Quarterlytics / Industrials / Manufacturing - Metal Fabrication / Insteel Industries, Inc.

Insteel Industries, Inc.

iiin · NYSE Industrials
Claim this profile
Ticker iiin
Exchange NYSE
Sector Industrials
Industry Manufacturing - Metal Fabrication
Employees 929
← All annual reports
FY2011 Annual Report · Insteel Industries, Inc.
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
2011 AnnuAl RepoRt

We are the nation’s largest  
manufacturer of steel wire 
reinforcing products.

Insteel Industries is the nation’s largest manufacturer 
of  steel  wire  reinforcing  products  for  concrete  construction 

applications. We manufacture and market prestressed concrete 

strand (“pC strand”) and welded wire reinforcement, including 

engineered  structural  mesh,  concrete  pipe  reinforcement  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 nine manufacturing facilities located 

in the united States.

Manufacturing Locations

    Welded Wire Reinforcement

    PC Strand

Welded Wire Reinforcement
prefabricated  reinforcement  consisting  of  high-strength,  cold-drawn  or  cold-rolled 
wires that are welded into square or rectangular grids according to customer require-
ments. Wire intersections are electrically resistance-welded by com puter controlled 
continuous automatic welding lines that use pressure and heat to fuse wires in their 
proper positions.

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  •  Hazleton,  Pennsylvania  •  Jacksonville,  Florida  •  Kingman,  Arizona  
• Mount Airy, North Carolina • St. Joseph, Missouri

customer segments
Precast and Prestressed Producers • Rebar Fabricators • Distributors

end uses
nonresidential Construction

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 • Jacksonville, Florida • Kingman, Arizona • Mount Airy, North Carolina  
• St. Joseph, Missouri

customer segments
Concrete pipe and precast producers

end uses
Nonresidential Construction • Residential Construction

Standard Welded Wire Reinforcement

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

Plant locations
Dayton,  Texas  •  Hazleton,  Pennsylvania  •  Hickman,  Kentucky  •  Jacksonville,  Florida  
• Mount Airy, North Carolina

customer segments
Rebar Fabricators • Distributors

end uses
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, which is heat-treated 
while under tension to impart low relaxation characteristics and increase the working 
range of the product. 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 the concrete has been placed and allowed to cure to suf-
ficient 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

customer segments
Precast Prestress Producers • Posttensioning Suppliers

end uses
Nonresidential Construction • Residential Construction

Financial Highlights

(Dollars in thousands, except for per share amounts)

2011

2010

2009

Operating Results:

  Net sales
  Gross profit (loss)
  % of net sales

  Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

  % of net sales
  Net earnings (loss)

Per Share Data:

  Basic:

  Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
  Net earnings (loss)

  Diluted:

  Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
  Net earnings (loss)
  Cash dividends declared

Returns:

  Return on total capital(1)
  Return on shareholders’ equity(2)

Financial Position:

  Cash and cash equivalents
  Total assets
  Total debt
  Shareholders’ equity

Cash Flows:

$ 336,909
31,743

$ 211,586
17,991

$ 230,236
(15,093)

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

9.4%
(387)
(0.1%)
(387)

(0.02)
(0.02)

(0.02)
(0.02)
0.12

8.5%
458
0.2%
473

(6.6%)

$ (20,940)

(9.1%)

$ (22,086)

0.03
0.03

0.03
0.03
0.12

$ 

(1.20)
(1.27)

(1.20)
(1.27)
0.12

(0.2%)
(0.3%)

0.3%
0.3%

(13.2%)
(13.2%)

$ 

10
216,530
14,156
148,474

$  45,935
182,505
—
147,876

$  35,102
182,117
—
147,070

  Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities of continuing operations
  Capital expenditures
  Depreciation and amortization
  Cash dividends paid

$  (2,907)
7,937
9,573
2,112

$  13,037
1,493
7,009
2,108

$  22,092
2,377
7,377
11,381

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

Net Sales
(in millions)

$336.9

Diluted Earnings (Loss) 
Per Share From 
Continuing Operations

$0.03

$230.2

$211.6

$(0.02)

Return on 
Total Capital(1)

0.3%

(0.2%)

3

0

-3

2009

2010

2011

$(1.20)
2009

2010

2011

(13.2%)
2009

2010

2011

2011 Annual Report   //   1

-6

-9

-12

-15

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

0.0

-0.2

-0.4

-0.6

-0.8

-1.0

-1.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
2   //   Insteel Industries

Market Leader

Insteel  is  the  nation’s  largest  producer  of  PC  strand  and  welded  wire 
reinforcement  (“WWR”),  including  engineered  structural  mesh,  concrete 
pipe  reinforcement  and  standard  welded  wire  reinforcement,  which  are 
used  for  a  wide  range  of  concrete  construction  applications.  Our  nine 
manufacturing facilities are strategically located in close proximity to our 
customers and suppliers, enhancing our customer service capabilities and 
minimizing  our  costs  for  outbound  and  inbound  freight.  The  addition  of 
Ivy’s  WWR  operations  in  Arizona,  Florida,  Missouri  and  Pennsylvania 
further  solidifies  our  market  leading  position  by  making  us  the  largest 
producer in each of the three product families within WWR and the only 
WWR  producer  with  a  truly  national  market  presence,  a  competitive 
advantage  in  servicing  larger  accounts  with  dispersed  operations.  Our 
broad  product  offering  also  serves  as  a  competitive  advantage,  allowing  
us  to  bundle  products  that  are  used  in  combination  for  many  concrete 
construction applications.

2011 Annual Report   //   3

4   //   Insteel Industries

Commitment to Excellence

As  an  organization,  we  are  committed  to  achieving  excellence  in  all  of 
our  business  processes.  Our  highly  skilled  workforce  is  continually 
seeking  opportunities  to  improve  our  costs  and  efficiencies  and  to 
strengthen  our  customer  relationships  by  providing  quality  and  service 
that is unmatched in our industry. It is through their efforts that we were 
successful  in  completing  the  integration  of  Ivy’s  operations  within  a 
compressed timeframe. We adhere to a pay-for-performance philosophy 
under  which  the  compensation  for  employees  at  our  manufacturing 
facilities  is  driven  off  of  key  operating  metrics  and  our  sales  and 
administration  staff  participate  in  an  incentive  plan  that  is  based  on 
return on capital. Our management team is equipped with the experience 
and  expertise  that  are  required  to  meet  the  challenges  of  our  highly 
competitive  and  cyclical  industry  and  to  pursue  additional  growth 
opportunities. 

2011 Annual Report   //   5

6   //   Insteel Industries

World-Class Manufacturer

Our nine manufacturing facilities utilize the latest equipment technology 
and  advanced  practices  to  minimize  production  costs  and  changeover 
times in meeting the service requirements of our customers. We believe 
that  we  are  the  low  cost  producer  in  our  industry  and  that  our  highly 
sophisticated  information  systems  infrastructure  provides  us  with 
superior performance metrics and decision-support tools relative to our 
competitors. Following the Ivy acquisition, we initiated a comprehensive 
reconfiguration of our newly combined WWR operations, which entailed 
the  closure  of  two  plants,  the  redeployment  of  equipment  to  align  the 
capacities  and  capabilities  of  our  facilities  with  our  markets, 
improvements  in  the  process  layouts  and  material  flow  at  certain 
locations and technology upgrades. We are approaching the completion 
of these activities and expect to achieve significant improvements in the 
productivity and costs of the facilities that have been impacted. 

2011 Annual Report   //   7

8   //   Insteel Industries

Continued Growth in  
Core Businesses

Considering  that  we  operated  at  less  than  half  of  our  overall 
capacity  during  2011,  our  existing  manufacturing  facilities  provide 
us  with  substantial  growth  potential  as  our  construction  end-
markets  begin  to  recover.  We  are  also  well-positioned  to  pursue 
further  acquisition  opportunities  in  our  core  WWR  and  PC  strand 
businesses that further our penetration of existing markets or move 
us into new geography. We will continue to be highly disciplined in 
focusing  on  strategic  opportunities  that  offer  value-creation 
potential, meet our return on capital requirements and maintain our 
strong financial position and flexibility.

2011 Annual Report   //   9

Letter to Shareholders

Fiscal 2011 was a transformational year for Insteel. In November 2010, we achieved 

a  significant  milestone  with  our  acquisition  of  certain  of  the  assets  of  Ivy  Steel  & 

Wire,  Inc.  (“Ivy”),  previously  the  nation’s  second  largest  producer  of  welded  wire 

reinforcement (“WWR”) behind only Insteel. The assets acquired included manufac-

turing  facilities  located  in  Arizona,  Florida,  Missouri  and  Pennsylvania;  production 

equipment at a leased facility in Texas; and certain related inventories. The acquisi-

tion  of  Ivy  has  strengthened  our  market  leadership  position,  expanded  our  geo-

graphic  footprint,  enhanced  our  product  mix  and  positioned  Insteel  as  the  only 

domestic WWR producer with a national market presence. In addition, the combi-
nation  of  our  operations  has  allowed  us  to  realize  substantial  synergies  through 

plant consolidations and the reconfiguration of facilities, the elimination of redundant 

selling and administration activities, reductions in raw material and freight costs, and 

process improvements through the implementation of our best practices.

Ivy IntegratIon

Immediately  following  the  acquisition,  we  proceeded  to  execute  a  comprehensive  integration 
plan  that  was  focused  on  fulfilling  the  requirements  of  our  new  and  existing  customers  in  a 
seamless  manner  and  pursuing  the  potential  synergies  that  we  had  identified.  In  view  of  the 
close proximity of the Ivy facilities in Hazleton, Pennsylvania and Houston, texas to our existing 
facilities in Wilmington, Delaware and Dayton, texas, we consolidated our WWr operations in 
texas  and  the  northeast.  these  consolidations  involved  the  closure  of  the  leased  Houston  
facility in December 2010 and the Wilmington facility in May 2011, and relocation of the manu-
facturing to other Insteel locations. the Wilmington facility was subsequently sold in September 
2011. We implemented staffing reductions across our sales, administration and manufacturing 
support  functions  to  address  the  redundancies  that  arose  in  connection  with  the  acquisition 
and  transitioned  the  Ivy  facilities  over  to  our  information  systems,  operating  metrics  and  
procedures.  Finally,  we  reconfigured  certain  operations  and  redeployed  equipment  across  
locations in order to achieve further improvements in our operating costs and customer service 
capabilities. the remainder of these activities are expected to be completed by the end of the 
first quarter of fiscal 2012. 

10 // Insteel Industries

We believe the Ivy acquisition and related restructuring actions that were taken have significantly 
enhanced  Insteel’s  earnings  power.  going  forward,  we  expect  the  favorable  impact  on  our 
financial  results  will  become  more  apparent  as  business  conditions  improve.  We  are  greatly 
appreciative  of  the  efforts  expended  by  the  many  employees  that  have  been  involved  in  
executing  these  activities  and  the  high  degree  of  commitment  and  professionalism  they  have 
demonstrated  in  stepping  up  to  the  challenge.  With  the  integration  of  Ivy  essentially  behind  
us,  we  believe  that  we  are  well-positioned  to  pursue  additional  acquisition  opportunities  in  
our  core  businesses  that  further  solidify  our  market-leadership  positions  and  leverage  off  of  
our infrastructure. 

FInancIal reSultS

net sales for 2011 rose 59.2% to $336.9 million from $211.6 million in 2010 on a 39.0% increase 
in  shipments,  largely  driven  by  the  Ivy  acquisition,  and  a  14.6%  increase  in  average  selling 
prices.  Demand  for  concrete  reinforcement  products  remained  at  severely  depressed  levels 
through  the  year  due  to  the  continuation  of  recessionary  conditions  in  our  construction  
end-markets.  the  weak  demand  environment  spurred  competitive  pricing  pressures  and  
compressed spreads between selling prices and raw material costs. We incurred a net loss of 
$387,000 ($0.02 per share) for the year, which reflects the unfavorable impact of net restructur-
ing charges, acquisition-related costs and a bargain purchase gain related to the Ivy acquisition 
totaling  $11.3  million  ($0.40  per  share  after-tax).  In  comparison,  net  earnings  for  2010  were 
$473,000 ($0.03 per share) which included $2.3 million of inventory write-downs ($0.08 per share 
after-tax) and a $1.5 million charge for the settlement of litigation ($0.05 per share after-tax). 

With  the  Ivy  acquisition  primarily  funded  through  the  cash  balance  that  we  had  accumulated, 
our  balance  sheet  remained  strong  as  of  the  end  of  the  year.  total  debt  amounted  to  $14.2  
million,  which  included  $0.7  million  of  borrowings  outstanding  on  our  $75.0  million  revolving 
credit facility, leaving us with ample liquidity and financial flexibility.

outlook

as  we  move  into  fiscal  2012,  we  are  encouraged  by  recent  indications  that  conditions  in  our 
construction end-markets may have bottomed out following the steep drop-off in demand that 
we  have  experienced  over  the  past  three  years.  However,  we  believe  that  nonresidential  con-
struction activity is likely to remain at depressed levels pending a more pronounced recovery in 
the economy and in the job market. the outlook for infrastructure construction continues to be 
clouded  by  uncertainty  regarding  the  timing  and  magnitude  of  a  new  federal  transportation 
funding authorization and fiscal constraints at the state and local level. 

2011 Annual Report   //   11

We believe the Ivy acquisition and related restructuring actions that were taken 

have significantly enhanced Insteel’s earnings power. going forward, we expect 

the  favorable  impact  on  our  financial  results  will  become  more  apparent  as 

business conditions improve.

In response to the near-term challenges that are 
likely  to  persist  in  our  markets,  we  will  remain 
focused  on  the  operational  fundamentals  of  our 
business,  closely  managing  our  expenses  and 
pursuing  further  improvements  in  our  manufac-
turing,  sales  and  admin istrative  processes.  With 
the reconfiguration of our expanded WWr oper-
ations nearing completion, we expect to achieve 
considerable  productivity  and  cost  improve-
ments  at  the  facilities  that  have  been  impacted 
as  we  move  further  into  the  year.  Finally,  we 
believe  our  strong  balance  sheet  and  financial 
flexibility  ideally  position  us  to  capitalize  on  any 
additional  acquisition  opportunities  that  may 
develop in this difficult environment. 

We  are  confident  that  Insteel  will  emerge  from 
this challenging period as a much stronger com-
pany and believe that our best years are ahead of 
us. as we look to the future, we wish to thank our 
employees, customers and shareholders for their 
continued support.

Sincerely,

H.O. Woltz III
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

12 // Insteel Industries

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 
FORM 10-K 

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934  

For the fiscal year ended October 1, 2011 
OR 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934  

For the transition period from ____________ to ____________ 
Commission file number 1-9929 

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

North Carolina 
(State or other jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization) 

56-0674867 
(I.R.S. Employer 
Identification No.) 

1373 Boggs Drive, Mount Airy, North Carolina 27030  
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (336) 786-2141 

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT: 

Title of Each Class 
Common Stock (No Par Value) (Preferred Share Purchase 
Rights are attached to and trade with the Common Stock) 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered 
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC 
(NASDAQ Global Select Market) 

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: 
Preferred Share Purchase Rights (attached to and trade with the Common Stock) 
Title of Class 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes  No   
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes  No   
Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  (1)  has  filed  all  reports  required  to  be  filed  by  Section  13  or  15(d)  of  the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such 
reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every 
Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the 
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes   No  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and 
will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in 
Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to the Form 10-K.   

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  is  a  large  accelerated  filer,  an  accelerated  filer,  a  non-accelerated  filer,  or  a 
smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 
12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): 
Large accelerated filer   Accelerated filer  

Smaller reporting company  

Non-accelerated filer  
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes  No  
As of April 1, 2011 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter), the aggregate market 
value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $215,086,348 based upon the closing sale price as reported on the 
NASDAQ Global Select Market. As of November 9, 2011, there were 17,609,324 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.  

Certain  portions  of  the  registrant’s  proxy  statement  to  be  delivered  to  shareholders  in  connection  with  the  2012  Annual 

Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference as set forth in Part III hereof.  

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Item 1. Business 

Item 1A. Risk Factors 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 

Item 2. Properties 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings 

Item 4. (Removed and Reserved) 

PART I 

PART II 

Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 

Securities 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 

Item 9B. Other Information 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 

Item 11. Executive Compensation 

PART III 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 

PART IV 

SIGNATURES 

EXHIBIT INDEX 

1

2

6

9

9

9

9

10

11

11

22

23

53

53

55

55

55

55

55

56

56

57

58

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements  

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private 
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, particularly in the “Business,” “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion 
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of this report. When used in this report, the words 
“believes,”  “anticipates,”  “expects,”  “estimates,”  “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, they are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and 
we  can  provide  no  assurances  that  such  plans,  intentions  or  expectations  will  be  achieved.  Many  of  these  risks  are 
discussed herein under the caption “Risk Factors” and are updated from time to time in our filings with the U.S. Securities 
and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). You should read these risk factors carefully.  

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 would include, but are not limited to, the following:  

•   potential difficulties in realizing the anticipated synergies, including reduced operating costs, associated with the 

acquisition of certain of the assets of Ivy Steel and Wire, Inc. (“Ivy Acquisition”);  

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

general economic and competitive conditions in the markets in which we operate;  

credit  market  conditions  and  the  relative  availability  of  financing  for  us,  our  customers  and  the  construction 
industry as a whole;  

the  continuation  of  reduced  spending  for  nonresidential  construction,  particularly  commercial  construction,  and 
the impact on demand for our products;  

the  duration  and  magnitude  of  a  new  federal  transportation  funding  authorization  and  the  amount  of  the 
infrastructure-related funding provided for that requires the use of our products;  

the  severity  and  duration  of  the  downturn  in  residential  construction  and  the  impact  on  those  portions  of  our 
business that are correlated with the housing sector; 

the cyclical nature of the steel and building material industries;  

fluctuations in the cost and availability of our primary raw material, hot-rolled steel wire rod, from domestic and 
foreign suppliers;  

competitive pricing pressures and our ability to raise selling prices in order to recover increases in wire rod costs;  

changes  in  United  States  (“U.S.”)  or  foreign  trade  policy  affecting  imports  or  exports  of  steel  wire  rod  or  our 
products;  

unanticipated changes in customer demand, order patterns and inventory levels;  

the impact of weak demand and reduced capacity utilization levels on our unit manufacturing costs;  

our  ability  to  further  develop  the  market  for  engineered  structural  mesh  (“ESM”)  and  expand  our  shipments  of 
ESM;  

legal, environmental, economic or regulatory developments that significantly impact our operating costs; 

unanticipated plant outages, equipment failures or labor difficulties;  

continued escalation in certain of our operating costs; and  

the risks and uncertainties discussed herein under the caption “Risk Factors.”  

1 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Item 1. Business  

General  

PART I 

Insteel  Industries,  Inc.  (“we,”  “us,”  “our,”  “the  Company”  or  “Insteel”)  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  (“WWR”)  products,  including  concrete  pipe 
reinforcement  (“CPR”),  ESM  and  standard  welded  wire  reinforcement  (“SWWR”).  Our  products  are  primarily  sold  to 
manufacturers  of  concrete  products  that  are  used  in  nonresidential  construction.  For  fiscal  2011,  we  estimate  that 
approximately  90%  of  our  sales  were  related  to  nonresidential  construction  and  10%  were  related  to  residential 
construction.  

Insteel  is  the  parent  holding  company  for  two  wholly-owned  subsidiaries,  Insteel  Wire  Products  Company 
(“IWP”), its operating subsidiary, and Intercontinental Metals Corporation, an inactive subsidiary. We were incorporated in 
1958 in the State of North Carolina.  

Our business strategy is focused on: (1) achieving leadership positions in our markets; (2) operating as the lowest 
cost producer; and (3) pursuing growth opportunities in our core businesses that further our penetration of current markets 
served or expand our geographic footprint. Headquartered in Mount Airy, North Carolina, we operate nine manufacturing 
facilities  that  are  located  in  the  U.S.  in  close  proximity  to  our  customers.  Our  growth  initiatives  are  focused  on  organic 
opportunities as well as acquisitions in existing or related markets that leverage our infrastructure and core competencies in 
the manufacture and marketing of concrete reinforcing products.  

Our exit from the industrial wire business in June 2006 (see Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements) was 
the  last  in  a  series  of  divestitures  which  served  to  narrow  our  strategic  and  operational  focus  to  concrete  reinforcing 
products. The results of operations for the industrial wire business have been reported as discontinued operations for all 
periods presented.  

On November 19, 2010, we, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, IWP, purchased certain of the assets of Ivy 
Steel and Wire, Inc. (“Ivy”) for approximately $50.3 million, after giving effect to post-closing adjustments. Ivy was one of 
the  nation’s  largest  producers  of  WWR  and  wire  products  for  concrete  construction  applications  (see  Note  4  to  the 
consolidated financial statements). Among other assets, we acquired Ivy’s production facilities located in Arizona, Florida, 
Missouri and Pennsylvania; the production equipment located at a leased facility in Texas; and certain related inventories. 
We  also  entered  into  a  short-term  sublease  with  Ivy  for  the  Texas  facility.  Subsequent  to  the  acquisition,  we  elected  to 
consolidate certain of our WWR operations in order to reduce our operating costs, which involved the closure of facilities 
in  Wilmington,  Delaware  and  Houston,  Texas.  These  actions  were  taken  in  response  to  the  close  proximity  of  Ivy’s 
facilities  in  Hazleton,  Pennsylvania  and  Houston,  Texas  to  our  existing  facilities  in  Wilmington,  Delaware  and  Dayton, 
Texas.  

Internet Access to Company Information  

Additional  information  about  us  and  our  filings  with  the  SEC,  including  our  annual  report  on  Form  10-K, 
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments thereto, are available at no cost on our 
web site at http://investor.insteel.com/sec.cfm and the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov as soon as reasonably practicable 
after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The information available on our web site and the 
SEC’s web site is not part of this report and shall not be deemed incorporated into any of our SEC filings.  

Products  

Our concrete reinforcing products consist of PC strand and WWR.  

PC  strand  is  a  high  strength  seven-wire  strand  that  is  used  to  impart  compression  forces  into  precast  concrete 
elements and structures, which may be either pretensioned or posttensioned, providing reinforcement for bridges, parking 
decks, buildings and other concrete structures. Pretensioned or “prestressed” concrete elements or structures are primarily 
used in nonresidential construction while posttensioned concrete elements or structures are used in both nonresidential and 
residential construction. For 2011, 2010 and 2009, PC strand sales represented 38%, 48% and 47%, respectively, of our 
consolidated net sales.  

2 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

WWR is produced as either a standard or a specially engineered reinforcing product for use in nonresidential and 
residential  construction.  We  produce  a  full  range  of  WWR  products,  including  CPR,  ESM  and  SWWR.  CPR  is  an 
engineered  made-to-order  product  that  is  used  as  the  primary  reinforcement  in  concrete  pipe,  box  culverts  and  precast 
manholes for drainage and sewage systems, water treatment facilities and other related applications. ESM is an engineered 
made-to-order product that is used as the primary reinforcement for concrete elements or structures, frequently serving as a 
replacement for hot-rolled rebar due to the cost advantages that it offers. SWWR is a secondary reinforcing product that is 
produced  in  standard  styles  for  crack  control  applications  in  residential  and  light  nonresidential  construction,  including 
driveways, sidewalks and various slab-on-grade applications. For 2011, 2010 and 2009, WWR sales represented 62%, 52% 
and 53%, respectively, of our consolidated net sales.  

Marketing and Distribution  

We  market  our  products  through  sales  representatives  who  are  our  employees.  Our  sales  force  is  organized  by 
product  line  and  trained  in  the  technical  applications  of  our  products.  Our  products  are  sold  nationwide  as  well  as  into 
Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America, and delivered primarily by truck, using common or contract carriers. The 
delivery method selected is dependent upon backhaul opportunities, comparative costs and scheduling requirements.  

Customers  

We  sell  our  products  to  a  broad  range  of  customers  that  includes  manufacturers  of  concrete  products,  and  to  a 
lesser extent, distributors and rebar fabricators. In fiscal 2011, we estimate that approximately 70% of our net sales were to 
manufacturers  of  concrete  products  and  30%  were  to  distributors  and  rebar  fabricators.  In  many  cases  we  are  unable  to 
identify the specific end use for our products as a high percentage of our customers sell into both the nonresidential and 
residential  construction  sectors.  There  were  no  customers  that  represented  10%  or  more  of  our  net  sales  in  fiscal  years 
2011, 2010 and 2009.  

Backlog  

Backlog  is  not  a  significant  measurement  for  our  business  because  of  the  relatively  short  lead  times  that  are 
required by  our  customers. We believe  that  the  majority  of  our  firm  orders  existing on October 1,  2011 will  be  shipped 
prior to the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2012.  

Product Warranties  

Our  products  are  used  in  applications  which  are  subject  to  inherent  risks  including  performance  deficiencies, 
personal  injury,  property  damage,  environmental  contamination  or  loss  of  production.  We  warrant  our  products  to  meet 
certain specifications and actual or claimed deficiencies from these specifications may give rise to claims, although we do 
not maintain a reserve for warranties as the historical claims have been immaterial. We maintain product liability insurance 
coverage to minimize our exposure to such risks.  

Seasonality and Cyclicality  

Demand in our markets is both seasonal and cyclical, driven by the level of construction activity, but can also be 
impacted  by  fluctuations  in  the  inventory  positions  of  our  customers.  From  a  seasonal  standpoint,  the  highest  level  of 
shipments within the year typically occurs when weather conditions are the most conducive to construction activity. As a 
result, shipments and profitability are usually higher in the third and fourth quarters of the fiscal year and lower in the first 
and  second  quarters.  From  a  cyclical  standpoint,  the  level  of  construction  activity  tends  to  be  correlated  with  general 
economic conditions although there can be significant differences between the relative performance of the nonresidential 
versus residential construction sectors for extended periods.  

Raw Materials  

The primary raw material used to manufacture our products is hot-rolled carbon steel wire rod, which we purchase 
from both domestic and foreign suppliers. Wire rod can generally be characterized as a commodity product. We purchase 
several  different  grades  and  sizes  of  wire  rod  with  varying  specifications  based  on  the  diameter,  chemistry,  mechanical 
properties  and  metallurgical  characteristics  that  are  required  for  our  end  products.  High  carbon  grades  of  wire  rod  are 
required for the production of PC strand while low carbon grades are used to manufacture WWR.  

3 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Pricing for wire rod tends to fluctuate based on both domestic and global  market conditions. In most economic 
environments, domestic demand for wire rod exceeds domestic production capacity and imports of wire rod are necessary 
to  satisfy  the  supply  requirements  of  the  U.S.  market.  Trade  actions  initiated  by  domestic  wire  rod  producers  can 
significantly impact the pricing and availability of imported wire rod, which during fiscal years 2011 and 2010 represented 
approximately  15%  and  29%,  respectively,  of  our  total  wire  rod  purchases.  We  believe  that  the  substantial  volume  and 
desirable mix of grades represented by our wire rod requirements constitutes a competitive advantage by making us a more 
attractive customer to our suppliers relative to our competitors.  

Domestic  wire  rod  producers  have  invested  heavily  in  recent  years  to  improve  their  quality  capabilities  and 
augment  their  product  mix  by  increasing  the  proportion  of  higher  value-added  products.  This  evolution  toward  higher 
value-added  products  has  generally  benefited  us  in  our  sourcing  of  wire  rod  for  PC  strand  as  this  grade  is  more 
metallurgically and technically sophisticated. At the same time, domestic producers have deemphasized the production of 
the  less  sophisticated,  low  carbon  grades  of  wire  rod  due  to  the  more  intense  competitive  conditions  that  prevail  in  this 
market.  As  a  result,  we  typically  rely  more  heavily  on  imports  for  supplies  of  lower  grade  wire  rod.  Historically,  when 
traditional offshore suppliers have withdrawn from the domestic market following the filing of trade cases by the domestic 
industry, new suppliers have filled the resulting gaps in supply.  

Our  ability  to  source  wire  rod  from  overseas  suppliers  is  limited  by  domestic  content  requirements  generally 
referred to as “Buy America” or “Buy American” laws that exist at both the federal and state levels. These laws generally 
require a domestic “melt and cast” standard for purposes of compliance. Certain segments of the PC strand market and the 
majority  of  our  CPR  and  ESM  products  are  certified  to  customers  to  be  in  compliance  with  the  domestic  content 
regulations.  

Selling prices for our products tend to be correlated with changes in wire rod prices. However, the timing of the 
relative price changes varies depending upon market conditions and competitive factors. The relative supply and demand 
conditions in our markets determine whether our margins expand or contract during periods of rising or falling wire rod 
prices.  

During  fiscal  2009,  wire  rod  prices  collapsed  in  response  to  the  recessionary  conditions  in  the  economy  and 
resulting inventory imbalances that developed throughout the supply chain, which led to a dramatic decline in demand for 
steel products. Consequently, selling prices for our products also declined through most of fiscal 2009 in response to the 
weakening in demand, resulting in inventory write-downs as we reduced inventory carrying values to reflect the decrease 
in estimated net realizable values. In July and September 2009, two U.S. rod mills representing over 20% of total domestic 
capacity closed in response to the weak market conditions.  

Wire  rod  prices  increased  through  most  of  fiscal  2010  due  to  the  escalation  in  the  cost  of  scrap  and  other  raw 
materials  for  wire  rod  producers  before  moderating  later  in  the  year  as  a  result  of  the  weakening  demand  environment. 
Competitive pricing pressures intensified over the course of the year, which resulted in narrowing spreads between average 
selling  prices  and  raw  material  costs.  One  of  the  U.S.  rod  mills  that  closed  operations  during  fiscal  2009  resumed 
production in early 2011which enhanced our sourcing alternatives in that the mill is located in close proximity to a number 
of our manufacturing facilities.  

During fiscal 2011, wire rod prices increased through most of the year driven by the continued escalation in the 
cost  of  scrap  and  other  raw  materials  for  wire  rod  producers  and  increased  demand  from  non-construction  applications 
before moderating towards the end of the year. Competitive pricing pressures remained intense through the year due to the 
ongoing weakness in our construction end-markets.  

Competition  

The markets in which our business is conducted are highly competitive. Some of our competitors, such as Nucor 
Corporation,  Keystone  Steel  &  Wire  Co.  and  Gerdau  Ameristeel  Corporation,  are  vertically  integrated  companies  that 
produce  both  wire  rod  and  concrete  reinforcing  products  and  offer  multiple  product  lines  over  broad  geographic  areas. 
Other competitors are smaller independent companies that offer limited competition in certain markets. Market participants 
compete  on  the  basis  of  price,  quality  and  service.  Our  primary  competitors  for  WWR  products  are  Nucor  Corporation, 
Gerdau  Ameristeel  Corporation,  Engineered  Wire  Products,  Inc.,  Davis  Wire  Corporation,  Oklahoma  Steel  &  Wire  Co., 
Inc.  and  Concrete  Reinforcements  Inc.  Our  primary  competitors  for  PC  strand  are  American  Spring  Wire  Corporation, 
Sumiden Wire Products Corporation and Strand-Tech Martin, Inc. Import competition is also a significant factor in certain 
segments of the PC strand market. We believe that we are the largest domestic producer of PC strand and WWR.  

4 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Quality  and  service  expectations  of  customers  have  risen  substantially  over  the  years  and  are  key  factors  that 
impact their selection of suppliers. Technology has become a critical factor in remaining competitive from the standpoint 
of conversion costs and quality. In view of our sophisticated information systems, technologically advanced manufacturing 
facilities, low cost production capabilities, strong market positions, and broad product offering and geographic reach, we 
believe that we are well-positioned to compete favorably with other producers of our concrete reinforcing products.  

Employees  

As of October 1, 2011, we employed 725 people. We have not experienced any work stoppages and believe that 
our  relationship  with  our  employees  is  good.  However,  should  we  experience  a  disruption  of  production,  we  have 
contingency plans in place that we believe would enable us to continue serving our customers, although there can be no 
assurances that a work slowdown or stoppage would not adversely impact our operating costs and overall financial results.  

Financial Information  

For information with respect to revenue, operating profitability and identifiable assets attributable to our business 
and geographic areas, see the items referenced in Item 6, Selected Financial Data; Item 7, Management’s Discussion and 
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; and Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements.  

Environmental Matters  

We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable environmental laws and regulations. 
We have experienced no material difficulties in complying with legislative or regulatory standards and believe that these 
standards have not materially impacted our financial position or results of operations. Although our future compliance with 
additional environmental requirements could necessitate capital outlays, we do not believe that these expenditures would 
ultimately  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  financial  position  or  results  of  operations.  We  do  not  expect  to  incur 
material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities during fiscal years 2012 and 2013.  

Executive Officers of the Company  

Our executive officers are as follows:  

Name 
H.O. Woltz III ......................... 

Age 
55 

Michael C. Gazmarian ............ 

James F. Petelle ...................... 

Richard T. Wagner .................. 

52 

61 

52 

  President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board 

Position 

  Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer 

  Vice President — Administration and Secretary 

  Vice President and General Manager of IWP 

H. O. Woltz III, 55, was elected Chief Executive Officer in 1991and has been employed by us and our subsidiaries 
in  various  capacities  since  1978.  He  was  named  President  and  Chief  Operating  Officer  in  1989.  He  served  as  our  Vice 
President from 1988 to 1989 and as President of Rappahannock Wire Company, formerly a subsidiary of our Company, 
from  1981  to  1989.  Mr.  Woltz  has  been  a  Director  since  1986  and  also  serves  as  President  of  Insteel  Wire  Products 
Company.  Mr.  Woltz  served  as  President  of  Florida  Wire  and  Cable,  Inc.  until  its  merger  with  Insteel  Wire  Products 
Company in 2002. Mr. Woltz serves on the Executive Committee of our Board of Directors and was elected Chairman of 
the Board in 2009.  

Michael C. Gazmarian, 52, was elected Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in February 2007. 
He had previously served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since 1994, the year he joined us. Before joining us, Mr. 
Gazmarian  had  been  employed  by  Guardian  Industries  Corp.,  a  privately-held  manufacturer  of  glass,  automotive  and 
building products, since 1986, serving in various financial capacities.  

James  F.  Petelle,  61,  joined  us  in  October  2006.  He  was  elected  Vice  President  and  Assistant  Secretary  on 
November  14,  2006  and  Vice  President  —  Administration  and  Secretary  on  January  12,  2007.  He  was  previously 
employed by Andrew Corporation, a publicly-held manufacturer of telecommunications infrastructure equipment, having 
served as Secretary from 1990 to May 2006, and Vice President — Law from 2000 to October 2006.  

5 

 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Richard T. Wagner, 52, joined us in 1992 and has served as Vice President and General Manager of the Concrete 
Reinforcing Products Business Unit of the Company’s subsidiary, Insteel Wire Products Company, since 1998. In February 
2007, Mr. Wagner was appointed Vice President of the parent company, Insteel Industries, Inc. Prior to 1992, Mr. Wagner 
served in various positions with Florida Wire and Cable, Inc., a manufacturer of PC strand and galvanized strand products, 
since 1977.  

The executive officers listed above were elected by our Board of Directors at its annual meeting held February 8, 
2011 for a term that will expire at the next annual meeting of the Board of Directors or until their successors are elected 
and qualify. The next meeting at which officers will be elected is expected to be February 21, 2012.  

Item 1A. Risk Factors  

You should carefully consider all of the information set forth in this annual report on Form 10-K, including the 
following risk factors, before investing in any of our securities. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only 
ones  we  face.  Additional  risks  and  uncertainties  that  are  currently  unknown  to  us  or  that  we  currently  consider  to  be 
immaterial  may  also  impair  our  business  or  adversely  affect  our  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations.  We  may 
amend or supplement these risk factors from time to time by other future reports and statements that we file with the SEC.  

Our business is cyclical and can be negatively impacted by prolonged economic downturns or tightening in the credit 
markets that reduce the level of construction activity and demand for our products.  

Demand for our concrete reinforcing products is cyclical in nature and sensitive to changes in the economy and in 
the availability of financing in the credit markets. Our products are sold primarily to manufacturers of concrete products for 
the construction industry and used for a broad range of nonresidential and residential construction applications. Demand in 
these  markets  is  driven  by  the  level  of  construction  activity,  which  tends  to  be  correlated  with  conditions  in  the  general 
economy as well as other factors beyond our control. The tightening in the credit markets that occurred during fiscal 2009 
and  persisted  into  2011  could  continue  to  unfavorably  impact  demand  for  our  products  by  reducing  the  availability  of 
financing to our customers and the construction industry as a whole. Future prolonged periods of economic weakness or 
reduced  availability  of  financing  could  have  a  material  adverse  impact  on  our  business,  results  of  operations,  financial 
condition and cash flows.  

Our operations are subject to seasonal fluctuations that may impact our cash flow.  

Our  shipments  are  generally  lower  in  the  first  and  second  quarters  primarily  due  to  the  reduced  level  of 
construction  activity  resulting  from  winter  weather  conditions  together  with  customer  plant  shutdowns  associated  with 
holidays. As a result, our cash flow from operations may vary from quarter to quarter due to these seasonal factors.  

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.  

Demand for our products is highly variable. The short lead times for customer orders and minimal backlog that 
characterize  our  business  make  it  difficult  to  forecast  the  future  level  of  demand  for  our  products.  In  some  cases, 
unanticipated  downturns  in  demand  have  been  exacerbated  by  inventory  reduction  measures  pursued  by  our  customers. 
The combination of these factors may cause significant fluctuations in our sales, profitability and cash flows.  

Our  customers  may  be  adversely  affected  by  the  continued  negative  macroeconomic  conditions  and  tightening  in  the 
credit markets.  

Current negative macroeconomic conditions and the tightening in the credit markets could limit the ability of our 
customers to fund their financing requirements, thereby reducing their purchasing volume with us. Further, the reduction in 
the availability of credit may increase the risk of customers defaulting on their payment obligations to us. The continuation 
or  occurrence  of  these  events  could  materially  and  adversely  impact  our  business,  financial  condition  and  results  of 
operations.  

6 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Demand  for  our  products  could  be  significantly  impacted  by  the  timing  in  resolving  a  new  federal  transportation 
funding authorization and the magnitude of the infrastructure-related funding that is provided for requiring the use of 
our products.  

The  previous  federal  transportation  funding  authorization,  SAFETEA-LU,  expired  in  September  2009  and  has 
subsequently  been  extended  through  a  series  of  interim  measures,  the  most  recent of which  expires in  March 2012.  The 
additional  federal  funding  provided  for  under  the  American  Recovery  and  Reinvestment  Act  (“ARRA”)  has  not  had  a 
significant  impact  on  the  demand  for  our  products  as  a  high  proportion  of  the  projects  funded  have  been  for  pavement 
resurfacing and repairs, which do not require the use of our products, and any favorable impact has been offset by reduced 
spending at the state and local government level due to fiscal constraints. Failure to enact a new multi-year federal funding 
authorization in a timely manner could have a negative impact on demand for our products.  

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

The primary raw material used to manufacture our products is hot-rolled carbon steel wire rod, which we purchase 
from  both  domestic  and  foreign  suppliers.  We  do  not  use  derivative  commodity  instruments  to  hedge  our  exposure  to 
changes in the price of wire rod as such instruments are currently unavailable in the financial markets. Beginning in fiscal 
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 fiscal 2011. In response to the increased pricing volatility, 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.  

Although  changes  in  our  wire  rod  costs  and  selling  prices  tend  to  be  correlated,  depending  upon  market 
conditions, there may be periods during which we are unable  to fully recover increased rod costs through higher selling 
prices, which would reduce gross profit and cash flow from operations. Additionally, should raw material costs decline, our 
financial results may be negatively impacted if the selling prices for our products decrease to an even greater degree and to 
the extent that we are consuming higher cost material from inventory, as we experienced during certain periods of fiscal 
2009 and 2010.  

Our  financial  results  can  also  be  significantly  impacted  if  raw  material  supplies  are  inadequate  to  satisfy  our 
purchasing  requirements.  Trade  actions  by  domestic  wire  rod  producers  against  offshore  suppliers  can  also  have  a 
substantial impact on the availability and cost of imported wire rod. The imposition of anti-dumping or countervailing duty 
margins by the U.S. Department of Commerce (the “DOC”) against exporting countries can have the effect of reducing or 
eliminating their activity in the domestic market, which is of increasing significance in view of the reductions in domestic 
wire rod production capacity that have occurred in recent years. If we were unable to obtain adequate and timely delivery 
of  our  raw  material  requirements,  we  may  be  unable  to  manufacture  sufficient  quantities  of  our  products  or  operate  our 
manufacturing facilities in an efficient manner, which could result in lost sales and higher operating costs.  

We  may  not  be  successful  in  fully  realizing  the  anticipated  synergies  from  the  Ivy  Acquisition,  which  could  have  a 
negative impact on our financial results.  

Although we essentially completed the integration of the Ivy Acquisition during fiscal 2011 and are realizing a 
substantial portion of the anticipated synergies, there could be delays, disruptions or other unexpected challenges arise in 
connection with the completion of the remaining reconfiguration activities at certain of the Ivy facilities. If these delays, 
disruptions  or  other  challenges  occur  and  not  be  effectively  resolved,  we  could  fail  to  realize  the  remainder  of  the 
anticipated  synergies  from  the  Ivy  Acquisition  which  may  have  a  material  adverse  impact  on  our  operating  results  and 
financial condition.  

Foreign competition could adversely impact our financial results.  

Our  PC  strand  business  is  subject  to  offshore  import  competition  on  an  ongoing  basis  in  that  in  most  market 
environments, domestic production capacity is insufficient to satisfy domestic demand. If we are unable to purchase raw 
materials and achieve manufacturing costs that are competitive with those of foreign producers, or if the margin and return 
requirements  of  foreign  producers  are  substantially  lower,  our  market  share  and  profit  margins  could  be  negatively 
impacted. In response to irrationally-priced import competition from offshore PC strand suppliers, we have pursued trade 
cases  when necessary  as a  means of  ensuring  that foreign  producers  were  complying  with  the  applicable  trade  laws  and 
regulations.  

7 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

In  2003,  we,  together  with  a  coalition  of  domestic  producers  of  PC  strand,  obtained  a  favorable  determination 
from  the  DOC  in  response  to  the  petitions  we  had  filed  alleging  that  imports  of  PC  strand  from  Brazil,  India,  Korea, 
Mexico and Thailand were being “dumped” or sold in the U.S. at a price that was lower than fair value and had injured the 
domestic PC strand industry. The DOC imposed anti-dumping duties ranging from 12% up to 119%, which had the effect 
of limiting the participation of these countries in the domestic market.  

In 2010, we, together with a coalition of domestic producers of PC strand, obtained favorable determinations from 
the DOC in response to the petitions we had filed alleging that imports of PC strand from China were being “dumped” or 
sold  in  the  U.S.  at  a  price  that  was  lower  than  fair  value  and  that  subsidies  were  being  provided  to  Chinese  PC  strand 
producers by the Chinese government, both of which had injured the domestic PC strand industry. The DOC imposed final 
countervailing duty margins ranging from 9% to 46% and anti-dumping margins ranging from 43% to 194%, which had 
the effect of limiting the continued participation of Chinese producers in the domestic market.  

Our  manufacturing  facilities  are  subject  to  unexpected  equipment  failures,  operational  interruptions  and  casualty 
losses.  

Our  manufacturing  facilities  are  subject  to  risks  that  may  limit  our  ability  to  manufacture  products,  including 
unexpected  equipment  failures  and  catastrophic  losses  due  to  other  unanticipated  events  such  as  fires,  explosions, 
accidents, adverse weather conditions and transportation interruptions. Any such equipment failures or events can subject 
us  to  material  plant  shutdowns,  periods  of  reduced  production  or  unexpected  downtime.  Furthermore,  the  resolution  of 
certain operational interruptions may require significant capital expenditures. Although our insurance coverage could offset 
the losses or expenditures relating to some  of these events, our results of operations and cash flows could be negatively 
impacted to the extent that such claims were not covered or only partially covered by our insurance.  

Our financial results could be adversely impacted by the continued escalation in certain of our operating costs.  

Our  employee  benefit  costs,  particularly  our  medical  and  workers’  compensation  costs,  have  increased 
substantially in recent years and are expected to continue to rise. In March 2010, Congress passed and the President signed 
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This legislation may have a significant impact on health care providers, 
insurers and others associated with the health care industry. If the implementation of this legislation significantly increases 
the costs attributable to our self-insured health plans, it may negatively impact our business, financial condition and results 
of operations.  

In  addition,  higher  prices  for  natural  gas,  electricity,  fuel  and  consumables  increase  our  manufacturing  and 
distribution costs. Most of our sales are made under terms whereby we incur the fuel costs and surcharges associated with 
the delivery of products to our customers. Although we have implemented numerous measures to offset the impact of the 
ongoing escalation in these costs, there can be no assurance that such actions will be effective. If we are unable to pass 
these additional costs through by raising selling prices, our financial results could be adversely impacted.  

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.  

Our operations are capital intensive and require substantial recurring expenditures for the routine maintenance of 
our equipment and facilities. Although we expect to finance our business requirements through internally generated funds 
or from borrowings under our $75.0 million revolving credit facility, we cannot provide any assurances these resources will 
be  sufficient  to  support our business.  A  material  adverse  change  in our  operations or financial  condition  could  limit  our 
ability to borrow funds under our credit facility, which could further adversely impact our liquidity and financial condition. 
Any significant future acquisitions could require additional financing from external sources that may not be available on 
favorable terms, which could adversely impact our operations, growth plans, financial condition and results of operations.  

Environmental  compliance  and  remediation  could  result  in  substantially  increased  capital  investments  and  operating 
costs.  

Our business is subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to the protection of the 
environment  that  could  result  in  substantially  increased  capital  investments  and  operating  costs.  These  laws  and 
regulations, which are constantly evolving, are becoming increasingly stringent and the ultimate impact of compliance is 
not always clearly known or determinable because regulations under some of these laws have not yet been promulgated or 
are undergoing revision.  

8 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Our stock price can be volatile, often in connection with matters beyond our control.  

Equity markets in the U.S. have been increasingly volatile in recent years. During fiscal 2011, our common stock 
traded as high as $15.10 and as low as $8.22. There are numerous factors that could cause the price of our common stock to 
fluctuate significantly, several of which are beyond our control, including: variations in our quarterly and annual operating 
results;  changes  in  our  business  outlook;  changes  in  market  valuations  of  companies  in  our  industry;  changes  in  the 
expectations  for  nonresidential  and  residential  construction;  and  announcements  by  us,  our  competitors  or  industry 
participants that may be perceived to impact us or our operations.  

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.  

None.  

Item 2. Properties.  

Insteel’s  corporate  headquarters  and  IWP’s  sales  and  administrative  offices  are  located  in  Mount  Airy,  North 
Carolina.  At  October  1,  2011,  we  operated  nine  manufacturing  facilities  located  in  Dayton,  Texas;  Gallatin,  Tennessee; 
Hazleton,  Pennsylvania;  Hickman,  Kentucky;  Jacksonville,  Florida;  Kingman,  Arizona;  Mount  Airy,  North  Carolina; 
Sanderson, Florida; and St. Joseph, Missouri.  

We own all of our real estate with the exception of a non-operating facility located in Houston, Texas, which is 
leased  from  Ivy  through  November  2011.  We  believe  that  our  properties  are  in  good  operating  condition  and  that  our 
machinery  and  equipment  have  been  well  maintained.  We  also  believe  that  our  manufacturing  facilities  are  suitable  for 
their intended purposes and have capacities adequate for the current and projected needs for our existing products.  

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.  

On November 19, 2007, Dwyidag Systems International, Inc (“DSI”) filed a third-party lawsuit in the Ohio Court 
of Claims alleging that certain epoxy-coated strand sold by us 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 sought recovery of any damages 
which could have been assessed against DSI in the action filed against it by ODOT, which allegedly could have been in 
excess of $8.3 million, plus $2.7 million in damages allegedly incurred by DSI. In 2009, the Ohio court granted our motion 
for summary judgment as to the third-party claim against us on the grounds that the statute of limitations had expired, but 
DSI filed an interlocutory appeal of that ruling. In addition, we previously filed a lawsuit against DSI in the North Carolina 
Superior Court in Surry County seeking recovery of $1.4 million (plus interest) owed for other products sold by us to DSI, 
which action was removed by DSI to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.  

On October 7, 2010, we participated in a structured mediation with ODOT and DSI which led to settlement of all 
of the above legal matters. The parties dismissed the action in the Middle District of North Carolina on December 23, 2010, 
and the Ohio Court of Claims action was dismissed on January 21, 2011. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, which was 
approved by the Ohio Court of Claims on January 5, 2011, the parties released each other from all liability arising out of 
the sale of strand for the bridge project. In connection with the settlement, we reserved the remaining outstanding balance 
that we were owed by DSI and agreed to make a cash payment of $600,000 to ODOT. During fiscal 2011, we paid the 
$600,000 settlement to ODOT and wrote off the DSI receivables against the previously established reserve. The resolution 
of this matter has enabled us to restore our commercial relationship with DSI that had existed prior to the initiation of the 
legal proceedings. Our fiscal 2010 results reflect a $1.5 million charge relating to the net effect of the settlement.  

We  are  also,  from  time  to  time,  involved  in  various  other  lawsuits,  claims,  investigations  and  proceedings, 
including commercial, environmental and employment matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business. We do not 
anticipate that the ultimate cost to resolve these other matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, 
results of operations or cash flows.  

Item 4. (Removed and Reserved).  

9 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

PART II 

Item  5.  Market  for  Registrant’s  Common  Equity,  Related  Shareholder  Matters  and  Issuer  Purchases  of  Equity 
Securities.  

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “IIIN” and has been trading 
on NASDAQ since September 28, 2004. As of November 2, 2011, there were 910 shareholders of record. The following 
table summarizes the high and low sales prices as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and the cash dividend 
per share declared in fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010:  

First Quarter ............................................. 
Second Quarter ........................................ 
Third Quarter ........................................... 
Fourth Quarter ......................................... 

Fiscal 2011 

Fiscal 2010

High 
  $ 12.88  
  14.42  
  15.10  
  12.62  

Low 
  $ 8.22  
  11.24  
  11.58  
  8.80  

Cash 
Dividends
$ 0.03
0.03
0.03
0.03

High 
$ 13.63  
13.36  
13.05  
12.29  

Low 
$ 10.34  
9.26  
10.55  
7.73  

Cash 
Dividends
$ 0.03 
0.03 
0.03 
0.03 

On November 18, 2008, our Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase authorization to buy back up to 
$25.0  million  of  our  outstanding  common  stock  in  the  open  market  or  in  privately  negotiated  transactions.  Repurchases 
may  be  made  from  time  to  time  in  the  open  market  or  in  privately  negotiated  transactions  subject  to  market  conditions, 
applicable legal requirements and other factors. We are not obligated to acquire any particular amount of common stock 
and  may  commence  or  suspend  the  program  at  any  time  at  our  discretion  without  prior  notice.  The  share  repurchase 
authorization continues in effect until terminated by the Board of Directors. As of October 1, 2011, there was $24.8 million 
remaining available for future share repurchases under this authorization. During 2011 and 2010, we repurchased $143,000 
or  12,633  shares  and  $79,000  or  8,486  shares,  respectively,  of  our  common  stock  through  restricted  stock  net-share 
settlements.  

The following table summarizes the repurchases of common stock during the quarter ended October 1, 2011:  

(In thousands except share and per share 
amounts) 
July 3, 2011 - August 6, 2011 ................... 
August 7, 2011 - September 3, 2011 (2) ... 
September 4, 2011 - October 1, 2011 ....... 

Total Number of
Shares Purchased  

Average Price
Paid per Share 

—
5,876
—
5,876

—
$ 9.58
—

Total Number of 
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly 
Announced Plan or
Program 

—
5,876
—
5,876

Maximum Number (or Approximate
Dollar Value) of Shares That May Yet
Be Purchased Under the Plan or 
Program 
$ 24,812(1) 
24,756(1) 
24,756(1) 

(1) 

Under the $25.0 million share repurchase authorization announced on November 18, 2008, which continues in effect until terminated by the 
Board of Directors. 

(2) 

Represents 5,876 shares surrendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock awards. 

In  July  2005,  we  resumed  our  quarterly  cash  dividend  of  $0.03  per  share.  On  August  12,  2008,  our  Board  of 
Directors approved a special cash dividend of $0.50 per share that was paid on October 3, 2008. While we intend to pay 
regular  quarterly  cash  dividends  for  the  foreseeable  future,  the  declaration  and  payment  of  future  dividends,  if  any,  are 
discretionary and will be subject to determination by the Board of Directors each quarter after taking into account various 
factors,  including  general  business  conditions  and  our  financial  condition,  operating  results,  cash  requirements  and 
expansion  plans.  See  Note  7  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  additional  discussion  with  respect  to  dividend 
payments. 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

On April 21, 2009, the Board of Directors adopted Amendment No. 1 to Rights Agreement, effective April 25, 
2009,  amending  the  Rights  Agreement  dated  as  of  April  27,  1999  between  us  and  American  Stock  Transfer  &  Trust 
Company,  LLC,  successor  to  First  Union  National  Bank.  Amendment  No.  1  and  the  Rights  Agreement  are  hereinafter 
collectively referred to as the “Rights Agreement.” In connection with adopting the Rights Agreement, on April 26, 1999, 
the Board of Directors declared a dividend distribution of one right per share of our outstanding common stock as of May 
17, 1999. The Rights Agreement also provides that one right will attach to each share of our common stock issued after 
May  17,  1999.  Each  right  entitles  the  registered  holder  to  purchase  from  us  on  certain  dates  described  in  the  Rights 
Agreement  one  two-hundredths  of  a  share  (a  “Unit”)  of  our  Series  A  Junior  Participating  Preferred  Stock  at  a  purchase 
price  of  $46  per  Unit,  subject  to  adjustment  as  described  in  the  Rights  Agreement.  For  more  information  regarding  our 
Rights Agreement, see Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements. 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.  

Financial Highlights  
(In thousands, except per share amounts) 

Year Ended

Net sales ........................................................  
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations ..  
Net earnings (loss) ........................................  
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing 

(52 weeks)
October 1,
2011
$ 336,909  

(52 weeks)
October 2,
2010

$ 211,586 

(53 weeks)
October 3,
2009
$230,236  

(387)    
(387)    

458   
473   

(20,940)    
(22,086)    

(52 weeks) 
September 27, 
2008 
$353,862
43,717
43,752

(52 weeks) 
September 29,
2007
$297,806 
24,284 
24,162 

operations (basic) ......................................  

(0.02)    

0.03   

(1.20)    

2.47

1.33 

Earnings (loss) per share from continuing 

operations (diluted) ...................................  
Net earnings (loss) per share (basic) .............  
Net earnings (loss) per share (diluted) ..........  
Cash dividends declared ...............................  
Total assets ...................................................  
Total debt ......................................................  
Shareholders’ equity .....................................  

(0.02)    
(0.02)    
(0.02)    
0.12 
216,530 
14,156 
148,474 

0.03   
0.03   
0.03   
0.12   

(1.20)    
(1.27)    
(1.27)    
0.12 
182,505    182,117 
— 
147,876    147,070 

—   

2.44
2.47
2.44
0.62
228,220

—    

169,847

1.32 
1.32 
1.31 
0.12 
173,529 
— 
143,850 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted and retrospectively applied new accounting guidance related to the 

calculation of earnings per share which resulted in the following reductions in basic and diluted earnings per share:  

Continuing operations ............................................. 
Net earnings ............................................................ 

2009 

  Diluted

— 
— 

Basic
— 
— 

  Basic
  $ (0.02)  
  (0.02)  

2008 

2007

  Diluted    Basic

$ (0.03)  
(0.03)  

  Diluted
$ (0.01)   $ (0.01)
  (0.01)

(0.01)  

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.  

The  matters  discussed  in  this  section  include  forward-looking  statements  that  are  subject  to  numerous 
risks.  You  should  carefully  read  the  “Cautionary  Note  Regarding  Forward-Looking  Statements”  and  “Risk 
Factors” in this Form 10-K.  

Overview  

Following our  exit  from  the industrial  wire  business  (see Note 10  to  the  consolidated financial  statements),  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; 
(2) operating as the lowest cost producer; and (3) pursuing growth opportunities within our core businesses that further our 
penetration of current markets served or expand our geographic footprint. 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

On November 19, 2010, we, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, IWP, purchased certain of the assets of Ivy for 
approximately $50.3 million, after giving effect to post-closing adjustments. Ivy was one of the nation’s largest producers 
of  WWR  and  wire  products  for  concrete  construction  applications  (see  Note  4  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements). 
Among  other assets,  we  acquired Ivy’s  production  facilities  located  in  Arizona,  Florida,  Missouri  and  Pennsylvania;  the 
production equipment  located at a  leased facility in Texas; and certain related inventories. We also entered into a short-
term sublease with Ivy for the Texas facility. Subsequent to the acquisition, we elected to consolidate certain of our WWR 
operations  in  order  to  reduce  our  operating  costs,  which  involved  the  closure  of  facilities  in  Wilmington,  Delaware  and 
Houston, Texas. These actions were taken in response to the close proximity of Ivy’s facilities in Hazleton, Pennsylvania 
and Houston, Texas to our existing facilities in Wilmington, Delaware and Dayton, Texas.  

Critical Accounting Policies  

Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the 
United  States  (“GAAP”).  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 assumptions believed to be reasonable. Actual results could differ from these estimates.  

Following is a discussion of our most critical accounting policies, which are those that are both important to the 

depiction of our financial condition and results of operations and that require judgments, assumptions and estimates. 

Revenue recognition. We recognize revenue from product sales when products are shipped and risk of loss and 
title has passed to the customer. Sales taxes collected from customers are recorded on a net basis and as such, are excluded 
from revenue. 

Concentration  of  credit  risk.  Financial  instruments  that  subject  us  to  concentrations  of  credit  risk  consist 
principally of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. Our cash is concentrated primarily at one financial 
institution,  which  at  times  exceeds  federally  insured  limits.  We  are  exposed  to  credit  risk  in  the  event  of  default  by 
institutions in which our cash and cash equivalents are held and by customers to the extent of the amounts recorded on the 
balance sheet. We invest excess cash primarily in money market funds, which are highly liquid securities that bear minimal 
risk. 

Most of our accounts receivable are due from customers that are located in the U.S. and we generally require no 
collateral depending 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 on outstanding balances owed to us. Significant 
management  judgments  and  estimates  are  used  in  establishing  the  allowances.  These  judgments  and  estimates  consider 
such  factors  as  customers’  financial  position,  cash  flows  and  payment  history  as  well  as  current  and  expected  business 
conditions. It  is  reasonably  likely  that  actual  collections  will  differ  from  our  estimates,  which  may  result  in  increases or 
decreases  in  the  allowances.  Adjustments  to  the  allowances  may  also  be  required  if  there  are  significant  changes  in  the 
financial condition of our customers. 

Inventory  valuation.  We  periodically  evaluate  the  carrying  value  of  our  inventory.  This  evaluation  includes 
assessing the adequacy of allowances to cover losses in the normal course of operations, providing for excess and obsolete 
inventory,  and  ensuring  that  inventory  is  valued  at  the  lower  of  cost  or  estimated  net  realizable  value.  Our  evaluation 
considers  such  factors  as  the  cost  of  inventory,  future  demand,  our  historical  experience  and  market  conditions.  In 
assessing  the  realization  of  inventory  values,  we  are  required  to  make  judgments  and  estimates  regarding  future  market 
conditions. Because of the subjective nature of these judgments and estimates, it is reasonably likely that actual outcomes 
will differ from our estimates. Adjustments to these reserves may be required if actual market conditions for our products 
are substantially different than the assumptions underlying our estimates. 

12 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Long-lived  assets. We review  long-lived  assets,  which  consist principally  of  property,  plant  and  equipment,  for 
impairment  whenever  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that  the  carrying  value  of  the  asset  may  not  be  fully 
recoverable. Recoverability of long-lived assets to be held and used is measured based on the future net undiscounted cash 
flows  expected  to  be  generated  by  the  related  asset  or  asset  group.  If  it  is  determined  that  an  impairment  loss  has  been 
incurred, the impairment loss is recognized during the period incurred and is calculated based on the difference between the 
carrying value and the present value of estimated future net cash flows or comparable market values. Assets to be disposed 
of  by  sale  are  recorded  at  the  lower  of  the  carrying  value  or  fair  value  less  cost  to  sell  when  we  have  committed  to  a 
disposal plan, and are reported separately as assets held for sale on our consolidated balance sheet. Unforeseen events and 
changes  in  circumstances  and  market  conditions  could  negatively  affect  the  value  of  assets  and  result  in  an  impairment 
charge. 

Self-insurance. We are self-insured for certain losses relating to medical and workers’ compensation claims. Self-
insurance  claims  filed  and  claims  incurred  but  not  reported  are  accrued  based  upon  management’s  estimates  of  the 
discounted ultimate cost for uninsured claims incurred using actuarial assumptions followed by the insurance industry and 
historical experience. These estimates are subject to a high degree of variability based upon future inflation rates, litigation 
trends, changes in benefit levels and claim settlement patterns. Because of uncertainties related to these factors as well as 
the possibility of changes in the underlying facts and circumstances, future adjustments to these reserves may be required. 

Litigation.  From  time  to  time,  we  may  be  involved  in  claims,  lawsuits  and  other  proceedings.  Such  matters 
involve uncertainty as to the eventual outcomes and the potential losses that we may ultimately incur. We record expenses 
for litigation when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. 
We estimate the probability of such losses based on the advice of legal counsel, the outcome of similar litigation, the status 
of  the  lawsuits  and  other  factors.  Due  to  the  numerous  factors  that  enter  into  these  judgments  and  assumptions,  it  is 
reasonably  likely  that  actual  outcomes  will  differ  from  our  estimates.  We  monitor  our  potential  exposure  to  these 
contingencies on a regular basis and may adjust our estimates as additional information becomes available or as there are 
significant developments. 

Stock-based  compensation.  We  account  for  stock-based  compensation  arrangements,  including  stock  option 
grants, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units, in accordance with the provisions of Financial Standards Board 
(“FASB”)  Accounting  Standards  Codification  (“ASC”)  Topic  718,  Compensation  —  Stock  Compensation.  Under  these 
provisions,  compensation  cost  is  recognized  based  on  the  fair  value  of  equity  awards  on  the  date  of  grant.  The 
compensation  cost  is  then  amortized  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  vesting  period.  We  use  the  Monte  Carlo  valuation 
model to determine the fair value of stock options at the date of grant. This model requires us to make assumptions such as 
expected term, volatility and forfeiture rates that determine the stock options’ fair value. These key assumptions are based 
on historical information and judgment regarding market factors and trends. If actual results differ from our assumptions 
and judgments used in estimating these factors, future adjustments to compensation expense may be required. 

Assumptions  for  employee  benefit  plans.  We  account  for  our  defined  employee  benefit  plans,  the  Insteel  Wire 
Products Company Retirement Income Plan for Hourly Employees, Wilmington, Delaware (the “Delaware Plan”) and the 
supplemental  employee  retirement  plans  (each, a  “SERP”)  in  accordance  with  FASB ASC  Topic 715,  Compensation  — 
Retirement Benefits. Under the provisions of ASC Topic 715, we recognize net periodic pension costs and value pension 
assets or liabilities based on certain actuarial assumptions, principally the assumed discount rate and the assumed long-term 
rate of return on plan assets. 

The discount rates we utilize for determining net periodic pension costs and the related benefit obligations for our 
plans  are  based,  in  part,  on  current  interest  rates  earned  on  long-term  bonds  that  receive  one  of  the  two  highest  ratings 
assigned  by  recognized  rating  agencies.  Our  discount  rate  assumptions  are  adjusted  as  of  each  valuation  date  to  reflect 
current interest rates on such long-term bonds. The discount rates are used to determine the actuarial present value of the 
benefit  obligations  as  of  the  valuation  date  as  well  as  the  interest  component  of  the  net  periodic  pension  cost  for  the 
following  year.  The  discount  rate  for  the  Delaware  Plan  and  SERPs  was  4.75%,  5.25%  and  5.50%  for  2011,  2010  and 
2009, respectively. 

13 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

The assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets for the Delaware Plan represents the estimated average rate of 
return  expected  to  be  earned  on  the  funds  invested  or  to  be  invested  in  the  plan’s  assets  to  fund  the  benefit  payments 
inherent  in  the  projected  benefit  obligations.  Unlike  the  discount  rate,  which  is  adjusted  each  year  based  on  changes  in 
current long-term interest rates, the assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets will not necessarily change based upon 
the  actual  short-term  performance  of  the  plan  assets  in  any  given  year.  The  amount  of  net  periodic  pension  cost  that  is 
recorded each year is based on the assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets for the plan and the actual fair value of 
the  plan  assets  as  of  the  beginning  of  the  year.  We  regularly  review  our  actual  asset  allocation  and,  when  appropriate, 
rebalance the investments in the plan to more accurately reflect the targeted allocation. 

For 2011, 2010 and 2009, the assumed long-term rate of return utilized for plan assets of the Delaware Plan was 
8%. We currently expect to use the same assumed rate for the long-term return on plan assets in 2012. In determining the 
appropriateness of this assumption, we considered the historical rate of return of the plan assets, the current and projected 
asset mix, our investment objectives and information provided by our third-party investment advisors. 

The  projected  benefit  obligations  and  net  periodic  pension  cost  for  the  SERPs  are  based  in  part  on  expected 
increases in future compensation levels. Our assumption for the expected increase in future compensation levels is based 
upon  our  average  historical  experience  and  management’s  intentions  regarding  future  compensation  increases,  which 
generally approximates average long-term inflation rates. 

Assumed discount rates and rates of return on plan assets are reevaluated annually. Changes in these assumptions 
can result in the recognition of materially different pension costs over different periods and materially different asset and 
liability amounts in our consolidated financial statements. A reduction in the assumed discount rate generally results in an 
actuarial loss, as the actuarially-determined present value of estimated future benefit payments will increase. Conversely, 
an increase in the assumed discount rate generally results in an actuarial gain. In addition, an actual return on plan assets 
for a given year that is greater than the assumed return on plan assets results in an actuarial gain, while an actual return on 
plan assets that is less than the assumed return results in an actuarial loss. Other actual outcomes that differ from previous 
assumptions,  such  as  individuals  living  longer or  shorter lives  than  assumed  in  the  mortality  tables  that  are  also used  to 
determine the actuarially-determined present value of estimated future benefit payments, changes in such mortality tables 
themselves or plan amendments will also result in actuarial losses or gains. Under GAAP, actuarial gains and losses are 
deferred  and  amortized  into  income  over  future  periods  based  upon  the  expected  average  remaining  service  life  of  the 
active plan participants (for plans for which benefits are still being earned by active employees) or the average remaining 
life expectancy of the inactive participants (for plans for which benefits are not still  being earned by active employees). 
However,  any  actuarial  gains  generated  in  future  periods  reduce  the  negative  amortization  effect  of  any  cumulative 
unamortized actuarial losses, while any actuarial losses generated in future periods reduce the favorable amortization effect 
of any cumulative unamortized actuarial gains. 

The  amounts  recognized  as  net  periodic  pension  cost  and  as  pension  assets  or  liabilities  are  based  upon  the 
actuarial  assumptions  discussed  above.  We  believe  that  all  of  the  actuarial  assumptions  used  for  determining  the  net 
periodic  pension  costs  and  pension  assets  or  liabilities  related  to  the  Delaware  Plan  are  reasonable  and  appropriate.  The 
funding  requirements  for  the  Delaware  Plan  are  based  upon  applicable  regulations,  and  will  generally  differ  from  the 
amount  of  pension  cost  recognized  under  ASC  Topic  715  for  financial  reporting  purposes.  During  2011,  we  made 
contributions  totaling  $478,000  to  the  Delaware  Plan.  No  contributions  were  required  to  be  made  to  the  Delaware  Plan 
during 2010 and 2009. 

We currently expect net periodic pension costs for 2012 to be $772,000 for the Delaware Plan and $68,000 for the 
SERPs. Cash contributions to the plans during 2012 are expected to be $265,000 for the Delaware Plan and $244,000 for 
the SERPs.  

A  0.25%  decrease  in  the  assumed  discount  rate  for  the  Delaware  Plan  would  have  increased  our  projected  and 
accumulated benefit obligations as of October 1, 2011 by approximately $82,000 and have no impact to the expected net 
periodic pension cost for 2012. A 0.25% decrease in the assumed discount rate for our SERPs would have increased our 
projected  and  accumulated  benefit  obligations  as  of  October  1,  2011  by  approximately  $209,000  and  $163,000, 
respectively, and increased the net periodic pension cost for 2012 by approximately $19,000. 

A  0.25%  decrease  in  the  assumed  long-term  rate  of  return  on  plan  assets  for  the  Delaware  Plan  would  have 

increased the expected net periodic pension cost for 2012 by approximately $4,000.  

14 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Recent Accounting Pronouncements.  

Current Adoptions  

In December 2010, the FASB issued an update that clarifies the guidance provided in ASC Topic 805, Business 
Combinations, regarding the disclosure requirements for the pro forma  presentation of revenue and earnings related to a 
business combination. We elected to early adopt this guidance during the first quarter of fiscal 2011.  

Future Adoptions  

In June 2011, the FASB issued an update that amends the guidance provided in ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive 
Income, by requiring that all nonowner changes in shareholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement 
of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This update becomes effective in the first quarter 
of fiscal 2013.  

In  May  2011,  the  FASB  issued  an  update  that  amends  the  guidance  provided  in  ASC  Topic  820,  Fair  Value 
Measurement,  by  clarifying  some  existing  concepts,  eliminating  wording  differences  between  GAAP  and  International 
Financial  Reporting  Standards  (“IFRS”),  and  in  some  limited  cases,  changing  some  principles  to  achieve  convergence 
between GAAP and IFRS. The update results in a consistent definition of fair value, establishes common requirements for 
the measurement of and disclosure about fair value between GAAP and IFRS, and expands the disclosures for fair value 
measurements  that  are  estimated  using  significant  unobservable  (Level  3)  inputs.  This  update  becomes  effective  in  the 
second quarter of fiscal 2012. We do not expect the adoption of this update to have a material impact on our consolidated 
financial statements.  

Results of Operations  

Statements of Operations — Selected Data  
(Dollars in thousands)  

Net sales ..............................................................    $336,909  
31,743  
Gross profit (loss) ...............................................   
9.4% 
Percentage of net sales ....................................   

October 1,
2011

Change

Year Ended 
October 2, 
2010
59.2%   $211,586
17,991
76.4%  

  Change 

(8.1%)  
N/M 

8.5%  

October 3,
2009
$ 230,236 
(15,093) 

(6.6%)

Selling, general and administrative expense .......    $ 19,608 

22.4%   $ 16,024 

(7.1%)  

$ 17,243 

Percentage of net sales ....................................   
Other income, net ................................................    $
Restructuring charges, net ...................................   
Acquisition costs .................................................   
Bargain purchase gain .........................................   
Legal settlement ..................................................   
Interest expense ..................................................   
Interest income....................................................   
Effective income tax rate ....................................   
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations ........    $
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations .....   
Net earnings (loss) ..............................................   

5.8% 
(222)   
8,318 
3,518 
(500)   
— 
958 
(38)   

N/M 
(387)   
— 
(387)   

7.6%  

  $

N/M 
N/M 
N/M 
N/M 
(100.0%)  
111.5%  
(62.7%)  

  $

N/M 
N/M 
N/M 

(291) 
— 
— 
— 
1,487 
453 
(102) 
N/M 
458 
15 
473 

$

N/M 
N/M 
N/M 
N/M 
N/M 
(29.3%)  
(29.2%)  

7.5% 

(135) 
— 
— 
— 
— 
641 
(144) 
36.0% 

N/M 
N/M 
N/M 

$ (20,940) 
(1,146) 
(22,086) 

“N/M” = not meaningful  

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

2011 Compared with 2010  

Net Sales  

Net  sales  increased  59.2%  to  $336.9  million  in  2011  from  $211.6  million  in  2010.  Shipments  for  the  year 
increased  33.7%  and  average  selling  prices  increased  17.7%  from  the  prior  year  levels.  The  increase  in  shipments  was 
primarily due to the addition of the Ivy facilities in the current year. The increase in average selling prices was driven by 
price increases that were implemented during the current year to recover higher raw material costs. Sales for both years 
reflect severely depressed volumes due to the continuation of recessionary conditions in our construction end-markets.  

Gross Profit  

Gross profit for 2011 was $31.7 million, or 9.4% of net sales, compared to $18.0 million, or 8.5% of net sales, in 
2010.  The  year-over-year  improvement  was  primarily  due  to  the  addition  of  the  Ivy  facilities  in  the  current  year.  Gross 
profit for the current year benefited from higher spreads between selling prices and raw material costs partially offset by 
the  sale  of  the  higher  cost  inventory  acquired  from  Ivy  that  was  valued  at  fair  value  in  accordance  with  purchase 
accounting requirements. Gross profit for the prior year includes a $1.9 million charge for inventory write-downs to reduce 
the carrying value of inventory to the lower of cost or market. Gross profit for both years was unfavorably impacted by 
depressed shipment volumes and elevated unit conversion costs resulting from reduced operating schedules.  

Selling, General and Administrative Expense  

Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A expense”) increased 22.4% to $19.6 million, or 5.8% of net 
sales in 2011 from $16.0 million, or 7.6% of net sales in 2010 primarily due to staffing additions ($1.3 million) and other 
transition-related  costs  ($151,000)  largely  related  to  the  Ivy  Acquisition,  the  relative  year-over-year  changes  in  the  cash 
surrender  value  of  life  insurance  policies  ($595,000)  and  increases  in  stock-based  compensation  ($638,000),  employee 
benefit costs ($312,000), travel expense ($239,000) and professional services costs ($167,000). The cash surrender of life 
insurance policies decreased $265,000 in the current year compared with an increase of $330,000 in the prior year due to 
the  related  changes  in  the  value  of  the  underlying  investments.  The  increase  in  stock-based  compensation  expense  was 
largely  due  to  the  full  vesting  of  awards  for  plan  participants  that  became  retirement  eligible  in  the  current  year.  The 
increase  in  employee  benefit  costs  was  primarily  related  to  higher  employee  medical  expense  during  the  current  year. 
These increases in SG&A expense were partially offset by a net gain on the settlement of life insurance policies ($357,000) 
and a reduction in legal expenses ($393,000) primarily due to the prior year costs associated with the PC strand trade cases.  

Restructuring Charges, Net  

Net restructuring charges of $8.3 million were recorded in 2011, including $3.8 million for impairment charges 
related to plant closures and the decommissioning of equipment, $2.3 million for employee separation costs associated with 
plant  closures  and  other  staffing  reductions,  $1.2  million  for  equipment  relocation  costs,  $533,000  for  the  future  lease 
obligations  associated  with  the  closed  Houston,  Texas  facility  and  $464,000  for  facility  closure  costs.  The  plant  closure 
costs were incurred in connection with the consolidation of our Texas and Northeast operations, which involved the closure 
of facilities in Houston, Texas and Wilmington, Delaware, and the absorption of the business by other Insteel facilities. The 
plant closure costs are net of a $1.6 million gain on the sale of the Wilmington, Delaware facility. The employee separation 
costs  were  related  to  the  staffing  reductions  that  were  implemented  across  our  sales,  administration  and  manufacturing 
support functions to address the redundancies resulting from the Ivy Acquisition and in connection with the plant closures. 
The Company currently expects the remainder of the restructuring activities to be completed by the end of the first quarter 
of fiscal 2012.  

Acquisition Costs  

Acquisition costs of $3.5 million were incurred in 2011 for the advisory, accounting, legal and other professional 
fees directly related to the Ivy Acquisition. The accounting requirements for business combinations require the expensing 
of  acquisition costs  in  the  period  in which they  are  incurred. We do not  expect  to  incur  any  additional  acquisition  costs 
related to the Ivy Acquisition.  

Bargain Purchase Gain  

A bargain purchase gain of $500,000 was recorded in 2011 based on the excess of the fair value of the net assets 

acquired in the Ivy Acquisition over the purchase price.  

16 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Interest Expense  

Interest expense for 2011 increased $505,000 or 111.5% to $958,000 from $453,000 in 2010 primarily due to the 
interest  on  the  secured  subordinated  promissory  note  associated  with  the  Ivy  Acquisition,  which  was  partially  offset  by 
lower amortization of capitalized financing costs. 

Income Taxes  

Our  effective  income  tax  rate  on  continuing  operations  for  2011  was  distorted  by  the  impact  of  changes  in 
permanent  book  versus  tax  differences  largely  related  to  non-deductible  stock-based  compensation  expense  and  the 
establishment of a valuation allowance against certain state net operating losses and tax credits that we do not expect to 
realize.  The  effective  income  tax  rate  for  the  prior  year  was  (9.0%)  which  reflects  the  favorable  impact  of  a  $500,000 
increase  in  a  tax  refund  as  the  result  of  changes  in  the  federal  tax  regulations  regarding  the  carryback  of  net  operating 
losses partially offset by $200,000 of net reserves recorded pertaining to known tax exposures in accordance with ASC 740 
together  with  changes  in  permanent  book  versus  tax  differences  largely  related  to  lower  non-deductible  life  insurance 
expense.  

Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations  

The  loss  from  continuing  operations  for  2011  was  $387,000  ($0.02  per  share)  compared  with  earnings  of 
$458,000  ($0.03  per  share)  in  2010  with  the  year-over-year  change  primarily  due  to  the  restructuring  charges  and 
acquisition costs incurred in connection with the Ivy Acquisition and higher SG&A expense partially offset by the increase 
in gross profit and the bargain purchase gain.  

Earnings From Discontinued Operations  

Earnings from discontinued operations were $15,000 in the prior year, which had no effect on earnings per share, 
and were primarily related to the gain on the sale of the real estate associated with the industrial wire business partially 
offset by facility-related costs incurred prior to the sale and income tax expense.  

Net Earnings (Loss)  

The net loss for 2011 was $387,000 ($0.02 per share) compared with earnings of $473,000 ($0.03 per share) in 
2010 with the year-over-year change primarily due to the restructuring charges and acquisition costs incurred in connection 
with the Ivy Acquisition and higher SG&A expense partially offset by the increase in gross profit and the bargain purchase 
gain.  

2010 Compared with 2009  

Net Sales  

Net sales decreased 8.1% to $211.6 million in 2010 from $230.2 million in 2009. Shipments for the year increased 
5.6% while average selling prices declined 12.9% from the prior year levels. The increase in shipments during 2010 was 
primarily driven by customer inventory restocking together with the favorable effect of the PC strand trade cases against 
China, which partially offset the negative effect of the reduced level of construction activity. The year-over-year increase in 
shipments  was  relative  to severely depressed volumes  in  the prior  year  resulting from  the  recessionary  conditions  in  the 
economy, reduced level of construction activity and inventory destocking measures that were pursued by our customers. 
The decrease in average selling prices was due to lower raw material costs and competitive pricing pressures resulting from 
the weak market environment.  

Gross Profit (Loss)  

Gross profit for 2010 was $18.0 million, or 8.5% of net sales compared to a gross loss of $15.1 million, or (6.6%) 
of net sales in 2009. Gross profit (loss) includes charges of $2.3 million in 2010 and $25.9 million in 2009 for inventory 
write-downs to reduce the carrying value of inventory to the lower of cost or market resulting from declining selling prices 
for certain products relative to higher raw material costs under the first–in, first-out (“FIFO”) method of accounting. Gross 
profit  (loss)  for  both  years  was  unfavorably  impacted  by  depressed  shipment  volumes,  compressed  spreads  between 
average  selling  prices  and  raw  material  costs,  and  elevated  unit  conversion  costs  resulting  from  reduced  operating 
schedules. The year-over-year improvement was primarily due to lower inventory write-downs in 2010, higher shipments 
and spreads between average selling prices and raw material costs, and lower unit conversion costs resulting from higher 
production volumes.  

17 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Selling, General and Administrative Expense  

Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A expense”) decreased 7.1% to $16.0 million, or 7.6% of net 
sales in 2010 from $17.2 million, or 7.5% of net sales in 2009. The decrease was primarily due to increases in the cash 
surrender value of life insurance policies ($557,000) together with reductions in consulting expense ($207,000), employee 
benefit costs ($172,000), bad debt expense ($154,000), payroll taxes ($115,000), and labor expense ($102,000). The cash 
surrender  value  of  life  insurance  polices  increased  $330,000  during  2010  compared  with  a  decrease  of  $227,000  in  the 
prior year due to the related changes in value of the underlying investments. The decreases in consulting and labor expense 
were primarily due to the implementation of various cost reduction measures. The reduction in employee benefit costs was 
primarily due to lower employee medical expense during 2010. The decrease in payroll taxes was due to the taxes incurred 
associated with the payment of the fiscal 2008 employee  incentive plan bonuses during the prior year. These reductions 
were partially offset by higher stock-based compensation expense ($222,000) in 2010.  

Legal Settlement  

In 2010, we recorded a $1.5 million charge in connection with the settlement of litigation with a customer. The 
charge included the write-off of the remaining outstanding balance that was owed to us by the customer and certain cash 
payments.  

Interest Expense  

Interest  expense  for  2010  decreased  $188,000,  or  29.3%,  to  $453,000  from  $641,000  in  2009  primarily  due  to 

prior year borrowings on our revolver and lower amortization of capitalized financing costs in 2010.  

Interest Income  

Interest income for 2010 decreased $42,000, or 29.2%, to $102,000 from $144,000 in 2009 primarily due to lower 

rates of return on cash investments in 2010.  

Income Taxes  

Our effective income tax rate on continuing operations decreased to (9.0%) in 2010 from 36.0% in 2009 primarily 
due  to  changes  in  the  federal  tax  regulations  regarding  the  carry-back  of  net  operating  losses,  which  increased  the 
anticipated tax refund related to the prior year loss by $500,000. The favorable impact from the increase in the tax refund 
was partially offset by $200,000 of net reserves that were recorded pertaining to known tax exposures in accordance with 
ASC 740 together with changes in permanent book versus tax differences.  

Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations  

Earnings from continuing operations for 2010 were $458,000 ($0.03 per diluted share) compared with a loss from 
continuing operations of $20.9 million ($1.20 per share) in 2009 due to the increase in gross profit and decrease in SG&A 
expense, which was partially offset by the litigation settlement in 2010.  

Earnings (Loss) From Discontinued Operations  

Earnings  from  discontinued  operations  for  2010  were  $15,000,  which  had  no  effect  on  earnings  per  share 
compared with a loss of $1.1 million ($0.07 per share) in 2009. The earnings for 2010 were primarily due to the gain on the 
sale of the real estate associated with the industrial wire business, which was partially offset by facility-related costs that 
were incurred prior to the sale together with income tax expense. The prior year loss was primarily due to a $1.8 million 
impairment charge to write down the carrying value of the real estate that was subsequently sold in 2010.  

Net Earnings (Loss)  

Net earnings for 2010 were $473,000 ($0.03 per diluted share) compared to a net loss of $22.1 million ($1.27 per 
share) in 2009 primarily due to the increase in gross profit and decrease in SG&A expense, which was partially offset by 
the $1.5 million litigation settlement in 2010. 

18 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

Selected Financial Data 
(Dollars in thousands) 

Net cash provided by (used for) 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 .......... 
Cash and cash equivalents ............................................................................ 
Working capital ............................................................................................ 
Total debt ...................................................................................................... 
Percentage of total capital ........................................................................ 
Shareholders’ equity ..................................................................................... 
Percentage of total capital ........................................................................ 
Total capital (total debt + shareholders’ equity)  .......................................... 

Cash Flow Analysis  

October 1,
2011 

Year Ended 
October 2, 
2010 

October 3,
2009 

$

(2,907)  $ 
(41,389) 
(1,629) 

$

13,037 
(1,938) 
(2,466) 

22,092 
(2,166)
(11,347)

— 
— 
10 
75,789 
14,156 

9%  
148,474  $ 

91%  

162,630  $ 

$

$

(158) 
2,358 
45,935 
91,927 
— 
— 
147,876 

$
100%   
$

147,876 

30 
— 
35,102 
82,252 
— 
— 
147,070 

100%

147,070 

Operating activities of continuing operations used $2.9 million of cash during 2011 while providing $13.0 million 
in  2010  and  $22.1  million  in  2009.  The  year-over-year  change  in  2011  was  primarily  due  to  the  prior  year  receipt  of  a 
$13.3 million income tax refund associated with the carryback of net operating losses and the $2.5 million increase in the 
cash used by  the  net working  capital  components of  accounts receivable,  inventories,  and  accounts payable  and accrued 
expenses.  Depreciation  and  amortization  expense  increased  $2.6  million  in  2011  from  the  prior  year  largely  due  to  the 
assets  acquired  in  the  Ivy  Acquisition.  The  current  year  loss  includes  a  $3.8  million  asset  impairment  charge  related  to 
restructuring activities and the prior year earnings include a $2.3 million charge for inventory write-downs. Net working 
capital used $16.4 million of cash in the current year and $13.9 million in 2010. The cash used by working capital in 2011 
was due to a $17.0 million increase in accounts receivable that resulted from the increased sales associated with the Ivy 
Acquisition and higher selling prices, and the $11.9 million increase in inventory due to higher raw material purchases and 
unit costs, which were partially offset by the $12.4 million increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses also related 
to  the  increases  in  raw  material  purchases  and unit  costs. Net  working  capital  used $13.9  million  of cash  in 2010  while 
providing  $20.3  million  in  2009.  The  cash  used  by  net  working  capital  in  2010  was  due  to  the  $7.7  million  increase  in 
inventories  (excluding  the  impact  of  the  inventory  write-downs)  as  a  result  of  higher  raw  material  costs,  a  $3.7  million 
increase  in  accounts  receivable  resulting  from  higher  current  year  shipments  together  with  a  $2.5  million  decrease  in 
accounts  payable  and  accrued  expenses  due  to  changes  in  the  mix  of  vendor  payments.  The  cash  provided  by  working 
capital in 2009 was due to the $28.3 million decrease in accounts receivable resulting from reductions in shipments and 
selling prices, and the $6.7 million decrease in inventories (excluding the impact of the inventory write-downs) resulting 
from our inventory reduction initiatives. These decreases were partially offset by the $14.8 million decrease in accounts 
payable and accrued expenses that was primarily due to the payment of $10.9 million of accrued income taxes payable, and 
lower raw material purchases. We may elect to make additional adjustments in our operating activities should the current 
recessionary  conditions  in  our  construction  end  markets  persist,  which  could  materially  impact  our  cash  requirements. 
While  a  downtown  in  the  level  of  construction  activity  affects  sales  to  our  customers,  it  generally  reduces  our  working 
capital requirements  

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Investing  activities  of  continuing  operations  used  $41.4  million  of  cash  during  2011  compared  to  $1.9  million 
during 2010 and $2.2 million during 2009. The increase in cash used in the current year was primarily related to the Ivy 
Acquisition.  Capital  expenditures  amounted  to  $7.9  million,  $1.5  million  and  $2.4  million  in  2011,  2010  and  2009, 
respectively, and are expected to total less than $10 million for fiscal 2012. Current year investing activities also include 
$2.4  million  of  proceeds  from  the  sale  of  the  Wilmington,  Delaware  facility  and  $1.1  million  of  proceeds  from  life 
insurance  claims.  Investing  activities  of  discontinued  operations  provided  $2.4  million  of  cash  during  2010  due  to  the 
proceeds received from the sale of the real estate associated with our discontinued industrial wire business. Our investing 
activities  are  largely  discretionary,  which  gives  us  the  ability  to  significantly  curtail  outlays  should  future  business 
conditions warrant that such actions be taken.  

Financing  activities  used  $1.6  million  of  cash  during  2011  compared  to  $2.5  million  and  $11.3  million  during 
2010 and 2009, respectively. During the current year, $2.1 million of cash dividends were paid compared to $2.1 million 
and $11.4 million during 2010 and 2009, respectively. Prior  year financing activities also include $409,000 of financing 
costs that were incurred in connection with the amendment of our credit facility.  

Cash Management  

Our cash is concentrated primarily at one financial institution, which at times exceeds federally insured limits. We 

invest excess cash primarily in money market funds, which are highly liquid securities that bear minimal risk.  

Credit Facility  

We  have  a  $75.0  million  revolving  credit  facility  in  place,  which  matures  in  June  2015  and  supplements  our 
operating cash flow in funding our working capital, capital expenditure and general corporate requirements. As of October 
1,  2011,  $656,000  was  outstanding  on  the  revolving  credit  facility,  $73.2  million  of  additional  borrowing  capacity  was 
available and outstanding letters of credit totaled $1.1 million (see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements). During 
the year, ordinary course borrowings on our revolving credit facility were as high as $8.8 million. As of October 2, 2010, 
no borrowings were outstanding on the credit facility, $49.6 million of borrowing capacity was available and outstanding 
letters of credit totaled $919,000.  

As  part  of  the  consideration  for  purchasing  certain  assets  of  Ivy  on  November  19,  2010  (See  Note  4  to  the 
consolidated  financial  statements),  we  entered  into  a  $13.5  million  secured  subordinated  promissory  note  (the  “Note”) 
payable to Ivy over five years. The Note requires semi-annual interest payments in arrears, and annual principal payments 
payable  on  November  19  of  each  year  during  the  period  2011  -  2015.  The  Note  bears  interest  on  the  unpaid  principal 
balance at a fixed rate of 6.0% per annum and is collateralized by certain of the real property and equipment acquired from 
Ivy.  Based  on  the  terms  of  the  Note,  we  expect  to  make  cash  payments  of  approximately  $775,000  for  interest  and  a 
principal payment of $675,000 during fiscal 2012.  

We believe that, in the absence of significant unanticipated cash demands, cash generated by operating activities 
will be sufficient to satisfy our expected requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, principal and 
interest payments on the Note and share repurchases, if any. We also expect to have access to the amounts available under 
our revolving credit facility. However, further deterioration of market conditions in the construction sector could result in 
additional  reductions  in  demand  from  our  customers,  which  would  likely  reduce  our  operating  cash  flows.  Under  such 
circumstances,  we  may  need  to  curtail  capital  and  operating  expenditures,  delay  or  restrict  share  repurchases,  cease 
dividend payments and/or realign our working capital requirements.  

Should  we  determine,  at  any  time,  that  we  require  additional  short-term  liquidity,  we  would  evaluate  the 
alternative sources of financing that are potentially available to provide such funding. There can be no assurance that any 
such financing, if pursued, would be obtained, or if obtained, would be adequate or on terms acceptable to us. However, we 
believe that our strong balance sheet, flexible capital structure and borrowing capacity available to us under our revolving 
credit facility position us to meet our anticipated liquidity requirements for the foreseeable future.  

20 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Impact of Inflation  

We are subject to inflationary risks arising from fluctuations in the market prices for our primary raw material, 
hot-rolled  steel  wire  rod,  and,  to  a  much  lesser  extent,  freight,  energy  and  other  consumables  that  are  used  in  our 
manufacturing processes. We have generally been able to adjust our selling prices to pass through increases in these costs 
or offset them through various cost reduction and productivity improvement initiatives. However, our ability to raise our 
selling  prices  depends  on  market  conditions  and  competitive  dynamics,  and  there  may  be  periods  during  which  we  are 
unable  to  fully  recover  increases  in  our  costs.  During  2009,  selling  prices  for  our  products  declined  dramatically  in 
response  to  softening  demand  and  the  inventory  destocking  measures  pursued  by  our  customers,  which  negatively 
impacted our financial results as we consumed higher cost inventory that was purchased prior to the collapse in steel prices. 
During 2010 and 2011, wire rod prices have risen due to the escalation in the cost of scrap and other raw materials for wire 
rod producers and increased demand from non-construction applications. Our ability to fully recover higher wire rod prices 
during  this  period  has  been  mitigated  by  competitive  pricing  pressures  resulting  from  the  ongoing  weakness  in  our 
construction end-markets. The timing and magnitude of any future increases in the prices for wire rod and the impact on 
selling prices for our products is uncertain at this time.  

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements  

We do not have any material transactions, arrangements, obligations (including contingent obligations), 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 reasonably likely to have a material current or future impact on our financial condition, results of operations, 
liquidity, capital expenditures, capital resources or significant components of revenues or expenses.  

Contractual Obligations  

Our contractual obligations and commitments at October 1, 2011 are as follows:  

Payments Due by Period 
(In thousands) 

Contractual obligations: 

Raw material purchase commitments(1)  ........   $
Supplemental employee retirement plan 

obligations ..................................................  
Note payable (principal and interest)  ...........  
Pension benefit obligations ...........................  
Operating leases ............................................  
Commitment fee on unused portion of credit 
facility ........................................................  
Trade letters of credit ....................................  
Borrowings on revolving credit facility.........  
Unrecognized tax benefit obligations ............  
Other unconditional purchase obligations(2) ....  

Total ...........................................................   $

Total 

Less Than
1 Year 

1 - 3 Years

3 – 5 Years 

More Than
5 Years 

36,183  $

36,183  $

—  $

—  $

— 

17,923 
16,807 
5,660 
1,632 

244 
1,468 
192 
618 

1,487 
1,093 
656 
67 
1,548 
83,056  $

397 
1,093 
— 
33 
1,548 
41,776  $

487 
4,161 
473 
537 

794 
— 
— 
34 
— 
6,486  $

536 
11,178 
391 
134 

296 
— 
656 

16,656 
— 
4,604 
343 

— 
— 
— 

— 
13,191  $

— 
21,603 

(1) Non-cancelable purchase commitments for raw materials. 
(2) Contractual commitments for capital expenditures. 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Outlook  

As we look ahead to 2012, our visibility remains limited due to the continued uncertainty regarding the prospects 
for a recovery in the economy and employment market, the availability of financing in the credit markets and the duration 
and magnitude of the next federal transportation funding authorization. Conditions in our construction end-markets appear 
to  have  stabilized  in  recent  months  following  the  steep  decline  in  demand  that  we  have  experienced  in  recent  years. 
However, we have yet to see any signs of a pronounced recovery taking hold in our markets and believe that construction 
activity is likely to continue trending at depressed levels during the year.  

In spite of the ongoing weakness in market conditions, prices for our primary raw material, hot-rolled steel wire 
rod, have risen through most of 2011 driven by the sharp escalation in the cost of scrap and other raw materials for steel 
producers.  Our  ability  to  recover  additional  increases  in  these  costs  in  our  markets  and  the  net  impact  on  margins  is 
uncertain at this time.  

In response to the challenges facing us, we will continue to focus on the operational fundamentals of our business: 
closely managing and controlling our expenses; aligning our production schedules with demand in a proactive manner as 
there  are  changes  in  market  conditions  to  minimize  our  cash  operating  costs;  and  pursuing  further  improvements  in  the 
productivity  and  effectiveness  of  all  of  our  manufacturing,  selling  and  administrative  activities.  We  expect  the 
contributions  from  the  Ivy  Acquisition  to  increase  during  the  year  through  the  realization  of  the  remainder  of  the 
anticipated operational synergies and the completion of the reconfiguration of our combined WWR operations. As market 
conditions improve, we also expect gradually increasing contributions from the substantial investments we have made in 
our facilities in the form of reduced operating costs and additional capacity to support future growth (see “Cautionary Note 
Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors”). In addition, we will continue to evaluate further potential 
acquisitions in our existing businesses that expand our penetration of markets we currently serve or expand our geographic 
footprint.  

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.  

Our cash flows and earnings are subject to fluctuations 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 leveraged 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 are subject to significant fluctuations in the cost and availability of our primary raw material, hot-rolled steel 
wire  rod,  which  we  purchase  from  both  domestic  and  foreign  suppliers.  We  negotiate  quantities  and  pricing  for  both 
domestic  and  foreign  steel  wire  rod  purchases  for  varying  periods  (most  recently  monthly  for  domestic  suppliers), 
depending  upon  market  conditions,  to  manage  our  exposure  to  price  fluctuations  and  to  ensure  adequate  availability  of 
material  consistent  with  our  requirements.  We  do  not  use  derivative  commodity  instruments  to  hedge  our  exposure  to 
changes in prices as such instruments are not currently available for steel wire rod. 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 and competitive dynamics, there may be periods during which 
we are unable to fully recover increased wire rod costs through higher selling prices, which would reduce our gross profit 
and  cash  flow  from  operations.  Additionally,  should  wire  rod  costs  decline,  our  financial  results  may  be  negatively 
impacted if the selling prices for our products decrease to an even greater degree and to the extent that we are consuming 
higher cost material from inventory. Based on our 2011 shipments and average wire rod cost reflected in cost of sales, a 
10% increase in the price of steel wire rod would have resulted in a $22.7 million decrease in our annual pre-tax earnings 
(assuming there was not a corresponding change in our selling prices).  

Interest Rates  

Borrowings under our revolving credit facility are subject to a variable rate of interest and sensitive to changes in 
interest rates while the interest rate on our Note is fixed. However, unless our borrowings were to materially increase, we 
do not expect that changes in interest rates would have a material impact on our results of operations or cash flows as the 
outstanding balance on the credit facility was $656,000 as of October 1, 2011.  

22 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Foreign Exchange Exposure  

We have not typically hedged foreign currency exposures related to transactions denominated in currencies other 
than U.S. dollars, as such transactions have not been material historically. We will occasionally hedge firm commitments 
for certain 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  October  1,  2011.  During  fiscal 
2011, a 10% increase or decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies to which we are typically 
exposed would not have had a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.  

(a) Financial Statements  

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended October 1, 2011, October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended October 1, 

2011, October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended October 1, 2011, October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm — Consolidated Financial Statements 
Schedule  II  –  Valuation  and  Qualifying  Accounts  for  the  years  ended  October  1,  2011,  October  2,  2010  and 

October 3, 2009 

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

25
26

27
28
29
51

52
54

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

(b) Supplementary Data  

Selected quarterly financial data for 2011 and 2010 is as follows:  

Financial Information by Quarter (Unaudited) 
(In thousands, except for per share and price data) 

January 1 

April 2 

July 2 

  October 1 

Quarter Ended 

2011 
Operating Results 

Net sales ................................................................. 
Gross profit (loss) ................................................... 
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations ............ 
Net earnings (loss) .................................................. 

$

$

52,306 
(135) 
(7,628) 
(7,628) 

$

86,933 
11,603 
2,619 
2,619 

$

98,579 
12,529 
3,650 
3,650 

99,091 
7,746 
972 
972 

Per share data: 
Basic: 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations ............ 
Net earnings (loss) .................................................. 

Diluted: 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations ............ 
Net earnings (loss) .................................................. 

(0.44) 
(0.44) 

(0.44) 
(0.44) 

0.15 
0.15 

0.15 
0.15 

0.21 
0.21 

0.20 
0.20 

0.06 
0.06 

0.05 
0.05 

January 2 

April 3 

July 3 

  October 2 

Quarter Ended 

2010 
Operating Results 

Net sales 
Gross profit ............................................................. 
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations ............ 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations ........ 
Net earnings (loss) .................................................. 

$

$

41,201 
1,742 
(1,123) 
(13) 
(1,136) 

$

52,268 
6,219 
1,644 
(10) 
1,634 

$

61,956 
7,690 
1,624 
(19) 
1,605 

56,161 
2,340 
(1,687)
57 
(1,630)

Per share data: 
Basic: 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations ............ 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations ........ 
Net earnings (loss) .................................................. 

Diluted: 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations ............ 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations ........ 
Net earnings (loss) .................................................. 

(0.07) 
— 
(0.07) 

(0.07) 
— 
(0.07) 

0.09 
— 
0.09 

0.09 
— 
0.09 

0.09 
— 
0.09 

0.09 
— 
0.09 

(0.09)
— 
(0.09)

(0.09)
— 
(0.09)

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
(In thousands, except for per share amounts) 

Net sales ................................................................................................  
Cost of sales ..........................................................................................  
Inventory write-downs ..........................................................................  
Gross profit (loss) ..............................................................................  
Selling, general and administrative expense .........................................  
Restructuring charges, net .....................................................................  
Acquisition costs ...................................................................................  
Bargain purchase gain ...........................................................................  
Other income, net ..................................................................................  
Legal settlement ....................................................................................  
Interest expense ....................................................................................  
Interest income......................................................................................  
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes ......  
Income taxes .........................................................................................  
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations .......................................  

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations net of of income taxes 

of $- , $217 and ($729) ......................................................................  
Net earnings (loss) ......................................................................  

Per share amounts: 

Basic: 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations ...................................  
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations ................................  
Net earnings (loss) ......................................................................  

Diluted: 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations ...................................  
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations ................................  
Net earnings (loss) ......................................................................  

Cash dividends declared ....................................................................  

$

October 1,
2011 
336,909 
305,166 
— 
31,743 
19,608 
8,318 
3,518 
(500) 
(222) 
— 
958 
(38) 
101 
488 
(387) 

$

Year Ended 
October 2, 
2010 
211,586 
191,262 
2,333 
17,991 
16,024 
— 
— 
— 
(291) 
1,487 
453 
(102) 
420 
(38) 
458 

$

October 3,
2009 
230,236 
219,388 
25,941 
(15,093)
17,243 
— 
— 
— 
(135)
— 
641 
(144)
(32,698)
(11,758)
(20,940)

— 
(387)  $

15 
473 

(0.02)  $
— 
(0.02)  $

(0.02)  $
— 
(0.02)  $

0.12 

$

0.03 
— 
0.03 

0.03 
— 
0.03 

0.12 

(1,146)
(22,086)

(1.20)
(0.07)
(1.27)

(1.20)
(0.07)
(1.27)

0.12 

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Weighted shares outstanding: 

Basic ..................................................................................................  
Diluted ...............................................................................................  

17,562 
17,562 

17,466 
17,564 

17,380 
17,380 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(In thousands, except for per share amounts) 

October 1, 
2011 

October 2,
2010 

Assets: 
Current assets: 

Cash and cash equivalents ............................................................................................. 
Accounts receivable, net ................................................................................................ 
Inventories, net .............................................................................................................. 
Other current assets ........................................................................................................... 
Total current assets .................................................................................................... 
Property, plant and equipment, net ................................................................................... 
Other assets ....................................................................................................................... 
Total assets ................................................................................................................. 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity: 
Current liabilities: 

Accounts payable .......................................................................................................... 
Accrued expenses .......................................................................................................... 
Current portion of long-term debt ................................................................................. 
Current liabilities of discontinued operations ................................................................ 
Total current liabilities ............................................................................................... 
Long-term debt ................................................................................................................. 
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: 50,000 
Issued and outstanding shares: 2011, 17,609; 2010, 17,579 ...................................... 
Additional paid-in capital .............................................................................................. 
Retained earnings .......................................................................................................... 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss ........................................................................ 
Total shareholders’ equity .......................................................................................... 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity ................................................................ 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.  

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

10  
41,971  
76,374  
4,093  
122,448  
89,484  
4,598  
216,530  

38,607  
7,377  
675  
—  
46,659  
13,481  
7,916  
—  

45,935 
24,970 
43,919 
3,931 
118,755 
58,653 
5,097 
182,505 

20,689 
5,929 
— 
210 
26,828 
— 
7,521 
280 

—  

— 

17,609  
48,723  
84,157  
(2,015 ) 
148,474  
216,530  

$

17,579 
45,950 
86,656 
(2,309)
147,876 
182,505 

26 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 
(In thousands) 

Balance at September 27, 2008 .................  
Comprehensive loss: 

Net loss ..................................................  
Adjustment to defined benefit plan 

liability(1) ...........................................  
Comprehensive loss(1) ...........................  
Stock options exercised .............................  
Compensation expense associated with 

stock-based plans ..................................  
Excess tax deficiencies from stock-based 
compensation ........................................  

Restricted stock surrendered for 

withholding taxes payable ....................  
Cash dividends declared ............................  
Balance at October 3, 2009 .......................  
Comprehensive income: 

Net earnings ..........................................  
Adjustment to defined benefit plan 

liability(1) ...........................................  
Comprehensive income(1) ......................  
Stock options exercised .............................  
Vesting of restricted stock units ................  
Compensation expense associated with 

stock-based plans ..................................  
Excess tax deficiencies from stock-based 
compensation ........................................  

Restricted stock surrendered for 

withholding taxes payable ....................  
Cash dividends declared ............................  
Balance at October 2, 2010 .......................  
Comprehensive loss: 

Net loss ..................................................  
Adjustment to defined benefit plan 

liability(1) ...........................................  
Comprehensive loss(1) ...........................  
Stock options exercised .............................  
Vesting of restricted stock units ................  
Compensation expense associated with 

stock-based plans ..................................  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based 

compensation ........................................  

Restricted stock surrendered for 

withholding taxes payable ....................  
Cash dividends declared ............................  
Balance at October 1, 2011 .......................  

Common Stock 

Shares 

  Amount 

Additional
Paid-In 
Capital 

Retained 
Earnings 

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive 
Income (Loss)(1) 

Total 
Shareholders’
Equity 

17,507  $

17,507  $

41,746  $

112,479  $

(1,885)  $ 

169,847 

(22,086) 

(635) 

(2,102) 
88,291  $

473 

(2,108) 
86,656  $

(387) 

(2,520)  $ 

211 

(2,309)  $ 

294 

20 

20 

(2) 

(2) 

46 

2,036 

(32) 

(22) 

17,525  $

17,525  $

43,774  $

26 
37 

26 
37 

(9) 

(9) 

114 
(37) 

2,258 

(89) 

(70) 

17,579  $

17,579  $

45,950  $

13 
30 

13 
30 

8 
(30) 

2,917 

8 

(13) 

(13) 

(130) 

17,609  $

17,609  $

48,723  $

(2,112) 
84,157  $

(2,015)  $ 

(22,086)

(635)
(22,721)
66 

2,036 

(32)

(24)
(2,102)
147,070 

473 

211 
684 
140 
— 

2,258 

(89)

(79)
(2,108)
147,876 

(387)

294 
(93)
21 
— 

2,917 

8 

(143)
(2,112)
148,474 

(1)  Activity within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is reported net of related income taxes: 2009 $389, 2010 ($130), 2011 ($180).  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.  

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(In thousands) 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities: 

Net earnings (loss) .......................................................................................................... 
Loss (earnings) from discontinued operations................................................................ 
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations ............................................................... 

$

Adjustments to reconcile earnings (loss) from continuing operations to net cash 

provided by (used for) operating activities of continuing operations: 

Depreciation and amortization ............................................................................... 
Amortization of capitalized financing costs .......................................................... 
Stock-based compensation expense ....................................................................... 
Asset impairment charges ...................................................................................... 
Inventory write-downs ........................................................................................... 
Excess tax deficiencies (benefits) from stock-based compensation ...................... 
Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment ........................................... 
Deferred income taxes ............................................................................................ 
Gain from life insurance proceeds ......................................................................... 
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies over premiums paid .. 
Net changes in assets and liabilities (net of assets and liabilities acquired): 

Accounts receivable, net .................................................................................... 
Inventories .......................................................................................................... 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses ........................................................... 
Other changes ..................................................................................................... 
Total adjustments ........................................................................................... 

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

operations .............................................................................................. 

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

operations .............................................................................................. 
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities ............................ 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities: 

Acquisition of business ................................................................................................... 
Capital expenditures ........................................................................................................ 
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale ...................................................................... 
Proceeds from life insurance claims ............................................................................... 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment .................................................... 
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies ............................................ 
Proceeds from surrender of life insurance policies ........................................................ 
Net cash used for investing activities — continuing operations .............. 
Net cash provided by investing activities — discontinued operations ..... 
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities ............................ 

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 (deficiencies) from stock-based compensation .............................. 
Cash dividends paid ........................................................................................................ 
Other ................................................................................................................................ 
Net cash used for financing activities — continuing 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, net ........................................................................................................ 

Non-cash investing and financing activities: 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment in accounts payable ............................. 
Restricted stock surrendered for withholding taxes payable ..................................... 
Note payable issued as consideration for business acquired ..................................... 
Post-closing purchase price adjustment for business acquired .................................. 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.  

28 

$

$

October 1, 
2011 

Year Ended 
October 2, 
2010 

October 3, 
2009 

$

(387) 
— 
(387) 

$ 

473 
(15) 
458 

(22,086) 
1,146 
(20,940) 

9,573 
81 
2,917 
3,825 
— 
(8) 
(1,618) 
209 
(357) 
— 

(17,001) 
(11,870) 
12,439 
(710) 
(2,520) 

(2,907) 

— 
(2,907) 

(37,308) 
(7,937) 
2,403 
1,063 
518 
(147) 
19 
(41,389) 
— 
(41,389) 

52,806 
(52,150) 
— 
21 
8 
(2,112) 
(202) 
(1,629) 
(1,629) 
(45,925) 
45,935 
10 

356 
(489) 

384 
143 
13,500 
500 

$

$

7,009 
363 
2,258 
— 
2,333 
89 
39 
(1,121) 
— 
(330) 

(3,687) 
(7,710) 
(2,489) 
15,825 
12,579 

13,037 

(158) 
12,879 

— 
(1,493) 
— 
— 
11 
(456) 
— 
(1,938) 
2,358 
420 

338 
(338) 
(409) 
140 
(89) 
(2,108) 
— 
(2,466) 
(2,466) 
10,833 
35,102 
45,935 

90 
189 

15 
79 
— 
— 

$ 

$ 

7,377 
508 
2,036 
— 
25,941 
32 
24 
997 
— 
— 

28,298 
6,737 
(14,761) 
(14,157) 
43,032 

22,092 

30 
22,122 

— 
(2,377) 
— 
— 
13 
(215) 
413 
(2,166) 
— 
(2,166) 

22,920 
(22,920) 
— 
66 
(32) 
(11,381) 
— 
(11,347) 
(11,347) 
8,609 
26,493 
35,102 

133 
11,454 

136 
24 
— 
— 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 1, 2011, OCTOBER 2, 2010 AND OCTOBER 3, 2009 

(1) Description of Business  

Insteel Industries, Inc. (“Insteel” or “the Company”) is one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of steel wire reinforcing 
products for concrete construction applications. Insteel is the parent holding company for two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Insteel 
Wire Products Company (“IWP”), an operating subsidiary, and Intercontinental Metals Corporation, an inactive subsidiary. The 
Company manufactures and markets PC strand and welded wire reinforcement products, including concrete pipe reinforcement, 
engineered structural mesh and standard welded wire reinforcement. The Company’s products are primarily sold to manufacturers 
of concrete products and, to a lesser extent, distributors and rebar fabricators that are located nationwide as well as in Canada, 
Mexico, and Central and South America. 

In  2006,  the  Company  exited  the  industrial  wire  business  in  order  to  narrow  its  strategic  and  operational  focus  to 
concrete reinforcing products (see Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements). The results of operations for the industrial 
wire business have been reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. 

On November 19, 2010, the Company purchased certain of the assets and assumed certain of the liabilities of Ivy Steel 

and Wire, Inc. (“Ivy”) (see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements). 

The Company has evaluated all subsequent events that occurred after the balance sheet date through the time of filing 
this Annual Report on Form 10-K and concluded there were no events or transactions occurring during this period that required 
recognition or disclosure in its financial statements.  

(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 2011 and 2010 were 52-week fiscal years, and fiscal year 2009 was a 53-week fiscal year. All references to years relate to 
fiscal years rather than calendar years. 

Principles  of  consolidation.  The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  the  Company  and  its 

subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. 

Use of estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in 
the  United  States  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. 

Concentration  of  credit  risk.  Financial  instruments  that  subject  the  Company  to  concentrations  of  credit  risk  consist 
principally  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents  and  trade  accounts  receivable.  The  Company’s  cash  is  concentrated  primarily  at  one 
financial institution, which at times exceeds federally insured limits. The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of default 
by institutions in which our cash and cash equivalents are held and by customers to the extent of the amounts recorded on the 
balance sheet. The Company invests excess cash primarily in money market funds, which are highly liquid securities. 

The  majority  of  the  Company’s  accounts  receivable  are  due  from  customers  that  are  located  in  the  United  States 
(“U.S.”)  and  the  Company  generally  requires  no  collateral  depending  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. There is no disproportionate 
concentration of credit risk. 

Stock-based  compensation.  The  Company  accounts  for  stock-based  compensation  in  accordance  with  the  fair  value 
recognition  provisions  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (“FASB”)  Accounting  Standards  Codification  (“ASC”)  Topic 
718, Compensation — Stock Compensation, which requires stock-based compensation expense to be recognized in net earnings 
based on the fair value of the award on the date of the grant. The Company determines the fair value of stock options issued by 
using  a  Monte  Carlo  valuation  model  at  the  grant  date.  The  Monte  Carlo  valuation  model  considers  a  range  of  assumptions 
including the expected term, volatility, dividend yield and risk-free interest rate. Excess tax deficiencies (benefits) generated from 
option exercises during 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $(8,000), $89,000 and $32,000, respectively. 

29 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

Revenue recognition. The Company recognizes revenue from product sales when products are shipped and risk of loss 
and title has passed to the customer. Sales taxes collected from customers are recorded on a net basis and are thus excluded from 
revenue.  

Shipping and handling costs. The Company includes all of the outbound freight, shipping and handling 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 weighted average cost (which approximates computation on a first-in, 
first-out  basis)  or  market  (net  realizable  value  or  replacement  cost).  Costs  utilized  for  inventory  valuation  purposes  include 
material, labor and manufacturing overhead 

Property, plant and equipment. Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost or fair market value in the case of 
the  assets  acquired  from  Ivy,  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 $9.6 million in 2011, $7.0 million in 2010 and $7.4 million in 2009 and reflected 
in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A expense”) in the consolidated statement of operations. 
Capitalized software is amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life or 5 years and reflected in SG&A expense in the 
consolidated statement of operations. No interest costs were capitalized in 2011, 2010 or 2009. 

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 term of the related credit agreement, and reflected in interest 
expense in the consolidated statement of operations. 

Long-lived  assets.  Long-lived  assets  include  property,  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  recognized  during  the  period 
incurred and is calculated as the difference between the carrying value and the present value of estimated future net cash flows or 
comparable market values. 

During 2011, the Company recorded a $3.8 million impairment charge resulting from the consolidation of its northeast 
and Texas operations and overall integration of the purchased Ivy facilities (see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements). 
During  2009,  the  Company  recorded  a  $1.8  million  impairment  loss  to  write-down  the  value  of  the  real  estate  held  for  sale 
associated with its industrial wire business, which is included within the results of discontinued operations for fiscal 2009 (see 
Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements). The property was subsequently sold in 2010. There were no impairment losses 
in 2010. 

Fair  value  of  financial  instruments.  The  carrying  amounts  for  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  accounts  receivable,  and 
accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of their short maturities. The Company believes that the 
carrying amount of the $13.5  million secured subordinated promissory note  approximates fair value based on comparable debt 
with similar terms, conditions and proximity to the issuance date. 

Income  taxes.  Income  taxes  are  based  on  pretax  financial  accounting  income.  Deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are 
recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their 
reported amounts. The Company assesses the need to establish a valuation 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 realized. 

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

30 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

(3) Recent Accounting Pronouncements  

Current Adoptions  

In December 2010, the FASB issued an update that clarifies the guidance provided in ASC Topic 805, Business 
Combinations, regarding the disclosure requirements for the pro forma  presentation of revenue and earnings related to a 
business combination. The Company elected to early adopt this guidance during the first quarter of fiscal 2011.  

Future Adoptions  

In June 2011, the FASB issued an update that amends the guidance provided in ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive 
Income, by requiring that all nonowner changes in shareholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement 
of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This update becomes effective in the first quarter 
of 2013. 

In  May  2011,  the  FASB  issued  an  update  that  amends  the  guidance  provided  in  ASC  Topic  820,  Fair  Value 
Measurement,  by  clarifying  some  existing  concepts,  eliminating  wording  differences  between  Generally  Accepted 
Accounting  Principals  (“GAAP”)  and  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (“IFRS”),  and  in  some  limited  cases, 
changing some principles to achieve convergence between GAAP and IFRS. The update results in a consistent definition of 
fair value, establishes common requirements for the measurement of and disclosure about fair value between GAAP and 
IFRS, and expands the disclosures for fair value measurements that are estimated using significant unobservable (Level 3) 
inputs. This update becomes effective in the second quarter of 2012. The Company does not expect the adoption of this 
update to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.  

(4) Business Combination  

On November 19, 2010, the Company purchased certain of the assets and assumed certain of the liabilities of Ivy 
for a preliminary purchase price of approximately $51.1 million, consisting of $37.6 million of cash and a $13.5 million 
secured  subordinated  promissory  note  payable  to  Ivy  (see  Note  7  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements)  (the  “Ivy 
Acquisition”). Subsequent to the date of the Ivy Acquisition, the Company recorded $780,000 of post-closing adjustments 
which reduced the final adjusted purchase price to $50.3 million. 

Ivy  was  one  of  the  nation’s  largest  producers  of  welded  wire  reinforcement  and  wire  products  for  concrete 
construction  applications.  The  Company  believes  the  addition  of  Ivy’s  facilities  will  enhance  the  Company’s 
competitiveness in its Northeast, Midwest and Florida markets, in addition to providing a platform to serve the West Coast 
markets  more  effectively.  The  assets  purchased  included  Ivy’s  production  facilities  in  Arizona,  Florida,  Missouri  and 
Pennsylvania;  the  production  equipment  at  a  leased  facility  in  Texas;  and  certain  related  inventories.  In  addition,  the 
Company assumed certain of Ivy’s accounts payable and employee benefit obligations.  

Following is a summary of the Company’s final allocation of the adjusted purchase price to the fair values of the 

assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of the Ivy Acquisition:  

(In thousands) 
Assets acquired: 

Inventories ........................................................................................................................................................  
Property, plant and equipment ..........................................................................................................................  
Total assets acquired .....................................................................................................................................  

$ 20,585 
  37,211 
$ 57,796 

Liabilities assumed: 
Accounts payable 
Accrued expenses .............................................................................................................................................  
Total liabilities assumed ...............................................................................................................................  
Net assets acquired ..............................................................................................................................................  
Purchase price ......................................................................................................................................................  
Bargain purchase gain ......................................................................................................................................  

$ 6,263 
725 
6,988 
  50,808 
  50,308 
500 
$

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

Accounting  standards  require  that  when  the  fair  value  of  the  net  assets  acquired  exceeds  the  purchase  price, 
resulting in a bargain purchase gain, the acquirer must reassess the reasonableness of the values assigned to all of the assets 
acquired,  liabilities  assumed  and  consideration  transferred.  The  Company  has  performed  such  a  reassessment  and  has 
concluded  that  the  values  assigned  for  the  Ivy  Acquisition  are  reasonable.  Consequently,  the  Company  has  recorded  a 
$500,000 bargain purchase gain on the Ivy Acquisition. 

The  Ivy  Acquisition  was  accounted  for  as  a  business  purchase  pursuant  to  ASC  Topic  805,  Business 
Combinations.  Acquisition  and  integration  costs  are  not  included  as  components  of  consideration  transferred,  but  are 
recorded as expenses in the period in which the costs are incurred (See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements). 

Following  the  Ivy  Acquisition,  net  sales  of  the  Ivy  facilities  for  the  year  ended  October  1,  2011  were 
approximately  $83.4  million.  The  actual  amount  of  net  sales  specifically  attributable  to  the  Ivy  Acquisition,  however, 
cannot be quantified due to the integration actions that have been taken by the Company involving the transfer of business 
between the former Ivy facilities and the Company’s existing facilities. The Company has determined that the presentation 
of  Ivy’s  earnings  for  the  year  ended  October  1,  2011  is  impractical  due  to  the  extent  that  Ivy’s  operations  have  been 
integrated into the Company following the Ivy Acquisition. 

The following unaudited supplemental pro forma financial information reflects the combined results of operations 
of  the  Company  had  the  Ivy  Acquisition  occurred  at  the  beginning  of  fiscal  2010.  The  pro  forma  information  reflects 
certain adjustments related to the Ivy Acquisition, including adjusted depreciation expense based on the fair value of the 
assets acquired, interest expense related to the secured subordinated promissory note and an appropriate adjustment in the 
current  period  for  the  acquisition-related  costs.  The  pro  forma information  does  not  reflect  any  operating  efficiencies  or 
potential cost savings which may result from the Ivy Acquisition. Accordingly, this pro forma information is for illustrative 
purposes and is not intended to represent or be indicative of the actual results of operations of the combined company that 
may have been achieved had the Ivy Acquisition occurred at the beginning of fiscal 2010, nor is it intended to represent or 
be indicative of future results of operations. The pro forma combined results of operations for the current and comparative 
prior year periods are as follows:  

(In thousands) 
Net sales ............................................................................................................................ 
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes ..................................... 
Net earnings (loss) ............................................................................................................ 

(5) Restructuring Charges and Acquisition Costs  

Years Ended 

$

October 1, 
2011 
353,620 
867 
182 

$

October 2,
2010 
310,957 
(18,881)
(11,448)

Restructuring  charges.  Subsequent  to  the  Ivy  Acquisition,  the  Company  elected  to  consolidate  certain  of  its 
welded  wire  reinforcement  operations  in  order  to  reduce  its  operating  costs,  which  involved  the  closure  of  facilities  in 
Wilmington, Delaware and Houston, Texas. These actions were taken in response to the close proximity of Ivy’s facilities 
in Hazleton, Pennsylvania and Houston, Texas to the Company’s existing facilities in Wilmington, Delaware and Dayton, 
Texas. The Houston plant closure was completed in December 2010 and the Wilmington plant closure was completed in 
May 2011.  

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

Following is a summary of the restructuring activities and associated costs that were incurred during the current year:  

(In thousands) 
Liability as of October 2, 2010 .....  $ 

Severance and
other employee
separation costs
— 

Asset 
impairment
charges 

$

— 

Facility 
closure costs
— 
$

Equipment 

relocation costs    Total 
$ 

— 

$

—

Restructuring charges ................... 
Gain on sale of assets held for 

sale ............................................ 
Restructuring charges, net ......... 

2,263 

— 
2,263 

3,825 

— 
3,825 

2,606 

(1,609) 
997 

1,233 

9,927

— 
1,233 

(1,609)
8,318

Cash payments .............................. 
Non-cash charges .......................... 

Liability as of October 1, 2011 ..  $ 

(2,198) 
— 
65 

$

— 
(3,825) 
— 

$

(920) 
— 
77 

$ 

(1,121) 
— 
112 

$

(4,239)
(3,825)
254

Included  within  asset  impairment  charges  are  the  proceeds  received  from  the  scrapping  of  certain  machinery  and 
equipment that were previously impaired. Also, within facility closure costs, the Company recorded a $1.6 million gain from the 
sale of the Wilmington, Delaware facility which had been closed in May 2011. As of October 1, 2011, the Company recorded 
restructuring  liabilities  amounting  to  $254,000  on  its  consolidated  balance  sheet,  including  $112,000  in  accounts  payable  and 
$142,000 in accrued expenses. The Company currently expects the remaining restructuring activities to be completed by the end 
of the first quarter of 2012. 

Acquisition costs. During the current year, the Company recorded $3.5  million of acquisition-related costs  associated 
with the Ivy Acquisition for advisory, accounting, legal and other professional fees. The Company does not expect to incur any 
additional acquisition costs related to the Ivy Acquisition in future periods.  

(6) Fair Value Measurements  

Fair  value  is  defined  as  the  price  that  would  be  received  to  sell  an  asset  or  paid  to  transfer  a  liability  in  an  orderly 
transaction  between  market  participants  at  the  measurement  date.  The  authoritative  guidance  for  fair  value  measurements 
establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that encourages an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the 
use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows: 

Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. 

Level  2  —  Observable  inputs  other  than  quoted  prices  included  in  Level  1,  such  as  quoted  prices  for  similar  assets  and 
liabilities in active markets. 

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of 
the assets or liabilities, including certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use 
significant unobservable inputs. 

As of October 1, 2011, the Company held financial assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring 

basis. The financial assets held by the Company and the fair value hierarchy used to determine their fair values are as follows:  

(In thousands) 
Other assets: 

Quoted Prices 
in Active 
Markets 
(Level 1) 

Observable
Inputs 
(Level 2) 

  Total 

Cash surrender value of life insurance policies .......................................  
Total .....................................................................................................  

$ 4,006 
$ 4,006 

$
$

— 
— 

$
$

4,006 
4,006 

Cash surrender value of life insurance policies are classified as Level 2. The fair value of the life insurance policies was 
determined by the underwriting insurance company’s valuation models and represents the guaranteed value the Company would 
receive upon surrender of these policies as of October 1, 2011. 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

As  of  October  1,  2011,  the  Company  had  no  nonfinancial  assets  that  are  required  to  be  measured  at  fair  value  on  a 
nonrecurring basis other than the assets and liabilities acquired from Ivy (see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements) that 
were acquired at fair value. The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates 
fair value due to the short-term maturities of these financial instruments. The Company believes that the carrying amount of the 
$13.5  million  secured  subordinated  promissory  note  payable  to  Ivy  approximates  fair  value  based  on  comparable  debt  with 
similar terms, conditions and proximity to the issuance date, which would be considered a level 2 input.  

(7) Long-Term Debt  

Revolving Credit Facility. On June 2, 2010, the Company and each of its wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into the 
Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) which amends and restates in its entirety the previous 
agreement  pertaining  to  its  revolving  credit  facility  that  had  been  in  effect  since  January  2006.  The  Credit  Agreement,  which 
matures  on  June  2,  2015,  provides  the  Company  with  up  to  $75.0  million  of  financing  on  the  credit  facility  to  supplement  its 
operating cash flow and fund its working capital, capital expenditure, general corporate and growth requirements. As of October 
1,  2011,  $656,000  was  outstanding  on  the  credit  facility,  $73.2  million  of  additional  borrowing  capacity  was  available  and 
outstanding letters of credit totaled $1.1 million. As of October 2, 2010, no borrowings were outstanding on the credit facility, 
$49.6 million of borrowing capacity was available and outstanding letters of credit totaled $919,000. 

Advances  under  the  credit  facility  are  limited  to  the  lesser  of  the  revolving  credit  commitment  or  a  borrowing  base 
amount that is calculated based upon a percentage of eligible receivables and inventories. Interest rates on the revolver are based 
upon (1) an index rate that is established at the highest of the prime rate, 0.50% plus the federal funds rate or the LIBOR rate plus 
the  excess  of  the  then-applicable  margin  for  LIBOR  loans  over  the  then-applicable  margin  for  index  rate  loans,  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 quarterly basis based upon the amount of excess availability on the revolver within the range of 0.75% - 
1.50%  for  index  rate  loans  and  2.25%  -3.00%  for  LIBOR  loans.  In  addition,  the  applicable  interest  rate  margins  would  be 
increased  by  2.00%  upon  the  occurrence  of  certain  events  of  default  provided  for  in  the  Credit  Agreement.  Based  on  the 
Company’s excess availability as of October 1, 2011, the applicable interest rate margins on the revolver were 0.75% for index 
rate loans and 2.25% for LIBOR loans. 

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

Financial Covenants  

The terms of the Credit Agreement require the Company to maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the 
Credit Agreement) of not less than 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.  As  of  October  1,  2011,  the  Company  was  in 
compliance with all of the financial covenants under the credit facility.  

Negative Covenants  

In addition, the terms of the Credit Agreement 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 
borrowing availability requirements; incur or assume indebtedness; issue securities; enter into certain transactions with affiliates 
of the Company; or permit liens to encumber the Company’s property and assets. As of October 1, 2011, the Company was in 
compliance with all of the negative covenants under the credit facility.  

Events of Default  

Under  the  terms  of  the  Credit  Agreement,  an  event  of  default  will  occur  with  respect  to  the  Company  upon  the 
occurrence  of,  among  other  things:  defaults  or  breaches  under  the  loan  documents,  subject  in  certain  cases  to  cure  periods; 
defaults  or  breaches  by  the  Company  or  any  of  its  subsidiaries  under  any  agreement  resulting  in  the  acceleration  of  amounts 
above certain thresholds or payment defaults above certain thresholds; certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to 
the Company; certain entries of judgment against the Company or any of its subsidiaries, which are not covered by insurance; or a 
change of control of the Company. As of October 1, 2011, there have not been any events of default by the Company.  

34 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

Amortization of capitalized financing costs associated with the credit facility was $81,000 in 2011, $363,000 in 
2010 and $508,000 in 2009. Accumulated amortization of capitalized financing costs was $4.1 million and $4.0 million as 
of October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010, respectively. The Company expects the amortization of capitalized financing costs 
to approximate the following amounts for the next five fiscal years:  

Fiscal year   
2012 .........................................................................................................................................  
2013 .........................................................................................................................................  
2014 .........................................................................................................................................  
2015 .........................................................................................................................................  
2016 .........................................................................................................................................  

$

In thousands 

82 
82 
82 
55 
— 

Subordinated Note. As part of the consideration for the Ivy Acquisition, on November 19, 2010 (see Note 4 to the 
consolidated  financial  statements)  the  Company  entered  into  a  $13.5  million  secured  subordinated  promissory  note  (the 
“Note”) payable to Ivy over five years. The Note requires semi-annual interest payments in arrears, and annual principal 
payments payable on November 19 of each year during the period 2011 — 2015. The Note bears interest on the unpaid 
principal  balance  at  a  fixed  rate  of  6.0%  per  annum  and  is  collateralized  by  certain  of  the  real  property  and  equipment 
acquired  from  Ivy.  As  of  October  1,  2011,  $675,000  of  the  outstanding  balance  on  the  Note  is  recorded  as  the  current 
portion of long-term debt on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. 

As of October 1, 2011, the aggregate maturities of the Note are as follows:  

Fiscal years(s) 

In thousands 

2012 ..............................................................................................................................  
2013 ..............................................................................................................................  
2014 ..............................................................................................................................  
2015 ..............................................................................................................................  
2016 ..............................................................................................................................  
Total future maturities ................................................................................................................  
Less: current portion ...................................................................................................................  
Long-term portion ................................................................................................................  

$

$

$

675 
675 
675 
5,737 
5,738 
13,500 
(675)
12,825 

(8) Stock-Based Compensation  

Under  the  Company’s  equity  incentive  plans,  employees  and  directors  may  be  granted  stock  options,  restricted 
stock, restricted stock units and performance awards. As of October 1, 2011 there were 142,000 shares available for future 
grants under the plans.  

Stock  option  awards.  Under  the  Company’s  equity  incentive  plans,  employees  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. Compensation expense and excess tax 
benefits associated with stock options are as follows:  

(In thousands) 
Stock options: 

October 1,
2011

Year Ended 
October 2, 
2010 

October 3,
2009

Compensation expense .................................................................  
Excess tax deficiencies (benefits) .................................................  

$

$

1,203 
(8) 

$

958 
89 

937 
32 

The  remaining  unrecognized  compensation  cost  related  to  unvested  options  at  October  1,  2011  was  $587,000, 

which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.61 years.  

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

The fair value of each option award granted is estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo valuation model. The 
weighted-average  estimated  fair  values  of  stock  options  granted  during  2011,  2010  and  2009  were  $5.31,  $4.54  and  $5.43  per 
share, respectively, based on the following weighted-average assumptions:  

Expected term (in years) ..............................................................  
Risk-free interest rate ...................................................................  
Expected volatility .......................................................................  
Expected dividend yield...............................................................  

October 1,
2011

Year Ended 
October 2, 
2010 

October 3,
2009

5.19 
1.78% 
55.15% 
1.05% 

5.74 
2.28%   
61.12%   
1.31%   

4.92 
2.64% 
74.53% 
1.31% 

The assumptions utilized in the Monte Carlo valuation model are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market 
conditions  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  dividend  as  of  the  option  grant  date.  The  expected  volatility  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.  

The following table summarizes stock option activity:  

(Share amounts in thousands) 
Outstanding at September 27, 2008 .....   
Granted .............................................   
Exercised ..........................................   
Forfeited ...........................................   
Outstanding at October 3, 2009 ...........   
Granted .............................................   
Exercised ..........................................   
Outstanding at October 2, 2010 ...........   
Granted .............................................   
Exercised ..........................................   
Forfeited ...........................................   
Outstanding at October 1, 2011 ...........   
Vested and anticipated to vest in future 
at October 1, 2011 ............................   

Exercisable at October 1, 2011 ............   

Options 
Outstanding
531 
171 
(20) 
(9) 
673 
200 
(26) 
847 
171 
(13) 
(11) 
994 

972 

634 

Exercise Price 
Per Share 

Range

Weighted
Average

Contractual 
Term - 
Weighted 
Average 

Aggregate
Intrinsic 
Value 
(in thousands)

$0.18 – $20.27    $

7.55 – 11.60 
3.28 – 3.28 
15.64 – 20.27 
0.18 – 20.27 
9.16 – 9.39 
4.19 – 11.15 
0.18 – 20.27 
10.72 – 12.43 
1.06 – 7.55 
11.15 – 11.15 
0.18 – 20.27 

11.17 
9.27 
3.28 
18.07 
10.83 
9.27 
5.41 
10.63 
11.49 
1.60 
11.15 
10.89 

  $ 

120

146

143

1,005

992

816

6.99 years 

10.91 

6.95 years 

11.21 

5.89 years 

Restricted  Stock  Awards.  Under  the  Company’s  equity  incentive  plans,  employees  and  directors  may  be  granted 
restricted stock awards which are valued based upon the fair market value on the date of the grant. Restricted stock granted under 
these plans generally vests one to three years from the date of the grant. There were no restricted stock grants in 2011, 2010 and 
2009. Amortization expense for restricted stock is as follows:  

(In thousands) 
Amortization expense ......................................................................  

October 1,
2011

Year Ended 
October 2, 
2010 

October 3,
2009

$

166 

$

470 

$

756 

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

There were no unvested restricted stock awards as of October 1, 2011.  

During  2011,  2010  and  2009,  67,693,  48,141  and  25,254  shares,  respectively,  of  employee  restricted  stock  awards 
vested with a fair value of $771,000, $439,000 and $238,000, respectively. Upon vesting, employees have the option of remitting 
payment for the minimum tax obligation to the Company or net-share settling such that the Company will withhold shares with a 
value  equivalent  to  the  employees’  minimum  tax  obligation.  During  2011,  2010  and  2009,  a  total  of  12,633,  8,486  and  2,497 
shares, respectively, were withheld to satisfy employees’ minimum tax obligations.  

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity:  

(Share amounts in thousands) 
Balance, September 27, 2008 ............................................................................. 
Granted ............................................................................................................ 
Released .......................................................................................................... 
Balance, October 3, 2009 .................................................................................... 
Granted ............................................................................................................ 
Released .......................................................................................................... 
Balance, October 2, 2010 .................................................................................... 
Granted ............................................................................................................ 
Released .......................................................................................................... 
Balance, October 1, 2011 .................................................................................... 

Restricted 
Stock Awards 
Outstanding   
165 
— 
(50) 
115 
— 
(48) 
67 
— 
(67) 
— 

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
$  15.16 
— 
  14.40 
  15.50 
— 
  18.53 
  13.37 
— 
  13.37 
— 

Restricted stock units. On January 21, 2009, the Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors 
approved a change in the equity compensation program such that awards of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to employees 
and directors would be made in lieu of awards of restricted stock. RSUs granted under these plans are valued based upon 
the  fair  market  value  on  the  date  of  the  grant  and  provide  for  a  dividend  equivalent  payment  which  is  included  in 
compensation expense. The vesting period for RSUs is generally one to three years from the date of the grant. RSUs do not 
have voting rights. RSU grants and amortization expense are as follows:  

(In thousands) 
Restricted stock unit grants: 

October 1,
2011

Year Ended 
October 2, 
2010 

October 3,
2009

Units ............................................................................................................ 
Market value ................................................................................................ 
Amortization expense ..................................................................................... 

$

119 
1,441 
1,548 

$

140 
1,298 
830 

$

136 
1,185 
343 

The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs on October 1, 2011 was $1.1 million 

which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.79 years.  

The following table summarizes RSU activity:  

(Unit amounts in thousands) 
Balance, September 27, 2008 ...........................................................................   
Granted ..........................................................................................................   
Released ........................................................................................................   
Balance, October 3, 2009 ..................................................................................   
Granted ..........................................................................................................   
Released ........................................................................................................   
Balance, October 2, 2010 ..................................................................................   
Granted ..........................................................................................................   
Released ........................................................................................................   
Balance, October 1, 2011 ..................................................................................   

37 

Restricted 
Stock Units 
Outstanding   
— 
136 
— 
136 
140 
(37) 
239 
119 
(30) 
328 

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
$  — 
8.71 
— 
8.71 
9.29 
7.55 
9.23 
  12.08 
9.39 
  10.25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)  

(9) Income Taxes 

The components of the provision for income taxes on continuing operations are as follows:  

(Dollars in thousands) 
Provision for income taxes: 

Current: 

October 1,
2011 

Year Ended 
October 2, 
2010 

October 3,
2009 

Federal .................................................................................................   $
State .....................................................................................................  

Deferred: 

Federal .................................................................................................  
State .....................................................................................................  

207 
72 
279 

(12) 
221 
209 

$

668 
415 
1,083 

$

(12,708) 
(47) 
(12,755) 

(880) 
(241) 
(1,121) 

1,686 
(689) 
997 

Income taxes ............................................................................................   $

488 

$

(38)  $

(11,758) 

Effective income tax rate ............................................................................  

483.2%   

(9.0%)  

36.0%

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 ...........  
Valuation allowance .................................................  
Stock option expense benefit ....................................  
Revisions to estimates based on filing of final tax 

  October 1, 2011

Year Ended 
  October 2, 2010 

  October 3, 2009  

35 
(20) 
263 
189 

34.7%  $ 147 
  180 
(19.8) 
  (142) 
  260.4 
  180 
  187.1 

35.0%  $  (11,444) 
(479) 
42.9 
(33.9) 
— 
203 
42.9 

35.0%
1.5 
  — 
(0.6)

return .....................................................................  
Qualified production activities deduction .................  
Additional refund due to tax law change ..................  
Other, net ..................................................................  

(5) 
  — 
  — 
26 
Provision for income taxes ....................................   $ 488 

(4.9) 
  — 
  — 
25.7 

(24) 
(30) 
  (502) 
  153 
  483.2%  $ (38) 

33 
(5.7) 
— 
(7.1) 
— 
  (119.5) 
(71) 
36.4 
(9.0%)  $  (11,758) 

(0.1)
  — 
  — 
0.2 
36.0%

The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:  

(In thousands) 
Deferred tax assets: 

Accrued expenses, asset reserves and state tax credits ........................................................ 
Goodwill, amortizable for tax purposes .............................................................................. 
Stock-based compensation .................................................................................................. 
State net operating loss carryforwards ................................................................................ 
Defined benefit plans .......................................................................................................... 
Federal net operating loss carryforward .............................................................................. 
Valuation allowance ............................................................................................................ 
Gross deferred tax assets .................................................................................................. 

Deferred tax liabilities: 

Plant and equipment ............................................................................................................ 
Other reserves ...................................................................................................................... 
Gross deferred tax liabilities ............................................................................................ 
Net deferred tax asset ................................................................................................... 

October 1, 
2011 

October 2,
2010

$

$

$

3,495 
1,812 
1,683 
1,368 
1,235 
679 
(727) 
9,545 

(9,078) 
(22) 
(9,100) 
445 

$

4,005 
1,963 
628 
1,336 
1,415 
— 
(461)
8,886 

(7,769)
(283)
(8,052)
834 

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

As of October 1, 2011, the Company recorded a current deferred tax asset (net of valuation allowance) of $2.1 
million on its consolidated balance sheet in other current assets and a non-current deferred tax liability (net of valuation 
allowance) of $1.7 million in other liabilities. As of October 2, 2010, the Company recorded a current deferred tax asset 
(net of valuation allowance) of $2.6 million in other current assets and a non-current deferred tax liability (net of valuation 
allowance) of $1.8 million in other liabilities. The Company has $27.7 million of state operating loss carryforwards that 
begin to expire in 2017, but principally expire in 2017 — 2031. The Company has $1.9 million of federal operating loss 
carryforwards  that  expire  in  2031.  The  Company  has  also  recorded  deferred  tax  assets  for  various  state  tax  credits  of 
$300,000, which will begin to expire in 2014 and principally expire between 2014 and 2019.  

The realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets is entirely dependent upon the Company’s ability to generate 
future taxable income in applicable jurisdictions. GAAP requires that the Company periodically assess the need to establish 
a valuation allowance 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  October  1,  2011,  the  Company  had  recorded  a  valuation  allowance  of  $727,000 
pertaining to various state NOLs and tax credits that were not expected 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 carryforwards against which an allowance had previously 
been provided  or  determine  that  such utilization  is  more  likely  than  not.  The  increase in  the  valuation  allowance  during 
fiscal  2011  is  primarily  due  to  a  change  in  the  Company’s  expectations  regarding  the  future  realization  of  deferred  tax 
assets related to certain state NOL carryforwards and tax credits.  

The  Company  has  established  contingency  reserves  for  material,  known  tax  exposures  based  on  management’s 
judgment  as  to  the  estimated  liabilities  that  would  be  incurred  in  connection  with  the  resolution  of  these  matters.  As  of 
October  1,  2011,  the  Company  had  approximately  $34,000  of  gross  unrecognized  tax  benefits  classified  in  accrued 
expenses and $33,000 of gross unrecognized tax benefits classified as other liabilities on its consolidated balance sheet, of 
which $55,000, if recognized, would reduce its income tax expense in future periods. As of October 2, 2010, the Company 
had approximately $728,000 of gross unrecognized tax benefits which reduce income taxes receivable and are classified as 
other current assets on its consolidated balance sheet, and $34,000 of gross unrecognized tax benefits classified as other 
liabilities,  of  which  $61,000,  if  recognized,  would  reduce  its  income  tax  expense  in  future  periods.  The  Company 
anticipates the gross unrecognized tax benefits of $34,000 will be resolved during the next twelve months and otherwise 
does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over that time.  

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of total unrecognized tax benefits for 2011 and 2010 is as 

follows:  

(Dollars in thousands) 
Balance at beginning of year ................................................................................................................ 
Increase in tax positions of prior years ................................................................................................. 
Increase in tax position for current year................................................................................................ 
Settlement of tax position in current year ............................................................................................. 
Balance at end of year ........................................................................................................................... 

2011
$  762 
8 
4 
(707) 
67 

$ 

  2010  
$ — 
760 
2 
  — 
$ 762 

The Company classifies interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as part of income tax expense. The 
accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits was $50,000 and $208,000, respectively, as of October 1, 2011 
and  October  2,  2010.  The  decrease  in  accrued  interest  and  penalties  during  2011  is  due  to  the  settlement  of  a  U.S.  Internal 
Revenue Service audit and various outstanding federal and state tax issues. There was no expense incurred during 2011 related to 
interest and penalties. During 2010, the Company recorded $213,000 of expense related to interest and penalties.  

The  Company  files  U.S.  federal  income  tax  returns  as  well  as  state  and  local  income  tax  returns  in  various 
jurisdictions. Federal and various state tax returns filed by the Company subsequent to fiscal year 2007 remain subject to 
examination together with certain state tax returns filed by the Company subsequent to fiscal year 2003.  

(10) 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 commercial and industrial applications. 
The Company’s decision was based on the weakening in the business outlook for the facility and the expected continuation 
of difficult market conditions and reduced operating levels. Manufacturing activities at the Virginia facility ceased in June 
2006 and the Company liquidated the remaining assets of the business in 2010.  

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

The results of operations and related non-recurring closure costs associated with the industrial wire business have 
been  reported  as  discontinued  operations  for  all  prior  periods  presented.  Additionally,  the  assets  and  liabilities  of  the 
discontinued operations have been segregated in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  

The  Company  reviews  its  assets  for  impairment  whenever  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that  the 
carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company recorded a $1.8 million impairment charge during the year ended 
October  3,  2009  to  write  down  the  carrying  value  of  the  real  estate  associated  with  the  industrial  wire  business.  During 
2010 the Company sold the real estate for $2.5 million resulting in a $478,000 gain.  

The results of discontinued operations are as follows:  

(In thousands) 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes ......................................................................................  
Income taxes ..........................................................................................................................  
Net earnings (loss) .................................................................................................................  

Liabilities of discontinued operations are as follows: 

(In thousands) 
Liabilities: 
Current liabilities: 

Year Ended 

October 2, 
2010 

October 3,
2009

$

$

232 
(217) 
15 

$

$

(1,875)
729 
(1,146)

  October 2,  

2010

Accounts payable ......................................................................................................................................    
Accrued expenses ......................................................................................................................................    
Total current liabilities ...........................................................................................................................    
Other liabilities .............................................................................................................................................    
Total liabilities .......................................................................................................................................    

$

$

— 
210 
210 
280 
490 

At October 2, 2010 there was approximately $315,000, 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.  

(11) Employee Benefit Plans  

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. The Delaware Plan was frozen effective 
September 30, 2008 whereby participants will no longer earn additional benefits. In February 2011, as part of the planned 
closure  of  the  Wilmington,  Delaware  facility,  the  Company  amended  the  Delaware  Plan  granting  certain  participants 
additional service credit. The amendment resulted in a one-time charge of $306,000 that was recorded during 2011 within 
restructuring charges on the consolidated statement of operations. The Company made contributions totaling $478,000 to 
the Delaware Plan during 2011 and expects to make contributions of $265,000 during 2012.  

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

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 Delaware Plan is as follows:  

(In thousands) 
Change in benefit obligation: 

Benefit obligation at beginning of year .....................................................  
Amendments .............................................................................................  
Interest cost ...............................................................................................  
Actuarial loss .............................................................................................  
Settlement ..................................................................................................  
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 .............................................................................  
Settlement ..................................................................................................  
Distributions ..............................................................................................  

Fair value of plan assets at end of year 

Reconciliation of funded status to net amount recognized:

Funded status .............................................................................................  
Net amount recognized ..........................................................................  

Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet:

Accrued benefit liability ............................................................................  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (net of tax) ..................................  
Net amount recognized ..........................................................................  

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss: 

Unrecognized net loss ...............................................................................  
Net amount recognized ..........................................................................  

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in 

other comprehensive income (loss): 
Net loss (gain) ...........................................................................................  
Amortization of net loss ............................................................................  
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) ........................  

October 1,
2011

Year Ended 
October 2, 
2010 

October 3,
2009 

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

$

$

4,280 
306 
193 
69 
(1,423) 
(194) 
3,231 

3,017 
10 
477 
(1,651) 
(193) 
1,660 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

4,289 
— 
211 
182 
— 
(402) 
4,280 

3,053 
366 
— 
— 
(402) 
3,017 

$

$

$

$

4,377 
— 
250 
150 
— 
(488)
4,289 

3,764 
(223)
— 
— 
(488)
3,053 

(1,571)  $ 
(1,571)  $ 

(1,263)  $
(1,263)  $

(1,236)
(1,236)

(1,571)  $ 
909 
(662)  $ 

(1,263)  $
1,225 

(38)  $

(1,236)
1,336 
100 

1,466 
1,466 

$ 
$ 

1,975 
1,975 

$
$

2,155 
2,155 

(206)  $ 
(304) 
(510)  $ 

$

16 
(195) 
(179)  $

509 
(113)
396 

Net periodic pension cost for the Delaware Plan includes the following components: 

(In thousands) 
Service cost ................................................................................................... 
Interest cost ................................................................................................... 
Expected return on plan assets ...................................................................... 
Recognized net actuarial loss ........................................................................ 
Net periodic pension cost .......................................................................... 

October 1,
2011

Year Ended 
October 2, 
2010 

October 3,
2009 

$

$

— 
193 
(211) 
304 
286 

$

$

— 
211 
(200) 
195 
206 

$

$

— 
250 
(262)
113 
101 

The Company incurred settlement losses of $704,000 and $126,000 during 2011 and 2009, respectively, for lump-

sum distributions to plan participants.  

The  estimated  net  loss  that  will  be  amortized  from  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  into  net  periodic 

pension cost during 2012 is $58,000.  

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

The projected benefit payments under the Delaware Plan are as follows:  

Fiscal year(s)  

2012 .........................................................................................................................................................   
2013 .........................................................................................................................................................   
2014 .........................................................................................................................................................   
2015 .........................................................................................................................................................   
2016 .........................................................................................................................................................   
2017 - 2021 .............................................................................................................................................   

The assumptions used in the valuation of the Delaware Plan are as follows:  

In thousands 
192 
$ 
195 
279 
193 
198 
949 

October 1,
2011

Measurement Date 
October 2, 
2010 

October 3,
2009

Assumptions at year-end: 

Discount rate ...............................................................................................  
Rate of increase in compensation levels ......................................................  
Expected long-term rate of return on assets ................................................  

4.75%  
N/A 
8.00%  

5.25%  
N/A 
8.00%  

5.50%  
N/A 
8.00%  

The assumed discount rate is established as of the Company’s fiscal year-end measurement date. In establishing 
the discount rate, the Company reviews published market indices of high-quality debt securities, adjusted as appropriate for 
duration,  and  high-quality  bond  yield  curves  applicable  to  the  expected  benefit  payments  of  the  plan.  To  develop  the 
expected  long-term  rate  of  return  on  asset  assumption,  the  Company  considers  the  historical  returns  and  the  future 
expectations of returns for each asset class, as well as the target asset allocation of the Delaware Plan portfolio.  

The  fundamental  goal  underlying  the  investment  policy  for  the  Delaware  Plan  is  to  ensure  that  its  assets  are 
invested  in  a prudent  manner  to  meet  the  obligations of  the plan as  such obligations  come  due. The primary  investment 
objectives include providing a total return that will promote the goal of benefit security by attaining an appropriate ratio of 
plan assets to plan obligations, diversifying investments across and within asset classes, minimizing the impact of losses in 
single investments and adhering to investment practices that comply with applicable laws and regulations. The investment 
strategy  for  equities  emphasizes  U.S.  large cap  equities  with  the  portfolio’s performance  measured  against  the S&P  500 
index  or  other  applicable  indices.  The  investment  strategy  for  fixed  income  investments  is  focused  on  maintaining  an 
overall portfolio 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 Delaware Plan has a long-term target asset mix of 60% equities and 40% fixed income. The asset allocation 

for the Delaware Plan is as follows:  

  Target Allocation   Percentage of Plan Assets at Measurement Date
  October 3,

  October 2, 

October 1,
2011

  October 1,
2011

2010 

26.1%   
9.0%   
8.7%   
16.8%   
38.1%   
1.3%   

2009

26.1% 
10.3% 
8.5% 
16.8% 
38.3% 
0.0% 

Large-cap equities .......................................... 
Mid-cap equities ............................................ 
Small-cap equities .......................................... 
International equities ..................................... 
Fixed income securities ................................. 
Cash and cash equivalents ............................. 

35.0% 
8.0% 
9.0% 
8.0% 
40.0% 
0.0% 

38.6%   
9.1%   
6.1%   
6.0%   
39.3%   
0.9%   

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

As of October 1, 2011, the Delaware Plan’s assets include cash and cash equivalents, equity securities and fixed 
income  securities  and  were  required  to  be  measured  at  fair  value.  The  Company  uses  a  three-tier  hierarchy,  which 
prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value, defined as follows: Level 1 — observable inputs such as quoted prices in 
active markets for identical assets and liabilities; Level 2 — inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either 
directly  or  indirectly  observable;  and  Level  3  —  unobservable  inputs  in  which  little  or  no  market  data  exists,  thereby 
requiring the development of valuation assumptions. The fair values of the Delaware Plan’s assets as of October 1, 2011 
are as follows:  

(In thousands) 
Large-cap equities .......................................................... 
Mid-cap equities ............................................................ 
Small-cap equities .......................................................... 
International equities ..................................................... 
Fixed income securities ................................................. 
Cash and cash equivalents ............................................. 
Total ........................................................................... 

  Total

$

641 
151 
101 
100 
652 
15 
$ 1,660 

Quoted Prices
in Active 
Markets 
(Level 1)

Observable 
Inputs 
(Level 2) 

Unobservable
Inputs (Level
3)

$

$

641 
151 
101 
100 
652 
15 
1,660 

$

$

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

$

$

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

Equity securities. Primarily consists of direct investment in the stock of publicly-traded companies that are valued 
based on the closing price reported in an active market on which the individual securities are traded. As such, the direct 
investments are classified as Level 1.  

Fixed  income  securities.  Government  and  corporate  debt  securities  that  are  valued  based  on  the  closing  price 
reported in an active market on which the individual securities are traded. As such, these securities are classified as Level 
1.  

Cash and cash equivalents. Direct cash holdings that are valued based on cost, which approximates fair value and 

as such, are classified as Level 1.  

Supplemental employee  retirement  plan.  The  Company  has  Retirement  Security  Agreements  (each,  a  “SERP”) 
with  certain  of  its  employees  (each,  a  “Participant”).  Under  the  SERPs,  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 revised the SERPs to add Participants and increase benefits to existing Participants.  

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

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 SERPs 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 ...................................................................................... 
Net amount recognized ................................................................... 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss: 

Unrecognized net loss ........................................................................ 
Unrecognized prior service cost ......................................................... 
Net amount recognized ................................................................... 

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized 

in other comprehensive income (loss): 
Net loss ............................................................................................... 
Prior service costs ............................................................................... 
Amortization of net loss ..................................................................... 
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) ................. 

October 1,
2011

Year Ended 
October 2, 
2010 

October 3,
2009

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

$

5,590 
176 
282 
297 
(243) 
6,102 

244 
(244) 
— 

$

$

$

$

5,218 
165 
278 
95 
(166) 
5,590 

166 
(166) 
— 

$

$

$

$

4,121 
123 
279 
855 
(160)
5,218 

160 
(160)
— 

(6,102)  $
(6,102)  $

(5,590)  $
(5,590)  $

(5,218)
(5,218)

1,330 
454 
1,784 

$

$

1,067 
681 
1,748 

$

$

1,002 
908 
1,910 

297 
$
(227)  $
(34) 
36 

$

95 
$
(227)  $
(30) 
(162)  $

855 
(227)
— 
628 

Net periodic pension cost for the SERPs includes the following components:  

(In thousands) 
Service cost ............................................................................................ 
Interest cost ............................................................................................ 
Prior service cost .................................................................................... 
Amortization of net loss ......................................................................... 
Net periodic pension cost ................................................................... 

October 1,
2011

Year Ended 
October 2, 
2010 

October 3,
2009

$

$

176 
282 
227 
34 
719 

$

$

165 
278 
227 
31 
701 

$

$

123 
278 
227 
— 
628 

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

income into net periodic pension cost during 2012 are $61,000 and $227,000, respectively.  

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

The assumptions used in the valuation of the SERPs are as follows:  

October 1,
2011

Measurement Date 
October 2, 
2010 

October 3,
2009

Assumptions at year-end: 

Discount rate ................................................................................... 
Rate of increase in compensation levels ......................................... 

4.75% 
3.00% 

5.25%   
3.00%   

5.50% 
3.00% 

The assumed discount rate is established as of the Company’s fiscal year-end measurement date. In establishing 
the discount rate, the Company reviews published market indices of high-quality debt securities, adjusted as appropriate for 
duration, and high-quality bond yield curves applicable to the expected benefit payments of the plan. The SERPs expected 
rate of increase in compensation levels is based on the anticipated increases in annual compensation.  

The projected benefit payments under the SERPs are as follows:  

Fiscal year(s)  

2012 ..................................................................................................................................................... 
2013 ..................................................................................................................................................... 
2014 ..................................................................................................................................................... 
2015 ..................................................................................................................................................... 
2016 ..................................................................................................................................................... 
2017- 2021 .............................................................................................................................................. 

(In thousands)  
244 
$ 
244 
244 
244 
292 
1,346 

As  noted  above,  the  SERPs  were  revised  in  2005  to  add  Participants  and  increase  benefits  to  certain  existing 
Participants.  However,  for  certain  Participants  the  Company  still  maintains  the  benefits  of  the  respective  SERPs  that  were  in 
effect prior to the 2005 changes, which entitles them to fixed cash benefits upon retirement at age 65, payable annually for 15 
years. These SERPs are supported by life insurance polices on the Participants purchased and owned by the Company. The cash 
benefits paid under these SERPs were $74,000 in 2011, $74,000 in 2010 and $76,000 in 2009. The expense attributable to these 
SERPs was $14,000 in 2011, $13,000 in 2010 and $12,000 in 2009.  

Retirement savings plan. In 1996, the Company adopted the Retirement Savings Plan of Insteel Industries, Inc. (“the 
Plan”) to provide retirement benefits and stock ownership for its employees. The Plan is an amendment and restatement of the 
Company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan. 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.  

During  2009  -  2011,  employees  were  permitted  to  contribute  up  to  75%  of  their  annual  compensation  to  the  Plan, 
limited  to  a  maximum  annual  amount  as  set  periodically  by  the  Internal  Revenue  Code.  The  Plan  allows  for  discretionary 
contributions 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. During 2009 - 2011, 
the Company matched employee contributions up to 100% of the first 1% and 50% of the next 5% of eligible compensation that 
was  contributed  by  employees.  Company  contributions  to  the  Plan  were  $604,000  in  2011,  $439,000  in  2010  and  $465,000  in 
2009.  

Voluntary  Employee  Beneficiary  Associations  (“VEBA”).  The  Company  has  a  VEBA  under  which  both  employees 
and the Company may make contributions to pay for medical costs. Company contributions to the VEBA were $3.3 million in 
2011, $2.2 million in 2010 and $2.9 million in 2009. The Company is primarily self-insured for each employee’s healthcare costs, 
carrying  stop-loss  insurance  coverage  for  individual  claims  in  excess  of  $125,000  per  benefit  plan  year.  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.  

(12) Commitments and Contingencies  

Leases  and  purchase  commitments.  The  Company  leases  a  portion  of  its  equipment  and  an  idle  facility  in  Houston, 
Texas  that  ceased  operations  during  2011  under  operating  leases  that  expire  at  various  dates  through  2016.  Under  most  lease 
agreements, the Company pays insurance, taxes and maintenance. Rental expense for operating leases was $1.5 million in 2011, 
$889,000 in 2010 and $939,000 in 2009. Minimum  rental commitments under all non-cancelable leases with an initial term in 
excess of one year are payable as follows: 2012, $618,000; 2013, $358,000; 2014, $179,000; 2015, $90,000; 2016 and beyond, 
$387,000.  

45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

As of October 1, 2011, the Company had $36.2 million in non-cancelable purchase commitments for raw material 
extending as long as approximately 100 days. In addition, the Company has contractual commitments for the purchase of 
certain  equipment.  Portions  of  such  equipment  contracts  not  completed  at  year-end  are  not  reflected  in  the  consolidated 
financial statements and amounted to $1.6 million as of October 1, 2011.  

Legal  proceedings.  On  November  19,  2007,  Dwyidag  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 sought recovery of any damages which could have been assessed against DSI in the action filed against it by ODOT, 
which  allegedly  could  have  been  in  excess  of  $8.3  million,  plus  $2.7  million  in  damages  allegedly  incurred  by  DSI.  In 
2009,  the Ohio  court granted  the  Company’s  motion  for  summary  judgment  as  to  the  third-party  claim  against  it  on  the 
grounds  that  the  statute  of  limitations  had  expired,  but  DSI  filed  an  interlocutory  appeal  of  that  ruling.  In  addition,  the 
Company previously filed a lawsuit against DSI in the North Carolina Superior Court in Surry County seeking recovery of 
$1.4 million (plus interest) owed for other products sold by the Company to DSI, which action was removed by DSI to the 
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.  

On  October  7,  2010,  the  Company  participated  in  a  structured  mediation  with  ODOT  and  DSI  which  led  to 
settlement of all of the above legal matters. The parties dismissed the action in the Middle District of North Carolina on 
December 23, 2010, and the Ohio Court of Claims action was dismissed on January 21, 2011. Pursuant to the settlement 
agreement, which was approved by the Ohio Court of Claims on January 5, 2011, the parties released each other from all 
liability arising out of the sale of strand for the bridge project. In connection with the settlement, the Company reserved the 
remaining outstanding balance that it was owed by DSI and agreed to make a cash payment of $600,000 to ODOT. During 
fiscal 2011, the Company paid the $600,000 settlement to ODOT and wrote off the DSI receivables against the previously 
established reserve. The resolution of this matter has enabled the Company to restore its commercial relationship with DSI 
that had existed prior to the initiation of the legal proceedings. The Company’s fiscal 2010 results reflect a $1.5 million 
charge relating to the net effect of the settlement.  

The  Company  also  is  involved  in  various  other  lawsuits,  claims,  investigations  and  proceedings,  including 
commercial, environmental and employment matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company does 
not expect that the ultimate cost to resolve these other 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 employment 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  continued  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  continuation  of  health  and  welfare  benefits  for  one  year.  In 
addition, all of the executive’s stock options and restricted stock would vest immediately and outplacement services would 
be provided.  

46 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

(13) Earnings Per Share 

Effective October 4, 2009, the Company adopted certain provisions of ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share, which 
requires unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends (whether paid or unpaid) to 
be  treated  as  participating  securities  and  included  in  the  computation  of  basic  earnings  per  share.  The  Company’s 
participating  securities  are  its  unvested  restricted  stock  awards  (“RSAs”).  As  required  under  the  provisions  that  were 
adopted,  prior  period  amounts  have  been  retrospectively  adjusted  to  reflect  the  impact  of  the  allocation  to  participating 
securities.  Because  the  Company’s  unvested  RSAs  do  not  contractually  participate  in  its  losses,  the  Company  has  not 
allocated such losses to the unvested RSAs in computing basic earnings per share using the two-class method for the fiscal 
year ended October 3, 2009.  

The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to common shareholders is as follows:  

(In thousands, except per share amounts) 
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations ...........................................  
Less allocation to participating securities ..............................................  
Available to Insteel common shareholders .........................................  

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations net of income taxes ........  
Less allocation to participating securities ..............................................  
Available to Insteel common shareholders .........................................  

Net earnings (loss) ..............................................................................  
Less allocation to participating securities ...........................................  
Available to Insteel common shareholders .....................................  

Basic weighted average shares outstanding ...........................................  
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation .........................................  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding ....................................  

Per share basic: 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations ........................................  
Loss from discontinued operations .....................................................  
Net earnings (loss) ..........................................................................  

Per share diluted: 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations ........................................  
Loss from discontinued operations .....................................................  
Net earnings (loss) ..........................................................................  

October 1,
2011 

Year Ended 
October 2, 
2010 

October 3,
2009 

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(387)  $ 

— 

(387)  $ 

— 
— 
— 

$ 

$ 

(387)  $ 

— 

(387)  $ 

17,562 
— 
17,562 

(0.02)  $ 
— 
(0.02)  $ 

(0.02)  $ 
— 
(0.02)  $ 

458 
(2) 
456 

15 
— 
15 

473 
(2) 
471 

17,466 
98 
17,564 

0.03 
— 
0.03 

0.03 
— 
0.03 

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(20,940)
— 
(20,940)

(1,146)
— 
(1,146)

(22,086)
— 
(22,086)

17,380 
— 
17,380 

(1.20)
(0.07)
(1.27)

(1.20)
(0.07)
(1.27)

Options,  restricted  stock  awards  and  RSUs  representing  582,000  shares  in  2011,  577,000  shares  in  2010  and 
668,000  shares  in  2009  were  antidilutive  and  were  not  included  in  the  diluted  EPS  computation.  Options  and  restricted 
stock awards representing 223,000 shares and 130,000 shares were not included in the diluted EPS calculation in 2011 and 
2009, respectively, due to the net losses that were incurred.  

(14) Business Segment Information  

Following  the  Company’s  exit  from  the  industrial  wire  business  (see  Note  10  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements), its operations are entirely focused on the manufacture and marketing of concrete reinforcing products for the 
concrete construction industry. The Company’s concrete reinforcing products consist of welded wire reinforcement and PC 
strand. Based on the criteria specified in ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting, the Company has one reportable segment. 
The  results  of  operations  for  the  industrial  wire  business  have  been  reported  as  discontinued  operations  for  all  periods 
presented.  

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

The  Company’s  net  sales  and  long-lived  assets  (consisting  of  net  property,  plant  and  equipment  and  the  cash 

surrender value of life insurance policies ) for continuing operations by geographic region are as follows:  

(In thousands) 
Net sales: 

United States ........................................................................................ 
Foreign ................................................................................................. 
Total .................................................................................................. 

Long-lived assets: 

United States ........................................................................................ 
Foreign ................................................................................................. 
Total .................................................................................................. 

October 1,
2011 

Year Ended 
October 2, 
2010 

$

$

$

$

329,168 
7,741 
336,909 

93,490 
— 
93,490 

$

$

$

$

205,444 
6,142 
211,586 

63,178 
— 
63,178 

October 3,
2009 

$

$

$

$

225,286 
4,950 
230,236 

67,943 
— 
67,943 

The Company’s net sales for continuing operations by product line are as follows: 

October 1,
2011 

Year Ended 
October 2, 
2010 

October 3,
2009 

(In thousands) 
Net sales: 

Welded wire reinforcement .................................................................. 
PC strand .............................................................................................. 
Total .................................................................................................. 

$

$

208,741 
128,168 
336,909 

$

$

109,551 
102,035 
211,586 

$

$

122,942 
107,294 
230,236 

There were no customers that accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s net sales in 2011, 2010 and 2009.  

(15) Related Party Transactions  

Sales to a company affiliated with one of the Company’s directors amounted to $475,000 in 2011, $423,000 in 
2010 and $585,000 in 2009. Purchases from a company affiliated with one of the Company’s directors amounted to $6,000 
in 2011. There were no such related party purchases in 2010 and 2009.  

(16) Comprehensive Loss  

The accumulated other comprehensive loss was comprised of the adjustment to the defined benefit plan liability as 

follows:  

(In thousands) 
Adjustment to defined benefit plan liability ............................................... 
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss .......................................... 

October 1,
2011 

Year Ended 
October 2, 
2010 

October 3,
2009 

$
$

(2,015)  $
(2,015)  $

(2,309)  $
(2,309)  $

(2,520)
(2,520)

48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

(17) Other Financial Data  

Balance sheet information:  

(In thousands) 
Accounts receivable, net: 

October 1, 
2011 

October 2,
2010 

Accounts receivable ......................................................................................................................... 
Less allowance for doubtful accounts .............................................................................................. 
Total ............................................................................................................................................. 

Inventories, net: 

Raw materials .................................................................................................................................. 
Work in process ............................................................................................................................... 
Finished goods ................................................................................................................................. 
Total ............................................................................................................................................. 

Other current assets: 

Current deferred tax asset ................................................................................................................ 
Capitalized financing costs, net ....................................................................................................... 
Income taxes receivable ................................................................................................................... 
Other ................................................................................................................................................ 
Total ............................................................................................................................................. 

Other assets: 

Cash surrender value of life insurance policies, net of loans of $446 and $505 ............................... 
Capitalized financing costs, net ....................................................................................................... 
Other ................................................................................................................................................ 
Total ............................................................................................................................................. 

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 ............................................................................................... 
Pension plan ..................................................................................................................................... 
Property taxes .................................................................................................................................. 
Customer rebates .............................................................................................................................. 
Deferred revenues ............................................................................................................................ 
Interest ............................................................................................................................................. 
Worker’s compensation ................................................................................................................... 
Restructuring liabilities .................................................................................................................... 
Legal settlement ............................................................................................................................... 
Other ................................................................................................................................................ 
Total ............................................................................................................................................. 

Other liabilities: 

Deferred compensation .................................................................................................................... 
Deferred income taxes ..................................................................................................................... 
Other ................................................................................................................................................ 
Total ............................................................................................................................................. 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

42,732 
(761) 
41,971 

40,536 
3,771 
32,067 
76,374 

2,156 
82 
— 
1,855 
4,093 

4,006 
218 
374 
4,598 

8,586 
40,773 
118,518 
2,078 
169,955 
(80,471) 
89,484 

1,656 
1,571 
1,234 
791 
387 
387 
333 
142 
— 
876 
7,377 

6,149 
1,711 
56 
7,916 

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

27,266 
(2,296)
24,970 

23,817 
1,899 
18,203 
43,919 

2,612 
82 
547 
690 
3,931 

4,525 
300 
272 
5,097 

5,571 
32,433 
97,813 
239 
136,056 
(77,403)
58,653 

1,210 
1,263 
846 
506 
321 
— 
683 
— 
600 
500 
5,929 

5,688 
1,778 
55 
7,521 

49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 

(18) Rights Agreement  

On  April  26,  1999,  the  Company’s  Board  of  Directors  declared  a  dividend  distribution  of  one  right  per  share  of  the 
Company’s  outstanding  common  stock  as  of  May  17,  1999  pursuant  to  a  Rights  Agreement,  dated  as  of  April  27,  1999.  The 
Rights Agreement also provides that one right will attach to each share of the Company’s common stock issued after May 17, 
1999. On April 21, 2009, effective April 25, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors amended the Rights Agreement to, among 
other changes, extend the final expiration date and adjust the purchase price payable upon exercise of a right.  

The rights are not currently exercisable but trade with the Company’s common stock shares and become exercisable on 
the distribution date. The distribution date will occur upon the earliest of 10 business days following a public announcement that 
either a person or group of affiliated or associated persons (an “acquiring person”) has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, 
beneficial ownership of 20% or more (after adjustment for certain derivative transactions) of the outstanding shares of common 
stock  (the  “stock  acquisition  date”),  or  of  a  tender  offer  or  exchange  offer  that  would,  if  consummated,  result  in  an  acquiring 
person beneficially owning 20% or more of such outstanding shares of common stock, subject to certain limitations.  

Each right will entitle the holder, other than the acquiring person or group, to purchase one two-hundredths of a share (a 
“Unit”) of the Company’s Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (“Preferred Stock”) at a purchase price of $46 per Unit, 
subject to adjustment as described in the Rights Agreement (the “purchase price”).At the time specified, each holder of a right 
will have the right to receive in lieu of Preferred Stock, upon exercise and payment of the purchase price, common stock (or, in 
certain circumstances, cash, property or other securities of the Company) having a value equal to two times the purchase price or, 
at  the  discretion  of  the  Board,  upon  exercise  and  without  payment  of  the  purchase  price,  common  stock  (or,  in  certain 
circumstances, cash, property or other securities of the Company) having a value equal to the difference between the purchase 
price and the value of the consideration which a person exercising the right and paying the purchase price would receive. Rights 
that are or (under specified circumstances) were, beneficially owned by any acquiring person will be null and void. The purchase 
price payable and the number of Units of Preferred Stock or other securities or property issuable upon exercise of the rights are 
subject to adjustment from time to time. At any time after any person becomes an acquiring person, the Company may exchange 
all or part of the rights for shares of common stock at an exchange ratio of one share per right, as appropriately adjusted to reflect 
any stock dividend, stock split or similar transaction.  

In  addition,  each  rights  holder,  other  than  an  acquiring  person,  upon  exercise  of  rights  will  have  the  right  to  receive 
shares of the common 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. 

The rights will expire on April 24, 2019, and may be redeemed by the Company at any time prior to the distribution date 

at a price of $0.005 per right.  

(19) Product Warranties  

The Company’s products are used in applications which are subject to inherent risks including performance 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 coverage to minimize its exposure to such risks.  

(20) Share Repurchases  

On November 18, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase authorization to buy back 
up to $25.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions (the 
“New Authorization”). Repurchases  may be  made from time to time in the open  market or in privately negotiated transactions 
subject  to  market  conditions,  applicable  legal  requirements  and  other  factors.  The  Company  is  not  obligated  to  acquire  any 
particular amount of common stock and may commence or suspend the program at any time at its discretion without prior notice. 
The New Authorization continues in effect until terminated by the Board of Directors. As of October 1, 2011, there was $24.8 
million  remaining  available  for  future  share  repurchases  under  this  authorization.  During  2011,  2010  and  2009,  the  Company 
repurchased $143,000 or 12,633 shares, $79,000 or 8,486 shares and $24,000 or 2,497 shares, respectively, of its common stock 
through restricted stock net-share settlements.  

50 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM  
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

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

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  of  Insteel  Industries,  Inc.  and  subsidiaries  (a  North 
Carolina corporation) as of October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, 
shareholders’  equity  and  comprehensive  income  (loss)  and  cash  flows  for  each  of  the  three  years  in  the  period  ended 
October 1, 2011. Our audits of the basic financial statements included the financial statement schedule listed in the index 
appearing under (Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts). These financial statements and financial statement 
schedule  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  Oversight  Board  (United 
States).  Those  standards  require  that  we  plan  and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain  reasonable  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 management, 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 statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial 
position  of  Insteel  Industries,  Inc.  and  subsidiaries  as  of  October  1,  2011  and  October  2,  2010,  and  the  results  of  their 
operations  and  their  cash  flows  for  each  of  the  three  years  in  the  period  ended  October  1,  2011  in  conformity  with 
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, 
when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the 
information set forth therein.  

We  also  have  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United 
States), Insteel Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of October 1, 2011, 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 10, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion.  

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP  

Charlotte, North Carolina  
November 10, 2011  

51 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS 
 YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 1, 2011, OCTOBER 2, 2010 and OCTOBER 3, 2009  

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS  
(In thousands) 

Balance, beginning of year .......................................................................... 
Amounts charged to earnings ...................................................................... 
Write-offs, net of recoveries ........................................................................ 
Balance, end of year ................................................................................. 

$

$

2,296 
307 
(1,842) 
761 

$

$

1,057 
1,426 
(187) 
2,296 

$

$

906 
457 
(306)
1,057 

October 1,
2011 

Year Ended 
October 2, 
2010 

October 3,
2009 

52 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.  

None.  

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.  

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures  

We have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of October 1, 
2011.  This  evaluation  was  conducted  under  the  supervision  and  with  the  participation  of  management,  including  our 
principal executive officer and our principal financial officer. Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer 
and  our  principal  financial  officer  concluded  that  our  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  were  effective  to  ensure  that 
information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the 
Commission’s rules and forms. Furthermore, we concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to 
ensure that information is accumulated and communicated to  management, including our principal executive officer and 
our principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. 
Internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  a  process  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  our 
financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over 
financial reporting includes: (1) maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions 
and dispositions of assets; (2) providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of 
financial  statements,  and  that  receipts  and  expenditures  are  made  in  accordance  with  authorizations  of  management  and 
directors; and (3) providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have 
a  material  effect  on  financial  statements  would  be  prevented  or  detected  on  a  timely  basis.  Because  of  its  inherent 
limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  not intended  to  provide  absolute  assurance  that  a  misstatement  of 
financial statements would be prevented or detected. 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 
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.  

Management  assessed  the  effectiveness  of  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  based  on  the  criteria  set 
forth  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  in  Internal  Control  —  Integrated 
Framework.  Based  on  this  assessment,  management  concluded  that  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  was 
effective as of October 1, 2011. During the quarter ended October 1, 2011, there were no changes in our internal control 
over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over 
financial reporting.  

Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of our internal 

control over financial reporting as of October 1, 2011. The report appears below.  

53 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM  
INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING 

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

We  have  audited  Insteel  Industries,  Inc.  and  subsidiaries’  (a  North  Carolina  corporation)  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting  as  of  October  1,  2011,  based  on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control—Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Insteel Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries’ 
management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the 
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal 
Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Insteel Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries’ 
internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.  

We  conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United 
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting  was  maintained  in  all  material  respects.  Our  audit  included  obtaining  an 
understanding  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  assessing  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  reporting  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 preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally 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 control 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 compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.  

In our opinion, Insteel Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over 
financial reporting as of October 1, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued 
by COSO.  

We  have  also  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United 
States),  the  consolidated balance  sheets  of Insteel  Industries,  Inc.  and  subsidiaries  as  of  October 1, 2011  and  October  2, 
2010 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss) and cash 
flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 1, 2011, and our report dated November 10, 2011, expressed 
an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.  

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP  

Charlotte, North Carolina  
November 10, 2011  

54 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Item 9B. Other Information.  

None.  

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.  

PART III 

The information called for by this item and not presented herein appears under the captions “Item Number One: 
Election  of  Directors”,  “Security  Ownership  –  Section  16(a)  Beneficial  Reporting  Compliance”  and  “Corporate 
Governance  Guidelines  and  Board  Matters”  in  the  Company’s  Proxy  Statement  for  the  2012  Annual  Meeting  of 
Shareholders  and  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference.  Information  on  executive  officers  appears  under  the  caption 
“Executive Officers of the Company” in Item 1 of this report.  

We  have  adopted  a  Code  of  Business  Conduct  that  applies  to  all  directors,  officers  and  employees  which  is 
available on our web site at http://investor.insteel.com/documents.com. To the extent permissible under applicable law, the 
rules of the SEC or NASDAQ listing standards, we intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-
K  by  posting  on  our  web  site  any  amendment  or  waiver  to  a  provision  of  our  Code  of  Business  Conduct  that  requires 
disclosure  under  applicable  law,  the  rules  of  the  SEC  or  NASDAQ  listing  standards.  The  Company’s  web  site  does  not 
constitute part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  

Item 11. Executive Compensation.  

The  information  called  for  by  this  item  appears  under  the  captions  “Executive  Compensation”,  “Compensation 
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Director Compensation” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 
2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.  

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.  

The information called for by this item and not presented herein appears under the captions “Voting Securities” 
and  “Security  Ownership”  in  the  Company’s  Proxy  Statement  for  the  2012  Annual  Meeting  of  Shareholders  and  is 
incorporated herein by reference.  

Equity Compensation Plan Information  
October 1, 2011 
(In thousands, except exercise price amount) 

(a) 
Number of Securities to be
Issued Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options, 
Warrants and Rights 

(b) 
Weighted-Average Exercise
Price of Outstanding 
Options, Warrants and 
Rights 

(c) 
Number of Securities 
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under 
Equity Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities 
Reflected in Column (a))   

994  $ 

10.89 

142(1)

Plan Category 
Equity compensation plans 
approved by security 
holders ............................. 

(1) 

In  addition  to  being  available  for  future  issuance  upon  the  exercise  of  stock  options  that  may  be  granted  after 
October 1, 2011, the securities shown are available for future issuance in the form of restricted stock, restricted 
stock units and other stock-based awards made under our 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.  

We do not have any equity compensation plans that have not been approved by shareholders.  

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.  

The  information  called  for  by  this  item  appears  under  the  captions  “Certain  Relationships  and  Related  Person 
Transactions” and “Corporate Governance Guidelines and Board Matters” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2012 
Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.  

55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.  

The  information  called  for  by  this  item  appears  under  the  caption  “Item  Number  Four:  Ratification  of  the 
Appointment of Grant Thornton LLP” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders 
and is incorporated herein by reference.  

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.  

(a)(1) Financial Statements  

PART IV 

The financial statements as set forth under Item 8 are filed as part of this report.  

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules  

Supplemental Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts appears on page 52 of this report.  

All other schedules have been omitted because they are either not required or not applicable.  

(a)(3) Exhibits  

The  list  of  exhibits  filed  as  part  of  this  annual  report  is  set  forth  on  the  Exhibit  Index  immediately  preceding  such 
exhibits and is incorporated herein by reference.  

(b) Exhibits  

See Exhibit Index on pages 58 – 60.  

(c) Financial Statement Schedules  

See Item 15(a)(2) above.  

56 

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly 

caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.  

SIGNATURES 

Date: November 10, 2011 

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. 
Registrant 

By: 

/s/ Michael C. Gazmarian 
Michael C. Gazmarian 
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed on November 10, 

2011 below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated:  

Name and Signature 

Position(s) 

/s/ H. O. WOLTZ III 
H. O. WOLTZ III 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board 
(Principal Executive Officer) 

/s/ MICHAEL C. GAZMARIAN 
MICHAEL C. GAZMARIAN 

  Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer  

(Principal Financial Officer) 

/s/ SCOT R. JAFROODI 
SCOT R. JAFROODI 

/s/ DUNCAN S. GAGE 
DUNCAN S. GAGE 

/s/ LOUIS E. HANNEN 
LOUIS E. HANNEN 

/s/ CHARLES B. NEWSOME 
CHARLES B. NEWSOME 

/s/ GARY L. PECHOTA 
GARY L. PECHOTA 

/s/ W. ALLEN ROGERS II 
W. ALLEN ROGERS II 

/s/ C. RICHARD VAUGHN 
C. RICHARD VAUGHN 

  Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller 

(Principal Accounting Officer) 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

57 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

EXHIBIT INDEX 
to 

Annual Report on Form 10-K of Insteel Industries, Inc. for Year Ended October 1, 2011 

Exhibit  
Number 

Description

3.1 

  Restated  Articles  of  Incorporation  for  the  Company  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  3.1  of  the  Company’s

Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on May 2, 1985). 

3.2 

  Articles  of  Amendment  to  the  Restated  Articles  of  Incorporation  of  the  Company  (incorporated  by  reference  to 

Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 3, 1988). 

3.3 

3.4 

  Articles  of  Amendment  to  the  Restated  Articles  of  Incorporation  of  the  Company  (incorporated  by  reference  to
Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 3, 1999 filed on May 14, 
1999). 

  Articles  of  Amendment  to  the  Restated  Articles  of  Incorporation  of  the  Company  (incorporated  by  reference  to
Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 3, 2010 filed on April 26, 
2010). 

3.5 

  Bylaws  of  the  Company  (as  last  amended  February  8,  2011)  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  3.2  of  the

Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2011). 

4.1 

4.2 

10.4 

10.5* 

10.9* 

10.11*   

10.12*   

  Rights Agreement dated  April 27, 1999 by and between the Company and First Union  National Bank, as Rights
Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on 
May 7, 1999). 

  Amendment No. 1 to the Rights Agreement dated as of April 25, 2009, between the Company and American Stock
Transfer  &  Trust  Company,  LLC  (as  Successor  Rights  Agent  to  First  Union  National  Bank)  (incorporated  by
reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2009). 

Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 2, 2010, among Insteel Wire Products Company,
as Borrower; Insteel Industries, Inc., as a Credit Party; Intercontinental Metals Corporation, as a Credit Party; and 
General  Electric  Capital  Corporation,  as  Agent  and  Lender  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.4  of  the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 26, 2011). 

1994 Employee Stock Option Plan of Insteel Industries, Inc. (as amended and restated effective February 1, 2000)
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on February 
23, 2000). 

1994  Director  Stock  Option  Plan  of  the  Company  (as  Amended  and  Restated  Effective  as  of  April  28,  1998) 
(incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.12  of  the  Company’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended 
October 3, 1998 filed on December 3, 1998). 

Insteel Industries, Inc. Return on Capital Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended effective September 18, 2007)
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 21, 
2007). 

Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Agreements between the Company and each of H.O. 
Woltz III and Michael C. Gazmarian, respectively, each dated November 14, 2006; each agreement is substantially
identical to the form in all material respects (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current 
Report on Form 8-K filed on November 16, 2006). 

10.13*   

Form  of  Amended  and  Restated  Severance  Agreements  with  H.O.  Woltz  III  and  Michael  C.  Gazmarian  dated
November 14, 2006 (each agreement is substantially identical to the form in all material respects) (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 99.6 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 16, 2006). 

10.14*    Change  in  Control  Severance  Agreement  between  the  Company  and  James  F.  Petelle  dated  November  14,  2006 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 16, 
2006). 

58 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

EXHIBIT INDEX 
to 

Annual Report on Form 10-K of Insteel Industries, Inc. for Year Ended October 1, 2011 

Exhibit  
Number 

10.15*   

Insteel  Industries,  Inc.  Director  Compensation  Plan  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.30  of  the
Company’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended  September  30,  1997  filed  on  December  10,
1997). 

Description

10.16*    Amended  and  Restated  Retirement  Security  Agreement  by  and  between  the  Company  and  H.O.  Woltz  III
dated  September  19,  2007  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.2  of  the  Company’s  Current  Report  on
Form 8-K filed on September 21, 2007). 

10.17*   

Form of Retirement Security Agreement between the Company and each of Michael C. Gazmarian, James F.
Petelle  and  Richard  T.  Wagner,  respectively,  dated  September  19,  2007;  each  agreement  is  substantially
identical  to  the  form  in  all  material  respects  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.3  of  the  Company’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 21, 2007). 

10.20*   

Letter of Employment between the Company and James F. Petelle, dated August 23, 2006 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 99.7 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 16, 2006). 

10.20.1*   Relocation  Proposal  between  the  Company  and  James  F.  Petelle,  dated  August  23,  2006  (incorporated  by
reference to Exhibit 10.20.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 3, 
2009 filed on November 9, 2009). 

10.20.2*   Addendum  to  Relocation  Proposal  between  the  Company  and  James  F.  Petelle,  dated  September  18,  2009
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20.2 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended October 3, 2009 filed on November 9, 2009). 

10.21*    Amended  and  Restated  Change  in  Control  Severance  Agreement  between  the  Company  and  Richard  T.
Wagner  dated  November  14,  2006  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  99.1  of  the  Company’s  Current 
Report on Form 8-K filed on February 15, 2007). 

10.22*   

2005 Equity Incentive Plan of Insteel Industries, Inc. as most recently amended on November 8, 2011. 

10.23*   

Summary  of  Amendments  to  the  Insteel  Industries,  Inc.  Director  Compensation  Plan  (incorporated  by 
reference  to  Exhibit  10.23  of  the  Company’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended 
September 27, 2008 filed on November 18, 2008). 

10.24*    Form  of  Notice  of  Grant  of  Restricted  Stock  Units  and  Restricted  Stock  Unit  Agreement  (incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2009). 

10.25*   

Insteel  Industries,  Inc.  Return  on  Capital  Incentive  Compensation  Plan  (as  amended  and  restated  effective
August 12, 2008) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K 
filed on February 13, 2009). 

10.26 

  Asset Purchase Agreement between Insteel Wire Products Company and Ivy Steel & Wire, Inc. dated as of
November  19,  2010  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1 of  the Company’s Current Report on 
Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2010). 

10.27 

  Secured Term Note dated as of November 19, 2010, made and delivered by Insteel Wire Products Company
in favor of Ivy Steel & Wire, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report
on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2010). 

59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - November 28, 2011

EXHIBIT INDEX 
to 

Annual Report on Form 10-K of Insteel Industries, Inc. for Year Ended October 1, 2011 

Exhibit  
Number 

Description

21.1 

  List of Subsidiaries of Insteel Industries, Inc. at October 1, 2011. 

23.1 

  Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 

31.1 

  Certification  of  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  pursuant  to  Rule  13a-14(a)  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of 

1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

31.2 

  Certification  of  the  Chief  Financial  Officer  pursuant  to  Rule  13a-14(a)  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of 

1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

32.1 

  Certification  of  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  pursuant  to  18  U.S.C.  Section  1350,  as  adopted  pursuant  to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

32.2 

  Certification  of  the  Chief  Financial  Officer  pursuant  to  18  U.S.C.  Section  1350,  as  adopted  pursuant  to 

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

101** 

  The  following  financial  information  from  our  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended 
October 1, 2011, filed on November 14, 2011, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language)
includes: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended October 1, 2011, October 2, 2010
and October 3, 2009, (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010, (iii) the
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended October 1, 2011, October 2, 2010 and October 3,
2009, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity as of October 1, 2011, October 2, 2010 and 
October 3, 2009 and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text. 

*  Management contracts or compensation plans or arrangements in which directors or executive officers are eligible to 

participate.  

**  The XBRL-related information has been furnished electronically herewith. This exhibit, regardless of whether it is an 
exhibit  to  a  document  incorporated  by  reference  into  any  of  our  filings  and  except  to  the  extent  specifically  stated 
otherwise, is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the 
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.  

Our  SEC  file  number  reference  for  documents  filed  with  the  SEC  pursuant  to  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  as 
amended, is 1-9929.  

60 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
120

100

80

60

40

20

0

49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - December 7, 2011

STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

  The following graph and data table compare the total returns (including the reinvestment of dividends) of the Company, 
the  Russell  2000  and  the  S&P  Building  Products  Index  based  on  initial  investments  of  $100  on  September  30,  2006.  
Total returns for the indices are calculated on a month-end basis.

$120

100

80

60

40

20

0

Insteel Industries, Inc.
Russell 2000
S&P Building Products

September 30, 2006

September 29, 2007

September 27, 2008

October 3, 2009

October 2, 2010

October 1, 2011

(In dollars)

Insteel Industries, Inc.
Russell 2000
S&P Building Products

September 30, 
2006

September 29, 
2007

September 27, 
2008

October 3,
2009

October 2, 
2010

October 1, 
2011

100.00
100.00
100.00

  77.78
112.34
100.73

  74.09
  96.07
104.12

62.38
86.90
79.28

48.40
98.50
69.09

55.13
95.02
45.75

 
49847{INSTEEL}Cedar.pdf - December 7, 2011

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA—FIVE-YEAR HISTORY

(In thousands, except for per share amounts)

Operating Results:
  Net sales
  Gross profit (loss)
  % of net sales

  Selling, general and administrative expense

Interest expense

  Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

  % of net sales

  Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
  Net earnings (loss)

Per Share Data:
  Per share (basic):

  Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
  Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
  Net earnings (loss)

  Per share (diluted):

  Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
  Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
  Net earnings (loss)
  Cash dividends declared

Returns:
  Return on total capital(1)
  Return on shareholders’ equity(2)

Financial Position:
  Cash and cash equivalents
  Total assets
  Total debt
  Shareholders’ equity

Cash Flows:

Year Ended

(52 weeks)
October 1,  
2011

(52 weeks)
October 2,  
2010

(53 weeks)
October 3,  
2009

(52 weeks) 
September 27,  
2008

(52 weeks)
September 29,  
2007

$ 336,909
31,743

9.4%

$  19,608
958
(387)
(0.1%)
—
(387)

$ 

$ 211,586
17,991

$ 230,236
(15,093)

$ 353,862
86,755

$ 297,806
56,061

8.5%

(6.6%)

24.5%

18.8%

$  16,024
453
458
0.2%
15
473

$ 

$  17,243
641
(20,940)

(9.1%)

$  (1,146)
(22,086)

$  18,623
594
43,717

$ 

12.4%
35
43,752

$  17,583
592
24,284

$ 

8.2%
(122)
24,162

$ 

(0.02)
—
(0.02)

(0.02)
—
(0.02)
0.12

$ 

0.03
—
0.03

0.03
—
0.03
0.12

$ 

(1.20)
(0.07)
(1.27)

(1.20)
(0.07)
(1.27)
0.12

$ 

2.47
—
2.47

2.44
—
2.44
0.62

$ 

1.33
(0.01)
1.32

1.32
(0.01)
1.31
0.12

(0.2%)
(0.3%)

0.3%
0.3%

(13.2%)
(13.2%)

27.9%
27.9%

18.2%
18.2%

$ 

10
216,530
14,156
148,474

$  45,935
182,505
—
147,876

$  35,102
182,117
—
147,070

$  26,493
228,220
—
169,847

$  8,703
173,529
—
143,850

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

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

Other Data:
  Number of employees at year-end

$  (2,907)
7,937
9,573
—
2,112

$  13,037
1,493
7,009
—
2,108

$  22,092
2,377
7,377
—
11,381

$  36,808
9,456
7,271
8,691
2,141

$  17,065
17,013
5,711
—
2,176

725

421

438

523

559

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Information

Board of directors

sHareHoLder iNforMatioN

duncan s. Gage(1)
President and Chief Executive Officer 
Giant Cement Holding, Inc.

Louis e. Hannen(1,2)
Retired Senior Vice President  
Wheat, First Securities, Inc.

charles B. Newsome(2,3)
Executive Vice President  
Johnson Concrete Company

Gary L. Pechota(1,3)
President and Chief Executive Officer  
DT-Trak Consulting, Inc.

W. allen rogers ii(1,3,4)
Principal  
Ewing Capital Partners, LLC

c. richard Vaughn(2,3,4)
Executive  
John S. Clark Company, Inc.

H.o. Woltz iii(4)
Chairman, 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 Nominating and  

Governance Committee

(4)  Member of the Executive Committee

executiVe officers

H.o. Woltz iii
Chairman, 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— 
Concrete Reinforcing Products Business Unit, 
Insteel Wire Products Company

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

Independent Registered Public  
Accounting Firm
Grant Thornton LLP  
Charlotte, North Carolina

Annual Meeting
Insteel shareholders are invited to attend 
our annual meeting, which will be held on 
Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. ET 
at the Cross Creek Country Club,  
1129 Greenhill Road,  
Mount Airy, North Carolina 27030

Common Stock
The common stock of Insteel Industries, 
Inc. is traded on the NASDAQ Global 
Select Market under the symbol IIIN.  
As of November 2, 2011, there were 910  
shareholders of record.

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

American Stock Transfer &  
Trust Company 
Operations Center 
6201 15th Avenue 
Brooklyn, New York 11219 
(866) 627-2704 
www.amstock.com

Investor Relations
For information on the Company, additional 
copies of this report or other financial 
information, 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 http://investor.insteel.com/.

forWard-LookiNG stateMeNts

Any statements in this 2011 Annual Report 
that are not entirely historical in nature 
constitute forward-looking statements 
within the meaning of the safe harbor pro-
visions of the Private Securities Litigation 
Reform Act of 1995. For important infor-
mation regarding forward-looking state-
ments, please read the “Cautionary Note 
Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” 
on page 1 of the Company’s Annual Report 
on Form 10-K for the year ended October 1, 
2011, which is included as part of this 2011 
Annual Report.

m
o
c
.
s
r
o
n
n
o
c
-
n
a
r
r
u
c
.
w
w
w
/

.
c
n

I

,
s
r
o
n
n
o
C
&
n
a
r
r
u
C
y
b
n
g
i
s
e
D

t
r
o
p
e
R

l

a
u
n
n
A

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1373 Boggs Drive
Mount Air y, Nor th Carolina 27030
phone ( 336 ) 786-2141   
www.insteel.com