ordinary course of business.  If management believes that a loss arising from such claims and legal proceedings is probable and can reasonably be estimated, the Company records the amount of the loss (excluding estimated legal costs), or the minimum estimated liability when the loss is estimated using a range and no point within the range is more probable than another.  As management becomes aware of additional information concerning such contingencies, any potential liability related to these matters is assessed and the estimates are revised, if necessary.  If management believes that a material loss arising from such claims and legal proceedings is either (i) probable but cannot be reasonably estimated or (ii) reasonably possible but not probable, the Company does not record the amount of the loss, but does make specific disclosure of such matter.  Based upon currently available information and with the advice of counsel, management believes that the ultimate outcome of its current claims and legal proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, cash flows or results of operations.  However, claims and legal proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties and rulings unfavorable to the Company could occur.  If an unfavorable ruling were to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

During 2004 the Company received notice from the Environmental Protection Agency that it may be responsible for a portion of the costs incurred in connection with an environmental cleanup in Illinois.  The discharge of hazardous materials and associated cleanup relate to activities occurring prior to the Company's acquisition of Barber Greene in 1986.  The Company believes that over 300 other parties have received similar notice.  At this time, the Company is unable to predict whether the EPA will seek to hold the Company liable for a portion of the cleanup costs or the amount of any such liability.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Executive Officers

The name, title, ages and business experience of the executive officers of the Company are listed below.

Benjamin G. Brock has served as the Company's Chief Executive Officer and President since January 2014.  He previously served as the Vice President and President of the Company's Asphalt Group from August 2012 to December 2013 and as President of Astec, Inc. from 2006 to 2013. From 2003 until 2006 he held the position of Vice President - Sales of Astec, Inc. and Vice President/General Manager of CEI Enterprises, Inc. from 1997 until 2002. Mr. Brock's career with Astec began as a salesman in 1993. Mr. Brock has been a Director of the Company since 2013.  He is 45.

David C. Silvious, a Certified Public Accountant, has served as the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company since August 2011. He previously served as Corporate Controller of the Company from 2005 to 2011 and as Corporate Financial Analyst from 1999 to 2005. Mr. Silvious also serves as Treasurer of each of the Company's U.S. operating subsidiaries and Vice President of Astec Insurance Company. He is 48.
26


W. Norman Smith has served as the Vice Chairman of the Company and also Vice Chairman of its Board of Directors since January 2014.  He previously served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company from August 2012 to December 2013, as Group President of the Company's Mobile Asphalt Paving Group from October 2013 until January 2014, as the Group Vice President – Asphalt of the Company from 1998 until August 2012, as the President of Astec, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, from 1994 until 2006, and as the President of Heatec, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, from 1977 until 1994.  Mr. Smith is a registered professional engineer. Mr. Smith has been a Director of the Company since 1982.  He is 76.

Richard J. Dorris has served as the Company's Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President since January 2014.  He previously served as the Group Vice President and President of the Company's Energy Group from August 2012 to December 2013 and as President of Heatec, Inc. from 2004 to January 2014.  From 1999 to 2004 he held the positions of National Accounts Manager, Project Manager and Director of Projects for Astec, Inc. Prior to joining Astec, Inc. he was President of Esstee Manufacturing Company from 1990 to 1999 and was Sales Engineer from 1984 to 1990. He is 55.

Richard A. Patek has served as the Group President of the Company's Aggregate & Mining Group since October 2013 after having served as the Group's Vice President since 2008. He has also served as President of Telsmith, Inc. from May 2001 until February 2013. He served as President of Kolberg-Pioneer, Inc. from 1997 until 2001. From 1995 to 1997, he served as Director of Materials of Telsmith, Inc. From 1992 to 1995, Mr. Patek was Director of Materials and Manufacturing of the former Milwaukee plant location. From 1978 to 1992, he held various manufacturing management positions at Telsmith. Mr. Patek also served as the 2014 Chairman for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and a corporate board member for the Milwaukee School of Engineering.  Mr. Patek was elected to the E.D. Etnyre & Company board of directors in December 2014. He is 59.

Steven L. Claude has served as the Group President of the Company's Infrastructure Group since August 2015.  From November 2007 to July 2015, he held the position of Vice President, International Sales, Sr. Vice President, Sales and Marketing, and Executive Vice President of Astec, Inc.  He is 65.

Jeffery J. Elliott has served as the Group Vice President of the Company's Aggregate & Mining Group since July 2014.  He served as the President of Johnson Crushers, Inc. from 2001 until July 2014. From 1999 to 2001, he served as Senior Vice President for Cedarapids, Inc. (a Terex company), and from 1996 to 1999, he served as Vice President of the Crushing and Screening Group. From 1978 to 1996, he held various domestic and international sales and marketing positions with Cedarapids, Inc. He is 62.

Stephen C. Anderson has served as Vice President of Administration since August 2011, as Secretary of the Company since January 2007 and as the Director of Investor Relations since January 2003. Mr. Anderson also serves as the Company's Compliance Officer and manages the corporate information technology and aviation departments. He has also been President of Astec Insurance Company since January 2007. He was Vice President of Astec Financial Services, Inc. from 1999 to 2002. Prior to his employment with the Company, Mr. Anderson spent a combined fourteen years in commercial banking with AmSouth and SunTrust Banks. He is 52.

Robin A. Leffew has served as Corporate Controller since August 2011 and also serves as Secretary of Astec Insurance Company. She previously served as the Company's Director of Internal Audit from 2005 to 2011 and Controller of Astec, Inc. from 1990 to 2005. From 1987 to 1990, she served as Corporate Financial Analyst for the Company. She is 54.

Michael A. Bremmer has served as the President of CEI Enterprises, Inc. since 2006. From 2003 until 2006, he held the position of Vice President and General Manager of CEI Enterprises, Inc. From 2001 until 2003, he held the position of Director of Engineering of CEI Enterprises, Inc. He is 60.
27


Chris Colwell has served as President of Carlson Paving Products since May 2011. Prior to joining Astec, Mr. Colwell held the position of Regional Operations Manager for Alta Equipment Company from 2010 to 2011. From 2008 to 2010 he served as Vice President-Asphalt Division for Wolverine Tractor and Equipment Company. From 1999 to 2008 Mr. Colwell served as President of Colwell Equipment Company Incorporated where he previously served in various positions since 1985 including General Manager, Director of Management Information Systems, Assistant Controller and Product Support Manager. He is 50.

Larry R. Cumming has served as the President of Peterson Pacific Corp. since 2007. He joined the company in 2003, prior to which he held positions of General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Peterson, Inc. Prior to joining Peterson, he held senior management positions in North America and Europe with Timberjack and John Deere (Deere acquired Timberjack in 2000). Mr. Cumming also held prior positions with Timberjack as Vice President Engineering and Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President Product Supply. He is a registered professional engineer in the Province of Ontario. He is 67.

Timothy Gonigam has served as the President of Astec Mobile Screens, Inc. since 2000. From 1995 to 2000, Mr. Gonigam held the position of Sales Manager of Astec Mobile Screens, Inc. He is 53.

Martin Dummigan has served as Managing Director of Telestack Limited since January 2016.  He previously served as Global and Group Operations Director for Terex Material Processing, Business Line Director for Terex Environmental Equipment, Vice president of Terex Operations in China and General Manager for Terex NFLG also in China. Prior to his 10 years with Terex, Mr. Dummigan served in a number of overseas plant Manager positions in the USA, South Africa, Egypt and Northern Ireland. He has also worked in Japan with Hitachi Supercomputer Systems where he studied Lean Manufacturing. Mr. Dummigan holds a Master's Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Queens University Belfast.  He is 47.

Aaron Harmon has served as President of GEFCO, Inc. since its acquisition by the Company in October 2011. He previously served as President of the GEFCO Division of Blue Tee Corp. since 2005. Mr. Harmon joined GEFCO in 1995 and has served in several capacities within the organization including V. P. of North American Sales and Operations Manager. He is 42.

Matthew B. Haven has served as the President of Telsmith, Inc. since February 2013.  He previously served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Telsmith from January 2012 to February 2013 and as Vice President from 2008 to 2011.  Mr. Haven joined Telsmith in January 1997 and served as Chief Engineer, Research and Development and Director of Engineering prior to his appointment as Vice President.  Prior to joining Telsmith, Mr. Haven served as Chief Engineer, Product Design and Development of Cedarapids, Inc.  He is 54.

Tom Kruger has served as the Managing Director of Osborn Engineered Products SA (Pty) Ltd since 2005. For the previous five years, Mr. Kruger was employed as Operations Director of Macsteel Tube and Pipe (Pty) Ltd, a manufacturer of carbon steel tubing in Johannesburg, South Africa. He served as Sales and Marketing Director of Macsteel prior to becoming Operations Director. From 1993 to 1998, Mr. Kruger was employed by Barloworld Ltd as Operations Director and Regional Managing Director responsible for a trading organization in steel, tube and water conveyance systems. Prior to that, he held the position of Works Director. He is 58.

Jeffrey L. May has served as the President of Kolberg-Pioneer, Inc. since September 2013.  He previously served as the Vice President of Operations and Finance of Kolberg-Pioneer, Inc. from 2011 to 2013 and as Controller of Kolberg-Pioneer, Inc. from 1997 to 2010.  He is 52.

Jeffrey L. Richmond, Sr. has served as the President of Roadtec, Inc. since 2004. From 1996 until 2004, he held the positions of Sales Manager, Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Vice President/General Manager of Roadtec, Inc. He assumed the additional role of Managing Director of Astec Mobile Machinery GmbH in December 2013. He is 60.
28


Jeffrey M. Schwarz has served as President of Johnson Crushers, Inc. ("JCI") since July 2014.  He joined JCI as General Manager of AggReCon West, a division of JCI responsible for direct selling to end users in the Pacific Northwest.  Prior to joining JCI he was Aggregates Manager for Kerr Contractors and held several management positions with a construction materials supplier from 1995 to 2008.  He is 49.

Donald J. Sissons has served as the President of Breaker Technology Ltd. and Breaker Technology Inc. since January 2014.  He previously served as Vice President of Manufacturing Operations from 2012 to January 2014 and as Plant Operations Manager from December 2003 until January 2012.  Mr. Sissons is registered as a Professional Engineer. He is 49.

David H. Smale has served as the General Manager of Astec Australia Pty Ltd since 2008. He served as the General Manager of Allen's Asphalt from 2006 to 2008 and as their Operations Manager from 2004 to 2006. He is 60.

Malcolm L. Swanson has served as the President of Astec, Inc. since January 2014.  He previously served as Vice President – Engineering of Astec, Inc. from 1995 to 2013 and as Chief Engineer of Astec, Inc. from 1989 to 1995.  Prior to joining Astec, Inc., Mr. Swanson worked as a design engineer and project manager for Combustion Engineering of Chattanooga, TN in both the Fossil and Nuclear Power divisions. Mr. Swanson is a Professional Engineer holding registration in eight states.  He is 67.

Thomas H. Wilkey has served as the President of Heatec, Inc. since January 2014.  From 2004 to 2014, he served as its Executive Vice President and from 1987 to 2004, he held the positions of Sales coordinator, Sales Manager, and Vice-President of Sales. He is 62.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity; Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases
of Equity Securities

The Company's Common Stock is traded in the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "ASTE."  The Company paid a cash dividend of $1.00 per share on its Common Stock in the fourth quarter of 2012 and paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.10 per quarter from the second quarter of 2013 through the fourth quarter of 2015.  Prior to 2012, the Company had not paid any cash dividends.

The high and low sales prices of the Company's Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market for each quarter during the last two fiscal years are as follows:

   
Price Per Share
 
2015
 
High
   
Low
 
1st Quarter
 
$
43.85
   
$
33.90
 
2nd Quarter
 
$
45.48
   
$
40.64
 
3rd Quarter
 
$
43.78
   
$
33.02
 
4th Quarter
 
$
41.99
   
$
30.76
 
                 
   
Price Per Share
 
2014
 
High
   
Low
 
1st Quarter
 
$
46.00
   
$
35.07
 
2nd Quarter
 
$
44.27
   
$
38.00
 
3rd Quarter
 
$
44.97
   
$
36.45
 
4th Quarter
 
$
41.09
   
$
34.28
 

As of February 18, 2016, there were approximately 270 holders of record of the Company's Common Stock.
29


Item 6. Selected Financial Data

Selected financial data appears in Appendix "A" of this Report.

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations appears in Appendix "A" of this Report.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Information regarding the Company's market risk appears in Appendix "A" of this Report under the heading "Market Risk and Risk Management Policies."

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Financial statements and supplementary financial information appear in Appendix "A" of this Report.

Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

The Company's management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) were effective.

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Management's report appears in Appendix A of this Report.

Changes in Internal Controls
 
There have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
 
Item 9B. Other Information

None
30


PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Information regarding the Company's directors, director nominating process, audit committee and audit committee financial expert is included under the captions "Certain Information Concerning Nominees and Directors" and "Corporate Governance" in the Company's Proxy Statement to be delivered to the shareholders of the Company in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 28, 2016 (referred to herein as the Company's 2016 Proxy Statement), which is incorporated herein by reference.  Information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is also included under the caption "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Company's 2016 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.  Information with respect to our executive officers is set forth in Part I of this Report under the caption "Executive Officers."

The Company's Board of Directors has approved a Code of Conduct and Ethics that applies to the Company's employees, directors and officers (including the Company's principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer).  The Code of Conduct and Ethics is available on the Company's website at www.astecindustries.com/investors/.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Information included under the captions "Compensation Discussion and Analysis", "Executive Compensation", "Director Compensation", "Corporate Governance—Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" and "Compensation Committee Report" in the Company's 2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2015 regarding compensation plans under which the Company's equity securities are authorized for issuance.

Plan Category
 
(a) Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants, Rights and RSU's
   
(b) Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights(3)
   
(c) Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in
Column (a))
 
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Shareholders (1)
   
146,547
(2) 
   
N/A
 
   
645,466
(4) 
                         
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Shareholders (5)
   
22,325
(6) 
   
N/A
 
   
85,001
(7) 
Total
   
168,872
             
730,467
 

31


(1)
These plans consist of our 2006 Incentive Plan and our 2011 Incentive Plan.
(2)
Includes 75,952 Restricted Stock Units granted under our 2006 Incentive Plan and 70,595 Restricted Stock Units granted under our 2011 Incentive Plan.
(3)
Restricted Stock Units do not have an exercise price.
(4)
Represents shares available for issuance under our 2011 Incentive Plan.
(5)
This plan consists of our 1998 Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan.
(6)
Represents Deferred Stock Units granted under our 1998 Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan.
(7)
Represents shares available for issuance under our 1998 Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan.

Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Shareholders

Our 1998 Non-Employee Directors Stock Incentive Plan provides that annual retainers payable to our non-employee directors will be paid in the form of cash, unless the director elects to receive the annual retainer in the form of common stock, deferred stock or stock options. If the director elects to receive Common Stock, whether on a current or deferred basis, the number of shares to be received is determined by dividing the dollar value of the annual retainer by the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date the retainer is payable. If the director elects to receive stock options, the number of options to be received is determined by dividing the dollar value of the annual retainer by the Black-Scholes value of an option on the date the retainer is payable.

Information included under the caption "Stock" Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in the Company's 2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

Information included under the captions "Corporate Governance—Independent Directors" and "Transactions with Related Persons" in the Company's 2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Information included under the caption "Audit Matters" in the Company's 2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
32


PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)(1)  The following financial statements and other information appear in Appendix "A" to this Report and are filed as a part hereof:

 
Selected Consolidated Financial Data.
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
 
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2015,
    2014 and 2013.
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
 
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules are not filed with this Report because the Schedules are either inapplicable or the required information is presented in the Financial Statements or Notes thereto.

(a)(3) The following Exhibits are incorporated by reference into or are filed with this Report:
 
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Charter of the Company, adopted on April 28, 1986 and amended on September 7, 1988, May 31, 1989 and January 15, 1999 (incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2011).
 
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, adopted on March 14, 1990 and amended on July 29, 1993, July 26, 2007 and July 23, 2008 (incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2011).
 
10.1
 
Trust under Astec Industries, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Plan, dated January 1, 1996 (incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995). *
 
10.2
 
Astec Industries, Inc. 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Appendix A of the Company's Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders). *
  10.3    Astec Industries, Inc. 1998 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999). *
  10.4    Amendment Number 1 to Astec Industries, Inc. 1998 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Incentive Plan, dated March 15, 2005 (incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 15, 2005). *
 
33


    
 
10.5
 
Amendment Number 2 to the Astec Industries, Inc. 1998 Non-Employee Directors Stock Incentive Plan, dated February 21, 2006 (incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 27, 2006). *
 
10.6
 
Amendment Number 3 to the Astec Industries, Inc. 1998 Non-Employee Directors Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008). *
 
10.7
 
Astec Industries, Inc. 2006 Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Appendix A of the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders). *
 
10.8
 
Amendment Number 1 to Astec Industries, Inc. 2006 Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).*
 
10.9
 
Astec Industries, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended and restated through January 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008). *
 
10.10
 
Amendment One to the Amended and Restated Astec Industries, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan effective October 21, 2010 (incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010). *
 
10.11
 
Astec Industries, Inc. 2011 Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Appendix A of the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders). *
 
10.12
 
Amendment to Appendix A of the Astec Industries, Inc. Supplemental Executive Plan effective August 1, 2011 (incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2011). *
 
 
10.13
 
Amendment to Appendix A of the Astec Industries, Inc. Supplemental Executive Plan effective November 1, 2011 (incorporate by reference from the company's Annual Report on form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011). *
 
10.14
 
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2012, between Astec Industries, Inc. and Certain of its Subsidiaries and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2012).
 
10.15
 
Amendment to Appendix A of the Astec Industries, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective February 28, 2013 (incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2013). *
 
10.16
 
Amendment to "Appendix A" of the Astec Industries, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective April 25, 2013 (incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2013). *
 
10.17
 
Amendment to "Appendix A" of the Astec Industries, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective October 24, 2013 (incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2013). *
 
10.18
 
Amendment to "Appendix A" of the Astec Industries, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective July 24, 2014 (incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2014). *
 
10.19
 
Amendment to "Appendix A" of the Astec Industries, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective July 23, 2015 (incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2015). *
34


    
 
21
 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
 
23.1
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
23.2
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Astec Industries, Inc. pursuant Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002.
 
