INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC - Annual Report: 2013 (Form 10-K)

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

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “IIIN” and has been trading on NASDAQ since September 28, 2004. As of October 23, 2013, there were 738 shareholders of record. The following table summarizes the high and low sales prices as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and the cash dividend per share declared in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012:

We currently pay a quarterly cash dividend of $0.03 per share. While we intend to pay regular quarterly cash dividends for the foreseeable future, the declaration and payment of future dividends, if any, are discretionary and will be subject to determination by the Board of Directors each quarter after taking into account various factors, including general business conditions and our financial condition, operating results, cash requirements and expansion plans. See Note 7 of the consolidated financial statements for additional discussion with respect to restrictions on our ability to make dividend payments under the terms of our revolving credit facility.

Stock Performance Graph

The line graph below compares the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return of the Russell 2000 Index and the S&P Building Products Index for the five years ended September 28, 2013. The graph and table assume that $100 was invested on September 27, 2008 in each of our common stock, the Russell 2000 Index and the S&P Building Products Index, and that all dividends were reinvested. Cumulative total shareholder returns for our common stock, the Russell 2000 Index and the S&P Building Products Index are based on our fiscal year.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

On November 18, 2008, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase authorization to buy back up to $25.0 million of our outstanding common stock. Repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. We are not obligated to acquire any particular amount of common stock and may commence or suspend the program at any time at our discretion without prior notice. The share repurchase authorization continues in effect until terminated by the Board of Directors. As of September 28, 2013, there was $24.8 million remaining available for future share repurchases under this authorization. We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock during 2013 and 2012.

Rights Agreement 

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

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

Financial Highlights

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

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

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

Overview

Our operations are entirely focused on the manufacture and marketing of concrete reinforcing products for the concrete construction industry. Our business strategy is focused on: (1) achieving leadership positions in our markets; (2) operating as the lowest cost producer; and (3) pursuing growth opportunities within our core businesses that further our penetration of the markets we currently serve or expand our geographic footprint.

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

Critical Accounting Policies

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

Following is a discussion of our most critical accounting policies, which are those that are both important to the depiction of our financial condition and results of operations and that require judgments, assumptions and estimates.

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

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

Most of our accounts receivable are due from customers that are located in the U.S. and we generally require no collateral depending upon the creditworthiness of the account. We provide an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon our assessment of the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends and other information. There is no disproportionate concentration of credit risk.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The discount rates we utilize for determining net periodic pension costs and the related benefit obligations for our plans are based, in part, on current interest rates earned on long-term bonds that receive one of the two highest ratings assigned by recognized rating agencies. Our discount rate assumptions are adjusted as of each valuation date to reflect current interest rates on such long-term bonds. The discount rates are used to determine the actuarial present value of the benefit obligations as of the valuation date as well as the interest component of the net periodic pension cost for the following year. The discount rate for the Delaware Plan and SERPs was 4.75%, 4% and 4.75% for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

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

For 2013, 2012 and 2011, the assumed long-term rate of return utilized for plan assets of the Delaware Plan was 8%. We currently expect to use the same assumed rate for the long-term return on plan assets in 2014. In determining the appropriateness of this assumption, we considered the historical rate of return of the plan assets, the current and projected asset mix, our investment objectives and information provided by our third-party investment advisors.

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

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

The amounts recognized as net periodic pension cost and as pension assets or liabilities are based upon the actuarial assumptions discussed above. We believe that all of the actuarial assumptions used for determining the net periodic pension costs and pension assets or liabilities related to the Delaware Plan are reasonable and appropriate. The funding requirements for the Delaware Plan are based upon applicable regulations, and will generally differ from the amount of pension cost recognized under ASC Topic 715 for financial reporting purposes. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, we made contributions totaling $307,000, $206,000 and $478,000, respectively, to the Delaware Plan.

We currently expect net periodic pension costs for 2014 to be $12,000 for the Delaware Plan and $588,000 for the SERPs. Cash contributions to the plans during 2014 are expected to be $247,000 for the Delaware Plan and $290,000 for the SERPs.

