Astec Industries, Inc. (ASTE) vs Heartland Express, Inc. (HTLD)

A side-by-side comparison of Astec Industries, Inc. and Heartland Express, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — ASTE vs HTLD

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ASTE -21.2% (-2.4%/yr)HTLD -32.0% (-3.8%/yr)ASTE compounded faster over this window
406080100120140Start $10020182020202220242026$79$68
ASTE HTLD

ASTE vs HTLD: by the numbers

  • •ASTE is the larger company ($969M vs $880M market cap).
  • •ASTE is profitable (1.26% net margin) while HTLD runs a net loss (-2.98%).
  • •ASTE grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.54% vs 3.35% CAGR).
  • •ASTE pays the higher dividend yield (1.25% vs 0.51%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricASTEHTLD
P/E ratio49.59N/A
Forward P/E12.8469.51
P/S ratio0.621.20
P/B ratio1.411.16
EV / EBITDA12.1510.21
FCF yield3.28%N/A

Profitability

MetricASTEHTLD
Gross margin25.96%7.49%
Operating margin3.43%-6.67%
Net margin1.26%-2.98%
ROE2.84%-2.90%
ROIC3.25%-4.63%

Dividends

MetricASTEHTLD
Dividend yield1.25%0.51%
Payout ratio61.18%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricASTEHTLD
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.54%3.35%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-3.96%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)-14.78%N/A
Total return CAGR (5Y)-4.13%-5.79%

Frequently asked

Which has grown faster, ASTE or HTLD?
Over the past five years, ASTE grew revenue faster — ASTE at a 8.54% CAGR versus HTLD at 3.35%.
Does ASTE or HTLD pay a bigger dividend?
ASTE yields 1.25% and HTLD yields 0.51% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ASTE or HTLD more profitable?
ASTE runs the higher net margin — ASTE at 1.26% versus HTLD at -2.98%.
How have ASTE and HTLD total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ASTE delivered -2.33% and HTLD delivered -4.11% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.