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Astec Industries, Inc. pursuant Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002.
 
32
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Astec Industries, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002.
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
        
 
*
 
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
        

(b)
The Exhibits to this Report are listed under Item 15(a)(3) above.
(c)
The Financial Statement Schedules to this Report are listed under Item 15(a)(2) above.

The Exhibits are numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K.  Inapplicable Exhibits are not included in the list.

35


APPENDIX "A"
to
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

ITEMS 6, 7, 7A, 8, 9A and 15(a)(1), (2) and (3) and 15(b) and 15(c)

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
 FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


ASTEC INDUSTRIES, INC.



Contents
 
Page
 
     
Selected Consolidated Financial Data
   
A-3
 
         
Supplementary Financial Data
   
A-4
 
         
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
   
A-5
 
         
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
   
A-20
 
         
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms
   
A-21
 
         
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014
   
A-24
 
         
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
   
A-25
 
         
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
   
A-26
 
         
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
   
A-27
 
         
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
   
A-29
 
         
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
A-30
 
         
Comparison of 5-Year Cumulative Total Return
   
A-52
 

A-1
















FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A-2



SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
(in thousands, except as noted*)

   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Consolidated Statement of Income Data
                   
Net sales
 
$
983,157
   
$
975,595
   
$
932,998
   
$
936,273
   
$
908,641
 
Gross profit
   
218,843
     
215,316
     
207,119
     
207,951
     
211,533
 
Gross profit %
   
22.3
%
   
22.1
%
   
22.2
%
   
22.2
%
   
23.3
%
Selling, general and administrative
expenses
   
145,180
     
141,490
     
133,337
     
136,323
     
132,371
 
Research and development
   
23,676
     
22,129
     
18,101
     
20,520
     
20,764
 
Income from operations
   
49,987
     
51,697
     
55,681
     
51,108
     
58,398
 
Interest expense
   
1,611
     
720
     
423
     
339
     
190
 
Other income (expense), net
   
3,055
     
1,207
     
1,937
     
1,783
     
1,082
 
Net income from continuing operations
   
31,966
     
34,206
     
39,214
     
34,210
     
40,440
 
Income from discontinued operations,
 net of tax
   
--
     
--
     
--
     
3,401
     
225
 
Gain on sale of subsidiary, net of tax
   
--
     
--
     
--
     
3,378
     
--
 
Net income
   
31,966
     
34,206
     
39,214
     
40,989
     
40,665
 
Net income attributable to controlling
 interest
   
32,797
     
34,458
     
39,042
     
40,828
     
40,563
 
Earnings per common share*:
                                       
Net income attributable to controlling
 interest from continuing operations
                                       
Basic
   
1.43
     
1.51
     
1.72
     
1.50
     
1.79
 
Diluted
   
1.42
     
1.49
     
1.69
     
1.48
     
1.76
 
Income from discontinued operations
                                       
Basic
   
--
     
--
     
--
     
0.30
     
0.01
 
Diluted
   
--
     
--
     
--
     
0.29
     
0.01
 
Net income attributable to controlling
 interest
                                       
Basic
   
1.43
     
1.51
     
1.72
     
1.80
     
1.80
 
Diluted
   
1.42
     
1.49
     
1.69
     
1.77
     
1.76
 
                                         
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
                                       
Working capital
 
$
399,785
   
$
388,862
   
$
385,680
   
$
355,336
   
$
330,519
 
Total assets
   
777,353
     
802,265
     
749,291
     
728,783
     
719,481
 
Short-term debt
   
--
     
2,814
     
--
     
--
     
--
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
   
4,528
     
1,027
     
34
     
--
     
--
 
Long-term debt, less current maturities
   
5,154
     
7,061
     
510
     
--
     
--
 
Total equity
   
609,858
     
596,152
     
577,311
     
547,534
     
528,098
 
Cash dividends declared per common
 share*
   
0.40
     
0.40
     
0.30
     
1.00
     
--
 
Book value per diluted common share
 at year-end*
   
26.30
     
25.62
     
24.85
     
23.68
     
22.95
 

A-3



SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL DATA
(in thousands, except as noted*)

Quarterly Financial Highlights
(Unaudited)
 
First
Quarter
   
Second Quarter
   
Third
Quarter
   
Fourth Quarter
 
                 
2015          Net sales
 
$
288,748
   
$
268,042
   
$
211,350
   
$
215,017
 
Gross profit
   
66,045
     
62,233
     
45,138
     
45,427
 
Net income
   
14,917
     
11,658
     
1,958
     
3,433
 
Net income attributable to controlling interest
   
15,105
     
11,805
     
2,292
     
3,595
 
Earnings per common share*
                               
Net income attributable to controlling interest:
                               
Basic
   
0.66
     
0.51
     
0.10
     
0.16
 
Diluted
   
0.65
     
0.51
     
0.10
     
0.16
 
                                 
2014          Net sales
 
$
238,673
   
$
277,256
   
$
220,157
   
$
239,509
 
Gross profit
   
56,757
     
62,178
     
43,261
     
53,120
 
Net income
   
9,547
     
14,489
     
1,766
     
8,404
 
Net income attributable to controlling interest
   
9,545
     
14,497
     
1,916
     
8,500
 
Earnings per common share*
                               
Net income attributable to controlling interest:
 
                               
Basic
   
0.42
     
0.64
     
0.08
     
0.37
 
Diluted
   
0.41
     
0.63
     
0.08
     
0.37
 
                                 
                                 
Common Stock Price*
                               
2015 High
 
$
43.85
   
$
45.48
   
$
43.78
   
$
$41.99
 
2015 Low
   
33.90
     
40.64
     
33.02
     
30.76
 
                                 
2014 High
 
$
46.00
   
$
44.27
   
$
44.97
   
$
$41.09
 
2014 Low
   
35.07
     
38.00
     
36.45
     
34.28
 

The Company's common stock is traded in the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol ASTE. Prices shown are the high and low sales prices as announced by the Nasdaq National Market. The Company paid quarterly dividends of $0.10 per common share to shareholders in each quarter of 2014 and 2015. As determined by the proxy search on the record date for the Company's 2015 annual shareholders' meeting, the number of holders of record is approximately 270.
A-4


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollar and share amounts in thousands, except per share amounts, unless otherwise specified)

The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements. For additional information regarding forward-looking statements, see "Forward-looking Statements" on page A-18.
Overview

Astec Industries, Inc. (the "Company") is a leading manufacturer and seller of equipment for the road building, aggregate processing, geothermal, water, oil and gas, and wood processing industries. The Company's businesses:

·
design, engineer, manufacture and market equipment used in each phase of road building, including quarrying and crushing the aggregate, mobile bulk and material handling solutions, producing asphalt or concrete, recycling old asphalt or concrete and applying the asphalt;

·
design, engineer, manufacture and market additional equipment and components, including equipment for geothermal drilling, oil and natural gas drilling, industrial heat transfer, wood chipping and grinding, and wood pellet processing; and

·
manufacture and sell replacement parts for equipment in each of its product lines.

Astec Industries, Inc. consists of 19 companies: 15 manufacturing companies, 2 companies that operate as dealers for the manufacturing companies, a captive insurance company and the parent company.  The companies fall within three reportable operating segments: the Infrastructure Group, the Aggregate and Mining Group and the Energy Group. The Infrastructure Group is made up of five business units, three of which design, engineer, manufacture and market a complete line of asphalt plants, asphalt pavers, wood pellet plants and related components and ancillary equipment. The two remaining companies in the Infrastructure Group primarily sell, service and install equipment produced by the manufacturing subsidiaries of the Company with the majority of sales to the infrastructure industry.  The Aggregate and Mining Group consists of eight business units that design, manufacture and market heavy equipment and parts in the aggregate, metallic mining, quarrying, recycling, ports and bulk handling industries. The Energy Group consists of four business units that design, manufacture and market heaters, drilling rigs, concrete plants, wood chippers and grinders, pump trailers, storage equipment and related parts to the oil and gas, construction, and water well industries. The Company also has one other category, Corporate, that contains the business units that do not meet the requirements for separate disclosure as a separate operating segment or inclusion in one of the other reporting segments. The business units in the Corporate category are Astec Insurance Company ("Astec Insurance" or "the captive") and Astec Industries, Inc., the parent company. These two companies provide support and corporate oversight for all the companies that fall within the reportable operating segments.

The Company's financial performance is affected by a number of factors, including the cyclical nature and varying conditions of the markets it serves. Demand in these markets fluctuates in response to overall economic conditions and is particularly sensitive to the amount of public sector spending on infrastructure development, privately funded infrastructure development, changes in the price of crude oil, which affects the cost of fuel and liquid asphalt, and changes in the price of steel.

The Company believes that federal highway funding influences the purchasing decisions of the Company's customers, who are typically more comfortable making capital equipment purchases with long-term federal legislation in place. Federal funding provides for approximately 25% of all highway, street, roadway and parking construction in the United States.
A-5



In July 2012, the "Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act" ("Map-21") was approved by the U.S. federal government, which authorized $105 billion of federal spending on highway and public transportation programs through fiscal year 2014. In August 2014, the U.S. government approved short-term funding of $10.8 billion through May 2015. Federal transportation funding operated on short-term appropriations until December 4, 2015 when the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act ("FAST Act") was signed into law. The $305 billion FAST Act approved funding for highways of approximately $205 billion and transit projects of approximately $48 billion for the five-year period ending September 30, 2020. The Company believes a multi-year highway program (such as the FAST Act) will have the greatest positive impact on the road construction industry and allow its customers to plan and execute longer-term projects, but given the inherent uncertainty in the political process, the level of governmental funding for federal highway projects will similarly continue to be uncertain. Governmental funding that is committed or earmarked for federal highway projects is always subject to repeal or reduction. Although continued funding under the FAST Act is expected, it may be at lower levels than originally approved. In addition, Congress could pass legislation in future sessions that would allow for the diversion of previously appropriated highway funds for other purposes, or it could restrict funding of infrastructure projects unless states comply with certain federal policies. The level of future federal highway construction is uncertain and any future funding may be at levels lower than those currently approved or that have been approved in the past.

The public sector spending described above is needed to fund road, bridge and mass transit improvements. The Company believes that increased funding is unquestionably needed to restore the nation's highways to a quality level required for safety, fuel efficiency and mitigation of congestion. In the Company's opinion, amounts needed for such improvements are significantly greater than amounts approved to date, and funding mechanisms such as the federal usage fee per gallon of gasoline, which is still at the 1993 level of 18.4 cents per gallon, would likely need to be increased along with other measures to generate the funds needed.

In addition to public sector funding, the economies in the markets the Company serves, the price of oil and its impact on customers' purchasing decisions and the price of steel may each affect the Company's financial performance. Economic downturns generally result in decreased purchasing by the Company's customers, which, in turn, causes reductions in sales and increased pricing pressure on the Company's products. Rising interest rates also typically negatively impact customers' attitudes toward purchasing equipment. The Federal Reserve has maintained historically low interest rates in response to the economic downturn which began in 2009; however, the Federal Reserve raised the Federal Funds Rate in late 2015 and may implement additional increases in 2016.

Significant portions of the Company's revenues from the Infrastructure Group relate to the sale of equipment involved in the production, handling, recycling or installation of asphalt mix. Liquid asphalt is a by-product of oil production. An increase or decrease in the price of oil impacts the cost of asphalt, which is likely to alter demand for asphalt and therefore affect demand for certain Company products. While increasing oil prices may have a negative financial impact on many of the Company's customers, the Company's equipment can use a significant amount of recycled asphalt pavement, thereby mitigating the effect of increased oil prices on the final cost of asphalt for the customer. The Company continues to develop products and initiatives to reduce the amount of oil and related products required to produce asphalt mix. Oil price volatility makes it difficult to predict the costs of oil-based products used in road construction such as liquid asphalt and gasoline. Oil prices in 2015 were stable throughout the first half of the year and fell for the last half of the year. Minor fluctuations in oil prices should not have a significant impact on customers' buying decisions. Other factors such as political uncertainty in oil producing countries, interruptions in oil production due to disasters, whether natural or man-made, or other economic factors could significantly impact oil prices which could negatively impact demand for the Company's products. However, the Company believes the approval of the FAST Act federal highway bill in December 2015 has a greater potential to impact the buying decisions of the Company's customers than does the fluctuation of oil prices in 2016.

Contrary to the impact of oil prices on many of the Company's Infrastructure Group products as discussed above, the products manufactured by the Energy Group, which are used in drilling for oil and natural gas, in heaters for refineries and oil sands, and in double fluid pump trailers for fracking and oil and gas extraction, would benefit from higher oil and natural gas prices, to the extent that such higher prices lead to increased development in the oil and natural gas production industries. The Company believes further development of domestic oil and natural gas production capabilities is needed and would positively impact the domestic economy and the Company's business.
A-6



Steel is a major component in the Company's equipment. Steel prices declined significantly during the majority of 2015 due in large part to the decrease in primary steel making materials. Pricing declines appear to have levelled off in late 2015, and the Company anticipates seasonal price increases during the first six months of 2016. The Company continues to utilize forward-looking contracts coupled with advanced steel purchases to minimize the impact of fluctuations in steel prices. The Company will continue to review the trends in steel prices entering into the second half of 2016 and establish future contract pricing accordingly.

In addition to the factors stated above, many of the Company's markets are highly competitive, and its products compete worldwide with a number of other manufacturers and dealers that produce and sell similar products. From 2010 through mid-2012, a weak U.S. dollar, combined with improving economic conditions in certain foreign economies, had a positive impact on the Company's international sales. In 2014 and 2015, the U.S. dollar strengthened against many foreign currencies which had a negative effect on pricing in certain foreign markets the Company serves. The Company expects the U.S. dollar to remain strong in the near term relative to most foreign currencies. Increasing domestic interest rates or weakening economic conditions abroad could cause the U.S. dollar to continue to strengthen, which could negatively impact the Company's international sales.

In the United States and internationally, the Company's equipment is marketed directly to customers as well as through dealers. During 2015, approximately 75% to 80% of equipment sold by the Company was sold directly to the end user. The Company expects this ratio to remain relatively consistent through 2016.

The Company is operated on a decentralized basis with a complete management team for each operating subsidiary. Finance, insurance, legal, shareholder relations, corporate accounting and other corporate matters are primarily handled at the corporate level (i.e., Astec Industries, Inc., the parent company). The engineering, design, sales, manufacturing and basic accounting functions are handled at each individual subsidiary. Standard accounting procedures are prescribed and followed in all reporting.

The non-union employees of each subsidiary have the opportunity to earn profit-sharing incentives in the aggregate of up to 10% of each subsidiary's after-tax profit if the subsidiary meets established goals. For 2015, these goals are based on the subsidiary's return on capital employed, cash flow on capital employed and safety. The profit-sharing incentives for subsidiary presidents and corporate officers are normally paid from a separate formula-driven pool based on the same key performance indicators used in the employee incentive plan. The profit-sharing key performance indicators for 2016 and thereafter for the non-union employees of each subsidiary, as well as subsidiary presidents and corporate officers, will be based on return on capital employed, EBITDA margin and safety.

Results of Operations: 2015 vs. 2014

Net Sales
Net sales increased $7,562 or 0.8% to $983,157 in 2015 from $975,595 in 2014. Sales are generated primarily from new equipment purchases made by customers for use in construction of privately funded infrastructure, public sector spending on infrastructure and sales of equipment for the aggregate, mining, quarrying and recycling markets and for oil and gas and geothermal industries.

Domestic sales for 2015 were $722,287 or 73.5% of net sales compared to $654,231 or 67.1% of net sales for 2014, an increase of $68,056 or 10.4%. The overall increase in domestic sales for 2015 compared to 2014 reflects the strengthening economic conditions for the Company's products in the domestic market.

International sales for 2015 were $260,870 or 26.5% of net sales compared to $321,364 or 32.9% of net sales for 2014, a decrease of $60,494 or 18.8%. The Company experienced a challenging market for its products internationally in 2015 compared to 2014 caused by competitive pressures due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar as we compete with local manufacturers that do not price their products based on the U.S. dollar, the decline in oil prices and the slowdown in the global mining industry. Sales reported by the Company would have been $17,536 higher had 2015 foreign exchange rates been the same as 2014 rates. The Company continues its efforts to grow its international business by increasing its presence in the markets it serves.

Parts sales as a percentage of net sales increased 90 basis points to 27.0% in 2015 from 26.1% in 2014. In U.S. dollars, parts sales increased 4.1% to $265,092 in 2015 from $254,747 in 2014.
A-7


Gross Profit
Gross profit as a percentage of sales remained relatively flat at 22.3% in 2015 as compared to 22.1% in 2014. In U.S. dollars, gross profit increased 1.6% to $218,843 in 2015 from $215,316 in 2014.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Selling, general and administrative expense for 2015 was $145,180 or 14.8% of net sales compared to $141,490 or 14.5% of net sales for 2014, an increase of $3,690 or 2.6%. The increase in selling, general and administrative expense over 2014 was due to an increase in payroll and related expense of $2,148, an increase of $2,873 in repairs and maintenance, primarily for repairs on Company airplanes, and an increase in computer expense of $2,087, offset by a reduction in ConExpo expense of $3,162.

Research and Development
Research and development expenses increased $1,547 or 7.0% to $23,676 in 2015 from $22,129 in 2014. During 2015, the Company continued its focus on research and development spending for new products as well as improvements to existing product lines and adaptation of those products to other markets.

Interest Expense
Interest expense in 2015 increased $891 or 123.8%, to $1,611 from $720 in 2014. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to the utilization of credit facilities in Brazil to finance equipment purchases and operations of the new manufacturing facility.

Interest Income
Interest income decreased $880 or 61.9% to $542 in 2015 from $1,422 in 2014. The decrease was due to the Company agreeing to defer interest payments on a customer's purchase of the first wood pellet processing plant produced by the Company until amortization of the financing begins. Interest income received from pellet plant financing was $622 in 2014.

Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net was $3,055 in 2015 compared to $1,207 in 2014, an increase of $1,848 or 153.1% due to $1,204 of income from key-man life insurance policies in 2015 resulting from the death of the Company's Chairman (and former CEO).

Income Tax
Income tax expense for 2015 was $20,007, compared to $19,400 for 2014. The effective tax rates for 2015 and 2014 were 38.5% and 36.2%, respectively. The effective tax rate increased in 2015 over the 2014 effective tax rate due primarily to the tax effect of weakening foreign currencies and reductions in domestic tax credits for research and development. The tax benefit of the weakening foreign currency was recognized in other comprehensive income and not in income tax expense.

Net Income Attributable To Controlling Interest
The Company had net income attributable to controlling interest of $32,797 in 2015 compared to $34,458 in 2014, a decrease of $1,661, or 4.8%. Earnings per diluted share decreased $0.07 to $1.42 in 2015 from $1.49 in 2014. Weighted average diluted shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were 23,120 and 23,105, respectively. The increase in shares outstanding is primarily due to the granting of restricted stock units.

Backlog
The backlog of orders at December 31, 2015 was $313,291 compared to $332,051 at December 31, 2014, a decrease of $18,760, or 5.6%. The decrease in the backlog of orders was due to a decrease in international backlog of $55,595 or 50.7% offset by an increase in domestic backlog of $36,835 or 16.6%. The Infrastructure Group backlog increased $56,640 or 38.5% from 2014. The Infrastructure Group backlog includes $60,249 in 2015 and $59,275 in 2014 for a three-line pellet plant order for one customer with an expected sale date in 2017. An additional pellet plant order for $29,273 for a second pellet plant customer is in the 2015 backlog with an estimated sale date in the first half of 2016. The Infrastructure Group experienced an increase in order activity for asphalt equipment in the latter part of 2015 which the Company believes to be due to the passage of the federal highway funding bill, the FAST Act, on December 4, 2015. The increased backlog for the Infrastructure Group was offset by a decrease in backlog for the Aggregate and Mining Group of $15,305 and a decrease in the Energy Group backlog from 2014 of $60,095. Both of these group's continue to be negatively impacted by competitive pricing issues in many foreign countries due to the strength of the U.S. dollar compared to foreign currencies, and reduced demand for equipment in mining and oil and gas industries. The Company is unable to determine whether the decrease in backlogs was experienced by the industry as a whole.
A-8




Net Sales by Segment

   
2015
   
2014
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Infrastructure Group
 
$
428,737
   
$
386,356
   
$
42,381
     
11.0
%
Aggregate and Mining Group
   
370,813
     
384,883
     
(14,070
)
   
(3.7
%)
Energy Group
   
183,607
     
204,356
     
(20,749
)
   
(10.2
%)

Infrastructure Group: Sales in this group increased to $428,737 in 2015 compared to $386,356 in 2014, an increase of $42,381 or 11.0%. Domestic sales for the Infrastructure Group increased 24.2% in 2015 compared to 2014 due to a release of some of the pent-up demand from the lack of a long-term federal highway bill for most of 2015. International sales for the Infrastructure Group decreased 25.7% in 2015 compared to 2014. The decrease in international sales was due primarily to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to the currencies in many of the countries in which the Company operates. Sales reported by the Company's foreign subsidiaries in this group, would have been $4,872 higher had 2015 foreign exchange rates been the same as 2014 rates. The decrease in international sales for the Infrastructure Group occurred mainly in Russia, Australia and South America, offset by an increase in sales in the Middle East, Canada and other European countries. Parts sales for the Infrastructure Group increased 16.7% in 2015 compared to 2014. The Company believes the increase in parts sales from 2014 to 2015 was due in part to customers' decisions to repair existing equipment instead of purchasing new equipment in response to the lack of a long-term federal highway bill for the majority of 2015. The Company also believes a portion of the increase in parts sales was attributed to sales of replacement parts for our competitors' equipment.

Aggregate and Mining Group: Sales in this group were $370,813 in 2015 compared to $384,883 in 2014, a decrease of $14,070 or 3.7%. Domestic sales for the Aggregate and Mining Group increased 7.4% in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to improved demand related to infrastructure projects. International sales for the Aggregate and Mining Group decreased 17.6% in 2015 compared to 2014. The decrease in international sales is due to the strength of the U.S. dollar compared to the currencies in many of the countries in which the Company operates and the continuing slowdown in the mining industry. The decrease in international sales for the Aggregate and Mining Group occurred primarily in Canada, China, Brazil, South America, Central America, Russia and other Asian countries. Sales reported by the Company's foreign subsidiaries in this group, would have been $12,664 higher had 2015 foreign exchange rates been the same as 2014 rates. Parts sales for the Aggregate and Mining Group decreased 1.1% in 2015 compared to 2014.

Energy Group: Sales in this group were $183,607 in 2015 compared to $204,356 in 2014, a decrease of $20,749 or 10.2%. Domestic sales for the Energy Group decreased 10.7% in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to a decline in product demand resulting from the decline in oil prices. International sales for the Energy Group decreased 8.5% in 2015 compared to 2014. The decrease in international sales was due primarily to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar in 2015 and a severe reduction in oil production and exploration brought on by the near collapse of the price of oil. The decrease in international sales occurred in South America, Canada and Africa, offset by increased sales in Australia and Russia. Parts sales for the Energy Group decreased 12.7% in 2015 compared to 2014.

Segment Profit (Loss)

   
2015
   
2014
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Infrastructure Group
 
$
33,890
   
$
29,477
   
$
4,413
     
15.0
%
Aggregate and Mining Group
   
30,690
     
32,900
     
(2,210
)
   
(6.7
%)
Energy Group
   
3,609
     
10,316
     
(6,707
)
   
(65.0
%)
Corporate
   
(36,623
)
   
(35,270
)
   
(1,353
)
   
(3.8
%)

Infrastructure Group: Profit for this group was $33,890 for 2015 compared to $29,477 for 2014, an increase of $4,413 or 15.0%. This group's profits were impacted by an increase in gross profit of $12,532 on a $42,381 increase in sales offset by a $2,045 increase in computer related expense and a $3,117 increase in payroll and related expenses.
A-9



Aggregate and Mining Group: Profit for this group was $30,690 in 2015 compared to $32,900 in 2014, a decrease of $2,210 or 6.7%. This group's profits were negatively impacted by a decrease in gross profit of $2,477 on a reduction in sales of $14,070 in 2015 compared to 2014.

Energy Group: Profit for this group was $3,609 in 2015 compared to profit of $10,316 in 2014, a decrease of $6,707 or 65.0%. This group's profits were negatively impacted by a reduction of $7,226 in gross margins resulting from a $20,749 reduction in sales.

Corporate: Net corporate expenses were $36,623 in 2015 as compared to $35,270 in 2014, an increase of $1,353, due to increases in U.S. federal income taxes and airplane repairs and maintenance costs offset by an increase in other income from key-man life insurance policies resulting from the death of the Company's Chairman (and former CEO).

Results of Operations: 2014 vs. 2013

Net Sales
Net sales increased $42,597 or 4.6% to $975,595 in 2014 from $932,998 in 2013. Sales are generated primarily from new equipment purchases made by customers for use in construction for privately funded infrastructure and public sector spending on infrastructure as well as equipment for the aggregate, mining, quarrying and recycling markets and for the oil and gas and geothermal industries. 2014 sales include $23,781 sales of Telestack Limited, located in Northern Ireland, which was acquired in April 2014.

Domestic sales for 2014 were $654,231 or 67.1% of net sales compared to $599,054 or 64.2% of net sales for 2013, an increase of $55,180 or 9.2%. The overall increase in domestic sales for 2014 compared to 2013 reflects the strengthening economic conditions for the Company's products in the domestic market.

International sales for 2014 were $321,364 or 32.9% of net sales compared to $333,944 or 35.8% of net sales for 2013, a decrease of $12,580 or 3.8%. International sales decreased due to the economic uncertainties and political unrest in several countries in which the Company markets its products as well as a strengthening U.S. dollar against many foreign currencies. The Company continues its efforts to grow its international business by increasing its presence in the markets it serves.

Parts sales as a percentage of net sales decreased 40 basis points to 26.1% in 2014 from 26.5% in 2013. In U.S. dollars, parts sales increased 3.2% to $254,747 in 2014 from $246,905 in 2013.

Gross Profit
Gross profit as a percentage of sales remained relatively flat at 22.1% in 2014 vs. 22.2% in 2013.  In U.S. dollars, gross profit increased 4.0% to $215,316 in 2014 from $207,119 in 2013.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Selling, general and administrative expenses for 2014 were $141,490 or 14.5% of net sales compared to $133,337 or 14.3% of net sales for 2013, an increase of $8,153 or 6.1%. The increase in selling, general and administrative expense was due to an increase in expense related to the ConExpo Show of $3,451 and an increase in payroll and related expense of $3,974 from 2013.

Research and Development
Research and development expenses increased $4,029 or 22.3% to $22,129 in 2014 from $18,100 in 2013. During 2014, the Company increased research and development spending for new products as well as improvements to existing product lines and adaptation of those products to other markets.

Interest Expense
Interest expense in 2014 increased $297 or 70.2%, to $720 from $423 in 2013. The increase in interest expense in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily related to utilization of credit facilities in Brazil to finance operations of a new manufacturing facility and purchase of related equipment.

Interest Income
Interest income increased $375 or 35.7% to $1,422 in 2014 from $1,047 in 2013. The increase was primarily due to interest received related to the Company's financing of a customer's purchase of the first wood pellet processing plant produced by the Company.
A-10



Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net was $1,207 in 2014 compared to $1,937 in 2013, a decrease of $730 or 37.7% due to a decrease in investment income as a result of the Company using its short-term investments to fund the acquisition of Telestack Limited in April 2014.

Income Tax
Income tax expense for 2014 was $19,400, compared to $19,028 for 2013. The effective tax rates for 2014 and 2013 were 36.2% and 32.7%, respectively. The effective tax rate increase for 2014 over the effective rate in 2013 was due to an increase in state income tax as well as an increase in valuation allowances, other permanent differences and a decrease in research and development tax credits.

Net Income Attributable To Controlling Interest
The Company had net income attributable to controlling interest of $34,458 in 2014 compared to $39,042 in 2013, a decrease of $4,584, or 11.7%. Earnings per diluted share decreased $0.20 to $1.49 in 2014 from $1.69 in 2013. Weighted average diluted shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were 23,105 and 23,081, respectively. The increase in shares outstanding is primarily due to the granting of restricted stock units.

Backlog
The backlog of orders at December 31, 2014 was $332,051 compared to $298,193 at December 31, 2013, an increase of $33,858, or 11.4%. The backlog for 2013 has been adjusted to reflect the addition of Telestack Limited to the Company.  The increase in the backlog of orders was due to an increase in domestic backlog of $21,731 or 10.8% and an increase in international backlog of $12,127 or 12.4%. The Infrastructure Group backlog increased $10,070 or 7.3% from 2013. Included in the Infrastructure Group backlog is $59,275 for a three-line pellet plant order for one customer. The backlog at December 31, 2013 included $20,800 for the first line of the order. Without this order, the Infrastructure backlog would have decreased $28,404 or 24.4% from 2013. The decrease in backlog is attributed to customers' uncertainty around long-term federal highway funding. The Energy Group backlog increased $46,972 or 97.7% from 2013 due in part to the receipt of a large order in late 2014 for an international customer. The Aggregate and Mining Group backlog decreased $23,184 or 20.5% from 2013 due in part to a custom order received in late 2013 for a large crushing, screening and wash plant for a domestic customer.  The Company is unable to determine whether the increase in backlogs was experienced by the industry as a whole.

Net Sales by Segment

   
2014
   
2013
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Infrastructure Group
 
$
386,356
   
$
398,399
   
$
(12,043
)
   
(3.0
%)
Aggregate and Mining Group
   
384,883
     
350,514
     
34,369
     
9.8
%
Energy Group
   
204,356
     
184,085
     
20,271
     
11.0
%

Infrastructure Group: Sales in this group decreased to $386,356 in 2014 compared to $398,399 in 2013, a decrease of $12,043 or 3.0%. Domestic sales for the Infrastructure Group decreased 1.5% in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to customers' uncertainty around long-term federal highway funding. International sales for the Infrastructure Group decreased 6.9% in 2014 compared to 2013. The decrease in international sales was due primarily to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar in 2014 and political unrest in certain countries. The decrease in international sales for the Infrastructure Group occurred mainly in Australia and the Post-Soviet States. Parts sales for the Infrastructure Group increased 10.0% in 2014 compared to 2013. The Company believes the increase in parts sales from 2013 to 2014 was due in part to customers' decisions to repair existing equipment instead of purchasing new equipment in response to the lack of a long-term federal highway bill.  The Company also believes a portion of the increase in parts sales was attributed to sales of replacement parts for our competitors' equipment.

Aggregate and Mining Group: Sales in this group were $384,883 in 2014 compared to $350,514 in 2013, an increase of $34,369 or 9.8%. Domestic sales for the Aggregate and Mining Group increased 20.0% in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to improving economic conditions and improved demand related to infrastructure, particularly in the oil and gas producing regions of the country. International sales for the Aggregate and Mining Group decreased 0.9% in 2014 compared to 2013. The decrease in international sales for the Aggregate and Mining Group would have been 14.8% without the acquisition of Telestack Limited in April 2014. The decrease in international sales occurred primarily in Canada, Africa and Mexico. Parts sales for the Aggregate and Mining Group decreased 2.3% in 2014 compared to 2013.
A-11



Energy Group: Sales in this group were $204,356 in 2014 compared to $184,085 in 2013, an increase of $20,271 or 11.0%. Domestic sales for the Energy Group increased 18.0% in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to the rebound of the construction, recycling and biomass energy markets as well as the improved market for energy related processing equipment. International sales for the Energy Group decreased 6.6% in 2014 compared to 2013. The decrease in international sales was due primarily to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar in 2014 and political unrest in certain countries. The decrease in international sales occurred in the Post-Soviet States and Africa. Parts sales for the Energy Group increased 1.7% in 2014 due to the increase in sales to the wood grinding market.

Segment Profit (Loss)

   
2014
   
2013
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Infrastructure Group
 
$
29,477
   
$
32,814
   
$
(3,337
)
   
(10.2
%)
Aggregate and Mining Group
   
32,900
     
33,031
     
(131
)
   
(0.4
%)
Energy Group
   
10,316
     
4,005
     
6,311
     
157.6
%
Corporate
   
(35,270
)
   
(30,367
)
   
(4,903
)
   
(16.1
%)

Infrastructure Group: Profit for this group was $29,477 for 2014 compared to $32,814 for 2013, a decrease of $3,337 or 10.2%. This group's profits were negatively impacted by a decrease of $2,170 in gross profit as a result of a decrease in sales of $12,043, and an increase in ConExpo-related expenses of $1,633.
 
Aggregate and Mining Group: Profit for this group was $32,900 in 2014 compared to $33,031 in 2013, a decrease of $131 or 0.4%. This group's profits were favorably impacted by an increase of $4,129 in gross profit for 2014 as a result of the $34,369 increase in sales from 2013 offset by increased expenses including amortization expense due to acquisition accounting of $1,785 and ConExpo expense of $1,218.

Energy Group: Profit for this group was $10,316 in 2014 compared to profit of $4,005 in 2013, an increase of $6,311 or 157.6%. This group's profits were favorably impacted by an increase of $9,044 or 26.7% in gross profit during 2014 driven by an increase in sales of $20,271 from 2013 and an increase in gross margins from 18.4% in 2013 to 21.0% in 2014 offset by increases in ConExpo expense of $622 and other selling expenses of $1,792.

Corporate: Net corporate expenses were $35,270 in 2014 as compared to $30,307 in 2013, an increase of $4,903, due to increased U.S. federal income taxes and increased payroll costs associated with the January 1, 2014 restructuring of the Company's upper management. Additionally, other income included in this category also declined significantly due to reduced investment income.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company's primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are its cash on hand, borrowing capacity under a $100,000 revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. ("Wells Fargo") and cash flows from operations. The Company had $25,062 (of which $15,301 was held by our foreign subsidiaries) of cash available for operating purposes at December 31, 2015. The Company had no borrowings outstanding under its credit facility with Wells Fargo at December 31, 2015. The Company had outstanding letters of credit of $17,684 and borrowing availability of $82,316 under the credit facility as of December 31, 2015. During 2015, the highest amount of outstanding borrowings at any time under the facility was $8,007. Borrowings under the agreement are subject to an interest rate equal to the daily one-month LIBOR rate plus a 0.75% margin, resulting in a rate of 1.18% at December 31, 2015.

The Company's South African subsidiary, Osborn Engineered Products SA (Pty) Ltd ("Osborn"), has a bank overdraft facility of $6,123 to finance short-term working capital needs, as well as to cover performance letters of credit, advance payment and retention guarantees. As of December 31, 2015, Osborn had $686 in retention guarantees outstanding under the facility. The facility is guaranteed by Astec Industries, Inc. The overdraft's 0.75% unused facility fee is waived if 50% or more of the facility is utilized. As of December 31, 2015, Osborn had available credit under the facility of $5,437. The interest rate is 0.25% less than the South Africa prime rate, resulting in a rate of 9.50% as of December 31, 2015.
A-12



The Company's Brazilian subsidiary, Astec do Brasil Fabricacao de Equipamentos Ltda. ("Astec Brazil"), has outstanding working capital loans totaling $8,281 from a Brazilian bank with interest rates ranging from 10.4% to 20.8%. The loans have maturity dates ranging from December 2016 to April 2024 and are secured by letters of credit totaling $8,674 issued by Astec Industries, Inc. Additionally, Astec Brazil has various 5-year equipment financing loans outstanding with other Brazilian banks in the aggregate of $1,401 as of December 31, 2015 that have interest rates ranging from 3.5% to 16.3%. These equipment loans have maturity dates ranging from September 2018 to April 2020. Astec Brazil's loans are included in the accompanying balance sheets as current maturities of long-term debt of $4,528 and long-term debt of $5,154.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

   
2015
   
2014
   
Increase /
Decrease
 
Net income
 
$
31,966
   
$
34,206
   
$
(2,240
)
Depreciation and amortization
   
24,078
     
24,376
     
(298
)
Provision for warranties
   
13,743
     
12,796
     
947
 
Deferred income tax benefits
   
(2,569
)
   
(2,544
)
   
(25
)
SERP distributions
   
(2,986
)
   
--
     
(2,986
)
Increase in receivables
   
3,163
     
(6,924
)
   
10,087
 
Increase in inventories
   
(6,499
)
   
(41,933
)
   
35,434
 
Increase in prepaid expenses
   
(3,016
)
   
(3,989
)
   
973
 
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
   
(11,409
)
   
10,755
     
(22,164
)
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable
   
(4,093
)
   
(1,136
   
(2,957
)
Increase (decrease) in customer deposits
   
(3,697
)
   
5,483
     
(9,180
)
Decrease in accrued product warranties
   
(14,177
)
   
(15,563
)
   
1,386
 
Other, net
   
6,362
     
3,336
     
3,026
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
30,866
   
$
18,863
   
$
12,003
 

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $12,003 in 2015 compared to 2014. The primary reasons for the increase in operating cash flows relate to cash provided by accounts receivable, inventory and prepaid expenses offset by cash used by accounts payable, customer deposits and income taxes payable.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

   
2015
   
2014
   
Increase /
Decrease
 
Expenditures for property and equipment
 
$
(21,202
)
 
$
(24,851
)
 
$
3,649
 
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
   
10,054
     
743
     
9,311
 
Business acquisition, net of cash acquired
   
178
     
(34,965
)
   
35,143
 
Sale (purchase) of investments
   
378
     
16,249
     
(15,871
)
Net cash used by investing activities
 
$
(10,592
)
 
$
(42,824
)
 
$
32,232
 

Net cash used by investing activities decreased by $32,232 in 2015 compared to 2014. The change is primarily due to the acquisition of Telestack, Ltd. in 2014, financed in part from the proceeds of selling the Company's short-term investments, and proceeds from the sale in 2015 of property and equipment of $10,054, primarily related to the closing of the Company's Astec Underground facility in Loudon, Tennessee.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

   
2015
   
2014
   
Increase /
Decrease
 
Payment of dividends
 
$
(9,193
)
 
$
(9,167
)
 
$
(26
)
Borrowings under bank loans
   
106,034
     
113,547
     
(7,513
)
Repayments of bank loans
   
(104,567
)
   
(103,188
)
   
(1,379
)
Other, net
   
1,664
     
1,248
     
416
 
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
 
$
(6,062
)
 
$
2,440
   
$
(8,502
)

A-13



Financing activities used cash of $6,062 in 2015 and provided cash of $2,440 in 2014 for a decrease of $8,502. The change is primarily due to debt repayments by the Company's Brazilian and South African subsidiaries as well as a decrease in new borrowings in 2015.

Approved capital expenditures for 2016 total $30,104. The Company expects to finance these expenditures using currently available cash balances, internally generated funds and available credit under the Company's credit facility. In the Company's Infrastructure Group, the Astec, Inc. subsidiary plans a $7,300 expansion to its building footprint to increase production capacity for pellet drums, asphalt equipment and its line of burners. The remaining budgeted capital expenditures are for various purchases of machinery and equipment, automobiles, and technology-related spending to meet the needs across all Company subsidiaries.

Financial Condition

The Company's current assets decreased to $541,797 at December 31, 2015 from $549,991 at December 31, 2014, a decrease of $8,194. The reduction is due to decreases in accounts receivable of $6,878, inventory of $3,059 and short-term deferred income tax assets of $14,817, offset by an increase in cash of $12,039.  The decrease in accounts receivable is due in part to the decline in sales in the Energy Group and the Aggregate and Mining Group as compared to 2014 levels. Days outstanding in accounts receivable for both groups were relatively flat from 2014 to 2015. Both the Energy and Aggregate and Mining groups experienced a challenging market internationally in 2015 compared to 2014 due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies. The Aggregate and Mining Group was also negatively impacted by the decline in the global mining industry. The domestic market was also slow for the products produced by the Energy Group in 2015 due to the decline in oil prices. Short-term deferred income tax assets decreased from 2014 to 2015 due to a change in presentation from 2014 to 2015 related to the Company's adoption of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-17 "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes". The standard requires all companies to classify deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts as in prior years. The Company adopted the standard prospectively for the period ended December 31, 2015 as allowed by the standard. Current deferred tax assets were $14,817 at December 31, 2014.

The Company's current liabilities decreased to $142,012 at December 31, 2015 from $161,129 at December 31, 2014, a decrease of $19,117. The decrease is primarily attributable to decreases in accounts payable of $12,602 and customer deposits of $5,004. The decrease in accounts payable is across all Groups.

Market Risk and Risk Management Policies

The Company is exposed to changes in interest rates, primarily from its revolving credit agreements. A hypothetical 100 basis point adverse move (increase) in interest rates would not have materially affected interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, due to minimal borrowings during the periods. The Company does not hedge variable interest.

The Company is subject to foreign exchange risk at its foreign operations. Foreign operations represent 17.1% and 19.3% of total assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and 10.4% and 12.4% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Each period the balance sheets and related results of operations of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are translated from their functional foreign currency into U.S. dollars for reporting purposes. As the U.S. dollar strengthens against those foreign currencies, the foreign denominated net assets and operating results become less valuable in the Company's reporting currency. When the U.S. dollar weakens against those currencies, the foreign denominated net assets and operating results become more valuable in the Company's reporting currency. At each reporting date, the fluctuation in the value of the net assets and operating results due to foreign exchange rate changes is recorded as an adjustment to other comprehensive income in equity. The Company views its investments in foreign subsidiaries as long-term and does not hedge the net investments in foreign subsidiaries.

From time to time the Company's foreign subsidiaries enter into transactions not denominated in their functional currency. In these situations, the Company evaluates the need to hedge those transactions against foreign currency rate fluctuations. When the Company determines a need to hedge a transaction, the subsidiary enters into a foreign currency exchange contract. The Company does not apply hedge accounting to these contracts and, therefore, recognizes the fair value of these contracts in the consolidated balance sheets and the change in the fair value of the contracts in current earnings.
A-14



Due to the limited exposure to foreign exchange rate risk, a 10% fluctuation in the foreign exchange rates at December 31, 2015 or 2014 would not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Contractual Obligations

Contractual obligations and the period in which payments are due as of December 31, 2015 are as follows:

   
Payments Due by Period
 
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
   
Less Than
1 Year
   
1 to 3 Years
   
3 to 5 Years
   
More Than
5 Years
 
Operating lease obligations
 
$
4,442
   
$
1,670
   
$
1,968
   
$
673
   
$
131
 
Inventory purchase obligations
   
4,308
     
3,124
     
1,184
     
--
     
--
 
Long-term debt obligations
   
9,682
     
4,528
     
3,882
     
561
     
711
 
Total
 
$
18,432
   
$
9,322
   
$
7,034
   
$
1,234
   
$
842
 

The above table excludes the Company's liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which totaled $603 at December 31, 2015, since the timing of cash settlements to the respective taxing authorities cannot be reliably predicted.

In 2015, the Company made contributions of approximately $284 to its pension plan, compared to $338 in 2014. The Company has no planned contributions to the pension plan in 2016. The Company's funding policy is to make at least the minimum annual contributions required by applicable regulations.

Contingencies

Management has reviewed all claims and lawsuits and has made adequate provision for any losses that can be reasonably estimated. Based upon currently available information and with the advice of counsel, management believes that the ultimate outcome of its current claims and legal proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, cash flows or results of operations. However, claims and legal proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties and rulings unfavorable to the Company could occur. If an unfavorable ruling were to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

Certain customers have financed purchases of the Company's products through arrangements in which the Company is contingently liable for customer debt aggregating $1,881 at December 31, 2015. These obligations have average remaining terms of 2.0 years. The Company has recorded a liability of $133 related to these guarantees at December 31, 2015.

The Company is contingently liable under letters of credit of approximately $19,006, primarily for performance guarantees to customers, banks or insurance carriers.

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2015 the Company does not have off-balance sheet arrangements as defined by Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

Environmental Matters

During 2004, the Company received notice from the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") that it may be responsible for a portion of the costs incurred in connection with an environmental cleanup in Illinois. The discharge of hazardous materials and associated cleanup relate to activities occurring prior to the Company's acquisition of Barber-Greene in 1986. The Company believes that over 300 other parties have received similar notice. At this time, the Company cannot predict whether the EPA will seek to hold the Company liable for a portion of the cleanup costs or the amount of any such liability. The Company has not recorded a liability with respect to this matter because no estimate of the amount of any such liability can be made at this time.
A-15



Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Application of these principles requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts as reported in the consolidated financial statements. Accounting policies that are critical to aid in understanding and evaluating the results of operations and financial position of the Company include the following:

Inventory Valuation: Inventories are valued at the lower of first-in first-out cost or market. The most significant component of the Company's inventories is steel. Open market prices, which are subject to volatility, determine the cost of steel for the Company. During periods when open market prices decline, the Company may need to reduce the carrying value of the inventory. In addition, certain items in inventory become obsolete over time, and the Company reduces the carrying value of these items to their net realizable value. These reductions are determined by the Company based on estimates, assumptions and judgments made from the information available at that time. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for a description of the process used by the Company to value inventories at the lower of first-in first-out cost or market. The Company does not believe it is reasonably likely that the inventory values will materially change in the near future.

Product Warranty Reserve: The Company accrues for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. Warranty obligations by product line or model are evaluated based on historical warranty claims experience. For machines, the Company's standard product warranty terms generally include post-sales support and repairs of products at no additional charge for periods ranging from three months to two years or up to a specified number of hours of operation. For parts from component suppliers, the Company relies on the original manufacturer's warranty that accompanies those parts. Generally, fabricated parts are not covered by specific warranty terms. Although failure of fabricated parts due to material or workmanship is rare, if it occurs, the Company's policy is to replace fabricated parts at no additional charge.

The Company engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of component suppliers. Estimated warranty obligations are based upon warranty terms, product failure rates, repair costs and current period machine shipments. If actual product failure rates, repair costs, service delivery costs or post-sales support costs differ from estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required. The Company does not believe it is reasonably likely that the warranty reserve will materially change in the near future.

Revenue Recognition: Revenue is generally recognized on sales at the point in time when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, the product has been delivered or services have been rendered and there is reasonable assurance of collection of the sales proceeds. The Company generally obtains purchase authorizations from its customers for a specified amount of product at a specified price with specified delivery terms. A significant portion of the Company's equipment sales represents equipment produced in the Company's plants under short-term contracts for a specific customer project or equipment designed to meet a customer's specific requirements. Most of the equipment sold by the Company is based on standard configurations, some of which are modified to meet customer needs or specifications. The Company provides customers with technical design and performance specifications and performs pre-shipment testing to ensure the equipment performs according to design specifications, regardless of whether the Company provides installation services in addition to selling the equipment.

Certain contracts include terms and conditions through which the Company recognizes revenues upon completion of equipment production, which is subsequently stored at the Company's plant at the customer's request. Revenue is recorded on such contracts upon the customer's assumption of title and risk of ownership and when collectability is reasonably assured. In addition, there must be a fixed schedule of delivery of the goods consistent with the customer's business practices, the Company must not have retained any specific performance obligations such that the earnings process is not complete and the goods must have been segregated from the Company's inventory prior to revenue recognition.
A-16



The Company has certain sales accounted for as multiple-element arrangements, whereby revenue attributable to the sale of a product is recognized when the product is shipped, and the revenue attributable to services provided with respect to the product (such as installation services) is recognized when the service is performed. Consideration is allocated to deliverables using the relative selling price method using vendor specific objective evidence, if it exists. Otherwise, the Company uses third-party evidence of selling price or the Company's best estimate of the selling price for the deliverables. The Company evaluates sales with multiple deliverable elements (such as an agreement to deliver equipment and related installation services) to determine whether revenue related to individual elements should be recognized separately, or as a combined unit. In addition to the previously mentioned general revenue recognition criteria, the Company only recognizes revenue on individual delivered elements when there is objective and reliable evidence that the delivered element has a determinable value to the customer on a standalone basis and there is no right of return.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Intangible assets are classified into two categories: (1) intangible assets with definite lives subject to amortization, and (2) goodwill. Intangible assets with definite lives are tested for impairment if conditions exist that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Risk factors that may be considered include an economic downturn in the general economy, a geographic market or the commercial and residential construction industries, a change in the assessment of future operations as well as the cyclical nature of our industry and the customization of the equipment we sell, each of which may cause adverse fluctuations in operating results. Other risk factors considered would be an increase in the price or a decrease in the availability of oil that could reduce the demand for our products in addition to the significant fluctuations in the purchase price of raw materials that could have a negative impact on the cost of production and gross margins as well as others more fully described in the Risk Factors section of our Form 10-K. An impairment charge is recorded when the carrying value of the definite lived intangible asset is not recoverable by the cash flows generated from the use of the asset. Some of the inputs used in the impairment testing are highly subjective and are affected by changes in business factors and other conditions. Changes in any of the inputs could have an effect on future tests and result in impairment charges.

Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that such intangible assets or goodwill might be impaired. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for a description of testing performed by the Company to determine if the recorded value of intangible assets or goodwill has been impaired.

The useful lives of identifiable intangible assets are determined after considering the specific facts and circumstances related to each intangible asset. Factors considered when determining useful lives include the contractual term of any agreement, the history of the asset, the Company's long-term strategy for the use of the asset, any laws or other local regulations which could impact the useful life of the asset, and other economic factors, including competition and specific market conditions. Intangible assets that are deemed to have definite lives are amortized, generally on a straight-line basis, over their useful lives, ranging from 3 to 15 years.

Income Taxes: The Company accounts for income taxes under the guidance of FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740-10, "Income Taxes". Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance that represents a reserve on deferred tax assets for which utilization is not more likely than not is recorded. Judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the valuation allowance recorded against net deferred tax assets.  Income tax contingency accruals are determined and recorded under the guidance of ASC Topic 740-10. Liabilities for uncertain income tax positions are based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step requires an estimate and measurement of the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as the Company must determine the probability of various possible outcomes. We reevaluate these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis or when new information becomes available. These reevaluations are based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, successfully settled issues under audit, expirations due to statutes, and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement could result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an increase to accrued taxes.
A-17



Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers", which supersedes existing revenue guidance under U.S. GAAP. The standard's core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The implementation of this new standard will require companies to use more judgment and to make more estimates than under current guidance. The standard, as amended, is effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company plans to adopt the new standard effective January 1, 2018. The Company has not yet determined what impact, if any, the adoption of this new standard will have on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory", which changes the measurement basis for inventory from the lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value and also eliminates the requirement for companies to consider replacement cost or net realizable value less an approximate normal profit margin when determining the recorded value of inventory. The standard is effective for public companies in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and the Company expects to adopt the standard effective January 1, 2017. The Company has not yet determined what impact, if any, the adoption of this new standard will have on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
 
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes", which requires all companies to classify deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. Also, companies will no longer allocate valuation allowances between current and noncurrent deferred tax assets because those allowances also will be classified as noncurrent. The standard is effective for public entities for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued. The Company's prospective adoption of this standard for the year ended December 31, 2015 did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

Forward-Looking Statements

This annual report contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements contained anywhere in this Annual Report that are not limited to historical information are considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, without limitation, statements regarding:

·
execution of the Company's growth and operation strategy;
·
plans for technological innovation;
·
compliance with covenants in our credit facility;
·
liquidity and capital expenditures;
·
sufficiency of working capital, cash flows and available capacity under the Company's credit facilities;
·
compliance with government regulations;
·
compliance with manufacturing and delivery timetables;
·
forecasting of results;
·
general economic trends and political uncertainty;
·
government funding and growth of highway construction and commercial projects;
·
taxes or usage fees;
·
interest rates;
·
integration of acquisitions;
·
industry trends;
·
pricing, demand and availability of steel, oil and liquid asphalt;
·
development of domestic oil and natural gas production;
·
condition of the economy;
·
strength of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies;
·
the success of new product lines;
A-18

·
presence in the international marketplace;
·
suitability of our current facilities;
·
future payment of dividends;
·
competition in our business segments;
·
product liability and other claims;
·
protection of proprietary technology;
·
demand for products;
·
future fillings of backlogs;
·
employees;
·
the seasonality of our business;
·
tax assets and reserves for uncertain tax positions;
·
critical accounting policies and the impact of accounting changes;
·
anticipated future operations in our Brazilian operations;
·
our backlog;
·
ability to satisfy contingencies;
·
contributions to retirement plans and plan expenses;
·
reserve levels for self-insured insurance plans and product warranties;
·
construction of new manufacturing facilities;
·
supply of raw materials; and
·
inventory


These forward-looking statements are based largely on management's expectations, which are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in this report and in other documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which may cause actual results, financial or otherwise, to be materially different from those anticipated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements included in this document are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "goal", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "may", "will", "should" and similar expressions.

In addition to the risks and uncertainties identified elsewhere herein and in other documents filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the risk factors described in this document under the caption "Risk Factors" should be carefully considered when evaluating our business and future prospects, including without limitation risks relating to: changes or delays in highway funding; rising interest rates; changes in oil prices; changes in steel prices; changes in the general economy; unexpected capital expenditures and decreases in liquidity; the timing of large contracts; production capacity; general business conditions in the industry; non-compliance with covenants in the Company's credit facilities; demand for the Company's products; and those other factors listed from time to time in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain of the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed above are more fully described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

A-19



ASTEC INDUSTRIES, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING



The management of Astec Industries, Inc. (the "Company") is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. The Company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.

Management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013). Based on its assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2015, the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective.

KPMG LLP, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an attestation report on the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015.
 
 
A-20



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Astec Industries, Inc.:

We have audited Astec Industries, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Astec Industries, Inc.'s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Astec Industries, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Astec Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015, and our report dated February 29, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Knoxville, Tennessee
February 29, 2016
A-21


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Astec Industries, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Astec Industries, Inc. as of December 31, 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2014. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Astec Industries, Inc. at December 31, 2014, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Chattanooga, Tennessee
March 2, 2015, except for paragraph 58 in Note 1,
as to which the date is February 29, 2016
A-22



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Astec Industries, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Astec Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Astec Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Astec Industries, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 29, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ KPMG LLP

Knoxville, Tennessee
February 29, 2016
A-23


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)
   
December 31
 
Assets
 
2015
   
2014
 
         
Current assets:
       
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
25,062
   
$
13,023
 
Investments
   
1,539
     
1,916
 
Trade receivables, net
   
98,865
     
105,743
 
Notes and other receivables
   
3,132
     
1,558
 
Inventories
   
384,776
     
387,835
 
Prepaid expenses
   
26,521
     
17,933
 
Deferred income tax assets
   
--
     
14,817
 
Other current assets
   
1,902
     
7,166
 
Total current assets
   
541,797
     
549,991
 
Property and equipment, net
   
170,206
     
187,610
 
Investments
   
11,540
     
11,393
 
Goodwill
   
30,835
     
31,995
 
Intangible assets, net
   
13,577
     
17,272
 
Deferred income tax assets
   
6,195
     
531
 
Other long-term assets
   
3,203
     
3,473
 
Total assets
 
$
777,353
   
$
802,265
 
                 
Liabilities and Equity
               
                 
Current liabilities:
               
Short-term debt
 
$
--
   
$
2,814
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
   
4,528
     
1,027
 
Accounts payable
   
48,385
     
60,987
 
Customer deposits
   
40,082
     
45,086
 
Accrued product warranty
   
9,100
     
10,032
 
Accrued payroll and related liabilities
   
17,375
     
17,265
 
Accrued loss reserves
   
2,838
     
3,050
 
Other accrued liabilities
   
19,704
     
20,868
 
Total current liabilities
   
142,012
     
161,129
 
Long-term debt
   
5,154
     
7,061
 
Deferred income tax liabilities
   
2,348
     
16,836
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
17,981
     
21,087
 
Total liabilities
   
167,495
     
206,113
 
                 
Equity:
               
Preferred stock - authorized 4,000 shares of $1.00 par value; none issued
   
--
     
--
 
Common stock – authorized 40,000 shares of $0.20 par value; issued
               
   and outstanding – 22,988 in 2015 and 22,930 in 2014
   
4,598
     
4,586
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
137,883
     
135,887
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(23,564
)
   
(12,915
)
Company shares held by SERP, at cost
   
(1,778
)
   
(2,929
)
Retained earnings
   
490,933
     
467,337
 
Shareholders' equity
   
608,072
     
591,966
 
Non-controlling interest
   
1,786
     
4,186
 
Total equity
   
609,858
     
596,152
 
Total liabilities and equity
 
$
777,353
   
$
802,265
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
A-24



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data)

   
Year Ended December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
Net sales
 
$
983,157
   
$
975,595
   
$
932,998
 
Cost of sales
   
764,314
     
760,279
     
725,879
 
Gross profit
   
218,843
     
215,316
     
207,119
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
145,180
     
141,490
     
133,337
 
Research and development expenses
   
23,676
     
22,129
     
18,101
 
Income from operations
   
49,987
     
51,697
     
55,681
 
Other income:
                       
Interest expense
   
1,611
     
720
     
423
 
Interest income
   
542
     
1,422
     
1,047
 
Other income (expense), net
   
3,055
     
1,207
     
1,937
 
Income before income taxes
   
51,973
     
53,606
     
58,242
 
Income taxes
   
20,007
     
19,400
     
19,028
 
Net income
   
31,966
     
34,206
     
39,214
 
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling
 interest
   
(831
)
   
(252
)
   
172
 
Net income attributable to controlling interest
 
$
32,797
   
$
34,458
   
$
39,042
 
                         
Earnings per Common Share:
                       
Net income attributable to controlling interest:
                       
Basic
 
$
1.43
   
$
1.51
   
$
1.72
 
Diluted
   
1.42
     
1.49
     
1.69
 
Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding:
                       
Basic
   
22,934
     
22,819
     
22,749
 
Diluted
   
23,120
     
23,105
     
23,081
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
A-25




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)



   
Year Ended December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
Net income
 
$
31,966
   
$
34,206
   
$
39,214
 
Other comprehensive loss:
                       
Change in unrecognized pension and post-retirement
 benefit costs
   
(178
)
   
(1,820
)
   
2,742
 
Tax (expense) benefit on change in unrecognized
   pension and post-retirement benefit costs
   
36
     
 
699
     
(974
 
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(13,848
)
   
(7,670
)
   
(8,821
)
Tax benefit on foreign currency translation adjustments
   
3,341
     
770
     
1,657
 
Other comprehensive loss
   
(10,649
)
   
(8,021
)
   
(5,396
)
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest
   
(1,603
)
   
(565
)
   
(236
)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest
 
$
22,920
   
$
26,750
   
$
34,054
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

A-26



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
   
Year Ended December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
           
Net income
 
$
31,966
   
$
34,206
   
$
39,214
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation
   
20,744
     
21,343
     
20,966
 
Amortization
   
3,334
     
3,033
     
1,299
 
Provision for doubtful accounts
   
18
     
1,011
     
629
 
Provision for warranties
   
13,743
     
12,796
     
12,199
 
Deferred compensation provision
   
241
     
74
     
601
 
Deferred income tax benefit
   
(2,559
)
   
(2,544
)
   
(2,220
)
Gain on disposition of fixed assets
   
(529
)
   
(306
)
   
(163
)
Tax expense (benefit) from stock incentive plans
   
(345
)
   
(586
)
   
8
 
Stock-based compensation
   
1,250
     
1,200
     
1,461
 
Distributions to SERP participants
   
(2,986
)
   
--
     
--
 
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Sale (purchase) of trading securities, net
   
(405
)
   
118
     
(1,350
)
Trade and other receivables
   
3,163
     
(6,924
)
   
(8,849
)
Inventories
   
(6,499
)
   
(41,933
)
   
(36,561
)
Prepaid expenses
   
(3,016
)
   
(3,989
)
   
(5,433
)
Other assets
   
(968
)
   
(4,763
)
   
(3,215
)
Accounts payable
   
(11,409
)
   
10,755
     
1,028
 
Customer deposits
   
(3,697
)
   
5,483
     
(5,436
)
Accrued product warranty
   
(14,177
)
   
(15,563
)
   
(10,163
)
Income taxes payable
   
(4,093
)
   
(1,136
   
(823
)
Accrued retirement benefit costs
   
24
     
(201
)
   
(324
)
Accrued loss reserves
   
103
     
305
     
199
 
Other accrued liabilities
   
3,576
     
3,289
     
1,085
 
Other
   
3,387
     
3,195
     
1,709
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
30,866
     
18,863
     
5,861
 
                         
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
                       
Business acquisition, net of cash acquired
   
178
     
(34,965
)
   
--
 
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
   
10,054
     
743
     
424
 
Expenditures for property and equipment
   
(21,202
)
   
(24,851
)
   
(27,673
)
Sale (purchase) of investments
   
378
     
16,249
     
(15,000
)
Net cash used by investing activities
   
(10,592
)
   
(42,824
)
   
(42,249
)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
A-27


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
   
Year Ended December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
           
Payment of dividends
 
$
(9,193
)
 
$
(9,167
)
 
$
(6,856
)
Borrowings under bank loans
   
106,034
     
113,547
     
--
 
Repayment of bank loans
   
(104,567
)
   
(103,188
)
   
--
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
72
     
282
     
112
 
Tax (expense) benefit from stock option exercise
   
345
     
586
     
(8
)
Sale (purchase) of shares of subsidiaries, net
   
(653
)
   
1,428
     
735
 
Sale (purchase) of company shares by SERP, net
   
2,084
     
(95
)
   
213
 
Withholding tax paid upon vesting of restricted
stock units
   
(600
)
   
(953
)
   
(782
)
Proceeds from cash surrender value of life insurance
   
416
     
--
     
--
 
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
   
(6,062
)
   
2,440
     
(6,586
)
Effect of exchange rates on cash
   
(2,173
)
   
(1,020
)
   
(2,391
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
12,039
     
(22,541
)
   
(45,365
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
   
13,023
     
35,564
     
80,929
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
 
$
25,062
   
$
13,023
   
$
35,564
 
                         
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
                       
Cash paid during the year for:
                       
Interest
 
$
1,651
   
$
476
   
$
229
 
Income taxes, net of refunds
 
$
29,573
   
$
23,027
   
$
20,331
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
A-28


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands)
   
Common
Stock
Shares
   
Common
Stock
Amount
   
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   
Company
Shares Held
by SERP
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Non-
Controlling
Interest
   
Total
Equity
 
Balance December 31, 2012
   
22,799
   
$
4,560
   
$
133,809
   
$
502
   
$
(2,855
)
 
$
409,874
   
$
1,644
   
$
547,534
 
Net income
                                           
39,042
     
172
     
39,214
 
Quarterly dividends ($0.10
   per share for 3 quarters)
                   
6
                     
(6,862
)
           
(6,856
)
Other comprehensive loss
                           
(5,396
)
                   
236
     
(5,160
)
Change in ownership
   percentage of subsidiary
                                                   
(802
)
   
(802
)
Capital contributed by
   minority shareholder
                                                   
2,385
     
2,385
 
Stock-based compensation
   
6
     
1
     
1,460
                                     
1,461
 
Exercise of stock options
   and RSU vesting,
   including tax benefit
   
54
     
11
     
93
                                     
104
 
Withholding tax on vested
   RSUs
                   
(782
)
                                   
(782
)
Sale of Company stock
   held by SERP, net
                   
144
             
69
                     
213
 
Balance December 31, 2013
   
22,859
     
4,572
     
134,730
     
(4,894
)
   
(2,786
)
   
442,054
     
3,635
     
577,311
 
Net income
                                           
34,458
     
(252
)
   
34,206
 
Quarterly dividends ($0.10
   per share for 4 quarters)
                   
8
                     
(9,175
)
           
(9,167
)
Other comprehensive loss
                           
(8,021
)
                   
565
     
(7,456
)
Change in ownership
   percentage of subsidiary
                                                   
(1,345
)
   
(1,345
)
Capital contributed by minority shareholder
                                                   
1,583
     
1,583
 
Stock-based compensation
   
5
     
1
     
1,199
                                     
1,200
 
Exercise of stock options
   and RSU vesting,
   including tax benefit
   
66
     
13
     
855
                                     
868
 
Withholding tax on vested
   RSUs
                   
(953
)
                                   
(953
)
Sale of Company stock
   held by SERP, net
                   
48
             
(143
)
                   
(95
)
Balance December 31, 2014
   
22,930
     
4,586
     
135,887
     
(12,915
)
   
(2,929
)
   
467,337
     
4,186
     
596,152
 
Net income
                                           
32,797
     
(831
)
   
31,966
 
Quarterly dividends ($0.10
   per share for 4 quarters)
                   
8
                     
(9,201
)
           
(9,193
)
Other comprehensive loss
                           
(10,649
)
                   
(772
)
   
(11,421
)
Change in ownership
   percentage of subsidiary
                                                   
(663
)
   
(663
)
Stock-based compensation
   
4
     
1
     
1,249
                                     
1,250
 
Exercise of stock options
   and RSU vesting,
   including tax benefit
   
54
     
11
     
406
                                     
417
 
Withholding tax on vested
   RSUs
                   
(600
)
                                   
(600
)
Sale of Company stock
   held by SERP, net
                   
933
             
1,151
                     
2,084
 
Other
                                                   
(134
)
   
(134
)
Balance December 31, 2015
   
22,988
   
$
4,598
   
$
137,883
   
$
(23,564
)
 
$
(1,778
)
 
$
490,933
   
$
1,786
   
$
609,858
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
A-29


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in thousands, except per share amounts unless otherwise specified)
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Astec Industries, Inc. and its domestic and foreign subsidiaries (the "Company"). The Company's significant wholly-owned and consolidated subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 are as follows:

Astec Australia Pty Ltd
Astec do Brasil Fabricacao de Equipamentos Ltda. (78% owned)
Astec, Inc.
Astec Insurance Company
Astec Mobile Machinery GmbH
Astec Mobile Screens, Inc.
Breaker Technology, Inc.
Breaker Technology Ltd.
Carlson Paving Products, Inc.
CEI Enterprises, Inc.
GEFCO, Inc.
Heatec, Inc.
Johnson Crushers International, Inc.
Kolberg-Pioneer, Inc.
Osborn Engineered Products SA (Pty) Ltd
Peterson Pacific Corp.
   (96% owned)
Roadtec, Inc.
Telestack Limited
Telsmith, Inc.

All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Foreign Currency Translation - Subsidiaries located in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Northern Ireland, and South Africa operate primarily using local functional currencies. Accordingly, assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated using exchange rates in effect at the end of the period, and revenues and costs are translated using average exchange rates for the period. The resulting adjustments are presented as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses, net are included in cost of sales and amounted to losses of $1,377, $1,971 and $522 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - For cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, other receivables, revolving debt and accounts payable, the carrying amount approximates the fair value because of the short-term nature of those instruments. Trading equity investments are valued at their estimated fair value based on their quoted market prices and debt securities are valued based upon a mix of observable market prices and model driven prices derived from a matrix of observable market prices for assets with similar characteristics obtained from a nationally recognized third party pricing service.

Financial assets and liabilities are categorized as of the end of each reporting period based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. The inputs used to measure the fair value are identified in the following hierarchy:

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; or unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.

Level 3 - Inputs reflect management's best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Consideration is given to the risk inherent in the valuation technique and the risk inherent in the inputs to the model.

All financial assets and liabilities held by the Company at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are classified as Level 1 or Level 2, as summarized in Note 3, Fair Value Measurements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents - All highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash and cash equivalents.
A-30


Investments - Investments consist primarily of investment-grade marketable securities. Trading securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses included in net income. Realized gains and losses are accounted for on the specific identification method. Purchases and sales are recorded on a trade date basis. Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of acquisition and reevaluates such determination at each balance sheet date.

Concentration of Credit Risk - The Company sells products to a wide variety of customers. Accounts receivable are carried at their outstanding principal amounts, less an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company extends credit to its customers based on an evaluation of the customers' financial condition generally without requiring collateral, although the Company normally requires advance payments or letters of credit on large equipment orders. Credit risk is driven by conditions within the economy and the industry and is principally dependent on each customer's financial condition. To minimize credit risk, the Company monitors credit levels and financial conditions of customers on a continuing basis. After considering historical trends for uncollectible accounts, current economic conditions and specific customer recent payment history and financial stability, the Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts at a level which management believes is sufficient to cover probable credit losses. Amounts are deemed past due when they exceed the payment terms agreed to by the customer in the sales contract. Past due amounts are charged off when reasonable collection efforts have been exhausted and the amounts are deemed uncollectible by management. As of December 31, 2015, concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited due to the wide variety of customers.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - The following table represents a rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

   
Year Ended December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
Allowance balance, beginning of year
 
$
2,248
   
$
1,708
   
$
2,143
 
Provision
   
18
     
1,011
     
629
 
Write offs
   
(357
)
   
(465
)
   
(1,042
)
Other
   
(72
)
   
(6
)
   
(22
)
Allowance balance, end of year
 
$
1,837
   
$
2,248
   
$
1,708
 

Inventories - The Company's inventory is comprised of raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods and used equipment.

Raw material inventory is comprised of purchased steel and other purchased items for use in the manufacturing process or held for sale for the after-market parts business. The category also includes the manufacturing cost of completed equipment sub-assemblies produced for either integration into equipment manufactured at a later date or for sale in the Company's after-market parts business.

Work-in-process inventory consists of the value of materials, labor and overhead incurred to date in the manufacturing of incomplete equipment or incomplete equipment sub-assemblies being produced.

Finished goods inventory consists of completed equipment manufactured for sale to customers.

Used equipment inventory consists of equipment accepted in trade or purchased on the open market. The category also includes equipment rented to prospective customers on a short-term or month-to-month basis. Used equipment is valued at the lower of acquired or trade-in cost or market determined on each separate unit. Each unit of rental equipment is valued at its original manufacturing cost and is reduced by an appropriate reserve each month during the period of time the equipment is rented.

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market, which requires the Company to make specific estimates, assumptions and judgments in determining the amount, if any, of reductions in the valuation of inventories to their net realizable values. The net realizable values of the Company's products are impacted by a number of factors, including changes in the price of steel, competitive sales pricing, quantities of inventories on hand, the age of the individual inventory items, market acceptance of the Company's products, the Company's normal gross margins, actions by our competitors, the condition of our used and rental inventory and general economic factors. Once an inventory item's value has been deemed to be less than cost, a net realizable value allowance is calculated and a new "cost basis" for that item is effectively established. This new cost is retained for that item until such time as the item is disposed of or the Company determines that an additional write-down is necessary. Additional write-downs may be required in the future based upon changes in assumptions due to general economic downturns in the markets in which the Company operates, changes in competitor pricing, new product design or other technological advances introduced by the Company or its competitors and other factors unique to individual inventory items.
A-31


The most significant component of the Company's inventory is steel. A significant decline in the market price of steel could result in a decline in the market value of the equipment or parts we sell. During periods of significant declining steel prices, the Company reviews the valuation of its inventories to determine if reductions are needed in the recorded value of inventory on hand to its net realizable value.

The Company reviews the individual items included in its finished goods, used equipment and rental equipment inventory on a model-by-model or unit-by-unit basis to determine if any item's net realizable value is below its carrying value. This analysis is expanded to include items in work-in-process and raw material inventory if factors indicate those items may also be impacted. In performing this review, judgments are made and, in addition to the factors discussed above, additional consideration is given to the age of the specific items of used or rental inventory, prior sales offers or lack thereof, the physical condition of the specific items and general market conditions for the specific items. Additionally, an analysis of raw material inventory is performed to calculate reserves needed for obsolete inventory based upon quantities of items on hand, the age of those items and their recent and expected future usage or sale.

When the Company determines that the value of inventory has become impaired through damage, deterioration, obsolescence, changes in price levels, excessive levels of inventory or other causes, the Company reduces the carrying value to estimated market value based on estimates, assumptions and judgments made from the information available at that time. Abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling cost and wasted materials are recognized as current period charges.

Property and Equipment - Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated for financial reporting purposes using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: airplanes (20 years), buildings (40 years) and equipment (3 to 10 years). Both accelerated and straight-line methods are used for tax compliance purposes. Routine repair and maintenance costs and planned major maintenance are expensed when incurred.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - The Company classifies intangible assets as either intangible assets with definite lives subject to amortization or goodwill.

The Company tests intangible assets with definite lives for impairment if conditions exist that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Such conditions may include an economic downturn in a geographic market or a change in the assessment of future operations. An impairment charge is recorded when the carrying value of the definite lived intangible asset is not recoverable by the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the use of the asset.

The Company determines the useful lives of identifiable intangible assets after considering the specific facts and circumstances related to each intangible asset. Factors considered when determining useful lives include the contractual terms of agreements, the history of the asset, the Company's long-term strategy for the use of the asset, any laws or other local regulations which could impact the useful life of the asset, and other economic factors, including competition and specific market conditions. Intangible assets that are deemed to have definite lives are amortized over their useful lives, ranging from 3 to 15 years.

Goodwill is not amortized. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. The tests utilize a two-step method at the reporting unit level. The Company's reporting units are typically defined as either subsidiaries or a combination of subsidiaries.

The first step of the goodwill impairment test compares book value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, with the unit's fair value. In this first step, the Company estimates the fair values of each of its reporting units that have goodwill using the income approach.

The income approach uses a reporting unit's projection of estimated future operating results and cash flows which are then discounted using a weighted average cost of capital determined based on current market conditions for the individual reporting unit. The projection uses management's best estimates of cash flows over the projection period based on estimates of annual and terminal growth rates in sales and costs, changes in operating margins, selling, general and administrative expenses, working capital requirements and capital expenditures.

The fair value of reporting units that do not have goodwill are estimated using either the income or market approaches, depending on which approach is to be the most appropriate for each reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting units that serve operating units in supporting roles, such as the captive insurance company and the corporate reporting unit are estimated using the cost approach. The sum of the fair values of all reporting units is compared to the fair value of the consolidated Company, calculated using the market approach, which is inferred from the market capitalization of the Company at the date of the valuation, to confirm that the Company's estimation of the fair value of its reporting units is reasonable.
A-32


If the book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an indication of possible goodwill impairment, the second step of the impairment test must be performed to determine the amount, if any, of goodwill impairment. In this second step, the total implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill is estimated by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all its assets, including any unrecognized intangible assets and liabilities other than goodwill. The difference between the total fair value of the reporting unit and the fair value of its assets and liabilities other than goodwill is the implied fair value of its goodwill. The amount of any impairment loss is equal to the excess, if any, of the book value of the goodwill over the implied fair value of its goodwill.

Determining the "step one" fair values of the Company's reporting units involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making these estimates and assumptions, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets - In the event that facts and circumstances indicate the carrying amounts of long-lived assets may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability is performed. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset are compared to the carrying amount for each asset (or group of assets) to determine if a write-down is required. If this review indicates that the assets will not be recoverable, the carrying values of the impaired assets are reduced to their estimated fair value. Fair value is estimated using discounted cash flows, prices for similar assets or other valuation techniques.

Self-Insurance Reserves - The Company retains the risk for a portion of its workers' compensation claims and general liability claims by way of a captive insurance company, Astec Insurance Company ("Astec Insurance" or "the captive"). Astec Insurance is incorporated under the laws of the state of Vermont. The objectives of Astec Insurance are to improve control over and reduce the cost of claims; to improve focus on risk reduction with the development of a program structure which rewards proactive loss control; and to ensure management participation in the defense and settlement process for claims.

For general liability claims, the captive is liable for the first $1,000 per occurrence and $3,000 per year in the aggregate. The Company carries general liability, excess liability and umbrella policies for claims in excess of amounts covered by the captive.

For workers' compensation claims, the captive is liable for the first $350 per occurrence and $1,000 per year in the aggregate. The Company utilizes a large national insurance company as third party administrator for workers' compensation claims and carries insurance coverage for claims liabilities in excess of amounts covered by the captive.

The financial statements of the captive are consolidated into the financial statements of the Company. The short-term and long-term reserves for claims and potential claims related to general liability and workers' compensation under the captive are included in accrued loss reserves or other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets depending on the expected timing of future payments. The undiscounted reserves are actuarially determined to cover the ultimate cost of each claim based on the Company's evaluation of the type and severity of individual claims and historical information, primarily its own claims experience, along with assumptions about future events. Changes in assumptions, as well as changes in actual experience, could cause these estimates to change in the future. However, the Company does not believe it is reasonably likely that the reserve level will materially change in the foreseeable future.

The Company is self-insured for health and prescription claims under its Group Health Insurance Plan at all but one of the Company's domestic manufacturing subsidiaries. The Company carries reinsurance coverage to limit its exposure for individual health claims above certain limits. Third parties administer health claims and prescription medication claims. The Company maintains a reserve for the self-insured health plan which is included in accrued loss reserves on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. This reserve includes both unpaid claims and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported, based on historical claims and payment experience. Historically the reserves have been sufficient to provide for claims payments. Changes in actual claims experience or payment patterns could cause the reserve to change, but the Company does not believe it is reasonably likely that the reserve level will materially change in the near future.

The remaining U.S. subsidiary is covered under a fully insured group health plan. Employees of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are insured under separate health plans. No reserves are necessary for these fully insured health plans.
A-33



Revenue Recognition - Revenue is generally recognized on sales at the point in time when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, the product has been delivered or services have been rendered and there is a reasonable assurance of collection of the sales proceeds. The Company generally obtains purchase authorizations from its customers for a specified amount of products at a specified price with specified delivery terms. A significant portion of the Company's equipment sales represents equipment produced in the Company's plants under short-term contracts for a specific customer project or equipment designed to meet a customer's specific requirements. Most of the equipment sold by the Company is based on standard configurations, some of which are modified to meet customer needs or specifications. The Company provides customers with technical design and performance specifications and performs pre-shipment testing to ensure the equipment performs according to design specifications, regardless of whether the Company provides installation services in addition to selling the equipment.

Certain contracts include terms and conditions pursuant to which the Company recognizes revenues upon completion of equipment production, which is subsequently stored at the Company's plant at the customer's request. Revenue is recorded on such contracts upon the customer's assumption of title and risk of ownership and when collectability is reasonably assured. In addition, there must be a fixed schedule of delivery of the goods consistent with the customer's business practices, the Company must not have retained any specific performance obligations such that the earnings process is not complete and the goods must have been segregated from the Company's inventory prior to revenue recognition.

The Company has certain sales accounted for as multiple-element arrangements, whereby revenue attributable to the sale of a product is recognized when the product is shipped, and the revenue attributable to services provided with respect to the product (such as installation services) is recognized when the service is performed. Consideration is allocated to deliverables using the relative selling price method using vendor specific objective evidence, if it exists. Otherwise, the Company uses third-party evidence of selling price or the Company's best estimate of the selling price for the deliverables. The Company evaluates sales with multiple deliverable elements (such as an agreement to deliver equipment and related installation services) to determine whether revenue related to individual elements should be recognized separately, or as a combined unit. In addition to the previously mentioned general revenue recognition criteria, the Company only recognizes revenue on individual delivered elements when there is objective and reliable evidence that the delivered element has a determinable value to the customer on a standalone basis and there is no right of return.

The Company presents in the statements of income any taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are directly imposed on revenue-producing transactions between the Company and its customers, such as sales, use, value-added and some excise taxes, on a net (excluded from revenue) basis.

Advertising Expense - The cost of advertising is expensed as incurred. The Company incurred $4,231, $3,657, and $3,770 in advertising costs during 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Income Taxes - Income taxes are based on pre-tax financial accounting income. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. The Company periodically assesses the need to establish valuation allowances against its deferred tax assets to the extent the Company no longer believes it is more likely than not that the tax assets will be fully utilized.

The Company evaluates a tax position to determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination, based upon the technical merits of the position. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is subject to a measurement assessment to determine the amount of benefit to recognize and the appropriate reserve to establish, if any. If a tax position does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, no benefit is recognized. The Company is periodically audited by U.S. federal and state as well as foreign tax authorities. While it is often difficult to predict final outcome or timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, the Company believes its reserve for uncertain tax positions is adequate to reduce the uncertain positions to the greatest amount of benefit that is more likely than not realizable.

Product Warranty Reserve - The Company accrues for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. Warranty obligations by product line or model are evaluated based on historical warranty claims experience. For equipment, the Company's standard product warranty terms generally include post-sales support and repairs of products at no additional charge for periods ranging from three months to two years or up to a specified number of hours of operation. For parts from component suppliers, the Company relies on the original manufacturer's warranty that accompanies those parts. Generally, Company fabricated parts are not covered by specific warranty terms. Although failure of fabricated parts due to material or workmanship is rare, if it occurs, the Company's policy is to replace fabricated parts at no additional charge.
A-34



The Company engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of our component suppliers. Estimated warranty obligations are based upon warranty terms, product failure rates, repair costs and current period machine shipments. If actual product failure rates, repair costs, service delivery costs or post-sales support costs differ from our estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability may be required.

Pension and Retirement Plans - The determination of obligations and expenses under the Company's pension plan is dependent on the Company's selection of certain assumptions used by independent actuaries in calculating such amounts. Those assumptions are described in Note 12, Pension and Retirement Plans and include among others, the discount rate, expected return on plan assets and the expected mortality rates. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, actual results that differ from assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect the recognized expense in such periods. Significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in the assumptions used may materially affect the pension obligations and future expenses.

The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of its pension plan as an asset or liability. Actuarial gains and losses, amortization of prior service cost (credit) and amortization of transition obligations are recognized through other comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur. The Company measures the funded status of its pension plan as of the date of the Company's fiscal year-end.

Stock-based Compensation - The Company recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for equity awards in the financial statements based on the grant date calculated fair value of the awards. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (the vesting period).

The Company is in the final stages of implementing a similar RSU plan using available shares under the existing, shareholder approved, 2011 Incentive Plan, for performance during 2016 through 2018.

Earnings Per Share - Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and diluted earnings per share includes potential dilutive effects of restricted stock units and shares held in the Company's supplemental executive retirement plan.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the number of shares used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

   
Year Ended December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
Denominator:
           
Denominator for basic earnings per share
   
22,934
     
22,819
     
22,749
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Employee stock options and restricted stock units
   
123
     
176
     
218
 
Supplemental executive retirement plan
   
63
     
110
     
114
 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share
   
23,120
     
23,105
     
23,081
 

Antidilutive options were not included in the diluted earnings per share computation for the years presented. The number of antidilutive options in the three years ended December 31, 2015 was not material.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities - The Company recognizes all derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets at their fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges are adjusted to fair value through income. If the derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of derivatives are either offset against the change in fair value of assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through income or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in income. The ineffective portion of a derivative's change in fair value is immediately recognized in income. From time to time the Company's foreign subsidiaries enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to mitigate exposure to fluctuation in currency exchange rates. See Note 13, Derivative Financial Instruments, regarding foreign exchange contracts outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Cost - The Company records revenues earned for shipping and handling as revenue, while the cost of shipping and handling is classified as cost of goods sold.
A-35


Business Combinations - The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method. Accordingly, intangible assets are recorded apart from goodwill if they arise from contractual or legal rights or if they are separable from goodwill. Related third party acquisition costs are expensed as incurred and contingent consideration is booked at its fair value as part of the purchase price.

Subsequent Events Review - Management has evaluated events occurring between December 31, 2015 and the date these financial statements were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for proper recording or disclosure therein.
 
Immaterial Correction of an Error - During 2015, the Company determined that certain income tax accounts were not properly stated.  The error totaled $3,200 and arose prior to 2012.  The accompanying financial statements have been adjusted to reflect a $3,200 reduction of retained earnings as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and a $3,200 reduction in prepaid expenses as of December 31, 2014.  The error had no impact on the Company's results of operations or net cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements - In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ('FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers", which supersedes existing revenue guidance under U.S. GAAP. The standard's core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The implementation of this new standard will require companies to use more judgment and to make more estimates than under current guidance. The standard, as amended, is effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company plans to adopt the new standard effective January 1, 2018. The Company has not yet determined what impact, if any, the adoption of this new standard will have on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory", which changes the measurement basis for inventory from the lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value and also eliminates the requirement for companies to consider replacement cost or net realizable value less an approximate normal profit margin when determining the recorded value of inventory. The standard is effective for public companies in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and the Company expects to adopt the standard effective January 1, 2017. The Company has not yet determined what impact, if any, the adoption of this new standard will have on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes", which requires all companies to classify deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. Also, companies will no longer allocate valuation allowances between current and noncurrent deferred tax assets because those allowances also will be classified as noncurrent.  The standard is effective for public entities for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company's prospective adoption of this standard for the year ended December 31, 2015 did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position.

2. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

   
December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Raw materials and parts
 
$
141,967
   
$
149,171
 
Work-in-process
   
113,859
     
105,163
 
Finished goods
   
104,879
     
102,235
 
Used equipment
   
24,071
     
31,266
 
Total
 
$
384,776
   
$
387,835
 

3. Fair Value Measurements

The Company has various financial instruments that must be measured at fair value on a recurring basis, including marketable debt and equity securities held by Astec Insurance, and marketable equity securities held in an unqualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"). The financial assets held in the SERP also constitute a liability of the Company for financial reporting purposes. The Company's subsidiaries also occasionally enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to mitigate exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
A-36



For cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, other receivables, revolving debt and accounts payable, the carrying amount approximates the fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Investments are carried at their fair value based on quoted market prices for identical or similar assets or, where no quoted prices exist, other observable inputs for the asset. The fair values of foreign currency exchange contracts are based on quotations from various banks for similar instruments using models with market based inputs.
 
As indicated in the tables below, the Company has determined that its financial assets and liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are level 1 and level 2 in the fair value hierarchy:

   
December 31, 2015
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Financial Assets:
               
Trading equity securities:
               
SERP money market fund
 
$
445
   
$
--
   
$
--
   
$
445
 
SERP mutual funds
   
2,864
     
--
     
--
     
2,864
 
Preferred stocks
   
742
     
--
     
--
     
742
 
Trading debt securities:
                               
Corporate bonds
   
3,756
     
141
     
--
     
3,897
 
Municipal bonds
   
--
     
1,811
     
--
     
1,811
 
Floating rate notes
   
84
     
--
     
--
     
84
 
U.S. Treasury bills
   
404
     
--
     
--
     
404
 
Savings bonds
   
77
     
--
     
--
     
77
 
Other government bonds
   
--
     
2,755
     
--
     
2,755
 
Derivative financial instruments
   
--
     
1,265
     
--
     
1,265
 
Total financial assets
 
$
8,372
   
$
5,972
   
$
--
   
$
14,344
 
Financial Liabilities:
                               
SERP liabilities
 
$
--
   
$
5,869
   
$
--
   
$
5,869
 
Total financial liabilities
 
$
--
   
$
5,869
   
$
--
   
$
5,869
 


   
December 31, 2014
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Financial Assets:
               
Trading equity securities:
               
SERP money market fund
 
$
532
   
$
--
   
$
--
   
$
532
 
SERP mutual funds
   
3,195
     
--
     
--
     
3,195
 
Preferred stocks
   
973
     
--
     
--
     
973
 
Trading debt securities:
                               
Corporate bonds
   
2,825
     
1,184
     
--
     
4,009
 
Municipal bonds
   
--
     
2,060
     
--
     
2,060
 
Floating rate notes
   
100
     
322
     
--
     
422
 
U.S. Treasury bills
   
622
     
--
     
--
     
622
 
Other government bonds
   
--
     
1,496
     
--
     
1,496
 
Derivative financial instruments
   
--
     
547
     
--
     
547
 
Total financial assets
 
$
8,247
   
$
5,609
   
$
--
   
$
13,856
 
Financial Liabilities:
                               
SERP liabilities
 
$
--
   
$
8,128
   
$
--
   
$
8,128
 
Total financial liabilities
 
$
--
   
$
8,128
   
$
--
   
$
8,128
 

The Company reevaluates the volume of trading activity for each of its investments at the end of each reporting period and adjusts the level within the fair value hierarchy as needed. Due to increased trading activity, $292 of investments included in Level 2 at December 31, 2014 were transferred to Level 1 at December 31, 2015. In addition, due to decreased trading activity, $141 of investments included in Level 1 at December 31, 2014 were transferred to Level 2 at December 31, 2015.
A-37



4. Investments

The Company's trading securities consist of the following:

   
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
(Net Carrying
Amount)
 
  December 31, 2015                
Trading equity securities
 
$
4,160
   
$
79
   
$
188
   
$
4,051
 
Trading debt securities
   
9,263
     
37
     
272
     
9,028
 
Total
 
$
13,423
   
$
116
   
$
460
   
$
13,079
 
  December 31, 2014                                
Trading equity securities
 
$
4,335
   
$
374
   
$
9
   
$
4,700
 
Trading debt securities
   
8,573
     
107
     
71
     
8,609
 
Total
 
$
12,908
   
$
481
   
$
80
   
$
13,309
 

Trading equity investments are valued at their estimated fair value based on their quoted market prices and trading debt securities are valued based upon a mix of observable market prices and model driven prices derived from a matrix of observable market prices for assets with similar characteristics obtained from a nationally recognized third party pricing service. Additionally, a significant portion of the trading equity securities are in equity money market and mutual funds and also comprise a portion of the Company's liability under its SERP. See Note 12, Pension and Retirement Plans, for additional information on these investments and the SERP.

Trading debt securities are comprised mainly of marketable debt securities held by Astec Insurance. Astec Insurance has an investment strategy that focuses on providing regular and predictable interest income from a diversified portfolio of high-quality fixed income securities.

Net unrealized gains or losses incurred on investments still held as of the end of each reporting period amounted to losses of $429 and $17 in 2015 and 2014, respectively, and a gain of $175 in 2013.

5. Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. Current U.S. accounting guidance provides that goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets be tested for impairment at least annually. The Company performs the required valuation procedures each year as of December 31 after the following year's forecasts are submitted and reviewed. The valuations performed in 2015, 2014 and 2013 indicated no impairment of goodwill.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reporting segment during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

   
Infrastructure
Group
   
Aggregate
and Mining
Group
   
Energy
Group
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Balance, December 31, 2013
 
$
8,719
   
$
6,338
   
$
--
   
$
--
   
$
15,057
 
Acquisition
   
--
     
18,256
     
--
     
--
     
18,256
 
Foreign currency translation
   
(135
)
   
(1,183
)
   
--
     
--
     
(1,318
)
Balance, December 31, 2014
   
8,584
     
23,411
     
--
     
--
     
31,995
 
Purchase price adjustment
   
--
     
(178
)
   
--
     
--
     
(178
)
Foreign currency translation
   
(103
)
   
(879
)
   
--
     
--
     
(982
)
Balance, December 31, 2015
 
$
8,481
   
$
22,354
   
$
--
   
$
--
   
$
30,835
 

A-38


6. Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014:

   
2015
   
2014
 
   
Gross Carrying
Value
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net Carrying
Value
   
Gross Carrying
Value
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net Carrying
Value
 
Dealer network and customer
  relationships
 
$
13,111
   
$
5,552
   
$
7,559
   
$
13,600
   
$
4,245
   
$
9,355
 
Trade names
   
4,857
     
956
     
3,901
     
4,984
     
645
     
4,339
 
Other
   
4,966
     
2,849
     
2,117
     
5,471
     
1,893
     
3,578
 
Total
 
$
22,934
   
$
9,357
   
$
13,577
   
$
24,055
   
$
6,783
   
$
17,272
 

Amortization expense on intangible assets was $2,953, $2,735 and $1,066 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Intangible asset amortization expense is expected to be $2,148, $2,012, $1,751, $1,223 and $1,140 in the years ending December 31, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively, and $5,303 thereafter.

7. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consist of the following:

   
December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Land
 
$
12,628
   
$
14,024
 
Building and land improvements
   
132,353
     
146,266
 
Manufacturing and office equipment
   
214,545
     
235,623
 
Aviation equipment
   
14,151
     
13,698
 
Less accumulated depreciation
   
(203,471
)
   
(222,001
)
Total
 
$
170,206
   
$
187,610
 

Depreciation expense was $20,744, $21,343 and $20,966 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

In October 2015, the Company recorded the sale of its Astec Underground facility for a net sales price of $9,599. The cost of closing the facility totaled $1,500, with $999 recorded in cost of sales and $501 in selling, general and administrative expenses in the year ended December 31, 2015.

8. Leases

The Company leases certain land, buildings and equipment for use in its operations under various operating leases. Total rental expense charged to operations under operating leases was approximately $2,786, $2,544 and $2,436 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Minimum rental commitments for all noncancelable operating leases at December 31, 2015 are as follows:

2016
 
$
1,670
 
2017
   
1,433
 
2018
   
535
 
2019
   
393
 
2020
   
280
 
Thereafter
   
131
 
   
$
4,442
 

A-39


9. Debt

On April 12, 2012, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an amended and restated credit agreement with Wells Fargo whereby Wells Fargo extended to the Company an unsecured line of credit of up to $100,000, including a sub-limit for letters of credit of up to $25,000. There were no outstanding revolving or term loan borrowings under the credit facility at December 31, 2015 or 2014. Letters of credit totaling $17,684 were outstanding under the credit facility as of December 31, 2015, resulting in additional borrowing ability of $82,316 on the credit facility as of December 31, 2015. The amended and restated agreement has a five-year term expiring in April 2017. Borrowings under the agreement are subject to an interest rate equal to the daily one-month LIBOR rate plus a 0.75% margin, resulting in a rate of 1.18% at December 31, 2015. The unused facility fee is 0.175%. Interest only payments are due monthly. The credit agreement contains certain financial covenants, including provisions concerning required levels of annual net income, minimum tangible net worth and maximum allowed capital expenditures. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2015.

The Company's South African subsidiary, Osborn Engineered Products SA (Pty) Ltd ("Osborn"), has a bank overdraft facility of $6,123 to finance short-term working capital needs, as well as to cover performance letters of credit, advance payment and retention guarantees. As of December 31, 2015, Osborn had $686 in retention guarantees outstanding under the facility. The facility is guaranteed by Astec Industries, Inc. The overdraft's 0.75% unused facility fee is waived if 50% or more of the facility is utilized. As of December 31, 2015, Osborn had available credit under the facility of $5,437. The interest rate is 0.25% less than the South Africa prime rate, resulting in a rate of 9.50% as of December 31, 2015.

The Company's Brazilian subsidiary, Astec do Brasil Fabricacao de Equipamentos Ltda. ("Astec Brazil"), has outstanding working capital loans totaling $8,281 from a Brazilian bank with interest rates ranging from 10.4% to 20.8%. The loans have maturity dates ranging from December 2016 to April 2024 and are secured by letters of credit totaling $8,674 issued by Astec Industries, Inc. Additionally, Astec Brazil has various five-year equipment financing loans outstanding with other Brazilian banks in the aggregate of $1,401 as of December 31, 2015 that have interest rates ranging from 3.5% to 16.3%. These equipment loans have maturity dates ranging from September 2018 to April 2020. Astec Brazil's loans are included in the accompanying balance sheets as current maturities of long-term debt of $4,528 and long-term debt of $5,154 as of December 31, 2015.

Long-term debt maturities are expected to be $4,528, $2,556, $1,326, $346 and $215 in the years ending December 31, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively, and $711 thereafter.

10.  Product Warranty Reserves

The Company warrants its products against manufacturing defects and performance to specified standards. The warranty period and performance standards vary by product, but generally range from three months to two years or up to a specified number of hours of operation. The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its warranties and records a liability at the time product sales are recorded. The warranty liability is primarily based on historical claim rates, nature of claims and the associated costs.

Changes in the Company's product warranty liability during 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
Reserve balance, beginning of year
 
$
10,032
   
$
12,716
   
$
11,052
 
Warranty liabilities accrued
   
13,743
     
12,796
     
12,199
 
Warranty liabilities settled
   
(14,177
)
   
(15,563
)
   
(10,171
)
Other
   
(498
)
   
83
     
(364
)
Reserve balance, end of year
 
$
9,100
   
$
10,032
   
$
12,716
 

11. Accrued Loss Reserves

The Company accrues reserves for losses related to known workers' compensation and general liability claims that have been incurred but not yet paid or are estimated to have been incurred but not yet reported to the Company. The undiscounted reserves are actuarially determined based on the Company's evaluation of the type and severity of individual claims and historical information, primarily its own claim experience, along with assumptions about future events. Changes in assumptions, as well as changes in actual experience, could cause these estimates to change in the future. Total accrued loss reserves at December 31, 2015 were $7,663 and $7,562 at December 31, 2014, of which $4,825 and $4,512 was included in other long-term liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
A-40

12. Pension and Retirement Plans
Prior to December 31, 2003, all employees of the Company's Kolberg-Pioneer, Inc. subsidiary were covered by a defined benefit pension plan. After December 31, 2003, all benefit accruals under the plan ceased and no new employees could become participants in the plan. Benefits paid under this plan are based on years of service multiplied by a monthly amount. The Company's funding policy for the plan is to make at least the minimum annual contributions required by applicable regulations.

The Company's investment strategy for the plan is to earn a rate of return sufficient to match or exceed the long- term growth of pension liabilities. The investment policy states that the Plan Committee in its sole discretion shall determine the allocation of plan assets among the following four asset classes: cash equivalents, fixed-income securities, domestic equities and international equities. The Plan Committee attempts to ensure adequate diversification of the invested assets through investment in an exchange traded mutual fund that invests in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds and money market securities.

The following provides information regarding benefit obligations, plan assets and the funded status of the plan:
 
   
Pension Benefits
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Change in benefit obligation
       
Benefit obligation, beginning of year
 
$
15,986
   
$
13,815
 
Interest cost
   
596
     
620
 
Actuarial (gain)/loss
   
(417
)
   
2,118
 
Benefits paid
   
(600
)
   
(567
)
Benefit obligation, end of year
   
15,565
     
15,986
 
Accumulated benefit obligation
 
$
15,565
   
$
15,986
 
Change in plan assets
               
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year
 
$
13,283
   
$
12,693
 
Actual gain/(loss) on plan assets
   
(279
)
   
819
 
Employer contribution
   
284
     
338
 
Benefits paid
   
(600
)
   
(567
)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year
   
12,688
     
13,283
 
Funded status, end of year
 
$
(2,877
)
 
$
(2,703
)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets
               
Noncurrent liabilities
 
$
(2,877
)
 
$
(2,703
)
Net amount recognized
 
$
(2,877
)
 
$
(2,703
)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
consist of
               
Net loss
 
$
6,098
   
$
5,896
 
Net amount recognized
 
$
6,098
   
$
5,896
 
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31
               
Discount rate
   
4.28
%
   
3.81
%
Expected return on plan assets
   
7.00
%
   
7.00
%
Rate of compensation increase
   
N/A
 
   
N/A
 

The measurement date used for the plan was December 31. In determining the expected return on plan assets, the historical experience of the plan assets, the current and expected allocation of the plan assets and the expected long-term rates of return were considered.

A-41

All assets in the plan are invested in an exchange traded mutual fund (level 1 in the fair value hierarchy). The allocation of assets within the mutual fund as of December 31 and the target asset allocation ranges by asset category are as follows:

 
Actual Allocation
   
2015 &
2014 Target
Allocation
Ranges
 
Asset Category
 
2015
   
2014
     
Equity securities
   
66.0
%
   
65.6
%
   
53 - 73
%
Debt securities
   
30.7
%
   
30.1
%
   
21 - 41
%
Money market funds
   
3.3
%
   
4.3
%
   
0 - 15
%
Total
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
       
 
Net periodic benefit cost for 2015, 2014 and 2013 included the following components:

   
Pension Benefits
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost
           
Interest cost
 
$
596
   
$
620
   
$
561
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(840
)
   
(816
)
   
(693
)
Amortization of actuarial loss
   
500
     
295
     
536
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
256
   
$
99
   
$
404
 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in
other comprehensive income
                       
Net actuarial (gain)/loss for the year
 
$
702
   
$
2,115
   
$
(2,109
)
Amortization of net loss
   
(500
)
   
(295
)
   
(536
)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income
   
202
     
1,820
     
(2,645
)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income
 
$
458
   
$
1,919
   
$
(2,241
)
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31
                       
Discount rate
   
3.81
%
   
4.60
%
   
3.82
%
Expected return on plan assets
   
7.00
%
   
7.00
%
   
7.00
%

No contributions are expected to be funded by the Company during 2016.

Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost in 2016 for the amortization of a net loss is $480.

The following estimated future benefit payments are expected in the years indicated:

   
Pension Benefits
 
2016
 
$
730
 
2017
   
730
 
2018
   
790
 
2019
   
840
 
2020
   
870
 
2021 - 2025
   
4,670
 

The Company sponsors a 401(k) defined contribution plan to provide eligible employees with additional income upon retirement. The Company's contributions to the plan are based on employee contributions. The Company's contributions totaled $5,292, $5,134 and $4,941 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
The Company maintains a SERP for certain of its executive officers. The plan is a non-qualified deferred compensation plan administered by the Board of Directors of the Company, pursuant to which the Company makes quarterly cash contributions of a certain percentage of executive officers' compensation. Investments are self-directed by participants and can include Company stock. Upon retirement, participants receive their apportioned share of the plan assets in the form of cash.

A-42

Assets of the SERP consist of the following:

 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Cost
 
Market
 
Cost
 
Market
 
Company stock
 
$
1,778
   
$
2,560
   
$
2,929
   
$
4,401
 
Equity securities
   
3,402
     
3,309
     
3,368
     
3,727
 
Total
 
$
5,180
   
$
5,869
   
$
6,297
   
$
8,128
 
 
The Company periodically adjusts the deferred compensation liability such that the balance of the liability equals the total fair market value of all assets held by the trust established under the SERP. Such liabilities are included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The equity securities are included in investments in the consolidated balance sheets and classified as trading equity securities. See Note 4, Investments, for additional information. The cost of the Company stock held by the plan is included as a reduction in shareholders' equity in the consolidated balance sheets.

The change in the fair market value of Company stock held in the SERP results in a charge or credit to selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income because the acquisition cost of the Company stock in the SERP is recorded as a reduction of shareholders' equity and is not adjusted to fair market value; however, the related liability is adjusted to the fair market value of the stock as of each period end. The Company recognized expense of $241, $74 and $601 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to the change in the fair value of the Company stock held in the SERP.

13. Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The primary risk managed by using derivative instruments is foreign currency risk. From time to time the Company's foreign subsidiaries enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to mitigate exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The fair value of the derivative financial instrument is recorded on the Company's balance sheet and is adjusted to fair value at each measurement date. The changes in fair value are recognized in the consolidated statements of income in the current period. The Company does not engage in speculative transactions nor does it hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The average U.S. dollar equivalent notional amount of outstanding foreign currency exchange contracts was $12,561 during 2015. At December 31, 2015, the Company reported $935 of derivative assets in other current assets, $330 of derivative assets in other long-term assets and $22 of derivative liabilities in other current liabilities. The Company reported $434 of derivative assets in other current assets and $113 of derivative assets in other long-term assets at December 31, 2014. The Company recognized, as a component of cost of sales, net gains on the change in fair value of derivative instruments of $606, $438 and $1,061 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. There were no derivatives that were designated as hedges at December 31, 2015 or 2014.

14. Income Taxes

For financial reporting purposes, income before income taxes includes the following components:

 
Year Ended December 31
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
United States
 
$
57,846
   
$
57,651
   
$
53,315
 
Foreign
   
(5,873
)
   
(4,045
)
   
4,927
 
Income before income taxes
 
$
51,973
   
$
53,606
   
$
58,242
 

A-43


The provision for income taxes consists of the following:

   
Year Ended December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
Current provision:
           
Federal
 
$
19,758
   
$
18,713
   
$
16,239
 
State
   
2,553
     
2,992
     
2,785
 
Foreign
   
255
     
243
     
2,664
 
Total current provision
   
22,566
     
21,948
     
21,688
 
Deferred benefit:
                       
Federal
   
(1,183
)
   
(1,627
)
   
(885
)
State
   
(275
)
   
(222
)
   
(923
)
Foreign
   
(1,101
)
   
(699
)
   
(852
)
Total deferred benefit
   
(2,559
)
   
(2,548
)
   
(2,660
)
Total provision (benefit):
                       
Federal
   
18,575
     
17,086
     
15,354
 
State
   
2,278
     
2,770
     
1,862
 
Foreign
   
(846
)
   
(456
)
   
1,812
 
Total tax provision
 
$
20,007
   
$
19,400
   
$
19,028
 

The Company's income tax provision is computed based on the domestic and foreign federal statutory rates and the average state statutory rates, net of related federal benefit.

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes. A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes at the statutory federal income tax rate to the amount provided is as follows:

   
Year Ended December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
Tax at the statutory federal income tax rate
 
$
18,191
   
$
18,762
   
$
20,385
 
Qualified production activity deduction
   
(1,174
)
   
(1,360
)
   
(1,395
)
State income tax, net of federal income tax
   
1,386
     
1,727
     
1,105
 
Other permanent differences
   
393
     
840
     
464
 
Research and development tax credits
   
(291
)
   
(1,323
)
   
(2,054
)
Change in valuation allowance
   
2,036
     
1,675
     
810
 
Other items
   
(534
)
   
(921
)
   
(287
)
Total tax provision
 
$
20,007
   
$
19,400
   
$
19,028
 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.

A-44


Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

   
December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Deferred tax assets:
       
Inventory reserves
 
$
6,696
   
$
6,539
 
Warranty reserves
   
2,774
     
2,988
 
Bad debt reserves
   
409
     
598
 
State tax loss carryforwards
   
3,006
     
2,377
 
Accrued vacation
   
2,055
     
2,060
 
SERP
   
275
     
1,231
 
Deferred compensation
   
1,328
     
1,255
 
Restricted stock units
   
1,893
     
2,256
 
Foreign exchange gains/losses
   
4,549
     
3,111
 
Pension and post-employment benefits
   
2,232
     
2,197
 
Foreign deferred tax assets
   
2,773
     
3,311
 
Foreign net operating losses
   
5,134
     
3,168
 
Other
   
3,460
     
3,267
 
Valuation allowances
   
(8,065
)
   
(6,029
)
Total deferred tax assets
   
28,519
     
28,329
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Property and equipment
   
17,616
     
19,394
 
Amortization
   
1,019
     
1,087
 
Goodwill
   
1,917
     
2,014
 
Pension
   
1,305
     
1,313
 
Foreign tax rate differential
   
--
     
2,236
 
Foreign deferred tax liabilities
   
2,815
     
3,820
 
Total deferred tax liabilities
   
24,672
     
29,864
 
Total net deferred assets (liabilities)
 
$
3,847
   
$
(1,535
)

In accordance with ASU No. 2015-17 Topic 740-10-65-4, the Company has prospectively adopted the early application of ASU No. 2015-17, thereby classifying all deferred taxes as noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities as of December 31, 2015. The reason for the change is to simplify the reporting of all deferred tax assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. The prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company has state net operating loss carryforwards of $66,501, foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $16,062, and state tax credit carryforwards of $864 for tax purposes, which will be available to offset future taxable income. If not used, these carryforwards will expire between 2016 and 2029. A significant portion of the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets relates to the future utilization of state and foreign net operating loss and state tax credit carryforwards. Future utilization of these net operating loss and state tax credit carryforwards is evaluated by the Company on a periodic basis and the valuation allowance is adjusted accordingly. In 2015, the valuation allowance on these carryforwards was increased by $2,111 due to uncertainty about whether certain entities will realize their state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards. The Company has also determined that the recovery of certain other deferred tax assets is uncertain. The valuation allowance for these deferred tax assets was decreased by $75 during 2015.

