INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC - Quarter Report: 2008 March (Form 10-Q)

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 29, 2008

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

For the Transition Period From                      to                     

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 þ                 No o

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

Large accelerated filer o                 Accelerated filer þ                 Non-accelerated filer o                 Smaller reporting company o

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o                 No þ

     The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of April 24, 2008 was 17,472,192.

 

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)

		(Unaudited)
		March 29,				September 29,
		2008				2007
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	17,652			$	8,703
Accounts receivable, net			33,411				34,518
Inventories			55,308				47,401
Prepaid expenses and other			2,361				4,640
Total current assets			108,732				95,262
Property, plant and equipment, net			70,344				67,147
Other assets			6,467				7,485
Non-current assets of discontinued operations			3,635				3,635
Total assets		$	189,178			$	173,529
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	29,663			$	16,705
Accrued expenses			8,037				7,613
Current liabilities of discontinued operations			180				247
Total current liabilities			37,880				24,565
Other liabilities			5,006				4,862
Long-term liabilities of discontinued operations			235				252
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock			17,468				18,303
Additional paid-in capital			42,277				48,939
Deferred stock compensation			(1,439	)			(1,132	)
Retained earnings			89,672				79,859
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(1,921	)			(2,119	)
Total shareholders’ equity			146,057				143,850
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	189,178			$	173,529

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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

		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		March 29,				March 31,				March 29,				March 31,
		2008				2007				2008				2007
Net sales		$	77,260			$	74,766			$	143,240			$	144,482
Cost of sales			61,473				62,408				116,833				118,500
Gross profit			15,787				12,358				26,407				25,982
Selling, general and administrative expense			5,165				4,593				9,252				8,836
Other income, net			(57	)			(32	)			(76	)			(50	)
Interest expense			152				154				310				296
Interest income			(236	)			(70	)			(443	)			(260	)
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes			10,763				7,713				17,364				17,160
Income taxes			3,871				2,769				6,241				6,285
Earnings from continuing operations			6,892				4,944				11,123				10,875
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations net of income taxes of $16, ($20), $12 and ($116)			26				(31	)			19				(183	)
Net earnings		$	6,918			$	4,913			$	11,142			$	10,692
Per share amounts:
Basic:
Earnings from continuing operations		$	0.40			$	0.27			$	0.63			$	0.60
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations			—				—				—				(0.01	)
Net earnings		$	0.40			$	0.27			$	0.63			$	0.59
Diluted:
Earnings from continuing operations		$	0.39			$	0.27			$	0.62			$	0.59
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations			—				—				—				(0.01	)
Net earnings		$	0.39			$	0.27			$	0.62			$	0.58
Cash dividends declared		$	0.03			$	0.03			$	0.06			$	0.06
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic			17,503				18,136				17,762				18,125
Diluted			17,647				18,299				17,918				18,293

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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

		Six Months Ended
		March 29,				March 31,
		2008				2007
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net earnings		$	11,142			$	10,692
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations			(19	)			183
Earnings from continuing operations			11,123				10,875
Adjustments to reconcile earnings from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities of continuing operations:
Depreciation and amortization			3,473				2,614
Amortization of capitalized financing costs			249				249
Stock-based compensation expense			910				606
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation			(15	)			(59	)
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment			56				—
Deferred income taxes			653				186
Gain from life insurance proceeds			(661	)			—
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance over premiums paid			—				(59	)
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net			1,107				1,398
Inventories			(7,907	)			(4,503	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			12,554				(16,464	)
Other changes			2,512				(590	)
Total adjustments			12,931				(16,622	)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities - continuing operations			24,054				(5,747	)
Net cash used for operating activities - discontinued operations			(65	)			(365	)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities			23,989				(6,112	)
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures			(6,159	)			(7,499	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment			83				—
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies			(382	)			(585	)
Proceeds from life insurance claims			1,111				—
Net cash used for investing activities - continuing operations			(5,347	)			(8,084	)
Net cash used for investing activities			(5,347	)			(8,084	)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt			772				11,873
Principal payments on long-term debt			(772	)			(7,573	)
Cash received from exercise of stock options			38				55
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation			15				59
Repurchases of common stock			(8,691	)			—
Cash dividends paid			(1,092	)			(1,087	)
Other			37				189
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities - continuing operations			(9,693	)			3,516
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities			(9,693	)			3,516
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			8,949				(10,680	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			8,703				10,689
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	17,652			$	9
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest		$	61			$	28
Income taxes			2,557				9,060
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment in accounts payable			650				1,489
Issuance of restricted stock			733				763
Declaration of cash dividends to be paid			524				547
Restricted stock surrendered for withholding taxes payable			76				—

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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

																						Accumulated
										Additional												Other				Total
		Common Stock								Paid-In				Deferred				Retained				Comprehensive				Shareholders’
		Shares				Amount				Capital				Compensation				Earnings				Income (Loss)				Equity
Balance at September 29, 2007			18,303			$	18,303			$	48,939			$	(1,132	)		$	79,859			$	(2,119	)		$	143,850
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings																			11,142								11,142
Adjustment to defined benefit plan liability(1)																							198				198
Comprehensive income																											11,340
Stock options exercised			12				12				26																38
Restricted stock granted			66				66				667				(733	)											—
Compensation expense associated with stock-based plans											484				426												910
Adjustment to adopt FIN No. 48																			(256	)							(256	)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation											15																15
Repurchases of common stock			(906	)			(906	)			(7,785	)															(8,691	)
Restricted stock surrendered for withholding taxes payable			(7	)			(7	)			(69	)															(76	)
Cash dividends declared																			(1,073	)							(1,073	)
Balance at March 29, 2008			17,468			$	17,468			$	42,277			$	(1,439	)		$	89,672			$	(1,921	)		$	146,057

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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

(1) Basis of Presentation

     The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of Insteel Industries, Inc. (“we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” or “Insteel”) 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 for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2007 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

     The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements 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- and six-month periods ended March 29, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending September 27, 2008 or future periods.

