ASTE
Astec Industries, Inc.
Agricultural - Machinery
Market Cap$1.23B
5Y Perf.+26.2%
Compare Stocks
2 / 10Try these comparisons:
Stock Comparison
ASTE vs CMI
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
CMI
Cummins Inc.
Industrial - Machinery
Market Cap$98.89B
5Y Perf.+322.0%
ASTE vs CMI — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | ASTE | CMI |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Agricultural - Machinery | Industrial - Machinery |
| Market Cap | $1.23B | $98.89B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $1.48B | $33.89B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $26M | $2.67B |
| Gross Margin | 26.1% | 25.4% |
| Operating Margin | 3.7% | 11.2% |
| Forward P/E | 14.3x | 27.2x |
| Total Debt | $320M | $8.11B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $72M | $2.85B |
ASTE vs CMI — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
ASTE
CMI
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astec Industries, I… (ASTE) | 100 | 126.2 | +26.2% |
| Cummins Inc. (CMI) | 100 | 422.0 | +322.0% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: ASTE vs CMI
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: CMI leads in 5 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for profitability and margin quality and capital preservation and lower volatility. Astec Industries, Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
ASTE
Astec Industries, Inc.
The Growth Play
ASTE is the clearest fit if your priority is growth exposure and sleep-well-at-night.
- Rev growth 8.1%, EPS growth 7.8%, 3Y rev CAGR 3.4%
- Lower volatility, beta 1.63, Low D/E 46.9%, current ratio 2.49x
- 8.1% revenue growth vs CMI's -1.3%
Best for: growth exposure and sleep-well-at-night
CMI
Cummins Inc.
The Income Pick
CMI carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and long-term compounding.
- Dividend streak 21 yrs, beta 1.57, yield 1.1%
- 5.7% 10Y total return vs ASTE's 22.1%
- Beta 1.57, yield 1.1%, current ratio 1.76x
Best for: income & stability and long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | ASTE | 8.1% revenue growth vs CMI's -1.3% |
| Value | ASTE | Lower P/E (14.3x vs 27.2x) |
| Quality / Margins | CMI | 7.9% margin vs ASTE's 1.7% |
| Stability / Safety | CMI | Beta 1.57 vs ASTE's 1.63 |
| Dividends | CMI | 1.1% yield, 21-year raise streak, vs ASTE's 1.0% |
| Momentum (1Y) | CMI | +142.5% vs ASTE's +41.9% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | CMI | 7.8% ROA vs ASTE's 2.0%, ROIC 16.1% vs 6.2% |
ASTE vs CMI — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2025
ASTE vs CMI — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLCMILAGGINGASTE
ASTEAstec Industries, Inc.
1leads
CMICummins Inc.
5leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs ASTEMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
CMI4/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
ASTE5/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
CMI6/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
CMI6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
CMI2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
CMI2/2
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CMI leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CMI is the larger business by revenue, generating $33.9B annually — 22.9x ASTE's $1.5B. CMI is the more profitable business, keeping 7.9% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to ASTE's 1.7%. On growth, ASTE holds the edge at +20.3% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | ASTEAstec Industries,… | CMICummins Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $1.5B | $33.9B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $84M | $4.6B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $26M | $2.7B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $44M | $2.7B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +26.1% | +25.4% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +3.7% | +11.2% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +1.7% | +7.9% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +3.0% | +7.9% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +20.3% | +2.7% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -90.3% | -21.0% |
CMI leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
ASTE leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 31.9x trailing earnings, ASTE trades at a 9% valuation discount to CMI's 34.9x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, ASTE's 14.5x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than CMI's 21.0x.