 A 0.25% decrease in the assumed discount rate for the Delaware Plan would have increased our projected and accumulated benefit obligations as of September 28, 2013 by approximately $80,000 and have no impact on the expected net periodic pension cost for 2014. A 0.25% decrease in the assumed discount rate for our SERPs would have increased our projected and accumulated benefit obligations as of September 28, 2013 by approximately $224,000 and $172,000, respectively, and the net periodic pension cost for 2014 by approximately $19,000.

A 0.25% decrease in the assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets for the Delaware Plan would have increased the expected net periodic pension cost for 2014 by approximately $5,000. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements.

Current Adoptions

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-05 “Comprehensive Income – Presentation of Comprehensive Income.” ASU No. 2011-05 changes the presentation of comprehensive income in the financial statements for all periods reported and eliminates the option under the previous guidance that allowed for the presentation of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of shareholders’ equity. The update allows two options for the presentation of comprehensive income: (1) a single statement of comprehensive income, which includes all components of net income and other comprehensive income; or (2) a statement of income followed immediately by a statement of comprehensive income, which includes summarized net income and all components of other comprehensive income. The amendments in this update are effective retrospectively for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. We adopted ASU No. 2011-05 in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and chose to present a single statement of comprehensive income for our interim reporting periods and separate statements of income and comprehensive income for our annual reporting periods. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 did not impact our consolidated financial statements except for the change in presentation.

Future Adoptions

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02 “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” ASU No. 2013-02 requires an entity to disaggregate the total change of each component of other comprehensive income either on the face of the income statement or as a separate disclosure in the notes. This update is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. We do not expect the adoption of this update will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Results of Operations

Statements of Operations – Selected Data

(Dollars in thousands)

2013 Compared with 2012

Net Sales

Net sales for 2013 were relatively flat at $363.9 million compared with $363.3 million in 2012. Shipments for the year increased 4.6% while average selling prices decreased 4.3% from the prior year levels. The increase in shipments was primarily due to modest improvement in market conditions and demand for our products relative to the prior year. The decrease in average selling prices was driven by competitive pricing pressures. Sales for both years reflect severely depressed volumes due to the continuation of recessionary conditions in our construction end-markets.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased 74.7% to $39.2 million, or 10.8% of net sales, in 2013 from $22.5 million, or 6.2% of net sales, in 2012. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to wider spreads between average selling prices and raw material costs relative to the prior year together with higher shipments. Gross profit for both years was unfavorably impacted by depressed shipment volumes and elevated unit conversion costs largely driven by reduced operating schedules.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A expense”) increased 9.4% to $20.7 million, or 5.7% of net sales, in 2013 from $18.9 million, or 5.2% of net sales, in 2012 primarily due to higher compensation expense ($1.5 million), a reduction in the gain on the settlement of life insurance policies ($460,000) and the relative year-over-year change in the cash surrender value of life insurance policies ($155,000). The increase in compensation expense was primarily driven by higher incentive plan expense due to our improved financial results in the current year. The cash surrender value of life insurance policies increased $555,000 in the current year compared with $710,000 in the prior year due to the related changes in the value of the underlying investments. These increases in SG&A expense were partially offset by lower bad debt expense ($551,000).

Gain on Early Extinguishment of Debt

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

Restructuring Charges, Net

Net restructuring charges of $832,000 were recorded in 2012 that included $744,000 for equipment relocation costs and $139,000 for facility closure costs less $11,000 of net proceeds from the sale of decommissioned equipment and a $40,000 adjustment related to the remaining employee separation costs associated with plant closures and other staffing reductions.

Other Expense (Income)

Other expense for 2013 was $333,000 compared to $188,000 of other income in 2012. The other expense for the current year was primarily due to the net loss on the disposal of equipment.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased 62.3% to $235,000 in 2013 from $623,000 in 2012 primarily due to the reduction in average debt outstanding during 2013 and the lower interest rate on borrowings on the revolving credit facility relative to the secured subordinated promissory note associated with the Ivy Acquisition that was outstanding in the prior year prior to its prepayment in December 2011.

Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate was 34.8% in 2013 compared with 33.6% in 2012 due to changes in permanent book versus tax differences.

Net Earnings

Net earnings were $11.7 million ($0.64 per diluted share) in 2013 compared to $1.8 million ($0.10 per share) in 2012 with the year-over-year change primarily due to the increase in gross profit partially offset by higher SG&A expense.