(2) Discontinued Operations

     In April 2006, the Company decided to exit the industrial wire business with the closure of its Fredericksburg, Virginia facility, which manufactured tire bead wire and other industrial wire for commercial and industrial applications. The Company’s decision was based on the weakening in the business outlook for the facility and the expected continuation of difficult market conditions and reduced operating levels. Manufacturing activities at the Virginia facility ceased in June 2006 and the Company is currently in the process of liquidating the remaining assets of the business.

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

     Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations as of March 29, 2008 and September 29, 2007 are as follows:

		March 29,				September 29,
(In thousands)		2008				2007
Assets:
Other assets		$	3,635			$	3,635
Total assets		$	3,635			$	3,635
Liabilities:
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	2			$	4
Accrued expenses			178				243
Total current liabilities			180				247
Other liabilities			235				252
Total liabilities		$	415			$	499

     As of March 29, 2008 and September 29, 2007, there was approximately $268,000 and $285,000, respectively, of accrued expenses and other liabilities related to ongoing lease obligations and closure-related liabilities incurred as a result of the Company’s exit from the industrial wire business.

(3) Stock-Based Compensation

     Under the Company’s equity incentive plans, employees and directors may be granted stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance awards. As of March 29, 2008 there were 1,110,000 shares available for future grants under the plans.

     Stock option awards. Under the Company’s equity incentive plans, employees and directors may be granted options to purchase shares of common stock at the fair market value on the date of the grant. Options granted under these plans generally vest over three years and expire ten years from the date of the grant. Compensation expense and excess tax benefits associated with stock options for the three- and six-month periods ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively, are as follows:

		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		March 29,				March 31,				March 29,				March 31,
(in thousands)		2008				2007				2008				2007
Stock option:
Compensation expense		$	356			$	163			$	484			$	258
Excess tax benefits			30				22				15				59

     The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo valuation model based upon assumptions that are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and actual historical experience. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The dividend yield is calculated based on the Company’s annual dividend as of the option grant date. The expected volatility is derived using a term structure based on historical volatility and the volatility implied by exchange-traded options on the Company’s stock. The expected term for options is 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 estimated fair value of stock options granted during the six-month periods ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007 was $11.15 and $8.21, respectively, based on the following assumptions:

		Six Months Ended
		March 29, 2008				March 31, 2007
Risk-free interest rate			2.52	%			4.88	%
Dividend yield			1.09	%			0.70	%
Expected volatility			66.77	%			68.96	%
Expected term (in years)			3.87				2.93

     The following table summarizes stock option activity for the six-month period ended March 29, 2008:

																		Contractual				Aggregate
						Exercise Price Per Share												Term -				Intrinsic
		Options												Weighted				Weighted				Value
(Share amounts in thousands)		Outstanding				Range								Average				Average				(in thousands)
Outstanding at September 29, 2007			336			$	0.18 -			$	20.27			$	9.95
Granted			171				11.15 -				11.15				11.15
Exercised			12				3.19 -				3.19				3.19
Outstanding at March 29, 2008			495				0.18 -				20.27				10.53			7.38 years				$	1,429
Vested and anticipated to vest in future at March 29, 2008			480												10.43			7.32 years					1,421
Exercisable at March 29, 2008			232												7.30			4.99 years					1,285

     As of March 29, 2008, the remaining unamortized compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards was $962,000 which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.57 years.

     Restricted stock awards. Under the Company’s equity incentive plans, employees and directors may be granted restricted stock awards which are valued based upon the fair market value on the date of the grant. Restricted stock granted under these plans generally vest one to three years from the date of the grant. Restricted stock grants and amortization expense for restricted stock for the three- and six-month periods ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively, are as follows:

		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		March 29,				March 31,				March 29,				March 31,
(in thousands)		2008				2007				2008				2007
Restricted stock grants:
Shares			66				43				66				45
Market value		$	733			$	733			$	733			$	763
Amortization expense			226				224				426				348

     During the three-month period ended March 29, 2008, 44,533 shares of employee restricted stock awards vested. Upon vesting, employees have the option of remitting payment for the minimum tax obligation to the Company or net-share settling such that the Company will withhold shares with a value equivalent to the employees’ minimum tax obligation. A total of 6,870 shares were withheld during the three-month period ended March 29, 2008 to satisfy employees’ minimum tax obligations. No shares vested during the three-month period ended March 31, 2007.

     The following table summarizes restricted stock activity during the six-month period ended March 29, 2008:

		Restricted				Weighted Average
		Stock Awards				Grant Date
(Share amounts in thousands)		Outstanding				Fair Value
Balance, September 29, 2007			142			$	15.00
Granted			66				11.15
Released			(70	)			11.68
Balance, March 29, 2008			138				14.87

     As of March 29, 2008, the remaining unamortized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards was $1.4 million which is expected to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of one to three years.