| Metric | ASTEAstec Industries,… | CMICummins Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $1.2B | $98.9B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $1.5B | $104.2B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 31.90x | 34.92x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 14.33x | 27.19x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 3.09x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 14.50x | 20.96x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.87x | 2.94x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.82x | 7.40x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 57.14x | 41.45x |
ASTE leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
CMI leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
CMI delivers a 20.3% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $20 in annual profit, vs $4 for ASTE. ASTE carries lower financial leverage with a 0.47x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to CMI's 0.61x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), CMI scores 7/9 vs ASTE's 5/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | ASTEAstec Industries,… | CMICummins Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +3.8% | +20.3% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +2.0% | +7.8% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +6.2% | +16.1% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +7.2% | +17.3% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 5 | 7 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.47x | 0.61x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $248M | $5.3B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $72M | $2.8B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $320M | $8.1B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 5.48x | 12.15x |
CMI leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
CMI leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in CMI five years ago would be worth $28,172 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $8,298 for ASTE. Over the past 12 months, CMI leads with a +142.5% total return vs ASTE's +41.9%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors CMI at 48.8% vs ASTE's 10.0% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | ASTEAstec Industries,… | CMICummins Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +20.4% | +37.5% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +41.9% | +142.5% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +33.2% | +229.5% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -17.0% | +181.7% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +22.1% | +571.7% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +10.0% | +48.8% |
CMI leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
CMI leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
CMI is the less volatile stock with a 1.57 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than ASTE's 1.63 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. CMI currently trades 99.8% from its 52-week high vs ASTE's 81.6% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | ASTEAstec Industries,… | CMICummins Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.63x | 1.57x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $65.65 | $717.28 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $36.43 | $296.59 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +81.6% | +99.8% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 59.4 | 68.6 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 232K | 794K |
CMI leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
CMI leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates ASTE as "Buy" and CMI as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply -13.2% upside for CMI (target: $621) vs -32.8% for ASTE (target: $36). For income investors, CMI offers the higher dividend yield at 1.06% vs ASTE's 0.96%.
| Metric | ASTEAstec Industries,… | CMICummins Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $36.00 | $621.10 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 12 | 51 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +1.0% | +1.1% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | 21 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.51 | $7.61 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | 0.0% |
CMI leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
CMI leads in 5 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). ASTE leads in 1 (Valuation Metrics).
Best OverallCummins Inc. (CMI)Leads 5 of 6 categories
Loading custom metrics...
ASTE vs CMI: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is ASTE or CMI a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Astec Industries, Inc.
(ASTE) is the stronger pick with 8. 1% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -1. 3% for Cummins Inc. (CMI). Astec Industries, Inc. (ASTE) offers the better valuation at 31. 9x trailing P/E (14. 3x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Astec Industries, Inc. (ASTE) a "Buy" — based on 12 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — ASTE or CMI?
On trailing P/E, Astec Industries, Inc.
(ASTE) is the cheapest at 31. 9x versus Cummins Inc. at 34. 9x. On forward P/E, Astec Industries, Inc. is actually cheaper at 14. 3x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — ASTE or CMI?
Over the past 5 years, Cummins Inc.
(CMI) delivered a total return of +181. 7%, compared to -17. 0% for Astec Industries, Inc. (ASTE). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: CMI returned +571. 7% versus ASTE's +22. 1%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — ASTE or CMI?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Cummins Inc.
(CMI) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 57β versus Astec Industries, Inc. 's 1. 63β — meaning ASTE is approximately 4% more volatile than CMI relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Astec Industries, Inc. (ASTE) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 47% versus 61% for Cummins Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — ASTE or CMI?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Astec Industries, Inc.
(ASTE) is pulling ahead at 8. 1% versus -1. 3% for Cummins Inc. (CMI). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Astec Industries, Inc. grew EPS 784. 2% year-over-year, compared to -27. 7% for Cummins Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, CMI leads at 6. 2% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — ASTE or CMI?
Cummins Inc.
(CMI) is the more profitable company, earning 8. 4% net margin versus 2. 8% for Astec Industries, Inc. — meaning it keeps 8. 4% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: CMI leads at 11. 5% versus 4. 6% for ASTE. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — ASTE leads at 26. 5%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is ASTE or CMI more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Astec Industries, Inc.
(ASTE) trades at 14. 3x forward P/E versus 27. 2x for Cummins Inc. — 12. 9x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for CMI: -13. 2% to $621. 10.
08Which pays a better dividend — ASTE or CMI?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Cummins Inc. (CMI) offers the highest yield at 1. 1%, versus 1. 0% for Astec Industries, Inc. (ASTE).
09Is ASTE or CMI better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Cummins Inc.
(CMI) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (1. 1% yield, +571. 7% 10Y return). Astec Industries, Inc. (ASTE) carries a higher beta of 1. 63 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (CMI: +571. 7%, ASTE: +22. 1%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between ASTE and CMI?
Both stocks operate in the Industrials sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
Find Stocks Like These
Explore pre-built screens for each stock's profile, or build a custom screen to find stocks that outperform both.
Revenue Growth>
%
(ASTE: 20.3% · CMI: 2.7%)P/E Ratio<
x
(ASTE: 31.9x · CMI: 34.9x)You Might Also Compare
Based on how these companies actually compete and overlap — not just which sector they're filed under.