2012 Compared with 2011

Net Sales

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

Gross Profit

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

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

SG&A expense decreased 3.6% to $18.9 million, or 5.2% of net sales, in 2012 from $19.6 million, or 5.8% of net sales, in 2011 primarily due to the relative year-over-year changes in the cash surrender value of life insurance policies ($975,000), an increase in the gain on the settlement of life insurance policies ($148,000) and a reduction in consulting and professional services expense ($276,000). The cash surrender value of life insurance policies increased $710,000 in 2012 compared with a decrease of $265,000 in 2011 due to the related changes in the value of the underlying investments. These reductions in SG&A expense were partially offset by higher employee benefit ($278,000) and bad debt expense ($142,000). The increase in employee benefit expense was primarily related to an increase in supplemental retirement plan expense.

Gain on Early Extinguishment of Debt

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

Restructuring Charges, Net

Net restructuring charges decreased 90.0% to $832,000 in 2012 from $8.3 million in 2011 primarily due to reduced restructuring activities associated with the Ivy Acquisition during 2012. Net restructuring charges for 2012 included $744,000 for equipment relocation costs and $139,000 for facility closure costs less $11,000 of net proceeds from the sale of decommissioned equipment and a $40,000 adjustment related to the remaining employee separation costs associated with plant closures and other staffing reductions. Net restructuring charges of $8.3 million in 2011 included $3.8 million for impairment charges related to plant closures and the decommissioning of equipment, $2.3 million for employee separation costs associated with plant closures and other staffing reductions, $1.2 million for equipment relocation costs, $533,000 for the future lease obligations associated with the closed Houston, Texas facility and $464,000 for facility closure costs. The plant closure costs were incurred in connection with the consolidation of our Texas and Northeast operations, which involved the closure of facilities in Houston, Texas and Wilmington, Delaware, and the absorption of the business by other Insteel facilities. The plant closure costs are net of a $1.6 million gain on the sale of the Wilmington, Delaware facility. The employee separation costs were related to the staffing reductions that were implemented across our sales, administration and manufacturing support functions to address the redundancies resulting from the Ivy Acquisition and in connection with the plant closures.

Acquisition Costs

Acquisition costs of $3.5 million were incurred in 2011 for the advisory, accounting, legal and other professional fees directly related to the Ivy Acquisition. The accounting requirements for business combinations require the expensing of acquisition costs in the period in which they are incurred. We did not incur any additional acquisition costs related to the Ivy Acquisition in 2012.

Bargain Purchase Gain

A bargain purchase gain of $500,000 was recorded in 2011 based on the excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired in the Ivy Acquisition over the purchase price.

Interest Expense

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

Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate was 33.6% in 2012 due to changes in permanent book versus tax differences largely related to non-taxable life insurance proceeds, which were partially offset by non-deductible stock-based compensation expense. The effective income tax rate in 2011 was distorted by the impact of changes in permanent book versus tax differences largely related to non-deductible stock-based compensation expense and the establishment of a valuation allowance against certain state net operating losses and tax credits that we do not expect to realize.

Net Earnings (Loss)

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

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Selected Financial Data

(Dollars in thousands)

Operating Activities

Operating activities provided $36.8 million of cash in 2013 primarily from net earnings adjusted for non-cash items and a reduction in the net working capital components of accounts receivable, inventories, and accounts payable and accrued expenses. Net working capital provided $9.7 million of cash due to a $7.0 million decrease in inventories, a $1.7 million increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses, and a $1.0 million decrease in accounts receivable. The decrease in inventories was primarily due to lower raw material purchases and unit costs. The increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses was largely related to changes in the mix of vendor payments and terms. The decrease in accounts receivable was primarily driven by a reduction in days sales outstanding.

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

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

We may elect to make additional adjustments in our operating activities should the current recessionary conditions in our construction end-markets persist, which could materially impact our cash requirements. While a downturn in the level of construction activity affects sales to our customers, it generally reduces our working capital requirements.