(4) Income Taxes

     The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, (FIN No. 48) effective September 30, 2007, the beginning of its fiscal year. FIN No. 48 specifies how tax benefits for uncertain tax positions are to be recognized, measured and derecognized in financial statements; requires certain disclosures of uncertain tax matters; specifies how reserves for uncertain tax positions should be classified on the balance sheet; and provides transition and interim period guidance, among other provisions. The cumulative effect of adopting FIN No. 48 resulted in a $256,000 increase in tax reserves and a corresponding decrease in the Company’s September 30, 2007 retained earnings balance.

     Upon adoption of FIN No. 48, the Company had $561,000 of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which $394,000 would, if recognized, reduce its income tax rate in future periods. As of March 29, 2008, the Company had approximately $363,000 of gross unrecognized tax benefits classified as current income taxes payable on its consolidated balance sheet, of which $266,000 would, if recognized, reduce its income tax rate in future periods. The Company anticipates that there will be no unrecognized tax benefits at year-end as it is currently negotiating with the applicable states to resolve its outstanding uncertain tax positions.

     The Company has elected to classify interest and penalties, which are required to be accrued under FIN No. 48, as part of income tax expense. Upon the adoption of FIN No. 48, the Company recorded accrued interest and penalties of $168,000 related to unrecognized tax benefits. As of March 29, 2008, the Company has accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits of $153,000.

     The Company files U.S. federal income tax returns as well as state and local income tax returns in various jurisdictions. Federal and various state tax returns filed by the Company subsequent to tax year 2003 remain subject to examination together with certain state tax returns filed by the Company subsequent to tax year 2002.

     The Company has recorded the following amounts for deferred income tax assets and accrued income taxes on its consolidated balance sheet as of March 29, 2008: a current deferred income tax asset of $1.3 million (net of valuation allowance) in prepaid expenses and other, a non-current deferred income tax asset of $777,000 (net of valuation allowance) in other assets, and accrued current income taxes payable of $1.6 million in accrued expenses. As of March 29, 2008, the Company has $9.7 million of gross state operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) that begin to expire in five years, but principally expire in 10 — 16 years.

     The realization of the Company’s deferred income tax assets is entirely dependent upon the Company’s ability to generate future taxable income in applicable jurisdictions. Generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires that the Company periodically assess the need to establish a valuation allowance against its deferred income tax assets to the extent that it no longer believes it is more likely than not they will be fully utilized. As of March 29, 2008, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $602,000 pertaining to various state NOLs that were not anticipated to be utilized. The valuation allowance established by the Company is subject to periodic review and adjustment based on changes in facts and circumstances and would be reduced should the Company utilize the state NOLs against which an allowance had been provided or determine that such utilization is more likely than not.

(5) Employee Benefit Plans

     On September 29, 2007, the Company adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 158, “Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.” SFAS No. 158 requires that an employer recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan on its balance sheet and changes in the funded status through other comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur. SFAS No. 158 also requires the measurement of defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year-end balance sheet which is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2009. As a result of adopting SFAS No. 158, the Company recorded a $2.1 million reduction in shareholders’ equity, net of tax, as of September 29, 2007.

     Retirement plans. The Company has one defined benefit pension plan, the Insteel Wire Products Company Retirement Income Plan for Hourly Employees, Wilmington, Delaware (the “Delaware Plan”). The Delaware Plan provides benefits for eligible employees based primarily upon years of service and compensation levels. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute amounts at least equal to those required by law. No contributions were made to the Delaware Plan during the three- and six-month periods ended March 29, 2008. The Company expects to contribute $200,000 for the fiscal year ending September 27, 2008. Net periodic pension costs and related components for the Delaware Plan for the three- and six-month periods ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively, are as follows:

		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		March 29,				March 31,				March 29,				March 31,
(In thousands)		2008				2007				2008				2007
Service cost		$	16			$	—			$	32			$	20
Interest cost			64				65				128				130
Expected return on plan assets			(81	)			(83	)			(162	)			(166	)
Recognized net actuarial loss			17				28				34				56
Net periodic pension cost		$	16			$	10			$	32			$	40
Curtailment loss			—				2				—				2
Settlement loss			—				—				109				—
Total pension cost		$	16			$	12			$	141			$	42

     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 whereby there will be no new plan participants. During the six-month period ended March 29, 2008, the Company incurred a settlement loss of $109,000 for lump-sum distributions to plan participants.

     Supplemental employee retirement plan.. The Company has Retirement Security Agreements (each, a “SERP”) with certain of its employees (each, a “Participant”). Under the SERP, if the Participant remains in continuous service with the Company for a period of at least 30 years, the Company will pay to the Participant a supplemental retirement benefit for the 15-year period following the Participant’s retirement equal to 50% of the Participant’s highest average annual base salary for five consecutive years in the 10-year period preceding the Participant’s retirement. If the Participant retires prior to the later of age 65 or the completion of 30 years of continuous service with the Company, but has completed at least 10 years of continuous service with the Company, the amount of the supplemental retirement benefit will be reduced by 1/360th for each month short of 30 years that the Participant was employed by the Company. Net periodic benefit costs and related components for the SERP for the three- and six-month periods ending March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively, are as follows:

		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		March 29,				March 31,				March 29,				March 31,
(In thousands)		2008				2007				2008				2007
Service cost		$	39			$	41			$	78			$	82
Interest cost			66				57				132				114
Amortization of prior service cost			57				57				114				114
Recognized net actuarial loss			3				3				6				6
Net periodic benefit cost		$	165			$	158			$	330			$	316

(6) Credit Facilities

     As of March 29, 2008, the Company had a $100.0 million revolving credit facility in place to supplement its operating cash flow in funding its working capital, capital expenditure and general corporate requirements. As of March 29, 2008, no borrowings were outstanding on the revolving credit facility, $59.3 million of additional borrowing capacity was available and outstanding letters of credit totaled $1.2 million.

