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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended April 2, 2005

OR

     
o
  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   56-0674867
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
     
1373 Boggs Drive, Mount Airy, North Carolina   27030
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

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

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

     
Yes x   No o

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

     
Yes o   No x

     The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of May 16, 2005 was 9,360,606.

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Part II — Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits
SIGNATURES
Ex-31.1
Ex-31.2
Ex-32.1
Ex-32.2


Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

                 
    (Unaudited)     As restated  
    April 2,     October 2,  
    2005     2004  
Assets
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,366     $ 2,318  
Accounts receivable, net
    38,068       44,487  
Inventories
    53,879       40,404  
Prepaid expenses and other
    3,182       3,772  
 
           
Total current assets
    96,495       90,981  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    48,423       48,602  
Other assets
    11,026       11,708  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 155,944     $ 151,291  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 18,684     $ 15,041  
Accrued expenses
    6,949       10,727  
Current portion of long-term debt
    3,400       3,960  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    29,033       29,728  
Long-term debt
    41,867       48,968  
Other liabilities
    1,618       1,384  
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Common stock
    18,721       18,244  
Additional paid-in capital
    45,300       43,677  
Deferred stock compensation
    (702 )      
Retained earnings
    21,087       10,927  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (980 )     (1,637 )
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    83,426       71,211  
 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 155,944     $ 151,291  
 
           

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands except for per share data)
(Unaudited)

                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
            As restated             As restated  
    April 2,     March 27,     April 2,     March 27,  
    2005     2004     2005     2004  
Net sales
  $ 81,654     $ 73,823     $ 156,318     $ 129,958  
Cost of sales
    69,937       57,297       130,878       106,084  
 
                       
Gross profit
    11,717       16,526       25,440       23,874  
Selling, general and administrative expense
    3,929       4,952       8,109       8,502  
Other expense (income)
    (5 )     (70 )     29       (6 )
Interest expense
    1,227       2,362       3,037       4,954  
Interest income
          (7 )           (17 )
 
                       
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
    6,566       9,289       14,265       10,441  
Income taxes
    2,220       3,751       4,803       4,185  
 
                       
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ 4,346     $ 5,538     $ 9,462     $ 6,256  
Discontinued operations:
                               
Gain on disposal of Insteel Construction Systems (net of income taxes of $428)
    698             698        
 
                       
Net earnings
  $ 5,044     $ 5,538     $ 10,160     $ 6,256  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    9,307       8,466       9,242       8,466  
 
                       
Diluted
    9,462       8,777       9,444       8,740  
 
                       
 
                               
Per share amounts:
                               
Basic:
                               
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ 0.47     $ 0.65     $ 1.02     $ 0.74  
Gain from discontinued operations
    0.07             0.08        
 
                       
Net earnings
  $ 0.54     $ 0.65     $ 1.10     $ 0.74  
 
                       
 
                               
Diluted:
                               
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ 0.46     $ 0.63     $ 1.00     $ 0.72  
Gain from discontinued operations
    0.07             0.07        
 
                       
Net earnings
  $ 0.53     $ 0.63     $ 1.07     $ 0.72  
 
                       

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

                 
    Six Months Ended  
            As restated  
    April 2,     March 27,  
    2005     2004  
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
               
Net earnings
  $ 10,160     $ 6,256  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    2,598       2,642  
Amortization of capitalized financing costs
    394       835  
Amortization of unrealized loss on financial instruments
    1,059        
Stock-based compensation expense
    816       643  
Gain on disposal of discontinued operation
    (1,126 )        
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment
    28       35  
Deferred income taxes
    (476 )     4,211  
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable, net
    6,419       (8,025 )
Inventories
    (13,475 )     6,298  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    349       (3,929 )
Other changes
    1,527       (2,455 )
 
           
Total adjustments
    (1,887 )     255  
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    8,273       6,511  
 
           
 
               
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
               
Capital expenditures
    (2,405 )     (1,304 )
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
    1,271        
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies
    (515 )     (66 )
 
           
Net cash used for investing activities
    (1,649 )     (1,370 )
 
           
 
               
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
               
Proceeds from long-term debt
    171,874       5,500  
Principal payments on long-term debt
    (179,535 )     (11,230 )
Financing costs
    (23 )     (600 )
Cash received from exercise of stock options
    95        
Other
    13       1,311  
 
           
Net cash used for financing activities
    (7,576 )     (5,019 )
 
           
 
               
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (952 )     122  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    2,318       310  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 1,366     $ 432  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 1,579     $ 4,151  
Income taxes
    5,752       50  
Non-cash financing activity:
               
Cashless exercise of stock options
    338       11  
Issuance of restricted stock
    742        

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)

                                                         
                                            Accumulated        
          Additional                     Other     Total  
    Common Stock     Paid-In     Deferred     Retained     Comprehensive     Shareholders  
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Compensation     Earnings     Loss(1)     Equity  
Balance at October 2, 2004 (as restated)
    9,122     $ 18,244     $ 43,677     $     $ 10,927     $ (1,637 )   $ 71,211  
 
                                         
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net earnings
                                    10,160               10,160  
Amortization of loss on financial instruments included in net earnings
                                            657       657  
 
                                                     
Comprehensive income(1)
                                                    10,817  
Stock options exercised
    197       394       (300 )                             94  
Compensation expense associated with stock option plans
                    775                               775  
Restricted stock options granted
    41       83       660       (702 )                     41  
Income tax benefit of stock options exercised
                    488                               488  
 
                                         
Balance at April 2, 2005
    9,360     $ 18,721     $ 45,300     $ (702 )   $ 21,087     $ (980 )   $ 83,426  
 
                                         

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

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1) Basis of Presentation

     The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of Insteel Industries, Inc. (the “Company”) have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the audited financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These financial statements should therefore be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended October 2, 2004 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC.

     The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included herein reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature that the Company considers necessary for a fair presentation of results for these interim periods. The results of operations for the three months and six months ended April 2, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending October 1, 2005.

(2) Stock-Based Compensation

     The Company accounts for its employee stock option plans under the intrinsic value method prescribed by Accounting Principals Board Opinion (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations, and has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure, an amendment for FASB Statement No. 123.” Certain of the options issued under the Company’s stock option plans allow for cashless stock option exercises, and in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 44, are accounted for as variable plans. Under variable plan accounting, compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period when the market price of a company’s stock exceeds the exercise price of the options granted and is adjusted on a recurring basis to reflect changes in market valuation. Final compensation expense is measured upon exercise of the option. As of April 2, 2005, there was approximately $86,000 of unamortized compensation expense, which will be recognized over the remaining vesting periods of the related options.

     SFAS No. 123, as amended by SFAS No. 148, permits companies to recognize the fair value of all stock-based awards on the grant date as expense over the vesting period. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Because the Company’s stock-based compensation plans have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options and because changes in subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, the Company believes that the existing option valuation models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of awards from the plan. Therefore, as permitted, the Company applies the existing accounting rules under APB No. 25 and provides pro forma net earnings and net earnings per share disclosures for stock-based awards made during the indicated periods as if the fair value method defined in SFAS No. 123, as amended, had been applied. Net earnings and net earnings per share for the three months and six months ended April 2, 2005 and March 27, 2004, respectively, are as follows:

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

                                 
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
            As restated             As restated  
    April 2,     March 27,     April 2,     March 27,  
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)   2005     2004     2005     2004  
Net earnings — as reported
  $ 5,044     $ 5,538     $ 10,160     $ 6,256  
Stock-based compensation expense included in reported net earnings, net of related tax effects
    (306 )     623       134       606  
Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects
    (19 )     (13 )     (24 )     (28 )
 
                       
Net earnings — pro forma
  $ 4,719     $ 6,148     $ 10,270     $ 6,834  
 
                       
 
                               
Basic net earnings per share — as reported
  $ 0.54     $ 0.65     $ 1.10     $ 0.74  
Basic net earnings per share — pro forma
    0.51       0.73       1.11       0.81  
Diluted net earnings per share — as reported
    0.53       0.63       1.07       0.72  
Diluted net earnings per share — pro forma
    0.50       0.70       1.09       0.78  
 
                               
Basic shares outstanding — as reported and pro forma
    9,307       8,466       9,242       8,466  
Diluted shares outstanding — as reported
    155       311       202       274  
Diluted shares outstanding — pro forma
    147       200       198       180  

     In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” which requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options and purchases under employee stock purchase plans, to be recognized as an operating expense in the income statement over the requisite service period based on fair values measured on grant dates. SFAS No. 132R is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2006. SFAS No. 123R may be adopted using either the modified prospective transition method or the modified retrospective method. Although the Company’s earnings per share may be slightly impacted, the Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 123R to have a material impact on its operating results or financial condition.

     During the quarter ended April 2, 2005, the Company granted 41,400 shares of restricted stock to key employees and directors which had a total market value of $742,000 as of the grant date. The Company recorded amortization expense of $25,000, net of tax, pertaining to the restricted stock during the quarter and will continue to amortize the remaining unamortized balance over the vesting period of one to three years.

(3) Deferred Income Tax Assets

     The Company has recorded the following amounts for deferred income tax assets and accrued income taxes on its consolidated balance sheet as of April 2, 2005: a current deferred income tax asset of $1.2 million in prepaid expenses and other, a noncurrent deferred income tax asset of $3.6 million (net of valuation allowance) in other assets, and accrued income taxes payable of $144,000 in accrued expenses. The Company has utilized $2.0 million of gross state operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) during the current year and has a remaining balance of $16.2 million which begin to expire in seven years, but principally expire in 16 – 19 years.

     The realization of the Company’s deferred income tax assets is entirely dependent upon the Company’s ability to generate future taxable income. Generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) require that the Company periodically assess the need to establish a valuation allowance against its deferred income tax assets to the extent the Company no longer believes it is more likely than not that they will be fully utilized. As of October 2, 2004, the Company had recorded a valuation allowance of $864,000 pertaining to various state NOLs that were not anticipated to be utilized which was reduced to $760,000 as of April 2, 2005 based on the income generated during the six-month period. The valuation allowance

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

established by the Company is subject to periodic review and adjustment based on changes in facts and circumstances and would be reduced should the Company utilize the state NOLs against which an allowance had been provided.

(4) Employee Benefit Plans

     Retirement plans. The Company has one defined benefit pension plan, the Insteel Wire Products Company Retirement Income Plan for Hourly Employees, Wilmington, Delaware (the “Delaware Plan”). The Delaware Plan provides benefits for eligible employees based primarily upon years of service. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute amounts at least equal to those required by law. The Company has contributed $240,000 to the Delaware Plan during the six-month period ended April 2, 2005 and it expects to contribute $558,000 for the entire fiscal year ending October 1, 2005. The net periodic pension costs and related components for the Delaware Plan for the three months and six months ended April 2, 2005 and March 27, 2004, respectively, are as follows:

                                 
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    April 2,     March 27,     April 2,     March 27,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2005     2004     2005     2004  
Service cost
  $ 23     $ 26     $ 46     $ 52  
Interest cost
    67       69       134       138  
Expected return on plan assets
    (54 )     (54 )     (108 )     (108 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    1       1       2       2  
Recognized net actuarial loss
    38       35       76       70  
 
                       
Net periodic pension cost
  $ 75     $ 77     $ 150     $ 154  
 
                       

     In connection with the collective bargaining agreement that was reached between the Company and the labor union at the Delaware facility in November 2004, the Delaware Plan was frozen where there will be no new participants in the plan going forward. The Company intends for the Delaware Plan to eventually cease upon the retirement of the remaining active employees that are participants in the plan and payment of the associated benefit obligations.

     Supplemental employee retirement plan. The Company has Retirement Security Agreements (each, a “SERP”) with certain of its employees (each, a “Participant”). Under the SERPs, Participants are entitled to cash benefits upon retirement at age 65, payable annually for 15 years. The SERPs are supported by life insurance policies on the Participants purchased by the Company. The cash benefits paid under the SERPs were $37,000 during the six-month period ended April 2, 2005 and are expected to be $114,000 for the entire fiscal year ending October 1, 2005. The net periodic cost associated with the SERPs was $227,000 and $31,000 for the three months ended April 2, 2005 and March 27, 2004, respectively, and $254,000 and $61,000 for the six months ended April 2, 2005 and March 27, 2004, respectively.

(5) Credit Facilities

     On June 3, 2004, the Company entered into a new $82.0 million senior secured debt facility which has a four-year term maturing on June 2, 2008 consisting of a $60.0 million revolver, a $17.0 million Term Loan A and a $5.0 million Term Loan B. Proceeds from the financing were used to pay off and terminate the Company’s previous credit facility (approximately $62.4 million outstanding as of the closing date) and will support the Company’s working capital, capital expenditure and general corporate requirements going forward. The new credit facility is secured by all of the Company’s assets.

     Advances under the revolving credit facility are limited to the lesser of the revolving credit commitment or a borrowing base amount that is calculated based upon a percentage of eligible receivables and inventories. As of April 2, 2005, approximately $45.3 million was outstanding on the senior secured credit facility, with $39.5 million drawn and $23.9 million of additional borrowing capacity on the revolver and $5.7 million outstanding on Term Loan A. Outstanding letters of credit on the revolver amounted to $1.5 million as of April 2, 2005. The Credit Agreement provides for mandatory prepayments equal to 50% of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and voluntary prepayments of up to $625,000 each year on Term Loan A. Based on its Excess Cash Flow for fiscal 2004 (as defined in the Credit Agreement), in December 2004, the Company prepaid $11.4 million of term debt on its senior secured credit facility. The prepayment enabled the Company to pay off the $4.4 million balance outstanding on Term Loan B and pay down Term Loan A by $7.0

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

million, which reduced the Company’s average borrowing rate. The remaining balance on Term Loan A will continue to be amortized at $283,000 per month until it has been paid in its entirety. On January 7, 2005, the Company and its lender agreed to an amendment to the credit facility which increased the amount of the revolver from $60.0 million to $75.0 million and expanded the maximum inventory borrowing base from $35.0 million to $45.0 million, providing additional liquidity.

     Interest rates on the revolver and Term Loan A are based upon (1) a base rate that is established at the higher of the prime rate or 0.50% plus the federal funds rate, or (2) at the election of the Company, a LIBOR rate, plus in either case, an applicable interest rate margin. The applicable interest rate margins are initially 1.50% for the base rate and 3.00% for the LIBOR rate on the revolver, and 2.25% for the base rate and 3.75% for the LIBOR rate on Term Loan A. Beginning on April 2, 2005, the applicable interest rate margins will be adjusted within the following ranges on a quarterly basis based upon the Company’s leverage ratio: 1.00% – 1.75% for the base rate and 2.50% – 3.25% for the LIBOR rate on the revolver, and 1.50% – 2.25% for the base rate and 3.00% – 3.75% for the LIBOR rate on Term Loan A. In addition, the applicable interest rate margins may be adjusted further based on the amount of excess availability on the revolver and the occurrence of certain events of default provided for under the credit facility. As of April 2, 2005, average interest rates on the credit facility were 5.93% on the revolver and 6.76% on Term Loan A. Based on the Company’s leverage ratio as of April 2, 2005 and its excess availability, effective May 1, 2005, the applicable interest rate margins were reduced to 0.75% for the base rate and 2.25% for the LIBOR rate on the revolver, and 1.25% for the base rate and 2.75% for the LIBOR rate on Term Loan A.

     In connection with the refinancing of the previous credit facility, the Company terminated interest rate swap agreements for payments totaling $2.1 million and recorded a corresponding unrealized loss for hedging instruments in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 which, in accordance with GAAP, was amortized and recorded as interest expense through the original termination date of the swap agreements of January 31, 2005.

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

     Financial Covenants

     The terms of the credit facility require the Company to maintain certain fixed charge coverage and leverage ratios during the term of the credit facility. Commencing with the fiscal quarter ending on October 2, 2004, the Company must have a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of not less than 1.15 at the end of each fiscal quarter for the twelve-month period then ended (or, for the fiscal quarters ending on or before July 2, 2005, the period commencing on June 1, 2004 and ending on the last day of such fiscal quarter). In addition, beginning with the fiscal quarter ending January 1, 2005, the Company must maintain a Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of not more than 3.25 as of the last day of each quarter through July 1, 2006, and not more than 3.00 thereafter. As of April 2, 2005, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the credit facility.

     Negative Covenants

     In addition, the terms of the credit facility restrict the Company’s ability to, among other things: engage in certain business combinations or divestitures; make capital expenditures in excess of applicable limitations; make investments in or loans to third parties, unless certain conditions are met with respect to such investments or loans; incur or assume indebtedness; issue securities; enter into certain transactions with affiliates of the Company; or permit liens to encumber the Company’s property and assets. As of April 2, 2005, the Company was in compliance with all of the negative covenants.

     The Company was limited to Capital Expenditures (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of not more than $5.0 million for the period beginning on May 30, 2004 and ending on October 2, 2004, and is limited to Capital Expenditures of not more than $7.0 million for each fiscal year thereafter through the year ending September 29, 2007, and for the period beginning on September 30, 2007 and ending on June 2, 2008, plus for any of these periods, up to a $2.0 million carryover of the amount by which actual Capital Expenditures are less than the applicable limitation for the prior period.

     Events of Default

     Under the terms of the credit facility, an event of default will occur with respect to the Company upon the occurrence of, among other things: a default or breach by the Company or any of its subsidiaries under any agreement resulting in the acceleration of amounts due in excess of $500,000 under such other agreement; certain payment defaults by

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

the Company or any of its subsidiaries in excess of $500,000; certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Company; an entry of judgment against the Company or any of its subsidiaries for greater than $500,000, which amount is not covered by insurance; or a change of control of the Company.

(6) Earnings Per Share

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

                                 
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
            As restated             As restated  
    April 2,     March 27,     April 2,     March 27,  
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)   2005     2004     2005     2004  
Net earnings
  $ 5,044     $ 5,538     $ 10,160     $ 6,256  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic)
    9,307       8,466       9,242       8,466  
Dilutive effect of stock options
    155       311       202       274  
 
                       
Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)
    9,462       8,777       9,444       8,740  
 
                       
 
                               
Net earnings per share:
                               
Basic:
                               
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ 0.47     $ 0.65     $ 1.02     $ 0.74  
Gain from discontinued operations
    0.07             0.08        
 
                       
Net earnings
  $ 0.54     $ 0.65     $ 1.10     $ 0.74  
 
                       
 
                               
Diluted:
                               
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ 0.46     $ 0.63     $ 1.00     $ 0.72  
Gain from discontinued operations
    0.07             0.07        
 
                       
Net earnings
  $ 0.53     $ 0.63     $ 1.07     $ 0.72  
 
                       

     Options to purchase 10,000 shares and 534,000 for the three months ended April 2, 2005 and March 27, 2004, respectively, were antidilutive and were not included in the diluted EPS computations. Options to purchase 5,000 shares and 534,000 shares for the six months ended April 2, 2005 and March 27, 2004, respectively, were antidilutive and were not included in the diluted EPS computations. Options to purchase 197,000 shares and 6,000 shares were exercised during the six months ended April 2, 2005 and March 27, 2004, respectively, resulting in an increase in common stock of $394,000 and $12,000, and a reduction in additional paid-in capital of $300,000 and $12,000.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(7) Other Financial Data

     Balance sheet information:

                 
    (Unaudited)     As restated  
    April 2,     October 2,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2005     2004  
Accounts receivable, net:
               
Accounts receivable
  $ 38,555     $ 45,095  
Less allowance for doubtful accounts
    (487 )     (608 )
 
           
Total
  $ 38,068     $ 44,487  
 
           
Inventories:
               
Raw materials
  $ 23,713     $ 21,992  
Work in process
    1,695       2,139  
Finished goods
    28,471       16,273  
 
           
Total
  $ 53,879     $ 40,404  
 
           
Other assets:
               
Noncurrent deferred tax asset, net
  $ 3,625     $ 3,665  
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies
    2,665       2,162  
Capitalized financing costs, net
    2,508       2,879  
Assets held for sale
    1,855       1,855  
Other
    373       1,147  
 
           
Total
  $ 11,026     $ 11,708  
 
           
Property, plant and equipment, net:
               
Land and land improvements
  $ 5,029     $ 5,029  
Buildings
    31,973       31,973  
Machinery and equipment
    63,612       62,840  
Construction in progress
    3,617       2,043  
 
           
 
    104,231       101,885  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (55,808 )     (53,283 )
 
           
Total
  $ 48,423     $ 48,602  
 
           

(8) Business Segment Information

     The Company’s operations are organized into two business units: Concrete Reinforcing Products and Industrial Wire Products, each of which constitutes a reportable segment. The Concrete Reinforcing Products business unit manufactures and markets welded wire fabric and PC strand for the concrete construction industry. The Industrial Wire Products business unit manufactures and markets tire bead wire and industrial wire for tire manufacturers as well as other commercial and industrial applications. The Company’s business unit structure was primarily established for purposes of administrative oversight for the manufacturing and selling activities associated with the business unit’s product lines and is consistent with the way in which the Company is managed, both organizationally and from an internal financial reporting standpoint. The managers of each of the business units report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and as defined by SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” the CEO is the Company’s chief operating decision maker. The CEO evaluates performance and allocates resources to the business units using information about their revenues and gross profit.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

     Financial information for the Company’s reportable segments is as follows:

                                 
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
            As restated             As restated  
    April 2,     March 27,     April 2,     March 27,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2005     2004     2005     2004  
Concrete reinforcing products:
                               
Net sales
  $ 72,015     $ 66,482     $ 137,078     $ 115,632  
Gross profit
    11,589       16,346       24,746       23,432  
Depreciation expense(1)
    945       933       1,857       1,843  
Assets(2)
    121,559       94,164       121,559       94,164  
Capital expenditures
    1,068       852       1,567       997  
 
                               
Industrial wire products:
                               
Net sales
  $ 9,639     $ 7,341     $ 19,240     $ 14,326  
Gross profit
    128       180       694       442  
Depreciation expense(1)
    261       251       514       503  
Assets(2)
    16,900       16,503       16,900       16,503  
Capital expenditures
    138       11       178       43  
 
                               
Corporate:
                               
Net sales
  $     $     $          
Gross profit
                         
Depreciation expense(1)
                         
Assets(2)
    17,485       20,097       17,485       20,097  
Capital expenditures
    362       190       660       264  
 
                               
Total:
                               
Net sales
  $ 81,654     $ 73,823     $ 156,318     $ 129,958  
Gross profit
    11,717       16,526       25,440       23,874  
Depreciation expense(1)
    1,206       1,184       2,371       2,346  
Assets(2)
    155,944       130,764       155,944       130,764  
Capital expenditures
    1,568       1,053       2,405       1,304  

(1)   Depreciation expense reflects amount recorded in cost of sales that is included in the measure of gross profit and excludes other amounts that are included in the amount reported on the consolidated statements of cash flows.
 
(2)   Reportable segment assets reflect accounts receivable, inventories and property, plant and equipment. Corporate assets reflect all other assets included in total consolidated assets.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(9) Restatement of Financial Statements

     The Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended October 2, 2004 and the three-month and six-month periods ended March 27, 2004 have been restated to reflect additional compensation expense resulting from the correction in the accounting for the Company’s stock option plans. Following are the associated changes as reflected in the restated financial statements:

                 
    October 2, 2004  
    As previously        
    reported     As restated  
Consolidated Balance Sheet:
               
Other assets
  $ 11,361     $ 11,708  
Total assets
    150,944       151,291  
Accrued expenses
    10,914       10,727  
Total current liabilities
    29,915       29,728  
Additional paid-in capital
    37,916       43,677  
Retained earnings
    16,154       10,927  
Total shareholders’ equity
    70,677       71,211  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
    150,944       151,291  
 
               
    March 27, 2004  
    As previously        
    reported     As restated  
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow:
               
Net earnings
    6,862       6,256  
Stock-based compensation expense
          643  
Deferred income taxes
    4,222       4,211  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    5,911       6,511  
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    March 27, 2004     March 27, 2004  
    As previously             As previously        
    reported     As restated     reported     As restated  
Consolidated Statement of Operations:
                               
Selling, general and administrative expense
  $ 4,290     $ 4,952     $ 7,859     $ 8,502  
Earnings before income taxes
    9,951       9,289       11,084       10,441  
Income taxes
    3,790       3,751       4,222       4,185  
Net earnings
    6,161       5,538       6,862       6,256  

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

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. When used in this report, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that its plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and the Company can provide no assurances that such plans, intentions or expectations will be implemented or achieved. All forward-looking statements are based on information that is current as of the date of this report. Many of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in detail in the Company’s periodic reports, in particular under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended October 2, 2004, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. You should carefully read these risk factors.

     All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. All forward-looking statements speak only to the respective dates on which such

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statements are made and the Company does not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect any future events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

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

  •   general economic and competitive conditions in the markets in which the Company operates;
  •   the cyclical nature of the steel industry;
  •   changes in U.S. or foreign trade policy affecting steel imports or exports;
  •   fluctuations in the cost and availability of the Company’s primary raw material, hot-rolled steel wire rod from domestic and foreign suppliers;
  •   the Company’s ability to competitively source its raw material requirements;
  •   the Company’s ability to raise selling prices in order to recover increases in wire rod prices;
  •   interest rate volatility;
  •   unanticipated changes in customer demand, order patterns and inventory levels;
  •   the Company’s ability to successfully develop niche products, such as its engineered structural mesh (“ESM”) products;
  •   legal, environmental or regulatory developments that significantly impact the Company’s operating costs;
  •   the timely completion of the Company’s ESM production line and reconfiguration and expansion of the Company’s PC strand operation in Gallatin, Tennessee;
  •   unanticipated plant outages, equipment failures or labor difficulties; and
  •   continuing escalation in medical costs that affect employee benefit expenses.

Overview

     The Company’s operations are organized into two business units: Concrete Reinforcing Products and Industrial Wire Products, each of which constitutes a reportable segment. The Concrete Reinforcing Products business unit manufactures and markets welded wire fabric and PC strand for the concrete construction industry. The Industrial Wire Products business unit manufactures and markets tire bead wire and industrial wire for tire manufacturers as well as other commercial and industrial applications.

Results of Operations

Statements of Operations — Selected Data
($ in thousands)

                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
                    As restated                     As restated  
    April 2,             March 27,     April 2,             March 27,  
    2005     Change     2004     2005     Change     2004  
Net sales
  $ 81,654       11 %   $ 73,823     $ 156,318       20 %   $ 129,958  
Gross profit
    11,717       (29 %)     16,526       25,440       7 %     23,874  
Percentage of net sales
    14.3 %             22.4 %     16.3 %             18.4 %
Selling, general and administrative expense
  $ 3,929       (21 %)   $ 4,952     $ 8,109       (5 %)   $ 8,502  
Percentage of net sales
    4.8 %             6.7 %     5.2 %             6.5 %
Other expense (income)
    (5 )     (93 %)     (70 )     29       (583 %)     (6 )
Interest expense
  $ 1,227       (48 %)   $ 2,362     $ 3,037       (39 %)   $ 4,954  
Percentage of net sales
    1.5 %             3.2 %     1.9 %             3.8 %
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
  $ 6,566       (29 %)   $ 9,282     $ 14,265       37 %   $ 10,424  
Percentage of net sales
    8.0 %             12.6 %     9.1 %             8.0 %
Effective income tax rate
    34.4 %             38.1 %     34.0 %             38.1 %
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ 4,346       (22 %)   $ 5,538     $ 9,462       51 %   $ 6,256  
Discontinued operations:
                                               
Gain on disposal of Insteel Construction Systems (net of income taxes of $428)
  $ 698             $     $ 698             $  
Net earnings
    5,044       (9 %)     5,538       10,160       62 %     6,256  

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Second Quarter of Fiscal 2005 Compared to Second Quarter of Fiscal 2004

Net Sales

     Net sales for the quarter increased 11% to $81.7 million from $73.8 million in the same year-ago period as higher average selling prices for the Company’s products more than offset lower shipments. The increase in selling prices was largely driven by escalating raw material costs that the Company was able to pass through to its customers. The decrease in shipments was primarily due to inventory reduction measures that were pursued by customers during the quarter. Average selling prices for the quarter increased 47% while shipments fell 22% from the same year-ago period. Sales of concrete reinforcing products increased 9% to $72.0 million, or 88% of consolidated sales from $66.5 million, or 90% of consolidated sales in the year-ago quarter. Sales of industrial wire products increased 31% to $9.7 million, or 12% of consolidated sales from $7.3 million, or 10% of consolidated sales in the year-ago quarter.

Gross Profit

     Gross profit for the quarter decreased to $11.7 million, or 14.3% of net sales from $16.5 million, or 22.4% of net sales. The decrease in gross profit was driven by unfavorable inventory revaluation adjustments resulting from the decline in rod cost ($4.0 million), reduced shipments and higher unit conversion costs due to lower production levels, which more than offset higher spreads between average selling prices and raw material costs. Gross profit for the Company’s concrete reinforcing products decreased 29% to $11.6 million, or 16.1% of net sales from $16.3 million, or 24.6% of net sales in the prior year. Gross profit for industrial wire products decreased 29% to $128,000, or 1.3% of net sales from $180,000, or 2.5% of net sales in the prior year.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

     Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A expense”) decreased 21% to $3.9 million, or 4.8% of net sales in the quarter from $5.0 million, or 6.7% of net sales in the same year-ago period. The decrease in SG&A expense was primarily due to lower compensation expense associated with the Company’s stock options that are accounted for as variable awards resulting from a decrease in the price of the Company’s stock ($1.1 million), lower bad debt expense ($296,000), and reduced legal fees related to the dumping and countervailing duty cases for PC strand in the prior year ($132,000) partially offset by higher expenses associated with the Company’s Sarbanes-Oxley internal control compliance efforts ($179,000) and investor relations matters ($125,000).

Interest Expense

     Interest expense for the quarter decreased $1.1 million, or 48%, to $1.2 million from $2.4 million in the same year-ago period. The decrease was due to lower average interest rates ($844,000) and lower average borrowing levels on the Company’s senior secured credit facility ($400,000), partially offset by higher amortization expense associated with the unrealized loss on the terminated interest rate swaps ($109,000).

Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

     The Company’s earnings from continuing operations before income taxes for the quarter were $6.5 million compared to $9.3 million in the same year-ago period primarily due to lower gross profit in the current year which was partially offset by the reductions in SG&A and interest expense.

Income Taxes

     The effective income tax rate for the quarter decreased to 34.4% from 38.1% in the same year-ago period. The lower effective rate was primarily due to the reduction in taxable income related to disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock options which are accounted for as variable awards for book purposes, an increase in favorable book to tax differences and a reduction in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.

Discontinued Operations

     The Company recorded a $698,000 gain (net of income taxes of $428,000) in the current quarter on the disposal of real estate and the settlement on the release of an equipment lien associated with Insteel Construction Systems (“ICS”), a discontinued operation. In May 1997, the Company sold the assets of ICS to ICS 3-D Panel Works, Inc. (“ICSPW”), a new corporation organized by the division’s management group. Howard O. Woltz, Jr., Chairman of the Company, is a principal

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Shareholder and a member of the board of directors of ICSPW. The real estate associated with ICS had been retained by the Company and leased to ICSPW while the equipment was sold to ICSPW with the Company retaining a secured interest.

Net Earnings

     The Company’s net earnings for the quarter were $5.0 million, or $0.53 per diluted share compared to $5.5 million, or $0.63 per diluted share, in the same year-ago period. Excluding the gain on the disposal of assets associated with a discontinued operation, earnings from continuing operations for the current year quarter were $4.3 million, or $0.46 per diluted share.

First Six Months of Fiscal 2005 Compared With First Six Months of Fiscal 2004

Net Sales

     Net sales for the first six months of fiscal 2005 increased 20% to $156.3 million from $130.0 million in the same year-ago period as higher average selling prices for the Company’s products more than offset lower shipments. The increase in selling prices was largely driven by escalating raw material costs that the Company was able to pass through to its customers. The decrease in shipments was primarily due to inventory reduction measures that were pursued by customers during the current year. Average selling prices for the six-month period increased 56% while shipments fell 23% from the same year-ago period. Sales of concrete reinforcing products increased 19% to $137.1 million, or 88% of consolidated sales from $115.6 million, or 89% of consolidated sales in the same year-ago period. Sales of industrial wire products increased 34% to $19.2 million, or 12% of consolidated sales from $14.3 million, or 11% of consolidated sales in the same year-ago period.

Gross Profit

     Gross profit for the first six months rose 7% to $25.4 million, or 16.3% of net sales from $23.9 million, or 18.4% of net sales in the same year-ago period. The increase in gross profit was driven by the higher spreads between average selling prices and raw material costs which more than offset unfavorable inventory revaluation adjustments resulting from the decline in rod cost ($3.7 million), reduced shipments and higher unit conversion costs due to lower production levels. Gross profit for the Company’s concrete reinforcing products increased 6% to $24.7 million, or 18.1% of net sales from $23.4 million, or 20.3% of net sales in the prior year. Gross profit for industrial wire products rose 57% to $694,000, or 3.6% of net sales from $442,000, or 3.1% of net sales in the prior year.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

     SG&A expense decreased 5% to $8.1 million, or 5.2% of net sales for the first six months of fiscal 2005 from $8.5 million, or 6.5% of net sales in the same year-ago period. The decrease in SG&A expense was primarily due to reductions in bad debt expense ($385,000), employee benefit costs ($296,000) and legal fees related to the dumping and countervailing duty cases for PC strand in the prior year ($269,000), partially offset by higher expenses for the Company’s Sarbanes-Oxley internal control compliance efforts ($181,000), investor relations matters ($150,000) and compensation associated with the Company’s stock options that are accounted for as variable awards resulting from the appreciation in the price of the Company’s stock ($132,000).

Interest Expense

     Interest expense for the first six months of fiscal 2005 decreased $2.0 million, or 39%, to $3.0 million from $5.0 million in the same year-ago period. The decrease was due to lower average interest rates ($1.6 million) and lower average borrowing levels on the Company’s senior secured credit facility ($921,000), partially offset by higher amortization expense associated with the unrealized loss on the terminated interest rate swaps ($618,000).

Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

     The Company’s earnings from continuing operations before income taxes for the first six months of fiscal 2005 were $14.3 million compared to $10.4 million in the same year-ago period primarily due to higher gross profit together with the reductions in SG&A and interest expense in the current year.

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Income Taxes

     The effective income tax rate decreased to 34.0% for the first six months of fiscal 2005 from 38.1% in the same year-ago period. The lower effective rate was primarily due to the reduction in taxable income related to disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock options which are accounted for as variable awards for book purposes, an increase in favorable book to tax differences and a reduction in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.

Discontinued Operations

     The Company recorded a $698,000 gain (net of income taxes of $428,000) in the current year on the disposal of real estate and the settlement on the release of an equipment lien associated with Insteel Construction Systems (“ICS”), a discontinued operation. In May 1997, the Company sold the assets of ICS to ICS 3-D Panel Works, Inc. (“ICSPW”), a new corporation organized by the division’s management group. Howard O. Woltz, Jr., Chairman of the Company, is a principal Shareholder and a member of the board of directors of ICSPW. The real estate associated with ICS had been retained by the Company and leased to ICSPW while the equipment was sold to ICSPW with the Company retaining a secured interest.

Net Earnings

     The Company’s net earnings for the first six months of fiscal 2005 were $10.2 million, or $1.07 per diluted share compared to $6.3 million, or $0.72 per diluted share, in the same year-ago period. Excluding the gain on the disposal of assets associated with a discontinued operation, earnings from continuing operations for the current year were $9.5 million, or $1.00 per diluted share.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Selected Financial Data
($ in thousands)

                 
    Six Months Ended  
            As restated  
    April 2,     March 27,  
    2005     2004  
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 8,273     $ 6,511  
Net cash used for investing activities
    (1,649 )     (1,370 )
Net cash used for financing activities
    (7,576 )     (5,019 )
Total long-term debt
    45,267       64,563  
Percentage of total capital
    35 %     62 %
Shareholders’ equity
  $ 83,426     $ 39,001  
Percentage of total capital
    65 %     38 %
Total capital (total long-term debt + shareholders’ equity)
  $ 128,693     $ 103,564  

Cash Flow Analysis

     Operating activities provided $8.3 million of cash for the first six months of fiscal 2005 compared to $6.5 million in the same year-ago period. The increase was primarily due to the $3.9 million increase in net earnings in the current year. The net change in the working capital components of receivables, inventories and accounts payable and accrued expenses used $6.7 million in the current year compared to $5.7 million in the same year-ago period due to the increase in inventories in the current year primarily related to customer inventory reduction measures. The year-to-year change in the cash invested in inventories ($19.7 million) more than offset the cash provided by the reduction in receivables ($14.4 million) and increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses ($4.3 million) relative to the prior year.

     Investing activities used $1.6 million of cash for the first six months of fiscal 2005 compared to $1.4 million in the same year-ago period primarily due to capital outlays related to the expansion of the Company’s engineered structural mesh business and upgrades to its information systems infrastructure together with an increase in the cash surrender value of life insurance policies. These current year uses were partially offset by $1.3 million of net proceeds from the sale of assets associated with Insteel Construction Systems, a discontinued operation that the Company exited in 1997. Under the terms of the Company’s credit facility, it is limited to capital expenditures of not more than $7.0 million for fiscal 2005 and each fiscal year thereafter through the year ended September 29, 2007, and for the period beginning on September 30, 2007 and ending

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on June 2, 2008, plus for any of these periods, up to a $2.0 million carryover of the amount by which actual capital expenditures are less than the applicable limitation for the prior period. Since the Company’s 2004 capital expenditures were more than $2.0 million below the amount permitted by its credit facility, the capital expenditure limitation applicable for 2005 is $9.0 million. The Company is proceeding with expansions of its engineered structural mesh, PC strand and concrete pipe reinforcing businesses which will together represent an investment of approximately $15.0 million and currently expects that its capital outlays will amount to $28.0 million over the 2005 – 2007 period with approximately $9.0 million occurring in 2005, $12.0 million in 2006 and $7.0 million in 2007, although the timing between the years and the amounts are subject to change based on any adjustments in the project timelines, future market conditions or the Company’s financial performance. As the Company proceeds with its capital expenditure program, if it appears that capital outlays for the applicable year will exceed the limitation in effect under the terms of the credit facility, the Company would pursue an increase in the amount of the limitation from its lender.

     Financing activities used $7.6 million of cash for the first six months of fiscal 2005 compared to $5.0 million in the same year-ago period. The cash used in financing was primarily due to the reduction in long-term debt.

     The Company’s total debt-to-capital ratio decreased to 35% at April 2, 2005 from 62% at March 27, 2004 due to the combined impact of a $19.3 million reduction in long-term debt and a $44.4 million increase in shareholders’ equity over the year-ago levels. The Company believes that, in the absence of significant unanticipated cash demands, net cash generated by operating activities and amounts available under its revolving credit facility will be sufficient to satisfy its expected working capital and capital expenditure requirements.

Credit Facilities

     On June 3, 2004, the Company entered into a new $82.0 million senior secured debt facility which has a four-year term maturing on June 2, 2008 consisting of a $60.0 million revolver, a $17.0 million Term Loan A and a $5.0 million Term Loan B. Proceeds from the financing were used to pay off and terminate the Company’s previous credit facility (approximately $62.4 million outstanding as of the closing date) and will support the Company’s working capital, capital expenditure and general corporate requirements going forward. The new credit facility is secured by all of the Company’s assets.

     Advances under the revolving credit facility are limited to the lesser of the revolving credit commitment or a borrowing base amount that is calculated based upon a percentage of eligible receivables and inventories. As of April 2, 2005, approximately $45.3 million was outstanding on the senior secured credit facility, with $39.5 million drawn and $23.9 million of additional borrowing capacity on the revolver and $5.7 million outstanding on Term Loan A. Outstanding letters of credit on the revolver amounted to $1.5 million as of April 2, 2005. The Credit Agreement provides for mandatory prepayments equal to 50% of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and voluntary prepayments of up to $625,000 each year on Term Loan A. Based on its Excess Cash Flow for fiscal 2004 (as defined in the Credit Agreement), in December 2004, the Company prepaid $11.4 million of term debt on its senior secured credit facility. The prepayment enabled the Company to pay off the $4.4 million balance outstanding on Term Loan B and pay down Term Loan A by $7.0 million, which reduced the Company’s average borrowing rate. The remaining balance on Term Loan A will continue to be amortized at $283,000 per month until it has been paid in its entirety. On January 7, 2005, the Company and its lender agreed to an amendment to the credit facility which increased the amount of the revolver from $60.0 million to $75.0 million and expanded the maximum inventory borrowing base from $35.0 million to $45.0 million, providing additional liquidity.

     Interest rates on the revolver and Term Loan A are based upon (1) a base rate that is established at the higher of the prime rate or 0.50% plus the federal funds rate, or (2) at the election of the Company, a LIBOR rate, plus in either case, an applicable interest rate margin. The applicable interest rate margins are initially 1.50% for the base rate and 3.00% for the LIBOR rate on the revolver, and 2.25% for the base rate and 3.75% for the LIBOR rate on Term Loan A. Beginning on April 2, 2005, the applicable interest rate margins will be adjusted within the following ranges on a quarterly basis based upon the Company’s leverage ratio: 1.00% – 1.75% for the base rate and 2.50% – 3.25% for the LIBOR rate on the revolver, and 1.50% – 2.25% for the base rate and 3.00% – 3.75% for the LIBOR rate on Term Loan A. In addition, the applicable interest rate margins may be adjusted further based on the amount of excess availability on the revolver and the occurrence of certain events of default provided for under the credit facility. As of April 2, 2005, average interest rates on the credit facility were 5.93% on the revolver and 6.76% on Term Loan A. Based on the Company’s leverage ratio as of April 2, 2005 and its excess availability, effective May 1, 2005, the applicable interest rate margins were reduced to 0.75% for the base rate and 2.25% for the LIBOR rate on the revolver, and 1.25% for the base rate and 2.75% for the LIBOR rate on Term Loan A.

     In connection with the refinancing of the previous credit facility, the Company terminated interest rate swap agreements for payments totaling $2.1 million and recorded a corresponding unrealized loss for hedging instruments in the

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third quarter of fiscal 2004 which, in accordance with GAAP, was amortized and recorded as interest expense through the original termination date of the swap agreements of January 31, 2005.

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

     Financial Covenants

     The terms of the credit facility require the Company to maintain certain fixed charge coverage and leverage ratios during the term of the credit facility. Commencing with the fiscal quarter ending on October 2, 2004, the Company must have a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of not less than 1.15 at the end of each fiscal quarter for the twelve-month period then ended (or, for the fiscal quarters ending on or before July 2, 2005, the period commencing on June 1, 2004 and ending on the last day of such fiscal quarter). In addition, beginning with the fiscal quarter ending January 1, 2005, the Company must maintain a Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of not more than 3.25 as of the last day of each quarter through July 1, 2006, and not more than 3.00 thereafter. As of April 2, 2005, the Company’s Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio and Leverage Ratio (each as defined in the Credit Agreement) were 1.94 and 0.83, respectively, as calculated below, and it was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the credit facility.

                     
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio     Leverage Ratio  
For the ten-month period ended April 2, 2005     For the nine-month period ended April 2, 2005  
     
($ amounts in thousands)     ($ amounts in thousands)  
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
  $ 51,096    
Funded Debt
  $ 47,715  
 
                 
Less Unfunded Capital Expenditures
    (3,910 )            
 
                 
 
    47,186    
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
    43,129  
Fixed Charges
    24,278    
Multiplied by Two
    x 1.333  
 
               
 
                57,491  
 
                 
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
    1.94              
 
                 
 
         
Leverage Ratio
    0.83  
 
                 
Net earnings
  $ 22,179    
Net earnings
  $ 20,052  
Extraordinary gains
    (698 )  
Extraordinary gains
    (698 )
Cash pension contributions
    (452 )  
Cash pension contributions
    (363 )
Income tax provision
    13,618    
Income tax provision
    11,348  
Interest expense
    5,273    
Interest expense
    4,795  
Depreciation and amortization (net)
    4,389    
Depreciation and amortization (net)
    3,994  
Expense associated with option grants
    6,331    
Expense associated with option grants
    3,584  
Pension expense
    410    
Pension expense
    386  
Net non-cash losses recorded as other expenses
    46    
Net non-cash losses recorded as other expenses
    31  
 
               
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
  $ 51,096    
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
  $ 43,129  
 
               

(1)As defined in the Company’s Credit Agreement.

     The Company’s credit facility includes financial covenants such as a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio and Leverage Ratio, as defined above, that are derived from non-GAAP financial measures, particularly, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization as defined in the Company’s Credit Agreement (“Adjusted EBITDA”). Adjusted EBITDA includes additional adjustments to GAAP net earnings as set forth in the table above. The Company’s management uses Adjusted EBITDA and the debt covenant ratios to measure compliance with its debt covenants and evaluate the operations of the Company. Management believes this presentation is appropriate and enables investors to (i) evaluate the Company’s compliance with the financial covenants of its credit facility and (ii) assess the Company’s performance over the periods presented. Adjusted EBITDA and the debt covenant ratios as presented here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA and the debt covenant ratios (i) should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings (determined in accordance with GAAP) as an indicator of the Company’s financial performance,

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(ii) is not an alternative to cash flow from operating activities (determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of the Company’s liquidity, and (iii) is not indicative of funds available to fund the Company’s cash needs because of needed capital replacement or expansion, debt service obligations, or other cash commitments and uncertainties.

     Negative Covenants

     In addition, the terms of the credit facility restrict the Company’s ability to, among other things: engage in certain business combinations or divestitures; make capital expenditures in excess of applicable limitations; make investments in or loans to third parties, unless certain conditions are met with respect to such investments or loans; incur or assume indebtedness; issue securities; enter into certain transactions with affiliates of the Company; or permit liens to encumber the Company’s property and assets. As of April 2, 2005, the Company was in compliance with all of the negative covenants.

     The Company was limited to Capital Expenditures (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of not more than $5.0 million for the period beginning on May 30, 2004 and ending on October 2, 2004, and is limited to Capital Expenditures of not more than $7.0 million for each fiscal year thereafter through the year ending September 29, 2007, and for the period beginning on September 30, 2007 and ending on June 2, 2008, plus for any of these periods, up to a $2.0 million carryover of the amount by which actual Capital Expenditures are less than the applicable limitation for the prior period.

     Events of Default

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

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

     The Company has no 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 its financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, capital resources, or significant components of revenues or expenses.

Critical Accounting Policies

     The Company’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting policies generally accepted in the United States. The Company’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based on these financial statements. The preparation of the Company’s financial statements requires the application of these accounting policies in addition to certain estimates and judgments by the Company’s management. The Company’s estimates and judgments are 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 used in the preparation of the financial statements:

     Revenue recognition and credit risk. The Company recognizes revenue from product sales when the product is shipped and risk of loss and title has passed to the customer. Substantially all of the Company’s accounts receivable are due from customers that are located in the U.S. and the Company generally requires no collateral depending upon the creditworthiness of the account. The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon its assessment of the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends and other information. There is no disproportionate concentration of credit risk.

     Allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to change significantly, adjustments to the allowances may be required. While the Company believes its recorded trade receivables will be collected, in the event of default in payment of a trade receivable, the Company would follow normal collection procedures.

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     Excess and obsolete inventory reserves. The Company writes down the carrying value of its inventory for estimated obsolescence to reflect the lower of the cost of the inventory or its estimated net realizable value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions for the Company’s products are substantially different than those projected by management, adjustments to these reserves may be required.

     Valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets. The Company has recorded valuation allowances related to a portion of its deferred income tax assets for which it cannot support the presumption that expected realization meets a “more likely than not” criteria. If the timing or amount of future taxable income is different than management’s current estimates, adjustments to the valuation allowances may be necessary.

     Accruals for self-insured liabilities and litigation. The Company has accrued its estimate of the probable costs related to self-insured medical and workers’ compensation claims and legal matters. These estimates have been developed in consultation with the Company’s legal counsel and other advisors and are based on management’s current understanding of the underlying facts and circumstances. Because of uncertainties related to the ultimate outcome of these issues as well as the possibility of changes in the underlying facts and circumstances, adjustments to these reserves may be required in the future.

Outlook

     The Company believes that a gradual recovery in nonresidential construction spending from the depressed levels of recent years should lead to increased demand for its concrete reinforcing products through the remainder of fiscal 2005 and in fiscal 2006. Additionally, the Company expects government spending for infrastructure-related projects to increase with the enactment of the successor funding legislation to TEA-21, which is expected to occur during the year. Improvements in the Company’s cost structure together with the rapidly rising cost of raw materials and changes in its selling practices caused margins to expand significantly in fiscal 2004. The combination of escalating prices and limited supplies of hot-rolled steel wire rod, the Company’s primary raw material, caused the Company, and many of its competitors, to adjust their product offerings and the availability of products in a more disciplined manner based upon relative profitability. Although raw material availability has improved and rod prices have moderated, the Company believes that the favorable pricing and margin environment for its products will continue through the remainder of fiscal 2005.

     The industry wide rebalancing of inventories that began during the fourth quarter of 2004 appears to have been largely completed as of the end of the second quarter based on the recovery in order levels that the Company has experienced in April 2005 which are more reflective of the actual underlying rates of consumption of its products. The recent expansions in domestic rod capacity that occurred during the current year have reduced the Company’s reliance on offshore sources for its raw materials which should enhance its flexibility in managing its inventory levels, particularly during periods of volatile demand. The Company believes that the expected improvements in its profitability and working capital management relative to the first six months of the year will enable it to achieve further reductions in its debt level over the remainder of fiscal 2005.

     The Company is continuing to pursue a broad range of initiatives to improve its financial performance and reduce debt. Over the prior year, the Company focused on increasing the productivity levels and reducing the operating costs of its manufacturing facilities as well as its selling and administrative activities. Additional resources were directed towards the development of the Company’s ESM business as well as other niche products and these efforts will be intensified through the remainder of fiscal 2005. The Company will also be proceeding with initiatives to reconfigure and expand the capacity of its ESM, PC strand and pipe mesh businesses which are expected to favorably impact its operating costs and position it to satisfy future increases in demand in these markets. The Company expects that capital expenditures will increase to $9.0 million in 2005 to support these expansions as well as provide for recurring maintenance and replacement requirements. The Company anticipates that these actions together with the disposal of excess real estate assets resulting from its recent divestitures will facilitate further reductions in debt and favorably impact its financial performance (see “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”).

Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     The Company’s cash flows and earnings are subject to fluctuations resulting from changes in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates. The Company manages its exposure to these market risks through internally established policies and procedures and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. The Company does not use financial instruments for trading purposes and is not a party to any leveraged derivatives. The Company monitors its underlying market risk exposures on an ongoing basis and believes that it can modify or adapt its hedging strategies as necessary.

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Commodity Prices

     The Company does not generally use derivative commodity instruments to hedge its exposures to changes in commodity prices. The principal commodity price exposure is hot-rolled carbon steel wire rod, the Company’s primary raw material, which is purchased from both domestic and foreign suppliers and denominated in U.S. dollars. Historically the Company has typically negotiated quantities and pricing on a quarterly basis for both domestic and foreign steel wire rod purchases to manage its exposure to price fluctuations and to ensure adequate availability of material consistent with its requirements. Following the tight supply conditions that persisted for most of 2004 which led to an increase in the frequency and size of price adjustments, wire rod availability improved and pricing stabilized during the first fiscal quarter of 2005. Supplies of domestic rod increased with the ramp-up of a new producer that began production in August 2004. The Company’s ability to acquire steel wire rod from foreign sources on favorable terms is impacted by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, foreign taxes, duties, tariffs, and other trade actions. Although changes in wire rod costs and the Company’s selling prices may be correlated over extended periods of time, depending upon market conditions, there may be periods during which it is unable to fully recover increased rod costs through higher selling prices, which reduces its gross profit and cash flow from operations.

Interest Rates

     The Company has debt obligations that are sensitive to changes in interest rates under its senior secured credit facility. In connection with the refinancing that was completed on June 3, 2004, the Company terminated interest rate swap agreements required by its previous lenders for payments totaling $2.1 million and recorded a corresponding unrealized loss for hedging instruments in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 which, in accordance with GAAP, was amortized and recorded as interest expense through the original termination date of the swap agreements of January 31, 2005. Based on the Company’s interest rate exposure and floating rate debt levels as of April 2, 2005, a 100 basis point change in interest rates would have an estimated $453,000 impact on pre-tax earnings over a one-year period.

Foreign Exchange Exposure

     The Company has not typically hedged foreign currency exposures related to transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars, as such transactions have not been material in the past. The Company 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 the Company on a case-by-case basis. There were no forward contracts outstanding as of April 2, 2005.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

     The Company carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

     There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended April 2, 2005 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

     However, on February 15, 2005, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company determined that certain errors had occurred with regard to the proper accounting treatment for certain stock options granted under the Company’s stock option plans. The Audit Committee, jointly with the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, analyzed the impact of the accounting treatment required under Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 44 with respect to the stock option plans on the Company’s historical financial results and concluded that the error in the accounting treatment with respect to the plans warranted the restatement of the previously issued financial statements for the fiscal year ended October 2, 2004 and the revision of the financial statements for the quarter ended January 1, 2005. As a result, the Company determined to amend its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 2, 2004 in order to restate the audited financial statements contained therein and to delay the Company’s Form 10-Q filing for the quarter ended January 1, 2005 to allow time for the errors to be corrected.

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     In conjunction with the Company’s decision to restate its financial statements, the Company identified a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting and, as a result thereof, reevaluated its disclosure controls and procedures over the accounting treatment for certain stock options granted under the Company’s stock option plans and concluded that these controls were not effective. The Company has taken steps to identify, rectify and prevent the recurrence of such circumstances. As part of this undertaking, the Company intends to incorporate additional levels of review of the processes and supporting documentation related to stock option plan accounting. The Company believes these enhancements to its systems of internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures will be adequate to provide reasonable assurance that the control objectives will be met.

     In addition, during the second quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company determined that pursuant to the requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” (“SFAS 131”) the Company should provide additional financial information pertaining to its business units as two reportable segments rather than one reportable segment as had been previously reported. This additional disclosure does not change the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or equity. The Company’s business unit structure was primarily established for purposes of administrative oversight for the manufacturing and selling activities associated with the business unit’s product lines and is consistent with the way in which the Company is managed, both organizationally and from an internal financial reporting standpoint. The managers of each of the business units report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and as defined by SFAS 131, the CEO is the Company’s chief operating decision maker. The CEO evaluates performance and allocates resources to the business units using information about their revenues and gross profit. Accordingly, the Company and its Audit Committee do not believe that the previous disclosure reflecting one reportable segment represents an identified material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures.

Part II — Other Information

Item 6. Exhibits

a.      Exhibits:

     
31.1
  Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
 
31.2
  Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
 
32.1
  Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
 
32.2
  Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

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SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements 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
 
       
Date: May 16, 2005
  By:   /s/ H.O. Woltz III
       
           H.O. Woltz III
           President and Chief Executive Officer
 
       
Date: May 16, 2005
  By:   /s/ Michael C. Gazmarian
       
           Michael C. Gazmarian
           Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

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