Investing Activities

Investing activities used $6.3 million of cash in 2013, $8.2 million in 2012 and $41.4 million in 2011. Capital expenditures were $5.0 million in 2013, $8.1 million in 2012 and $7.9 million in 2011, and are expected to total less than $12.0 million in 2014. In connection with the acquisition of certain assets from Tatano Wire and Steel, Inc. in April 2013, an intangible asset was acquired for $1.9 million. These uses of cash were partially offset by $0.6 million of proceeds from life insurance claims. In 2011, the Ivy acquisition used $37.3 million of cash, which was partially offset by $2.4 million of proceeds from the sale of the Wilmington, Delaware facility and $1.1 million of proceeds from life insurance claims. Our investing activities are largely discretionary, providing us with the ability to significantly curtail outlays should future business conditions warrant that such actions be taken.

Financing Activities

Financing activities used $15.1 million of cash in 2013, $5.0 million in 2012 and $1.6 million in 2011. Net repayments of debt amounted to $11.5 million in 2013 and $2.3 million in 2012. Cash dividend payments were $6.6 million in 2013 (a special cash dividend of $4.5 million and regular cash dividends totaling $2.1 million) and $2.1 million in 2012 and 2011. In 2013, these uses of cash were partially offset by $3.4 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

Cash Management

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

Credit Facility

We have a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) that is used to supplement our operating cash flow and fund our working capital, capital expenditure, general corporate and growth requirements. On February 6, 2012, we entered into an amendment agreement that, among other changes, increased the commitment amount of the Credit Facility from $75.0 million to $100.0 million and extended the maturity date from June 2, 2015 to June 2, 2016. As of September 28, 2013, there were no borrowings outstanding on the Credit Facility, $72.8 million of additional borrowing capacity was available and outstanding letters of credit totaled $1.5 million (see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements). During 2013, ordinary course borrowings on the Credit Facility were as high as $13.6 million. As of September 29, 2012, $11.5 million was outstanding on the Credit Facility.

As part of the consideration for the Ivy Acquisition (See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements), we entered into a $13.5 million secured subordinated promissory note (the “Note”) payable to Ivy over five years. The Note required semi-annual interest payments in arrears, and annual principal payments payable on November 19 of each year during the period 2011 - 2015. The Note yielded interest on the unpaid principal balance at a fixed rate of 6.0% per annum and was collateralized by certain of the real property and equipment acquired from Ivy. On December 12, 2011, the Company prepaid the remaining balance that was outstanding on the Note for $12.4 million, which represented a discount of $425,000 that was recorded as a gain from the early extinguishment of debt in the 2012 consolidated statements of operations.

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

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

Impact of Inflation

We are subject to inflationary risks arising from fluctuations in the market prices for our primary raw material, hot-rolled steel wire rod, and, to a much lesser extent, freight, energy and other consumables that are used in our manufacturing processes. We have generally been able to adjust our selling prices to pass through increases in these costs or offset them through various cost reduction and productivity improvement initiatives. However, our ability to raise our selling prices depends on market conditions and competitive dynamics, and there may be periods during which we are unable to fully recover increases in our costs. During 2011, wire rod prices rose due to the escalation in the cost of scrap and other raw materials for wire rod producers and increased demand from non-construction applications. After initially rising in the first half of 2012, wire rod prices declined during the latter part of the year due to reductions in the cost of scrap for wire rod producers and weakening demand. During 2013, wire rod prices fluctuated within a narrower range and inflation did not have a material impact on our sales or earnings. Our ability to fully recover increases in wire rod prices over this period has been mitigated by competitive pricing pressures resulting from the continuation of recessionary conditions in our construction end-markets. The timing and magnitude of any future increases in the prices for wire rod and the impact on selling prices for our products is uncertain at this time.

 Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

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

Contractual Obligations 

Our contractual obligations and commitments at September 28, 2013 are as follows:

Payments Due by Period

(In thousands)

⁽¹⁾Non-cancelable purchase commitments for raw materials.

⁽²⁾Contractual commitments for capital expenditures.

Outlook

As we look ahead to 2014, our visibility remains limited due to the heightened degree of uncertainty regarding the prospects for a recovery in the economy and employment market, the availability of financing in the credit markets and the volatility in raw material costs. Conditions in our construction end-markets appear to be improving following the steep decline in demand that we have experienced in recent years. We have yet to see, however, a pronounced recovery taking hold and expect growth in nonresidential construction, our primary demand driver, to remain modest pending a more substantive upturn in the economy.

