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Insteel Industries, Inc.

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FY2007 Annual Report · Insteel Industries, Inc.
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Insteel IndustrIes

2007 AnnuAl report

rebuilding America’s Infrastructure

FI nAnc IAl H IgHlIgHts

(In thousands, except for per share amounts)

2007

2006

2005

operating results:

 Net sales
 Gross profit

 % of net sales

 Earnings from continuing operations

 % of net sales

 Net earnings

per share data:

 Basic:

 Earnings from continuing operations
 Net earnings

 Diluted:

 Earnings from continuing operations
 Net earnings

 Cash dividends declared

returns:

 Return on capital(1)
 Return on equity(2)

Financial position:

 Total assets
 Total long-term debt
 Shareholders’ equity

cash Flows:

$ 297,806
56,061

$ 329,507
70,871

$ 309,320
57,898

18.8%

21.5%

18.7%

$  24,284

$  34,377

$  24,499

8.2%

10.4%

7.9%

$  24,162

$  33,040

$  25,045

$ 

1.34
1.33

1.33
1.32
0.12

$ 

1.88
1.80

1.86
1.79
0.12

$ 

1.31
1.34

1.29
1.32
0.06

18.2%
18.2%

29.7%
31.3%

21.1%
29.1%

$ 173,529
—
143,850

$ 166,596
—
122,438

$ 138,276
11,860
97,036

 Net cash provided by operating activities of  

continuing operations

 Capital expenditures
 Depreciation and amortization
 Repurchase of common stock
 Cash dividends paid

$  17,065
17,013
6,209
—
2,176

$  42,650
18,959
5,107
8,529
2,222

$  41,830
6,302
5,627
—
566

(1) Earnings from continuing operations/(average total long-term debt + average shareholders’ equity).
(2)Earnings from continuing operations/(average shareholders’ equity).

Net Sales
(in millions)

$329.5

$309.3

$297.8

Diluted Earnings 
Per Share From 
Continuing Operations

$1.86

$1.29

$1.33

Return on Equity(2)

31.3%

29.1%

18.2%

0

0.0

’05

’06

’07

’05

’06

’07

’05

’06

’07

350000

300000

250000

200000

150000

100000

50000

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insteel Industries is one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of steel wire reinforcing products for concrete construction 
applications.  We  manufacture  and  market  prestressed  concrete  strand  (“pc  strand”)  and  welded  wire  reinforcement, 
including concrete pipe reinforcement, engineered structural mesh and standard welded wire reinforcement. our products 
are sold primarily to manufacturers of concrete products that are used in nonresidential construction. Headquartered in 
Mount Airy, north carolina, we operate six manufacturing facilities located in the u nited states.

Welded WIre reInForceMent
prefabricated reinforcement consisting of high-strength, cold-drawn or cold-rolled longitudinal and transverse wires welded together in 
square  or  rectangular  grids  according  to  customer  requirements.  Wire  intersections  are  electrically  resistance-welded  by  a 
computer-controlled continuous automatic welder which uses pressure and heat to fuse all wires in their proper position, creating 
a consistent high-quality reinforcing product.

CoNCrete PIPe reINforCemeNt
Engineered made-to-order product that is used as the primary reinforcement in concrete pipe and box culverts for drainage and sewage systems, 
water treatment facilities and other related applications.

PLANT LOCATIONS 

Dayton, Texas
Mount Airy, North Carolina
Wilmington, Delaware

CuSTO meR SegmeNTS 

eND uSe S

Concrete Pipe and Precast Producers

Nonresidential Construction
Residential Construction

eNgINeered StruCtural meSh
Engineered  made-to-order  product  that  is  used  as  the  primary  reinforcement  in  concrete  elements  or  structures,  frequently  serving  as  a  
replacement for hot-rolled rebar.

PLANT LOCATIONS 
Dayton, Texas
Mount Airy, North Carolina

CuSTO meR SegmeNTS 
Precast and Prestressed Producers
Rebar Fabricators
Distributors

eND uSe S

Nonresidential Construction

StaNdard Welded WIre reINforCemeNt
Secondary reinforcing product that is produced in standard styles for crack control applications in residential and light nonresidential construction,  
including driveways, sidewalks and a wide range of slab-on-grade applications.

PLANT LOCATIONS 
Dayton, Texas
Hickman, Kentucky
Mount Airy, North Carolina
Wilmington, Delaware

CuSTO meR SegmeNTS 
Rebar Fabricators
Distributors

eND uSe S

Nonresidential Construction
Residential Construction

prestressed concrete strAnd
High-strength seven-wire reinforcement consisting of six cold-drawn wires that are continuously wrapped around a center wire forming 
a strand. the strand is heat-treated while under tension, which imparts low relaxation characteristics and increases the working range 
of the product, providing engineers with greater flexibility in its application and the ability to better utilize its reinforcing properties. 
pc strand is used to impart compression forces into prestressed concrete elements and structures, which may be either pretensioned 
or posttensioned. pretensioned means that the strands are tensioned to their design load and anchored at the ends of a form. After 
concrete has been placed and allowed to cure to sufficient strength, the load on the strand is transferred from the external anchors to the 
cured member, creating compression forces within the element, or “prestressing” it. posttensioned means that the strands are tensioned 
after the concrete has been placed and allowed to cure.

PLANT LOCATIONS 
Gallatin, Tennessee
Sanderson, Florida

CuSTO meR SegmeNTS 
Precast Prestress Producers
Posttension Suppliers

eND uSe S

Nonresidential Construction
Residential Construction

America faces a growing infrastructure crisis.

Deterioration.  Congestion.  Reduced  reliability.  A  projected  funding  
gap of $1.6 trillion over the next five years. 

After  years  of  neglect,  the  warning  signs  are  becoming  increasingly  apparent 

across all sectors of our nation’s infrastructure. Nearly 30% of the bridges in the 

U.S.  are  structurally  deficient  or  functionally  obsolete.  Our  interstate  highway 

system  is  reaching  the  end  of  its  50-year  life  cycle  and  will  require  substantial 

rebuilding and maintenance. A recent study indicates that 83% of our transportation 

infrastructure is incapable of meeting the country’s needs over the next 10 years. 

In its most recent report card on America’s infrastructure, the American Society 

of Civil Engineers gave our system an overall “D” which included 4 Cs and 10 Ds.

Our roads are becoming increasingly congested as the number of miles driven rose 23% from 1995 

to  2005  while  the  length  of  roads  increased  only  2%.  The  average  metropolitan  driver  spends  

46 hours a year stuck in traffic which doubles for daily rush-hour commuters in large cities. The 

lack of comprehensive and coordinated long-term strategies and financing solutions has left us 

playing  catch-up  to  other  nations.  Addressing  these  needs  will  require  substantial  increases  in 

funding at the federal, state and local level, which are likely to come from higher taxes and user 

fees in addition to various forms of public/private partnerships and bond issues funded by user 

fees and general tax revenues.

2
2

How  does  our  nation’s  infrastructure  strategy  impact  Insteel?  Through  the  intensive  use  of  

our  concrete  reinforcing  products  in  highway  and  infrastructure  construction…PC  strand  and  

ESM  in  bridges  and  overpasses,  concrete  pipe  reinforcement  in  road  drainage  systems  and  

ESM in concrete barrier medians. We believe the heightened interest in addressing our nation’s 

infrastructure  needs  will  ultimately  yield  financing  solutions  that  represent  a  substantial  growth 

opportunity for Insteel.

Insteel IndustrIes, Inc. and subsIdIarIes  3 
Insteel IndustrIes, Inc. and subsIdIarIes  3 

Insteel Industries
A  name  largely  unfamiliar  outside  of  the  building 
materials  industry.  A  company  that  is  one  of  the 
largest  manufacturers  of  steel  wire  reinforcing 
products for concrete construction applications. A 
leader in its markets with state-of-the-art facilities 
and  manufacturing  capabilities.  A  provider  of 
concrete  reinforcing  solutions  ideally  positioned 
to  capitalize  on  the  critical  infrastructure  needs 
of our nation.

us82—Greenville bridge
The  new  Greenville  Bridge  on  I-82  crossing  the  Mississippi  River  which 
incorporated Insteel’s concrete reinforcing products and was previously featured 
on the cover of our 2005 annual report.

Engineered structural mesh
A  welded  wire  reinforcing  product  manufactured  to  customer  specifications  that  frequently  serves  as  a 

replacement  for  hot-rolled  rebar.  A  product  produced  as  prefabricated  sheets  that  offers  significant  

labor  savings  versus  the  time-intensive  placing  and  tying  inherent  to  rebar  and  requires  less  steel  due  

to  its  superior  strength.  A  product  gaining  momentum  in  penetrating  the  rebar  market  in  response  to:  

(1)  increasing  construction  labor  constraints  and  costs;  and  (2)  improvements  in  welding  equipment  

technology that have made small batch production and quick delivery feasible. A product that can serve as 

6
6

new esM production line at our Mount airy, nc plant

a substitute for rebar sizes representing approximately 80% of domestic rebar consumption. A market for 

Insteel  that  could  double  in  volume  on  just  a  few  percentage  points  of  market  share  growth.  A  product 

frequently used with PC strand to provide a comprehensive concrete reinforcing solution.

With the two new production lines that started up during 2007 in our North Carolina and Texas facilities, 

each with the capacity to generate $16–$20 million of revenues annually (at current average selling prices), 

we are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing acceptance of ESM as a superior reinforcing solution 

for many concrete construction applications.

Insteel IndustrIes, Inc. and subsIdIarIes  7 
Insteel IndustrIes, Inc. and subsIdIarIes  7 

$2.9 

$6.3

2003

2004

2005

$19.0

2006

$17.0

2007

0

Investing for the future 
During  2006  and  2007,  we’ve  invested  $36  million  in  our  manufacturing  facilities.  Adding  new  ESM 
production lines in our North Carolina and Texas plants. Upgrading the equipment and reconfiguring 
the process flow of our Tennessee and Florida PC strand facilities. Adding a new standard welded wire 
reinforcement line in our Delaware plant. These projects share common characteristics by providing 
additional capacity to satisfy future growth in demand and facilitating substantial improvements in our 
labor productivity and unit conversion costs. When fully ramped up, they should add over $70 million 
of revenue-generating capacity annually (at current average selling prices) and advance our ongoing 
initiatives to operate as the lowest cost producer.

30

40

10

20

50

0

10

20

30

40

50

Let t er to Sh a r ehoLderS

In 2007, Insteel posted solid financial results coming off 
the  record  highs  that  were  achieved  in  2006  despite 
facing increasing headwinds in our markets. We contin-
ued  to  make  strategic  investments  that  position  us  for 
future growth and enhance our manufacturing capabili-
ties.  our  business  strategy  remains  focused  
on generating returns that exceed our cost of capital by 
(1)  achieving  leadership  positions  in  our  markets  and 
operating as the lowest cost producer, and (2) pursuing 
growth opportunities in our core businesses that further 
our penetration of existing markets or expand our geo-
graphic footprint.

FInancIal HIgHlIgHts
Sales  for  2007  decreased  9.6%  to  $297.8  million  from  $329.5  million  in  2006  as  an  11.4%  drop-off  in  

shipments  offset  a  2.0%  increase  in  average  selling  prices.  Earnings  from  continuing  operations  fell  to 

$24.3 million ($1.33 per diluted share) from $34.4 million ($1.86 per diluted share) in the prior year due to 

the reduced shipments, increasing raw material costs and higher unit conversion costs resulting from lower 

production levels.

Business conditions continued to be mixed during the year, characterized by strong demand for concrete 

reinforcing products that are primarily used in nonresidential construction and weak demand from customers 

with significant exposure to the housing market. During the second half of the year, our sales of PC strand 

to  commercial  posttension  accounts  focused  on  residential  construction  applications  declined  due  to 

the elevated level of irrationally priced import competition, primarily from China. As a result, shipments 

to posttensioners, which represented 14% of our total shipments in 2006 were minimal during the second 

half of 2007.

We  ended  the  year  debt-free  with  $8.7  million  of  cash  on  hand.  Our  strong  balance  sheet  and  flexible 

capital structure position us to enhance value for our shareholders by investing in the growth of our core 

businesses  through  capital  expenditures  and  acquisitions,  paying  cash  dividends  and  utilizing  our  share 

repurchase program on an opportunistic basis.

capItal ExpE ndItur E program
Capital  expenditures  were  $17.0  million  in  2007  as  we  continued  to  invest  in  a  wide  range  of  important 

initiatives to expand revenues and drive cost improvements at our manufacturing facilities. When fully operational, 

these  projects  have  the  capability  of  generating  over  $70.0  million  of  incremental  revenues  annually  (at 

current average selling prices) in addition to significantly reducing our unit conversion costs through higher 

productivity and increased throughput.

10

With  most  of  the  outlays  for  these  projects  behind  us,  we  plan  on  significantly  scaling  back  capital 

expenditures in 2008 as we assess the uncertainty in our markets and in the economy in general. At the 

same time, our financial flexibility will allow us to capitalize on any growth opportunities that may develop.

Engineered Structural Mesh (“ESM”). We started up a new ESM production line in our North Carolina 
facility during the first quarter and a second new line at our Texas plant during the fourth quarter. These 

expansions  position  us  to  benefit  from  the  growing  market  acceptance  for  ESM  as  a  replacement  for 

hot-rolled rebar due to the inherent labor, cycle time and material cost advantages it offers for many concrete 

reinforcing applications. With total domestic consumption of ESM representing less than 5% of the rebar 

volume it could potentially replace, the product is still early in its life cycle where just a few percentage points 

of  market  share  growth  translate  into  a  substantial  increase  in  demand.  We  expect  each  of  the  new 

lines to generate $16.0 to $20.0 million of annual revenues (at current average selling prices) when ramped 

up to capacity.

PC strand. During the first quarter, we completed the reconfiguration and expansion of our Tennessee PC 
strand operation which entailed the consolidation of manufacturing processes previously performed in two 

adjacent  facilities  together  with  the  installation  of  a  new  production  line.  We  also  began  work  on  the 

upgrading of our Florida PC strand facility which is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 

2008. These projects add a combined $30.0 million of annual revenue capacity (at current average selling 

prices)—$25.0 million at the Tennessee facility and $5.0 million at the Florida plant. While the timing of these 

additions  may  not  coincide  with  robust  market  conditions,  we  view  them  as  critical  to  extending  our 

leadership position in the North American market.

Standard welded wire reinforcement. During the fourth quarter, we started up a new standard welded 
wire reinforcement line in our Delaware plant that adds $7.0 million of annual revenue capacity (at current 

average selling prices).

lookI ng aHEad
As we move into 2008, we face significant near-term challenges in the form of rising raw material costs,  

PC strand import competition and the continuation of mixed market conditions.

Raw materials. Prices for hot-rolled steel wire rod, our primary raw material, are on the rise and are likely 
to continue trending up until the pricing for imports into the U.S. becomes more competitive with domestic 

producers. These additional costs may be difficult to recover in our markets depending upon the strength 

of demand and competitive dynamics, although we are hopeful that the increased discipline that has been 

evident in our markets since 2004 continues going forward.

PC strand imports. Imports of PC strand from China continue to enter the U.S. market at unrealistically 
low  prices  reflecting  the  dysfunctional  nature  of  China’s  non-market  economy.  It  is  clear  that  Chinese  

producers lack any inherent manufacturing cost advantage relative to state-of-the-art domestic producers 

such as Insteel. The Chinese pursuit of the U.S. market is largely a result of distorted economics resulting 

Insteel IndustrIes, Inc. and subsIdIarIes  11 

from the availability of low-cost financing and government subsidies that have resulted in an explosion of 

capacity well in excess of China’s home market requirements. In July 2007, the Chinese government took 

the first step towards leveling the competitive playing field by reducing the VAT rebate for exported PC strand 

from 13% to 5%. This reduction, together with recent escalation in wire rod costs and ocean freight rates, 

has made exporting to the U.S. substantially less attractive for Chinese producers, forcing them to raise 

their selling prices. Although it would be premature to assume that these favorable trends will continue, we 

believe the unfair trade practices of the Chinese will ultimately be resolved—either through further proactive 

changes on the part of the Chinese government that allow true economics to prevail or through the filing of 

trade actions on the part of U.S. strand producers should market conditions deteriorate to the point where we 

can demonstrate injury. Under either scenario, Insteel will be well-positioned to capitalize through the expansion 

and  upgrading  of  our  Tennessee  and  Florida  PC  strand  facilities  and  our  world-class  cost  structure.

Market outlook. We expect market conditions to remain mixed in 2008 with some moderation in the growth 
rate for nonresidential construction from the elevated level of recent years due to the anticipated softening in 

commercial construction. Other categories within nonresidential construction, however, are expected to remain 

strong driven by continued growth in infrastructure-related spending and post-hurricane reconstruction in 

the Gulf region. Longer term, we believe the heightened focus on addressing the critical infrastructure needs 

that exist will yield creative financing solutions that favorably impact demand for our concrete reinforcing 

products for an extended period.

In  view  of  the  inventory  overhang  of  unsold  homes  and  tightening  in  the  credit  markets,  we  expect  the 

weakness in residential construction to persist through 2009 and continue to adversely affect shipments to 

customers that have greater exposure to the housing sector.

Despite  these  challenges,  we  anticipate  gradually  increasing  returns  from  the  substantial  investments  

we  have  made  in  our  facilities  over  the  past  two  years  through  reduced  operating  costs  and  additional 

revenues,  particularly  for  ESM  as  we  further  our  penetration  of  the  rebar  market.  In  addition,  we  will  

continue to evaluate and pursue other growth opportunities—organic as well as through acquisitions—that 

strengthen our competitive position and create value for our shareholders.

We wish to thank our customers, employees and shareholders for their continued trust, confidence and 

support. As we move into 2008, we are well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities and respond to 

the challenges that lie ahead.

Sincerely,

H.O. Woltz III

President and Chief Executive Officer

12

Contents

14 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and  

Results of Operations

21 Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

22

23

24

25

26

28

29

44

45

46

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  
Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and  
Comprehensive Income

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Stock Performance Graph

Financial Information by Quarter (Unaudited)

Selected Financial Data—Five-Year History

F i n a n c i a l  R e v i e w

ManageMent’s Discussion anD analysis of financial conDition anD   
Results of ope Rations

Forward-Looking StatementS

  This  annual  report  contains  forward-looking  statements 
within  the  meaning  of  the  safe  harbor  provisions  of  the  Private 
Securities  Litigation  Reform  Act  of  1995.  When  used  in  this 
report, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,” 
“plans,” “intends,” “may,” “should” and similar expressions are 
intended  to  identify  forward-looking  statements.  Although  we 
believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or 
suggested  by  such  forward-looking  statements  are  reasonable, 
such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks 
and uncertainties, and we can provide no assurances that such 
plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved. All forward-
looking  statements  attributable  to  us  or  persons  acting  on  our 
behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary 
statements.  All  forward-looking  statements  speak  only  to  the 
respective  dates  on  which  such  statements  are  made  and  we  
do  not  undertake  and  specifically  decline  any  obligation  to  
publicly  release  the  results  of  any  revisions  to  these  forward- 
looking statements that may be made to reflect any future events 
or  circumstances  after  the  date  of  such  statements  or  to  reflect 
the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

It  is  not  possible  to  anticipate  and  list  all  risks  and  
uncertainties that may affect our future operations or financial 
performance; however, they include, but are not limited to, the 
risks discussed below and in our Form 10-K for the year ended 
September  29,  2007  under  the  caption  “Risk  Factors”  which 
includes the following:

  •  Our business is cyclical and prolonged economic declines, 
particularly  in  the  level  of  construction  activity,  could  have  a 
material adverse effect on our financial results.

  •  Demand for our products is highly variable and difficult 
to  forecast  due  to  our  minimal  backlog  and  the  unanticipated 
changes that can occur in customer order patterns or inventory 
levels.

  •  Our financial results can be negatively impacted by the 
volatility  in  the  cost  and  availability  of  our  primary  raw  mate-
rial, hot-rolled carbon steel wire rod.

  •  Foreign competition could adversely impact our financial 

results.

  •  Our  manufacturing  facilities  are  subject  to  unexpected 
equipment failures, operational interruptions and casualty losses.
  •  Our financial results could be adversely impacted by the 

continued escalation in certain of our operating costs.

  •  Our  capital  resources  may  not  be  adequate  to  provide 
for  our  capital  investment  and  maintenance  expenditures  if  
we  were  to  experience  a  substantial  downturn  in  our  financial 
performance.

  •  Environmental compliance and remediation could result 
in substantially increased capital investments and operating costs.
  •  Our production and earnings could be reduced by strikes 

or work stoppages by our unionized employees.

  •  Our stock price can be volatile, often in connection with 

matters beyond our control.

overview

  Following  our  exit  from  the  industrial  wire  busi-
ness  (see  Note  7  to  the  consolidated  financial  state-
ments),  our  operations  are  entirely  focused  on  the 
manufacture  and  marketing  of  concrete  reinforcing 
products  for  the  concrete  construction  industry.  The 
results  of  operations  for  the  industrial  wire  business 
have  been  reported  as  discontinued  operations  for  all 
periods presented. Our business strategy is focused on: 
(1)  achieving  leadership  positions  in  our  markets  and 
operating as the lowest cost producer; and (2) pursuing 
growth  opportunities  within  our  core  businesses  that 
further  our  penetration  of  current  markets  served  or 
expand our geographic reach.

CritiCaL aCCounting PoLiCieS

  Our  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in 
accordance  with  accounting  principles  generally 
accepted in the U.S. Our discussion and analysis of our 
financial condition and results of operations are based 
on  these  financial  statements.  The  preparation  of  our 
financial  statements  requires  the  application  of  these 
accounting  principles  in  addition  to  certain  estimates 
and judgments based on current available information, 
actuarial estimates, historical results and other assump-
tions  believed  to  be  reasonable.  Actual  results  could 
differ from these estimates.

  The following critical accounting policies are used 

in the preparation of the financial statements:

 Revenue recognition and credit risk. We recognize 
revenue  from  product  sales  in  accordance  with  Staff 
Accounting  Bulletin  (“SAB”)  No.  104  when  products 
are shipped and risk of loss and title has passed to the 
customer.  Substantially  all  of  our  accounts  receivable 
are due from customers that are located in the United 
States and we generally require no collateral depending  

14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
upon the creditworthiness of the account. We provide 
an  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  based  upon  our 
assessment  of  the  credit  risk  of  specific  customers,  
historical  trends  and  other  information.  There  is  no 
disproportionate concentration of credit risk.

 Allowance  for  doubtful  accounts.

  We  maintain 
allowances  for  doubtful  accounts  for  estimated  losses 
resulting from the potential inability of our customers 
to make required payments. If the financial condition 
of  our  customers  were  to  change  significantly,  adjust-
ments  to  the  allowances  may  be  required.  While  we 
believe our recorded trade receivables will be collected,  
in the event of default in payment of a trade receivable, 
we would follow normal collection procedures.

 Excess and obsolete inventory reserves. We write 
down the carrying value of our inventory for estimated 
obsolescence  to  reflect  the  lower  of  the  cost  of  the 
inventory  or  its  estimated  net  realizable  value  based 
upon  assumptions  about  future  demand  and  market 
conditions. If actual market conditions for our products 
are substantially different than our projections, adjust-
ments to these reserves may be required.

 Accruals  for  self-insured  liabilities  and  litigation.
We  accrue  estimates  of  the  probable  costs  related  to 
self-insured medical and workers’ compensation claims 
and  legal  matters.  These  estimates  have  been  devel-
oped in consultation with actuaries, our legal counsel 
and other advisors and are based on our current under-
standing  of  the  underlying  facts  and  circumstances. 
Because  of  uncertainties  related  to  the  ultimate  out-
come of these issues as well as the possibility of changes 
in the underlying facts and circumstances, adjustments 
to these reserves may be required in the future.

 Recent  accounting  pronouncements.  In  July  2006, 
the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (“FASB”) 
issued  Interpretation  No.  48,  “Accounting  for  Uncer-
tainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN No. 48”) which clarifies 
the  criteria  for  the  recognition  of  tax  benefits  under 
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 
No.  109,  “Accounting  for  Income  Taxes.”  FIN  No.  48 
specifies  how  tax  benefits  for  uncertain  tax  positions 
are  to  be  recognized,  measured  and  derecognized  in  

financial  statements;  requires  certain  disclosures  of 
uncertain tax matters; specifies how reserves for uncer-
tain  tax  positions  should  be  classified  on  the  balance 
sheet; and provides transition and interim period guid-
ance, among other provisions. FIN No. 48 is effective 
for  us  beginning  in  fiscal  2008  and  requires  that  the 
cumulative effect of applying its provisions be disclosed 
separately  as  a  one-time,  non-cash  charge  against  the 
opening  balance  of  retained  earnings  in  the  year  of 
adoption.  Based  on  our  preliminary  analysis,  the  
adoption  of  FIN  No.  48  is  expected  to  result  in  an  
estimated charge to retained earnings of approximately 
$260,000. The actual amount of the adjustment will be 
recorded in the first quarter of 2008 upon the finaliza-
tion of our analysis.

In  September  2006,  the  FASB  issued  SFAS  No. 
157,  “Fair  Value  Measurements”  which  defines  fair 
value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value 
in  generally  accepted  accounting  principles,  and 
expands  disclosures  about  fair  value  measurements. 
SFAS  No.  157  is  effective  for  us  beginning  in  fiscal 
2009. At this time, we have not determined what effect, 
if any, the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on our 
financial position or results of operations.

In  September  2006,  the  FASB  issued  SFAS  No. 
158,  “Employers’  Accounting  for  Defined  Benefit 
Pension  and  Other  Postretirement  Plans.”  SFAS  No. 
158 requires that an employer recognize the overfunded 
or  underfunded  status  of  a  defined  benefit  postretire-
ment  plan  in  its  statement  of  financial  position  and 
changes in the funded status through other compre-
hensive income in the year in which the changes  
occur. SFAS No. 158 also requires the measurement of 
defined  benefit  plan  assets  and  obligations  as  of  the 
date  of  the  employer’s  fiscal  year-end  statement  of 
financial position. The provisions regarding the recog-
nition of a plan’s funding status were effective for us in 
fiscal  2007  and  resulted  in  a  $2.1  million  decrease  in 
shareholders’ equity, net of tax. The provisions regard-
ing  the  change  in  the  measurement  date  are  effective 
for us beginning in fiscal 2009. The adoption of SFAS 
No. 158 is further discussed in Note 8 to the consoli-
dated financial statements.

insteel industRies, inc. and subsidiaRies  15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ManageMent’s Discussion anD analysis of financial conDition anD   
Results of opeRations (continued)

reSuLtS oF oPerationS

Statements of Operations—Selected Data

(Dollars in thousands)

Net sales
Gross profit
  Percentage of net sales
Selling, general and administrative expense
  Percentage of net sales
Other expense (income), net
Interest expense
Effective income tax rate
Earnings from continuing operations
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
Net earnings

“N/M” = not meaningful

2007 ComPared with 2006

Net Sales

  Net sales decreased 9.6% to $297.8 million in 2007 
from  $329.5  million  in  2006  as  lower  shipments  more 
than  offset  higher  average  selling  prices.  Shipments  
for  the  year  decreased  11.4%  while  average  selling 
prices rose 2.0% from the prior year. The reduction in 
shipments  was  driven  by  a  combination  of  factors 
including:  (1)  the  continuation  of  weak  demand  and 
inventory  reduction  measures  pursued  by  customers 
that  have  been  negatively  impacted  by  the  downturn 
in residential construction activity; (2) our decision to 
solicit minimal new business from posttension custom-
ers in the PC strand market due to low-priced import 
competition; and (3) less favorable weather conditions 
in  certain  of  our  markets  relative  to  the  prior  year 
which reduced the level of construction activity.

Gross Profit

  Gross profit decreased 20.9% to $56.1 million, or 
18.8% of net sales in 2007 from $70.9 million, or 21.5% 
of net sales in 2006. The decrease was primarily due to 
the reduction in shipments, higher unit manufacturing 
costs  resulting  from  lower  operating  levels  and  higher 
raw  material  costs  which  were  partially  offset  by  the 
increase in average selling prices.

september 29, 
2007

$297,806
56,061

18.8%

$  17,583

5.9%

$           4
592
36.6%

$   24,284
(122)
24,162

Year Ended

September 30, 
2006

$329,507
70,871

21.5%

$   16,996

5.2%
$         (446)
669
36.2%

$   34,377
(1,337)
33,040

Change

(9.6%)
(20.9%)

3.5%

N/M
(11.5%)

(29.4%)
N/M
(26.9%)

Change

6.5%
22.4%

October 1, 
2005

$ 309,320
57,898

18.7%

5.1%

$  16,175

N/M
(80.5%)

$ 

5.2%
(73)
3,427
36.1%

40.3%
N/M
31.9%

$  24,499
546
25,045

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

  Selling,  general  and  administrative  expense 
(“SG&A  expense”)  increased  3.5%  to  $17.6  million,  
or  5.9%  of  net  sales  in  2007  from  $17.0  million,  or  
5.2% of net sales in 2006. The increase was primarily  
due  to  higher  compensation  expense  ($989,000)  
which  was  partially  offset  by  lower  employee  benefit 
costs ($387,000).

Other Expense (Income), Net

  Other  expense  was  $4,000  in  2007  compared  
with income of $446,000 in 2006. The income for the 
prior year was primarily related to a $247,000 litigation 
settlement  and  $128,000  of  duties  related  to  the  
dumping and countervailing duty cases that were filed 
by a coalition of domestic PC strand producers which 
included us.

Interest Expense

Interest  expense  decreased  $77,000,  or  11.5%,  to 
$592,000 in 2007 from $669,000 in 2006. The decrease 
was  primarily  due  to  lower  average  outstanding  bal-
ances  on  the  revolving  credit  facility  in  the  current 
year  together  with  lower  amortization  expense  associ-
ated with capitalized financing costs.

Income Taxes

  Our  effective  income  tax  rate  was  relatively  flat 

for 2007 at 36.6% compared with 36.2% in 2006.

16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings From Continuing Operations

Gross Profit

  Earnings  from  continuing  operations  for  2007 
decreased  to $24.3 million, or $1.33 per diluted share, 
compared to $34.4 million, or $1.86 per diluted share in 
2006 primarily due to the lower sales and gross profit.

Earnings (Loss) From Discontinued Operations

  The  loss  from  discontinued  operations  for  2007 
was  $122,000,  or  $0.01  per  diluted  share  compared  to  
$1.3  million,  or  $0.07  per  diluted  share  in  2006.  The  
current  year  loss  reflects  the  closure  costs  incurred  
to  exit  the  industrial  wire  business  and  close  our 
Fredericksburg,  Virginia  manufacturing  facility.  The 
prior year loss reflects the operating losses incurred by 
the  industrial  wire  business  together  with  the  closure 
costs which were partially offset by a $1.3 million pre-
tax  gain  on  the  sale  of  certain  machinery  and  equip-
ment  associated  with  the  industrial  wire  business  for 
$6.0 million.

Net Earnings

  Net earnings for 2007 decreased to $24.2 million, 
or $1.32 per diluted share, compared to $33.0 million, 
or $1.79 per diluted share in 2006 primarily due to the 
lower  sales  and  gross  profit  which  was  partially  offset  
by  the  reduction  in  the  loss  from  discontinued  opera-
tions associated with our exit from the industrial wire 
business  and  closure  of  our  Fredericksburg,  Virginia 
manufacturing facility.

2006 ComPared with 2005

Net Sales

  Net sales increased 6.5% to $329.5 million in 2006 
from $309.3 million in 2005 as higher shipments more 
than offset lower average selling prices. Shipments for 
the  year  increased  11.0%  while  average  selling  prices 
decreased  4.0%  from  the  prior  year.  The  increase  in 
shipments was primarily due to the continued improve-
ment in nonresidential construction  activity and 
demand for our concrete reinforcing products together 
with  the  completion  of  the  inventory  reduction  mea-
sures pursued by customers during the prior year. The 
decrease  in  average  selling  prices  was  due  to  compe-
titive activity in our markets which was offset by reduc-
tions in raw material costs.

  Gross  profit  increased  22.4%  to  $70.9  million,  or 
21.5% of net sales in 2006 from $57.9 million, or 18.7% 
of  net  sales  in  2005.  The  increase  in  gross  profit  was 
driven by higher shipments together with wider spreads 
between average selling prices and raw material costs. 
In  addition,  gross  profit  for  2005  was  negatively 
impacted  by  the  sale  of  higher  cost  inventory  as  raw 
material  costs  and  selling  prices  declined  over  the 
course of the year.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

  SG&A  expense  increased  5.1%  to  $17.0  million, 
or 5.2% of net sales in 2006 from $16.2 million, or 5.2%  
of net sales in 2005. We adopted SFAS No. 123(R) as 
of  the  beginning  of  fiscal  2006  which  required  all 
share-based payments to be recognized as expense over 
the requisite service period based upon their fair values 
as  of  the  grant  dates.  Under  the  provisions  of  SFAS 
No.  123(R),  total  stock-based  compensation  expense 
for  2006  amounted  to  $1.2  million  comprised  of 
$535,000  of  stock  option  expense  and  $638,000  of 
restricted  stock  amortization.  Although  we  elected  to 
adopt SFAS No. 123(R) using the modified prospective 
method,  the  2005  amounts  also  reflect  stock  option 
expense due to certain previous option plans that were 
required  to  be  accounted  for  as  variable  plans.  Under 
variable  plan  accounting,  compensation  expense  was 
recognized for the excess of the market price over the 
exercise price and adjusted to reflect changes in market 
valuation. As a result, total stock-based compensation 
expense for 2005 amounted to $805,000 comprised of 
$571,000  of  stock  option  expense  resulting  from  the 
increase in our share price that occurred during 2005 
and $234,000 of restricted stock amortization. Excluding 
the stock-based compensation expense from both peri-
ods, SG&A expense increased $453,000 primarily due 
to  increases  in  compensation  expense  ($445,000), 
allowance for doubtful accounts ($299,000), employee 
benefit  costs  ($295,000),  and  travel-related  expenses 
($211,000)  partially  offset  by  lower  legal  expenses 
($556,000) and consulting fees ($244,000).

insteel industRies, inc. and subsidiaRies  17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
ManageMent’s Discussion anD analysis of financial conDition anD   
Results of opeRations (continued)

Other Expense (Income), Net

  Other  income  was  $446,000  in  2006  compared 
with  $73,000  in  2005.  The  income  for  2005  was  pri-
marily  related  to  a  $247,000  litigation  settlement  and 
$128,000  of  duties  related  to  the  dumping  and  coun-
tervailing  duty  cases  that  were  filed  by  a  coalition  of 
domestic PC strand producers which included us.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased $2.8 million, or 80.5%, 
to  $669,000  in  2006  from  $3.4  million  in  2005.  The 
decrease was primarily due to the reduction in average 
borrowing  levels  on  our  senior  secured  credit  facility 
($1.8  million)  and  lower  amortization  expense  associ-
ated  with  capitalized  financing  costs  and  the  unreal-
ized  loss  on  the  terminated  interest  rate  swaps  which 
was fully amortized in 2005 ($959,000).

Income Taxes

  Our  effective  income  tax  rate  was  relatively  flat 

for 2006 at 36.2% compared with 36.1% in 2005.

Earnings From Continuing Operations

  Earnings  from  continuing  operations  for  2006 
increased  to  $34.4  million,  or  $1.86  per  diluted  share, 
compared  to  $24.5  million,  or  $1.29  per  diluted  share  
in  2005  primarily  due  to  the  higher  sales  and  gross 
profit  together  with  the  reduction  in  interest  expense 
in 2006.

Liquidity and CaPitaL reSourCeS

Selected Financial Data

Earnings (Loss) From Discontinued Operations

  The  loss  from  discontinued  operations  for  2006 
was  $1.3  million,  or  $0.07  per  diluted  share  com-
pared  with  earnings  from  discontinued  operations  of 
$546,000, or $0.03 per diluted share in 2005. The 2006 
loss  related  to  the  operating  losses  and  closure  costs 
associated with our exit from the industrial wire busi-
ness and closure of our Fredericksburg, Virginia manu-
facturing  facility.  In  2006,  we  completed  the  sale  of 
certain machinery and equipment associated with the 
industrial wire business for $6.0 million and recorded a 
pre-tax  gain  of  $1.3  million.  The  2005  earnings  con-
sisted of a $793,000 gain on the disposal of real estate, 
the collection of a note receivable and the settlement 
on  the  release  of  an  equipment  lien  associated  with 
Insteel Construction Systems, a discontinued operation 
that  we  had  previously  exited  in  1997,  partially  offset 
by a loss of $247,000 from the operations of the indus-
trial wire business.

Net Earnings

  Net earnings for 2006 increased to $33.0 million, 
or $1.79 per diluted share, compared to $25.0 million, 
or $1.32 per diluted share in 2005 primarily due to the 
higher  sales  and  gross  profit  together  with  the  reduc-
tion  in  interest  expense  during  2006  which  was  par-
tially offset by the loss from discontinued operations.

(Dollars in thousands)

Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations
Net cash used for investing activities of continuing operations
Net cash used for financing activities of continuing operations

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities of discontinued operations
Net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations
Net cash used for financing activities of discontinued operations

Working capital
Total long-term debt
  Percentage of total capital
Shareholders’ equity
  Percentage of total capital
Total capital (total long-term debt + shareholders’ equity)

Year Ended

september 29, 
2007

September 30, 
2006

October 1, 
2005

$    17,065
(17,062)
(1,842)

(147)
—
—

70,697
—
—
$143,850

$  42,650
(19,472)
(22,008)

2,185
5,963
—

56,938
—
—
$122,438

100%

100%

$  41,830
(6,036)
(40,931)

2,630
2,120
(560)

51,662
11,860

11%

$  97,036

89%

$143,850

$122,438

$ 108,896

18

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CaSh FLow anaLySiS

  Operating activities of continuing operations pro-
vided  $17.1  million  of  cash  in  2007  compared  with 
$42.7 million in 2006 and $41.8 million in 2005. The 
year-over-year decrease in 2007 was largely  due to the 
$10.1  million  reduction  in  earnings  from  continuing 
operations and $18.9 million decrease in cash provided 
by working capital. In 2007, the net change in receiv-
ables,  inventory  and  accounts  payable  and  accrued 
expenses  used  $14.6  million  of  cash  while  providing 
$4.3 million and $7.9 million in 2006 and 2005, respec-
tively. The cash used by working capital in the current 
year was primarily due to the $17.0 million decrease in  
accounts payable and accrued expenses resulting from 
the  sharp  reduction  in  raw  material  purchases  during 
the fourth quarter together with changes in the mix of 
vendor payment terms. Depreciation and amortization 
rose  $1.1  million,  or  24.7%,  primarily  due  to  the 
increase in capital expenditures during the current and 
prior years and related asset additions. Deferred income 
taxes provided $2.0 million of cash during 2007 while 
using $1.6 million in 2006 primarily due to higher tax 
basis gains on the sale of fixed assets in the prior year.

Investing activities of continuing operations used 
$17.1 million of cash in 2007 compared with $19.5 mil-
lion in 2006 and $6.0 million in 2005. Capital expen-
ditures  amounted  to  $17.0  million,  $19.0  million  and 
$6.3 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, with 
the higher levels in the current and prior years primar-
ily  related  to  capital  outlays  for  the  expansions  of  the 
ESM  and  PC  strand  businesses.  Capital  expenditures 
are  expected  to  be  $10.0  million  in  2008  primarily 
related to the upgrading of our Florida PC strand facil-
ity. The actual timing of these expenditures as well as 
the  amounts  are  subject  to  change  based  on  adjust-
ments in the project timelines or scope, future market 
conditions,  our  financial  performance  and  additional 
growth opportunities that may arise. In 2007,  we  sold 
an idle facility which had been classified as assets held 
for sale and realized net proceeds of $590,000. Investing 
activities from discontinued operations did not provide 
or utilize cash in 2007 while providing $6.0 million in  

2006  from  the  net  proceeds  on  the  sale  of  certain 
machinery and equipment associated with our discon-
tinued industrial wire business.

  Financing activities of continuing operations used 
$1.8 million of cash in 2007 compared with $22.0 mil-
lion in 2006 and $40.9 million in 2005. The year-over-
year  decrease  in  2007  was  due  to  the  $16.0  million 
reduction  in  long-term  debt  and  the  $8.5  million  of 
share repurchases in the prior year.

Credit FaCiLitieS

  As  of  September  29,  2007,  we  had  a  $100.0  mil-
lion revolving credit facility in place to supplement our 
operating  cash  flow  in  funding  our  working  capital, 
capital  expenditure  and  general  corporate  require-
ments.  No  borrowings  were  outstanding  on  the  credit 
facility  as  of  September  29,  2007  and  September  30, 
2006 and outstanding letters of credit totaled $1.9 mil-
lion and $1.4 million, respectively. As of September 29, 
2007, $54.7 million of borrowing capacity was available 
on  the  credit  facility  (see  Note  4  to  the  consolidated 
financial statements).

  Our  balance  sheet  was  debt-free  as  of  September 
29, 2007 and September 30, 2006. We believe that, in 
the absence of significant unanticipated cash demands, 
net cash generated by operating activities and amounts 
available  under  our  revolving  credit  facility  will  be  
sufficient to satisfy our expected requirements for work-
ing capital, capital expenditures, dividends and share 
repurchases, if any.

oFF-BaLanCe Sheet arrangementS

  We  do  not  have  any  material  transactions, 
arrangements,  obligations  (including  contingent  obli-
gations),  or  other  relationships  with  unconsolidated 
entities or other persons, as defined by Item 303(a)(4) 
of Regulation S-K of the SEC, that have or are reason-
ably likely to have a material current or future impact 
on our financial condition, results of operations, liquid-
ity, capital expenditures, capital resources or significant 
components of revenues or expenses.

insteel industRies, inc. and subsidiaRies  19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ManageMent’s Discussion anD analysis of financial conDition anD   
Results of opeRations (continued)

ContraCtuaL oBLigationS

  Our contractual obligations and commitments at September 29, 2007 are as follows:

Contractual Obligations
(In thousands)

  Operating leases
  Raw material purchase commitments(1)
  Other unconditional purchase obligations(2)
  Pension benefit obligations
  Supplemental employee retirement plan

 Total

(1) Non-cancelable fixed price purchase commitments for raw materials.
(2) Contractual commitments for equipment purchases.

outLook

  We  expect  continued  growth  in  nonresidential 
construction, our primary demand driver, in 2008, but 
at  a  reduced  rate  from  the  elevated  levels  of  recent 
years.  The  outlook  for  commercial  construction  has 
weakened  due  to  the  ongoing  housing  downturn  and 
recent tightening in the credit markets. However, other 
segments  within  nonresidential  construction  are 
expected  to  remain  strong  supported  by:  (1)  higher 
spending  for  infrastructure-related  construction  asso-
ciated  with  the  recently  enacted  federal  transporta-
tion  funding  authorization,  the  improved  fiscal 
positions  of  most  states  and  the  heightened  focus  on 
addressing  the  critical  infrastructure  needs  that  exist; 
and  (2)  post-hurricane  reconstruction  in  the  Gulf 
region of the U.S.

  At the same time, the drop-off in residential con-
struction is expected to continue through 2008, which 
will adversely affect shipments to customers that have 
greater exposure to the housing sector. We now believe 
that  a  recovery  in  the  housing  market  is  unlikely  to 
occur until sometime in 2009, although the exact tim-
ing  remains  highly  uncertain.  In  addition,  increasing 
imports of PC strand and escalating raw material costs 
could  compress  margins  depending  upon  the  strength 
of  demand,  competitive  dynamics  and  our  ability  to 
recover these additional costs in our markets.

  Despite  these  near-term  challenges,  we  expect 
gradually  increasing  contributions  during  2008  from 
the  substantial  investments  that  have  been  made  in 
our  facilities  over  the  past  two  years  to  expand  and 
reconfigure our Tennessee PC strand facility, add new 
ESM production lines in our North Carolina and Texas 
plants and a new standard welded wire reinforcing line 
at  our  Delaware  facility,  and  upgrade  our  Florida  PC 

20

Payments Due by Period

Less Than  
1 Year

$  781
31,831
3,843
428
80

1–3  
Years

$  658
—
—
864
160

3–5  
Years

$  27
—
—
642
418

More Than  
5 Years

$ 

—
—
—
8,270
17,654

Total

$  1,466
31,831
3,843
10,204
18,312

$ 65,656

$ 36,963

$ 1,682

$ 1,087

$ 25,924

strand operation which is expected to be completed in 
the  third  quarter  of  2008.  As  we  ramp  up  production 
on  the  new  equipment,  we  anticipate  dual  benefits  in 
the  form  of  reduced  operating  costs  and  additional 
capacity to support future growth. In addition to these 
organic  growth  and  cost  reduction  initiatives,  we  are 
continually  evaluating  potential  acquisitions  in  our 
existing  businesses  that  further  our  penetration  in  
current  markets  served  or  expand  our  geographic  
reach. We anticipate that these actions, together with 
the  positive  overall  outlook  for  our  nonresidential  
construction-related  markets,  should  have  a  favorable 
impact  on  our  financial  performance  in  2008  (see 
“Forward-Looking State ments”).

quantitative and quaLitative diSCLoSureS aBout 
market riSk

  Our  cash  flows  and  earnings  are  subject  to  fluc-
tuations  resulting  from  changes  in  commodity  prices, 
interest  rates  and  foreign  exchange  rates.  We  manage 
our  exposure  to  these  market  risks  through  internally 
established policies and procedures and, when deemed 
appropriate,  through  the  use  of  derivative  financial 
instruments.  We  do  not  use  financial  instruments  for 
trading  purposes  and  we  are  not  a  party  to  any  lever-
aged  derivatives.  We  monitor  our  underlying  market 
risk  exposures  on  an  ongoing  basis  and  believe  that  
we  can  modify  or  adapt  our  hedging  strategies  as 
necessary.

Commodity Prices

  We have not generally used derivative commodity 
instruments to hedge our exposures to changes in com-
modity prices. Our principal commodity price exposure 
is  hot-rolled  carbon  steel  wire  rod,  our  primary  raw 
material,  which  we  purchase  from  both  domestic  and 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
foreign  suppliers  and  is  denominated  in  U.S.  dollars. 
Prior  to  2004,  we  typically  negotiated  quantities  and 
pricing  on  a  quarterly  basis  for  both  domestic  and  
foreign  steel  wire  rod  purchases  to  manage  our  expo-
sure to price fluctuations and to ensure adequate avail-
ability  of  material  consistent  with  our  requirements. 
However, beginning in 2004, a tightening of supply in 
the  rod  market  together  with  fluctuations  in  the  raw 
material  costs  of  rod  producers  resulted  in  increased 
price volatility which has continued through 2007. In 
some  instances,  wire  rod  producers  have  resorted  to 
increasing the frequency of price adjustments, typically 
on a monthly basis as well as unilaterally changing the 
terms  of  prior  commitments.  Our  ability  to  acquire 
steel wire rod from foreign sources on favorable terms is 
impacted by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange 
rates, foreign taxes, duties, tariffs and other trade  
actions.  Although  changes  in  wire  rod  costs  and  our 
selling prices may be correlated over extended periods 

of time, depending upon market conditions, there may 
be periods during which we are unable to fully recover 
increased rod costs through higher selling prices, which 
reduces our gross profit and cash flow from operations.

Interest Rates

  Although  we  were  debt-free  as  of  September  29, 
2007, future borrowings under our senior secured credit 
facility are sensitive to changes in interest rates.

Foreign Exchange Exposure

  We  have  not  typically  hedged  foreign  currency 
exposures  related  to  transactions  denominated  in  cur-
rencies  other  than  U.S.  dollars  and  any  such  trans-
actions  have  not  been  material  in  the  past.  We  will 
occasionally  hedge  firm  commitments  for  equipment 
purchases  that  are  denominated  in  foreign  currencies. 
The  decision  to  hedge  any  such  transactions  is  made  
by  us  on  a  case-by-case  basis.  There  were  no  forward 
contracts outstanding as of September 29, 2007.

ManageMent’s RepoRt on  inte Rnal cont Rol oV eR financial  RepoRting

Insteel’s  management  is  responsible  for  establish-
ing  and  maintaining  adequate  internal  control  over 
financial  reporting,  as  such  term  is  defined  in  Rules 
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange 
Act  of  1934,  as  amended.  Insteel’s  internal  control  
over financial reporting is designed to provide reason-
able  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial 
reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  
for  external  purposes  in  accordance  with  generally 
accepted  accounting  principles.  The  Company’s  inter-
nal  control  over  financial  reporting  includes  those 
written  policies  and  procedures  that:  (1)  pertain  to 
maintaining  records  that  in  reasonable  detail  accu-
rately  and  fairly  reflect  the  transactions  and  disposi-
tions  of  assets;  (2)  provide  reasonable  assurance  that 
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit prepa-
ration of financial statements in accordance with gen-
erally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts 
and expenditures are made in accordance with autho-
rizations of management and directors; and (3) provide 
reasonable  assurance  regarding  prevention  or  timely 
detection  of  unauthorized  acquisition,  use,  or  disposi-
tion of assets that could have a material effect on the 
financial statements.

  Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  con-
trol 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  compli-
ance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

  Management assessed the effectiveness of Insteel’s 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  Sep-
tember  29,  2007.  In  making  this  assessment,  manage-
ment  used  the  criteria  set  forth  by  the  Committee  of 
Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commis-
sion in Internal Control—Integrated Framework. Based 
on  its  assessment,  management  believes  that,  as  of 
September  29,  2007,  Insteel’s  internal  control  over 
financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.
  Grant  Thornton  LLP,  an  independent  registered 
public  accounting  firm,  has  audited  management’s 
assessment of the effectiveness of Insteel’s internal con-
trol over financial reporting and has issued an attesta-
tion  report  concurring  with  management’s  assessment 
which is on page 23.

insteel industRies, inc. and subsidiaRies  21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RepoRt of  in DepenDent RegisteReD pu Blic accounting  fi RM
consoliDateD  financial stateM ents

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

  We have audited the accompanying consolidated 
balance sheets of Insteel Industries, Inc. and subsidiary 
(a North Carolina corporation) as of September 29, 
2007 and September 30, 2006 and the related consoli-
dated  statements  of  operations,  shareholders’  equity 
and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of 
the  three  years  in  the  period  ended  September  29, 
2007. 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  Over-
sight  Board  (United  States).  Those  standards  require 
that  we  plan  and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain  reason-
able 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 man-
agement,  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  consolidated  financial  state-
ments  referred  to  above  present  fairly,  in  all  material 
respects,  the  financial  position  of  Insteel  Industries, 
Inc.  and  subsidiary  as  of  September  29,  2007  and  

September  30,  2006  and  the  results  of  their  opera-
tions and their cash flows for each of the three years in 
the  period  ended  September  29,  2007,  in  conformity 
with  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the 
United States.

  As discussed in Note 8 to the financial statements, 
the  Company  has  adopted  Financial  Accounting 
Standards  Board  Statement  No.  158,  “Employers’ 
Accounting  for  Defined  Benefit  Pension  and  Other 
Postretirement  Plans,”  as  of  September  29,  2007.  In 
addition, as discussed in Note 1, the Company adopted 
Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 
123(R), “Share-Based Payment” on October 2, 2005.

  We  also  have  audited,  in  accordance  with  the 
standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Over-
sight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Insteel 
Industries,  Inc.  and  subsidiary’s  internal  control  over 
financial reporting as of September 29, 2007, based on 
criteria  established  in  Internal  Control—Integrated 
Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring 
Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (COSO) 
and our report dated November 19, 2007 expressed an 
unqualified opinion.

Greensboro, North Carolina
November 19, 2007

22

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RepoRt of  in DepenDent RegisteReD pu Blic accounting  fi RM
inteRnal cont Rol oV eR financial  RepoRting

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Insteel Industries, Inc.:

  We have audited Insteel Industries, Inc. and sub-
sidiary’s (a North Carolina corporation) internal con-
trol over financial reporting as of September 29, 2007, 
based  on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control—
Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of 
Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commis-
sion  (COSO).  Insteel  Industries,  Inc.  and  subsidiary’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. Our responsibility is to express 
an  opinion  on  Insteel  Industries,  Inc.  and  subsidiary’s 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting  based  on  
our audit.

  We  conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  the 
standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Over-
sight  Board  (United  States).  Those  standards  require 
that  we  plan  and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain  reason-
able assurance about whether effective internal control 
over financial reporting was maintained in all material 
respects. Our audit included obtaining an understand-
ing of internal control over financial reporting, assess-
ing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing  
and  evaluating  the  design  and  operating  effectiveness 
of  internal  control  based  on  the  assessed  risk,  and  
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  report-
ing  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 prepa-
ration of financial statements in accordance with gen-
erally 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  con-
trol 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  compli-
ance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In  our  opinion,  Insteel  Industries,  Inc.  and  sub-
sidiary  maintained,  in  all  material  respects,  effective 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  Sep-
tember 29, 2007 based on criteria established in Internal 
Control—Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Com-
mittee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway 
Commission (COSO).

  We  have  also  audited,  in  accordance  with  the 
standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Over-
sight Board (United States), the consolidated balance 
sheets  of  Insteel  Industries,  Inc.  and  subsidiary  as  of 
September  29,  2007  and  September  30,  2006  and  the 
related  consolidated  statements  of  operations,  share-
holders’  equity  and  comprehensive  income  and  cash 
flows  for  each  of  the  three  years  in  the  period  ended 
September  29,  2007,  and  our  report  dated  November 
19,  2007,  expressed  an  unqualified  opinion  on  those 
financial statements and contains an explanatory para-
graph  relating  to  the  adoption  of  Financial  Account-
ing  Standards  Board  Statement  (“SFAS”)  No.  158, 
“Employers’  Accounting  for  Defined  Benefit  Pension 
and  Other  Postretirement  Plans.”  In  addition,  as  dis-
cussed  in  Note  1,  the  Company  adopted  SFAS  No. 
123(R), “Share-Based Payment” on October 2, 2005.

Greensboro, North Carolina
November 19, 2007

insteel industRies, inc. and subsidiaRies  23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
consoliDateD stateMents of opeRations

(In thousands, except for per share amounts)

Net sales
Cost of sales

  Gross profit
Selling, general and administrative expense
Other expense (income), net
Interest expense
Interest income

  Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
Income taxes

  Earnings from continuing operations

 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations net of income taxes of  
  ($77), ($851) and $330

  Net earnings

Per share amounts:
  Basic:

  Earnings from continuing operations
  Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

  Net earnings

  Diluted:

  Earnings from continuing operations
  Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

  Net earnings

  Cash dividends declared

Weighted shares outstanding:
  Basic
  Diluted

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Year Ended

september 29, 
2007

September 30, 
2006

October 1, 
2005

$297,806
241,745

$329,507
258,636

$309,320
251,422

56,061
17,583
4
592
(415)

38,297
14,013

24,284

70,871
16,996
(446)
669
(255)

53,907
19,530

34,377

57,898
16,175
(73)
3,427
—

38,369
13,870

24,499

(122)

(1,337)

546

$  24,162

$  33,040

$  25,045

$ 

1.34
(0.01)

$ 

1.33

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.33
(0.01)

1.32

0.12

$ 

1.88
(0.08)

$ 

1.31
0.03

$ 

1.80

$ 

1.34

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.86
(0.07)

1.79

0.12

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.29
0.03

1.32

0.06

18,142
18,314

18,307
18,473

18,656
18,954

24

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
consoliDateD Balance sH eets

(In thousands, except for per share amounts)

Assets:
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents
  Accounts receivable, net

Inventories

  Prepaid expenses and other
  Current assets of discontinued operations

  Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment, net
Other assets
Non-current assets of discontinued operations

  Total assets

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable
  Accrued expenses
  Current liabilities of discontinued operations

  Total current liabilities

Other liabilities
Long-term liabilities of discontinued operations
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
  Preferred stock, no par value
  Authorized shares: 1,000
  None issued

  Common stock, $1 stated value
  Authorized shares: 40,000

Issued and outstanding shares: 2007, 18,303; 2006, 18,213

  Additional paid-in capital
  Deferred stock compensation
  Retained earnings
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  Total shareholders’ equity

  Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

september 29, 
2007

September 30, 
2006

$  8,703
34,518
47,401
4,640
—

95,262
67,147
7,485
3,635

$  10,689
37,519
46,797
2,675
411

98,091
55,217
9,653
3,635

$ 173,529

$ 166,596

$  16,705
7,613
247

24,565
4,862
252

$  30,691
9,819
643

41,153
2,713
292

—

—

18,303
48,939
(1,132)
79,859
(2,119)

143,850

$ 173,529

18,213
47,005
(662)
57,882
—

122,438

$ 166,596

insteel industRies, inc. and subsidiaRies  25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
consoliDateD state Ments of  cas H floW s

(In thousands)

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
  Net earnings
  Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

  Earnings from continuing operations
 Adjustments to reconcile earnings from continuing operations to net cash  
  provided by operating activities of continuing operations:

  Depreciation and amortization
  Amortization of capitalized financing costs
  Amortization of unrealized loss on financial instruments
  Stock-based compensation expense
  Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options
  Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment
  Deferred income taxes

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance over premiums paid

  Net changes in assets and liabilities:

  Accounts receivable, net
 Inventories
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  Other changes

 Total adjustments

 Net cash provided by operating activities—
  continuing operations
 Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities—
  discontinued operations

  Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
  Capital expenditures
  Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
  Premium payments on life insurance policies

 Net cash used for investing activities—
  continuing operations
 Net cash provided by investing activities—
  discontinued operations

  Net cash used for investing activities

Year Ended

september 29, 
2007

September 30, 
2006

October 1, 
2005

$ 24,162
122

24,284

$  33,040
1,337

$  25,045
(546)

34,377

24,499

5,711
498
—
1,258
(122)
301
2,003
(277)

3,001
(604)
(17,019)
(1,969)

(7,219)

4,578
529
—
1,173
(459)
82
(1,627)
(193)

1,082
(15,228)
18,456
(120)

8,273

4,139
651
837
805
—
63
2,004
—

481
6,753
640
958

17,331

17,065

42,650

41,830

(147)

16,918

(17,013)
590
—
(639)

2,185

44,835

(18,959)
—
52
(565)

2,630

44,460

(6,302)
904
27
(665)

(17,062)

(19,472)

(6,036)

—

(17,062)

5,963

(13,509)

2,120

(3,916)

(continued)

26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
  Proceeds from long-term debt
  Principal payments on long-term debt
  Financing costs
  Cash received from exercise of stock options
  Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options
  Repurchase of common stock
  Cash dividends paid
  Other

 Net cash used for financing activities—
  continuing operations
 Net cash used for financing activities—
  discontinued operations

  Net cash used for financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
  Cash paid during the period for:

 Interest

Income taxes

  Non-cash financing activity:

  Cashless exercise of stock options
  Purchases of property, plant and equipment in accounts payable

Issuance of restricted stock

  Declaration of cash dividends to be paid
 Other

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Year Ended

september 29, 
2007

September 30, 
2006

October 1, 
2005

16,999
(16,999)
—
162
122
—
(2,176)
50

135,219
(147,079)
(307)
360
459
(8,529)
(2,222)
91

329,562
(370,070)
(23)
175
—
—
(566)
(9)

(1,842)

(22,008)

(40,931)

—

(1,842)

(1,986)
10,689

—

(560)

(22,008)

(41,491)

9,318
1,371

(947)
2,318

$  8,703

$  10,689

$  1,371

$ 

93
16,785

$ 

202
17,489

$  3,531
12,001

—
937
1,215
544
—

—
—
792
543
—

338
—
742
565
105

insteel industRies, inc. and subsidiaRies  27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
consoliDateD stateMents of sH aReHol De Rs ’ eQuity  anD coMpReHensiVe incoMe

(In thousands)

Balance at October 2, 2004

Comprehensive income:
  Net earnings

 Amortization of loss on financial instruments  

included in net earnings

  Recognition of additional pension plan liability

  Comprehensive income(1)
Stock options exercised
Restricted stock granted
Restricted stock shares from dividend
Compensation expense associated with stock- 

based plans

Retirement of shares held within grantor trust
Cash dividends declared
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options

Balance at October 1, 2005

Comprehensive income:
  Net earnings
  Reduction in pension liability

  Comprehensive income(1)
Stock options exercised
Restricted stock granted
Restricted stock shares from dividend
Compensation expense associated with stock- 

based plans

Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options
Repurchase of common stock
Cash dividends declared

Common Stock

Shares

Amount

Additional  
Paid-In
Capital

Deferred 
Compensation

Retained 
Earnings

Accumulated  
Other  
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)(1)

Total  
Shareholders’
Equity

18,244

$ 18,244

$      43,677

$       —

$      10,927

$   (1,637)

$   71,211

25,045

656
(111)

570
82

570
83

(36)

(36)

(395)
659
3

571

488

(742)

234

(69)
(1,131)

25,045

656
(111)

25,590
175
—
3

805
(105)
(1,131)
488

18,860

$ 18,861

$     45,003

$    (508)

$       34,772

$   (1,092)

$      97,036

33,040

1,092

101
51
1

101
50
1

(800)

(800)

259
742
7

535
459

(792)

638

(7,729)
(2,201)

33,040
1,092

34,132
360
—
8

1,173
459
(8,529)
(2,201)

Balance at September 30, 2006

18,213

$ 18,213

$          47,005

$    (662)

$         57,882

$       —

$       122,438

Comprehensive income:
  Net earnings
  Recognition of additional pension plan liability
  Adjustment to adopt SFAS No. 158

  Comprehensive income(1)
Stock options exercised
Restricted stock granted
Restricted stock shares from dividend
Compensation expense associated with stock- 

based plans

Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options
Cash dividends declared

24,162

(9)
(2,110)

23
67

23
67

139
1,148
12

513
122

(1,215)

745

(2,185)

24,162
(9)
(2,110)

22,043
162
—
12

1,258
122
(2,185)

Balance at September 29, 2007

18,303

$ 18,303

$48,939

$(1,132)

$79,859

$(2,119)

$143,850

(1) Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reported net of related income taxes.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

28

 
 
notes to  consoli DateD financial  state Ments
Years Ended September 29, 2007, September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005

(1) deSCriPtion oF BuSineSS

Insteel  Industries,  Inc.  (“Insteel”  or  “the  Com-
pany”)  is  one  of  the  nation’s  largest  manufacturers  of 
steel  wire  reinforcing  products  for  concrete  construc-
tion  applications.  Insteel  is  the  parent  holding  com-
pany  for  a  wholly-owned  operating  subsidiary,  Insteel 
Wire  Products  Company  (“IWP”).  The  Company 
manufactures and markets PC strand and welded wire 
reinforcement  products,  including  concrete  pipe  rein-
forcement,  engineered  structural  mesh  and  standard 
welded  wire  reinforcement.  The  Company’s  products 
are  primarily  sold  to  manufacturers  of  concrete  prod-
ucts  and  to  a  lesser  extent  to  distributors  and  rebar  
fabricators  that  are  located  nationwide  as  well  as  into 
Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America.

  The  Company’s  exit  from  the  industrial  wire  
business in June 2006 (see Note 7 to the consolidated 
financial statements) narrowed its strategic and opera-
tional  focus  to  concrete  reinforcing  products.  The 
results  of  operations  for  the  industrial  wire  products 
business have been reported as discontinued operations 
for all periods presented.

(2)  Summary oF SigniFiCant aCCounting PoLiCieS

 Fiscal year. The Company’s fiscal year is the 52 or 
53 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to September 
30. Fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005 were 52-week fis-
cal  years.  All  references  to  years  relate  to  fiscal  years 
rather than calendar years.

 Principles of consolidation.

 The consolidated finan-
cial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  the  Company 
and  its  subsidiaries.  All  significant  intercompany  bal-
ances and transactions have been eliminated.

 Use of estimates. The preparation of financial 
statements in conformity with accounting principles 
generally accepted in the U.S. requires management  
to  make  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the 
amounts  reported  in  the  financial  statements  and 
accompanying notes. There is no assurance that actual 
results will not differ from these estimates.

 Cash equivalents.

 The Company considers all highly 
liquid  investments  purchased  with  original  maturities 
of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

 Stock  options.

  Effective  October  2,  2005,  the 
Company began recording compensation expense asso-
ciated  with  stock  options  and  other  forms  of  equity 
compensation in accordance with Statement of Finan-
cial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), 
“Share-Based  Payment”  as  interpreted  by  Staff 
Accounting  Bulletin  (“SAB”)  No.  107.  Previously  the 
Company had accounted for stock option plans under 
the  intrinsic  value  method  prescribed  by  Accounting 
Principals Board Opinion (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting 
for Stock Issued to Employees,” and therefore no related 
compensation expense was recorded for awards granted 
with no intrinsic value. The Company adopted the 
modified  prospective  transition  method  provided  for 
under SFAS No. 123(R) and consequently, has not ret-
roactively  adjusted  results  from  prior  periods.  Under 
this transition method, (1) stock compensation expense 
associated with options granted on or after October 2, 
2005 is recorded in accordance with the provisions of 
SFAS No. 123(R); and (2) stock compensation expense 
associated  with  the  remaining  unvested  portion  of 
stock  options  granted  prior  to  October  2,  2005  is 
recorded  based  on  the  grant  date  fair  value  of  the 
options  estimated  in  accordance  with  the  original  
provisions  of  SFAS  No.  123,  “Accounting  for  Stock-
Based Compensation.”

  Under  the  provisions  of  SFAS  No.  123(R),  the 
Company recorded $513,000 and $535,000 of compen-
sation expense for stock options within selling, general 
and  administrative  expense  for  the  years  ended 
September  29,  2007  and  September  30,  2006,  respec-
tively. The Company recorded $571,000 of compensa-
tion  expense  for  the  year  ended  October  1,  2005  for 
stock  options  associated  with  certain  previous  option 
plans  that  were  required  to  be  accounted  for  as  vari-
able plans under the provisions of APB No. 25. Under 
variable  plan  accounting,  compensation  expense  was 
recognized for the excess of the market price over the 
exercise  price  and  adjusted  each  reporting  period  to 
reflect  changes  in  market  valuation.  Under  the  pro-
visions  of  SFAS  No.  123(R),  these  options  are  now 
accounted  for  as  equity  awards  and,  since  the  options 
were fully vested as of October 2, 2005, no compensa-
tion expense was recorded in 2006 and 2007.

insteel industRies, inc. and subsidiaRies  29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes  to  consoliDateD financial  stateMents  (continued)
Years Ended September 29, 2007, September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005

  Prior  to  the  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  123(R),  the 
benefit of tax deductions in excess of recognized stock 
compensation  expense  was  reported  as  a  reduction  of 
taxes  paid  within  operating  cash  flow.  SFAS  No. 
123(R)  requires  that  such  benefits  be  reported  as  a 
financing cash flow. For the years ended September 29, 
2007 and September 30, 2006, $122,000 and $459,000 
of excess tax benefits were generated from option exer-
cises, respectively.

  The  following  table  illustrates  the  effect  on  net 
earnings  and  earnings  per  share  if  the  Company  had 
applied  the  fair  value  recognition  provisions  of  SFAS 
No. 123 to options granted under the Company’s option 
plans for the year ended October 1, 2005:

(In thousands, except for per share amounts)

Net earnings—as reported
Stock-based compensation expense included in 

reported net earnings, net of related tax effects
Total stock-based compensation expense determined 
under fair-value based method for all awards, net 
of related tax effects

Net earnings—pro forma

Basic net earnings per share—as reported
Basic net earnings per share—pro forma
Diluted net earnings per share—as reported
Diluted net earnings per share—pro forma
Basic shares outstanding—as reported and pro forma
Diluted shares outstanding—as reported
Diluted shares outstanding—pro forma

Year Ended 
October 1, 
2005

$25,045

(214)

(141)

$24,690

$    1.34
1.32
1.32
1.30
18,656
18,954
18,940

 Revenue recognition and credit risk. The Company 
recognizes  revenue  from  product  sales  in  accordance 
with SAB No. 104 when the products are shipped and 
risk  of  loss  and  title  has  passed  to  the  customer.  Sub-
stantially all of the Company’s accounts receivable are 
due  from  customers  that  are  located  in  the  U.S.  and 
the  Company  generally  requires  no  collateral  depend-
ing  upon  the  creditworthiness  of  the  account.  The 
Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts 
based upon its assessment of the credit risk of specific 
customers,  historical  trends  and  other  information. 
The  Company  writes  off  accounts  receivable  when 
they become uncollectible and payments subsequently  
received  are  credited  to  the  allowance  for  doubtful  
accounts.  There  is  no  disproportionate  concentration 
of credit risk.

 Shipping  and  handling  costs.

  The  Company 
includes all of the outbound freight, shipping and han-
dling  costs  associated  with  the  shipment  of  products  
to  customers  in  cost  of  sales.  Any  amounts  paid  by  
customers  to  the  Company  for  shipping  and  handling 
are recorded in net sales on the consolidated statement 
of operations.

 Inventories.

 Inventories are valued at the lower of 
average  cost  (which  approximates  computation  on  a 
first-in, first-out basis) or market (net realizable value or 
replacement cost).

 Property, plant and equipment. Property, plant and 
equipment  are  stated  at  cost  or  otherwise  at  reduced 
values to the extent there have been asset impairment 
write-downs. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs 
are  charged  directly  to  expense  when  incurred,  while 
major  improvements  are  capitalized.  Depreciation  is 
computed  for  financial  reporting  purposes  principally 
by  use  of  the  straight-line  method  over  the  following 
estimated useful lives: machinery and equipment, 3–15 
years; buildings, 10–30 years; land improvements, 5–15 
years.  Depreciation  expense  was  approximately  $5.7 
million in 2007, $4.6 million in 2006 and $4.1 million 
in  2005.  Capitalized  software  is  amortized  over  the 
shorter of the estimated useful life or 5 years. No inter-
est costs were capitalized in 2007, 2006 or 2005.

  Other  assets.  Other  assets  consist  principally  of 
non-current  deferred  tax  assets,  capitalized  financing 
costs, the cash surrender value of life insurance policies 
and  assets  held  for  sale.  Capitalized  financing  costs  
are  amortized  using  the  straight-line  method,  which 
approximates the effective interest method over the life 
of the related credit agreement.

 Long-lived  assets.  Long-lived  assets  include  prop -
erty,  plant  and  equipment  and  identifiable  intangible 
assets with definite useful lives. The Company assesses 
the  impairment  of  long-lived  assets  whenever  events  
or changes in circumstance indicate that the carrying 
value may not be fully recoverable. When the Company 
determines that the carrying value of such assets may 
not be recoverable, it measures recoverability based on 
the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated 
by  the  related  asset  or  asset  group.  If  it  is  determined  
that an impairment loss has occurred, the loss is recog-
nized during the period incurred. An impairment loss  
is  calculated  as  the  difference  between  the  carrying  

30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
value  and  the  present  value  of  estimated  future  net 
cash flows or comparable market values. There were no 
impairment losses in 2007, 2006 or 2005.

 Fair  value  of  financial  instruments.  The  carrying 
amounts for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receiv-
able,  and  accounts  payable  and  accrued  expenses 
approximate fair value because of their short maturities.

 Income  taxes.

  Income  taxes  are  based  on  pretax 
financial  accounting  income.  Deferred  tax  assets  and 
liabilities  are  recognized  for  the  expected  tax  conse-
quences of temporary differences between the tax bases 
of  assets  and  liabilities  and  their  reported  amounts. 
The  Company  assesses  the  need  to  establish  a  valua-
tion  allowance  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.

 Earnings  per  share.

  Basic  earnings  per  share 
(“EPS”) are computed by dividing net earnings by the 
weighted average number of common shares outstand-
ing  during  the  period.  Diluted  EPS  are  computed  by 
dividing net earnings by the weighted average number 
of  common  shares  and  other  dilutive  equity  securities 
outstanding  during  the  period.  Securities  that  have  
the effect of increasing EPS are considered to be anti-
dilutive  and  are  not  included  in  the  computation  of 
diluted EPS.

 Recent  accounting  pronouncements.  In  July  2006, 
the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (“FASB”) 
issued  Interpretation  No.  48,  “Accounting  for  Uncer-
tainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN No. 48”) which clarifies 
the  criteria  for  the  recognition  of  tax  benefits  under 
SFAS  No.  109,  “Accounting  for  Income  Taxes.”  FIN 
No.  48  specifies  how  tax  benefits  for  uncertain  tax 
positions are to be recognized, measured and derecog-
nized  in  financial  statements;  requires  certain  disclo-
sures  of  uncertain  tax  matters;  specifies  how  reserves 
for uncertain tax positions should be classified on the 
balance  sheet;  and  provides  transition  and  interim 
period  guidance,  among  other  provisions.  FIN  No.  48 
is  effective  for  the  Company  beginning  in  fiscal  2008 
and  requires  that  the  cumulative  effect  of  applying  
its  provisions  be  disclosed  separately  as  a  one-time, 
non-cash  charge  against  the  opening  balance  of 
retained  earnings  in  the  year  of  adoption.  Based  on  
the  Company’s  preliminary  analysis,  the  adoption  of  

FIN No. 48 is expected to result in an estimated charge 
to  retained  earnings  of  approximately  $260,000.  The 
actual  amount  of  the  adjustment  will  be  recorded  in 
the  first  quarter  of  2008  upon  the  finalization  of  the 
Company’s analysis.

In  September  2006,  the  FASB  issued  SFAS  No. 
157,  “Fair  Value  Measurements”  which  defines  fair 
value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value 
in  generally  accepted  accounting  principles,  and 
expands  disclosures  about  fair  value  measurements. 
SFAS No. 157 is effective for the Company beginning 
in  fiscal  2009.  At  this  time,  the  Company  has  not 
determined  what  effect,  if  any,  the  adoption  of  SFAS 
No.  157  will  have  on  its  financial  position  or  results  
of operations.

In  September  2006,  the  FASB  issued  SFAS  No. 
158,  “Employers’  Accounting  for  Defined  Benefit 
Pension  and  Other  Postretirement  Plans.”  SFAS  No. 
158 requires that an employer recognize the overfunded 
or  underfunded  status  of  a  defined  benefit  postretire-
ment  plan  in  its  statement  of  financial  position  and 
changes  in  the  funded  status  through  comprehensive 
income in the year in which the changes occur. SFAS 
No.  158  also  requires  the  measurement  of  defined  
benefit  plan  assets  and  obligations  as  of  the  date  of  
the  employer’s  fiscal  year-end  statement  of  financial 
position.  The  provisions  regarding  the  recognition  of  
a plan’s funding status were effective for the Company 
in  fiscal  2007  and  resulted  in  a  $2.1  million  decrease  
in  shareholders’  equity,  net  of  tax.  The  provisions 
regarding  the  change  in  the  measurement  date  are 
effective  for  the  Company  beginning  in  fiscal  2009. 
The adoption of SFAS No. 158 is further discussed in 
Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.

(3) StoCk SPLit

  On May 16, 2006, the Board of Directors approved 
a  two-for-one  split  of  the  Company’s  common  stock 
payable  in  the  form  of  a  stock  dividend.  The  stock  
split  entitled  each  shareholder  of  record  on  June  2, 
2006  to  receive  one  share  of  common  stock  for  each 
outstanding share of common stock held on that date 
and  was  distributed  on  June  16,  2006.  Unless  other-
wise indicated, the capital stock accounts and all share 
and  earnings  per  share  amounts  in  this  report  give 
effect  to  the  stock  split,  applied  retroactively,  to  all 
periods presented.

insteel industRies, inc. and subsidiaRies  31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes  to  consoliDateD financial  stateMents  (continued)
Years Ended September 29, 2007, September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005

(4) Credit FaCiLitieS

Financial Covenants

  As  of  September  29,  2007,  the  Company  had  a 
$100.0 million revolving credit facility in place to sup-
plement its operating cash flow in funding its working 
capital,  capital  expenditure  and  general  corporate 
requirements. No borrowings were outstanding on the 
credit facility as of September 29, 2007 and September 
30, 2006 and outstanding letters of credit totaled $1.9 
million and $1.4 million, respectively. As of September 
29, 2007, $54.7 million of borrowing capacity was avail-
able on the credit facility.

  Advances  under  the  credit  facility  are  limited  to 
the lesser of the revolving credit commitment or a bor-
rowing  base  amount  that  is  calculated  based  upon  a 
percentage of eligible receivables and inventories plus, 
upon  the  Company’s  request  and  subject  to  certain 
conditions, a percentage of eligible equipment and real 
estate.  Interest  rates  on  the  revolver  are  based  upon  
(1)  a  base  rate  that  is  established  at  the  higher  of  
the prime rate or 0.50% plus the federal funds rate, or 
(2) at the election of the Company, a LIBOR rate, plus 
in either case, an applicable interest rate margin. The 
applicable interest rate margins are adjusted on a quar-
terly basis based upon the amount of excess availability 
on the revolver within the range of 0.00%–0.50% for 
the base rate and 1.25%–2.00% for the LIBOR rate. In 
addition,  the  applicable  interest  rate  margins  would  
be  adjusted  to  the  highest  percentage  indicated  for 
each  range  upon  the  occurrence  of  certain  events  
of  default  provided  for  under  the  credit  facility.  Based 
on  the  Company’s  excess  availability  as  of  September 
29,  2007,  the  applicable  interest  rate  margins  were 
0.00% for the base rate and 1.25% for the LIBOR rate 
on the revolver.

In  connection  with  the  refinancing  of  the  pre-
vious  credit  facility,  the  Company  terminated  interest 
rate  swap  agreements  for  payments  totaling  $2.1  mil-
lion  and  recorded  a  corresponding  unrealized  loss  for 
hedging  instruments  in  fiscal  2004  which,  in  accor-
dance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principals 
(“GAAP”)  was  amortized  and  recorded  as  interest 
expense  through  the  original  termination  date  of  the 
swap agreement of January 31, 2005.

  The  Company’s  ability  to  borrow  available 
amounts  under  the  revolving  credit  facility  will  be 
restricted  or  eliminated  in  the  event  of  certain  cove-
nant  breaches,  events  of  default  or  if  the  Company  
is  unable  to  make  certain  representations  and 
warranties.

32

  The  terms  of  the  credit  facility  require  the 
Company to maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio 
(as defined in the Credit Agreement) of not less than: 
(1) 1.10 at the end of each fiscal quarter for the twelve-
month period then ended when the amount of excess 
availability on the revolving credit facility is less than 
$10.0  million  and  the  applicable  borrowing  base  only 
includes eligible receivables and inventories; or (2) 1.15 
at the end of each fiscal quarter for the twelve-month 
period  then  ended  when  the  amount  of  excess  avail-
ability on the revolving credit facility is less than $10.0 
million  and  the  applicable  borrowing  base  includes  
eligible  receivables,  inventories,  equipment  and  real 
estate. As of September 29, 2007, the Company was in 
compliance  with  all  of  the  financial  covenants  under 
the credit facility.

Negative Covenants

In addition, the terms of the credit facility restrict 
the Company’s ability to, among other things: engage 
in certain business combinations or divestitures; make 
investments in or loans to third parties, unless certain 
conditions  are  met  with  respect  to  such  investments  
or  loans;  pay  cash  dividends  or  repurchase  shares  of  
the Company’s stock subject to certain minimum bor-
rowing  availability  requirements;  incur  or  assume 
indebtedness; issue securities; enter into certain trans-
actions with affiliates of the Company; or permit liens 
to  encumber  the  Company’s  property  and  assets.  As  
of  September  29,  2007,  the  Company  was  in  compli-
ance  with  all  of  the  negative  covenants  under  the 
credit facility.

Events of Default

  Under the terms of the credit facility, an event of 
default  will  occur  with  respect  to  the  Company  upon 
the  occurrence  of,  among  other  things:  a  default  
or  breach  by  the  Company  or  any  of  its  subsidiaries 
under  any  agreement  resulting  in  the  acceleration  of 
amounts  due  in  excess  of  $500,000  under  such  agree-
ment; certain payment defaults by the Company or any 
of its subsidiaries in excess of $500,000; certain events 
of  bankruptcy  or  insolvency  with  respect  to  the 
Company; an entry of judgment against the Company 
or  any  of  its  subsidiaries  for  greater  than  $500,000, 
which amount is not covered by insurance; or a change 
of control of the Company.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Amortization  of  capitalized  financing  costs  asso-
ciated  with  the  senior  secured  facility  was  $498,000  
in  2007,  $529,000  in  2006  and  $651,000  in  2005. 
Accumulated  amortization  of  capitalized  financing 
costs was $2.6 million and $2.1 million as of September 
29,  2007  and  September  30,  2006,  respectively.  The 
Company  expects  the  amortization  of  capitalized 
financing costs to approximate the following amounts 
for the next five fiscal years:

Fiscal year

2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

In thousands

$499
499
345
—
—

(5) StoCk-BaSed ComPenSation

  Under the Company’s stock option plans, employ-
ees  and  directors  may  be  granted  options  to  purchase 
shares of common stock at the fair market value on the 
date  of  the  grant.  Options  granted  under  these  plans 
generally  vest  over  three  years  and  expire  ten  years 
from  the  date  of  the  grant.  The  fair  value  of  each 
option  award  granted  prior  to  October  1,  2005  was  
estimated  on  the  date  of  grant  using  a  Black-Scholes 
option-pricing model. With the adoption of SFAS No. 
123(R),  the  Company  determined  that  it  would  use  a 
Monte Carlo valuation model for options that are 
granted subsequent to October 1, 2005. The weighted 
average  estimated  fair  values  of  stock  options  granted 

during  2007,  2006,  and  2005  were  $8.69,  $8.82  and 
$7.74  per  share,  respectively,  based  on  the  following 
weighted average assumptions:

Year Ended

september 29, 
2007

September 30, 
2006

October 1, 
2005

3.16

4.70%

3.20

7.00

4.82%

4.14%

65.84%

74.72%

180.40%

0.65%

0.70%

0.79%

Expected term 
(in years)

Risk-free interest 

rate
Expected 

volatility
Expected  

dividend  
yield

  The assumptions utilized in the model are evalu-
ated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market condi-
tions  and  actual  historical  experience.  The  risk-free 
interest  rate  for  periods  within  the  contractual  life  of 
the option was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve 
in  effect  at  the  time  of  the  grant.  The  dividend  yield 
was  calculated  based  on  the  Company’s  annual  divi-
dend  as  of  the  option  grant  date.  The  expected  vol-
atility  was  derived  using  a  term  structure  based  on 
historical  volatility  and  the  volatility  implied  by 
exchange-traded options on the Company’s stock. The 
expected  term  for  options  was  based  on  the  results  of  
a  Monte  Carlo  simulation  model,  using  the  model’s 
estimated  fair  value  as  an  input  to  the  Black-Scholes-
Merton model, and then solving for the expected term.

  At September 29, 2007, there were 1,340,000 shares available for future grants under the Company’s equity 

incentive plans. The following table summarizes stock option activity during 2005, 2006 and 2007:

(Share amounts in thousands)

Outstanding at October 2, 2004
  Granted
  Exercised

Outstanding at October 1, 2005
  Granted
  Exercised

Outstanding at September 30, 2006
  Granted
  Exercised
  Forfeited

Outstanding at September 29, 2007

Vested and anticipated to vest in future  
  at September 29, 2007
Exercisable at September 29, 2007

Options 
Outstanding

938
96
(706)

328
55
(101)

282
79
(23)
(2)

336

327
196

Exercise Price Per Share

Range

$  0.18 – $  5.43
9.12
5.43

6.89 –
0.18 –

9.12
0.18 –
15.64 – 20.26
9.12
0.18 –

0.18 – 20.26
17.11 – 20.27
4.56 – 15.64
  20.26 – 20.26

0.18 – 20.27

Weighted 
Average

$ 2.36
8.24
2.17

4.48
17.54
3.56

7.37
18.54
7.12
20.26

9.95

Contractual  
Term—
Weighted 
Average

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in thousands)

$4,762

1,396

228

6.70 years

2,179

9.79
5.41

6.64 years
5.08 years

2,165
1,989

insteel industRies, inc. and subsidiaRies  33 

 
 
 
 
notes  to  consoliDateD financial  stateMents  (continued)
Years Ended September 29, 2007, September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005

  The  remaining  unrecognized  compensation  cost 
related to unvested awards at September 29, 2007 was 
$582,000  which  is  expected  to  be  recognized  over  a 
weighted average period of 1.26 years.

 Restricted  stock  awards.  During  the  years  ended 
September 29, 2007, September 30, 2006 and October 
1,  2005,  the  Company  granted  67,000,  51,000  and 
82,000  shares  of  restricted  stock,  respectively,  to  key 
employees and directors which had a total market value 
of $1.2 million, $792,000 and $742,000, respectively, as 
of  the  grant  date.  The  following  table  summarizes 
restricted stock activity during 2005, 2006 and 2007:

(Share amounts in thousands)

Balance, October 2, 2004
  Granted
  Released

Balance, October 1, 2005
  Granted
  Released

Balance, September 30, 2006
  Granted
  Released

Balance, September 29, 2007

Restricted  
Stock Awards 
Outstanding

Weighted 
Average  
Grant Date  
Fair Value

—
82
—

82
51
(30)

103
67
(28)

142

$      —
8.98
—

8.98
15.64
8.72

12.27
18.18
12.51

15.00

  The  Company  recorded  amortization  expense  of 
$745,000,  $638,000  and  $234,000  pertaining  to  the 
restricted stock for the years ended September 29, 2007, 
September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005, respectively. 
The Company will continue to amortize the remaining 
unamortized  balance  of  $1.1  million  over  the  vesting 
period of one to three years.

(6) inCome taxeS

  The components of the provision for income taxes 

on continuing operations are as follows:

(Dollars in 
thousands)

Provision for  

income taxes:
 Current:
 Federal
 State

 Deferred:
 Federal
 State

Year Ended

september 29, 
2007

September 30, 
2006

October 1, 
2005

$10,801
1,209

12,010

1,821
182

2,003

$18,603
2,554

21,157

(1,437)
(190)

(1,627)

$10,457
1,409

11,866

1,802
202

2,004

 Income taxes

$14,013

$19,530

$13,870

Effective income  

tax rate

36.6%

36.2%

36.1%

  The reconciliation between income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate and the provision for income 

taxes on continuing operations is as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)

Provision for income taxes at federal statutory rate
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit
Qualified production activities deduction
Other permanent book and tax differences, net
Stock option expense (benefit)
Valuation allowance
Revisions to estimates based on filing of final tax return
Other, net

september 29, 
2007

$13,403
904
(374)
—
126
—
(32)
(14)

35.0%
2.4
(1.0)
—
0.3
—
(0.1)
(0.0)

Year Ended

September 30, 
2006

$18,867
1,381
(490)
—
151
(37)
(21)
(321)

35.0%
2.6
(0.9)
—
0.3
(0.1)
(0.1)
(0.6)

October 1,  
2005

$13,429
1,166
—
77
(575)
(227)
—
—

35.0%
3.0
—
0.2
(1.5)
(0.6)
—
—

  Provision for income taxes

$14,013

36.6%

$19,530

36.2%

$13,870

36.1%

34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  The components of deferred tax assets and liabili-

ties are as follows:

(In thousands)

Deferred tax assets:

 Accrued expenses or asset  
 reserves for financial 
statements, not yet 
deductible for tax 
purposes

 State net operating loss  
  carryforwards
 Goodwill, amortizable for  

tax purposes
  Defined benefit plans
 Nonqualified stock  

 options not deductible 
in current year
  Valuation allowance

  Gross deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:
 Plant and equipment  

 principally due to differ-
ences in depreciation 
and impairment charges

  Other reserves

 Gross deferred tax  

liabilities

 Net deferred  
tax asset

september 29, 
2007

September 30,  
2006

$ 2,492

$ 2,440

601

2,346
1,299

239
(601)

6,376

944

2,686
—

204
(599)

5,675

(3,001)
(671)

(1,467)
(800)

(3,672)

(2,267)

$ 2,704

$ 3,408

  The Company has recorded the following amounts 
for  deferred  taxes  on  its  consolidated  balance  sheets  
as  of  September  29,  2007  and  September  30,  2006:  a 
current deferred tax asset (net of valuation allowance) 
of $1.2 million for both years in prepaid expenses and 
other, and a non-current deferred tax asset (net of val-
uation  allowance)  of  $1.5  million  and  $2.2  million, 
respectively,  in  other  assets.  The  Company  has  $9.6 
million of gross state operating loss carryforwards that 
begin  to  expire  in  six  years,  but  principally  expire  in 
13–17 years.

  The  realization  of  the  Company’s  deferred  tax 
assets is entirely dependent upon the Company’s abil-
ity  to  generate  future  taxable  income  in  applicable 
jurisdictions.  GAAP  requires  that  the  Company  peri-
odically assess the need to establish a valuation allow-
ance  against  its  deferred  tax  assets  to  the  extent  the 
Company  no  longer  believes  it  is  more  likely  than  
not that they will be fully utilized. As of September 29, 
2007,  the  Company  had  recorded  a  valuation  allow-
ance  of  $601,000  pertaining  to  various  state  NOLs  
that were not anticipated to be utilized. The valuation 
allowance  established  by  the  Company  is  subject  to 

periodic  review  and  adjustment  based  on  changes  in 
facts  and  circumstances  and  would  be  reduced  should 
the Company utilize the state net operating loss carry-
forwards  against  which  an  allowance  had  been  pro-
vided or determine that such utilization is more likely 
than not.

(7) diSContinued oPerationS

In  April  2006,  the  Company  decided  to  exit  
the  industrial  wire  business  with  the  closure  of  its 
Fredericksburg,  Virginia  facility  which  manufactured 
tire  bead  wire  and  other  industrial  wire  for  commer-
cial  and  industrial  applications.  The  Company’s  deci-
sion  was  based  on  the  weakening  in  the  business 
outlook  for  the  facility  and  the  expected  continua-
tion of difficult market conditions and reduced operat-
ing  levels.  Manufacturing  activities  at  the  Virginia 
facility  ceased  in  June  2006  and  the  Company  is  cur-
rently in the process of liquidating the remaining assets 
of the business.

  The Company has determined that the exit from 
the  industrial  wire  business  meets  the  criteria  of  a  
discontinued  operation  in  accordance  with  SFAS  No. 
144,  “Accounting  for  the  Impairment  or  Disposal  of 
Long-Lived  Assets.”  Accordingly,  the  results  of  opera-
tions and related non-recurring closure costs associated 
with  the  industrial  wire  business  have  been  reported  
as  discontinued  operations  for  all  periods  presented. 
Additionally, the assets and liabilities of the discontin-
ued  operations  have  been  segregated  in  the  accompa-
nying consolidated balance sheets.

  The following table summarizes the results of dis-
continued operations for the years ended September 
29, 2007, September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005, 
respectively:

(In thousands)

Net sales
Earnings (loss) 

before income 
taxes

Income taxes
Net earnings 

(loss)

Year Ended

september 29, 
2007

September 30, 
2006

October 1, 
2005

$     —

$22,544

$36,216

(199)
(77)

(122)

(2,188)
851

(1,337)

876
(330)

546

Included  within  results  from  discontinued  opera-
tions  is  an  allocation  of  interest  expense  which  was 
calculated based on the net assets of the industrial wire 
business  relative  to  the  consolidated  net  assets  of  the 
Company.  Interest  expense  allocated  to  discontinued 

insteel industRies, inc. and subsidiaRies  35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes  to  consoliDateD financial  stateMents  (continued)
Years Ended September 29, 2007, September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005

operations  was  $64,000  and  $802,000  for  the  years 
ended  September  30,  2006  and  October  1,  2005, 
respectively.

  The net loss from discontinued operations for the 
year ended September 30, 2006 includes a pre-tax gain 
of  $1.3  million  on  the  sale  of  certain  machinery  and 
equipment associated with the industrial wire business. 
The net earnings from discontinued operations for the 
year ended October 1, 2005 includes a pre-tax gain of 
$1.3 million relating to the disposal of real estate, the 
collection  of  a  note  receivable,  and  the  settlement  on 
the release of an equipment lien associated with Insteel 
Construction  Systems  (“ICS”),  a  discontinued  opera-
tion that the Company had previously exited in 1997.

  Assets  and  liabilities  of  discontinued  operations  
as of September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006 are 
as follows:

(In thousands)

Assets:
Current assets:
  Accounts receivable, net
  Prepaid expenses and other

  Total current assets

  Other assets

 Total assets

Liabilities:
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable
  Accrued expenses

  Total current liabilities

  Other liabilities

  Total liabilities

september 29, 
2007

September 30, 
2006

$          —
—

—
3,635

$3,635

$           4
243

247
252

$    499

$        407
4

411
3,635

$4,046

$          25
618

643
292

$        935

  As of September 29, 2007, there was approximately 
$285,000  of  accrued  expenses  and  other  liabilities 
related to ongoing lease obligations and closure-related 
liabilities  incurred  as  a  result  of  the  Company’s  exit 
from the industrial wire business.

(8) emPLoyee BeneFit PLanS

 Adoption of SFAS No. 158. On September 29, 2007, 
the  Company  adopted  the  recognition  and  disclosure 
provisions  of  SFAS  No.  158,  “Employers’  Accounting 
for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement 
Plans.”  Prior  to  the  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  158,  the  

Company  accounted  for  its  defined  benefit  postretire-
ment plans under SFAS No. 87, “Employers’ Account-
ing  for  Pensions”  and  SFAS  No.  106,  “Employers’ 
Accounting  for  Postretirement  Benefits  Other  than 
Pensions.” SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to rec-
ognize the funded status of its defined benefit plans in 
its  statement  of  financial  position,  with  a  correspond-
ing  adjustment  to  accumulated  other  comprehensive 
income,  net  of  tax.  The  adjustment  to  accumulated 
other  comprehensive  income  at  adoption  represents 
the net unrecognized actuarial gains and unrecognized 
prior service costs which were previously netted against 
the funded status of the plans in the Company’s state-
ment  of  financial  position.  These  amounts  will  subse-
quently  be  recognized  as  net  benefit  cost  consistent 
with  the  Company’s  historical  accounting  policy  for 
amortizing  such  amounts.  In  addition,  actuarial  gains 
and  losses  that  arise  in  subsequent  periods  and  are  
not  recognized  as  net  periodic  benefit  cost  in  the  
same periods will be recognized as a component of net 
periodic benefit cost on the same basis as the amount 
recognized  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive 
income at the adoption of SFAS No. 158.

  SFAS  No.  158  affects  the  accounting  for  the 
Company’s defined benefit pension plan and its supple-
mental  employee  retirement  plan,  both  of  which  are 
discussed below. The effects of adopting the provisions 
of SFAS No. 158 on the Company’s consolidated bal-
ance  sheet  as  of  September  29,  2007  are  presented  in 
the following table. The adoption of SFAS No. 158 had 
no effect on the Company’s consolidated statement of 
operations  for  the  year  ended  September  29,  2007  or  
for  any  prior  period  presented,  and  will  not  affect  the 
Company’s operating results in future periods.

(In thousands)

Prepaid expenses  

and other

Deferred tax asset
Other non-current 

liabilities

Accumulated other com-
prehensive income

Before  
Application  
of SFAS  
No. 158

$5,960
1,410

2,779

9

Adjustments

$(1,320)
1,294

2,083

2,110

After  
Application  
of SFAS  
No. 158

$4,640
2,704

4,862

2,119

36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Retirement plans. The Company has one defined benefit pension plan, the Insteel Wire Products Company 
Retirement Income Plan for Hourly Employees, Wilmington, Delaware (“the Delaware Plan”). The Delaware Plan 
provides  benefits  for  eligible  employees  based  primarily  upon  years  of  service  and  compensation  levels.  The 
Company’s  funding  policy  is  to  contribute  amounts  at  least  equal  to  those  required  by  law.  No  contributions  
were made to the Delaware Plan during 2007. The Company expects to contribute $200,000 to the Delaware Plan 
in 2008.

  The  reconciliation  of  the  projected  benefit  obligation,  plan  assets,  funded  status  of  the  plan  and  amounts 
recognized  in  the  Company’s  consolidated  balance  sheets  at  September  29,  2007,  September  30,  2006  and  
October 1, 2005 is as follows:

(In thousands)

Change in benefit obligation:
  Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  Service cost
Interest cost

  Actuarial loss (gain)
  Distributions

  Benefit obligation at end of year

Change in plan assets:
  Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
  Actual return on plan assets
  Employer contributions
  Distributions

  Fair value of plan assets at end of year

Reconciliation of funded status to net amount recognized:
  Funded status
  Unrecognized net loss
  Unrecognized prior service cost

  Net amount recognized

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of:
  Current prepaid pension asset
  Non-current prepaid pension asset
  Accrued benefit liability

Intangible asset related to prior service cost

  Accumulated other comprehensive loss (net of tax)

  Net amount recognized

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:
  Unrecognized net loss
  Unrecognized prior service cost

  Net amount recognized

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other  
  comprehensive income:
  Net gain
  Amortization of prior service cost

  Total recognized in other comprehensive income

Year Ended

september 29, 
2007

September 30, 
2006

October 1, 
2005

$ 4,702
82
253
(306)
(204)

$4,527

$3,334
79
1,318
(204)

$4,527

$        —
1,476
2

$  1,478

$      236
1,242
—
—
—

$  1,478

$ 4,036
91
268
512
(205)

$ 4,702

$ 2,633
350
556
(205)

$ 3,334

$(1,368)
1,762
2

$       396

$       396
—
(1,764)
2
1,092

$    (274)

$ 4,527
78
269
203
(642)

$4,435

$ 4,527
536
—
(642)

$4,421

$    (14)
—
—

$    (14)

$          —
—
(14)
—
827

$      813

$1,333
1

$1,334

$  (143)
(1)

$  (144)

insteel industRies, inc. and subsidiaRies  37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes  to  consoliDateD financial  stateMents  (continued)
Years Ended September 29, 2007, September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005

  Net periodic pension cost includes the following components:

(In thousands)

Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of prior service cost
Recognized net actuarial loss

  Net periodic pension cost

  The estimated net loss and prior service cost that 
will be amortized from accumulated other comprehen-
sive  income  into  net  periodic  pension  cost  over  the 
next fiscal year is $96,000 and $1,000, respectively.

  The assumptions used in the valuation of the plan 

are as follows:

Measurement Date

september 29, 
2007

September 30, 
2006

October 1, 
2005

Assumptions at  

year-end:
  Discount rate

 Rate of increase  
 in compensa-
tion levels
 Expected long- 
 term rate of 
return on 
assets

6.50%

6.25%

  6.00%

n/a

N/A

N/A

8.00%

8.00%

  8.00%

  The  projected  benefit  payments  under  the  plan 

are as follows:

Fiscal year(s)

2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013–2017

In thousands

$     428
428
436
437
205
1,617

  The  Delaware  Plan  has  a  long-term  target  asset 
mix of 65% equities and 35% fixed income. The ranges 
for the long-term allocation are: equities 60% to 80%, 
fixed income 20% to 40% and cash reserves 0 to 10%. 
The  investment  strategy  for  equities  emphasizes  U.S.  
large  cap  equities  with  the  portfolio’s  performance  

Year Ended

september 29, 
2007

September 30, 
2006

October 1, 
2005

$        78
269
(324)
1
134

$     158

$        82
253
(243)
1
143

$      236

$       91
268
(217)
3
151

$     296

measured against the S&P 500 index or other applica-
ble  indices.  The  investment  strategy  for  fixed  income 
investments is focused on maintaining an overall port-
folio with a minimum credit rating of A-1 as well as a 
minimum rating of any security at the time of purchase 
of Baa/BBB by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s, if rated. 
The  total  fund  has  an  expected  return  of  8.0%  based 
on  the  overall  policy  allocation  and  historical  market 
returns,  compared  to  the  expected  long-term  rate  of 
return of 8.0% used to develop the plan’s net periodic 
pension cost.

 Supplemental  employee  retirement  plan.

  The 
Company has Retirement Security Agreements (each, 
a  “SERP”)  with  certain  of  its  employees  (each,  a 
“Participant”).  Under  the  SERP,  if  the  Participant 
remains in continuous service with the Company for a 
period of at least 30 years, the Company will pay to the 
Participant  a  supplemental  retirement  benefit  for  the 
15-year  period  following  the  Participant’s  retirement 
equal  to  50%  of  the  Participant’s  highest  average 
annual  base  salary  for  five  consecutive  years  in  the 
10-year  period  preceding  the  Participant’s  retirement.  
If the Participant retires prior to the later of age 65 or 
the completion of 30 years of continuous service with 
the  Company,  but  has  completed  at  least  10  years  of 
continuous service with the Company, the amount of 
the supplemental retirement benefit will be reduced by 
1/360th  for  each  month  short  of  30  years  that  the 
Participant  was  employed  by  the  Company.  In  2005, 
the  Company  amended  the  SERP  to  add  Participants 
and  increase  benefits  to  certain  Participants  already 
included in the plan.

38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  The  reconciliation  of  the  projected  benefit  obligation,  plan  assets,  funded  status  of  the  plan  and  amounts 
recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets for the SERP at September 29, 2007, September 30, 2006 
and October 1, 2005 is as follows:

(In thousands)

Change in benefit obligation:
  Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  Service cost
Interest cost
  Actuarial loss
  Distributions

  Benefit obligation at end of year

Change in plan assets:
  Actual employer contributions
  Actual distributions

  Plan assets at fair value at end of year

Reconciliation of funded status to net amount recognized:
  Funded status
  Unrecognized net loss
  Unrecognized prior service cost

  Net amount recognized

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
  Unrecognized prior service costs

  Net amount recognized

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other  

comprehensive loss:

  Net loss
  Prior service costs

  Total recognized in other comprehensive loss

  Net periodic pension cost includes the following components:

(In thousands)

Service cost
Interest cost
Prior service cost
Recognized net actuarial loss

  Net periodic pension cost

Year Ended

september 29, 
2007

(Revised) 
September 30, 
2006

(Revised) 
October 1, 
2005

$   3,574
106
207
61
(80)

$       3,868

$         80
(80)

$         —

$(3,868)
510
1,588

$  (1,770)

$ 3,315
103
196
—
(40)

$   3,574

$         40
(40)

$         —

$   (3,574)
451
1,815

$(1,308)

$     3,868
163
230
11
(80)

$     4,192

$              80
(80)

$         —

$(4,192)
—
—

$(4,192)

$     2,083

$     2,083

$          1
(227)

$       (226)

Year Ended

september 29, 
2007

September 30, 
2006

October 1, 
2005

$      163
230
227
10

$      630

$             106
207
227
2

$       542

$       103
196
227
11

$        537

  The estimated net loss and prior service costs that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive 

income into net periodic pension cost over the next fiscal year is $8,000 and $227,000, respectively.

insteel industRies, inc. and subsidiaRies  39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes  to  consoliDateD financial  stateMents  (continued)
Years Ended September 29, 2007, September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005

  The  assumptions  used  in  the  valuation  of  the 

SERP are as follows:

Measurement Date

september 29, 
2007

December 1, 
2005

December 1, 
2004

Assumptions at  
  year-end:

  Discount rate

 Rate of  

 increase in 
compensa-
tion levels

6.25%

5.60%

5.60%

3.00%

3.00%

3.00%

  The  projected  benefit  payments  under  the  SERP 

are as follows:

Fiscal year(s)

2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013–2017

In thousands

$       80
80
80
169
249
1,375

  As noted above, the SERP was amended in 2005 
to  add  Participants  and  increase  benefits  to  certain 
Participants already included in the plan. However, for 
certain  Participants  the  Company  still  maintains  the 
benefits  of  the  SERP  that  were  in  effect  prior  to  the 
2005  amendment.  These  Participants  are  entitled  to 
fixed cash benefits upon retirement at age 65, payable 
annually  for  15  years.  This  plan  is  supported  by  life 
insurance  polices  on  the  Participants  purchased  and 
owned by the Company. The cash benefits paid under 
this plan were $74,000 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respec-
tively. The plan expense was $11,000 in 2007, $10,000 
in 2006 and $3,000 in 2005.

 Retirement  savings  plan.  In  1996,  the  Company 
adopted  the  Retirement  Savings  Plan  of  Insteel 
Industries, Inc. (“the Plan”) to provide retirement ben-
efits and stock ownership for its employees. The Plan is 
an  amendment  and  restatement  of  the  Company’s 
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”). As allowed 
under  Sections  401(a)  and  401(k)  of  the  Internal 
Revenue  Code,  the  Plan  provides  for  tax-deferred  
salary deductions for eligible employees.

  Employees may contribute up to 15% of their 
annual  compensation  to  the  Plan,  limited  to  a  maxi-
mum annual amount as set periodically by the Internal 
Revenue Code. The Plan allows for discretionary con-
tributions to be made by the Company as determined 
by  the  Board  of  Directors.  Such  contributions  to  the 
Plan are allocated among eligible participants based on 
their compensation relative to the total compensation 
of  all  participants.  In  2007,  the  Company  matched 
employee  contributions  up  to  50%  of  the  first  7%  of 
eligible compensation that was contributed by employ-
ees. In 2006 and 2005, the Company matched employee 
contributions up to 50% of the first 5% of eligible com-
pensation that was contributed by employees. Company 
contributions  to  the  Plan  were  $402,000  in  2007, 
$351,000 in 2006 and $265,000 in 2005.

 Voluntary  Employee  Beneficiary  Associations 
(“VEBA”). The Company has a VEBA. Under the plan, 
both employees and the Company may make contribu-
tions to pay for medical costs. Company contributions 
to the VEBA were $2.4 million in 2007, $3.1 million in 
2006  and  $2.5  million  in  2005.  The  Company  is  pri-
marily self-insured for employee’s healthcare costs, car-
rying stop-loss insurance coverage for individual claims 
in  excess  of  $150,000.  The  Company’s  self-insurance 
liabilities  are  based  on  the  total  estimated  costs  of 
claims filed and claims incurred but not reported, less 
amounts paid against such claims. Management reviews 
current  and  historical  claims  data  in  developing  its 
estimates.

(9) CommitmentS and ContingenCieS

 Leases and purchase commitments. The Company 
leases a portion of its equipment under operating leases 
that expire at various dates through 2010. Under most 
lease  agreements,  the  Company  pays  insurance,  taxes 
and maintenance. Rental expense for operating leases 
was $920,000 in 2007, $836,000 in 2006 and $701,000 
in 2005. Minimum rental commitments under all non-
cancelable leases with an initial term in excess of one 
year  are  payable  as  follows:  2008,  $781,000;  2009, 
$445,000;  2010,  $213,000;  2011,  $27,000;  2012  and 
beyond, $0.

40

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  As  of  September  29,  2007,  the  Company  had  
$31.8  million  in  non-cancelable  fixed  price  purchase 
commitments  for  raw  material  extending  as  long  as 
approximately 120 days. In addition, the Company has 
contractual  commitments  for  the  purchase  of  certain 
equipment.  Portions  of  such  contracts  not  completed  
at year-end are not reflected in the consolidated finan-
cial  statements  and  amounted  to  $3.8  million  as  of 
September 29, 2007.

 Legal proceedings.

 On November 19, 2007, Dywidag 
Systems  International,  Inc.  (“DSI”)  filed  a  third-party 
lawsuit in the Ohio Court of Claims alleging that certain 
epoxy-coated  strand  sold  by  the  Company  to  DSI  in 
2002, and supplied by DSI to the Ohio Department of 
Transportation  (“ODOT”)  for  a  bridge  project,  was 
defective. The third-party action seeks recovery of any 
damages  which  may  be  assessed  against  DSI  in  the 
action against it filed by ODOT, which allegedly could 
be in excess of $8.3 million, plus $2.7 million in damages 
allegedly incurred by DSI. The Company had previously 
filed  a  lawsuit  in  North  Carolina  against  DSI  seeking 
recovery  of  $1.4  million  (plus  interest)  owed  for  other 
products sold to DSI and a judgment declaring that the 
Company  had  no  liability  to  DSI  arising  out  of  the 
bridge project. The Company believes North Carolina is 
the appropriate venue for these proceedings and otherwise 
intends to vigorously defend the claims asserted against 
it  by  DSI  in  addition  to  pursuing  full  recovery  of  the 
amounts owed to it by DSI.

  The  Company  also  is  involved  in  other  lawsuits, 
claims, investigations and proceedings, including com-
mercial,  environmental  and  employment  matters, 
which  arise  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business.  The 
Company  does  not  expect  that  the  ultimate  costs  
to  resolve  these  matters  will  have  a  material  adverse 
effect on its financial position, results of operations or 
cash flows.

 Severance and change of control agreements. The 
Company has entered into severance agreements with 
its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer 
that  provide  certain  termination  benefits  to  these 
executives in the event that an executive’s employment  

with  the  Company  is  terminated  without  cause.  The 
initial  term  of  each  agreement  is  two  years  and  the 
agreements  provide  for  an  automatic  renewal  of  one 
year  unless  the  Company  or  the  executive  provides 
notice  of  termination  as  specified  in  the  agreement. 
Under  the  terms  of  these  agreements,  in  the  event  
of  termination  without  cause,  the  executives  would 
receive termination benefits equal to one and one-half 
times  the  executive’s  annual  base  salary  in  effect  on 
the  termination  date  and  the  continuation  of  health 
and welfare benefits for eighteen months. In addition, 
all of the executive’s stock options and restricted stock 
would  vest  immediately  and  outplacement  services 
would be provided.

  The  Company  has  also  entered  into  change  in 
control agreements with key members of management, 
including its executive officers, which specify the terms 
of separation in the event that termination of employ-
ment  followed  a  change  in  control  of  the  Company. 
The  initial  term  of  each  agreement  is  two  years  and 
the  agreements  provide  for  an  automatic  renewal  of 
one year unless the Company or the executive provides 
notice  of  termination  as  specified  in  the  agreement. 
The  agreements  do  not  provide  assurances  of  contin-
ued  employment,  nor  do  they  specify  the  terms  of  
an  executive’s  termination  should  the  termination 
occur in the absence of a change in control. Under the 
terms of these agreements, in the event of termination 
within  two  years  of  a  change  of  control,  the  Chief 
Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  would 
receive  severance  benefits  equal  to  two  times  base  
compensation,  two  times  the  average  bonus  for  the 
prior  three  years  and  the  continuation  of  health  and 
welfare benefits for two years. The other key members 
of  management,  including  the  Company’s  other  two 
executive  officers,  would  receive  severance  benefits 
equal  to  one  times  base  compensation,  one  times  the 
average  bonus  for  the  prior  three  years  and  the  con-
tinuation  of  health  and  welfare  benefits  for  one  year.  
In  addition,  all  of  the  executive’s  stock  options  and 
restricted  stock  would  vest  immediately  and  outplace-
ment services would be provided.

insteel industRies, inc. and subsidiaRies  41 

 
 
 
 
 
notes  to  consoliDateD financial  stateMents  (continued)
Years Ended September 29, 2007, September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005

(10) earningS Per Share

  The reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) is as follows:

(In thousands, except for per share amounts)

Net earnings

Weighted average shares outstanding:
  Weighted average shares outstanding (basic)
  Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation

  Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)

Per share (basic):
  Earnings from continuing operations
  Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

  Net earnings

Per share (diluted):
  Earnings from continuing operations
  Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

  Net earnings

Year Ended

september 29, 
2007

September 30, 
2006

October 1, 
2005

$24,162

$33,040

$25,045

18,142
172

18,314

$    1.34
(0.01)

$    1.33

$    1.33
(0.01)

$    1.32

18,307
166

18,473

$    1.88
(0.08)

$    1.80

$    1.86
(0.07)

$    1.79

18,656
298

18,954

$    1.31
0.03

$    1.34

$    1.29
0.03

$    1.32

  Options to purchase 67,000 shares in 2007, 42,000 
shares  in  2006  and  34,000  shares  in  2005  were  anti-
dilutive  and  were  not  included  in  the  diluted  EPS 
computation.

(11) BuSineSS Segment inFormation

  Following the Company’s exit from the industrial 
wire business (see Note 7 to the consolidated financial 
statements),  the  Company’s  operations  are  entirely 
focused on the manufacture and marketing of concrete 
reinforcing  products  for  the  concrete  construction 
industry.  Based  on  the  criteria  specified  in  SFAS  No. 
131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and 
Related Information,” the Company has one reportable 
segment.  The  results  of  operations  for  the  industrial 
wire  products  business  have  been  reported  as  discon-
tinued operations for all periods presented.

(12) reLated Party tranSaCtionS

In  connection  with  the  Company’s  stock  repur-
chase  program,  on  January  30,  2006,  the  Company 
repurchased  approximately  400,000  shares  of  its  com-
mon  stock  held  by  the  Chairman  of  the  Company’s 
Board of Directors and his wife. The purchase price for 
the shares repurchased was $21.322 per share based on  

a  predetermined  formula,  which  represented  a  15%  
discount  from  the  closing  price  on  January  27,  2006. 
The number of shares repurchased and purchase price 
per share are prior to the effect of the two-for-one split 
of  the  Company’s  common  stock  that  was  distributed 
as a stock dividend on June 16, 2006.

  Sales  to  a  company  affiliated  with  one  of  the 
Company’s  directors  amounted  to  $967,000  in  2007, 
$929,000  in  2006  and  $701,000  in  2005.  Purchases 
from a company affiliated with one of the Company’s 
directors amounted to $418,000 in 2007 and $1.5 mil-
lion in 2006.

(13) ComPrehenSive LoSS

  The  components  of  accumulated  other  compre-

hensive loss are as follows:

(In thousands)

Adjustment to adopt SFAS 

No. 158

Additional pension plan  

liability

 Accumulated other compre-
  hensive loss

september 29, 
2007

September 30, 
2006

$(2,110)

(9)

$(2,119)

$ —

—

$ —

42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(14) other FinanCiaL data

(15) rightS agreement

  Balance sheet information:

(In thousands)

Accounts receivable, net:
  Accounts receivable

 Less allowance for doubtful  
  accounts

september 29, 
2007

September 30, 
2006

$     35,128

$  38,183

(610)

(664)

 Total

$     34,518

$     37,519

Inventories:
  Raw materials
  Work in process
  Finished goods

 Total

Other assets:

 Cash surrender value of  
 life insurance policies

 Non-current deferred  

tax assets

 Capitalized financing  
  costs, net

  Prepaid pension cost
  Assets held for sale
  Other

$      25,443
2,083
19,875

$     47,401

$     27,160
1,657
17,980

$    46,797

$        4,367

$    3,500

1,480

1,342
—
—
296

2,176

1,841
1,242
583
311

 Total

$     7,485

$    9,653

 Property, plant and  
  equipment, net:
 Land and land  
improvements

  Buildings
  Machinery and equipment
  Construction in progress

 Less accumulated  
  depreciation

 Total

Accrued expenses:

 Salaries, wages and related  
  expenses

  Customer rebates
  Property taxes
  Cash dividends
  Worker’s compensation
  Sales allowance reserve

Income taxes

  Other

 Total

Other liabilities:
  Deferred compensation
  Deferred revenues

 Total

$       5,621
31,981
86,560
3,955

128,117

  (60,970)

$     67,147

$    4,278
840
749
544
499
236
—
467

$     7,613

$       4,584
278

$       4,862

$    5,345
28,473
60,090
18,013

111,921

(56,704)

$   55,217

$    4,084
758
641
543
119
236
2,805
633

$    9,819

$      2,147
566

$     2,713

  On  April  26,  1999,  the  Company’s  Board  of 
Directors adopted a Rights Agreement and declared a 
dividend  distribution  of  one  right  per  share  of  the 
Company’s common stock to shareholders of record as 
of  May  17,  1999.  In  addition,  the  Rights  Agreement 
provides  that  one  right  will  attach  to  each  share  of  
the  Company’s  common  stock  issued  after  May  17, 
1999  until  the  tenth  business  day  following  a  public 
announcement  that  a  person  or  group  has  acquired, 
obtained  the  right  to  acquire  or  made  a  tender  or 
exchange  offer  for  20%  or  more  of  the  outstanding 
shares  of  the  Company’s  common  stock  (such  tenth 
business day, the “Distribution Date”).

  Currently, the rights are not exercisable but trade 
automatically  with  the  Company’s  common  stock 
shares.  The  rights  become  exercisable  on  the  Distri-
bution  Date.  Each  right  will  entitle  the  holder,  other 
than  the  acquiring  person  or  group,  to  purchase  one 
one-hundredth of a share (a “Unit”) of the Company’s 
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock at a pur-
chase  price  of  $80  per  Unit,  subject  to  adjustment  as 
described  in  the  Rights  Agreement  (the  “Purchase 
Price”).  All  rights  beneficially  owned  or  acquired  by 
the  acquiring  person  or  group  will  become  null  and 
void as of the Distribution Date. If an acquiring person 
or group acquires 20% or more of the Company’s out-
standing common stock, each rights holder, other than 
the  acquiring  person  or  group,  upon  exercise  of  his  
or  her  rights  and  payment  of  the  Purchase  Price,  will 
severally  have  the  right  to  receive  shares  of  the 
Company’s common stock having a value equal to two 
times  the  Purchase  Price  or,  at  the  discretion  of  the 
Board of Directors, upon exercise and without payment 
of the Purchase Price, will have the right to purchase 
the number of shares of the Company’s common stock 
having a value equal to two times the Purchase Price at 
a 50% discount.

In  addition,  each  rights  holder,  other  than  an 
acquiring person or group, upon exercise of his or her 
rights will have the right to receive shares of the com-
mon stock of the acquiring corporation having a value 
equal to two times the Purchase Price for such holder’s 
rights  if  the  Company  engages  in  a  merger  or  other 
business  combination  where  it  is  not  the  surviving 
entity or where it is the surviving entity and all or part 
of the Company’s common stock is exchanged for the 
stock  or  other  securities  of  the  other  company,  or  if 
50% or more of the Company’s assets or earning power 
is sold or transferred.

insteel industRies, inc. and subsidiaRies  43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

notes  to  consoliDateD financial  stateMents  (continued)
Years Ended September 29, 2007, September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005

  The rights will expire on April 26, 2009, and may 
be redeemed by the Company at any time prior to the 
Distribution Date at a price of $0.01 per right.

(16) ProduCt warrantieS

  The Company’s products are used in applications 
which  are  subject  to  inherent  risks  including  perfor-
mance  deficiencies,  personal  injury,  property  damage, 

environmental  contamination  or  loss  of  production. 
The  Company  warrants  its  products  to  meet  certain 
specifications  and  actual  or  claimed  deficiencies  from 
these  specifications  may  give  rise  to  claims.  The 
Company  does  not  maintain  a  reserve  for  warranties  
as  the  historical  claims  have  been  immaterial.  The 
Company maintains product liability insurance cover-
age to minimize its exposure to such risks.

stock peRfoRMance  gRapH

totaL return to SharehoLderS

    The following graph compares the total returns (including the reinvestment of dividends) of the Company, 
the S&P 500 Index and the S&P Building Products Index. The graph assumes $100 invested on September 28, 
2002  in  the  Company’s  stock  and  September  30,  2002  in  each  of  the  indices.  Total  returns  for  the  indices  are  
calculated on a month-end basis.

Insteel Industries
S&P 500
S&P Building Products

$6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

9/28/02

9/27/03

10/2/04

10/1/05

9/30/06

9/29/07

(In dollars)

Insteel Industries
S&P 500
S&P Building Products

9/28/02

9/27/03

10/2/04

10/1/05

9/30/06

9/29/07

100.00
100.00
100.00

110.29
124.40
130.00

2,136.62
141.65
184.61

2,267.65
159.01
186.79

5,938.86
176.17
171.61

4,619.25
205.13
172.86

44

 
 
    
financial infoRMation  By QuaRteR (unauDiteD)

(In thousands, except for per share and price data)

december 30 March 31

June 30

september 29

Quarter ended

2007
Operating results:
  Net sales
  Gross profit
  Earnings from continuing operations
  Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
  Net earnings
Per share data:
Basic:
  Earnings from continuing operations
  Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
  Net earnings
Diluted:
  Earnings from continuing operations
  Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
  Net earnings
Stock prices(1)
  High
  Low
Cash dividends declared

2006
Operating results:
  Net sales
  Gross profit
  Earnings from continuing operations
  Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
  Net earnings
Per share data:
Basic:
  Earnings from continuing operations
  Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
  Net earnings
Diluted:
  Earnings from continuing operations
  Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
  Net earnings
Stock prices(1)
  High
  Low
Cash dividends declared

(1) Prices adjusted to reflect 2-for-1 stock split on June 16, 2006.

$69,716
13,624
5,931
(152)
5,779

$74,766
12,358
4,944
(31)
4,913

$ 78,966
17,352
8,344
(37)
8,307

$74,358
12,727
5,065
98
5,163

0.33
(0.01)
0.32

0.32
—
0.32

21.97
16.58
0.03

0.27
—
0.27

0.27
—
0.27

19.06
15.89
0.03

0.46
—
0.46

0.46
(0.01)
0.45

19.66
16.43
0.03

0.28
—
0.28

0.28
—
0.28

23.00
15.35
0.03

Quarter Ended

December 31

April 1

July 1

September 30

$      75,604
17,113
8,013
(335)
7,678

$     79,776
16,979
7,845
(444)
7,401

$ 91,644
18,486
9,066
(1,184)
7,882

$    82,483
18,293
9,453
626
10,079

0.43
(0.02)
0.41

0.42
(0.02)
0.40

8.68
6.89
0.03

0.43
(0.02)
0.41

0.42
(0.02)
0.40

29.70
8.13
0.03

0.50
(0.07)
0.43

0.50
(0.07)
0.43

30.00
18.77
0.03

0.52
0.04
0.56

0.52
0.03
0.55

24.85
16.33
0.03

insteel industRies, inc. and subsidiaRies  45 

selecteD financial Data—fiVe-yeaR HistoRy

(In thousands, except for per share amounts)

Operating Results:
Net sales
Gross profit
  % of net sales
Selling, general and administrative  
  expense
Interest expense
Earnings from continuing operations
  % of net sales
Earnings (loss) from discontinued  
  operations
Net earnings

Per Share Data:
Per share (basic):
  Earnings from continuing operations
 Earnings (loss) from discontinued  
  operations
  Net earnings
Per share (diluted):
  Earnings from continuing operations
 Earnings (loss) from discontinued  
  operations
  Net earnings
Cash dividends declared

Returns:
Return on capital(1)
Return on equity(2)

Financial Position:
Total assets
Total long-term debt
Shareholders’ equity

Cash Flows:
Net cash provided by operating activities
Capital expenditures
Depreciation and amortization
Repurchase of common stock
Cash dividends paid

Other Data:
Number of employees at year-end

Year Ended

(52 weeks) 
september 29, 
2007

(52 weeks) 
September 30, 
2006

(52 weeks) 
October 1, 
2005

(53 weeks) 
October 2, 
2004

(52 weeks) 
September 27, 
2003

$ 297,806
56,061

$ 329,507
70,871

$309,320
57,898

$ 298,754
78,956

$184,868
19,632

18.8%

21.5%

18.7%

26.4%

10.6%

$    17,583
592
24,284

$  16,996
669
34,377

$     16,175
3,427
24,499

$      21,194
5,832
32,035

$   11,165
4,126
9,512

8.2%

10.4%

7.9%

10.7%

5.1%

$        (122)
24,162

$       (1,337)
33,040

$           546
25,045

$         (546)
31,489

$         (2,790)
6,722

$         1.34

$      1.88

$      1.31

$          1.85

$      0.56

(0.01)
1.33

1.33

(0.01)
1.32
0.12

(0.08)
1.80

1.86

(0.07)
1.79
0.12

0.03
1.34

1.29

0.03
1.32
0.06

(0.03)
1.82

1.78

(0.03)
1.75
—

(0.16)
0.40

0.55

(0.16)
0.39
—

18.2%
18.2%

29.7%
31.3%

21.1%
29.1%

28.6%
62.5%

9.7%
34.8%

$173,529
—
143,850

$     16,918
17,013
6,209
—
2,176

$166,596
—
122,438

$   44,835
18,959
5,108
8,529
2,222

$  138,276
11,860
97,036

$   44,460
6,302
5,627
—
566

$151,291
52,368
71,211

$      28,122
2,921
6,209
—
—

$132,930
69,453
31,272

$    5,290
933
5,143
—
—

559

621

655

669

677

(1) Earnings from continuing operations/(average total long-term debt + average shareholders’ equity).
(2) Earnings from continuing operations/(average shareholders’ equity).

46

 
 
corpor Ate InForMAtIon

Board of directors

louis e. hannen (1)
Retired Senior Vice President  
Wheat, First Securities, Inc.

Charles B. Newsome (2)
Executive Vice President  
Johnson Concrete Company

gary l. Pechota (1)
Retired Chairman, President and  
Chief Executive Officer 
Giant Cement Holding, Inc.

W. allen rogers II (1)
Principal  
Ewing Capital Partners, LLC

William J. Shields (2)
Retired Chairman and  
Chief Executive Officer  
Co-Steel, Inc.

C. richard Vaughn (2,3)
Chairman  
John S. Clark Company, Inc.

howard o. Woltz, Jr.(3)
Chairman of the Board  
Insteel Industries, Inc.

h.o. Woltz III (3)
President and Chief Executive Officer  
Insteel Industries, Inc.

(1)   Member of the Audit Committee
(2)  Member of the Executive Compensation 

Committee

(3)  Member of the Executive Committee

executive officers

h.o. Woltz III
President and Chief Executive Officer

michael C. gazmarian
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer  
and Treasurer

James f. Petelle
Vice President—Administration  
and Secretary

richard t. Wagner
Vice President and General Manager—Insteel 
Wire Products Company

shareholder information

corporate headquarters
1373 Boggs Drive  
Mount Airy, North Carolina 27030-2148  
(336) 786-2141

independent Public accountants
Grant Thornton LLP  
Greensboro, North Carolina

annual meeting
Insteel shareholders are invited to attend 
our annual meeting which will be held at 
10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, February 19, 2008, 
at the Cross Creek Country Club,  
845 Greenhill Road,  
Mount Airy, North Carolina.

common stock
The Common Stock of Insteel Industries, 
Inc. is traded on the NASDAQ Global 
Select Market under the symbol IIIN.  
At November 27, 2007, there were 1,142  
shareholders of record.

shareholder services
For change of name, address, ownership  
of stock; to replace lost stock certificates;  
or to consolidate accounts, please contact:

American Stock Transfer &  
Trust Company 
59 Maiden Lane 
New York, New York 10038 
(866) 627-2704 
www.amstock.com

investor relations
For information on the Company,  
additional copies of this report,  
Form 10-K, or other financial infor-
mation, contact Michael C. Gazmarian, 
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer 
and Treasurer, at the Company’s head-
quarters. You may also visit the Investor 
Information section on the Company’s 
Web site at www.investor.insteel.com.

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Insteel IndustrIes, Inc.
1373 Boggs Drive, Mount Airy, North Carolina 27030-2148  
phone (336) 786-2141  
www.insteel.com

ListeD oN 

  uNDer the syMBoL “IIIN”