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Insteel Industries, Inc.

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FY2012 Annual Report · Insteel Industries, Inc.
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2012 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  prod-
ucts  for  concrete  construction  applications. 
We manufacture and market prestressed con-
crete  strand  (“PC  strand”)  and  welded  wire 
reinforcement,  including  engineered  struc-
tural  mesh,  concrete  pipe  reinforcement  and 
standard  welded  wire  reinforcement.  Our 
products are sold primarily to manufacturers 
of concrete products that are used in nonresi-
dential construction. Headquartered in Mount 
Airy,  North  Carolina,  we  operate  nine  manu-
facturing facilities located in the United States.

Concrete barrier median project in 
Texas that utilized Insteel engineered 
structural mesh. 

37%   of net sales

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 ten-
sioned to their design load and anchored at the ends of a form. After the con-
crete has been placed and allowed to cure to sufficient strength, the load on 
the strand is transferred from the external anchors to the cured member, creat-
ing 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

Business Overview

63%  of net sales

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 
requirements. 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 treat-
ment 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 con-
trol applications 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

FiN A N CiA l  HiG HliG H T S 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

2012

2011

2010

Operating results:

  net sales
  gross profit

  % of net sales
  net earnings (loss)
  % of net sales

per share Data:

$ 336,909
31,743

$ 211,586
17,991

$ 363,303
22,458

6.2%

$  1,809

$ 

0.5%

9.4%

(387)
(0.1%)

$ 

$ 

8.5%
473
0.2%

0.03
0.12

  net earnings (loss) (basic and diluted)
  Cash dividends declared

$ 

0.10
0.12

$ 

(0.02)
0.12

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:

  net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
  Capital expenditures
  Depreciation and amortization
  Cash dividends paid

1.1%
1.2%

(0.2%)
(0.3%)

0.3%
0.3%

$ 

10
208,552
11,475
149,500

$  13,144
8,066
9,762
2,121

$ 

10
216,530
14,156
148,474

$  45,935
182,505
—
147,876

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

$  12,879
1,493
7,009
2,108

(1) net earnings (loss)/(average total debt + average shareholders’ equity).
(2) net earnings (loss)/average shareholders’ equity.

Net Sales
(in millions)

Net Earnings (Loss) 
Per Share

Return on 
Total Capital(1)

$363.3

$336.9

$211.6

$0.10

1.1%

$ 0.03

$ (0.02)

0.3%

(0.2%)

2010

2011

2012

2010

2011

2012

2010

2011

2012

p. 2      INStEEl INdUStRIES

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

0.08

0.06

0.04

0.02

0.00

-0.02

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0

-0.2

 
 
letter to shareholders

2012 marks the fifth consecutive year we begin our annual letter 
to  shareholders  commenting  on  the  challenging  conditions  in 
the concrete reinforcing products industry.  demand in our con-
struction  end  markets  remained  at  historically  depressed  levels 
during the year. our overall capacity utilization was 45%, reflect-
ing the continuation of reduced operating schedules across most 
of  our  manufacturing  facilities.  Prices  for  hot-rolled  steel  wire 
rod, our primary raw material, were highly volatile during the year 
driven largely by similar fluctuations in steel scrap prices for our 
suppliers, which had an adverse impact on margins.

despite the considerable challenges we have faced since 2008, we will likely look back 

upon this period as one of the most consequential in our history. We have significantly 

strengthened our market position and invested heavily in our people and facilities to 

widen the performance gap between Insteel and its competitors. Our broad product 

offering and customer service capabilities are unsurpassed in the industry. this progress 

was  achieved  without  compromising  our  strong  balance  sheet  or  constraining  our 

financial  flexibility,  positioning  us  for  substantial  organic  growth  as  our  markets 

recover and the ability to consummate additional acquisition opportunities.

$700 MIllION

ANNUAlIzEd CAPACIty

9

WORld-ClASS  
MANuFACTuRiNG FACiliTieS

<5%

ESM SHARE 
oF DoMeSTiC 
ReBAR MARKeT

we  enter  fiscal  2013  with  market  leadership  positions  across  all  of  our 
product lines and world-class facilities capable of generating more than 
$700 million of annual revenues (at current selling prices), providing us 
with  the  ability  to  almost  double  our  business  and  leverage  our  infra-
structure without significant capital investment.

ReCoNFiGuRATioN oF WelDeD WiRe ReiNFoRCeMeNT oPeRATioNS

We completed the remainder of the reconfiguration of our welded wire reinforcement 

operations during the year, which was undertaken following our acquisition of cer-

tain  of  the  assets  of  Ivy  Steel  &  Wire,  Inc.  (“Ivy”).  Under  this  comprehensive  pro-

gram, we consolidated and closed two facilities, relocated six production lines and 

completed a building expansion in order to realign the capacities and product mix of 

our  newly  combined  operations  with  the  anticipated  requirements  of  our  markets. 

going forward, we believe the actions that we have taken will reduce our manufac-

turing and freight costs and better position us to meet the needs of our customers 

as our markets recover.

FiNANCiAl ReSulTS

Net sales for 2012 rose 7.8% to $363.3 million from $336.9 million in 2011 on a 5.1% 

increase in shipments and a 2.6% increase in average selling prices. the increase in 

shipments was largely driven by the full year contribution of the Ivy facilities in 2012. 

Gross  margins  narrowed  to  6.2%  from  9.4%  primarily  due  to  compressed  spreads 

between  selling  prices  and  raw  material  costs  resulting  from  competitive  pricing 

pressures  and  the  increased  volatility  in  raw  material  costs.  Net  earnings  for  2012 

were $1.8 million ($0.10 per share) compared with a net loss of $387,000 ($0.02 per 

share) in 2011. the year-over-year improvement in our results was primarily driven by 

reductions  in  the  restructuring  charges  and  acquisition  costs  associated  with  the 

Ivy acquisition. 

Operating  activities  generated  $13.1  million  of  cash,  which  was  used  primarily  to 

fund  $8.1  million  of  capital  expenditures,  repay  $2.3  million  of  debt  and  pay  $2.1  

million of dividends. We ended the year with $11.5 million of borrowings outstanding 

on  our  $100.0  million  revolving  credit  facility,  providing  us  with  ample  liquidity  to 

fund our operations and pursue additional growth opportunities.

ENgINEEREd StRUCtURAl MESH ExPANSION

We are currently proceeding with the expansion of our engineered structural mesh 

(“ESM”) business, which involves the addition of new production lines at the North 

Carolina and texas facilities and the relocation of an existing production line to the 

Missouri  facility.  We  believe  that  ESM  represents  an  attractive  growth  opportunity 

for Insteel in view of the increasing market acceptance of the product as a replace-

ment  for  hot-rolled  rebar.  For  many  concrete  reinforcing  applications,  eSM  offers 

substantial  advantages  relative  to  rebar  by  allowing  customers  to  achieve  signifi-

cant reductions in labor costs and cycle times in addition to requiring less steel to 

p. 4      INStEEl INdUStRIES

provide  the  equivalent  reinforcement  due  to  its  superior  yield  strength.  With  total 

domestic  consumption  of  eSM  estimated  to  represent  less  than  5%  of  the  rebar  

volume that it could potentially replace, the product is still early in its life cycle and 

its relative penetration of the rebar market. As the clear market leader for ESM, our 

state-of-the-art  operations,  manufacturing  capabilities  and  national  geographic 

footprint are unsurpassed in the industry. 

the  texas  production  line  will  provide  us  with  additional  capacity  that  will  soon  

be  required  to  adequately  serve  the  Southwest  market  as  it  continues  to  recover 

from the recession at a more rapid rate than other regions of the country. It will also 

be  nearly  twice  as  productive  as  older  equipment  employing  more  conventional 

technology, which should favorably impact our conversion costs. the North Carolina 

production  line  will  manufacture  specialty  ESM  products  that  are  typically  fabri-

cated from rebar using labor-intensive processes. this new technology will serve to 

expand  the  range  of  the  rebar  replacement  solutions  we  can  offer  customers  and 

enable us to enter an attractive segment of the market in addition to reducing yield 

loss and eliminating the costs associated with offline fabrication activities. the two 

new  lines  are  expected  to  start  up  during  the  second  quarter  of  fiscal  2013  and  

generate a combined $15 to $20 million of annualized revenues when fully operational.

looKiNG AHeAD

We enter fiscal 2013 with market leadership positions across all of our product lines 

and  world-class  facilities  capable  of  generating  more  than  $700  million  of  annual 

revenues  (at  current  selling  prices),  providing  us  with  the  ability  to  almost  double 

our business and leverage our infrastructure without significant capital investment. 

With the reconfiguration activities behind us, we are committed to continue driving 

costs  out  of  our  business  and  achieving  further  improvements  in  the  productivity 

and effectiveness of all our manufacturing, selling and administrative activities. Our 

strong  balance  sheet  and  conservative  capital  structure  provide  us  not  only  with  

the  liquidity  required  to  support  our  future  business,  but  also  to  fund  our  growth 

initiatives.  We  will  continue  to  pursue  additional  bolt-on  acquisitions  in  our  core 

businesses that are synergistic and expand our market leadership position. 

We appreciate the efforts of our employees and their ongoing commitment to satis-

fying the needs of our customers as effectively and efficiently as possible. Insteel is 

ideally positioned to respond to the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities 

that lie ahead. We look forward to reporting additional progress during the upcoming 

year and thank you for your continued support. 

Sincerely,

H.o. Woltz iii

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

2012 ANNUAl REPORt      p. 5

Sydney Lanier Bridge 
project located in 
Brunswick, Georgia  
that used Insteel PC 
strand for both precast 
and posttensioned  
reinforcing applications. 

MARKeT leADeRSHiP

Insteel  is  the  nation’s  largest  producer  of  PC  strand  and  welded 
wire  reinforcement  (“WWR”),  which  are  used  for  a  broad  range  
of  concrete  construction  applications.  Our  nine  manufacturing 
facilities are strategically located in close proximity to our custom-
ers  and  suppliers,  enhancing  our  customer  service  capabilities 
and  minimizing  our  logistics  costs.  our  broad  offering  of  con-
crete  reinforcing  products  provides  us  with  the  ability  to  bundle 
products  that  are  used  in  combination  for  many  construction 
applications.

the  Ivy  acquisition  in  November  2010  enhanced  our  competitive 
position in the Midwest, Northeast and Florida markets and pro-
vided us with better access to the West Coast market. It has also 
made us the market leader in each of the three product families 
within  WWR—engineered  structural  mesh,  concrete  pipe  rein-
forcement and standard welded wire reinforcement—and the only 
WWR producer with a truly national market presence.

SAlES by ENd USE

90%
Nonresidential 
Construction

10%
Residential 
Construction

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

2012 ANNUAl REPORt      p. 7

0.08

0.06

0.04

0.02

0.00

-0.02

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0

-0.2

Net Sales
(in millions)

Net Earnings (Loss) 
Per Share

Return on 

Total Capital(1)

$363.3

$336.9

$211.6

$0.10

1.1%

$ 0.03

$ (0.02)

0.3%

(0.2%)

2010

2011

2012

2010

2011

2012

2010

2011

2012

Flood control project in Nevada that utilizes nearly three 
miles of concrete box culverts reinforced with Insteel 
engineered structural mesh.

lOW COSt PROdUCER

A  key  element  of  our  business  strategy  is  to  operate  as  the  low 
cost producer in our highly competitive industry. Our nine world-
class  facilities  employ  the  latest  equipment  technology  and 
advanced  manufacturing  practices  to  achieve  production  rates 
and  conversion  costs  that  compare  favorably  against  any  of  our 
competitors—domestic  or  foreign.  We  also  believe  our  highly 
sophisticated information systems infrastructure is unmatched in 
our  industry,  providing  us  with  a  broad  range  of  performance 
 metrics and decision-support tools to continually monitor and fine 
tune our processes.

Our ability to operate as the low cost producer is ultimately depen-
dent upon our highly dedicated and skilled workforce. We believe 
the team that we have developed sets the standard for our indus-
try  and  is  well  equipped  to  meet  the  unique  challenges  that  are 
inherent to our highly competitive and cyclical business.

SAlES by CUStOMER CAtEgORy

70%
Concrete Product 
Manufacturers

15%
Rebar Fabricators

15% 
distributors

Return on 

Total Capital(1)

Net Earnings (Loss) 

Per Share

Net Sales

(in millions)

1.1%

$0.10

$363.3

$336.9

$211.6

0.3%

(0.2%)

$ 0.03

$ (0.02)

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2010

2012

2011

2010

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0

-0.2

2012 ANNUAl REPORt      p. 9

0.08

0.06

0.04

0.02

0.00

-0.02

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

San Jose International Airport parking structure project 
that used Insteel engineered structural mesh to reinforce 
precast concrete components.

StRAtEgIC gROWtH

Our  growth  strategy  is  focused  on  opportunities  in  our  core 
welded wire reinforcement and PC strand businesses that further 
our  penetration  of  the  markets  we  currently  serve  or  expand  our 
geographic  footprint.  As  our  construction  end-markets  recover, 
our  existing  facilities  offer  substantial  growth  potential  without 
significant  capital  investment  considering  that  they  operated  at 
less than half of their overall capacity during 2012. Our engineered 
structural  mesh  business  also  represents  an  attractive  organic 
growth  opportunity  as  acceptance  of  the  product  continues  to 
broaden.  the  two  new  production  lines  that  are  scheduled  to  
start up during the second quarter of fiscal 2013 are expected to 
generate  $15  to  $20  million  of  annualized  revenues  when  fully 
operational.  We  will  also  continue  to  be  disciplined  in  pursuing 
additional  acquisition  opportunities  that  are  highly  synergistic 
and  meet  our  return  on  capital  requirements  while  maintaining 
our strong financial position.

The  eight-level  structure  contains  3,817  precast  concrete  components  and  
is the largest precast concrete parking structure in the state of California, 
providing spaces for 3,350 cars.

2012 ANNUAl REPORt      p. 11

SeleC Te D  FiN A N CiA l  DATA — Fiv e-Y e A R  HiS To RY

(Dollars in thousands, except 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:

  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

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:

  net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
  Capital expenditures
  Depreciation and amortization
  repurchases of common stock
  Cash dividends paid

Other Data:

Year ended

(52 weeks)
september 29,
2012

(52 weeks)
October 1,
2011

(52 weeks)
October 2,
2010

(53 weeks)
October 3,
2009

(52 weeks)
september 27,
2008

$ 363,303
22,458

$ 336,909
31,743

$ 211,586
17,991

$ 230,236
(15,093)

$ 353,862
86,755

6.2%

9.4%

8.5%

(6.6%)

24.5%

$  19,608
958
(387)
(0.1%)

— $ 

$  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

$  18,911
623
1,809

$ 

$ 

0.5%
—
1,809

0.10
—
0.10

0.10
—
0.10
0.12

$ 

$ 

(387)

(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

1.1%
1.2%

(0.2%)
(0.3%)

0.3%
0.3%

(13.2%)
(13.2%)

27.9%
27.9%

$ 

10
208,552
11,475
149,500

$  13,144
8,066
9,762
—
2,121

$ 

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

$  (2,907)
7,937
9,573
—
2,112

$  12,879
1,493
7,009
—
2,108

$  22,122
2,377
7,377
—
11,381

$  36,749
9,456
7,271
8,691
2,141

  number of employees at year-end

682

725

421

438

523

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

p. 12      INStEEl INdUStRIES

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 fi scal year ended September 29, 2012
OR

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

For the transition period from ______________ to ______________
Commission fi le number 1-9929

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specifi ed in its charter)

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

56-0674867
(I.R.S. Employer Identifi cation No.)

1373 Boggs Drive, Mount Airy, North Carolina 27030  
(Address of principal executive offi  ces)  (Zip Code) 
(336) 786-2141
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code ) 

 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
Th  e 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 defi ned in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

YES

NO

 • if the registrant is not required to fi le reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.  
 • whether the registrant (1) has fi led all reports required to be fi led 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 fi le such reports), and (2) has been subject to such fi ling requirements for the past 90 days.
 • 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 fi les).
 • if disclosure of delinquent fi lers 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 defi nitive proxy or information statements 
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to the Form 10-K.
 • whether the registrant is a large accelerated fi ler, an accelerated fi ler, a non-accelerated fi ler, or a smaller reporting company. See the defi nitions 
of “large accelerated fi ler”, “accelerated fi ler” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated fi ler 

Accelerated fi ler 

Non-accelerated fi ler  
(Do not check if a smaller
reporting company)

Smaller reporting company 

 • whether the registrant is a shell company (as defi ned in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
As of March 31, 2012 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter), the aggregate market value of the 
common stock held by non-affi  liates of the registrant was $199,867,792 based upon the closing sale price as reported on the NASDAQ 
Global Select Market. As of October 31, 2012, there were 17,719,095 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain  portions  of  the  registrant’s  proxy  statement  to  be  delivered  to  shareholders  in  connection  with  the  2013  Annual  Meeting  of 
Shareholders are incorporated by reference as set forth in Part III hereof.

   
   
 
Table of Contents

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements ..............................................................................................................................................................................................4

PART I 

5

ITEM 1 
Business .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................5
ITEM 1A  Risk Factors .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................8
ITEM 1B  Unresolved Staff  Comments .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11
Properties ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11
ITEM 2 
ITEM 3 
Legal Proceedings ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11
ITEM 4  Mine Safety Disclosures ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11

PART II 

12

ITEM 5  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters

and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................12
Selected Financial Data ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14
ITEM 6 
ITEM 7  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations .......................14
ITEM 7A  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ................................................................................................................................22
ITEM 8 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data .....................................................................................................................................................................................23
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure ....................47
ITEM 9 
ITEM 9A  Controls and Procedures ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................47
ITEM 9B  Other Information ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................49

PART III 

49

ITEM 10  Directors, Executive Offi  cers and Corporate Governance ................................................................................................................................................49
ITEM 11  Executive Compensation .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................49
ITEM 12 

Security Ownership of Certain Benefi cial Owners and Management
and Related Stockholder Matters........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................50
ITEM 13  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence ........................................................................50
ITEM 14  Principal Accounting Fees and Services .................................................................................................................................................................................................................50

PART IV 

51

ITEM 15  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................51
SIGNATURES .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................52
EXHIBIT INDEX ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................53

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form  10K 3

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Th  is 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 refl ected 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 fi lings 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 qualifi ed 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 
specifi cally decline any obligation to publicly release the results of any 
revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to refl ect 
any future events or circumstances after the date of such statements 
or to refl ect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

It is not possible to anticipate and list all risks and uncertainties that 
may aff ect our future operations or fi nancial performance; however, 
they would include, but are not limited to, the following:
 • general economic and competitive conditions in the markets in 
which we operate;
 • credit market conditions and the relative availability of fi nancing for 
us, our customers and the construction industry as a whole;

 • the continuation of reduced spending for nonresidential construction 
and the impact on demand for 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;
 • changes in the amount and duration of transportation funding 
provided by federal, state and local governments and the impact on 
spending for infrastructure construction and demand for our products;
 • the cyclical nature of the steel and building material industries;
 • fl uctuations 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 aff ecting 
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 
signifi cantly impact our operating costs;
 • unanticipated plant outages, equipment failures or labor diffi  culties;
 • continued escalation in certain of our operating costs; and
 • the risks and uncertainties discussed herein under the caption “Risk 
Factors.”

4

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

   
   
PART I  

ITEM 1 Business

PART I

ITEM 1  Business

General

Insteel Industries, Inc. (“we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” or “Insteel”) 
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 
(“WWR”), including ESM, concrete pipe reinforcement (“CPR”) 
and standard welded wire reinforcement (“SWWR”). Our products 
are sold primarily to manufacturers of concrete products that are 
used in nonresidential construction. For fi scal 2012, 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”), an 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.

Internet Access to Company Information

Additional information about us and our fi lings 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 

Products

Our exit from the industrial wire business in June 2006 (see Note 10 
to the consolidated fi nancial statements) was the last in a series of 
divestitures which served to narrow our strategic and operational focus 
to concrete reinforcing products. Th  e 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 eff ect to post-closing 
adjustments (the “Ivy Acquisition”). Ivy was one of the nation’s largest 
producers of WWR and wire products for concrete construction 
applications (see Note 4 to the consolidated fi nancial 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. 
Th  ese 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.

we electronically fi le such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. 
Th  e 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 fi lings.

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 

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 5

PART I  
ITEM 1 Business

elements or structures are used in both nonresidential and residential 
construction. For 2012, 2011 and 2010, PC strand sales represented 
37%, 38% and 48%, respectively, of our consolidated net sales.

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 ESM, CPR and 
SWWR. 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 off ers. 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. 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 2012, 2011 and 
2010, WWR sales represented 63%, 62% and 52%, 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. 
Th  e 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 fi scal 2012, 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 specifi c end use for our products as a high percentage 
of our customers sell into both the nonresidential and residential 
construction sectors. Th  ere were no customers that represented 10% 
or more of our net sales in fi scal years 2012, 2011 and 2010.

Backlog

Backlog is minimal for our business because of the relatively short lead times that are required by our customers. We believe that the majority of 
our fi rm orders existing on September 29, 2012 will be shipped prior to the end of the fi rst quarter of fi scal 2013.

Product Warranties

Our products are used in applications which are subject to inherent risks 
including performance defi ciencies, personal injury, property damage, 
environmental contamination or loss of production. We warrant our 
products to meet certain specifi cations and actual or claimed defi ciencies 

from these specifi cations 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 fl uctuations 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 profi tability are usually higher in the third 

and fourth quarters of the fi scal year and lower in the fi rst and second 
quarters. From a cyclical standpoint, the level of construction activity 
tends to be correlated with general economic conditions although there 
can be signifi cant diff erences between the relative performance of the 
nonresidential versus residential construction sectors for extended periods.

Raw Materials

Th  e 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 diff erent grades and sizes of 
wire rod with varying specifi cations based on the diameter, chemistry, 
mechanical properties and metallurgical characteristics that are required 

6

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

PART I  

ITEM 1 Business

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.

Pricing for wire rod tends to fl uctuate 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 
signifi cantly impact the pricing and availability of imported wire rod, 
which during fi scal years 2012 and 2011 represented approximately 17% 
and 15%, 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.

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 off shore suppliers have withdrawn from the domestic 
market following the fi ling of trade cases by the domestic industry, 
new suppliers have fi lled 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. 
Th  ese 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 certifi ed to customers 
to be in compliance with the domestic content regulations.

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. Th  is evolution 
toward higher value-added products has generally benefi ted 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 

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. 
Th  e relative supply and demand conditions in our markets determine 
whether our margins expand or contract during periods of rising or 
falling wire rod prices.

Competition

We believe that we are the largest domestic producer of PC strand and 
WWR. Th  e 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 off er multiple product lines over 
broad geographic areas. Other competitors are smaller independent 
companies that off er 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., Concrete 
Reinforcements Inc. and Wire Mesh Corporation. Our primary 
competitors for PC strand are American Spring Wire Corporation, 
Sumiden Wire Products Corporation, Strand-Tech Martin, Inc. and 
Wire Mesh Corporation. Import competition is also a signifi cant factor 
in certain segments of the PC strand market.

In response to irrationally-priced import competition from off shore 
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. In 2003, we, together with a 
coalition of domestic producers of PC strand, obtained a favorable 
determination from the U.S. Department of Commerce (the “DOC”) 
in response to the petitions we had fi led alleging that imports of PC 
strand from Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico and Th  ailand were being 

Employees

“dumped” or sold in the U.S. at a price that was lower than fair value 
and had injured the domestic PC strand industry. Th  e DOC imposed 
anti-dumping duties ranging from 12% up to 119%, which had the 
eff ect 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 fi led 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. Th  e DOC 
imposed fi nal countervailing duty margins ranging from 9% to 46% 
and anti-dumping margins ranging from 43% to 194%, which had 
the eff ect of limiting the continued participation of Chinese producers 
in the domestic market.

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 off ering and geographic reach, we believe that we are well-
positioned to compete favorably with other producers of our concrete 
reinforcing products.

As of September 29, 2012, we employed 682 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 fi nancial results.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 7

PART I  
ITEM 1A Risk Factors

Financial Information

For information with respect to revenue, operating profi tability and identifi able 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 fi nancial 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 diffi  culties in complying with legislative or regulatory standards 
and believe that these standards have not materially impacted our fi nancial 
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 eff ect on our fi nancial position or results of 
operations. We do not expect to incur material capital expenditures 
for environmental control facilities during fi scal years 2013 and 2014.

Executive Offi  cers of the Company

Our executive offi  cers are as follows:

Name
H.O. Woltz III
Michael C. Gazmarian
James F. Petelle
Richard T. Wagner

Age
56
53
62
53

Position
President, Chief Executive Offi  cer and Chairman of the Board
Vice President, Chief Financial Offi  cer and Treasurer
Vice President - Administration and Secretary
Vice President and General Manager of IWP

H. O. Woltz III, 56, was elected Chief Executive Offi  cer in 1991 and 
has been employed by us and our subsidiaries in various capacities 
since 1978. He was named President and Chief Operating Offi  cer 
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, 53, was elected Vice President, Chief Financial 
Offi  cer and Treasurer in February 2007. He had previously served as 
Chief Financial Offi  cer 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 fi nancial capacities.

James F. Petelle, 62, 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.

Richard T. Wagner, 53, 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.

Th  e executive offi  cers listed above were elected by our Board of Directors 
at its annual meeting held February 21, 2012 for a term that will expire 
at the next annual meeting of the Board of Directors or until their 
successors are elected and qualify. Th  e next meeting at which offi  cers 
will be elected is expected to be February 12, 2013.

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. Th  e 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 
aff ect our fi nancial 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 fi le with the SEC.

8

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

PART I  

ITEM 1A Risk Factors

Our customers may be adversely aff ected 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 fi nancing 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. Th  e continuation or occurrence of these events could materially 
and adversely impact our business, fi nancial condition and results of 
operations.

Our fi nancial results can be negatively impacted by 
the volatility in the cost and availability of our primary 
raw material, hot-rolled carbon steel wire rod.
Th  e 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 fi nancial markets. Beginning in fi scal 2004, 
a tightening of supply in the rod market together with fl uctuations 
in the raw material costs of rod producers resulted in increased price 
volatility which has continued through fi scal 2012. 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 profi t and cash fl ow 
from operations. Additionally, should raw material costs decline, our 
fi nancial 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.

Our fi nancial results can also be signifi cantly impacted if raw material 
supplies are inadequate to satisfy our purchasing requirements. 
In addition, trade actions by domestic wire rod producers against off shore 
suppliers can have a substantial impact on the availability and cost of 
imported wire rod. Th  e imposition of anti-dumping or countervailing 
duty margins by the DOC against exporting countries can have the 
eff ect of reducing or eliminating their activity in the domestic market, 
which is of increasing signifi cance 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 suffi  cient quantities 
of our products or operate our manufacturing facilities in an effi  cient 
manner, which could result in lost sales and higher operating costs.

Our business is cyclical and can be negatively impacted 
by prolonged economic downturns or reduced 
availability of fi nancing 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 fi nancing 
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. Th  e tightening in the credit markets 
that has persisted since fi scal 2009 could continue to unfavorably impact 
demand for our products by reducing the availability of fi nancing to our 
customers and the construction industry as a whole. Future prolonged 
periods of economic weakness or reduced availability of fi nancing could 
have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, 
fi nancial condition and cash fl ows.

Our business can be negatively impacted by reductions 
in the amount and duration of government funding 
for infrastructure projects that reduce the level of 
construction activity and demand for our products.
Certain of our products are used in the construction of highways, 
bridges and other infrastructure projects that are funded by federal, 
state and local governments. Reductions in the amount of funding 
for such projects or the period for which it is provided could have a 
material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, fi nancial 
condition and cash fl ows.

Our operations are subject to seasonal fl uctuations 
that may impact our cash fl ow.
Our shipments are generally lower in the fi rst 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 fl ow from operations 
may vary from quarter to quarter due to these seasonal factors.

Demand for our products is highly variable and 
diffi  cult 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. Th  e short lead times 
for customer orders and minimal backlog that characterize our 
business make it diffi  cult 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. Th  e combination of these factors may cause signifi cant 
fl uctuations in our sales, profi tability and cash fl ows.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 9

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 fi nancial performance.
Our operations are capital intensive and require substantial recurring 
expenditures for the routine maintenance of our equipment and 
facilities. Although we expect to fi nance our business requirements 
through internally generated funds or from borrowings under our 
$100.0 million revolving credit facility, we cannot provide any assurances 
these resources will be suffi  cient to support our business. A material 
adverse change in our operations or fi nancial condition could limit our 
ability to borrow funds under our credit facility, which could further 
adversely impact our liquidity and fi nancial condition. Any signifi cant 
future acquisitions could require additional fi nancing from external 
sources that may not be available on favorable terms, which could 
adversely impact our operations, growth plans, fi nancial 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. 
Th  ese 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.

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 fi scal 2012, our common stock traded as high as $13.74 
and as low as $8.93. Th  ere are numerous factors that could cause 
the price of our common stock to fl uctuate signifi cantly, 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.

PART I  
ITEM 1A Risk Factors

Foreign competition could adversely impact our 
fi nancial results.
Our PC strand business is subject to off shore import competition 
on an ongoing basis in that in most market environments, domestic 
production capacity is insuffi  cient 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 profi t margins could be negatively impacted. 
In response to irrationally-priced import competition from off shore 
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. Th  ese trade cases have resulted 
in the imposition of duties which have had the eff ect of limiting 
the continued participation of certain countries in the domestic 
market. Trade law enforcement is critical to our ability to maintain our 
competitive position against foreign PC strand producers that engage 
in unlawful trade practices.

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 fi res, 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 signifi cant capital expenditures. 
Although our insurance coverage could off set the losses or expenditures 
relating to some of these events, our results of operations and cash fl ows 
could be negatively impacted to the extent that such claims were not 
covered or only partially covered by our insurance.

Our fi nancial results could be adversely impacted by 
the continued escalation in certain of our operating costs.
Our employee benefi t 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 Th  e Patient Protection and Aff ordable Care Act. 
Th  is legislation may have a signifi cant impact on health care providers, 
insurers and others associated with the health care industry. If the 
implementation of this legislation signifi cantly increases the costs 
attributable to our self-insured health plans, it may negatively impact 
our business, fi nancial 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 off set the impact of 
the ongoing escalation in these costs, there can be no assurance that 
such actions will be eff ective. If we are unable to pass these additional 
costs through by raising selling prices, our fi nancial results could be 
adversely impacted.

10

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

ITEM 1B Unresolved Staff  Comments

None.

ITEM 4 Mine Safety Disclosures

PART I  

ITEM 2  Properties

Insteel’s corporate headquarters and IWP’s sales and administrative offi  ces 
are located in Mount Airy, North Carolina. At September 29, 2012, 
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. 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”) 
fi led 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. Th  e third-party action sought recovery 
of any damages which could have been assessed against DSI in the 
action fi led 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 fi led an interlocutory 
appeal of that ruling. In addition, we previously fi led 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. 
Th  e 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 fi scal 2011, we paid the $600,000 settlement to ODOT and 
wrote off  the DSI receivables against the previously established reserve. 
Th  e 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 fi scal 2010 results refl ect a $1.5 million charge 
relating to the net eff ect 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 eff ect on our fi nancial position, results of 
operations or cash fl ows.

ITEM 4  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 11

PART II  
ITEM 5 Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

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 October 24, 2012, there were 825 shareholders of record. Th  e 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 fi scal 2012 and fi scal 2011:

First Quarter
Second Quarter
Th  ird Quarter
Fourth Quarter

$

Fiscal 2012

Fiscal 2011

High
11.25 $
13.74  
12.38  
12.24  

Low
9.27 $
10.47  
8.93  
9.46  

Cash Dividends
0.03
0.03
0.03
0.03

$

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

We currently pay a quarterly cash dividend of $0.03 per share. 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 fi nancial condition, 
operating results, cash requirements and expansion plans. See Note 7 
of the consolidated fi nancial statements for additional discussion with 
respect to dividend payments.

12

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 5 Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Stock Performance Graph

Th  e line graph below compares the cumulative total shareholder 
return on our common stock with the cumulative total return of the 
Russell 2000 Index and the S&P Building Products Index for the fi ve 
years ended September 29, 2012. Th  e graph and table assume that $100 
was invested on September 29, 2007 in each of our common stock, 

the Russell 2000 Index and the S&P Building Products Index, and 
that all dividends were reinvested. Cumulative total shareholder returns 
for our common stock, the Russell 2000 Index and the S&P Building 
Products Index are based on our fi scal year.

COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE RETURN FOR INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. 
The Russell 2000 Index, and the S&P Building Products Index

In $

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

9/29/07

9/27/08

10/3/09

10/2/10

10/1/11

9/29/12

Insteel Industries, Inc.

Russell 2000

S&P Building Products

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

$

9/29/07
100.00 $
100.00  
100.00  

9/27/08

95.26 $
85.52  
103.37  

Fiscal Year Ended
10/3/09

80.20 $
77.35  
78.70  

10/2/10

10/1/11

62.23 $
87.68  
68.59  

70.88 $
84.58  
45.41  

9/29/12
83.46
111.57
98.68

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

On November 18, 2008, our Board of Directors approved a 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. Th  e share repurchase authorization continues in eff ect until 
terminated by the Board of Directors. As of September 29, 2012, there was 
$24.8 million remaining available for future share repurchases under this 
authorization. During 2011, we repurchased $143,000 or 12,633 shares 
of our common stock through restricted stock net-share settlements. 
We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock during 2012.

Rights Agreement

On April 21, 2009, the Board of Directors adopted Amendment No. 1 
to Rights Agreement, eff ective 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. Th  e 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 fi nancial statements.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 13

 
 
PART II  
ITEM 6 Selected Financial Data

ITEM 6  Selected Financial Data

Financial Highlights

 (In thousands, except per share amounts)
Net sales
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Net earnings (loss)
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing 
operations (basic)
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

Year Ended

(52 weeks)
September 29, 2012

(52 weeks)
October 1, 2011

(52 weeks)
October 2, 2010

$

363,303 $
1,809  
1,809  

336,909  $
(387)  
(387)  

211,586 $
458  
473  

(53 weeks)
October 3, 2009
230,236 
(20,940)
(22,086)

$

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

0.10  

(0.02)  

0.03  

(1.20)

0.10  
0.10  
0.10  
0.12  
208,552  
11,475  
149,500  

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

0.03  
0.03  
0.03  
0.12  
182,505  
-  
147,876  

(1.20)
(1.27)
(1.27)
0.12 
182,117 
- 
147,070 

2.47

2.44
2.47
2.44
0.62
228,220
-
169,847

In the fi rst quarter of fi scal 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

Basic

- $
-  

Diluted
-
-

$

2008

Basic
(0.02) $
(0.02)  

Diluted
(0.03)
(0.03)

ITEM 7  Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Th  e 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 fi nancial statements), our operations are entirely focused 
on the manufacture and marketing of concrete reinforcing products 
for the concrete construction industry. Th  e 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.

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 eff ect to post-closing adjustments. Ivy was one of the nation’s 

14

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

largest producers of WWR and wire products for concrete construction 
applications (see Note 4 to the consolidated fi nancial 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. 
Th  ese 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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Critical Accounting Policies

Our fi nancial statements have been prepared in accordance with 
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). 
Our discussion and analysis of our fi nancial condition and results of 
operations are based on these fi nancial statements. Th  e preparation of 
our fi nancial 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 
diff er 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 fi nancial 
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 fi nancial 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 
specifi c customers, historical trends and other information. Th  ere 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. Signifi cant management judgments and estimates are used in 
establishing the allowances. Th  ese judgments and estimates consider such 
factors as customers’ fi nancial position, cash fl ows and payment history 
as well as current and expected business conditions. It is reasonably 
likely that actual collections will diff er from our estimates, which may 
result in increases or decreases in the allowances. Adjustments to the 
allowances may also be required if there are signifi cant changes in the 
fi nancial condition of our customers.

Inventory valuation. We periodically evaluate the carrying value 
of our inventory. Th  is 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 diff er from our estimates. Adjustments to these reserves 
may be required if actual market conditions for our products are 
substantially diff erent than the assumptions underlying our estimates.

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 
fl ows 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 diff erence between the carrying value and the present value of 
estimated future net cash fl ows 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 aff ect 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 fi led 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. Th  ese estimates are subject to a high degree of 
variability based upon future infl ation rates, litigation trends, changes 
in benefi t 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 diff er 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 signifi cant 
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 Codifi cation (“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. Th  e 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 

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 15

PART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

options at the date of grant. Th  is model requires us to make assumptions 
such as expected term, volatility and forfeiture rates that determine 
the stock options’ fair value. Th  ese assumptions are based on historical 
information and judgment regarding market factors and trends. If actual 
results diff er from our assumptions and judgments used in estimating 
these factors, future adjustments to these estimates may be required.

Assumptions for employee benefi t plans. We account for our defi ned 
employee benefi t 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 Benefi ts. 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.

Th  e discount rates we utilize for determining net periodic pension 
costs and the related benefi t 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 refl ect current interest rates on such long-term bonds. Th  e discount 
rates are used to determine the actuarial present value of the benefi t 
obligations as of the valuation date as well as the interest component 
of the net periodic pension cost for the following year. Th  e discount 
rate for the Delaware Plan and SERPs was 4%, 4.75% and 5.25% for 
2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Th  e 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 benefi t payments inherent in the projected benefi t 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. Th  e 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 refl ect the 
targeted allocation.

For 2012, 2011 and 2010, 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 2013. 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.

Th  e projected benefi t 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 infl ation 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 diff erent pension costs over diff erent periods and materially 
diff erent asset and liability amounts in our consolidated fi nancial 
statements. A reduction in the assumed discount rate generally results in 
an actuarial loss, as the actuarially-determined present value of estimated 
future benefi t 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 diff er 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 benefi t 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 benefi ts are still being earned 
by active employees) or the average remaining life expectancy of the 
inactive participants (for plans for which benefi ts are not still being 
earned by active employees). However, any actuarial gains generated in 
future periods reduce the negative amortization eff ect of any cumulative 
unamortized actuarial losses, while any actuarial losses generated in 
future periods reduce the favorable amortization eff ect of any cumulative 
unamortized actuarial gains.

Th  e 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. Th  e funding 
requirements for the Delaware Plan are based upon applicable regulations, 
and will generally diff er from the amount of pension cost recognized 
under ASC Topic 715 for fi nancial reporting purposes. During 2012 
and 2011, we made contributions totaling $206,000 and $478,000, 
respectively, to the Delaware Plan. No contributions were required to 
be made to the Delaware Plan during 2010.

We currently expect net periodic pension costs for 2013 to be $28,000 
for the Delaware Plan and $916,000 for the SERPs. Cash contributions 
to the plans during 2013 are expected to be $362,000 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 benefi t obligations 
as of September 29, 2012 by approximately $101,000 and have no impact 
on the expected net periodic pension cost for 2013. A 0.25% decrease 
in the assumed discount rate for our SERPs would have increased our 
projected and accumulated benefi t obligations as of September 29, 2012 
by approximately $266,000 and $195,000, respectively, and the net 
periodic pension cost for 2013 by approximately $23,000.

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 2013 by approximately $4,000.

16

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

PART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

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. Th  is update becomes eff ective for us in the fi rst quarter of fi scal 2013.

Results of Operations

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS  SELECTED DATA

$

$

$

$

(Dollars in thousands)
Net sales
Gross profi t

Percentage of net sales

Selling, general and administrative expense

Percentage of net sales
Other income, net
Restructuring charges, net
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
Acquisition costs
Bargain purchase gain
Legal settlement
Interest expense
Interest income
Eff ective income tax rate
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Earnings from discontinued operations
Net earnings (loss)
”N/M” = not meaningful.

2012 Compared with 2011

September 29, 2012
363,303 
22,458 

Change

7.8% $
(29.3%)  

Year Ended
October 1, 2011
336,909 
31,743 

Change

59.2% $
76.4%  

October 2, 2010
211,586 
17,991 

6.2%

18,911 

5.2%

(188)
832 
(425)
- 
- 
- 
623 
(21)
33.6%

1,809 
- 
1,809 

(3.6%) $

(15.3%) $
(90.0%)  
N/M 

(100.0%)  
(100.0%)  

N/M 
(35.0%)  
(44.7%)  

$

N/M 
N/M 
N/M 

9.4%

19,608 

5.8%

(222)
8,318 
- 
3,518 
(500)
- 
958 
(38)
N/M 
(387)
- 
(387)

22.4% $

(23.7%) $
N/M 
N/M 
N/M 
N/M 

(100.0%)  
111.5%  
(62.7%)  

$

N/M 
N/M 
N/M 

8.5%

16,024 

7.6%

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

Net Sales
Net sales increased 7.8% to $363.3 million in 2012 from $336.9 million 
in 2011. Shipments for the year increased 5.1% and average selling prices 
increased 2.6% from the prior year levels. Th  e increase in shipments 
was primarily due to the full year contribution of the Ivy facilities in 
2012. Th  e increase in average selling prices was driven by price increases 
that were implemented to recover higher raw material costs. Sales for 
both years refl ect severely depressed volumes due to the continuation 
of recessionary conditions in our construction end-markets.

Gross Profi t
Gross profi t decreased 29.3% to $22.5 million, or 6.2% of net sales, 
in 2012 from $31.7 million, or 9.4% of net sales, in 2011. Th  e year-
over-year decline was primarily due to the narrowing of spreads between 
selling prices and raw material costs resulting from competitive pricing 
pressures. Gross profi t for both years was unfavorably impacted by 
depressed shipment volumes and elevated unit conversion costs largely 
driven by reduced operating schedules.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A expense”) decreased 
3.6% to $18.9 million, or 5.2% of net sales, in 2012 from $19.6 million, 
or 5.8% of net sales, in 2011 primarily due to the relative year-over-year 
changes in the cash surrender value of life insurance policies ($975,000), 
an increase in the net gains on the settlement of life insurance policies 
($148,000) and a reduction in consulting and professional services 
expense ($276,000). Th  e cash surrender value of life insurance policies 
increased $710,000 in the current year compared with a decrease of 
$265,000 in the prior year due to the related changes in the value 
of the underlying investments. Th  ese reductions in SG&A expense 
were partially off set by higher employee benefi t costs ($278,000) and 
bad debt expense ($142,000). Th  e increase in employee benefi t costs 
expense was primarily related to an increase in supplemental retirement 
plan expense.

Gain on Early Extinguishment of Debt
A gain on the early extinguishment of debt of $425,000 was recorded 
in 2012 for the discount on our prepayment of the remaining balance 
outstanding on the subordinated note that was issued in connection 
with the Ivy Acquisition.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Restructuring Charges, Net
Net restructuring charges decreased 90.0% to $832,000 in 2012 from 
$8.3 million in 2011. Th  e year-over-year decrease is primarily due to 
reduced restructuring activities associated with the Ivy Acquisition 
during 2012. Net restructuring charges for 2012 included $744,000 for 
equipment relocation costs and $139,000 for facility closure costs less 
$11,000 of net proceeds from the sale of decommissioned equipment 
and a $40,000 adjustment related to the remaining employee separation 
costs associated with plant closures and other staffi  ng reductions. 
Net restructuring charges of $8.3 million in the prior year included 
$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 staffi  ng 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. Th  e 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. Th  e plant closure costs are net of a $1.6 million gain on 
the sale of the Wilmington, Delaware facility. Th  e employee separation 
costs were related to the staffi  ng 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.

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. Th  e accounting requirements for business combinations 
require the expensing of acquisition costs in the period in which they 
are incurred. We did not incur any additional acquisition costs related 
to the Ivy Acquisition in 2012.

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.

Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased 35.0% to $623,000 in 2012 from $958,000 
in 2011 primarily due to the lower interest rate on borrowings on the 
revolving credit facility in the current year period relative to the secured 
subordinated promissory note associated with the Ivy Acquisition that 
was outstanding in the prior year and prepaid in December 2011.

Income Taxes
Our eff ective income tax rate was 33.6% in 2012 due to changes in 
permanent book versus tax diff erences largely related to non-taxable 
life insurance proceeds, which were partially off set by non-deductible 
stock-based compensation expense. Th  e eff ective income tax rate in 
2011 was distorted by the impact of changes in permanent book 
versus tax diff erences 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.

Net Earnings (Loss)
Net earnings were $1.8 million ($0.10 per share) in 2012 compared with 
a net loss of $387,000 ($0.02 per share) in 2011 with the year-over-year 
change primarily due to reductions in the restructuring charges and 
acquisition costs incurred in connection with the Ivy Acquisition and 
the current year gain from the early extinguishment of debt partially 
off set by the decrease in gross profi t.

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 2011 increased 33.7% and average selling 
prices increased 17.7% from the prior year levels. Th  e increase in 
shipments was primarily due to the addition of the Ivy facilities in 2011. 
Th  e increase in average selling prices was driven by price increases 
that were implemented during 2011 to recover higher raw material 
costs. Sales for both years refl ect severely depressed volumes due to the 
continuation of recessionary conditions in our construction end-markets.

Gross Profi t
Gross profi t increased to $31.7 million, or 9.4% of net sales, in 2011 
from $18.0 million, or 8.5% of net sales, in 2010. Th  e year-over-
year increase was primarily due to the addition of the Ivy facilities in 
2011. Gross profi t for 2011 benefi ted from higher spreads between 
selling prices and raw material costs partially off set by the sale of the 
higher cost inventory acquired from Ivy that was valued at fair value 
in accordance with purchase accounting requirements. Gross profi t 
for 2010 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 profi t for both years was unfavorably impacted by depressed 
shipment volumes and elevated unit conversion costs largely driven 
by reduced operating schedules.

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 staffi  ng 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 benefi t costs ($312,000), travel expense ($239,000) and 
professional services costs ($167,000). Th  e cash surrender value of 
life insurance policies decreased $265,000 in 2011 compared with an 
increase of $330,000 in 2010 due to the related changes in the value of 
the underlying investments. Th  e increase in stock-based compensation 
expense was largely due to the full vesting of awards for plan participants 
that became retirement eligible in 2011. Th  e increase in employee 
benefi t costs was primarily related to higher employee medical expense 
during 2011. Th  ese increases in SG&A expense were partially off set 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 2010 
costs associated with the PC strand trade cases.

18

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

PART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

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 staffi  ng 
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. Th  e 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. Th  e plant closure costs are 
net of a $1.6 million gain on the sale of the Wilmington, Delaware 
facility. Th  e employee separation costs were related to the staffi  ng 
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.

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. Th  e accounting requirements for business combinations 
require the expensing of acquisition costs in the period in which they 
are incurred.

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.

Interest Expense
Interest expense increased 111.5% to $958,000 in 2011 from $453,000 
in 2010 primarily due to the interest on the secured subordinated 
promissory note associated with the Ivy Acquisition, which was partially 
off set by lower amortization of capitalized fi nancing costs.

Income Taxes
Our eff ective income tax rate on continuing operations in 2011 was 
distorted by the impact of changes in permanent book versus tax 
diff erences 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. 
Our eff ective income tax rate was (9.0%) in 2010, which refl ects 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 off set 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 diff erences largely related 
to lower non-deductible life insurance expense.

Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations
Th  e loss from continuing operations was $387,000 ($0.02 per share) in 
2011 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 off set by the increase in gross profi t 
and the bargain purchase gain.

Earnings From Discontinued Operations
Earnings from discontinued operations were $15,000 in 2010, which 
had no eff ect 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 off set by facility-related costs incurred prior to the 
sale and income tax expense.

Net Earnings (Loss)
Th  e net loss was $387,000 ($0.02 per share) in 2011 compared 
with net 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 off set by the increase in gross profi t 
and the bargain purchase gain.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(Dollars in thousands)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
Net cash used for fi nancing activities

Cash and cash equivalents
Working capital
Total debt

Percentage of total capital

Shareholders’ equity

Percentage of total capital

Total capital (total debt + shareholders’ equity)

September 29, 2012

13,144  
(8,191)
(4,953)

10  
79,065  
11,475  
7%
149,500  
93%
160,975  

$

$

$

$

$

$

Year Ended
October 1, 2011
(2,907)
(41,389)
(1,629)

10  
75,789  
14,156  
9%
148,474  
91%
162,630  

$

$

$

October 2, 2010

12,879  
420  
(2,466)

45,935  
91,927  
-  
-

147,876  
100%
147,876  

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Operating Activities

Operating activities provided $13.1 million of cash in 2012 primarily 
from net earnings adjusted for non-cash items and a reduction in the 
net working capital components of accounts receivable, inventories, 
and accounts payable and accrued expenses. Net working capital 
provided $0.9 million of cash as a $10.6 million decrease in inventories 
was partially off set by a $9.6 million decrease in accounts payable and 
accrued expenses, and a $0.2 million increase in accounts receivable. 
Th  e changes in inventories and accounts payable and accrued expenses 
were primarily due to lower raw material purchases and unit costs.

Operating activities used $2.9 million of cash in 2011 due to an increase 
in net working capital, which was partially off set by non-cash items 
added back to the net loss. Net working capital used $16.4 million 
of cash due to a $17.0 million increase in accounts receivable and an 
$11.9 million increase in inventories partially off set by a $12.4 million 
increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses. Th  e increase in 
accounts receivable was primarily related to the incremental sales 
associated with the Ivy Acquisition. Th  e changes in inventories and 
accounts payable and accrued expenses were due to higher raw material 
purchases and unit costs.

Operating activities provided $12.9 million of cash in 2010 primarily due 
to the receipt of a $13.3 million income tax refund associated with the 
carryback of net operating losses in the prior year and net earnings adjusted 
for non-cash items partially off set by an increase in net working capital. 
Net working capital used $13.9 million of cash due to a $7.7 million 
increase in inventories, a $3.7 million increase in accounts receivable 
and a $2.5 million increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses. 
Th  e increases in inventories and accounts receivable were primarily due 
to higher raw material costs and selling prices. Th  e increase in accounts 
payable and accrued expenses was due to changes in the mix of vendor 
payments and related terms.

Depreciation and amortization expense was $9.8 million in 2012, 
$9.6 million in 2011 and $7.0 million in 2010. Th  e increase in depreciation 
and amortization expense from 2010 to 2011 and 2012 was primarily 
associated with the assets that were acquired in the Ivy Acquisition.

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 downturn in the level of construction activity aff ects sales to 
our customers, it generally reduces our working capital requirements.

Investing Activities

Investing activities used $8.2 million of cash in 2012 and $41.4 million 
in 2011 while providing $0.4 million in 2010. Capital expenditures 
were $8.1 million in 2012, $7.9 million in 2011 and $1.5 million in 
2010, and are expected to total less than $12.0 million in 2013. Th  e Ivy 
acquisition used $37.3 million of cash in 2011, which was partially 
off set by $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 in 2010 from the proceeds on the sale of the real estate associated 
with our discontinued industrial wire business. Our investing activities 
are largely discretionary, providing us with the ability to signifi cantly 
curtail outlays should future business conditions warrant that such 
actions be taken.

Financing Activities

Financing activities used $5.0 million of cash in 2012, $1.6 million in 2011 and $2.5 million in 2010. Cash dividend payments were $2.1 million 
in 2012, 2011 and 2010. Net debt repayments used $2.3 million of cash in 2012 and fi nancing costs incurred in connection with the amendment 
of our credit facility used $0.2 million.

Cash Management

Our cash is concentrated primarily at one fi nancial 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 revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) that is used 
to supplement our operating cash fl ow and fund our working capital, 
capital expenditure, general corporate and growth requirements. 
On February 6, 2012, we entered into an amendment agreement that, 
among other changes, increased the commitment amount of the Credit 
Facility from $75.0 million to $100.0 million and extended the maturity 
date from June 2, 2015 to June 2, 2016. As of September 29, 2012, 

$11.5 million was outstanding on the Credit Facility, $67.2 million 
of additional borrowing capacity was available and outstanding letters 
of credit totaled $1.3 million (see Note 7 to the consolidated fi nancial 
statements). During the year, ordinary course borrowings on the Credit 
Facility were as high as $20.3 million. As of October 1, 2011, $656,000 
was outstanding on the Credit Facility.

20

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

PART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

As part of the consideration for the Ivy Acquisition (See Note 4 to the 
consolidated fi nancial statements), we entered into a $13.5 million secured 
subordinated promissory note (the “Note”) payable to Ivy over fi ve years. 
Th  e Note required semi-annual interest payments in arrears, and annual 
principal payments payable on November 19 of each year during the period 
2011 - 2015. Th  e Note yielded interest on the unpaid principal balance 
at a fi xed rate of 6.0% per annum and was collateralized by certain of the 
real property and equipment acquired from Ivy. On December 12, 2011, 
the Company prepaid the remaining balance that was outstanding on 
the Note for $12.4 million, which represented a discount of $425,000 
that was recorded as a gain from early extinguishment of debt in the 
consolidated statements of operations.

We believe that, in the absence of signifi cant unanticipated cash demands, 
cash generated by operating activities will be suffi  cient to satisfy our 
expected requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, 
dividends, and share repurchases, if any. We also expect to have access 

to the amounts available under our 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 fl ows. 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 fi nancing 
that are potentially available to provide such funding. Th  ere can be no 
assurance that any such fi nancing, 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, fl exible capital structure and 
borrowing capacity available to us under our Credit Facility position us 
to meet our anticipated liquidity requirements for the foreseeable future.

Impact of Infl ation

We are subject to infl ationary risks arising from fl uctuations 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 off set 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 2010 and 2011, wire rod prices rose due to the 

escalation in the cost of scrap and other raw materials for wire rod 
producers and increased demand from non-construction applications. 
After initially rising in the fi rst half of 2012, wire rod prices declined 
during the latter part of the year due to reductions in the cost of scrap 
for wire rod producers and weakening demand. Our ability to fully 
recover higher wire rod prices during this period has been mitigated 
by competitive pricing pressures resulting from the continuation of 
recessionary conditions in our construction end-markets. Th  e 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 defi ned 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 fi nancial condition, 
results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, capital resources 
or signifi cant components of revenues or expenses.

Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations and commitments at September 29, 2012 are as follows:

PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD

$

(In thousands)
Contractual obligations:
Raw material purchase commitments(1)
Supplemental employee retirement plan obligations
Borrowings on revolving credit facility
Pension benefi t obligations
Operating leases
Trade letters of credit
Commitment fee on unused portion of credit facility  
Unrecognized tax benefi t obligations
Other unconditional purchase obligations(2)
$
TOTAL
(1)  Non-cancelable purchase commitments for raw materials.
(2)  Contractual commitments for capital expenditures.

Total
34,594 $
19,191  
11,475  
5,913  
2,146  
1,294  
1,232  
76  
3,954  
79,875 $

Less Th  an 1 Year

34,594 $
244  
-  
211  
813  
1,294  
336  
61  
3,954  
41,507 $

1 - 3 Years

- $
487  
-  
416  
924  
-  
672  
15  
-  
2,514 $

3 – 5 Years More Th  an 5 Years
-
17,841
-
4,870
319
-
-
-
-
23,030

- $
619  
11,475  
416  
90  
-  
224  
-  
-  
12,824 $

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Outlook

As we look ahead to 2013, our visibility remains limited due to the 
heightened degree of uncertainty regarding the prospects for a recovery 
in the economy and employment market, the availability of fi nancing 
in the credit markets and the increased volatility in raw material costs. 
Conditions in our construction end-markets appear to have stabilized 
following the steep decline in demand that we have experienced in 
recent years. However, we have yet to see signs of a pronounced recovery 
taking hold in our markets and believe that construction activity is likely 
to continue trending at depressed levels pending a more substantive 
upturn in the economy.

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 eff ectiveness 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 additional operational synergies and the reconfi guration of our 
combined WWR operations, which was completed in 2012. 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 fl ows and earnings are subject to fl uctuations 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 fi nancial instruments. We do not use 

fi nancial 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 signifi cant fl uctuations 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 wire rod purchases for varying 
periods (most recently monthly for domestic suppliers), depending 
upon market conditions, to manage our exposure to price fl uctuations 
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 wire rod. Our ability to acquire wire rod from 
foreign sources on favorable terms is impacted by fl uctuations in foreign 
currency exchange rates, foreign taxes, duties, tariff s and other trade 
actions. Although changes in wire rod costs and our selling prices may 

Interest Rates

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 profi t and cash 
fl ow from operations. Additionally, should wire rod costs decline, our 
fi nancial 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 
2012 shipments and average wire rod cost refl ected in cost of sales, 
a 10% increase in the price of steel wire rod would have resulted in 
a $25.7 million decrease in our annual pre-tax earnings (assuming there 
was not a corresponding change in our selling prices).

Borrowings under our revolving credit facility are subject to a variable rate of interest and are sensitive to changes in interest rates. Based on 
our interest rate exposure and the outstanding borrowings on our revolving credit facility as of September 29, 2012, a 25 basis point change in 
interest rates would have an estimated $29,000 impact on our pre-tax earnings over a one-year period.

22

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

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 fi rm commitments for certain equipment purchases that are 
denominated in foreign currencies. Th  e decision to hedge any such 
transactions is made by us on a case-by-case basis. Th  ere were no 

forward contracts outstanding as of September 29, 2012. During 
fi scal 2012, 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 fi nancial position, results of 
operations or cash fl ows.

ITEM 8  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

(a)  Financial Statements

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September 29, 2012, October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010 ................................24

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011 ............................................................................................................................................................25

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
for the years ended September 29, 2012, October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010 ...................................................................................................................................................26

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 29, 2012, October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010 ...............................27

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................28

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Consolidated Financial Statements ................................................................................................46

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended September 29, 2012, 
October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................47

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Internal Control Over Financial Reporting .......................................................................48

(b) Supplementary Data

Selected quarterly fi nancial data for 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY QUARTER UNAUDITED

(In thousands, except for per share and price data)
2012
Operating results:

Net sales
Gross profi t
Net earnings (loss)
Per share amounts:
Basic and diluted:

Net earnings (loss)

(In thousands, except for per share and price data)
2011
Operating results:

Net sales

Gross profi t (loss)
Net earnings (loss)

Per share amounts:

Basic:

Net earnings (loss)

Diluted:

Net earnings (loss)

$

$

December 31

March 31

June 30

September 29

Quarter Ended

84,811
$
4,659  
(180)  

87,029 $
5,494  
262  

93,598 $
6,404  
894  

97,865
5,901
833

(0.01)  

0.01  

0.05  

0.05

January 1

Quarter Ended
April 2

July 2

October 1

52,306

$
(135)  
(7,628)  

86,933 $
11,603  
2,619  

98,579 $
12,529  
3,650  

(0.44)  

(0.44)  

0.15  

0.15  

0.21  

0.20  

99,091
7,746
972

0.06

0.05

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

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 profi t

Selling, general and administrative expense
Gain from early extinguishment of debt
Restructuring charges, net
Acquisition costs
Bargain purchase gain
Other income, net
Legal settlement
Interest expense
Interest income

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes

Income taxes

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

Earnings from discontinued operations net of of income taxes of $ - , $ - and $217  
$
NET EARNINGS (LOSS)
Per share amounts:
Basic and diluted:

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
Net earnings (loss)
Cash dividends declared
Weighted shares outstanding:

Basic
Diluted

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

$

$
$

September 29, 2012

Year Ended
October 1, 2011

October 2, 2010

363,303   $
340,845    
-    
22,458    
18,911    
(425)  
832    
-    
-    
(188)  
-    
623    
(21)  
2,726    
917    
1,809    
-    
$

1,809

0.10   $
-    
0.10   $
0.12   $

336,909   $
305,166    
-    
31,743    
19,608    
-    
8,318    
3,518    
(500)  
(222)  
-    
958    
(38)  
101    
488    
(387)  
-    
(387) $

(0.02) $
-    
(0.02) $
0.12   $

17,664    
17,990    

17,562    
17,562    

211,586  
191,262  
2,333  
17,991  
16,024  
-  
-  
-  
-  
(291)
1,487  
453  
(102)
420  
(38)
458  
15  

473

0.03  
-  
0.03  
0.12  

17,466  
17,564  

24

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Insteel Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except for per share amounts)
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
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
Long-term debt
Other liabilities
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: 2012, 17,717; 
2011, 17,609
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.

September 29, 2012

October 1, 2011

$

$

$

$

10   $
42,138    
65,774    
7,146    
115,068    
87,716    
5,768    
$

208,552

30,126   $
5,877    
-    

36,003
11,475    
11,574    

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  

-    

-  

17,717    
50,379    
83,845    
(2,441)  
149,500    
$
208,552

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

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 25

 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Insteel Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity 
and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Common Stock

Shares
17,525

Amount
17,525

$

Additional
Paid-In Capital
43,774

$

Retained
Earnings
88,291

$

$

Accumulated
Other Comprehensive 
Income (Loss)(1)

(2,520) $

Total
Shareholders’
Equity
147,070

(In thousands)
Balance at October 3, 2009
Comprehensive income:

Net earnings
Adjustment to defi ned benefi t plan liability(1)
Comprehensive income(1)

Stock options exercised
Vesting of restricted stock units
Compensation expense associated
with stock-based plans
Excess tax defi ciencies
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 defi ned benefi t plan liability(1)
Comprehensive loss(1)
Stock options exercised
Vesting of restricted stock units
Compensation expense associated with stock-
based plans
Excess tax benefi ts
from stock-based compensation
Restricted stock surrendered
for withholding taxes payable
Cash dividends declared
Balance at October 1, 2011
Comprehensive income:

Net earnings
Adjustment to defi ned benefi t plan liability(1)
Comprehensive income(1)

473    

211    

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

(2,108)  
86,656

(387)  

(2,112)  
84,157

1,809    

(2,309)

294    

(2,015)

(426)  

12 
96 

12    
96    

Stock options exercised
Vesting of restricted stock units
Compensation expense associated with stock-
based plans
Restricted stock surrendered
for withholding taxes payable
Cash dividends declared
BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 29, 2012
(1)  Activity within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is reported net of related income taxes: 2010 ($130), 2011 ($180), 2012 $261.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

(2,121)  
$
83,845

(10)  
(96)  

2,208    

(446)  

50,379

17,717

17,717

$

$

$

(2,441) $

26

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

473  
211  
684  
140  
-  

2,258  

(89)

(79)
(2,108)
147,876

(387)
294  
(93)
21  
-  

2,917  

8  

(143)
(2,112)
148,474

1,809  
(426)
1,383  
2  
-  

2,208  

(446)
(2,121)
149,500

 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
Insteel Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

(In thousands)
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

Net earnings (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 fi nancing costs
Stock-based compensation expense
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
Asset impairment charges
Inventory write-downs
Excess tax defi ciencies (benefi ts) 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 used for operating activities - discontinued operations

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

Capital expenditures
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies
Proceeds from surrender of life insurance policies
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale
Proceeds from life insurance claims
Acquisition of business

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
Cash dividends paid
Financing costs
Cash received from exercise of stock options
Excess tax benefi ts (defi ciencies) from stock-based compensation
Other

Net cash used for fi nancing activities - continuing operations

Net cash used for fi nancing 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 (refunded) during the period for:

Interest
Income taxes, net

Non-cash investing and fi nancing 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.

September 29, 2012

Year Ended
October 1, 2011

October 2, 2010

$

1,809   $
-    
1,809    

(387) $
-    
(387)  

9,762    
97    
2,208    
(425)  
(11)  
-    
-    
(46)  
835    
(505)  
(750)  

(167)  
10,600    
(9,562)  
(701)  
11,335    
13,144    
-    
13,144    

(8,066)  
(467)  
37    
305    
-    
-    
-    
(8,191)  
-    
(8,191)  

91,150    
(93,406)  
(2,121)  
(172)  
2    
-    
(406)  
(4,953)  
(4,953)  
-    
10    
10   $

753   $
176    

176    
446    
-    
-    

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)  

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

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

356   $
(489)  

384    
143    
13,500    
500    

$

$

473  
(15)
458  

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)
(456)
-  
11  
-  
-  
-  
(1,938)
2,358  
420  

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

90  
189  

15  
79  
-  
-  

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 27

 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Insteel Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended September 29, 2012, October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010

NOTE 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. Th  e Company manufactures and markets PC strand 
and welded wire reinforcement, including engineered structural mesh, 
concrete pipe reinforcement and standard welded wire reinforcement. 
Th  e 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 fi nancial statements). Th  e 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 fi nancial statements).

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

NOTE 2  Summary of Signifi cant Accounting Policies

Fiscal year

Concentration of credit risk

Th  e Company’s fi scal year is the 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday 
closest to September 30. Fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010 were 52-
week fi scal years. All references to years relate to fi scal years rather 
than calendar years.

Principles of consolidation

Th  e consolidated fi nancial statements include the accounts of the 
Company and its subsidiaries. All signifi cant intercompany balances 
and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of estimates

Th  e preparation of fi nancial statements in conformity with accounting 
principles generally accepted in the United States requires management 
to make estimates and assumptions that aff ect the amounts reported in 
the fi nancial statements and accompanying notes. Th  ere is no assurance 
that actual results will not diff er from these estimates.

Cash equivalents

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

Financial instruments that subject the Company to concentrations of 
credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and trade 
accounts receivable. Th  e Company’s cash is concentrated primarily 
at one fi nancial institution, which at times exceeds federally insured 
limits. Th  e 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. 
Th  e Company invests excess cash primarily in money market funds, 
which are highly liquid securities.

 Th  e 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. Th  e Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts 
based upon its assessment of the credit risk of specifi c customers, 
historical trends and other information. Th  e Company writes off  
accounts receivable when they become uncollectible. Th  ere is no 
disproportionate concentration of credit risk.

Stock-based compensation

Th  e Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance 
with the fair value recognition provisions of Financial Accounting 
Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codifi cation (“ASC”) 
Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, which requires stock-
based compensation expense to be recognized in net earnings based 

28

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

on the fair value of the award on the date of the grant. Th  e Company 
determines the fair value of stock options issued by using a Monte 
Carlo valuation model at the grant date. Th  e Monte Carlo valuation 
model considers a range of assumptions including the expected term, 
volatility, dividend yield and risk-free interest rate.

Revenue recognition

Th  e 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

Th  e 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 
statements of operations.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of weighted average cost (which 
approximates computation on a fi rst-in, fi rst-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 fi nancial 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 $9.8 million in 
2012, $9.6 million in 2011 and $7.0 million in 2010 and refl ected in 
cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A 
expense”) in the consolidated statements of operations. Capitalized 
software is amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life or 
5 years and refl ected in SG&A expense in the consolidated statements 
of operations. No interest costs were capitalized in 2012, 2011 or 2010.

Other assets

Other assets consist principally of capitalized fi nancing costs and the 
cash surrender value of life insurance policies. Capitalized fi nancing costs 
are amortized using the straight-line method, which approximates the 
eff ective interest method over the term of the related credit agreement, and 
refl ected in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Long-lived assets

Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment and identifi able 
intangible assets with defi nite useful lives. Th  e Company assesses 
the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes 
in circumstances 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 fl ows 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 diff erence between the carrying value and the present 
value of estimated future net cash fl ows 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 fi nancial statements). Th  ere were no impairment 
losses in 2012 and 2010.

Fair value of fi nancial instruments

Th  e carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, 
and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value 
because of their short maturities. Th  e carrying amount of long-term debt 
outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility approximates 
its estimated fair value. Th  e estimated fair value of long-term debt is 
primarily based upon quoted market prices as well as borrowing rates 
currently available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms 
and maturities.

Income taxes

Income taxes are based on pretax fi nancial accounting income. Deferred 
tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences 
of temporary diff erences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities 
and their reported amounts. Th  e 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 eff ect of increasing EPS are considered to be antidilutive and 
are not included in the computation of diluted EPS.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 29

PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 3  Recent Accounting Pronouncements

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. Th  is update becomes eff ective for the Company in the fi rst quarter of fi scal 2013.

NOTE 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 fi nancial statements) 
(the “Ivy Acquisition”). Subsequent to the date of the Ivy Acquisition, 
the Company recorded $780,000 of post-closing adjustments which 
reduced the fi nal 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. Th  e Company 
believes the addition of Ivy’s facilities has enhanced Insteel’s 
competitiveness in its Northeast, Midwest and Florida markets, in 
addition to providing a platform to serve the West Coast markets more 
eff ectively. Th  e 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 
benefi t obligations.

Following is a summary of the Company’s fi nal 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
Liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses

TOTAL LIABILITIES ASSUMED
Net assets acquired
Purchase price

Bargain purchase gain

$

$

$

$

20,585
37,211
57,796

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

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. 
Th  e Company performed such a reassessment and concluded that the 
values assigned for the Ivy Acquisition were reasonable. Consequently, 
the Company recorded a $500,000 bargain purchase gain on the Ivy 
Acquisition in fi scal 2011.

Th  e 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 fi nancial statements).

Following the Ivy Acquisition, net sales of the Ivy facilities for the year 
ended October 1, 2011 were approximately $83.4 million. Th  e actual 
amount of net sales specifi cally attributable to the Ivy Acquisition, 
however, cannot be quantifi ed 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. 

Th  e Company has determined that the presentation of Ivy’s earnings for 
the year ended October 1, 2011 is impractical due to the integration 
of Ivy’s operations into the Company following the Ivy Acquisition.

Th  e following unaudited supplemental pro forma fi nancial information 
refl ects the combined results of operations of the Company had the Ivy 
Acquisition occurred at the beginning of fi scal 2010. Th  e pro forma 
information refl ects 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 prior year for the 
acquisition-related costs. Th  e pro forma information does not refl ect 
any operating effi  ciencies 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 fi scal 2010, nor is it intended to represent or be indicative of future 
results of operations.

30

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Part II 
ITEm 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The pro forma combined results of operations for the prior year periods are as follows:

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

Years Ended

October 1, 2011

October 2, 2010

$

353,620 $
867  
182  

310,957  
(18,881)
(11,448)

NoTE 5  Restructuring Charges and Acquisition Costs

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.

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

(In thousands)
2012
Liability as of October 1, 2011
Restructuring charges, net
Cash payments
Non-cash charges
LIabILItY aS OF SEPtEmbEr 29, 2012
2011
Liability as of October 2, 2010
Restructuring charges
Gain on sale of assets held for sale
Restructuring charges, net
Cash payments
Non-cash charges
LIabILItY aS OF OctObEr 1, 2011

$

$

$

$

Severance and
other employee 
separation costs

asset 
impairment 
charges

Facility 
closure costs

Equipment 
relocation costs

65   $
(40)  
(25)  
-    
$
-

-   $
2,263    
-    
2,263    
(2,198)  
-    
$

65

-   $
(11)  
-    
11    
$
-

-   $
3,825    
-    
3,825    
-    
(3,825)  
$

-

77   $
139    
(216)  
-    
$
-

-   $
2,606    
(1,609)  
997    
(920)  
-    
$

77

112   $
744    
(856)  
-    
$
-

-   $
1,233    
-    
1,233    
(1,121)  
-    
$

112

total

254  
832  
(1,097)
11  
-

-  
9,927  
(1,609)
8,318  
(4,239)
(3,825)
254

During the year ended September 29, 2012, all of the remaining restructuring liabilities were satisfied and the final proceeds were received from 
the sale of previously impaired machinery and equipment, which have been included in asset impairment charges.

Asset impairment charges include the proceeds received from the 
scrapping of certain machinery and equipment that were previously 
impaired. Facility closure costs for the prior year include 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 
had recorded restructuring liabilities amounting to $254,000 on its 
consolidated balance sheet, including $112,000 in accounts payable 
and $142,000 in accrued expenses.

Acquisition costs

For the year ended October 1, 2011, 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 did not incur any additional acquisition costs related to the Ivy Acquisition 
in fiscal 2012.

NoTE 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. 

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. - Form 10-K 31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Th  e 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 signifi cant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities, 
including certain pricing models, discounted cash fl ow methodologies 
and similar techniques that use signifi cant unobservable inputs.

As of September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011, the Company held fi nancial assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring 
basis. Th  e fi nancial assets held by the Company and the fair value hierarchy used to determine their fair values are as follows:

(In thousands)
Other assets:

Cash surrender value of life insurance policies

TOTAL

(In thousands)
Other assets:

Cash surrender value of life insurance policies

TOTAL

Total at 
September 29, 2012

Quoted Prices 
in Active Markets 
(Level 1)

Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

$
$

$
$

5,146 $
5,146 $

- $
- $

5,146
5,146

Total at 
October 1, 2011

Quoted Prices 
in Active Markets 
(Level 1)

Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

4,006 $
4,006 $

- $
- $

4,006
4,006

Cash surrender value of life insurance policies are classifi ed as Level 2. 
Th  e 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 the reporting date.

As of September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011, the Company had no 
nonfi nancial 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 fi nancial statements) that were 
acquired at fair value in the prior year. Th  e carrying amounts of accounts 
receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates fair 

value due to the short-term maturities of these fi nancial instruments. 
As of September 29, 2012, the carrying amount of long-term debt 
outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility approximates 
its estimated fair value. Th  e estimated fair value of long-term debt 
is primarily based upon quoted market prices as well as borrowing 
rates currently available to the Company for bank loans with similar 
terms and maturities. As of October 1, 2011, the carrying amount of 
the $13.5 million secured subordinated promissory note payable to 
Ivy approximated fair value based on comparable debt with similar 
terms, conditions and proximity to the issuance date, which would be 
considered a level 2 input.

NOTE 7  Long-Term Debt

Revolving Credit Facility

Th  e Company has a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) that 
is used to supplement its operating cash fl ow and fund its working 
capital, capital expenditure, general corporate and growth requirements. 
On February 6, 2012, the Company and each of its wholly-owned 
subsidiaries entered into an amendment agreement that, among other 
changes, increased the commitment amount of the Credit Facility 
from $75.0 million to $100.0 million and extended the maturity date 
from June 2, 2015 to June 2, 2016. Advances under the Credit Facility 
are limited to the lesser of the revolving loan commitment amount 
(currently $100.0 million) or a borrowing base amount that is calculated 
based upon a percentage of eligible receivables and inventories. As of 
September 29, 2012, $11.5 million of borrowings were outstanding 
on the Credit Facility, $67.2 million of additional borrowing capacity 
was available and outstanding letters of credit totaled $1.3 million. As 
of October 1, 2011, $656,000 was outstanding on the Credit Facility.

Interest rates on the Credit Facility 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 

32

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

rate loans, or (2) at the election of the Company, a LIBOR rate, plus 
in either case, an applicable interest rate margin. Th  e applicable interest 
rate margins are adjusted on a quarterly basis based upon the amount 
of excess availability on the Credit Facility within the range of 0.50% - 
1.25% for index rate loans and 1.50% - 2.50% 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 under the terms of the Credit Facility. Based on the Company’s 
excess availability as of September 29, 2012, the applicable interest 
rate margins on the Credit Facility were 0.50% for index rate loans 
and 1.50% for LIBOR loans.

Th  e Company’s ability to borrow available amounts under the 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 under the terms of the 
Credit Facility. Th  e Company is required to maintain a fi xed charge 
coverage ratio of not less than 1.10 at the end of each fi scal quarter for 
the twelve-month period then ended when the amount of liquidity on 
the Credit Facility is less than $13.5 million. In addition, the terms 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of the Credit Facility restrict the Company’s ability to, among other 
things: engage in certain business combinations or divestitures; make 
investments in or loans to third parties, unless certain conditions are 
met with respect to such investments or loans; pay cash dividends or 
repurchase shares of the Company’s stock subject to certain minimum 
borrowing availability requirements; incur or assume indebtedness; 
issue securities; enter into certain transactions with affi  liates of the 
Company; or permit liens to encumber the Company’s property and 
assets. Th  e terms of the Credit Facility also provide that 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 September 29, 2012, 

Subordinated Note

PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

the Company was in compliance with all of the fi nancial and negative 
covenants under the Credit Facility and there have not been any events 
of default.

Amortization of capitalized fi nancing costs associated with the credit 
facility was $97,000 in 2012, $81,000 in 2011 and $363,000 in 2010. 
Accumulated amortization of capitalized fi nancing costs was $4.2 million 
and $4.1 million as of September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011, 
respectively. Th  e Company expects the amortization of capitalized 
fi nancing costs to approximate the following amounts for the next 
fi ve fi scal years:

Fiscal year
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017

$

(In thousands)
102
102
102
69
-

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 fi ve 
years. Th  e Note required semi-annual interest payments in arrears, 
and annual principal payments payable on November 19 of each 
year during the period 2011 - 2015. Th  e Note yielded interest on 

the unpaid principal balance at a fi xed rate of 6.0% per annum and 
was collateralized by certain of the real property and equipment 
acquired from Ivy. On December 12, 2011, the Company prepaid the 
remaining balance that was outstanding on the Note for $12.4 million, 
which represented a discount of $425,000 that was recorded as a gain 
from early extinguishment of debt in the consolidated statements of 
operations in fi scal 2012.

NOTE 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. Eff ective February 21, 2012, the Company’s 2005 Equity Incentive Plan was amended to increase the number of shares 
available for future grants by 900,000 shares. As of September 29, 2012, there were 786,000 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 defi ciencies 
(benefi ts) associated with stock options are as follows:

(In thousands)
Stock options:

Compensation expense
Excess tax defi ciencies (benefi ts)

September 29, 2012

Year Ended
October 1, 2011

October 2, 2010

$

909 $
-  

1,203  $
(8)

958
89

Th  e remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options at September 29, 2012 was $618,000, which is expected to be 
recognized over a weighted average period of 1.5 years.

Th  e fair value of each option award granted is estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo valuation model. Th  e weighted-average 
estimated fair values of stock options granted during 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $5.20, $5.31 and $4.54 per share, respectively, based on the 
following weighted-average assumptions:

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

September 29, 2012

Year Ended
October 1, 2011

October 2, 2010

6.00  
1.17%
52.97%
1.06%

5.19  
1.78%
55.15%
1.05%

5.74  
2.28%
61.12%
1.31%

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Th  e assumptions utilized in the Monte Carlo valuation model are 
evaluated and revised, as necessary, to refl ect market conditions and 
actual historical experience. Th  e risk-free interest rate for periods 
within the contractual life of the option was based on the U.S. Treasury 
yield curve in eff ect at the time of the grant. Th  e dividend yield was 
calculated based on the Company’s annual dividend as of the option 

grant date. Th  e 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. Th  e 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.

Th  e following table summarizes stock option activity:

(Share amounts in thousands)
Outstanding at October 3, 2009

Granted
Exercised

Outstanding at October 2, 2010

Granted
Exercised
Forfeited

Outstanding at October 1, 2011

Granted
Exercised

OUTSTANDING AT SEPTEMBER 29, 2012
Vested and anticipated to vest in future at September 29, 2012
Exercisable at September 29, 2012

Restricted stock awards

$

Options 
Outstanding
673
200 
(26)  
847
171 
(13)  
(11)  
994 
178 
(12)  

1,160
1,147 
802 

Exercise Price Per Share

Range
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
10.23-13.06
0.18-0.18
0.36-20.27

Weighted
Average
10.83
9.27
5.41
10.63
11.49
1.60
11.15
10.89
11.44
0.18
11.09
11.09
11.10

Contractual Term - 
Weighted Average
(years)

Aggregate 
Intrinsic Value
(in thousands)

$

146

143

147
1,919
1,904
1,540

6.63
6.61  
5.59  

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. 
Th  ere were no restricted stock grants in 2012, 2011 and 2010. Amortization expense for restricted stock is as follows:

(In thousands)
Amortization expense

Th  ere were no unvested restricted stock awards as of September 29, 2012.

Year Ended

October 1, 2011

$

166 $

October 2, 2010
470

During 2011 and 2010, 67,693 and 48,141 shares, respectively, of 
employee restricted stock awards vested with a fair value of $771,000 
and $439,000, 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 and 2010, a total of 12,633 and 8,486 shares, respectively, were 
withheld to satisfy employees’ minimum tax obligations.

Th  e following table summarizes restricted stock activity:

(Share amounts in thousands)
Balance, October 3, 2009

Granted
Released

Balance, October 2, 2010

Granted
Released

Balance, October 1, 2011

Restricted stock units 

Restricted
Stock Awards
Outstanding
115

$
-    
(48)  
67

-    
(67)  
-

Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
15.50
-
18.53
13.37
-
13.37
-

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. Th  e vesting period for RSUs is generally one to three years from the date of the grant. RSUs do not have voting rights.

34

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
RSU grants and amortization expense are as follows:

(In thousands)
Restricted stock unit grants:

Units
Market value

Amortization expense

PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

September 29, 2012 October 1, 2011

October 2, 2010

Year Ended

$

99  
1,165 $
1,299  

119  
1,441 $
1,548  

140
1,298
830

Th  e remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs on September 29, 2012 was $970,000 which is expected to be recognized 
over a weighted average period of 1.75 years.

Th  e following table summarizes RSU activity:

(Unit amounts in thousands)
Balance, October 3, 2009

Granted
Released

Balance, October 2, 2010

Granted
Released

Balance, October 1, 2011

Granted
Released

BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 29, 2012

NOTE 9 

Income Taxes

Restricted
Stock Units
Outstanding
136
$
140    
(37)  
239
119    
(30)  
328    
99    
(134)  
293

Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
8.71
9.29
7.55
9.23
12.08
9.39
10.25
11.77
10.30
10.74

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

(Dollars in thousands)
Provision for income taxes:

Current:
Federal
State

Deferred:
Federal
State

Income taxes
EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATE

September 29, 2012

Year Ended
October 1, 2011

October 2, 2010

$

$

$

$

20  
62  
82

781  
54  

835
917  
33.6%

$

$

207 
72 
279

(12)
221 
209
488 
483.2%

668 
415 
1,083

(880)
(241)
(1,121)
(38)
(9.0%)

Th  e 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
Net eff ect of life insurance policies
Valuation allowance
Nondeductible stock option expense
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefi t
Revisions to estimates based on fi ling of fi nal tax return  
Qualifi ed production activities deduction
Additional refund due to tax law change
Other, net

Provision for income taxes

$

September 29, 2012
954  
(400)
(48)
161  
94  
5  
-  
-  
151  
917

35.0% $
(14.7)
(1.8)
5.9  
3.5  
0.2  
-  
-  
5.5  
33.6% $

Year Ended
October 1, 2011
35  
(14)
263  
189  
(20)
(5)
-  
-  
40  
488

34.7% $
(13.9)
260.4  
187.1  
(19.8)
(4.9)
-  
-  
39.6  
483.2% $

October 2, 2010
147  
(83)
(142)
180  
180  
(24)
(30)
(502)
236  
(38)

35.0%
(19.8)
(33.9)
42.9 
42.9 
(5.7)
(7.1)
(119.5)
56.2 
(9.0%)

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Th  e components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:

Defi ned benefi t plans
Stock-based compensation
Federal net operating loss carryforward
Accrued expenses, asset reserves and state tax credits
Goodwill, amortizable for tax purposes
State net operating loss carryforwards
Valuation allowance

DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
Deferred tax liabilities:
Plant and equipment
Other reserves

DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES
NET DEFERRED TAX (LIABILITY) ASSET

September 29, 2012

October 1, 2011

$

$

3,556   $
1,878    
1,870    
1,841    
1,392    
1,372    
(679)  

11,230

(10,637)  
(722)  
(11,359)  
(129) $

3,105  
1,683  
679  
1,625  
1,812  
1,368  
(727)
9,545

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

As of September 29, 2012, the Company recorded a current deferred 
tax asset (net of valuation allowance) of $4.0 million on its consolidated 
balance sheet in other current assets and a non-current deferred tax 
liability (net of valuation allowance) of $4.1 million in other liabilities. 
As of October 1, 2011, the Company recorded a current deferred tax 
asset (net of valuation allowance) of $2.1 million in other current assets 
and a non-current deferred tax liability (net of valuation allowance) 
of $1.7 million in other liabilities. Th  e Company has $26.5 million 
of state operating loss carryforwards that begin to expire in 2017, but 
principally expire in 2017 – 2031. Th  e Company has $5.3 million of 
federal operating loss carryforwards that expire in 2031. Th  e Company 
has also recorded deferred tax assets for various state tax credits of 
$261,000, which will begin to expire in 2014 and principally expire 
between 2014 and 2019.

Th  e realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets is entirely dependent 
upon the Company’s ability to generate future taxable income in 
applicable jurisdictions. Accounting principles generally accepted in 
the United States (“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 September 29, 2012, the 
Company had recorded a valuation allowance of $679,000 pertaining 
to various state NOLs and tax credits that were not expected to be 
utilized. Th  e 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. Th  e $48,000 decrease in the valuation allowance 
during fi scal 2012 is primarily due to the use of certain state NOLs that 
previously had a valuation allowance and a change in the Company’s 
expectations regarding the future realization of deferred tax assets 
related to certain state tax credits.

Th  e 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 September 29, 2012, the Company 
had approximately $76,000 of gross unrecognized tax benefi ts classifi ed 
in accrued expenses, of which $61,000, if recognized, would reduce 
its income tax expense in future periods. As of October 1, 2011, the 
Company had approximately $34,000 of gross unrecognized tax benefi ts 
classifi ed in accrued expenses and $33,000 of gross unrecognized tax 
benefi ts classifi ed as other liabilities on its consolidated balance sheet, 
of which $55,000, if recognized, would reduce its income tax expense 
in future periods. Th  e Company anticipates the gross unrecognized 
tax benefi ts of $61,000 will be resolved during the next twelve months 
and otherwise does not expect its unrecognized tax benefi ts to change 
signifi cantly over that time.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of total unrecognized tax benefi ts for 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

(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

$

$

2012

67 $
9  
-  
-  
76 $

2011
762  
8  
4  
(707)
67

Th  e Company classifi es interest and penalties related to unrecognized 
tax benefi ts as part of income tax expense. Th  e accrued interest and 
penalties related to unrecognized tax benefi ts was $56,000 and $50,000, 
as of September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011, respectively. Th  ere was 
$6,000 of expense incurred during 2012 related to interest and penalties. 
Th  e Company did not record any expense related to interest and 
penalties during 2011.

Th  e Company fi les U.S. federal income tax returns as well as state and 
local income tax returns in various jurisdictions. Federal and various 
state tax returns fi led by the Company subsequent to fi scal year 2008 
remain subject to examination together with certain state tax returns 
fi led by the Company subsequent to fi scal year 2003.

36

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Th  e 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.

Year Ended
October 2, 2010

$

$

232  
(217)
15  

NOTE 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. Th  e Company’s decision was based on the 
weakening in the business outlook for the facility and the expected 
continuation of diffi  cult 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 when it sold the real estate associated with the business for 
$2.5 million, resulting in a $478,000 gain.

Th  e results of discontinued operations are as follows:

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

NOTE 11  Employee Benefi t Plans

Retirement plans

Th  e Company has one defi ned benefi t pension plan, the Insteel Wire 
Products Company Retirement Income Plan for Hourly Employees, 
Wilmington, Delaware (“the Delaware Plan”). Th  e Delaware Plan 
provides benefi ts for eligible employees based primarily upon years 
of service and compensation levels. Th  e Company’s funding policy 
is to contribute amounts at least equal to those required by law. 
Th  e Delaware Plan was frozen eff ective September 30, 2008 whereby 
participants will no longer earn additional benefi ts. 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. Th  e amendment resulted in a one-time charge 
of $306,000 that was recorded during 2011 within restructuring charges 
on the consolidated statements of operations. Th  e Company made 
contributions totaling $206,000 and $477,000 to the Delaware Plan 
during 2012 and 2011, respectively, and expects to make contributions 
of $362,000 during 2013.

Th  e reconciliation of the projected benefi t 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 benefi t obligation:

Benefi t 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

September 29, 2012

Year Ended
October 1, 2011

October 2, 2010

$

$

$

$

$
$

3,231   $
-    
146    
218    
(218)  
(196)  
$

3,181

1,660   $
287    
206    
(218)  
(196)  
$

1,739

(1,442) $
(1,442) $

4,280   $
306    
193    
69    
(1,423)  
(194)  
$

3,231

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

1,660

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

4,289  
-  
211  
182  
-  
(402)
4,280

3,053  
366  
-  
-  
(402)
3,017

(1,263)
(1,263)

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

(In thousands)
Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet:

Accrued benefi t 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 benefi t obligations recognized in other 
comprehensive income (loss):

Net loss (gain)
Amortization of net loss

$

$

$
$

$

TOTAL RECOGNIZED IN OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) $

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

September 29, 2012

Year Ended
October 1, 2011

October 2, 2010

(1,442) $
859    
(583) $

1,386   $
$
1,386

(31) $
(49)  
(80) $

(1,571) $
909    
(662) $

1,466   $
$
1,466

(206) $
(304)  
(510) $

(1,263)
1,225  
(38)

1,975  
1,975

16  
(195)
(179)

(In thousands)
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Recognized net actuarial loss
NET PERIODIC PENSION COST

September 29, 2012

Year Ended
October 1, 2011

October 2, 2010

$

$

146   $
(134)  
49    
61   $

193   $
(211)  
304    
286   $

211  
(200)
195  
206  

Th  e Company incurred settlement losses of $95,000 and $704,000 during 2012 and 2011, respectively, for lump-sum distributions to plan 
participants. Th  e estimated net loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic pension cost during 
2013 is $49,000.

Th  e projected benefi t payments under the Delaware Plan are as follows:

Fiscal year(s)
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 - 2022

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

$

(In thousands)
211
210
206
211
205
996

Assumptions at year-end:

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

Th  e assumed discount rate is established as of the Company’s fi scal 
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 benefi t 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.

Th  e 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. Th  e primary 
investment objectives include providing a total return that will promote 

38

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

September 29, 2012

Measurement Date
October 1, 2011

October 2, 2010

4.00%
N/A  
8.00%

4.75%
N/A  
8.00%

5.25%
N/A  
8.00%

the goal of benefi t 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. Th  e 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. Th  e investment strategy 
for fi xed 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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Th  e Delaware Plan has a long-term target asset mix of 60% equities and 40% fi xed income. Th  e asset allocation for the Delaware Plan is as follows:

PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

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

Target Allocation 
September 29, 2012

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

Percentage of Plan Assets at Measurement Date
October 1, 2011

October 2, 2010

September 29, 2012

39.3%
8.9%
5.6%
5.9%
37.2%
3.1%

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

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

As of September 29, 2012, the Delaware Plan’s assets include equity 
securities, fi xed income securities and cash and cash equivalents, and 
were required to be measured at fair value. Th  e Company uses a three-
tier hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value, 
defi ned 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. Th  e fair values of the Delaware Plan’s assets as 
of September 29, 2012 and 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

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

Total at 
September 29, 2012

Quoted Prices 
in Active Markets 
(Level 1)

Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

684 $
155  
98  
103  
646  
53  
1,739 $

684 $
155  
98  
103  
646  
-  
1,686 $

- $
-  
-  
-  
-  
53  
53 $

Total at 
October 1, 2011

Quoted Prices 
in Active Markets 
(Level 1)

Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

641 $
151  
101  
100  
652  
15  
1,660 $

641 $
151  
101  
100  
652  
-  
1,645 $

- $
-  
-  
-  
-  
15  
15 $

$

$

$

$

Unobservable 
Inputs
(Level 3)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

Unobservable 
Inputs
(Level 3)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

Equity securities are primarily direct investments 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.

Fixed income securities are 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.

Cash and cash equivalents are money market funds that are valued based 
on the net asset value as determined by the fund each business day.

Supplemental employee retirement plan

Th  e 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 benefi t for the 15-year period following 
the Participant’s retirement equal to 50% of the Participant’s highest 
average annual base salary for fi ve 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 
benefi t 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 benefi ts 
to existing Participants.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Th  e reconciliation of the projected benefi t obligation, plan assets, funded status of the plan and amounts recognized for the SERPs  in the 
Company’s consolidated balance sheets is as follows:

(In thousands)
Change in benefi t obligation:

Benefi t 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 benefi t obligations recognized in other 
comprehensive income (loss):

Net loss
Prior service costs
Amortization of net loss

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

TOTAL RECOGNIZED IN OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

$

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

September 29, 2012

Year Ended
October 1, 2011

October 2, 2010

6,102   $
217    
301    
1,085    
(244)  
$

7,461

244   $
(244)  
$
-

(7,461) $
(7,461) $

2,324   $
227    
$

2,551

1,085   $
(227)  
(91)  
$
767

5,590   $
176    
282    
297    
(243)  
$

6,102

244   $
(244)  
$
-

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

1,330   $
454    
$

1,784

297   $
(227)  
(34)  
$
36

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

166  
(166)
-

(5,590)
(5,590)

1,067  
681  

1,748

95  
(227)
(30)
(162)

(In thousands)
Service cost
Interest cost
Prior service cost
Amortization of net loss
NET PERIODIC PENSION COST

September 29, 2012

October 1, 2011

Year Ended

$

$

217 $
301  
227  
91  
836 $

176 $
282  
227  
34  
719 $

October 2, 2010
165
278
227
31
701

Th  e estimated net loss and prior service costs that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic pension cost 
during 2013 are $138,000 and $227,000, respectively.

Th  e assumptions used in the valuation of the SERPs are as follows:

Assumptions at year-end:

Discount rate
Rate of increase in compensation levels

September 29, 2012

October 1, 2011

October 2, 2010

Measurement Date

4.00%
3.00%

4.75%
3.00%

5.25%
3.00%

Th  e assumed discount rate is established as of the Company’s fi scal 
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 benefi t payments of the plan. 
Th  e SERPs expected rate of increase in compensation levels is based 
on the anticipated increases in annual compensation.

40

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

During 2010 - 2012, 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. Th  e 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 2010 - 
2012, the Company matched employee contributions up to 100% of 
the fi rst 1% and 50% of the next 5% of eligible compensation that 
was contributed by employees. Company contributions to the Plan 
were $734,000 in 2012, $604,000 in 2011 and $439,000 in 2010.

Voluntary Employee Benefi ciary Associations 
(“VEBA”)

Th  e 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 $3.4 million in 2012, $3.3 million in 
2011 and $2.2 million in 2010. Th  e Company is primarily self-insured 
for each employee’s healthcare costs, carrying stop-loss insurance 
coverage for individual claims in excess of $150,000 per benefi t plan 
year. Th  e Company’s self-insurance liabilities are based on the total 
estimated costs of claims fi led and claims incurred but not reported, 
less amounts paid against such claims. Management reviews current 
and historical claims data in developing its estimates.

Th  e projected benefi t payments under the SERPs are as follows:

Fiscal year(s)
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018- 2022

$

(In thousands)
244
244
244
294
325
1,536

As noted above, the SERPs were revised in 2005 to add Participants and 
increase benefi ts to certain existing Participants. However, for certain 
Participants the Company still maintains the benefi ts of the respective 
SERPs that were in eff ect prior to the 2005 changes, which entitles them 
to fi xed cash benefi ts upon retirement at age 65, payable annually for 
15 years. Th  ese SERPs are supported by life insurance policies on the 
Participants purchased and owned by the Company. Th  e cash benefi ts 
paid under these SERPs were $62,000 in 2012, $74,000 in 2011 and 
$74,000 in 2010. Th  e expense attributable to these SERPs was $15,000 
in 2012, $14,000 in 2011 and $13,000 in 2010.

Retirement savings plan

In 1996, the Company adopted the Retirement Savings Plan of Insteel 
Industries, Inc. (“the Plan”) to provide retirement benefi ts and stock 
ownership for its employees. Th  e 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.

NOTE 12  Commitments and Contingencies

Leases and purchase commitments

Th  e Company leases a portion of its equipment under operating leases 
that expire at various dates through 2017. Under most lease agreements, 
the Company pays insurance, taxes and maintenance. Rental expense 
for operating leases was $908,000 in 2012, $1.5 million in 2011 and 
$889,000 in 2010. Minimum rental commitments under all non-
cancelable leases with an initial term in excess of one year are payable 
as follows: 2013, $813,000; 2014, $607,000; 2015, $317,000; 2016, 
$45,000; 2017 and beyond, $364,000.

As of September 29, 2012, the Company had $34.6 million in non-
cancelable purchase commitments for raw material extending as long as 
approximately 100 days and $4.0 million of contractual commitments 
for the purchase of certain equipment that had not been fulfi lled and 
are not refl ected in the consolidated fi nancial statements.

Legal proceedings

On November 19, 2007, Dwyidag Systems International, Inc (“DSI”) 
fi led 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. Th  e third-party action 
sought recovery of any damages which could have been assessed against 

DSI in the action fi led 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 
fi led an interlocutory appeal of that ruling. In addition, the Company 
previously fi led 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. Th  e 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 fi scal 2011, the Company paid the 
$600,000 settlement to ODOT and wrote off  the DSI receivables 
against the previously established reserve. Th  e resolution of this matter 

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 41

 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

has enabled the Company to restore its commercial relationship with 
DSI that had existed prior to the initiation of the legal proceedings. 
Th  e Company’s fi scal 2010 results refl ect a $1.5 million charge relating 
to the net eff ect of the settlement.

Th  e Company is also involved in various other lawsuits, claims, 
investigations and proceedings, including commercial, environmental 
and employment matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business. 
Th  e Company does not expect that the ultimate cost to resolve these 
other matters will have a material adverse eff ect on its fi nancial position, 
results of operations or cash fl ows.

Severance and change of control agreements

Th  e Company has entered into severance agreements with its Chief 
Executive Offi  cer and Chief Financial Offi  cer that provide certain 
termination benefi ts to these executives in the event that an executive’s 
employment with the Company is terminated without cause. Th  e 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 specifi ed in the agreement. Under the 
terms of these agreements, in the event of termination without cause, 
the executives would receive termination benefi ts equal to one and 
one-half times the executive’s annual base salary in eff ect on the 
termination date and the continuation of health and welfare benefi ts 

for eighteen months. In addition, all of the executive’s stock options 
and restricted stock would vest immediately and outplacement services 
would be provided.

Th  e Company has also entered into change in control agreements 
with key members of management, including its executive offi  cers, 
which specify the terms of separation in the event that termination of 
employment followed a change in control of the Company. Th  e 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 specifi ed in the agreement. 
Th  e 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 Offi  cer and Chief 
Financial Offi  cer would receive severance benefi ts equal to two times 
base compensation, two times the average bonus for the prior three 
years and the continuation of health and welfare benefi ts for two years. 
Th  e other key members of management, including the Company’s other 
two executive offi  cers, would receive severance benefi ts equal to one 
times base compensation, one times the average bonus for the prior 
three years and the continuation of health and welfare benefi ts for one 
year. In addition, all of the executive’s stock options and restricted stock 
would vest immediately and outplacement services would be provided.

NOTE 13  Earnings Per Share

Eff ective 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. Th  e Company’s participating securities are its unvested restricted stock awards (“RSAs”).

Th  e 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 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 eff ect of stock-based compensation
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
Per share basic and diluted:

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Loss from discontinued operations

NET EARNINGS (LOSS)

September 29, 2012

Year Ended
October 1, 2011

October 2, 2010

1,809 $
-  
1,809 $
- $
-  
- $
1,809 $
-  
1,809 $
17,664  
326  
17,990  

0.10 $
-  
0.10 $

(387) $
-    
(387) $
-   $
-    
-   $
(387) $
-    
(387) $
17,562    
-    
17,562    

(0.02) $
-    
(0.02) $

458  
(2)
456
15  
-  
15  
473  
(2)
471  
17,466  
98  
17,564  

0.03  
-  
0.03  

$

$
$

$
$

$

$

$

Options, restricted stock awards and RSUs representing 600,000 shares in 2012, 582,000 shares in 2011 and 577,000 shares in 2010 were 
antidilutive and were not included in the diluted EPS computation. Options and restricted stock awards representing 223,000 shares were not 
included in the diluted EPS calculation in 2011 due to the net losses that were incurred.

42

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 14  Business Segment Information

Following the Company’s exit from the industrial wire business (see 
Note 10 to the consolidated fi nancial statements), its operations are 
entirely focused on the manufacture and marketing of concrete reinforcing 
products for the concrete construction industry. Th  e Company’s concrete 
reinforcing products consist of welded wire reinforcement and PC strand. 

Based on the criteria specifi ed in ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting, 
the Company has one reportable segment. Th  e results of operations 
for the industrial wire business have been reported as discontinued 
operations for all periods presented.

Th  e 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

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

(In thousands)
Net sales:

Welded wire reinforcement
PC strand

TOTAL

September 29, 2012 October 1, 2011 October 2, 2010

Year Ended

358,539 $
4,764  
363,303 $

92,862 $
-  
92,862 $

329,168 $
7,741  
336,909 $

93,490 $
-  
93,490 $

205,444
6,142
211,586

63,178
-
63,178

September 29, 2012 October 1, 2011 October 2, 2010

Year Ended

230,049 $
133,254  
363,303 $

208,741 $
128,168  
336,909 $

109,551
102,035
211,586

$

$

$

$

$

$

Th  ere were no customers that accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s net sales in 2012, 2011 and 2010.

NOTE 15  Related Party Transactions

Sales to a company affi  liated with one of the Company’s directors amounted to $280,000 in 2012, $475,000 in 2011 and $423,000 in 2010. 
Purchases from a company affi  liated with one of the Company’s directors amounted to $6,000 in 2011. Th  ere were no such related party purchases 
in 2012 and 2010.

NOTE 16  Comprehensive Loss

Th  e accumulated other comprehensive loss was comprised of the adjustment to the defi ned benefi t plan liability as follows:

(In thousands)
Adjustment to defi ned benefi t plan liability, net of taxes
TOTAL ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

September 29, 2012

Year Ended
October 1, 2011

$
$

(2,441) $
(2,441) $

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

October 2, 2010
(2,309)
(2,309)

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 17  Other Financial Data

Balance sheet information:

(In thousands)
Accounts receivable, net:

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
Prepaid insurance
Other
TOTAL
Other assets:

Cash surrender value of life insurance policies, net of loans of $486 and $446
Capitalized fi nancing 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:

Pension plan
Salaries, wages and related expenses
Property taxes
Customer rebates
Worker’s compensation
Interest
Deferred revenues
Restructuring liabilities
Other
TOTAL
Other liabilities:

Deferred compensation
Deferred income taxes
Other
TOTAL

44

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

September 29, 2012

October 1, 2011

43,261   $
(1,123)  
$
42,138

38,911   $
3,634    
23,229    
$
65,774

3,958   $
1,755   $
1,433    
$
7,146

5,146   $
274    
348    
$

5,768

9,131   $
41,585    
121,321    
5,270    
177,307    
(89,591)  
$
87,716

1,442   $
1,342    
1,233    
716    
327    
29    
-    
-    
788    
$

5,877

7,487   $
4,087    
-    
$

11,574

42,732  
(761)
41,971

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

2,156  
716  
1,221  
4,093

4,006  
218  
374  

4,598

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

1,571  
1,656  
1,234  
791  
333  
387  
387  
142  
876  

7,377

6,149  
1,711  
56  

7,916

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

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 diff erence 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 
specifi ed circumstances) were, benefi cially owned by any acquiring person 
will be null and void. Th  e 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 
refl ect 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.

Th  e 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.

NOTE 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. Th  e 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, eff ective April 25, 2009, 
the Company’s Board of Directors amended the Rights Agreement to, 
among other changes, extend the fi nal expiration date and adjust the 
purchase price payable upon exercise of a right.

Th  e rights are not currently exercisable but trade with the Company’s 
common stock shares and become exercisable on the distribution date. 
Th  e distribution date will occur upon the earliest of 10 business days 
following a public announcement that either a person or group of 
affi  liated or associated persons (an “acquiring person”) has acquired, 
or obtained the right to acquire, benefi cial 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 off er 
or exchange off er that would, if consummated, result in an acquiring 
person benefi cially 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 specifi ed, 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 

NOTE 19  Product Warranties

Th  e Company’s products are used in applications which are subject 
to inherent risks including performance defi ciencies, personal injury, 
property damage, environmental contamination or loss of production. 
Th  e Company warrants its products to meet certain specifi cations and 

actual or claimed defi ciencies from these specifi cations may give rise to 
claims. Th  e Company does not maintain a reserve for warranties as the 
historical claims have been immaterial. Th  e Company maintains product 
liability insurance coverage to minimize its exposure to such risks.

NOTE 20  Share Repurchases

On November 18, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved 
a 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. Th  e 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. Th  e New Authorization continues in eff ect until terminated 
by the Board of Directors. As of September 29, 2012, there was 
$24.8 million remaining available for future share repurchases under 
this authorization. During 2011 and 2010, the Company repurchased 
$143,000 or 12,633 shares and $79,000 or 8,486 shares, respectively, 
of its common stock through restricted stock net-share settlements. 
Th  ere were no share repurchases during 2012.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 45

PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

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 
September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011, and the related consolidated 
statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive 
income (loss) and cash fl ows for each of the three years in the period 
ended September 29, 2012. Our audits of the basic fi nancial statements 
included the fi nancial statement schedule listed in the index appearing 
under  Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts . Th  ese fi nancial 
statements and fi nancial statement schedule are the responsibility of the 
Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion 
on these fi nancial statements and fi nancial statement schedule based 
on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public 
Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Th  ose standards 
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable 
assurance about whether the fi nancial statements are free of material 
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence 
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the fi nancial statements. 
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and 
signifi cant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the 
overall fi nancial statement presentation. We believe that our audits 
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated fi nancial statements referred to 
above present fairly, in all material respects, the fi nancial position of 
Insteel Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 29, 2012 and 
October 1, 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash fl ows 
for each of the three years in the period ended September 29, 2012 
in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the 
United States of America. Also in our opinion, the related fi nancial 
statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated 
fi nancial 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), the Company’s 
internal control over fi nancial reporting as of September 29, 2012, 
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 1, 2012 expressed 
an unqualifi ed opinion.

/s/ Grant Th  ornton LLP
Charlotte, North Carolina
November 1, 2012

46

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

PART II  
ITEM 9A Controls and Procedures

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 
Years  Ended  September 29, 2012, October 1, 2011 
and  October 2, 2010

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

(In thousands)
Balance, beginning of year
Amounts charged to earnings
Write-off s, net of recoveries
BALANCE, END OF YEAR

September 29, 2012

Year Ended
October 1, 2011

October 2, 2010

$

$

761   $
449    
(87)  
$

1,123

2,296   $
307    
(1,842)  
$
761

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

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 eff ectiveness of our disclosure 
controls and procedures as of September 29, 2012. Th  is evaluation 
was conducted under the supervision and with the participation 
of management, including our principal executive offi  cer and our 
principal fi nancial offi  cer. Based upon that evaluation, our principal 
executive offi  cer and our principal fi nancial offi  cer concluded that 
our disclosure controls and procedures were eff ective to ensure that 
information required to be disclosed in the reports that we fi le or 

submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 
“Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported 
within the time periods specifi ed in the Commission’s rules and 
forms. Furthermore, we concluded that our disclosure controls and 
procedures were eff ective to ensure that information is accumulated 
and communicated to management, including our principal executive 
offi  cer and our principal fi nancial offi  cer, 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 fi nancial reporting. Internal control over fi nancial 
reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 
reliability of our fi nancial reporting for external purposes in accordance 
with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over 
fi nancial reporting includes: (1) maintaining records that in reasonable 
detail accurately and fairly refl ect the transactions and dispositions of 
assets; (2) providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded 
as necessary for preparation of fi nancial 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 eff ect 
on fi nancial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over fi nancial reporting 
is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of 
fi nancial statements would be prevented or detected. Also, projections of 

any evaluation of eff ectiveness 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 eff ectiveness of our internal control over 
fi nancial 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 fi nancial reporting was eff ective 
as of September 29, 2012. During the quarter ended September 29, 2012, 
there were no changes in our internal control over fi nancial reporting that 
have materially aff ected, or are reasonably likely to materially aff ect, our 
internal control over fi nancial reporting.

Our independent registered public accounting fi rm has issued an audit 
report on the eff ectiveness of our internal control over fi nancial reporting 
as of September 29, 2012. Th  e report appears below.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 47

 
 
PART II  
ITEM 9A Controls and Procedures

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 fi nancial reporting as 
of September 29, 2012, 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 eff ective internal control over fi nancial reporting and 
for its assessment of the eff ectiveness of internal control over fi nancial 
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 fi nancial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public 
Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Th  ose standards 
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance 
about whether eff ective internal control over fi nancial reporting was 
maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an 
understanding of internal control over fi nancial reporting, assessing the 
risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design 
and operating eff ectiveness 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 fi nancial reporting is a process 
designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 
fi nancial reporting and the preparation of fi nancial statements for 
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles. A company’s internal control over fi nancial reporting includes 
those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance 
of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly refl ect the 
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide 

reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to 
permit preparation of fi nancial 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 eff ect on the fi nancial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over fi nancial 
reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections 
of any evaluation of eff ectiveness 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, eff ective internal control over fi nancial reporting 
as of September 29, 2012, 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 September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011 and the related consolidated 
statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive 
income (loss) and cash fl ows for each of the three years in the period 
ended September 29, 2012, and our report dated November 1, 2012, 
expressed an unqualifi ed opinion.

/s/ Grant Th  ornton LLP
Charlotte, North Carolina
November 1, 2012

48

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

PART III  
ITEM 11 Executive Compensation

ITEM 9B Other Information

None.

PART III

ITEM 10  Directors, Executive Offi  cers and Corporate 

Governance

Th  e 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) Benefi cial Reporting Compliance” and “Corporate Governance Guidelines and Board Matters” in the Company’s 
Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference. Information on executive offi  cers appears 
under the caption “Executive Offi  cers of the Company” in Item 1 of this report.

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct that applies to all directors, offi  cers 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). Th  e Company’s 
web site does not constitute part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 11  Executive Compensation

Th  e 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 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is 
incorporated herein by reference.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 49

PART III  
ITEM 12 Security Ownership of Certain Benefi cial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

ITEM 12  Security Ownership of Certain Benefi cial Owners 
and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Th  e 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 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
 SEPTEMBER 29, 2012

(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
11.09

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

Plan Category
(In thousands, except exercise price amount)
786(1)
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 September 29, 2012, the securities shown are available for 

1,160 $

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

Th  e 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 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated 
herein by reference.

ITEM 14  Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Th  e information called for by this item appears under the caption “Item Number Four: Ratifi cation of the Appointment of Grant Th  ornton LLP” 
in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

50

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

PART IV  
ITEM 15 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

PART IV

ITEM 15  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a)(1) Financial Statements

Th  e fi nancial statements as set forth under Item 8 are fi led as part of this report.

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules

Supplemental Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts appears on page 47 of this report.
All other schedules have been omitted because they are either not required or not applicable.

(a)(3) Exhibits

Th  e list of exhibits fi led 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 53 and 54.

(c) Financial Statement Schedules

See Item 15(a)(2) above.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 51

PART IV  
ITEM 15 Signatures

Signatures

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.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

By:

Registrant
/S/ MICHAEL C. GAZMARIAN
Michael C. Gazmarian
Vice President, Chief Financial Offi  cer and Treasurer

Date: November 1, 2012

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed on November 1, 2012 below by the following 
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated:

Name and Signature
/s/ H. O. WOLTZ III
H. O. Woltz III
/s/ MICHAEL C. GAZMARIAN
Michael C. Gazmarian
/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

Position(s)

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

Vice President, Chief Financial Offi  cer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Offi  cer)

Chief Accounting Offi  cer and Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Offi  cer)

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

52

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

 
 
 
ITEM 15 Exhibit Index to Annual Report on Form 10-K of Insteel Industries, Inc

PART IV  

Exhibit Index to Annual Report on Form 10-K of Insteel 
Industries, Inc. for Year Ended September 29, 2012

Exhibit
Number Description
3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

4.1

4.2

10.1

10.4

10.5*

10.9*

10.11*

10.12*

10.13*

10.14*

10.15*

10.16*

10.17*

10.20*

Restated Articles of Incorporation for the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement 
on Form S-1 fi led on May 2, 1985).
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).
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 fi led 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 fi led on April 26, 2010).
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 fi led on February 9, 2011).
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 fi led 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 fi led on April 27, 2009).
First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 6, 2012, 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 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K fi led on 
February 6, 2012).
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 fi led on April 26, 2011).
1994 Employee Stock Option Plan of Insteel Industries, Inc. (as amended and restated eff ective February 1, 2000) (incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 99 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 fi led on February 23, 2000).
1994 Director Stock Option Plan of the Company (as Amended and Restated Eff ective 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 fi led on December 3, 1998).
Insteel Industries, Inc. Return on Capital Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended eff ective September 18, 2007) (incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K fi led 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 fi led on November 16, 2006).
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 fi led on November 16, 2006).
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 fi led on November 16, 2006).
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 fi led on December 10, 1997).
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 fi led on September 21, 2007).
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 fi led on September 21, 2007).
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 fi led 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 

10.20.2*

10.21*

10.22*

of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 3, 2009 fi led on November 9, 2009).
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 fi led on November 9, 2009).
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 fi led on February 15, 2007).
2005 Equity Incentive Plan of Insteel Industries, Inc., as amended on November 8, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 
to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K fi led on November 10, 2011).

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K 53

PART IV  
ITEM 15 Exhibit Index to Annual Report on Form 10-K of Insteel Industries, Inc

Exhibit
Number Description
10.23*

10.24*

10.25*

10.26

21.1
23.1
31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

101**

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 fi scal year ended September 27, 2008 fi led on November 18, 2008).
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 fi led on January 23, 2009).
Insteel Industries, Inc. Return on Capital Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended and restated eff ective August 12, 2008) 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K fi led on February 13, 2009).
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 fi led on November 22, 2010).
List of Subsidiaries of Insteel Industries, Inc. at September 29, 2012.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Certifi cation of the Chief Executive Offi  cer 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.
Certifi cation of the Chief Financial Offi  cer 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.
Certifi cation of the Chief Executive Offi  cer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley 
Act of 2002.
Certifi cation of the Chief Financial Offi  cer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley 
Act of 2002.
Th  e following fi nancial information from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fi scal year ended September 29, 2012, fi led on 
November 1, 2012, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Operations for 
the years ended September 29, 2012, October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010, (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 29, 2012 
and October 1, 2011, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 29, 2012, October 1, 2011 and 
October 2, 2010, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity as of September 29, 2012, October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010 
and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

*  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.

54

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.  Form   10K

CoRP oR AT e  iNFoRM AT ioN

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BOard Of directOrs

sharehOlder infOrmatiOn

duncan S. gage(1,2)
Retired 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)
Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer  
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  
(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 12, 2013 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 october 24, 2012, 
there were 825 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 infor-
mation, contact Michael C. Gazmarian,  
vice President, Chief Financial officer and 
treasurer, at the Company’s headquarters. 
you may also visit the Investors section on 
the Company’s web site at http://investor.
insteel.com/.

fOrward-lOOking statements

Any statements in this 2012 Annual Report 
that are not entirely historical in nature con-
stitute forward-looking statements within 
the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of 
the Private Securities litigation Reform Act 
of 1995. For important information regarding 
forward-looking statements, please read 
the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-
looking Statements” on page 4 of the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K  
for the year ended September 29, 2012, 
which is included as part of this 2012 
Annual Report.

1373 boggs drive
Mount Airy, North Carolina 27030

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