In response to the challenges facing us, we will continue to focus on the operational fundamentals of our business: closely managing and controlling our expenses; aligning our production schedules with demand in a proactive manner as there are changes in market conditions to minimize our cash operating costs; and pursuing further improvements in the productivity and effectiveness of all of our manufacturing, selling and administrative activities. We expect the contributions from the Ivy Acquisition to increase during the year through the realization of additional operational synergies and the anticipated benefits from the reconfiguration of our combined WWR operations, which was completed in 2012. As market conditions improve, we also expect gradually increasing contributions from the substantial investments we have made in our facilities in the form of reduced operating costs and additional capacity to support future growth (see “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors”). In addition, we will continue to pursue further potential acquisitions in our existing businesses that expand our penetration of markets we currently serve or expand our geographic footprint.

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

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

Commodity Prices

We are subject to significant fluctuations in the cost and availability of our primary raw material, hot-rolled steel wire rod, which we purchase from both domestic and foreign suppliers. We negotiate quantities and pricing for both domestic and foreign wire rod purchases for varying periods (most recently monthly for domestic suppliers), depending upon market conditions, to manage our exposure to price fluctuations and to ensure adequate availability of material consistent with our requirements. We do not use derivative commodity instruments to hedge our exposure to changes in prices as such instruments are not currently available for wire rod. Our ability to acquire wire rod from foreign sources on favorable terms is impacted by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, foreign taxes, duties, tariffs and other trade actions. Although changes in wire rod costs and our selling prices may be correlated over extended periods of time, depending upon market conditions and competitive dynamics, there may be periods during which we are unable to fully recover increased wire rod costs through higher selling prices, which would reduce our gross profit and cash flow from operations. Additionally, should wire rod costs decline, our financial results may be negatively impacted if the selling prices for our products decrease to an even greater degree and to the extent that we are consuming higher cost material from inventory. Based on our 2013 shipments and average wire rod cost reflected in cost of sales, a 10% increase in the price of steel wire rod would have resulted in a $23.8 million decrease in our annual pre-tax earnings (assuming there was not a corresponding change in our selling prices).

Interest Rates

Although we were debt-free as of September 28, 2013, future borrowings under our revolving credit facility are subject to a variable rate of interest and are sensitive to changes in interest rates.

Foreign Exchange Exposure

We have not typically hedged foreign currency exposures related to transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars, as such transactions have not been material historically. We will occasionally hedge firm commitments for certain equipment purchases that are denominated in foreign currencies. The decision to hedge any such transactions is made by us on a case-by-case basis. There were no forward contracts outstanding as of September 28, 2013. During 2013, a 10% increase or decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies to which we are typically exposed would not have had a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

(b) Supplementary Data

Selected quarterly financial data for 2013 and 2012 is as follows:

Financial Information by Quarter (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except for per share and price data)

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except for per share amounts)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(In thousands)

⁽¹⁾Activity within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is reported net of related income taxes: 2011 ($180), 2012 $261,2013 ($539).

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 28, 2013, SEPTEMBER 29, 2012 AND OCTOBER 1, 2011

(1) Description of Business

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

On November 19, 2010, the Company purchased certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Ivy Steel and Wire, Inc. (“Ivy”) (see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements).

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

(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Fiscal year. The Company’s fiscal year is the 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to September 30. Fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011 were 52-week fiscal years. All references to years relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years.     

Principles of consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

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

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

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

The majority of the Company’s accounts receivable are due from customers that are located in the U.S. and the Company generally requires no collateral depending upon the creditworthiness of the account. The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon its assessment of the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends and other information. The Company writes off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible. There is no disproportionate concentration of credit risk.

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

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

Shipping and handling costs. The Company includes all of the outbound freight, shipping and handling costs associated with the shipment of products to customers in cost of sales. Any amounts paid by customers to the Company for shipping and handling are recorded in net sales on the consolidated statements of operations.

Inventories. Inventories are valued at the lower of weighted average cost (which approximates computation on a first-in, first-out basis) or market (net realizable value or replacement cost). The valuation of inventory includes the costs for material, labor and manufacturing overhead.

