Astec Industries (ASTE) stock surged 8.94% in pre-market trading on Wednesday following the release of its second-quarter 2025 earnings report, which significantly exceeded analyst expectations and showcased improved profitability across its business segments.

The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.88 for the quarter, handily beating the consensus estimate of $0.56 and marking a substantial increase from $0.61 in the same period last year. While net sales declined 4.4% year-over-year to $330.3 million, Astec demonstrated strong margin improvements and operational efficiency.

Key highlights from the report include: - Infrastructure Solutions segment saw a 340 basis point increase in Adjusted EBITDA margin to 15.7% - Materials Solutions segment's Adjusted EBITDA rose 39.2% with a 310 basis point margin improvement to 11.3% - Overall Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded to 10.2% from 8.0% in the prior-year quarter - The company completed the acquisition of TerraSource, expected to contribute $13-17 million in adjusted EBITDA for the second half of 2025

Jaco van der Merwe, Chief Executive Officer of Astec, commented on the results: "Astec reported another strong quarter building on its strategic initiatives to deliver consistency, profitability and growth. Operational efforts continue to gain traction, manufacturing and procurement efforts are driving enhanced efficiencies and increases were achieved in net income, EBITDA and earnings per share."

The company also provided an optimistic outlook, raising the lower end of its full-year core business guidance and incorporating expected contributions from the TerraSource acquisition. Astec now anticipates consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the full year to be in the range of $123 million to $142 million.

Investors are responding positively to Astec's ability to improve profitability despite a challenging revenue environment, as well as its strategic moves to expand its business through acquisitions. The pre-market stock surge reflects growing confidence in the company's execution of its transformation program and its potential for continued earnings growth.