     Advances under the credit facility are limited to the lesser of the revolving credit commitment or a borrowing base amount that is calculated based upon a percentage of eligible receivables and inventories plus, upon the Company’s request and subject to certain conditions, a percentage of eligible equipment and real estate. Interest rates on the revolver are based upon (1) a base rate that is established at the higher of the prime rate or 0.50% plus the federal funds rate, or (2) at the election of the Company, a LIBOR rate, plus in either case, an applicable interest rate margin. The applicable interest rate margins are adjusted on a quarterly basis based upon the amount of excess availability on the revolver within the range of 0.00% — 0.50% for the base rate and 1.25% — 2.00% for the LIBOR rate. In addition, the applicable interest rate margins would be adjusted to the highest percentage indicated for each range upon the occurrence of certain events of default provided for under the credit facility. Based on the Company’s excess availability as of March 29, 2008, the applicable interest rate margins were 0.00% for the base rate and 1.25% for the LIBOR rate on the revolver.

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

     Financial Covenants

     The terms of the credit facility require the Company to maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of not less than: (1) 1.10 at the end of each fiscal quarter for the twelve-month period then ended when the amount of excess availability on the revolving credit facility is less than $10.0 million and the applicable borrowing base only includes eligible receivables and inventories; or (2) 1.15 at the end of each fiscal quarter for the twelve-month period then ended when the amount of excess availability on the revolving credit facility is less than $10.0 million and the applicable borrowing base includes eligible receivables, inventories, equipment and real estate. As of March 29, 2008, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the credit facility.

     Negative Covenants

     In addition, the terms of the credit facility restrict the Company’s ability to, among other things: engage in certain business combinations or divestitures; make investments in or loans to third parties, unless certain conditions are met with respect to such investments or loans; pay cash dividends or repurchase shares of the Company’s stock subject to certain minimum borrowing availability requirements; incur or assume indebtedness; issue securities; enter into certain transactions with affiliates of the Company; or permit liens to encumber the Company’s property and assets. As of March 29, 2008, the Company was in compliance with all of the negative covenants under the credit facility.

     Events of Default

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

          Amortization of capitalized financing costs associated with the senior secured facility was $124,000 and $249,000 for the three- and six-month periods ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively. Accumulated amortization of capitalized financing costs was $2.9 million and $2.4 million as of March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively.

(7) Earnings Per Share

          The reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) for the three- and six-month periods ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007 are as follows:

		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		March 29,				March 31,				March 29,				March 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)		2008				2007				2008				2007
Earnings from continuing operations		$	6,892			$	4,944			$	11,123			$	10,875
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations			26				(31	)			19				(183	)
Net earnings		$	6,918			$	4,913			$	11,142			$	10,692
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic)			17,503				18,136				17,762				18,125
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation			144				163				156				168
Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)			17,647				18,299				17,918				18,293
Per share (basic):
Earnings from continuing operations		$	0.40			$	0.27			$	0.63			$	0.60
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations			—				—				—				(0.01	)
Net earnings		$	0.40			$	0.27			$	0.63			$	0.59
Per share (diluted):
Earnings from continuing operations		$	0.39			$	0.27			$	0.62			$	0.59
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations			—				—				—				(0.01	)
Net earnings		$	0.39			$	0.27			$	0.62			$	0.58

          Options to purchase 205,000 shares and 66,000 shares for the three-month periods ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively, were antidilutive and were not included in the diluted EPS calculation. Options to purchase 168,000 shares and 55,000 shares for the six-month periods ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively, were antidilutive and were not included in the diluted EPS calculation.

(8) Share Repurchases

          During the three-month period ended March 29, 2008, the Company repurchased 704,683 shares or $6.2 million of its common stock, which included 697,813 shares under the current $25.0 million share repurchase authorization and 6,870 shares through restricted stock net-share settlements. For the six-month period ended March 29, 2008, the Company repurchased 913,268 shares or $8.7 million of its common stock, which included 208,585 shares or $2.5 million under the previous $25.0 million share repurchase authorization that was terminated on December 5, 2007, 697,813 shares under the current $25.0 million share repurchase authorization and 6,870 shares through restricted stock net-share settlements. As of March 29, 2008, there was $18.8 million remaining under the current $25.0 million share repurchase authorization that expires on December 5, 2008. Repurchases under the share repurchase authorization may be made from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The Company is not obligated to acquire any particular amount of common stock under the share repurchase authorization and it may be suspended at any time at the Company’s discretion.

(9) Other Financial Data

          Balance sheet information:

		March 29,				September 29,
(In thousands)		2008				2007
Accounts receivable, net:
Accounts receivable		$	34,185			$	35,128
Less allowance for doubtful accounts			(774	)			(610	)
Total		$	33,411			$	34,518
Inventories:
Raw materials		$	30,883			$	25,443
Work in process			2,441				2,083
Finished goods			21,984				19,875
Total		$	55,308			$	47,401
Other assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies		$	4,300			$	4,367
Capitalized financing costs, net			1,093				1,342
Non-current deferred tax assets			777				1,480
Other			297				296
Total		$	6,467			$	7,485
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Land and land improvements		$	5,616			$	5,621
Buildings			31,923				31,981
Machinery and equipment			93,494				86,560
Construction in progress			3,232				3,955
			134,265				128,117
Less accumulated depreciation			(63,921	)			(60,970	)
Total		$	70,344			$	67,147
Accrued expenses:
Salaries, wages and related expenses		$	3,030			$	4,278
Income taxes			1,649				—
Worker’s compensation			1,126				499
Customer rebates			762				840
Cash dividends			524				544
Property taxes			275				749
Sales allowance reserve			236				236
Other			435				467
Total		$	8,037			$	7,613
Other liabilities:
Deferred compensation		$	4,842			$	4,584
Deferred revenues			164				278
Total		$	5,006			$	4,862

(10) Business Segment Information

          Following the Company’s exit from the industrial wire business (see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements), the Company’s operations are entirely focused on the manufacture and marketing of concrete reinforcing products for the concrete construction industry. Based on the criteria specified in SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” the Company has one reportable segment. The results of operations for the industrial wire products business have been reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

(11) Contingencies

          Legal proceedings. On November 19, 2007, Dywidag Systems International, Inc. (“DSI”) filed a third-party lawsuit in the Ohio Court of Claims alleging that certain epoxy-coated strand sold by the Company to DSI in 2002, and supplied by DSI to the Ohio Department of Transportation (“ODOT”) for a bridge project, was defective. The third-party action seeks recovery of any damages which may be assessed against DSI in the action filed against it by ODOT, which allegedly could be in excess of $8.3 million, plus $2.7 million in damages allegedly incurred by DSI. The Company had previously filed a lawsuit against DSI in the North Carolina Superior Court in Surry County on July 25, 2007 seeking recovery of $1.4 million (plus interest) owed for other products sold to DSI and a judgment declaring that it had no liability to DSI arising out of the bridge project. On April 17, 2008, the Ohio Court of Claims denied the Company’s motion to stay the proceedings against it in that court. The Company is investigating its ability to appeal this preliminary ruling, as it continues to believe that Surry County, North Carolina is the appropriate venue for these proceedings. In any event, the Company intends to vigorously defend the claims asserted against it by DSI in addition to pursuing full recovery of the amounts owed to it by DSI.

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

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, particularly under the caption “Outlook” below. When used in this report, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,” “intends,” “may,” “should” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and we can provide no assurances that such plans, intentions or expectations will be 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, and where appropriate, updated in our periodic reports, in particular under the caption “Risk Factors” in our report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 29, 2007, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. You should read these risk factors carefully.

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

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

	•		general economic and competitive conditions in the markets in which we operate;
	•		the continuation of favorable demand trends for our concrete reinforcing products resulting from increased spending for nonresidential construction;
	•		the severity and duration of the downturn in residential construction activity, the impact on those portions of our business that are correlated with the housing sector and the probable impact on commercial construction;
	•		the cyclical nature of the steel and building material industries;

	•		fluctuations in the cost and availability of our primary raw material, hot-rolled steel wire rod from domestic and foreign suppliers;
	•		our ability to raise selling prices in order to recover increases in wire rod costs;
	•		changes in U.S. or foreign trade policy affecting imports or exports of steel wire rod or our products;
	•		the impact of increased imports of PC strand;
	•		unanticipated changes in customer demand, order patterns and inventory levels;
	•		the impact of weak demand and reduced capacity utilization levels on our unit manufacturing costs;
	•		our ability to further develop the market for engineered structural mesh (“ESM”) and expand our shipments of ESM;
	•		the timely and successful completion of the expansions of our ESM and PC strand operations;
	•		the actual net proceeds realized and closure costs incurred in connection with our exit from the industrial wire business;
	•		legal, environmental or regulatory developments that significantly impact our operating costs;
	•		unanticipated plant outages, equipment failures or labor difficulties;
	•		continued escalation in certain of our operating costs; and
	•		the “Risk Factors” discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended September 29, 2007.

Overview

          Following our exit from the industrial wire business (see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements), our operations are entirely focused on the manufacture and marketing of concrete reinforcing products, including welded wire reinforcement and PC strand for the concrete construction industry. The results of operations for the industrial wire products business have been reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Unless specifically indicated otherwise, all amounts and percentages presented in management’s discussion and analysis are exclusive of discontinued operations.

Results of Operations

Statements of Operations — Selected Data
(Dollars in thousands)

		Three Months Ended												Six Months Ended
		March 29,								March 31,				March 29,								March 31,
		2008				Change				2007				2008				Change				2007
Net sales		$	77,260				3.3	%		$	74,766			$	143,240				(.9	%)		$	144,482
Gross profit			15,787				27.7	%			12,358				26,407				1.6	%			25,982
Percentage of net sales			20.4	%							16.5	%			18.4	%							18.0	%
Selling, general and administrative expense		$	5,165				12.5	%		$	4,593			$	9,252				4.7	%		$	8,836
Percentage of net sales			6.7	%							6.1	%			6.5	%							6.1	%
Interest expense		$	152				(1.3	%)		$	154			$	310				4.7	%		$	296
Effective income tax rate			36.0	%							35.9	%			35.9	%							36.6	%
Earnings from continuing operations		$	6,892				39.4	%		$	4,944			$	11,123				2.3	%		$	10,875
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations			26				N/M				(31	)			19				N/M				(183	)
Net earnings			6,918				40.8	%			4,913				11,142				4.2	%			10,692

Second Quarter of Fiscal 2008 Compared to Second Quarter of Fiscal 2007

Net Sales

          Net sales for the second quarter of 2008 increased 3.3% to $77.3 million from $74.8 million in the same year-ago period. Shipments for the quarter decreased 6.5% while average selling prices rose 10.6% from the prior year levels. The reduction in shipments was driven by (1) the continuation of weak demand from customers that have been negatively impacted by the downturn in residential construction activity; and (2) our decision to solicit minimal new business from posttension customers in the PC strand market due to low-priced Chinese import competition. The increase in average selling prices resulted from price increases implemented by us during the quarter to recover higher raw material costs.

Gross Profit

          Gross profit for the second quarter of 2008 increased 27.7% to $15.8 million, or 20.4% of net sales from $12.4 million, or 16.5% of net sales in the same year-ago period. The increase in gross profit was largely driven by higher average selling prices which more than offset higher raw material costs, lower shipments and higher unit conversion costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

          Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A expense”) for the second quarter of 2008 increased 12.5% to $5.2 million, or 6.7% of net sales from $4.6 million, or 6.1% of net sales in the same year-ago period. The increase was primarily due to higher employee benefit costs ($480,000), employee incentive plan expense ($310,000) and selling expense ($110,000) which was partially offset by the net gain on an insurance settlement ($204,000).

Interest Expense

          Interest expense for the second quarter of 2008 was relatively flat at $152,000 compared with $154,000 in the same year-ago period.

Income Taxes

          Our effective income tax rate for the second quarter of 2008 was relatively flat at 36.0% compared to 35.9% in the same year-ago period.

Earnings From Continuing Operations

          Earnings from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2008 increased to $6.9 million, or $0.39 per diluted share from $4.9 million, or $0.27 per diluted share in the same year-ago period primarily due to the increase in sales and gross profit which more than offset the increase in SG&A expense.

Earnings (Loss) From Discontinued Operations

          The earnings from discontinued operations for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was $26,000 compared to a loss of $31,000 in the same year-ago period, having no effect on diluted earnings per share in either period. The current period earnings and prior year loss resulted from closure activities associated with our exit from the industrial wire business and the shutdown of our Fredericksburg, Virginia manufacturing facility.

Net Earnings

          Net earnings for the second quarter of 2008 increased to $6.9 million, or $0.39 per diluted share from $4.9 million, or $0.27 per diluted share in the same year-ago period primarily due to the increase in sales and gross profit which more than offset the increase in SG&A expense.

First Half of Fiscal 2008 Compared to First Half of Fiscal 2007

Net Sales

          Net sales for the first half of 2008 decreased 0.9% to $143.2 million from $144.5 million in the same year-ago period. Shipments for the year decreased 6.3% while average selling prices rose 5.8% from the prior year levels. The reduction in shipments was driven by (1) the continuation of weak demand from customers that have been negatively

impacted by the downturn in residential construction activity; and (2) our decision to solicit minimal new business from posttension customers in the PC strand market due to low-priced Chinese import competition. The increase in average selling prices resulted from price increases implemented by us during the current year to recover higher raw material costs.

Gross Profit

          Gross profit for the first half of 2008 increased 1.6% to $26.4 million, or 18.4% of net sales from $26.0 million, or 18.0% of net sales in the same year-ago period. The increase in gross profit was largely driven by higher average selling prices which more than offset higher raw material costs, lower shipments and higher unit conversion costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

          SG&A expense for the first half of 2008 increased 4.7% to $9.3 million, or 6.5% of net sales from $8.8 million, or 6.1% of net sales in the same year-ago period. The increase was primarily due to higher employee benefit costs ($538,000), bad debt expense ($349,000) supplemental employee retirement plan expense ($295,000) and selling expense ($228,000) which was partially offset by the net gain on insurance settlements ($661,000) and decreases in consulting ($208,000) and legal ($142,000) fees.

Interest Expense

          Interest expense for the first half of 2008 was relatively flat at $310,000 compared with $296,000 in the same year-ago period.

Income Taxes

          Our effective income tax rate for the first half of 2008 decreased to 35.9% from 36.6% in the same year-ago period due to an increase in permanent differences resulting from nontaxable proceeds associated with the insurance settlements and higher tax credits.

Earnings From Continuing Operations

          Earnings from continuing operations for the first half of 2008 increased to $11.1 million, or $0.62 per diluted share from $10.9 million, or $0.59 per diluted share in the same year-ago period primarily due to the increases in gross profit and interest income which more than offset the increase in SG&A expense.

Earnings (Loss) From Discontinued Operations

          The earnings from discontinued operations for the first half of 2008 was $19,000, which had no effect on diluted earnings per share compared to a loss of $183,000, or $0.01 per diluted share in the same year-ago period. The current year earnings and prior year loss resulted from closure activities associated with our exit from the industrial wire business and the shutdown of our Fredericksburg, Virginia manufacturing facility.

Net Earnings

          Net earnings for the first half of 2008 increased to $11.1 million, or $0.62 per diluted share from $10.7 million, or $0.58 per diluted share in the same year-ago period primarily due to the increases in gross profit and interest income which more than offset the increase in SG&A expense.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Selected Financial Data
(Dollars in thousands)

		Six Months Ended
		March 29,				March 31,
		2008				2007
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities of continuing operations		$	24,054			$	(5,747	)
Net cash used for investing activities of continuing operations			(5,347	)			(8,084	)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities of continuing operations			(9,693	)			3,516
Net cash used for operating activities of discontinued operations			(65	)			(365	)
Working capital			70,852				65,088
Total long-term debt			—				4,300
Percentage of total capital			0.0	%			3.1	%
Shareholders’ equity		$	146,057			$	132,763
Percentage of total capital			100.0	%			96.9	%
Total capital (total long-term debt + shareholders’ equity)		$	146,057			$	137,063

Cash Flow Analysis

          Operating activities of continuing operations provided $24.1 million of cash for the first half of 2008 while using $5.7 million in the same year-ago period. The year-over-year change was largely due to the changes in net working capital (accounts receivable, inventories, and accounts payable and accrued expenses) which provided $5.8 million of cash in the current year while using $19.6 million in the prior year. The cash provided by working capital in the current year was primarily from the $12.6 million increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses largely due to higher raw material purchases which was partially offset by the $7.9 million increase in inventories. The cash used for working capital in the prior year was primarily due to the $16.5 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses resulting from the reduction in raw material purchases. Depreciation and amortization rose $859,000, or 33% from the prior year due to the elevated level of capital expenditures over the previous 12 months and related asset additions.

          Investing activities of continuing operations used $5.3 million of cash for the first half of 2008 compared to $8.1 million in the same year-ago period. The decrease was primarily due to the $1.3 million reduction in capital expenditures and $1.1 million of proceeds from claims on life insurance policies. Capital expenditures were $6.2 million in the current year with the outlays primarily associated with the upgrading of our Florida PC strand facility in addition to recurring maintenance requirements. Capital expenditures are expected to total $10.0 million for 2008 and decline to an ongoing maintenance range of $3.0 to $5.0 million beginning in 2009, although the actual amount is subject to change based on adjustments in project timelines or scope, future market conditions, our financial performance and additional growth opportunities that may arise.

          Financing activities of continuing operations used $9.7 million of cash for the first half of 2008 compared to providing $3.5 million in the same year-ago period largely due to the $8.7 million of share repurchases in the current year.

Credit Facilities

          As of March 29, 2008, we had a $100.0 million revolving credit facility in place to supplement our operating cash flow in funding our working capital, capital expenditure and general corporate requirements. As of March 29, 2008, no borrowings were outstanding on the revolving credit facility, $59.3 million of additional borrowing capacity was available and outstanding letters of credit totaled $1.2 million (see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements).

          Our balance sheet was debt-free as of March 29, 2008. As of March 31, 2007, approximately $4.3 million was outstanding on the revolving credit facility. We believe that, in the absence of significant unanticipated cash demands, net cash generated by operating activities and amounts available under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to satisfy our expected requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends and share repurchases, if any.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

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

Contractual Obligations

          Our contractual obligations and commitments have not materially changed since September 29, 2007.

Critical Accounting Policies

          Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting policies generally accepted in the United States. Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on these financial statements. The preparation of our financial statements requires the application of these accounting policies 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 used in the preparation of the financial statements:

          Revenue recognition and credit risk. We recognize revenue from product sales in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 104 when products are shipped and risk of loss and title has passed to the customer. Substantially all of our accounts receivable are due from customers that are located in the United States and we generally require no collateral depending 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 inability or unwillingness of our customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to change significantly, adjustments to the allowances may be required. While we believe our recorded trade receivables will be collected, in the event of default in payment of a trade receivable, we would follow normal collection procedures.

          Excess and obsolete inventory reserves. We reduce the carrying value of our inventory for estimated obsolescence to reflect the lower of the cost of the inventory or its estimated net realizable value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions for our products substantially differ from our projections, adjustments to these reserves may be required.

          Accruals for self-insured liabilities and litigation. We accrue estimates of the probable costs related to self-insured medical and workers’ compensation claims and legal matters. These estimates have been developed in consultation with actuaries, our legal counsel and other advisors and are based on our 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.

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

          In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) “Business Combinations.” SFAS No. 141 requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction; establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed; and requires the acquirer to disclose all of the information required to evaluate and understand the nature and financial effect of the business combination. This statement is effective for acquisition dates on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2008 and is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements to the extent that we do not enter into business combinations subsequent to adoption.

          In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 to establish accounting and

reporting standards for non-controlling interests in subsidiaries and for the deconsolidation of subsidiaries. This statement clarifies that a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements to the extent that we do not obtain any minority interests in subsidiaries subsequent to adoption.

Outlook

          We expect nonresidential construction, our primary demand driver, to soften through the remainder of 2008 from the levels of recent years. The ongoing housing downturn, tightening in the credit markets, and weakening in the overall economy are anticipated to have an increasingly unfavorable impact as the year progresses. In addition, the drop-off in residential construction is expected to persist through 2008, which will continue to adversely affect shipments to customers that have greater exposure to the housing sector. We believe that a recovery in the housing market is unlikely to occur until sometime in 2009, although the exact timing remains highly uncertain.

          Prices for our primary raw material, hot-rolled steel wire rod, have risen dramatically since the beginning of the year due to the escalation in scrap costs and other raw materials for steel producers and the drop-off in availability of competitively priced imports. We plan on implementing price increases during our third fiscal quarter sufficient to fully recover these additional costs in our markets, although our success in doing so will ultimately depend upon competitive dynamics, particularly in the PC strand market where we continue to be subject to pricing pressure from Chinese import competition. At the same time, the domestic wire rod market has tightened significantly due to the decreased availability of imports, which could result in a supply deficit as we move further into the year. While a shortage could unfavorably impact shipments depending on the strength of demand, it would likely instill added pricing discipline on the part of our competitors which would favorably impact margins.

          In response to these challenges, we will continue to focus on the operational fundamentals of our business: closely managing and controlling our expenses; aligning our production schedules with demand as there are changes in market conditions in a proactive manner to minimize our cash operating costs; and pursuing further improvements in the productivity and effectiveness of all of our manufacturing, selling and administrative activities. We also expect gradually increasing contributions from the substantial investments we have made in our facilities over the past two years to expand and reconfigure our Tennessee PC strand facility, add new ESM production lines in our North Carolina and Texas plants and a new standard welded wire reinforcing line at our Delaware facility, and upgrade our Florida PC strand operation, which is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2008. As we ramp up production on the new equipment, we anticipate dual benefits in the form of reduced operating costs and additional capacity to support future growth. We anticipate that these actions should have a favorable impact on our financial results over the remainder of 2008 (see “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors”). In addition to these organic growth and cost reduction initiatives, we are continually evaluating potential acquisitions in our existing businesses that further our penetration in current markets served or expand our geographic reach.

Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk

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

Commodity Prices

          We do not generally use derivative commodity instruments to hedge our exposures to changes in commodity prices. Our principal commodity price exposure is hot-rolled carbon steel wire rod, our primary raw material, which we purchase from both domestic and foreign suppliers and is denominated in U.S. dollars. We negotiate quantities and pricing for both domestic and foreign steel wire rod purchases for varying periods (most recently monthly for domestic suppliers), depending upon market conditions, to manage our exposure to price fluctuations and to ensure adequate availability of material consistent with our requirements. Our ability to acquire steel wire rod from foreign sources on favorable terms is impacted by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, foreign taxes, duties, tariffs and other trade actions. Although changes in wire rod costs and our selling prices may be correlated over extended periods of time, depending upon market conditions, there may be periods during which we are unable to fully recover increased rod costs through higher selling prices, which reduces our gross profit and cash flow from operations.

Interest Rates

          Although we were debt-free as of March 29, 2008, future borrowings under our senior secured credit facility are sensitive to changes in interest rates.

Foreign Exchange Exposure

          We have not typically hedged foreign currency exposures related to transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars, as such transactions have not been material in the past. 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 March 29, 2008.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

          We have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 29, 2008, the end of the period covered by this report. This evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, we have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective, in all material respects, to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed by us and submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“the Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required. Further we concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed by us under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosure.

          There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 29, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Part II — Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

          On November 19, 2007, Dywidag Systems International, Inc. (“DSI”) filed a third-party lawsuit in the Ohio Court of Claims alleging that certain epoxy-coated strand sold by us to DSI in 2002, and supplied by DSI to the Ohio Department of Transportation (“ODOT”) for a bridge project, was defective. The third-party action seeks recovery of any damages which may be assessed against DSI in the action filed against it by ODOT, which allegedly could be in excess of $8.3 million, plus $2.7 million in damages allegedly incurred by DSI. We had previously filed a lawsuit against DSI in the North Carolina Superior Court in Surry County on July 25, 2007 seeking recovery of $1.4 million (plus interest) owed for other products sold to DSI and a judgment declaring that we had no liability to DSI arising out of the bridge project. On April 17, 2008, the Ohio Court of Claims denied our motion to stay the proceedings against us in that court. We are investigating our ability to appeal this preliminary ruling, as we continue to believe Surry County, North Carolina is the appropriate venue for these proceedings. In any event we intend to vigorously defend the claims asserted against us by DSI in addition to pursuing full recovery of the amounts owed to us by DSI.

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

Item 1A. Risk Factors

          There are no material changes from the risk factors set forth under Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2007. You should carefully consider these factors in addition to the other information set forth in this report which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in this report and in our Form 10-K for the year ended September 29, 2007 are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

          On December 5, 2007, our board of directors approved a new share repurchase authorization to buy back up to $25.0 million of our outstanding common stock over a period of up to twelve months ending December 5, 2008. Repurchases under

the share repurchase authorization 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 under the authorization and it may be suspended at any time at our discretion.

          The following table summarizes the repurchases of common stock (including shares surrendered to satisfy tax withholding obligations) during the three-month period ended March 29, 2008:

										Total Number of
										Shares Purchased as				Maximum Number (or Approximate
										Part of Publicly				Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet
		Total Number of				Average Price				Announced Plan or				Be Purchased Under the Plan or
(In thousands except per share amounts)		Shares Purchased				Paid per Share				Program				Program
December 30, 2007 - February 2, 2008			565			$	8.31				565			$	20,305	(1)
February 3, 2008 - March 1, 2008			133			$	11.04				133			$	18,837	(1)
March 2, 2008 - March 29, 2008			7			$	10.99				7			$	18,837	(2)
			705								705

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

          The Company held its 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on February 19, 2008. The Company’s shareholders elected three directors to serve three-year terms ending in 2011. Voting results were as follows:

		Votes
Nominee		For				Withheld
Gary L. Pechota			15,557,425				394,838
W. Allen Rogers II			15,713,569				238,694
William J. Shields			15,767,560				184,703

Item 5. Other Events

          On January 2, 2008, our shares began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “IIIN”. Prior to the upgrade, our shares were traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the same symbol.

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.

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.