Property, plant and equipment. Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost or fair market value in the case of the assets acquired from Ivy, or otherwise at reduced values to the extent there have been asset impairment write-downs. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged directly to expense when incurred, while major improvements are capitalized. Depreciation is computed for financial reporting purposes principally by use of the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: machinery and equipment, 3 - 15 years; buildings, 10 - 30 years; land improvements, 5 - 15 years. Depreciation expense was approximately $9.7 million in 2013, $9.8 million in 2012 and $9.6 million in 2011 and reflected in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A expense”) in the consolidated statements of operations. Capitalized software is amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life or 5 years and reflected in SG&A expense in the consolidated statements of operations. No interest costs were capitalized in 2013, 2012 or 2011.

Other assets. Other assets consist principally of capitalized financing costs, the cash surrender value of life insurance policies and intangible assets. Capitalized financing costs are amortized using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method over the term of the related credit agreement, and reflected in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s intangible assets consist of a non-compete agreement that is being amortized on a straight-line basis over a finite useful life of five years. Amortization expense of the non-compete agreement was $163,000 in 2013 and $0 for 2012 and 2011. Amortization expense for the next five years is $377,000 in 2014, $377,000 in 2015, $377,000 in 2016, $377,000 in 2017 and $215,000 in 2018.

Long-lived assets. Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment and identifiable intangible assets with definite useful lives. The Company assesses the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be fully recoverable. When the Company determines that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable, it measures recoverability based on the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the related asset or asset group. If it is determined that an impairment loss has occurred, the loss is recognized in the period in which it is incurred and is calculated as the difference between the carrying value and the present value of estimated future net cash flows or comparable market values.

During 2011, the Company recorded a $3.8 million impairment charge resulting from the consolidation of its northeast and Texas operations and overall integration of the purchased Ivy facilities (see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements). There were no impairment losses in 2013 and 2012.

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

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

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

(3) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Current Adoptions

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-05 “Comprehensive Income – Presentation of Comprehensive Income.” ASU No. 2011-05 changes the presentation of comprehensive income in the financial statements for all periods reported and eliminates the option under the previous guidance that allowed for the presentation of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of shareholders’ equity. The update allows two options for the presentation of comprehensive income: (1) a single statement of comprehensive income, which includes all components of net income and other comprehensive income; or (2) a statement of income followed immediately by a statement of comprehensive income, which includes summarized net income and all components of other comprehensive income. The amendments in this update are effective retrospectively for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted ASU No. 2011-05 in the first quarter of 2013 and chose to present a single statement of comprehensive income for interim reporting periods and separate statements of income and comprehensive income for annual reporting periods. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements except for the change in presentation.

Future Adoptions

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02 “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” ASU No. 2013-02 requires an entity to disaggregate the total change of each component of other comprehensive income either on the face of the income statement or as a separate disclosure in the notes. This update is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2014. The Company does not expect the adoption of this update will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

(4) Business Combination

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

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

Following is a summary of the Company’s final allocation of the adjusted purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of the Ivy Acquisition:

Accounting standards require that when the fair value of the net assets acquired exceeds the purchase price, resulting in a bargain purchase gain, the acquirer must reassess the reasonableness of the values assigned to all of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration transferred. The Company performed such a reassessment and concluded that the values assigned for the Ivy Acquisition were reasonable. Consequently, the Company recorded a $500,000 bargain purchase gain on the Ivy Acquisition in 2011.

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

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

The following unaudited supplemental pro forma financial information reflects the combined results of operations of the Company had the Ivy Acquisition occurred at the beginning of 2010. The pro forma information reflects certain adjustments related to the Ivy Acquisition, including adjusted depreciation expense based on the fair value of the assets acquired, interest expense related to the secured subordinated promissory note and an appropriate adjustment for the acquisition-related costs in the prior year. The pro forma information does not reflect any operating efficiencies or potential cost savings that may result from the Ivy Acquisition. Accordingly, this pro forma information is for illustrative purposes and is not intended to represent or be indicative of the actual results of operations of the combined company that may have been achieved had the Ivy Acquisition occurred at the beginning of 2010, nor is it intended to represent or be indicative of future results of operations. The pro forma combined results of operations for 2011 are as follows:

(5) Restructuring Charges and Acquisition Costs

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

Following is a summary of the restructuring activities and associated costs that were incurred during 2012 and 2011: