US LNG exports surge but will buyers in China turn up?
Introduction & Market Context
Terex Corporation (NYSE:TEX) presented its second quarter 2025 earnings results on July 31, 2025, revealing mixed segment performance while maintaining its full-year guidance. The company reported sales of $1.5 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $1.49, with a notable 108% free cash flow conversion rate.
In premarket trading following the announcement, Terex shares edged up 0.44% to $50.01, showing modest investor confidence despite the mixed results. The stock has been trading in a 52-week range of $31.53 to $63.81, with the current price near the middle of that range.
The company emphasized its strategic positioning with approximately 75% of Terex products sold in America being manufactured domestically, a significant advantage amid ongoing tariff concerns and supply chain considerations.
Quarterly Performance Highlights
Terex reported Q2 2025 sales of $1.487 billion, up from $1.382 billion in Q2 2024, representing a 7.6% increase. However, operating profit declined to $164 million from $195 million in the prior year, with operating margin compressing to 11.0% from 14.1%. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $1.49, down from $2.16 in Q2 2024.
The company’s free cash flow showed significant improvement, reaching $78 million compared to $43 million in the same period last year, with free cash flow conversion jumping to 108% from 30%. This strong cash generation supports Terex’s capital allocation strategy, including investments in future growth, share repurchases, and dividend payments.
The quarterly results included a detailed breakdown of sales by geography, highlighting Terex’s global footprint and regional challenges. North America showed strong growth with actual sales up 22%, though legacy sales (excluding the ESG acquisition) decreased by 9%. Western Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World regions all experienced double-digit declines, reflecting challenging international market conditions.
Segment Performance Analysis
Terex’s performance varied significantly across its three business segments. The Environmental Solutions (ES) segment was the standout performer, with sales increasing 12.9% to $430 million from $381 million in Q2 2024. More impressively, ES operating margin improved to 19.1% from 16.8%, demonstrating strong execution and synergies exceeding acquisition model expectations.
In contrast, the Aerials segment faced headwinds with sales declining 17.1% to $607 million from $732 million in the prior year. Operating margin compressed significantly to 8.0% from 15.7%, though the company noted a sequential margin improvement of 500 basis points. Management attributed the challenges to unfavorable customer mix and tariff impacts but highlighted that bookings were up 70% year-over-year, suggesting potential recovery ahead.
The Materials Processing (MP) segment also experienced challenges, with sales declining 9.0% to $454 million from $499 million in Q2 2024. Operating margin decreased to 12.7% from 15.6%. Despite these headwinds, the segment showed sequential sales growth of 19% and margin improvement of 270 basis points, with bookings up 24% year-over-year, led by the Aggregates business.
Segment bookings data provided a more optimistic outlook, with Q2 pro forma bookings up 19% year-over-year across the company. This improvement reflects a return to normal seasonality and supports Terex’s maintained second-half outlook for 2025.
Strategic Initiatives
Terex highlighted several strategic initiatives aimed at creating long-term value. The company is leveraging synergies from the ESG acquisition across digital applications, commercial relationships, and sourcing. Management reported being on pace to exceed their $25 million synergy target, demonstrating effective integration of the acquired business.
The company also emphasized its strong market position in key sectors with favorable growth dynamics. Waste & Recycling represents a $4 billion addressable equipment market characterized by steady growth and low cyclicality. Utilities benefit from ongoing electrification and transmission investments, while Infrastructure continues to see significant spending from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
Capital allocation remains balanced between investing for growth and returning value to shareholders. During Q2, Terex invested $24 million in capital expenditures, repurchased $21 million in shares (while announcing a new $150 million authorization), and paid $11 million in dividends, representing approximately a 1.5% dividend yield.
Forward-Looking Statements
Despite the mixed quarterly performance, Terex maintained its full-year 2025 outlook, projecting net sales of $5.3-5.5 billion, segment operating margin of approximately 12%, and earnings per share of $4.70-$5.10. The company expects free cash flow of $300-350 million with conversion exceeding 120%.
The backlog trend provides context for this maintained guidance. While overall backlog has decreased from peak levels, the recent uptick in bookings suggests stabilization and potential growth ahead. The company’s backlog remains well above pre-pandemic levels, providing visibility into future revenue.
Terex management expressed confidence in the company’s long-term positioning, highlighting its portfolio of market-leading businesses, reduced cyclicality through the ESG acquisition, and three balanced segments with strong synergies. The implementation of the Terex Operating System is expected to drive operational excellence, while the experienced management team has demonstrated an ability to create value.
In the context of Terex’s Q1 2025 performance, where the company beat EPS expectations with $0.83 versus a forecast of $0.52, the maintained guidance suggests management’s confidence in overcoming near-term challenges to achieve full-year targets. The strong bookings growth across all segments provides a foundation for potential improvement in the second half of 2025.
Full presentation:
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