Undistributed earnings of the Company's Canadian subsidiary, Breaker Technology Ltd., and Northern Ireland subsidiary, Telestack Limited, are considered to be indefinitely reinvested; accordingly, no provision for U.S. federal and state income taxes has been provided thereon. Upon any future repatriation of their earnings, in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to additional U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits) and withholding taxes due to Canada may have to be paid. The cumulative amount of Breaker Technology, Ltd.'s unrecovered basis difference is $9,300 as of December 31, 2015. The cumulative amount of Telestack Limited's unrecovered basis difference is $1,000 as of December 31, 2015. The determination of the unrecognized deferred tax liability on the basis difference is not practical at this time.
A-45



The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and in various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by authorities for years prior to 2013. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by authorities for years prior to 2008.

The Company has a liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $603 and $2,585 (excluding accrued interest and penalties) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense. The Company recognized tax benefits of $123 and $107 in 2015 and 2014, respectively, for penalties and interest related to amounts that were settled for less than previously accrued. The net total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the Company's effective tax rate is $618 and $2,722 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company does not expect a significant increase or decrease to the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefits excluding interest and penalties is as follows:

   
Year Ended December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
Balance, beginning of year
 
$
2,585
   
$
1,933
   
$
2,095
 
Additions for tax positions related to the current year
   
206
     
127
     
102
 
Additions for tax positions related to prior years
   
549
     
525
     
128
 
Reductions due to lapse of statutes of limitations
   
(162
)
   
--
     
(149
)
Decreases related to settlements with tax authorities
   
(2,575
)
   
--
     
(243
)
Balance, end of year
 
$
603
   
$
2,585
   
$
1,933
 

The December 31, 2015 balance of unrecognized tax benefits includes no tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but the timing of such deductibility is uncertain. Accordingly, there is no impact to the deferred tax accounting for certain tax benefits.

15. Contingent Matters

Certain customers have financed purchases of Company products through arrangements in which the Company is contingently liable for customer debt of $1,881 at December 31, 2015. These arrangements expire at various dates through February 2019 and provide that the Company will receive the lender's full security interest in the equipment financed if the Company is required to fulfill its contingent liability under these arrangements. The Company has recorded a liability of $133 related to these guarantees as of December 31, 2015.

In addition, the Company is contingently liable under letters of credit issued by Wells Fargo totaling $17,684 as of December 31, 2015, including $8,674 of letters of credit guaranteeing certain Astec Brazil bank debt. The outstanding letters of credit expire at various dates through November 2017. As of December 31, 2015, Osborn is contingently liable for a total of $686 in retention guarantees. As of December 31, 2015, Astec Australia is contingently liable for a total of $18 in performance bank guarantees. As of December 31, 2015, Telestack is contingently liable for a total of $618 in performance bond, advance payment and performance guarantees. The maximum potential amount of future payments under these letters of credit and guarantees for which the Company could be liable is $19,006 as of December 31, 2015.

The Company is currently a party to various claims and legal proceedings that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. If management believes that a loss arising from such claims and legal proceedings is probable and can reasonably be estimated, the Company records the amount of the loss (excluding estimated legal fees) or the minimum estimated liability when the loss is estimated using a range and no point within the range is more probable than another. As management becomes aware of additional information concerning such contingencies, any potential liability related to these matters is assessed and the estimates are revised, if necessary. If management believes that a loss arising from such claims and legal proceedings is either (i) probable but cannot be reasonably estimated or (ii) reasonably possible but not probable, the Company does not record the amount of the loss, but does make specific disclosure of such matter. Based upon currently available information and with the advice of counsel, management believes that the ultimate outcome of its current claims and legal proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, cash flows or results of operations. However, claims and legal proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties and rulings unfavorable to the Company could occur.  If an unfavorable ruling were to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, cash flows or results of operations.
A-46



During 2004, the Company received notice from the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") that it may be responsible for a portion of the costs incurred in connection with an environmental cleanup in Illinois. The discharge of hazardous materials and associated cleanup relate to activities occurring prior to the Company's acquisition of Barber-Greene in 1986. The Company believes that over 300 other parties have received similar notices. At this time, the Company cannot predict whether the EPA will seek to hold the Company liable for a portion of the cleanup costs or the amount of any such liability. The Company has not recorded a liability with respect to this matter because no estimate of the amount of any such liability can be made at this time.

16. Shareholders' Equity

Beginning in 2006 and again in 2011, the Company implemented five-year plans to award key members of management restricted stock units ("RSUs") each year based upon annual financial performance of the Company and its subsidiaries. Each five-year plan allows up to 700 of newly issued shares of Company stock to be granted to employees. RSUs awarded under the Company's 2006 and 2011 Incentive Plans were granted shortly after the end of each year from 2006 through 2015 based upon the performance of the Company and its individual subsidiaries, with additional RSU's granted based upon cumulative five-year performance. Generally, each award vests at the end of five years from the date of grant, or at the time a recipient retires after reaching age 65, if earlier. The fair value of the RSUs that vested during 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $2,785, $3,045 and $2,405, respectively. The grant date tax benefit was increased (reduced) by $336, $470 and $(77), respectively, upon the vesting of RSUs in 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Compensation expense of $1,019, $961 and $1,231 was recorded in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, to reflect the fair value of RSUs granted (or anticipated to be granted for annual and five-year ended 2015 performance) less estimated forfeitures, amortized over the portion of the vesting period occurring during the period. Related income tax benefits of $362, $348 and $417 were recorded in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Based upon the grant date fair value of RSUs, it is anticipated that $2,016 of additional compensation costs will be recognized in future periods through 2021 for RSUs earned through December 31, 2015. The weighted average period over which this additional compensation cost will be expensed is 4.0 years. RSUs do not participate in Company paid dividends.

Changes in restricted stock units during the year ended December 31, 2015 are as follows:

   
2015
   
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Unvested restricted stock units, beginning of year
   
197
   
$
33.54
 
Units granted
   
22
     
42.77
 
Units forfeited
   
(6
)
   
39.63
 
Units vested
   
(66
)
   
28.70
 
Unvested restricted stock units, end of year
   
147
     
36.83
 

The grant date fair value of the restricted stock units granted during 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $937, $561 and $763, respectively.

17. Operations by Industry Segment and Geographic Area

The Company has three reportable segments, each of which is comprised of multiple business units that offer similar products and services and meet the requirements for aggregation. A brief description of each segment is as follows:

Infrastructure Group - This segment consists of five business units, three of which design, engineer, manufacture and market a complete line of portable, stationary and relocatable hot-mix asphalt plants, wood pellet plants, asphalt pavers, material transfer vehicles, stabilizers, milling machines, paver screeds and related ancillary equipment. The other two business units in this segment primarily operate as Company-owned dealers in the foreign countries in which they are domiciled.  These two business units sell, service and install products produced by the manufacturing subsidiaries of the Company, and a majority of their sales are to customers in the infrastructure industry.  The principal purchasers of the products produced by this group are asphalt producers, highway and heavy equipment contractors, wood pellet processors and foreign and domestic governmental agencies.
A-47



Aggregate and Mining Group - This segment consists of eight business units that design, engineer, manufacture and market a complete line of jaw crushers, cone crushers, horizontal shaft impactors, vertical shaft impactors, material handling, roll rock crushers and stationary rockbreaker systems, vibrating feeders and high frequency vibrating screens, conveyors, inclined, vertical and horizontal screens and sand classifying and washing equipment. The principal purchasers of products produced by this group are distributors, open mine operators, quarry operators, port and inland terminal operators, highway and heavy equipment contractors and foreign and domestic governmental agencies. This group includes the operations of Telestack Limited, which was acquired in April 2014.

Energy Group - This segment consists of four business units that design, engineer, manufacture and market a complete line of drilling rigs for the oil and gas, geothermal and water well industries, high pressure diesel pump trailers for fracking and cleaning oil and gas wells, a variety of industrial heaters to fit a broad range of applications including heating equipment for refineries, roofing material plants, chemical processing, rubber plants, oil sands and energy related processing, heat transfer processing equipment, thermal fluid storage tanks, waste heat recovery equipment, whole-tree pulpwood and biomass chippers and horizontal grinders. The principal purchasers of products produced by this group are oil, gas and water well drilling industry contractors, processors of oil, gas and biomass for energy production and contractors in the construction and demolition recycling markets.

Corporate - This category consists of business units that do not meet the requirements for separate disclosure as an operating segment or inclusion in one of the other reporting segments and includes the Company's parent company, Astec Industries, Inc., and Astec Insurance. The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources to its operating segments based on profit or loss from operations before U.S. federal income taxes and corporate overhead and thus these costs are included in the Corporate category.

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Intersegment sales and transfers are valued at prices comparable to those for unrelated parties.

Segment information for 2015
   
Infrastructure
Group
   
Aggregate
and Mining
Group
   
Energy
Group
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Revenues from  external customers
 
$
428,737
   
$
370,813
   
$
183,607
   
$
--
   
$
983,157
 
Intersegment revenues
   
22,947
     
28,701
     
16,010
     
--
     
67,658
 
Interest expense
   
258
     
1,005
     
10
     
338
     
1,611
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
6,907
     
10,719
     
5,553
     
899
     
24,078
 
Income taxes
   
1,224
     
764
     
(129
)
   
18,148
     
20,007
 
Profit (loss)
   
33,890
     
30,690
     
3,609
     
(36,623
)
   
31,566
 
                                         
Assets
   
567,936
     
496,089
     
256,978
     
306,511
     
1,627,514
 
Capital expenditures
   
8,043
     
8,807
     
4,049
     
389
     
21,288
 

Segment information for 2014
   
Infrastructure
Group
   
Aggregate
and Mining
Group
   
Energy
Group
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Revenues from  external customers
 
$
386,356
   
$
384,883
   
$
204,356
   
$
--
   
$
975,595
 
Intersegment revenues
   
26,661
     
33,009
     
17,548
     
--
     
77,218
 
Interest expense
   
31
     
463
     
11
     
215
     
720
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
7,045
     
10,120
     
6,358
     
853
     
24,376
 
Income taxes
   
1,365
     
1,235
     
348
     
16,452
     
19,400
 
Profit (loss)
   
29,477
     
32,900
     
10,316
     
(35,270
)
   
37,423
 
                                         
Assets
   
539,794
     
494,428
     
244,003
     
302,082
     
1,580,307
 
Capital expenditures
   
5,375
     
16,169
     
2,875
     
413
     
24,832
 

A-48



Segment information for 2013
   
Infrastructure
Group
   
Aggregate
and Mining
Group
   
Energy
Group
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Revenues from external customers
 
$
398,399
   
$
350,514
   
$
184,085
   
$
--
   
$
932,998
 
Intersegment revenues
   
21,682
     
45,435
     
12,857
     
--
     
79,974
 
Interest expense
   
13
     
12
     
4
     
394
     
423
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
7,417
     
7,906
     
6,114
     
828
     
22,265
 
Income taxes
   
1,567
     
2,642
     
46
     
14,773
     
19,028
 
Profit (loss)
   
32,814
     
33,031
     
4,005
     
(30,367
)
   
39,483
 
                                         
Assets
   
502,831
     
427,565
     
223,389
     
315,560
     
1,469,345
 
Capital expenditures
   
6,214
     
15,649
     
5,510
     
300
     
27,673
 

The totals of segment information for all reportable segments reconciles to consolidated totals as follows:

   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
Net income attributable to controlling interest
           
Total profit for reportable segments
 
$
68,189
   
$
72,693
   
$
69,850
 
Corporate expenses, net
   
(36,623
)
   
(35,270
)
   
(30,367
)
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest
   
831
     
252
     
(172
)
Recapture (elimination) of intersegment profit
   
400
     
(3,217
)
   
(269
)
Total consolidated net income attributable to controlling interest
 
$
32,797
   
$
34,458
   
$
39,042
 
Assets
                       
Total assets for reportable segments
 
$
1,321,003
   
$
1,278,225
   
$
1,153,785
 
Corporate assets
   
306,511
     
302,082
     
315,560
 
Elimination of intercompany profit in inventory
   
(7,496
)
   
(7,896
)
   
(4,679
)
Elimination of intercompany receivables
   
(583,834
)
   
(515,625
)
   
(482,768
)
Elimination of investment in subsidiaries
   
(223,500
)
   
(227,051
)
   
(195,199
)
Other eliminations
   
(35,331
)
   
(27,470
)
   
(37,408
)
Total consolidated assets
 
$
777,353
   
$
802,265
   
$
749,291
 

A-49



Sales into major geographic regions were as follows:

   
Year Ended December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
United States
 
$
722,287
   
$
654,230
   
$
599,054
 
Canada
   
54,321
     
61,898
     
70,991
 
Africa
   
45,671
     
47,940
     
62,911
 
South America (excluding Brazil)
   
32,454
     
49,797
     
33,526
 
Australia and Oceania
   
29,995
     
34,772
     
47,505
 
Other European Countries
   
23,867
     
12,365
     
15,428
 
Middle East
   
18,995
     
13,327
     
6,699
 
Other Asian Countries
   
9,513
     
17,018
     
5,836
 
Russia
   
8,466
     
25,589
     
17,440
 
Brazil
   
8,376
     
12,869
     
11,620
 
Post-Soviet States (excluding Russia)
   
8,345
     
8,245
     
25,849
 
Mexico
   
6,990
     
9,993
     
15,917
 
Central America (excluding Mexico)
   
4,404
     
9,275
     
5,620
 
Japan and Korea
   
3,574
     
4,377
     
1,749
 
India
   
2,706
     
1,743
     
3,672
 
West Indies
   
1,532
     
4,478
     
5,294
 
China
   
1,330
     
7,451
     
3,857
 
Other
   
331
     
228
     
30
 
Total foreign
   
260,870
     
321,365
     
333,944
 
Total consolidated sales
 
$
983,157
   
$
975,595
   
$
932,998
 

Long-lived assets by major geographic region are as follows:

   
December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
United States
 
$
141,727
   
$
150,425
 
Brazil
   
9,780
     
14,798
 
South Africa
   
5,116
     
7,295
 
Australia
   
4,351
     
5,111
 
Northern Ireland
   
5,116
     
5,065
 
Canada
   
2,987
     
3,592
 
Germany
   
1,129
     
1,324
 
Total foreign
   
28,479
     
37,185
 
Total
 
$
170,206
   
$
187,610
 

18. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The balance of related after-tax components comprising accumulated other comprehensive loss is summarized below:

 
December 31
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
$
(19,891
)
 
$
(9,384
)
Unrecognized pension and post-retirement benefit cost, net of tax of
$2,232 and $2,197, respectively
   
(3,673
)
   
(3,531
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
$
(23,564
)
 
$
(12,915
)

See Note 12, Pension and Retirement Plans, for discussion of the amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income related to the Company's Kolberg-Pioneer, Inc. defined pension plan.
A-50



19. Other Income (Expense) - Net

Other income (expense), net consists of the following:

   
Year Ended December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
Investment income (loss)
 
$
(381
)
 
$
64
   
$
853
 
Licensing fees
   
641
     
831
     
764
 
Income from life insurance policies
   
1,204
     
--
     
--
 
Other
   
1,591
     
312
     
320
 
Total
 
$
3,055
   
$
1,207
   
$
1,937
 

20. Business Combinations

On April 1, 2014, the Company purchased 100% of the stock of Telestack Limited ("Telestack") for a total purchase price of $36,183. The purchase price was paid in cash with $2,500 deposited into escrow for a period of time not to exceed one year and was subject to certain post-closing adjustments. The post-closing adjustments were finalized during the first quarter of 2015 resulting in a decrease in the purchase price of $178. The adjusted purchase price allocation includes the recognition of $18,078 of goodwill and $14,445 of other intangible assets based on the foreign exchange rate as of the acquisition date, consisting of trade names (15 year useful life), patents (5 to 10 year useful lives), non-compete agreements (3 year useful life) and customer relationships (11 year useful life).  Telestack's operating results are included in the Aggregate and Mining Group beginning in the second quarter of 2014.

Telestack, located in Omagh, Northern Ireland, began operations in 1999 and specializes in the complete in-house design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of a complete line of material handling systems used extensively in the port, aggregate and mining industries. Telestack markets its products throughout the world by a combination of direct sales and distribution through dealers. The Company anticipates the synergies between Telestack and the Company's existing aggregate and wood pellet product lines will benefit both companies.
A-51



Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total Return
Assumes Initial Investment of $100 Performance Graph
for Astec Industries, Inc.




A-52

 
 

 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Astec Industries, Inc. has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
ASTEC INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Registrant)
 
       
 
BY: /s/ Benjamin J. Brock                   
 
   Benjamin J. Brock, Chief Executive
 Officer and Director
 
       

Date: February 29, 2016

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

SIGNATURE
 
TITLE
 
DATE
           
/s/ Benjamin G. Brock
 
 
Chief Executive Officer and President
(Principal Executive Officer) and Director
 
February 29, 2016
Benjamin G. Brock        
           
/s/ David C. Silvious
 
 
Chief Financial Officer, Vice President and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
February 29, 2016
David C. Silvious        
           
/s/ W. Norman Smith
 
Director
 
February 25, 2016
W. Norman Smith
        
           
/s/ William B. Sansom
 
Director
 
February 25, 2016
William B. Sansom
        
           
/s/ Charles F. Potts
 
Director
 
February 25, 2016
Charles F. Potts
        
           
/s/ Glen E. Tellock
 
Director
 
February 25, 2016
Glen E. Tellock
        
           
/s/ William D. Gehl
 
Director
 
February 25, 2016
William D. Gehl
        
           
/s/ Daniel K. Frierson
 
Director
 
February 25, 2016
Daniel K. Frierson
        
           
/s/ William G. Dorey
 
Director
 
February 25, 2016
William G. Dorey
        
           
/s/ James B. Baker
 
Director
 
February 25, 2016
James B. Baker
        

 




SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549



EXHIBITS FILED WITH ANNUAL REPORT
ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015



ASTEC INDUSTRIES, INC.
1725 Shepherd Road
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421


 




ASTEC INDUSTRIES, INC.
FORM 10-K
INDEX TO EXHIBITS


Exhibit Number
 
Description
       
Exhibit 21
 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
       
Exhibit 23.1
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
       
Exhibit 23.2
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
       
Exhibit 31.1
 
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a),
as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
Exhibit 31.2
 
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a),
as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
Exhibit 32
 
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)/15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase