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

Insteel Industries, Inc.

iiin · NYSE Industrials
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Ticker iiin
Exchange NYSE
Sector Industrials
Industry Manufacturing - Metal Fabrication
Employees 929
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FY2019 Annual Report · Insteel Industries, Inc.
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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J

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

We manufacture and market prestressed concrete strand and welded wire reinforcement, including 

engineered structural mesh, concrete pipe reinforcement and standard welded wire reinforcement. 

Our products are sold primarily to manufacturers of concrete products that are used in nonresidential 

construction. Headquartered in Mount Airy, North Carolina, we operate ten manufacturing facilities 

located in the United States.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

2019

2018

2017

Operating Results:
   Net sales
   Gross profit
      % of net sales
   Net earnings
      % of net sales

Per Share Data:
   Net earnings:
      Basic
      Diluted
   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 operating activities
   Acquisition of business
   Capital expenditures
   Depreciation and amortization
   Cash dividends paid

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

 $455,713 
 30,061 
6.6% 
 $5,598 
1.2% 

 $453,217 
 70,807 
15.6% 
 $36,266 
8.0% 

 $388,871 
 59,781 
15.4% 
 $22,548 
5.8% 

 $0.29 
 0.29 
 0.12 

 $1.90 
 1.88 
 1.12 

 $1.19 
 1.17 
 1.37 

2.3% 
2.3% 

15.6% 
15.6% 

10.1% 
10.1% 

 $38,181 
 293,009 
 -   
 246,017 

 $43,941 
 329,534 
 -   
 241,665 

 $6,608 
 -   
 10,512 
 13,553 
 2,310 

 $53,969 
3,300
 18,449 
 12,818 
 21,333 

 $32,105 
 283,073 
 -   
 223,376 

 $20,840 
-
 20,575 
 11,649 
 26,011 

Net Sales 
(In millions)

$388.9

$453.2

$455.7

Gross Margin 

15.4%

15.6%

6.6%

2017

2018

2019

2017

2018

2019

Net Earnings
Per Share (Diluted)

$1.17

Return on Total Capital

$1.88

15.6%

10.1%

$0.29

2.3%

2017

2018

2019

2017

2018

2019

2019 ANNUAL REPORT | INSTEEL INDUSTRIES |

1       

 
 
BUSINESS OVERVIEW

64% OF SALES

Welded Wire Reinforcement

Manufacturing Locations

Welded Wire Reinforcement
Prestressed Concrete Strand

Prefabricated reinforcement consisting of high-strength wires that are welded into specified patterns according to 
customer requirements, which may provide for alternative wire diameters, lengths and spacings. Wire intersections are 
electrically resistance-welded by computer-controlled continuous automatic welding lines that use pressure and heat 
to fuse longitudinal and transverse wires in their proper position. 

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, TX | Hazleton, PA | 
Jacksonville, FL | Kingman, AZ | 
Mount Airy, NC | St. Joseph, MO
Customer Segments
Precast and Prestressed Producers | 
Rebar Fabricators | Distributors | 
Contractors
End Uses
Nonresidential Construction

CONCRETE PIPE 
REINFORCEMENT

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

Plant Locations
Dayton, TX | Jacksonville, FL | 
Kingman, AZ | Mount Airy, NC | 
St. Joseph, MO

Customer Segments
Concrete Pipe and Precast Producers

End Uses
Nonresidential Construction | 
Residential Construction

STANDARD WELDED WIRE 
REINFORCEMENT

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

Plant Locations
Dayton, TX | Hazleton, PA | Hickman, KY | 
Jacksonville, FL | Mount Airy, NC 
Customer Segments
Rebar Fabricators | Distributors
End Uses
| 
Nonresidential Construction 
Residential Construction

36% OF SALES

Prestressed Concrete Strand

High-strength seven-wire reinforcement consisting of six wires that are 
continuously wrapped around a center wire forming a strand, which is then 
heat-treated while under tension. Provides tensile strength and compression forces 
in concrete elements and structures, allowing for the use of longer, thinner and 
lighter spans or sections. May be used in either pretensioned or posttensioned 
applications to reinforce  bridges, parking decks, buildings, other concrete 
structures and concrete slabs for new homes in regions that 
have expansive soil. 

Plant Locations
Gallatin, TN | Houston, TX | Sanderson, FL
Customer Segments
Precast Prestress Producers | 
Posttensioning Suppliers

End Uses
Nonresidential Construction | 
Residential Construction

|

2

2019 ANNUAL REPORT | INSTEEL INDUSTRIES

LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

During the year, we intensified our 
focus on our primary organic growth 
initiative - the expansion of our cast-
in-place business through further 
penetration of the rebar market.

WWR-T5 = 39'-0"
[39@12"]

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2019 was a difficult year for Insteel as we contended with a surge in low-priced import competition together with unusually wet 
weather that resulted in construction delays and deferred orders. Prices for our primary raw material, hot-rolled steel wire rod, and 
our products, which had escalated over the second half of 2018, reversed course and trended lower during the year.

In the face of these challenges, we continued to execute our strategy for long-term growth and the creation of shareholder value, which 
is centered on leveraging our market leadership positions across our product portfolio and strengthening our low-cost producer 
status. We made additional investments in our facilities and systems that supported our cost and productivity improvement initiatives 
and broadened our engineered structural mesh (“ESM”) manufacturing capabilities. And we maintained our strong balance sheet, 
giving us the financial flexibility to pursue strategic growth opportunities that may develop in this challenging environment.

FINANCIAL RESULTS

Net  sales  for  2019  were  essentially  unchanged  from  the  prior 
year  at  $455.7  million  as  an  8.2%  increase  in  average  selling 
prices  was  offset  by  a  7.2%  decrease  in  shipments,  reflecting 
the increased import competition and adverse weather through 
the  first  nine  months  of  the  year.  Gross  margin  narrowed  900 
basis points to 6.6% due to lower spreads between selling prices 
and  raw  material  costs,  and,  to  a  lesser  extent,  the  reduction 
in  shipments  and  higher  unit  manufacturing  costs  on  lower 
production  volume.  The  spread  and  margin  compression 
were compounded by the declining price environment and the 

resulting  consumption  of  higher  cost  inventory  purchased  in 
earlier periods matched against lower average selling prices for 
our products. Net earnings declined to $5.6 million, or $0.29 per 
share, from $36.3 million, or $1.88 per diluted share, in 2018.

Cash flow from operations fell to $6.6 million from $54.0 million 
in the prior year due to the lower earnings and a $12.0 million 
increase in working capital. We ended the year debt-free with 
$38.2  million  of  cash  and  no  borrowings  outstanding  on  our 
$100 million revolving credit facility.

2019 ANNUAL REPORT | INSTEEL INDUSTRIES |

3       

 
 
232 TARIFF

Import  competition  continued  to  escalate  during  the  year, 
particularly  in  certain  of  our  PC  strand  and  standard  welded 
wire  reinforcement  markets,  extending  the  upward  trend 
that began during the second half of 2018 in the wake of the 
imposition of the Section 232 tariffs on imported steel. The 25% 
tariff, which applies to imports of our primary raw material but 
excludes our finished products, has caused wire rod imports 
to  plummet  and  driven  domestic  prices  substantially  higher 
than global market levels. Foreign competitors have responded 
by  shifting  production  to  downstream  products  in  order  to 
leverage the cost advantage they now enjoy and expand their 
market  share  in  the  U.S.  The  increased  pricing  pressure 
resulting from the influx of imports has spilled over into certain 
of our other markets as domestic competitors seek to backfill 
lost volume and retain their existing business. 

We continued our dialogue with the Administration regarding 
the increasingly negative impact of the tariffs on our industry. 
Unfortunately,  although  we  believe  senior  officials  at  the 
Department of Commerce, USTR and White House understand 
the adverse effect of the tariff program on steel consumers, it 
is unclear whether they are willing to take action to resolve the 
competitive disadvantage that it has created. Since it appears 
the Administration is firmly committed to its tariff approach on 
trade policy, we believe the only reasonable resolution would 
be to extend it to include downstream products. 

GROWTH INITIATIVES

During  the  year,  we  intensified  our  focus  on  our  primary 
organic  growth  initiative  -  the  expansion  of  our  cast-in-place 
(“CIP”)  business  through  further  penetration  of  the  rebar 
market.  For  many  applications,  the  substitution  of  ESM  for 
rebar represents an attractive value proposition for contractors 
by  significantly  reducing  the  installation  labor  and  material 
requirements for a project and accelerating the construction 
process.  The  elimination  of  the  labor-intensive  placing  and 
hand-tying inherent to rebar is particularly attractive in today’s 
tight job market environment. An additional advantage is the 
higher yield strength of ESM relative to rebar, which allows for 
the use of less material to obtain the equivalent reinforcement. 
As rebar users initially convert projects to ESM and experience 
first-hand  the  advantages  that  it  offers,  they  tend  to  become 
repeat customers going forward.

With  six  manufacturing  locations  that  produce  ESM,  our 
broad  footprint  positions  us  to  supply  projects  nationwide 
in  a  responsive  and  cost-effective  manner.  The  substantial 
investments  we’ve  made  in  our  facilities  in  recent  years 
employ the latest technology, allowing for a broader range of 
design configurations, higher productivity levels, the economic 
production  of  smaller  order  sizes  and  additional  capacity  to 
support  the  execution  of  our  growth  plan.  During  2019,  we 
began the commissioning process for a new production line at 
our North Carolina facility that will allow us to produce certain 
niche products and significantly reduce our operating costs.

Complementing  these 
investments,  our  November  2017 
acquisition  of  certain  of  the  assets  of  Ortiz  Engineered 
Products,  Inc.  (“OEP”)  has  strengthened  our  engineering 
and  project  management  capabilities  in  order  to  accelerate 
our  CIP  growth  efforts.  OEP,  a  provider  of  value-engineered 
reinforcing  solutions  for  the  concrete  construction  industry, 
had  carved  out  a  niche  primarily  in  the  Northeast  market 
converting projects that were designed with rebar to ESM. We 
expect  to  make  considerable  progress  in  expanding  our  CIP 
business going forward as we leverage the sales engineering 
and manufacturing infrastructure we have developed, which is 
unmatched in the industry.

LOOKING AHEAD

As  we  move  into  2020,  we  expect  continued  growth  in  our 
infrastructure-related  business  should  be 
markets.  Our 
favorably impacted by higher state and local spending in many 
of our markets supported by various funding initiatives together 
with FAST Act and supplementary measures at the federal level. 
Leading  indicators  and  industry  forecasts  for  nonresidential 
construction  remain  relatively  stable,  implying  modest  growth 
with the continued expansion in the economy. We should also 
benefit,  to  some  extent,  from  the  weather-related  deferral  of 
business from last year.  

We  expect  business  conditions  will  remain  challenging, 
however,  as  the  increased  import  competition  and  related 
pricing  pressure  is  likely  to  persist  pending  a  solution  to  the 
tariff issue that levels the playing field for domestic producers 
of downstream products. In the interim, we will maintain our 
focus on our strategic priorities and those factors that we can 
control: aggressively pursuing improvements in the productivity 
and  effectiveness  of  all  our  business  activities;  optimizing 
our  operating  costs;  meeting  the  service  expectations  of  our 
customers;  and  continuing  to  make  strategic  investments  in 
our people, facilities and systems. In addition, we will utilize our 
strong balance sheet and flexible capital structure to pursue 
further  strategic  acquisition  opportunities  that  may  develop 
in  a  more  difficult  market  environment.  In  doing  so,  we  will 
continue to exercise valuation discipline and maintain sound 
judgment  to  ensure  that  we  achieve  satisfactory  returns  for 
our  shareholders  without  compromising  our  strong  financial 
position. 

We believe that Insteel will emerge from this challenging period 
even  stronger  and  look  forward  to  the  opportunities  that  lie 
ahead. Thanks to our employees, customers and shareholders 
for their continued trust, confidence and support.

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

|

4

2019 ANNUAL REPORT | 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 fiscal year ended September 28, 2019
OR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Title of Each Class

Trading Symbol(s)

Common Stock (No Par Value)

IIIN

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

Indicate by check mark 
 (cid:122) if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

YES

NO

 (cid:122) if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.

 (cid:122) whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was 
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 (cid:122) whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 
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 such files).

 (cid:122) whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging 
growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth 
company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): 

Large accelerated filer 

Accelerated filer 

Non-accelerated filer 

Smaller reporting company 

 (cid:122) If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period 
for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 (cid:122) whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

Emerging growth company 

As of March 30, 2019 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter), the aggregate market value 
of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $289,144,525 based upon the closing sale price as reported on the 
Nasdaq Global Select Market. As of October 24, 2019, there were 19,260,725 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 2020 Annual Meeting of 
Shareholders are incorporated by reference as set forth in Part III hereof. 

Table of Contents

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 

PART I 
Item 1  Business 
Item 1A  Risk Factors 
Item 1B  Unresolved Staff Comments 
Item 2  Properties 
Item 3  Legal Proceedings 
Item 4  Mine Safety Disclosures 
Executive Officers of the Company 

PART II 
Item 5 

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

Item 6  Selected Financial Data 
Item 7  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
Item 7A  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 
Item 8  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
Item 9  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 
Item 9A  Controls and Procedures 
Item 9B  Other Information 

PART III 
Item 10  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 
Item 11  Executive Compensation 
Item 12   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related  

Stockholder Matters 

Item 13  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 
Item 14  Principal Accounting Fees and Services 

PART IV 
Item 15  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 
Item 16  Form 10-K Summary 
Signatures 

04

05
05
08
10
10
10
10
11

12

12
13
13
20
21
43
43
45

45
45
45

45
45
46

46
46
46
50

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

3

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This  report  contains  forward-looking  statements  within  the 
meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities 
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, particularly in the “Business,” “Risk 
Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations” sections of this report. 
When used in this report, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” 
“expects,” “estimates,” “appears,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” 
“should,” “could” and similar expressions are intended to identify 
forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, 
intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by such 
forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are subject 
to a number of risks and uncertainties, and we can provide no 
assurances that such plans, intentions or expectations will be 
implemented or achieved. Many of these risks and uncertainties 
are discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of this report and are 
updated from time to time in our filings with the United States 
(“U.S.”) Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). 

All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting 
on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these 
cautionary statements. All forward-looking statements speak only 
to the respective dates on which such statements are made, and 
we do not undertake any obligation to publicly release the results 
of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be 
made to reflect any future events or circumstances after the date 
of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or 
unanticipated events, except as may be required by law.

It is not possible to anticipate and list all risks and uncertainties 
that may affect our future operations or financial performance; 
however, they include, but are not limited to, the following: 

 (cid:122) general economic and competitive conditions in the markets 

in which we operate; 

 (cid:122) changes in the spending levels for nonresidential and residential 
construction and the impact on demand for our products; 

 (cid:122) 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; 

 (cid:122) the cyclical nature of the steel and building material industries; 
 (cid:122) credit market conditions and the relative availability of financing 
for us, our customers and the construction industry as a whole; 
 (cid:122) fluctuations  in the cost and availability of our primary  raw 
material, hot-rolled carbon steel wire rod, from domestic and 
foreign suppliers; 

 (cid:122) competitive pricing pressures and our ability to raise selling 
prices in order to recover increases in raw material or operating 
costs; 

 (cid:122) changes in U.S. or foreign trade policy, including the Section 
232 tariff on imported steel, affecting imports or exports of steel 
wire rod or our products; 

 (cid:122) unanticipated changes in customer demand, order patterns 

and inventory levels; 

 (cid:122) the impact of fluctuations in demand and capacity utilization 

levels on our unit manufacturing costs;

 (cid:122) our ability to further develop the market for engineered structural 

mesh (“ESM”) and expand our shipments of ESM; 

 (cid:122) legal, environmental, economic or regulatory developments that 

significantly impact our operating costs; 

 (cid:122) unanticipated  plant  outages,  equipment  failures  or  labor 

difficulties; and

 (cid:122) the risks and uncertainties discussed herein under the caption 

“Risk Factors.”

4

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

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 fiscal 2019, we estimate that approximately 85% 
of our sales were related to nonresidential construction and 15% 
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 
in our industry; and (3) pursuing growth opportunities within our 
core businesses that further our penetration of the markets we 
currently serve or expand our footprint. Headquartered in Mount 
Airy, North Carolina, we operate ten manufacturing facilities that 
are all located in the U.S. in close proximity to our customers and 
raw material suppliers. Our growth strategy is focused on organic 
opportunities as well as strategic acquisitions in existing or related 
markets that leverage our infrastructure and core competencies in 
the manufacture and marketing of concrete reinforcing products.

Products

Our operations are entirely focused on the manufacture and 
marketing  of  steel  wire  reinforcing  products  for  concrete 
construction applications. Our concrete reinforcing products 
consist of two product lines: PC strand and WWR. Based on 
the criteria specified in Financial Accounting Standards Board 
(“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 280, 
Segment Reporting, we have one reportable segment. 
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. Its high tensile strength allows for 
the casting of longer spans and thinner sections. Pretensioned 
or “prestressed” concrete elements or structures are primarily 
used in nonresidential construction while posttensioned concrete 
elements  or  structures  are  used  in  both  nonresidential  and 
residential construction. 

Marketing and Distribution

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 lower cost reinforcing 
solution than hot-rolled rebar. 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. 

We market our products through sales representatives who are 
our employees. Our outside sales representatives are trained 
on the technical applications for our products and sell multiple 
product lines in their respective territories. We sell our products 
nationwide across the U.S. and, to a much lesser extent, into 

Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America. Our products 
are  shipped  primarily  by  truck,  using  common  or  contract 
carriers. The delivery method selected is determined based on 
backhaul opportunities, comparative costs and customer service 
requirements. 

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

5

PART I

Item 1 Business

Customers 

We sell our products to a broad range of customers that includes 
manufacturers of concrete products, and to a lesser extent, 
distributors, rebar fabricators and contractors. In fiscal 2019, 
we estimate that approximately 70% of our net sales were to 
manufacturers of concrete products and 30% were to distributors, 
rebar fabricators and contractors. In many cases we are unable 
to identify the specific end use for our products as most of our 

customers sell products that are used for both nonresidential 
and residential construction, and the same products can be 
used for different end uses. We did not have any customers that 
represented 10% or more of our net sales in fiscal years 2019, 
2018 and 2017. The loss of a single customer or a few customers 
would not have a material adverse impact on our business. 

Backlog 

Backlog for our business is minimal due to the relatively short lead times that are required by our customers. We believe that the 
majority of our firm orders as of the end of fiscal 2019 will be shipped during the first quarter of fiscal 2020. 

Seasonality and Cyclicality

Demand in our markets is both seasonal and cyclical, driven 
by the level of construction activity, but can also be impacted 
by  fluctuations  in  the  inventory  positions  of  our  customers. 
Shipments are seasonal, typically reaching their highest level 
when weather conditions are the most conducive to construction 
activity. As a result, assuming normal seasonal weather patterns, 

shipments and profitability are usually higher in the third and 
fourth quarters of the fiscal year and lower in the first and second 
quarters. Construction activity and demand for our products is 
cyclical based on overall economic conditions, although there 
can be significant differences between the relative strength of 
nonresidential and residential construction for extended periods.

Raw Materials 

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

Wire rod prices tend to fluctuate based on changes in scrap and 
other metallic prices for steel producers together with 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. U.S. government trade 
policies  and  trade  actions  by  domestic  wire  rod  producers 
can significantly impact the pricing and availability of imported 
wire rod, which during fiscal years 2019 and 2018 represented 
approximately 8% and 14%, respectively, of our total wire rod 

purchases. We believe that our substantial wire rod requirements, 
desirable mix of sizes and grades, and strong financial condition 
represent a competitive advantage by making us a relatively more 
attractive customer to our suppliers. 

Our ability to source wire rod from overseas suppliers is limited 
by  domestic  content  requirements  generally  referred  to  as  
“Buy America” or “Buy American” laws that exist at both the 
federal and state levels. These laws generally prescribe a domestic 
“melt and cast” standard for purposes of compliance. Customers 
purchasing PC strand and WWR for certain applications require 
the Company to certify compliance with Buy America laws. 

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

Competition

We are the nation’s largest manufacturer of steel wire reinforcing 
products for concrete construction applications. Our markets 
are highly competitive based on price, quality and service. Some 
of our competitors, such as Nucor Corporation, Liberty Steel 
USA (“Liberty”) and Oklahoma Steel and Wire, are vertically 
integrated companies that produce both wire rod and concrete 
reinforcing products and offer multiple product lines over broad 

geographic areas. Other competitors are smaller independent 
companies that offer limited competition in certain markets. Our 
primary competitors for WWR products are Engineered Wire 
Products, Inc. (a subsidiary of Liberty), Wire Mesh Corporation, 
Concrete Reinforcements, Inc., National Wire Products, Davis 
Wire  Corporation  and  Oklahoma  Steel  &  Wire  Co.,  Inc.  Our 
primary competitors for PC strand are Sumiden Wire Products 

6

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

PART I

 Item 1 Business

Corporation, Strand-Tech Manufacturing, Inc. (a subsidiary of 
Liberty) and Wire Mesh Corporation. Import competition is also a 
significant factor in certain segments of the PC strand and SWWR 
markets that are not subject to “Buy America” requirements. 

In response to illegally traded import competition from offshore PC 
strand suppliers, we have pursued trade cases when necessary 
as a means of ensuring that foreign producers were complying 
with the applicable trade laws and regulations. In 2003, we joined 
together with a coalition of domestic PC strand producers and 
filed petitions with the U.S. Department of Commerce (the “DOC”) 
alleging that imports of PC strand from Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico 
and Thailand were being “dumped” or sold in the U.S. at a price 
that was lower than fair value and had injured the domestic 
PC strand industry. The DOC ruled in our favor and imposed  
anti-dumping duties ranging from 12% up to 119%, which had 
the effect of limiting the participation of these countries in the 
domestic market. In 2010, we joined together with a coalition 
of domestic PC strand producers and filed petitions with the 
DOC alleging that imports of PC strand from China were being 

“dumped” or sold in the U.S. at a price that was lower than fair 
value and that subsidies were being provided to Chinese PC 
strand producers by the Chinese government, both of which 
had injured the domestic PC strand industry. The DOC ruled in 
our favor and imposed final countervailing duty margins ranging 
from 9% to 46% and anti-dumping margins ranging from 43% to 
194%, which had the effect of limiting the continued participation 
of Chinese producers in the domestic market. 

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 
competitive factor from the standpoint of manufacturing costs, 
quality and customer service capabilities. In view of our strong 
market positions, broad product offering and national footprint, 
technologically  advanced  manufacturing  facilities,  low-cost 
production  capabilities,  sophisticated  information  systems 
and  financial  strength  and  flexibility,  we  believe  that  we  are  
well-positioned to compete favorably with other producers of our 
concrete reinforcing products. 

Employees 

As of September 28, 2019, we had 834 employees, none of which were represented by labor unions. In the event of production 
disruptions, we believe that our contingency plans 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 financial results. 

Product Warranties

Our products are used in applications that are subject to inherent 
risks, including performance deficiencies, personal injury, property 
damage, environmental contamination or loss of production. We 
warrant our products to meet certain specifications. Although 

actual or claimed deficiencies from these specifications may give 
rise to claims, 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.

Environmental Matters

We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects 
with applicable environmental laws and regulations. We have 
experienced no material difficulties in complying with legislative 
or regulatory standards and believe that these standards have not 
materially impacted our financial position or results of operations. 
Although our future compliance with additional environmental 

requirements could necessitate capital outlays, we do not believe 
these expenditures would ultimately have a material adverse effect 
on our financial position or results of operations. We do not expect 
to incur material capital expenditures for environmental control 
facilities during fiscal 2020.

Available Information

Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form  
10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to 
these reports, are available at no cost on our web site at https://
insteelgcs.gcs-web.com/financial-information/sec-filings and the 

SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov as soon as reasonably practicable 
after we file these reports with the SEC. The information available 
on our web site and the SEC’s website is not incorporated into 
this report or any of our filings with the SEC.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

7

PART I

Item 1A Risk Factors

Item 1A  Risk Factors

An  investment  in  our  common  stock  involves  risks  and 
uncertainties. You should carefully consider the following risk 
factors, in addition to the other information contained in this annual 
report on Form 10-K, before deciding whether an investment in 
our common stock is suitable for you. The risk factors described 
below are not the only ones we face. There may be other risks 
and uncertainties that are currently unknown to us or that we 
currently consider to be immaterial that could adversely affect our 
business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. 

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

Demand  for  our  products  is  cyclical  in  nature  and  sensitive 
to changes in the economy and in the financial markets. Our 
products are sold primarily to manufacturers of concrete products 
that are used for a broad range of nonresidential and residential 
construction applications. Demand for our products is driven by 
the level of construction activity, which tends to be correlated with 
conditions in the overall economy as well as other factors beyond our 
control. Tightening in the financial markets could adversely impact 
demand for our products by reducing the availability of financing 
to our customers and the construction industry as a whole and 
increasing the risk of payment defaults on our accounts receivable. 
Future prolonged periods of economic weakness or reduced 
availability of financing could have a material adverse impact on our 
business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Our 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, financial condition and cash flows. 

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

Our shipments are typically lower in the first and second fiscal 
quarters due to the unfavorable impact of winter weather on 
construction activity during these periods and customer plant 
shutdowns associated with holidays. As a result, our cash flows 
may fluctuate from quarter to quarter due to these seasonal factors. 

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

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

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

The primary raw material used to manufacture our products 
is hot-rolled carbon steel wire rod, which we purchase from 
both domestic and foreign suppliers. We do not use derivative 
commodity instruments to hedge our exposure to changes in the 
price of wire rod as such instruments are currently unavailable in 
the financial markets. Prices for wire rod have become increasingly 
volatile in recent years driven by the higher degree of variability in 
raw material costs for rod producers, changes in trade policy and 
the tightening of domestic supply. In response, 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, we may be unable to fully recover increased rod 
costs during weaker market environments, which would reduce 
our earnings and cash flows. Additionally, when raw material costs 
decline, our financial results would be negatively impacted if the 
selling prices for our products decrease to an even greater extent 
and if we are consuming higher cost material from inventory. 

Our financial results can also be significantly impacted if raw 
material  supplies  are  inadequate  to  satisfy  our  purchasing 
requirements. In addition, U.S. government trade policies, such 
as  the  imposition  of  the  steel  tariffs  imposed  under  Section 
232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, or trade 
actions by domestic wire rod producers against other countries 
can significantly impact the availability and cost of imported 
wire rod. The imposition of tariffs, quotas or anti-dumping or 
countervailing duty margins by the U.S. government against 
exporting countries can have the effect of reducing or eliminating 
their competitiveness and participation in the domestic market. If 
we were unable to obtain adequate and timely delivery of our raw 
material requirements, we may be unable to manufacture sufficient 
quantities of our products or operate our manufacturing facilities 
in an efficient manner, which could result in lost sales and higher 
operating costs. 

8

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

PART I

 Item 1A Risk Factors

Foreign competition could adversely impact our 
financial results. 

Certain of our PC strand and SWWR markets are subject to 
foreign import competition on an ongoing basis. If we are unable to 
purchase raw materials and achieve manufacturing costs that are 
competitive with those of foreign producers, or if the margin and 
return requirements of foreign producers are substantially lower, 
our market share and profit margins could be negatively impacted. 
In response to illegally traded import competition from offshore PC 
strand suppliers, we have pursued trade cases when necessary 
as a means of ensuring that foreign producers were complying 
with the applicable trade laws and regulations. These trade cases 
have resulted in the imposition of duties which have had the effect 
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 and 
SWWR producers that engage in unlawful trade practices.

The perpetuation of the Section 232 tariff on 
imported steel, as currently structured, would 
continue to negatively impact our financial results 
and cash flows.

The imposition of the Section 232 tariff on imported steel, which 
became  effective  in  March  2018,  has  resulted  in  a  surge  in  
low-priced imports in certain of our markets, particularly PC strand 
and SWWR. The tariff, which applies to imports of our primary raw 
material but excludes our finished products, has provided offshore 
competitors with a significant cost advantage that has allowed them 
to underprice domestic producers and expand their market share, 
thereby displacing U.S. production. If the Administration continues 
the tariff program and fails to extend it to include our finished 
products, the resulting adverse impact on our market share, financial 
results and cash flow that we experienced during 2019 will persist. 

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  and  sell  our  products,  including 
unexpected equipment failures, operational interruptions and 
catastrophic losses due to other unanticipated events such as 
fires, explosions, accidents, adverse weather conditions and 
transportation interruptions. For example, during fiscal 2017, 
operations at our Texas and Florida plants were temporarily 
curtailed due to flooding and power outages related to hurricanes 
Harvey and Irma, and during fiscal 2018, a transformer outage and 
electrical fire at our Dayton, Texas plant resulted in a temporary 
interruption of operations. Any such equipment failures or events 
can  subject  us  to  plant  shutdowns  and  periods  of  reduced 
production or unexpected downtime. Furthermore, the resolution 
of certain operational interruptions may require significant capital 
expenditures. Although our insurance coverage could offset the 
losses or expenditures relating to some of these events, our 
results of operations and cash flows would be negatively impacted 
to the extent that such claims were not covered or only partially 
covered by our insurance. 

We are increasingly dependent on information 
technology systems that are susceptible to certain 
risks, including cybersecurity breaches and data 
leaks, which could adversely impact our business.

Our increasing reliance on technology systems and infrastructure 
heightens  our  potential  vulnerability  to  system  failure  and 
malfunction, breakdowns due to natural disasters, human error, 
unauthorized access, power loss and other unforeseen events. 
Data privacy breaches by employees and others with or without 
authorized  access  to  our  systems  poses  risks  that  sensitive 
data may be permanently lost or leaked to the public or other 
unauthorized persons. With the growing use and rapid evolution 
of technology, not limited to cloud-based computing and mobile 
devices, there are additional risks of unintentional data leaks. There 
is also the risk of the theft of confidential information, intentional 
vandalism, industrial espionage and a variety of cyber-attacks that 
could compromise our internal technology system and infrastructure 
or result in data leaks in-house or at our third-party providers and 
business partners. Failures of technology or related systems, or an 
improper release of confidential information, could adversely impact 
our business or subject us to unexpected liabilities.

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

Consistent with the experience of other employers, our medical 
and workers’ compensation costs have increased substantially 
in  recent  years  and  are  expected  to  continue  to  rise.  The 
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) will have a 
significant impact on employers, health care providers, insurers 
and others associated with the health care industry and increase 
our employee health care costs. This legislation requires certain 
large employers like us to offer health care benefits to full-time 
employees or face potential annual penalties. To avoid these 
penalties,  employers  must  offer  health  benefits  providing  a 
minimum level of coverage and limit the amount that employees 
are charged for the coverage. The Administration and Congress 
are pursuing legislative and regulatory changes that modify, 
repeal, replace with new legislation or otherwise invalidate all or 
certain portions of the ACA. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 
effectively eliminated certain provisions of the ACA, including 
the individual mandate beginning in 2019. We cannot predict 
the ultimate content, timing, or effect of any healthcare reform 
legislation or the impact of potential legislation or related proposals 
and policies on our results. Any significant increases in the costs 
attributable to our self-insured health and workers’ compensation 
plans could adversely impact our business, results of operations, 
financial condition and cash flows. 

In addition, increasing prices for freight, natural gas, electricity, 
fuel and consumables would adversely affect our manufacturing 
and distribution costs. For most of our business, we incur the 
transportation costs associated with the delivery of products to our 
customers. Although we have previously implemented numerous 
measures to offset the impact of increases in these costs, there 
can be no assurance that such actions will be effective. If we 
are unable to pass these additional costs through by raising our 
selling prices, our financial results could be adversely impacted. 

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

9

PART I

Item 1B Unresolved Staff Comments

Our financial results could be adversely impacted 
by the impairment of goodwill.

Our  balance  sheet  includes  intangible  assets,  including 
goodwill and other separately identifiable assets related to prior 
acquisitions, and we may acquire additional intangible assets in 
connection with future acquisitions. We are required to review 
goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if 
certain indicators of permanent impairment arise such as, among 
other things, a decline in our stock price and market capitalization 
or a reduction in our projected operating results and cash flows. If 
our review indicates that goodwill has been impaired, the impaired 
portion would have to be written-off during that period which 
could adversely impact our business and financial results.

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

Our  operations  are  capital  intensive  and  require  substantial 
recurring  expenditures  for  the  routine  maintenance  of  our 
equipment and facilities. Although we expect to finance our 
business requirements through internally generated funds or from 
borrowings under our $100.0 million revolving credit facility, we 
cannot provide any assurances these resources will be sufficient to 
support our business. A material adverse change in our operations 
or financial condition could limit our ability to borrow funds under 
our credit facility, which could further adversely impact our liquidity 
and financial condition. Any significant future acquisitions could 

require additional financing from external sources that may not be 
available on favorable terms, which could adversely impact our 
growth, operations, financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in environmental compliance and 
remediation requirements could result in 
substantial increases in our 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 require substantial increases in capital investments and 
operating costs. These laws and regulations, which are constantly 
evolving, are becoming increasingly stringent, and the ultimate 
impact of compliance is not always clearly known or determinable 
because regulations under some of these laws have not yet been 
promulgated or are undergoing revision.

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

Equity markets in the U.S. have been increasingly volatile in recent 
years. During fiscal 2019, our common stock traded as high 
as $36.04 and as low as $17.50. There are numerous factors 
that could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate 
significantly, including: variations in our financial results; changes 
in our business outlook and expectations for the construction 
industry;  changes  in  market  valuations  of  companies  in  our 
industry; and announcements by us, our competitors or industry 
participants that may be perceived to impact our financial results. 

Item 1B  Unresolved Staff Comments 

None.

Item 2  Properties 

Our corporate headquarters and IWP’s sales and administrative 
offices are located in Mount Airy, North Carolina. At September 28, 
2019, we operated ten manufacturing facilities located in Dayton, 
Texas; Gallatin, Tennessee; Hazleton, Pennsylvania; Hickman, 
Kentucky;  Houston,  Texas;  Jacksonville,  Florida;  Kingman, 
Arizona; Mount Airy, North Carolina; Sanderson, Florida; and 
St. Joseph, Missouri. 

We own all of our real estate following the exercise of the purchase 
option on the previously leased Houston facility in October 2017. 
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 to satisfy 
the current and projected demand for our products. 

Item 3 

Legal Proceedings 

We are involved in 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 matters will have a material 
adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. 

Item 4  Mine Safety Disclosures 

Not applicable.

10

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

Executive Officers of the Company

PART I

Executive Officers of the Company

Our executive officers are as follows:

Name

H.O. Woltz III

Michael C. Gazmarian

James F. Petelle

Richard T. Wagner

Age

63

60

69

60

Position

President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Vice President - Administration and Secretary

Vice President and General Manager of IWP

H. O. Woltz III, 63, was elected Chief Executive Officer in 1991 and 
has been employed by us and our subsidiaries in various capacities 
since 1978. He was named President and Chief Operating Officer 
in 1989. He served as our Vice President from 1988 to 1989 
and as President of Rappahannock Wire Company, formerly a 
subsidiary of our Company, from 1981 to 1989. Mr. Woltz has 
been a Director since 1986 and also serves as President of Insteel 
Wire Products Company. Mr. Woltz served as President of Florida 
Wire and Cable, Inc., formerly a subsidiary of our Company, until 
its merger with Insteel Wire Products Company in 2002. Mr. Woltz 
was elected Chairman of the Board in 2009.

Michael C. Gazmarian, 60, was elected Vice President, Chief 
Financial  Officer  and  Treasurer  in  February  2007.  He  had 
previously served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since 
1994, the year he joined us. Before joining us, Mr. Gazmarian had 
been employed by Guardian Industries Corp., a privately-held 
manufacturer of glass, automotive and building products, since 
1986, serving in various financial capacities. 

James F. Petelle, 69, 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, 60, joined us in 1992 and has served as 
Vice President and General Manager of the Concrete Reinforcing 
Products Business Unit of our subsidiary, Insteel Wire Products 
Company,  since  1998.  In  February  2007,  Mr.  Wagner  was 
appointed Vice President of the parent company, Insteel Industries, 
Inc. From 1977 until 1992, Mr. Wagner served in various positions 
with Florida Wire and Cable, Inc., a manufacturer of PC strand 
and galvanized strand products, which was later acquired by us 
in 2000.

The executive officers listed above were elected by our Board of 
Directors at its annual meeting held February 12, 2019 for a term 
that will expire at the next annual meeting or until their successors 
are elected and qualify. The next meeting at which officers will be 
elected is expected to be February 11, 2020. 

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 

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 23, 2019, there were 531 shareholders of record. 

Stock Performance Graph 

The 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 five years ended September 28, 2019. The graph and 
table assume that $100 was invested on September 27, 2014 

in our common stock and in each of the two indices and the 
reinvestment of all dividends. Cumulative total shareholder returns 
for our common stock, the Russell 2000 Index and the S&P 
Building Products Index are based on our fiscal year. 

Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Return for Insteel Industries, Inc.,
the Russell 2000 Index and the S&P Building Products Index

In $

200

150

100

50

0

9/27/14

10/3/15

10/1/16

9/30/17

9/29/18

9/28/19

Insteel Industries, Inc.

Russell 2000

S&P Building Products

Insteel Industries, Inc.

$

Russell 2000

S&P Building Products

9/27/14

100.00

100.00

100.00

10/3/15

$

77.24

$

101.25

121.09

10/1/16

182.81

116.91

157.07

$

9/30/17

136.61

141.15

165.02

$

9/29/18

195.18

162.66

149.83

$

9/28/19

113.29

148.20

176.67

Fiscal Year Ended

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Information regarding our share repurchase authorization is discussed in Note 18 to our consolidated financial statements and 
incorporated herein by reference.

12

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

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

PART II

Item 6 

Selected Financial Data 

Financial Highlights

(In thousands, except per 
share amounts)

(52 weeks) 
September 28, 2019

(52 weeks) 
September 29, 2018

(52 weeks) 
September 30, 2017

(52 weeks) 
October 1, 2016

(53 weeks) 
October 3, 2015

Year Ended

Net sales

Net earnings

Net earnings per 
share (basic)

Net earnings per 
share (diluted)

Cash dividends 
declared

Total assets

Total debt

$

455,713 

$

453,217 

$

388,871 

$

418,547 

$

 5,598 

 0.29 

 0.29 

 0.12 

 36,266 

 1.90 

 1.88 

 1.12 

 22,548 

 1.19 

 1.17 

 1.37 

 37,245 

 1.99 

 1.95 

 1.12 

447,504 

 21,710 

 1.18 

 1.15 

 0.12 

 293,009 

 329,534 

 283,073 

 292,892 

 260,239 

—

—

—

—

—

Shareholders’ equity

 246,017 

 241,665 

 223,376 

 224,566 

 200,215 

Item 7  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 

Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

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

Overview

Our operations are entirely focused on the manufacture and 
marketing  of  concrete  reinforcing  products  for  the  concrete 
construction  industry.  Our  business  strategy  is  focused  on: 
(1) achieving leadership positions in our markets; (2) operating 

as the lowest cost producer in our industry; and (3) pursuing 
growth opportunities within our core businesses that further our 
penetration of the markets we currently serve or expand our 
footprint.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared 
in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted 
in the United States (“GAAP”). Our discussion and analysis of 
our financial condition and results of operations are based on 
these  consolidated  financial  statements.  The  preparation  of 
our consolidated financial statements requires the application 
of these accounting principles in addition to certain estimates 
and judgments based on current available information, actuarial 
estimates, historical results and other assumptions believed to 
be reasonable. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

The following critical accounting policies are both important to the 
depiction of our financial condition and results of operations and 
require judgments, assumptions and estimates.

Revenue recognition

We recognize revenues when obligations under the terms of a 
contract with our customers are satisfied, which generally occurs 
when products are shipped and control is transferred. Revenue 
is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be 
received in exchange for our products. 

Concentration of credit risk

Financial instruments that subject us to concentrations of credit 
risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and trade 
accounts receivable. Our cash is concentrated primarily at one 
financial institution, which at times exceeds federally insured limits. 
We are exposed to credit risk in the event of default by institutions in 

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

13

PART II

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

which our cash and cash equivalents are held and by customers to 
the extent of the amounts recorded for accounts receivable on the 
balance sheet. We invest excess cash primarily in money market 
funds, which are highly liquid securities that bear minimal risk. 

are reported separately as assets held for sale on our balance 
sheet. Unforeseen events and changes in circumstances and 
market conditions could negatively affect the value of assets and 
result in an impairment charge.

Most of our accounts receivable are due from customers that are 
located in the U.S. and are generally not secured by collateral 
depending upon the creditworthiness of the account. We provide 
an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon our assessment 
of the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends and other 
information. There is no disproportionate concentration of credit risk.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated 
losses resulting from the potential inability of our customers to 
make required payments on outstanding balances owed to us. 
Significant management judgments and estimates are used in 
establishing the allowances. These judgments and estimates 
consider such factors as the financial position, cash flows and 
payment history of our customers as well as current and expected 
business conditions. It is reasonably likely that actual collections 
will differ from our estimates, which may result in increases or 
decreases in the allowances. Adjustments to the allowances may 
also be required if there are significant changes in the financial 
condition of our customers.

Inventory valuation

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

Long-lived assets

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

Goodwill

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and whenever events 
or circumstances change that would make it more likely than not 
that an impairment may have occurred. We perform our annual 
impairment analysis as of the first day of the fourth quarter each 
fiscal year, which involves comparing the current estimated fair 
value of the reporting unit to its recorded value, including goodwill. 

We perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it 
is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is 
less than its carrying amount. It may be necessary to perform a 
quantitative analysis where a discounted cash flow model is used 
to determine the current estimated fair value of the reporting unit. 
Key assumptions used to determine the fair value of the reporting 
unit as part of our annual testing (and any required interim testing) 
include: (a) expected cash flows for the five-year period following 
the testing date; (b) an estimated terminal value using a terminal 
year growth rate based on the growth prospects of the reporting 
unit; (c) a discount rate based on our estimated after-tax weighted 
average cost of capital; and (d) a probability-weighted scenario 
approach by which varying cash flows are assigned to alternative 
scenarios based on their likelihood of occurrence. In developing 
these assumptions, we consider historical and anticipated future 
results, general economic and market conditions, the impact of 
planned business and operational strategies and all available 
information  at  the  time  the  fair  value  of  the  reporting  unit  is 
estimated. 

We  monitor  our  operating  results  throughout  the  year  to 
determine if events or changes in circumstances warrant any 
interim impairment testing. Otherwise, goodwill will be subject 
to the required annual impairment test during our fourth quarter. 
Changes in the judgments and estimates underlying our analysis 
of  goodwill  for  possible  impairment,  including  the  expected 
future operating cash flows and discount rate, could reduce our 
estimated fair value in the future and result in an impairment of 
goodwill. There was no goodwill impairment loss recognized in 
fiscal 2019.

Self-insurance

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

14

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

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

PART II

Litigation

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

Stock-based compensation

We  account  for  stock-based  compensation  arrangements, 
including  stock  option  grants  and  restricted  stock  units,  in 
accordance with the provisions of 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 and amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting 
period. We use the Monte Carlo valuation model to determine the 
fair value of stock options at the date of grant, which requires us to 
make assumptions for the expected term, volatility, dividend yield, 
risk-free interest rate and forfeiture rates. These assumptions are 
based on historical information and judgment regarding market 
factors and trends. If actual results differ from our assumptions and 
judgments used in estimating these factors, future adjustments 
to these estimates may be required. 

Assumptions for employee benefit plan

We  account  for  our  supplemental  employee  retirement 
plans  (each,  a  “SERP”)  in  accordance  with  ASC  Topic  715, 
Compensation - Retirement Benefits. Under the provisions of ASC 
Topic 715, we recognize net periodic pension cost and value 
liabilities based on certain actuarial assumptions, principally the 
assumed discount rate. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

The discount rate we utilize for determining net periodic pension 
cost and the related benefit obligation for the SERPs is based, 
in part, on current interest rates earned on long-term bonds that 
receive one of the two highest ratings assigned by recognized rating 
agencies. Our discount rate assumptions are adjusted as of each 
valuation date to reflect current interest rates on such long-term 
bonds. The discount rate is used to determine the actuarial present 
value of the benefit obligations as of the valuation date as well as 
the interest component of the net periodic pension cost for the 
following year. The discount rate for the SERPs was 3.00% for fiscal 
2019, 4.00% for fiscal 2018 and 3.75% for fiscal 2017. 

The assumed discount rate is reevaluated annually. Changes 
in this assumption can result in the recognition of a materially 
different pension cost over different periods and a materially 
different liability amount in our consolidated financial statements. A 
reduction in the assumed discount rate generally results in an 
actuarial loss, as the actuarially-determined present value of 
estimated future benefit payments will increase. Conversely, an 
increase in the assumed discount rate generally results in an 
actuarial gain. However, any actuarial gains generated in future 
periods reduce the negative amortization effect of any cumulative 
unamortized actuarial losses, while any actuarial losses generated 
in future periods reduce the favorable amortization effect of any 
cumulative unamortized actuarial gains. 

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

We currently expect net periodic pension cost for fiscal 2020 to 
be $966,000 for the SERPs. Cash contributions to the SERPs 
during fiscal 2020 are expected to be $283,000.

A 0.25% decrease in the assumed discount rate for our SERPs 
would have increased our projected and accumulated benefit 
obligations as of September 28, 2019 by approximately $326,000 
and  $271,000,  respectively,  and  our  expected  net  periodic 
pension cost for fiscal 2020 by approximately $40,000. 

The nature and impact of recent accounting pronouncements is discussed in Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements and 
incorporated herein by reference.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

15

PART II

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

Results of Operations

The table below presents a summary of our results of operations for fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018. See Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report 
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2018, filed with the SEC on October 26, 2018, for Management’s Discussion 
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS – SELECTED DATA

(Dollars in thousands)

Net sales

Gross profit

Percentage of net sales

Selling, general and administrative expense

Percentage of net sales

Other expense (income), net

Interest expense

Interest income

Effective income tax rate

Net earnings

N/M = Not meaningful

2019 Compared with 2018

Net Sales

Net  sales  increased  0.6%  to  $455.7  million  in  2019  from 
$453.2 million in 2018, reflecting an 8.1% increase in average 
selling prices partially offset by a 7.1% decrease in shipments. The 
increase in average selling prices was driven by price increases 
that were implemented over the course of the prior year to recover 
the escalation in raw material costs. Shipments for the current 
year were unfavorably impacted by an increase in low-priced 
import competition spurred by the Section 232 tariff on imported 
steel together with the unusually wet weather across many of our 
markets through the first three quarters of the year. 

Gross Profit

Gross profit decreased 57.5% to $30.1 million, or 6.6% of net 
sales, in 2019 from $70.8 million, or 15.6% of net sales, in 2018 
primarily due to lower spreads between average selling prices 
and raw material costs ($29.7 million), higher manufacturing costs 
($5.8 million) and lower shipments ($5.1 million). The decrease in 
spreads was driven by higher raw material costs ($63.1 million) 
partially offset by higher average selling prices ($33.3 million) and 
lower freight costs ($0.1 million). 

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A expense”) 
decreased  13.4%  to  $24.5  million,  or  5.4%  of  net  sales,  in 
2019 from $28.3 million, or 6.2% of net sales, in 2018 primarily 
due  to  lower  compensation  expense  ($4.2  million)  partially 
offset by a smaller increase in the cash surrender value of life 
insurance policies ($367,000) in the current year. The decrease 

September 28, 2019

Change

September 29, 2018

Year Ended

$

$

$

$

455,713 

0.6%  $

 30,061 

(57.5%)

6.6 %

24,504 

(13.4%)

$

5.4%

(1,773)

N/M

$

47.4%

(43.1%)

 168 

 (293)

24.9%

5,598 

(84.6%)

$

453,217 

 70,807 

15.6%

28,304 

6.2%

274 

114 

(515)

14.9%

36,266

in compensation expense was largely driven by lower incentive 
plan expense based on our weaker financial results in the current 
year. The cash surrender value of life insurance policies increased 
$186,000 in 2019 compared with $553,000 in the prior year due 
to the changes in the value of the underlying investments. 

Other Expense (Income), Net 

Other income was $1.8 million for 2019 compared with other 
expense of $274,000 in 2018. Other income for the current year 
was primarily related to gains from property insurance ($1.2 million) 
and the disposition of property, plant and equipment ($497,000). 
Other expense for the prior year was primarily related to losses 
on the disposition of property, plant and equipment. 

Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate for 2019 increased to 24.9% from 
14.9% in 2018. The effective rate for 2018 reflects a $3.3 million 
benefit from the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities related 
to the lower corporate tax rate enacted under the Tax Cuts and 
Jobs Act in December 2017. Excluding the deferred tax benefit, 
our effective tax rate increased to 24.9% from 22.7% in the prior 
year due primarily to changes in permanent book versus tax 
differences.

Net Earnings

Net earnings decreased to $5.6 million ($0.29 per share) in 2019 
from $36.3 million ($1.88 per diluted share) in 2018 primarily due 
to the decrease in gross profit partially offset by lower SG&A 
expense.

16

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

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

PART II

Liquidity and Capital Resources

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(Dollars in thousands)

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash used for investing activities

Net cash used for financing activities

Cash and cash equivalents

Net working capital

Total debt

Percentage of total capital

Shareholders’ equity

Percentage of total capital

Total capital (total debt + shareholders’ equity)

Operating Activities

Operating activities provided $6.6 million of cash in 2019 primarily 
from net earnings adjusted for non-cash items partially offset by 
an increase in working capital. Working capital used $12.0 million 
of cash due to a $42.6 million decrease in accounts payable and 
accrued expenses partially offset by a $23.3 million decrease in 
inventories and a $7.3 million decrease in accounts receivable. 
The reductions in accounts payable and accrued expenses were 
primarily related to lower raw material purchases near the end of 
the year relative to the elevated level at the beginning of the year 
together with a decrease in accrued salaries, wages and related 
expenses. The reduction in inventories was primarily driven by 
lower raw material purchases and unit costs. The reduction in 
accounts receivable was primarily related to lower selling prices 
and a decrease in days sales outstanding.

Operating  activities  provided  $54.0  million  of  cash  in  2018 
primarily from net earnings adjusted for non-cash items and a 

Investing Activities

Year Ended

September 28, 2019

September 29, 2018

$

6,608 

 $

 (9,556)

 (2,812)

 38,181 

 132,171 

—

—

$

$

246,017 

100%

246,017 

$

$

53,969 

 (21,939)

 (20,194)

 43,941 

 123,489 

—

—

241,665 

100%

241,665 

reduction in working capital. Working capital provided $4.7 million 
of cash due to a $28.2 million increase in accounts payable and 
accrued expenses partially offset by a $12.3 million increase in 
inventories and an $11.2 million increase in accounts receivable. 
The increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses was 
primarily related to higher raw material purchases near the end 
of the year and, to a lesser extent, increases in accrued salaries, 
wages and related expenses. The increases in inventories and 
accounts receivable were due to the escalation in raw material 
costs and average selling prices during the year.

We may elect to adjust our operating activities as there are 
changes in the conditions in our construction end-markets, which 
could materially impact our cash requirements. While a downturn 
in the level of construction activity affects sales to our customers, 
it generally reduces our working capital requirements.

Investing activities used $9.6 million of cash in 2019 primarily 
due to $10.5 million of capital expenditures focused on cost 
and productivity improvement initiatives in addition to recurring 
maintenance partially offset by $1.2 million of insurance proceeds 
related to an insurance claim at our Dayton, Texas facility. Investing 
activities used $21.9 million of cash in 2018 primarily due to $18.4 
million of capital expenditures and $3.3 million for the acquisition 

of a business. The capital expenditures were largely related to 
additional investments in ESM manufacturing capabilities, the 
purchase of the leased Houston facility and further upgrades of 
production technology and information systems. Our investing 
activities are largely discretionary, providing us with the ability 
to significantly curtail outlays should future business conditions 
warrant that such actions be taken. 

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

17

PART II

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

Financing Activities

Financing activities used $2.8 million of cash in 2019 and $20.2 
million of cash in 2018. In 2019, $2.3 million of cash was used for 
dividend payments and $0.3 million for financing costs associated 
with  the  amendment  of  our  revolving  credit  facility.  In  2018, 

$21.3 million of cash was used for dividend payments (including 
a special cash dividend of $19.0 million, or $1.00 per share, and 
regular cash dividends totaling $2.3 million), which was partially 
offset by $2.1 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options. 

Cash Management

Our cash is principally concentrated at one financial institution, which at times exceeds federally insured limits. We invest excess cash 
primarily in money market funds, which are highly liquid securities that bear minimal risk. 

Credit Facility 

We have a $100.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) 
that is used to supplement our operating cash flow and fund 
our working capital, capital expenditure, general corporate and 
growth requirements. In May 2019, we entered into a new credit 
agreement, which amended and restated in its entirety the previous 
agreement pertaining to the revolving credit facility that had been in 
effect since June 2010. The new credit agreement, among other 
changes, extended the maturity date of the Credit Facility from May 
13, 2020 to May 15, 2024 and provided for an incremental feature 
whereby its size may be increased by up to $50.0 million, subject to 
our lender’s approval. 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 28, 2019, no borrowings were outstanding on 
the Credit Facility, $82.9 million of borrowing capacity was available 
and outstanding letters of credit totaled $1.6 million (see Note 8 to 
the consolidated financial statements). As of September 29, 2018, 
there were no borrowings outstanding on the Credit Facility. 

We  believe  that,  in  the  absence  of  significant  unanticipated 
cash demands, cash and cash equivalents, cash generated 

Impact of Inflation

We are subject to inflationary risks arising from fluctuations in 
the market prices for our primary raw material, hot-rolled carbon 
steel wire rod, and, to a much lesser extent, freight, energy and 
other consumables that are used in our manufacturing processes. 
We have generally been able to adjust our selling prices to pass 
through increases in these costs or offset them through various 
cost reduction and productivity improvement initiatives. However, 
our ability to raise our selling prices depends on market conditions 
and competitive dynamics, and there may be periods during 
which we are unable to fully recover increases in our costs. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

by operating activities and the borrowing availability provided 
under the Credit Facility will be sufficient 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 as required. 
However, should we experience future reductions in our operating 
cash flows due to weakening conditions in our construction  
end-markets and reduced demand from our customers, we may 
need to curtail capital and operating expenditures, delay or restrict 
share repurchases, cease dividend payments and/or realign our 
working capital requirements. 

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

In 2019, the year-over-year escalation in our raw material costs 
exceeded the increase in our selling prices due to competitive 
pricing  pressures.  During  2018,  we  were  successful  in 
implementing price increases sufficient to recover the escalation 
in our raw material costs that occurred over the course of the 
year. The timing and magnitude of any future increases in raw 
material costs and the impact on selling prices for our products 
is uncertain at this time.

We  do  not  have  any  material  transactions,  arrangements, 
obligations (including contingent obligations), or other relationships 
with unconsolidated entities or other persons, as defined by 
Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K of the SEC, that have or are 

reasonably likely to have a material current or future impact on 
our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital 
expenditures, capital resources or significant components of 
revenues or expenses. 

18

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

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

PART II

Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations and commitments at September 28, 2019 are as follows:

PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD

(In thousands)
Contractual obligations:

Total

Less Than  
1 Year

1 – 3 Years

3 – 5 Years

More Than  
5 Years

Raw material purchase commitments(1)

$

 23,763  $

 23,763  $

 —    $

 —    $

 —   

Supplemental employee retirement plan obligations

 19,426 

Operating leases

Trade letters of credit

Commitment fee on unused portion of credit facility

Other unconditional purchase obligations(2)

 2,058 

 1,633 

 967 

 2,787 

 283 

 1,028 

 1,633 

 207 

 2,787 

 812 

 922 

 —   

 414 

 —   

 1,086 

 17,245 

 108 

 —   

 346 

 —   

 —   

 —   

 —   

 —   

TOTAL

$  50,634  $

 29,701  $

 2,148  $

 1,540  $

 17,245 

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

Outlook

Looking ahead to 2020, we expect our financial results will be 
favorably impacted by the continued growth in our construction 
end-markets and the weather-related deferral of business from 
last  year.  The  infrastructure-related  portion  of  our  business 
should benefit from higher state and local spending in many 
of our markets supported by various initiatives such as fuel tax 
increases, bond issuances and other ballot measures together 
with  increased  federal  funding  through  the  FAST  Act  and 
supplementary measures. The leading indicators and industry 
forecasts for nonresidential construction indicate that growth rates 
are likely to moderate but remain positive.

We expect business conditions will remain challenging, however, 
in view of the surge of low-priced imports that has followed 
the imposition of the Section 232 tariff on imports of hot-rolled 
steel wire rod. In addition to continuing our dialogue with the 
Administration concerning the impact of imports on our business, 

we will focus on the operational fundamentals of our business: 
closely managing and controlling our expenses; aligning our 
production schedules with demand in a proactive manner as there 
are changes in market conditions to minimize our cash operating 
costs; and pursuing further improvements in the productivity and 
effectiveness of all our manufacturing, selling and administrative 
activities. 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. In addition, we will continue to pursue 
further acquisitions in our existing businesses that expand our 
penetration of markets we currently serve or expand our footprint.

The statements contained in this section are forward-looking 
statements. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking 
Statements” and “Risk Factors”.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

19

PART II

Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 7A  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About 

Market Risk 

Our cash flows and earnings are subject to fluctuations resulting 
from changes in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign 
exchange rates. We manage our exposure to these market risks 
through internally established policies and procedures and, when 
appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. 

We do not use financial instruments for trading purposes and 
are not a party to any leveraged derivatives. We monitor our 
underlying market risk exposures on an ongoing basis and believe 
we can modify or adapt our hedging strategies as necessary.

Commodity Prices

We are subject to significant fluctuations in the cost and availability 
of our primary raw material, hot-rolled carbon 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 fluctuations and to ensure adequate 
availability of material consistent with our requirements. We do not 
use derivative commodity instruments to hedge our exposure to 
changes in prices as such instruments are not currently available 
for wire rod. Our ability to acquire wire rod from foreign sources 
on favorable terms is impacted by fluctuations in foreign currency 
exchange rates, foreign taxes, duties, tariffs, quotas and other 

Interest Rates

trade actions. Although changes in our wire rod costs and selling 
prices tend to be correlated, in weaker market environments, 
we may be unable to fully recover increased rod costs, which 
would reduce our earnings and cash flows. Additionally, when 
raw material costs decline, our financial results may be negatively 
impacted if the selling prices for our products decrease to an 
even greater extent and if we are consuming higher cost material 
from inventory. Based on our 2019 shipments and average wire 
rod cost reflected in cost of sales, a 10% increase in the price of 
wire rod would have resulted in a $31.1 million decrease in our 
annual pre-tax earnings (assuming there was not a corresponding 
change in our selling prices). 

Although we did not have any balances outstanding on our Credit Facility as of September 28, 2019, future borrowings under the 
facility are subject to a variable rate of interest and are sensitive to changes in interest rates. 

Foreign Exchange Exposure

We have not typically hedged foreign currency exposures related 
to transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars, 
as such transactions have not been material historically. We will 
occasionally hedge firm commitments for certain equipment 
purchases  that  are  denominated  in  foreign  currencies.  The 
decision to hedge any such transactions is made by us on a  

case-by-case basis. There were no forward contracts outstanding 
as  of  September  28,  2019.  During  2019,  a  10%  increase 
or decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign 
currencies to which we are typically exposed would not have had 
a material impact on our financial position, results of operations 
or cash flows. 

20

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

Item 8 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II

(a)  Financial Statements

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September 28, 2019,  
September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended September 28,  
2019, September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended September 28, 2019,  
September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 28, 2019,  
September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Consolidated Financial Statements 

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended September 28, 2019,  
September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017 

(b)  Supplementary Data 

Selected quarterly financial data for 2019 and 2018 is as follows:

FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY QUARTER (UNAUDITED)

22

23

24

25

26

27

42

43

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

December 29

March 30

June 29

September 28

Quarter Ended

2019

Operating results:

Net sales

Gross profit

Net earnings (loss)

Net earnings (loss) per share:

Basic

Diluted

2018

Operating results:

Net sales

Gross profit

Net earnings

Net earnings per share:

Basic

Diluted

$

104,110 

$

111,948 

$

126,252 

$

113,403 

 10,976 

 4,126 

 0.21 

 0.21 

 7,021 

 1,049 

 0.05 

 0.05 

 8,236 

 2,190 

 0.11 

 0.11 

 3,828 

 (1,767)

 (0.09)

 (0.09)

December 30

March 31

June 30

September 29

Quarter Ended

$

97,741 

$

107,417 

$

126,688 

$

121,371 

 11,661 

 8,111 

 0.43 

 0.42 

 15,416 

 5,879 

 0.31 

 0.31 

 24,186 

 12,868 

 0.67 

 0.67 

 19,544 

 9,408 

 0.49 

 0.49 

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

21

PART II

Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Insteel Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 September 30, 2017

Year Ended

Net sales

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative expense

Restructuring charges, net

Other expense (income), net

Interest expense

Interest income

Earnings before income taxes 

Income taxes

NET EARNINGS

Net earnings per share:

Basic

Diluted

Cash dividends declared

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Basic

Diluted

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

$

455,713  $

453,217  $

 425,652 

 30,061 

 24,504 

—

 (1,773)

 168 

 (293)

 7,455 

 1,857 

 382,410 

 70,807 

 28,304 

—

 274 

 114 

 (515)

 42,630 

 6,364 

$

$

5,598  $

36,266  $

0.29  $

 0.29 

 0.12 

1.90  $

 1.88 

 1.12 

 19,243 

 19,340 

 19,079 

 19,277 

388,871 

 329,090 

 59,781 

 25,508 

 164 

 53 

 136 

 (248)

 34,168 

 11,620 

22,548 

1.19 

 1.17 

 1.37 

 19,011 

 19,217 

22

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

 Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II

Insteel Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In thousands)

Net earnings

Adjustment to defined benefit plan liability, net of

income taxes of $239, ($44) and ($127)

Other comprehensive (loss) income

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018

September 30, 2017

Year Ended

$

$

5,598  $

36,266  $

22,548 

 (754)

 (754)

 139 

 139 

 208 

 208 

4,844  $

36,405  $

22,756 

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

23

PART II

Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Insteel Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

September 28, 2019

September 29, 2018

ASSETS:

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Accounts receivable, net

Inventories

Other current assets

Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment, net

Intangibles, net

Goodwill

Other assets

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

Accrued expenses

Total current liabilities

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: 2019, 19,261; 2018, 19,223

Additional paid-in capital

Retained earnings 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Total shareholders’ equity

$

38,181 

$

 44,182 

 70,851 

 7,370 

 160,584 

 104,960 

 8,610 

 8,293 

 10,562 

43,941 

 51,484 

 94,157 

 5,895 

 195,477 

 106,148 

 9,703 

 8,293 

 9,913 

$

$

293,009  $

329,534 

21,595 

$

 6,818 

 28,413 

 18,579 

60,059 

 11,929 

 71,988 

 15,881 

—

—

 19,261 

 19,223 

 74,632 

 154,372 

 (2,248)

 246,017 

 72,852 

 151,084 

 (1,494)

 241,665 

329,534 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$

293,009  $

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

24

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

 Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II

Insteel Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

Total 
Shareholders’ 
Equity
 224,566 
 22,548 
 208 
 107 
—
 2,245 

(In thousands)

Common Stock

Shares

Amount

Additional 
Paid-In 
Capital
67,817  $  139,314  $

Retained 
Earnings

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)(1)

537 

(824)

 208 

26 
39 

 69,817 

 22,548 

 19,041 

 19,041 

 26 
 39 

(1,541) $

81 
(39)
2,245 

 18,976  $ 18,976  $

(26,011)
 135,851 
 36,266 

Balance at October 1, 2016
Net earnings
Other comprehensive income(1)
Stock options exercised
Vesting of restricted stock units
Compensation expense associated with 
stock-based plans
Excess tax benefits from stock-based 
compensation
Restricted stock units and stock options 
surrendered for withholding taxes payable
Cash dividends declared
Balance at September 30, 2017
Net earnings
Other comprehensive income(1)
Stock options exercised
Vesting of restricted stock units
Compensation expense associated with 
stock-based plans
Restricted stock units and stock options 
surrendered for withholding taxes payable
Reclassification of stranded tax effects
Cash dividends declared
Balance at September 29, 2018
Net earnings
Other comprehensive loss(1)
Stock options exercised
Vesting of restricted stock units
Compensation expense associated with 
stock-based plans
Restricted stock units and stock options 
surrendered for withholding taxes payable
Cash dividends declared
BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 28, 2019
(1)   Activity within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is reported net of related income taxes: 2017 ($127), 2018 ($44) and 2019 $239.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 300 
 (21,333)
 151,084 
 5,598 

74,632  $  154,372  $

 1,938 
 (39)
 2,078 

19,261  $ 19,261  $

 (38)
2,057 

 143 
 39 

 143 
 39 

(2,248) $

 19,223 

 19,223 

 72,852 

 (1,494)

 (1,333)

 (2,310)

 (942)

 (239)

 (300)

 139 

(754)

 38 

 38 

 537 

 (824)

 (26,011)
 223,376 
 36,266 
 139 
 2,081 
—
 2,078 

 (942)

—
 (21,333)
 241,665 
 5,598 
 (754)
—
—
 2,057 

 (239)

 (2,310)
 246,017 

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

25

PART II

Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Insteel Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

Net earnings
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash 
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Amortization of capitalized financing costs
Stock-based compensation expense
Deferred income taxes
Loss (gain) on sale and disposition of property, plant  
and equipment
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance  
policies over premiums paid
Net changes in assets and liabilities:

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

Total adjustments

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

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

NET CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

Proceeds from long-term debt
Principal payments on long-term debt
Cash dividends paid
Cash received from exercise of stock options
Payment of employee tax withholdings related to  
net share transactions
Financing costs

NET CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:

Cash paid during the period for:

Interest
Income taxes, net

$

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

Purchases of property, plant and equipment in  
accounts payable
Restricted stock units and stock options surrendered  
for withholding taxes payable

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

September 28, 2019

September 29, 2018

September 30, 2017

Year Ended

$

5,598  $

36,266  $

22,548

 13,553 
 65 
 2,057 
 1,798 
 (1,688)

 (187)

 7,302 
 23,306 
 (42,592)
 (2,604)
 1,010 
 6,608 

 (10,512)
 1,192 
 19 
 67 
 (322)
 — 
 (9,556)

 44,333 
 (44,333)
 (2,310)
—
 (239)

 (263)
 (2,812)
 (5,760)
 43,941 
38,181  $

49  $

 1,743 

 377 

 239 

 12,818 
 65 
 2,078 
 (2,807)
 381 

 (553)

 (11,200)
 (12,304)
 28,234 
 991 
 17,703 
 53,969 

 (18,449)
—
—
 165 
 (355)
 (3,300)
 (21,939)

 372 
 (372)
 (21,333)
 2,081 
 (942)

—
 (20,194)
 11,836 
 32,105 
43,941  $

— $

 7,777 

 967 

 942 

 11,649
 65 
 2,245
 2,503 
 64 

 (812)

 7,105 
 (10,667)
 (11,930)
 (1,930)
 (1,708)
 20,840 

 (20,575)
—
—
 100 
 (405)
—
 (20,880)

 404 
 (404)
 (26,011)
 107 
 (824)

—
 (26,728)
 (26,768)
 58,873 
32,105 

—
 9,300 

 465 

 824 

26

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

 Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II

Insteel Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended September 28, 2019, September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017

Note 1  Description of Business

Insteel  Industries,  Inc.  (“we,”  “us,”  “our,”  “Insteel”  or  “the 
Company”) is the nation’s largest manufacturer 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. 
We manufacture and market prestressed concrete strand (“PC 
strand”)  and  welded  wire  reinforcement  (“WWR”),  including 
engineered structural mesh, concrete pipe reinforcement and 
standard welded wire reinforcement. Our products are primarily 

sold to manufacturers of concrete products and, to a lesser 
extent, distributors, rebar fabricators and contractors. We sell 
our products nationwide across the U.S. and, to a much lesser 
extent, into Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America.

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

Note 2  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Fiscal year

Our fiscal year is the 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday 
closest to September 30. Fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017 
were 52-week periods. All references to years relate to fiscal years 
rather than calendar years.

Principles of consolidation

The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts 
of  Insteel  and  our  subsidiaries.  All  significant  intercompany 
transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of estimates

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with 
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 
(“U.S.” and such accounting principles, “GAAP”) requires us to 
make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported 
in the financial statements and accompanying notes. There is no 
assurance that actual results will not differ from these estimates. 

Cash equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original 
maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

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.

The majority of our accounts receivable are due from customers 
that are located in the U.S. and are generally not secured by 
collateral depending upon the creditworthiness of the account. 
We provide an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon our 
assessment of the credit risk of specific customers, historical 
trends and other information. We write off accounts receivable 
when they become uncollectible. There is no disproportionate 
concentration of credit risk. 

Stock-based compensation

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with the 
fair value recognition provisions of Financial Accounting Standards 
Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 
718,  Compensation  –  Stock  Compensation,  which  requires 
stock-based  compensation  expense  to  be  recognized  in  net 
earnings based on the fair value of the award on the date of the 
grant. We account for forfeitures as they occur. We determine the fair 
value of stock options issued by using a Monte Carlo valuation model 
at the grant date, which considers a range of assumptions including 
the expected term, volatility, dividend yield and risk-free interest rate. 

Concentration of credit risk

Revenue recognition

Financial instruments that subject us to concentrations of credit 
risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and trade 
accounts receivable. Our cash is principally concentrated at one 
financial institution, which at times exceeds federally insured limits. 
We are exposed to credit risk in the event of default by institutions 

We recognize revenues when obligations under the terms of a 
contract with our customers are satisfied, which generally occurs 
when products are shipped and control is transferred. Revenue 
is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be 
received in exchange for our products. 

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

27

PART II

Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of weighted average cost 
(which approximates computation on a first-in, first-out basis) 
and net realizable value. The valuation of inventory includes the 
costs for 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 through acquisitions, or 
otherwise at reduced values to the extent there have been asset 
impairment  write-downs.  Expenditures  for  maintenance  and 
repairs are charged directly to expense when incurred, while major 
improvements are capitalized. Depreciation is computed for financial 
reporting purposes principally by use of the straight-line method 
over the following estimated useful lives: machinery and equipment, 
3 - 15 years; buildings, 10 - 30 years; and land improvements, 5 - 
15 years. Depreciation expense was approximately $12.5 million in 
2019, $11.6 million in 2018 and $10.5 million in 2017 and reflected 
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 reflected in SG&A expense. No interest 
costs were capitalized in 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Goodwill

Goodwill is the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets 
of businesses acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested 
annually for impairment and whenever events or circumstances 
change that would make it more likely than not that an impairment 
may have occurred. We perform our annual impairment analysis 
as of the first day of the fourth quarter each year. The evaluation 
of impairment involves comparing the current estimated fair value 
of the reporting unit to its recorded value, including goodwill. 
We perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it 
is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is 
less than its carrying amount. It may be necessary to perform a 
quantitative analysis where a discounted cash flow model is used 
to determine the current estimated fair value of the reporting unit. 
Key assumptions used to determine the fair value of the reporting 
unit as part of our annual testing (and any required interim testing) 
include: (a) expected cash flows for the five-year period following 
the testing date; (b) an estimated terminal value using a terminal 
year growth rate based on the growth prospects of the reporting 
unit; (c) a discount rate based on our estimated after-tax weighted 
average cost of capital; and (d) a probability-weighted scenario 
approach by which varying cash flows are assigned to alternative 
scenarios based on their likelihood of occurrence. In developing 
these  assumptions,  we  consider  historical  and  anticipated 
future  results,  general  economic  and  market  conditions,  the 
impact of planned business and operational strategies and all 
available information at the time the fair value of the reporting 
unit is estimated. Assumptions in estimating future cash flows are 
subject to a high degree of judgment and complexity. Changes in 
assumptions and estimates may affect the fair value of goodwill and 
could result in impairment charges in future periods. Based on the 
results of our impairment analysis, no goodwill impairment losses 
were recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for 

2019. Subsequent to the analysis, there have been no events or 
circumstances that indicate any potential impairment of goodwill.

Other assets

Other assets consist principally of capitalized financing costs 
related to our revolving credit facility and the cash surrender value 
of life insurance policies. Capitalized financing costs are amortized 
using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective 
interest method over the term of the related credit agreement and 
are reflected in interest expense in the consolidated statements 
of operations.

Long-lived assets

Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment and 
identifiable intangible assets with definite useful lives. Finite-lived 
intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. 
Our intangible assets consist of customer relationships, developed 
technology and know-how, non-competition agreements and a 
trade name, and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over 
their finite useful lives (see Note 7 to the consolidated financial 
statements). We assess the impairment of long-lived assets 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the 
carrying value may not be fully recoverable. When we determine 
that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable, 
we measure recoverability based on the undiscounted cash flows 
expected to be generated by the related asset or asset group. If 
it is determined that an impairment loss has occurred, the loss is 
recognized in the period in which it is incurred and is calculated 
as the difference between the carrying value and the present value 
of estimated future net cash flows or comparable market values. 
There were no impairment losses in 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Fair value of financial instruments

The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, accounts 
receivable,  and  accounts  payable  and  accrued  expenses 
approximate fair value because of their short maturities. 

Income taxes

Income taxes are based on pretax financial accounting income. 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected 
tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases 
of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. We assess 
the need to establish a valuation allowance against deferred tax 
assets to the extent we no longer believe it is more likely than not 
that the tax assets will be fully realized. 

Earnings per share

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

28

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

 Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II

Note 3  Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Current Adoptions

In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 
(“ASU”)  No.  2016-15  “Statement  of  Cash  Flows  Topic  230: 
Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” 
ASU No. 2016-15 addresses how certain cash receipts and cash 
payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash 
flows with the objective of reducing existing differences in the 
presentation of these items. The amendments in ASU No. 2016-
15 became effective for us in the first quarter and were adopted 
retrospectively. The adoption of this update did not impact our 
consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 “Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers,” as subsequently amended, which 
supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under 
GAAP. ASU No. 2014-09 provides that an entity recognize revenue 
when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in 
an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity 
expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. 
This update also requires additional disclosure about the nature, 
amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising 
from customer contracts, including significant judgments and 
changes in judgments, and assets recognized from costs incurred 
to obtain or fulfill a contract. We adopted ASU 2014-09 during 
the first quarter using the modified retrospective method. The 
adoption of this update did not significantly change our timing 
for recognizing revenue nor materially impact our consolidated 
financial statements (see Note 4).

Future Adoptions

In  May  2017,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  No.  2017-09 
“Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of 
Modification  Accounting.”  ASU  No.  2017-09  was  issued  to 
clarify and reduce both (i) diversity in practice and (ii) cost and 

Note 4  Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenues when performance obligations under 
the terms of a contract with our customers are satisfied, which 
generally  occurs  when  products  are  shipped  and  control  is 
transferred. We enter into contracts that pertain to products, 
which are accounted for as separate performance obligations 
and typically one year or less in duration. We do not exercise 
significant judgment in determining the timing for the satisfaction 
of performance obligations or the transaction price. Revenue 
is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be 
received in exchange for our products. We have elected to apply 
the practical expedient provided for in ASU No. 2014-09 and not 
disclose information regarding remaining performance obligations 
that have original expected durations of one year or less.

Variable consideration that may affect the total transaction price, 
including contractual discounts, rebates, returns and credits are 
included in net sales. Estimates for variable consideration are 

complexity when applying its guidance to changes in the terms 
and conditions of a share-based payment award. ASU No. 2017-
09 will become effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. 
The adoption of this update will not have a material impact on 
our consolidated financial statements.

In  January  2017,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  No.  2017-04 
“Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the 
Test for Goodwill Impairment,” which simplifies the accounting 
for goodwill impairments by eliminating step 2 from the goodwill 
impairment test. ASU No. 2017-04 will become effective for us 
in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and early adoption is permitted. 
We are evaluating the impact that the adoption of this update will 
have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 “Leases,” 
which  will  replace  the  guidance  in  Accounting  Standards 
Codification (“ASC”) Topic 840. ASU No. 2016-02 was issued to 
increase transparency and comparability among organizations 
by recognizing all lease transactions (with terms in excess of  
12  months)  on  the  balance  sheet  as  a  lease  liability  and  a  
right-of-use asset. ASU No. 2016-02 will become effective for us 
in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. In July 2018, the FASB issued 
ASU No. 2018-11, “Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements,” 
which provides an additional (and optional) transition method 
whereby  the  new  lease  standard  is  applied  at  the  adoption 
date and recognized as an adjustment to retained earnings. 
The  amendment  has  the  same  effective  date  and  transition 
requirements as ASU No. 2016-02. We expect the adoption of 
this guidance will increase our lease liability by approximately 
$1.9 million with a corresponding increase to recognize our 
right-of-use assets by approximately $1.9 million, with no material 
impact to our consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, 
the adoption of Topic 842 is expected to significantly expand the 
disclosures pertaining to leases in our notes to the consolidated 
financial statements.

based on historical experience, anticipated performance and 
management’s judgment and are updated as of each reporting 
date. Shipping and related expenses associated with outbound 
freight are accounted for as fulfillment costs and included in cost 
of sales. We do not have significant financing components.

Contract assets primarily relate to our rights to consideration for 
products that are delivered but not billed as of the reporting date 
and are reclassified to receivables when the customer is invoiced. 
Contract liabilities primarily relate to performance obligations that 
are to be satisfied in the future and arise when we bill the customer 
in advance of shipments. Contract costs are not significant and 
are recognized as incurred. Contract assets and liabilities were 
not material as of September 28, 2019.

Accounts receivable includes amounts billed and currently due 
from customers stated at their net estimated realizable value. 
Customer payment terms are generally 30 days. We maintain 

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

29

PART II

Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

an allowance for doubtful accounts to provide for the estimated 
amount of receivables that will not be collected, which is based 
upon our assessment of customer creditworthiness, historical 
payment experience and the age of outstanding receivables.  

Past-due trade receivable balances are written off when our 
collection efforts have been unsuccessful.

See Note 14 for the disaggregation of our net sales by product 
line and geography.

Note 5  Restructuring Charges

In 2014 we purchased substantially all of the assets associated 
with the PC strand business of American Spring Wire Corporation 
(“ASW Acquisition”). Subsequent to the ASW Acquisition, in 2014, 
we incurred employee separation costs for staffing reductions 

associated with the acquisition. In February 2015, we elected 
to consolidate our PC strand operations with the closure of the 
Newnan, Georgia facility that had been acquired through the ASW 
Acquisition, which was completed in March 2015.

Following is a summary of the restructuring activities and associated costs that were incurred during 2017:

(In thousands)

Liability as of October 1, 2016

Restructuring charges

Cash payments

Non-cash charges

LIABILITY AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

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. The three levels of inputs used 
to measure fair value are as follows:

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

Equipment 
Relocation 
Costs

Severance and 
Other Employee 
Separation Costs

31  $

239  $

 164 

 (195)

—

 — 

 (239)

 — 

— $

— $

$

$

Total

270 

 164 

 (434)

—

—

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

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

As of September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018, we held financial assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a 
recurring basis, which are summarized below:

(In thousands)

As of September 28, 2019:

Current assets:

Cash equivalents

Other assets:

Cash surrender value of life insurance policies

TOTAL

As of September 29, 2018:

Current assets:

Cash equivalents

Other assets:

Cash surrender value of life insurance policies

TOTAL

30

Quoted Prices  
in Active Markets 
(Level 1)

Observable 
 Inputs  
(Level 2)

Total

$

$

$

$

37,826  $

37,826  $

—

10,211 

—

10,211 

48,037  $

37,826  $

10,211 

44,257  $

44,257  $

—

9,769 

—

54,026  $

44,257  $

9,769 

9,769 

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

 Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II

Cash equivalents, which include all highly liquid investments 
with original maturities of three months or less, are classified as 
Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The carrying amount of our 
cash equivalents, which consist of investments in money market 
funds,  approximates  fair  value  due  to  their  short  maturities. 
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies are classified as  
Level 2. The fair value of the life insurance policies was determined 
by the underwriting insurance company’s valuation models and 

represents the guaranteed value we would receive upon surrender 
of these policies as of the reporting date.

As of September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018, we had 
no  nonfinancial  assets  that  are  required  to  be  measured  at 
fair  value  on  a  nonrecurring  basis.  The  carrying  amounts  of 
accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses 
approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these 
financial instruments. 

Note 7 

Intangible Assets

The primary components of our intangible assets and the related accumulated amortization are as follows:

(In thousands)

As of September 28, 2019:

Customer relationships

Developed technology and know-how

Non-competition agreements

Trade name

As of September 29, 2018:

Customer relationships

Developed technology and know-how

Non-competition agreements

Trade name

Amortization expense for intangibles was $1.1 million in 2019, 
$1.3 million in 2018 and $1.2 million in 2017. Amortization expense 
for the next five years, assuming no change in the estimated 
useful lives of identified intangible assets, is $924,000 in 2020, 
$809,000 in 2021, $770,000 in 2022, $705,000 in 2023 and 

Note 8  Long-Term Debt

Revolving Credit Facility

We have a $100.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Credit 
Facility”) that is used to supplement our operating cash flow and 
fund our working capital, capital expenditure, general corporate 
and growth requirements. In May 2019, we entered into a new 
credit agreement, which amended and restated in its entirety the 
previous agreement pertaining to the revolving credit facility that 
had been in effect since June 2010. The new credit agreement, 
among other changes, extended the maturity date of the Credit 
Facility from May 13, 2020 to May 15, 2024 and provided for an 

Weighted- 
Average Useful  
Life (Years)

Gross

Accumulated 
Amortization

Net Book  
Value

16.9

20.0

5.0

4.0

16.9

20.0

5.0

4.0

$

9,070  $

(2,207)

$

1,800 

1,800 

140 

(461)

(1,466)

(66)

6,863 

1,339 

334 

74 

$

$

12,810  $

(4,200)

$

8,610 

9,070  $

(1,598)

$

1,800 

3,687 

140 

(371)

(2,994)

(31)

7,472 

1,429 

693 

109 

$

14,697  $

(4,994)

$

9,703 

$699,000 in 2024. We completed the acquisition of a business 
during 2018, and the effects of the purchase price allocation 
for this transaction on the accompanying consolidated financial 
statements were not material.

incremental feature whereby its size may be increased by up to 
$50.0 million, subject to our lender’s approval. 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 28, 2019, no 
borrowings were outstanding on the Credit Facility, $82.9 million 
of borrowing capacity was available and outstanding letters of 
credit totaled $1.6 million. As of September 29, 2018, there were 
no borrowings outstanding on the Credit Facility. 

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

31

PART II

Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

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 rate loans, or (2) at our election, a LIBOR rate, plus 
in either case, an applicable interest rate margin. The applicable 
interest rate margins are adjusted on a quarterly basis based upon 
the amount of excess availability on the Credit Facility within the 
range of 0.25% to 0.50% for index rate loans and 1.25% to 1.50% 
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 our excess availability as of September 28, 2019, the 
applicable interest rate margins on the Credit Facility were 0.25% 
for index rate loans and 1.25% for LIBOR loans. 

Our 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 we are unable to make certain 
representations and warranties provided for under the terms of the 
Credit Facility. We are required to maintain a fixed charge coverage 
ratio of not less than 1.0 at the end of each fiscal quarter for the 
twelve-month period then ended when the amount of liquidity on 
the Credit Facility is less than $10.0 million. In addition, the terms 
of the Credit Facility restrict our 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 our stock subject to certain 

Note 9  Stock-Based Compensation

minimum borrowing availability requirements; incur or assume 
indebtedness; issue securities; enter into certain transactions 
with our affiliates; or permit liens to encumber our property and 
assets. The terms of the Credit Facility also provide that an event 
of default will occur 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 us or any of our 
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; 
certain entries of judgment against us or any of our subsidiaries, 
which are not covered by insurance; or a change of control. As 
of September 28, 2019, we were in compliance with all of the 
financial and negative covenants under the Credit Facility and 
there have not been any events of default.

Amortization of capitalized financing costs associated with the 
Credit Facility was $65,000 in 2019, 2018 and 2017. We expect 
the amortization of capitalized financing costs to approximate the 
following amounts for the next five fiscal years: 

Fiscal year

In thousands

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

$

67 

65 

65 

65 

41 

Under our equity incentive plan, employees and directors may be granted stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and 
performance awards. Effective February 17, 2015, our shareholders approved the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan of Insteel Industries, 
Inc. (the “2015 Plan”), which authorizes up to 900,000 shares of our common stock for future grants under the plan. The 2015 Plan, 
which expires on February 17, 2025, replaced the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan of Insteel Industries, Inc., which expired on February 15, 
2015. As of September 28, 2019, there were 143,000 shares of our common stock available for future grants under the 2015 Plan, 
which is our only active equity incentive plan.

Stock option awards

Under our equity incentive plan, 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 the plan generally vest over three years and expire ten years from the 
date of the grant. Compensation expense associated with stock options was $889,000 in 2019, $906,000 in 2018 and $1.0 million 
in 2017. As of September 28, 2019, there was $282,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options which is 
expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.64 years.

The fair value of each option award granted is estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo valuation model. The weighted-average 
estimated fair values of stock options granted during 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $7.15, $12.06 and $11.08 per share, respectively, 
based on the following weighted-average assumptions: 

Expected term (in years)

Risk-free interest rate

Expected volatility

Expected dividend yield

September 28, 2019

September 29, 2018

September 30, 2017

Year Ended

4.59

2.03%

42.79%

0.56%

4.79

2.71%

37.32%

0.37%

5.14

1.98%

38.32%

0.37%

32

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

 Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II

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

The following table summarizes stock option activity:

(Share amounts in thousands)

Outstanding at October 1, 2016

Granted

Exercised

Outstanding at September 30, 2017

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding at September 29, 2018

Granted

Exercised

OUTSTANDING AT SEPTEMBER 28, 2019

Vested and anticipated to vest in the future at 
September 28, 2019

Exercisable at September 28, 2019

Exercise Price Per Share

Options 
Outstanding

Range

Weighted  
Average

Contractual Term -  
Weighted Average

$9.16 - $34.49 

$ 20.81 

371 

88 

(67)

392 

77 

26.75 - 37.06 

9.16 - 23.95 

9.16 - 37.06 

29.69 - 41.85 

(196)

9.16 - 37.06 

23.95 - 37.06 

10.23 - 41.85 

18.25 - 21.57 

18.05 - 26.75 

10.23 - 41.85 

(9)

264 

129 

(5)

388

384

184

30.93 

19.05 

23.40 

34.84 

19.68 

29.88 

29.25 

19.74 

23.95 

26.16 

26.17

7.81 years

7.79 years

27.62

6.31 years

Aggregate  
Intrinsic Value 
(in thousands)

$

1,212 

3,866 

21 

370 

366

195

Stock option exercises include “net exercises” for which the optionee received shares of common stock equal to the intrinsic value of 
the options (fair market value of common stock on the date of exercise less exercise price) reduced by any applicable withholding taxes.

Restricted stock units

Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) granted under our equity incentive plan are valued based upon the fair market value on the date of 
the grant and provide for a dividend equivalent payment which is included in compensation expense. The vesting period for RSUs is 
generally one year from the date of the grant for RSUs granted to directors and three years from the date of the grant for RSUs granted 
to employees. RSUs do not have voting rights. RSU grants and compensation expense are as follows:

(In thousands)

Restricted stock unit grants:

Units

Market value

Compensation expense

September 28, 2019

September 29, 2018

September 30, 2017

Year Ended

$

61 

1,225 

$

1,168 

35 

1,175 

$

1,172 

37 

1,180 

1,238 

As of September 28, 2019, there was $482,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs which is expected to 
be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.74 years.

The following table summarizes RSU activity:

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

33

PART II

Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

(Unit amounts in thousands)

Balance, October 1, 2016

Granted

Released

Balance, September 30, 2017

Granted

Forfeited

Released

Balance, September 29, 2018

Granted

Released

BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 28, 2019

Note 10  Income Taxes

Restricted
Stock Units
Outstanding

Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

145 

$

37 

(54)

128 

35 

(3)

(57)

103 

61 

(49)

115 

22.35 

31.95 

20.43 

25.92 

33.52 

29.60 

22.26 

30.40 

20.18 

27.64 

26.16 

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

(Dollars in thousands)

September 28, 2019

September 29, 2018

September 30, 2017

Year Ended

Current:

Federal

State

Deferred:

Federal

State

$

(126)

185 

59 

1,649 

149 

1,798 

$

8,265 

$

906 

9,171 

(2,862)

55 

(2,807)

8,269 

848 

9,117 

2,455 

48 

2,503 

INCOME TAXES

EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATE

$

1,857 

$

6,364 

$

11,620 

24.9 %

14.9 %

34.0 %

The reconciliation between income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate and the provision for income taxes is as follows:

Year Ended

(Dollars in thousands)

September 28, 2019

September 29, 2018

September 30, 2017

Provision for income taxes at federal statutory rate

$

1,566

21.0% $

10,444

24.5% $

11,959

35.0%

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

Stock-based compensation

Valuation allowance

Federal tax return true-up

Change in federal tax rate - Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Qualified production activities deduction

Other, net

297

90

24

(142)

—

—

22

4.0

1.2

0.3

(1.9)

—

—

0.3

739

(634)

(18)

(147)

(3,307)

(832)

119

1.7

(1.5)

(0.0)

(0.3)

(7.8)

(2.0)

0.3

598

—

(29)

—

—

(768)

(140)

1.8

—

(0.1)

—

—

(2.2)

(0.5)

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

$

1,857

24.9% $

6,364

14.9% $ 11,620

34.0%

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

34

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

(In thousands)

Deferred tax assets:

Defined benefit plans

Stock-based compensation

Accrued expenses and asset reserves

Federal net operating loss carryforward

State net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits

Valuation allowance

DEFERRED TAX ASSETS

Deferred tax liabilities:

Plant and equipment

Prepaid insurance

Goodwill

DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES

NET DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY

 Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II

September 28, 2019

September 29, 2018

$

$

2,661

1,259

1,207

363

120

(257)

5,353

(10,625)

(1,311)

(317)

(12,253)

$

(6,900)

$

2,302

1,120

1,939

—

233

(233)

5,361

(9,490)

(1,041)

(170)

(10,701)

(5,340)

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was 
enacted, which, among other changes, reduced the federal statutory 
corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. 
Since our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to September 30 
rather than the calendar year, we are subject to IRS rules relating 
to transitional income tax rates. Based on these rules, our federal 
statutory rate was 24.5% for fiscal 2018 and is 21% for fiscal 2019 
and beyond. We remeasured our deferred tax assets and liabilities 
and adjusted our estimated annual federal income tax rate to 
incorporate the lower corporate tax rate provided for under the Act 
in our first quarter tax provision for fiscal 2018, which resulted in a 
$3.3 million reduction in income tax expense for 2018.

we no longer believe it is more likely than not that they will be fully 
realized. As of September 28, 2019, we recorded a valuation 
allowance of $257,000 pertaining to various state NOLs and tax 
credits that were not expected to be utilized. The valuation allowance 
is subject to periodic review and adjustment based on changes in 
facts and circumstances and would be reduced should we utilize 
the state NOLs and tax credits against which an allowance had 
previously been provided or determine that such utilization was more 
likely than not. The $24,000 increase in the valuation allowance 
during 2019 is primarily due to state NOLs for which a tax benefit is 
not expected to be realized partially offset by the expiration of state 
tax credits for which an allowance had been previously recorded. 

As of September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018, we recorded 
deferred tax liabilities (net of valuation allowances) of $6.9 million 
and $5.3 million, respectively, in other liabilities on our consolidated 
balance sheet. We have $1.7 million of federal net operating loss 
carryforwards (“NOLs”) and $2.2 million of state NOLs that begin 
to expire in 2022, but principally expire between 2022 and 2034. 
We have also recorded deferred tax assets of $8,000 for state 
tax credits that expire in 2020.

The realization of our deferred tax assets is entirely dependent 
upon our ability to generate future taxable income in applicable 
jurisdictions. GAAP requires that we periodically assess the need 
to establish a reserve against our deferred tax assets to the extent 

As  of  September  28,  2019,  we  had  no  material,  known  tax 
exposures that required the establishment of contingency reserves 
for uncertain tax positions.

We classify interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax 
benefits as part of income tax expense. There were no interest 
and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits incurred during 
2019, 2018 and 2017.

We file U.S. federal income tax returns as well as state and local 
income tax returns in various jurisdictions. Federal and various 
state tax returns filed subsequent to 2014 remain subject to 
examination.

Note 11  Employee Benefit Plans

Supplemental employee retirement plan

We have Retirement Security Agreements (each, a “SERP”) with 
certain of our employees (each, a “Participant”). Under the SERPs, 
if the Participant remains in continuous service with us for a period 
of at least 30 years, we will pay the Participant a supplemental 
retirement benefit for the 15-year period following the Participant’s 
retirement equal to 50% of the Participant’s highest average 
annual base salary for five consecutive years in the 10-year 
period preceding the Participant’s retirement. If the Participant 

retires prior to the later of age 65 or the completion of 30 years of 
continuous service with us, but has completed at least 10 years of 
continuous service, the amount of the Participant’s supplemental 
retirement benefit will be reduced by 1/360th for each month short 
of 30 years that the Participant was employed by us.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

35

PART II

Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The reconciliation of the projected benefit obligation, plan assets, funded status and amounts recognized for the SERPs in our 
consolidated balance sheets is as follows:

(In thousands)

Change in benefit obligation:

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

Service cost

Interest cost

Actuarial loss (gain)

Distributions

BENEFIT OBLIGATION AT END OF YEAR

Change in plan assets:

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

NET AMOUNT RECOGNIZED

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations 
recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):

Net loss (gain)

Amortization of net loss

TOTAL RECOGNIZED IN OTHER COMPREHENSIVE 
INCOME (LOSS)

September 28, 2019

September 29, 2018

September 30, 2017

Year Ended

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

9,749

$

9,389

$

9,159

297

384

1,133

(285)

11,278

285

(285)

—

(11,278)

(11,278)

2,958

2,958

1,133

(140)

993

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

310

345

(33)

(262)

9,749

262

(262)

—

(9,749)

(9,749)

1,966

1,966

(33)

(150)

(183)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

344

338

(162)

(290)

9,389

290

(290)

—

(9,389)

(9,389)

2,149

2,149

(162)

(174)

(336)

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

(In thousands)

Service cost

Interest cost

Amortization of net loss

NET PERIODIC PENSION COST

Year Ended

September 28, 2019

September 29, 2018

September 30, 2017

$

$

297

384

140

821

$

$

310

345

150

805

$

$

344

338

174

856

The estimated net loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic pension cost during 2020 
is $293,000.

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

Assumptions at year-end:

Discount rate

Rate of increase in compensation levels

September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 September 30, 2017

Measurement Date

3.00%

3.00%

4.00%

3.00%

3.75%

3.00%

36

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

 Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II

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

The projected benefit payments under the SERPs are as follows:

Fiscal year(s)

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025 - 2029

$

In thousands

283 

250 

562 

562 

524 

4,476 

Retirement savings plan

In 1996, we adopted the Retirement Savings Plan of Insteel 
Industries, Inc. (the “Plan”) to provide retirement benefits and 
stock ownership for our employees. The Plan is an amendment 
and restatement of our 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.

The Plan allows for discretionary contributions to be made by 
us as determined by the Board of Directors, which are allocated 
among eligible participants based on their compensation relative 
to the total compensation of all participants. Employees are 
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. We match employee contributions 
up to 100% of the first 1% and 50% of the next 5% of eligible 

compensation that is contributed by employees. Our contributions 
to the Plan were $1.2 million in 2019 and $1.1 million in 2018 
and 2017.

Voluntary Employee Beneficiary 
Associations (“VEBA”)

We have a VEBA which allows both us and our employees to 
make contributions to pay for medical costs. Our contributions 
to the VEBA were $5.8 million in 2019, $5.1 million in 2018 
and $5.6 million in 2017. We are primarily self-insured for our 
employee’s  healthcare  costs,  carrying  stop-loss  insurance 
coverage for individual claims in excess of $175,000 per benefit 
plan year. Our self-insurance liabilities are based on the total 
estimated  costs  of  claims  filed  and  claims  incurred  but  not 
reported, less amounts paid against such claims. We review 
current and historical claims data in developing our estimates. 

Note 12  Commitments and Contingencies

Insurance recoveries

We maintain general liability, business interruption and replacement 
cost property insurance coverage on our facilities. 

In August 2018, a transformer outage and electrical fire occurred 
at our Dayton, Texas manufacturing facility, which resulted in 
the  temporary  curtailment  of  operations.  Alternative  power 
arrangements  for  the  facility  were  subsequently  made  that 
allowed operations to continue until permanent repairs were 
completed during the first quarter of this year. We reached a final 
settlement on the property damage and business interruption 
claim with our insurance carrier in the third quarter. During 2019, 
we received $2.2 million of insurance proceeds related to the 
claim that was partially applied against the beginning receivable 
balance of $462,000 with the remainder recorded in other income 
($1.1  million),  cost  of  sales  ($645,000)  and  SG&A  expense 
($48,000) on the consolidated statements of operations. During 
2018, we received $183,000 of insurance proceeds related to 
the claim and recorded a $462,000 receivable for the anticipated 
insurance proceeds associated with the expenses incurred as of 
the end of the year. 

In August 2017, operations at our manufacturing facility located 
in Dayton, Texas were adversely affected by hurricane Harvey. We 
reached a final settlement on the property damage and business 
interruption claim with our insurance carrier in the first quarter of 
2019. During 2019, we received $150,000 of proceeds related 
to this claim of which $98,000 was recorded in other income 
on the consolidated statements of operations. During 2018, we 
received $439,000 of insurance proceeds related to the claim 
and recorded a $52,000 receivable for the anticipated insurance 
proceeds associated with the expenses that were incurred and 
capital  outlays  required  to  replace  property  and  equipment 
damaged in the storm. The insurance proceeds attributable to 
the additional expenses incurred were recorded in cost of sales 
($439,000), SG&A expense ($26,000) and other income ($26,000) 
on the consolidated statements of operations.

The  insurance  proceeds  attributable  to  the  property  and 
equipment damaged are reported in cash flows from investing 
activities and all other insurance proceeds received are reported 
in  cash  flows  from  operating  activities  on  the  consolidated 
statements of cash flows.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

37

PART II

Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Leases and purchase commitments

We lease a portion of our equipment under operating leases that 
expire at various dates through 2024. Additionally, we leased 
our facility in Houston, Texas through September 30, 2017 and 
subsequently exercised the $4.9 million purchase option under 
the lease in October 2017. Under most lease agreements, we 
pay  insurance,  taxes  and  maintenance.  Rental  expense  for 
operating leases was $1.6 million in 2019, $1.5 million in 2018 and 
$1.8 million in 2017. As of September 28, 2019, minimum rental 
commitments under all non-cancelable leases with an initial term 
in excess of one year are payable as follows: 2020 $1.0 million; 
2021, $666,000; 2022, $256,000; 2023, $61,000 and 2024 and 
beyond, $47,000.

As of September 28, 2019, we had $23.8 million in non-cancelable 
purchase commitments for raw material extending as long as 
approximately 100 days and $2.8 million of contractual commitments 
for the purchase of certain equipment that had not been fulfilled and 
are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements.

Legal proceedings

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

Severance and change of control 
agreements

We  have  entered  into  severance  agreements  with  our  Chief 
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer that provide them with 
certain termination benefits in the event their employment with us 
is terminated without cause. The initial term of each agreement is 
two years and they automatically renew for successive one year 

Note 13  Earnings Per Share

terms unless we or the executive provide notice of termination 
as specified in the agreement. In the event of termination of the 
executive’s employment without cause, these agreements provide 
that they would receive termination benefits equal to one and 
one-half times their annual base salary in effect on the termination 
date and the continuation of health and welfare benefits for 
eighteen months. In addition, all of the executive’s stock options 
and restricted stock would vest immediately, and outplacement 
services would be provided.

We have also entered into change in control agreements with 
key members of management, including our executive officers, 
which specify the terms of separation in the event that termination 
of their employment followed a change in control. The initial 
term of each agreement is two years and they automatically 
renew for successive one year terms unless we or the executive 
provide notice of termination as specified in the agreement. The 
agreements do not provide assurances of continued employment 
or specify the terms of an executive’s termination should one 
occur in the absence of a change in control. The compensation 
payable under the terms of these agreements differs between 
the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and the 
other covered executives. In the event of termination of the Chief 
Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer within two years 
of a change of control, they would receive severance benefits 
equal to two times base compensation, two times the average 
bonus for the prior three years and the continuation of health and 
welfare benefits for two years. In the event of such a termination 
of the other key members of management, including our other 
two executive officers, within two years of a change of control, 
they would receive severance benefits equal to one times base 
compensation, one times the average bonus for the prior three 
years and the continuation of health and welfare benefits for one 
year. In addition, for any covered executive that is terminated 
within two years of a change of control, all of their stock options 
and restricted stock would vest immediately, and outplacement 
services would be provided. 

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

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 September 30, 2017

Year Ended

Net earnings

Basic weighted average shares outstanding 

Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

Net earnings per share:

Basic

Diluted

$

$

5,598 

$

36,266 

$

 19,243 

 97 

 19,340 

 19,079 

 198 

 19,277 

0.29 

$

 0.29 

1.90 

$

 1.88 

22,548 

 19,011 

 206 

 19,217 

1.19 

 1.17 

Options and RSUs that were antidilutive and not included in the diluted EPS calculation amounted to 240,000 shares in 2019, 83,000 
shares in 2018 and 76,000 shares in 2017. 

38

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

 Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II

Note 14  Business Segment Information

Our operations are entirely focused on the manufacture and marketing of steel wire reinforcing products for concrete construction 
applications. Our concrete reinforcing products consist of two product lines: PC strand and WWR. Based on the criteria specified in 
ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting, we have one reportable segment. 

Our net sales and long-lived assets (consisting of net property, plant and equipment, the cash surrender value of life insurance policies, 
goodwill and intangible assets) by geographic region are as follows:

(In thousands)

Net sales:

United States

Foreign

TOTAL

Long-lived assets:

United States

Foreign

TOTAL

Our net sales by product line are as follows:

(In thousands)

Net sales:

Welded wire reinforcement

Prestressed concrete strand

TOTAL

September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 September 30, 2017

Year Ended

$

$

$

$

 454,373 

$

 451,418 

$

 387,199 

 1,340 

 1,799 

 1,672 

 455,713 

$

 453,217 

$

 388,871 

 132,074 

$

 133,913 

$

 122,574 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 132,074 

$

 133,913 

$

 122,574 

September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 September 30, 2017

Year Ended

$

$

 290,423 

$

 273,658 

$

 165,290 

 179,559 

 455,713 

$

 453,217 

$

239,522 

 149,349 

388,871 

There were no customers that accounted for 10% or more of our net sales in 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Note 15  Related Party Transactions

Sales to a company affiliated with one of our former directors amounted to $716,000 in 2019, $699,000 in 2018 and $622,000 in 2017.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

39

PART II

Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Note 16  Other Financial Data

Balance sheet information:

(In thousands)

Accounts receivable, net:

Accounts receivable

Less allowance for doubtful accounts

TOTAL

Inventories:

Raw materials

Work in process

Finished goods

TOTAL

Other current assets:

Prepaid insurance

Income taxes receivable

Other

TOTAL

Other assets:

Cash surrender value of life insurance policies

Capitalized financing costs, net

Other

TOTAL

Property, plant and equipment, net:

Land and land improvements

Buildings

Machinery and equipment

Construction in progress

Less accumulated depreciation

TOTAL

Accrued expenses:

Salaries, wages and related expenses

Property taxes

Customer rebates

Sales allowance reserves

Workers’ compensation

Income taxes

Other

TOTAL

Other liabilities:

Deferred compensation

Deferred income taxes

TOTAL

September 28, 2019

September 29, 2018

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

 44,436 

 (254)

 44,182 

 27,667 

 4,885 

 38,299 

 70,851 

 4,545 

 1,215 

 1,610 

 7,370 

 10,211 

 237 

 114 

 10,562 

 14,548 

 56,404 

 165,609 

 5,285 

 241,846 

 (136,886)

 104,960 

 2,463 

 1,820 

 1,381 

 544 

 112 

 — 

 498 

 6,818 

 11,679 

 6,900 

 18,579 

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

 51,779 

 (295)

 51,484 

 61,008 

 4,779 

 28,370 

 94,157 

 3,845 

 — 

 2,050 

 5,895 

 9,769 

 40 

 104 

 9,913 

 14,438 

 54,684 

 160,068 

 9,672 

 238,862 

 (132,714)

 106,148 

 6,775 

 1,585 

 1,531 

 804 

 113 

 469 

 652 

 11,929 

 10,541 

 5,340 

 15,881 

40

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

 Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II

Note 17  Product Warranties

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

or claimed deficiencies from these specifications may give rise 
to claims. 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.

Note 18  Share Repurchases

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 (the “Authorization”). Under 
the 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. 
We are not obligated to acquire any particular amount of common 

stock and the program may be commenced or suspended at 
any time at our discretion without prior notice. The Authorization 
continues in effect until terminated by the Board of Directors. As of 
September 28, 2019, there was $24.8 million remaining available 
for future share repurchases under this Authorization. There were 
no share repurchases during 2019, 2018 and 2017.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

41

PART II

Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
Consolidated Financial Statements

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Insteel Industries, Inc.:

Opinion on the financial statements 

Basis for opinion 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets 
of Insteel Industries, Inc. (a North Carolina corporation) and 
subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 28, 2019 and 
September 29, 2018, the related consolidated statements of 
operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ 
equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period 
ended September 28, 2019, and the related notes and financial 
statement  schedule  included  under  Item  15(a)  (collectively 
referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the 
financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the 
financial position of the Company as of September 28, 2019 
and September 29, 2018, and the results of its operations and 
its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 
September 28, 2019, in conformity with accounting principles 
generally accepted in the United States of America. 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the 
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) 
(“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting 
as  of  September  28,  2019,  based  on  criteria  established  in 
the  2013  Internal  Control—Integrated  Framework  issued  by 
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated October 25, 2019 
expressed an unqualified opinion.

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s 
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the 
Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a 
public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required 
to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance 
with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and 
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the 
PCAOB. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the 
PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the 
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial 
statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error 
or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess 
the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, 
whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that 
respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on 
a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures 
in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating 
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made 
by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation 
of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a 
reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since fiscal 2002.

Charlotte, North Carolina 

October 25, 2019

42

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

PART II

 Item 9A Controls and Procedures

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 
Years Ended September 28, 2019, September 29, 2018 
and September 30, 2017

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

(In thousands)

Balance, beginning of year

Amounts charged to earnings

Write-offs, net of recoveries

BALANCE, END OF YEAR

Year Ended

September 28, 2019 September 29, 2018 September 30, 2017

$

$

 295 

$

 201 

$

 (41)

—

 100 

 (6)

 254 

$

 295 

$

 291 

 (57)

 (33)

 201 

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

None.

Item 9A  Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

We have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our 
disclosure controls and procedures as of September 28, 2019. 
This  evaluation  was  conducted  under  the  supervision  and 
with the participation of management, including our principal 
executive officer and our principal financial officer. Based upon 
that evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal 
financial  officer  concluded  that  our  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be 
disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities 

Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, 
summarized and reported within the time periods specified in 
the Commission’s rules and forms. Furthermore, we concluded 
that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to 
ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated 
to management, including our principal executive officer and our 
principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions 
regarding required disclosure. 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining 
adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control 
over  financial  reporting  is  a  process  to  provide  reasonable 
assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and 
the preparation of our financial statements for external purposes 
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. 
Internal control over financial reporting includes: (1) maintaining 
records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the 
transactions and dispositions of assets; (2) providing reasonable 
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit 
preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, 
and that receipts and expenditures are made only in accordance 
with  authorizations  of  management  and  directors;  and  (3) 
providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, 
use or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on 
financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely 
basis. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over 
financial reporting can only provide reasonable assurance that 
a misstatement of financial statements would be prevented or 

detected. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to 
future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become 
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree 
of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal 
control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth by 
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission in the 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework. 
Based on this assessment, our management concluded that 
our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of 
September 28, 2019. During the quarter ended September 28, 
2019, there were no changes in our internal control over financial 
reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely 
to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 

Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an 
audit report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial 
reporting as of September 28, 2019, which appears below.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

43

PART II

Item 9A Controls and Procedures

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

Board of Directors and Shareholders 

Insteel Industries, Inc.:

Opinion on internal control over financial 
reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting 
of Insteel Industries, Inc. (a North Carolina corporation) and 
subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 28, 2019, based 
on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated 
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations 
of  the  Treadway  Commission  (“COSO”).  In  our  opinion,  the 
Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal 
control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2019, based 
on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated 
Framework issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the 
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) 
(“PCAOB”), the consolidated financial statements of the Company 
as of and for the year ended September 28, 2019, and our report 
dated October 25, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on 
those financial statements.

Basis for opinion

The  Company’s  management  is  responsible  for  maintaining 
effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  and  for  its 
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial 
reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report 
on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to 
express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial 
reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm 
registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent 
with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal 
securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the 
Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the 
PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the 
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective 
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all 
material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding 

of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that 
a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design 
and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the 
assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we 
considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our 
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and limitations of internal control 
over financial reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process 
designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the 
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial 
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over 
financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that 
(1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, 
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of 
the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that 
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation 
of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted 
accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the 
company are being made only in accordance with authorizations 
of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide 
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection 
of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s 
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial 
reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect  misstatements.  Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are 
subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because 
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with 
the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina

October 25, 2019

44

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

 Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

PART III

Item 9B  Other Information

None.

PART III

Item 10  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate 

Governance

The information called for by this item and not presented herein appears under the captions “Item Number One: Election of Directors”, 
“Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers – Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” and “Corporate Governance Guidelines 
and Board Matters” in our Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference. 
Information on executive officers appears under the caption “Executive Officers of the Company” in Part I of this report.

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct that applies to all directors, officers and employees, which is available on our website 
at https://insteelgcs.gcs-web.com/corporate-governance/governance-documents. 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 website 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). Our website does not constitute part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 11  Executive Compensation

The information called for by this item appears under the captions “Executive Compensation”, “Compensation Committee Interlocks 
and Insider Participation” and “Director Compensation” in our Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is 
incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial 

Owners and Management and Related 
Stockholder Matters

The information called for by this item appears under the captions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners”, “Security 
Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in our Proxy Statement for the 2020 
Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, 

and Director Independence

The information called for by this item appears under the captions “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” and 
“Corporate Governance Guidelines and Board Matters” in our Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is 
incorporated herein by reference.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

45

PART III

Item 14 Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Item 14  Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information called for by this item appears under the caption “Item Number Four: Ratification of the Appointment of Grant Thornton 
LLP” in our Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

Item 15  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a)(1)  Financial Statements

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

(a)(2)  Financial Statement Schedules

Supplemental Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts appears on page 43 of this report.

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

(a)(3)  Exhibits

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

(b)  Exhibits

See Exhibit Index on pages 47-49.

(c)  Financial Statement Schedules

See Item 15(a)(2) above. 

Item 16  Form 10-K Summary

None.

46

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

PART IV

Exhibit Index

Exhibit Index

Exhibit  
Number

Description

2.1

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

10.1

10.2

10.3

10.4

10.5

10.6*

10.7*

Asset Purchase Agreement between Insteel Wire Products Company and American Spring Wire Corporation dated 
as of August 9, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed 
on August 11, 2014).

Restated Articles of Incorporation for the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s 
Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on May 2, 1985).

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 filed on May 14, 1999).

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

Bylaws of the Company (as last amended December 19, 2016) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the 
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 19, 2017).

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

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

Amendment No. 2 to the Rights Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2018, by and between the Company 
and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (as Successor Rights Agent to First union National Bank) 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 19, 2018)

Description of Securities

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

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 filed on February 6, 2012).

Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 13, 2015, 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 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 14, 2015).

Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 15, 2019, among Insteel Wire Products Company, 
as Borrower; Insteel Industries, Inc., as a Credit Party; and Wells Fargo Bank, as Agent and Lender (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 16, 2019).

Guaranty and Second Amended and Restated Security Agreement dated as of May 15, 2019, among Insteel 
Industries, Inc., Insteel Wire Products Company, Intercontinental Metals Corporation, and Wells Fargo Bank, as 
administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed 
May 16, 2019)

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

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

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

47

PART IV

Exhibit Index

Exhibit  
Number

10.8*

10.9*

10.10*

10.11*

10.12*

10.13*

10.14*

10.15*

10.16*

10.17*

10.18*

10.19*

10.20*

10.21*

10.22*

21.1

23.1

31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

Description

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2011 filed on 
November 10, 2011).

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

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

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

Form of Amendment to 2005 Equity Incentive Plan of Insteel Industries, Inc. dated August 20, 2013 (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.20 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on October 29, 2013).

2015 Equity Incentive Plan of Insteel Industries, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 filed with the Company’s 
Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on February 17, 2015 (File No. 333-202128)).

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan of Insteel Industries, Inc.

Form of Stock Option Agreement under the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan of Insteel Industries, Inc.

List of Subsidiaries of Insteel Industries, Inc. at September 28, 2019.

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

48

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

PART IV

Exhibit Index

Exhibit  
Number

101

Description

The following financial information from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 28, 
2019, filed on October 25, 2019, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September 28, 2019, September 29, 2018 and 
September 30, 2017, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended September 
28, 2019, September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017, (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 28, 
2019 and September 29, 2018, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 28, 
2019, September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity as 
of September 28, 2019, September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017 and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

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

Our SEC file number reference for documents filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is 1-09929.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

49

 
PART IV

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.

Registrant

By:

/S/ MICHAEL C. GAZMARIAN

Michael C. Gazmarian

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Date: October 25, 2019

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed on October 25, 2019 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/ ABNEY S. BOXLEY III
Abney S. Boxley III
/s/ ANNE H. LLOYD 
Anne H. Lloyd
/s/ W. ALLEN ROGERS II
W. Allen Rogers II
/s/ JON M. RUTH
Jon M. Ruth
/s/ JOSEPH A. RUTKOWSKI
Joseph A. Rutkowski
/s/ G. KENNEDY THOMPSON
G. Kennedy Thompson

Position(s)

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

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)

Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

50

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC.  ❘  Form 10-K

www.insteel.com

This page intentionally left blank

This page intentionally left blank

Investor Relations
For information on Insteel, additional 
copies of this report or other financial 
information, contact Michael C. Gazmarian, 
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and 
Treasurer, at our headquarters. You may also 
visit the Investors section of our web site at 
http://insteelgcs.gcs-web.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Any statements in this 2019 Annual Report 
that are not entirely historical in nature 
constitute 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 
Insteel’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended September 28, 2019, which is 
included as part of this 2019 Annual Report.

CORPORATE INFORMATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Abney S. Boxley, III(2,3)
President, Eastern Region
Summit Materials, Inc.
Anne H. Lloyd(1,2)
Retired Executive Vice President and  
Chief Financial Officer 
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
W. Allen Rogers II(1,3)
Lead Independent Director
Principal
Ewing Capital Partners, LLC
Partner
Peter Browning Partners, LLC
Jon M. Ruth(2,3)
Retired Vice President
Cargill
Joseph A. Rutkowski(2,3)
Principal
Winyah Advisors LLC
G. Kennedy Thompson(1,2)
Retired Partner
Aquiline Capital Partners LLC

H.O. Woltz III
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

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

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

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 11, 2020 at 9:00 
a.m. ET at the Cross Creek Country 
Club, 1129 Greenhill Road, Mount Airy, 
North Carolina 27030.

Common Stock
Insteel’s common stock trades on the 
Nasdaq Global Select Market under the 
symbol IIIN. As of October 23, 2019, there 
were 531 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:
AST, LLC 
Operations Center
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11219
(800) 937-5449
www.astfinancial.com

1373 Boggs Drive
Mount Airy, North Carolina 27030
www.insteel.com

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2

0
0

7

2
2

F

-

7

22
2

F

-

2

0
0

2

0

7

22
2

F