INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC - Quarter Report: 2016 December (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

For the Quarterly Period Ended December 31, 2016

OR

For the Transition Period From ________ to ________

Commission File Number: 1-9929

Insteel Industries, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

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.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of January 18, 2017 was 18,985,236.

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. 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 United States (“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 (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. The October 1, 2016 consolidated balance sheet was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These financial statements should therefore be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2016 included in our 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 we consider necessary for a fair presentation of results for these interim periods. The results of operations for the three-month period ended December 31, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017 or future periods.

We have evaluated subsequent events through the time of filing this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and concluded that there are no significant events that occurred subsequent to the balance sheet date but prior to the filing of this report that would have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

(2) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-15 “Statement of Cash Flows Topic 230: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” ASU No. 2016-15 addresses how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows with the objective of reducing existing differences in the presentation of these items. The amendments in ASU No. 2016-15 are to be adopted retrospectively and will become effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09 “Compensation – Stock Compensation Topic 718: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which is intended to simplify the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-09 will become effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. We are evaluating the future effects of the adoption of this update on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 “Leases,” which will replace the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 840. ASU No. 2016-02 was issued to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing all lease transactions (with terms in excess of 12 months) on the balance sheet as a lease liability and a right-of-use asset. ASU No. 2016-02 will become effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. We are evaluating the potential effects of the adoption of this update on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11 “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” which requires that an entity measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. ASU No. 2015-11 will become effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. We do not expect the adoption of this update will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. ASU No. 2014-09 provides that an entity recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This update also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU No. 2014-09 allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption and will become effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. We are continuing to evaluate the potential effects of the adoption of this update on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet selected a transition method.

(3) Restructuring Charges

On August 15, 2014, we purchased substantially all of the assets associated with the prestressed concrete strand (“PC strand”) business of American Spring Wire Corporation (“ASW”) for a final adjusted purchase price of $33.5 million, net of post-closing adjustments of $480,000 (the “ASW Acquisition”). ASW manufactured PC strand at facilities located in Houston, Texas and Newnan, Georgia.

Subsequent to the ASW Acquisition, in fiscal 2014, we incurred employee separation costs for staffing reductions associated with the acquisition. In February 2015, we elected to consolidate our PC strand operations with the closure of the Newnan facility, which was completed in March 2015.

Following is a summary of the restructuring activities and associated costs that were incurred during the three-month periods ended December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016:

As of December 31, 2016, we recorded restructuring liabilities amounting to $0.2 million in accrued expenses on our consolidated balance sheet. As of October 1, 2016, we recorded restructuring liabilities amounting to $0.3 million on our consolidated balance sheet, including $0.1 million in accounts payable and $0.2 million in accrued expenses. We do not currently expect to incur any significant restructuring charges during the remainder of fiscal 2017.

(4) Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The authoritative guidance for fair value measurements establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that encourages an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

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

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

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

As of December 31, 2016 and October 1, 2016, we held financial assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis, which are summarized below:

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

As of December 31, 2016 and October 1, 2016, we had no nonfinancial assets that were required to be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these financial instruments.

(5) Intangible Assets

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

Amortization expense for intangibles was $289,000 for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016.

(6) Stock-Based Compensation

Under our equity incentive plans, employees and directors may be granted stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance awards. Effective February 17, 2015, our shareholders approved the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan of Insteel Industries, Inc. (the “2015 Plan”), which authorizes up to 900,000 shares of our common stock for future grants under the plan. The 2015 Plan, which expires on February 17, 2025, replaces the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan of Insteel Industries, Inc., which expired on February 15, 2015. As of December 31, 2016, there were 558,000 shares of our common stock available for future grants under the 2015 Plan, which is our only active equity incentive plan.

Stock option awards. Under our equity incentive 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 associated with stock options is as follows:

As of December 31, 2016, there was $259,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.44 years.

The following table summarizes stock option activity:

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

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

As of December 31, 2016, there was $442,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.79 years.

The following table summarizes RSU activity:

(7) Income Taxes

Effective income tax rate. Our effective income tax rate was 33.7% for the three-month period ended December 31, 2016 compared with 34.6% for the three-month period ended January 2, 2016. The effective income tax rates for both periods were based upon the estimated rate applicable for the entire fiscal year adjusted to reflect any significant items related specifically to interim periods.

Deferred income taxes. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17 “Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes. Under this update, all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, are required to be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. Effective January 2, 2016, we early adopted ASU No. 2015-17 on a prospective basis, which resulted in the reclassification of our current deferred tax asset as a non-current deferred tax liability on our consolidated balance sheet. No prior periods were retrospectively adjusted.

As of December 31, 2016, we recorded a deferred tax liability (net of valuation allowance) of $6.7 million in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. We have $7.5 million of state net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) that begin to expire in 2017, but principally expire between 2017 and 2031. We have also recorded $87,000 of gross deferred tax assets for various state tax credits that begin to expire in 2018, but principally expire between 2018 and 2020.

The realization of our deferred tax assets is entirely dependent upon our ability to generate future taxable income in applicable jurisdictions. GAAP requires that we periodically assess the need to establish a reserve against our deferred tax assets to the extent we no longer believe it is more likely than not that they will be fully realized. As of December 31, 2016 and October 1, 2016, we recorded a valuation allowance of $280,000 pertaining to various state NOLs and tax credits that were not expected to be utilized. The valuation allowance is subject to periodic review and adjustment based on changes in facts and circumstances and would be reduced should we utilize the state NOLs and tax credits against which an allowance had previously been provided or determine that such utilization was more likely than not.

Uncertainty in income taxes. As of December 31, 2016, we had no material, known tax exposures that require the establishment of contingency reserves for uncertain tax positions.

We file U.S. federal income tax returns as well as state and local income tax returns in various jurisdictions. Federal and various state tax returns filed subsequent to 2011 remain subject to examination.

(8) Employee Benefit Plans

Retirement plans. We had one defined benefit pension plan, the Insteel Wire Products Company Retirement Income Plan for Hourly Employees, Wilmington, Delaware (the “Delaware Plan”). The Delaware Plan provided benefits for eligible employees based primarily upon years of service and compensation levels. The Delaware Plan was frozen effective September 30, 2008 whereby participants no longer earned additional benefits.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we notified plan participants of our intent to terminate the Delaware Plan effective May 1, 2016. During September 2016, the Delaware Plan settled plan liabilities through either lump sum distributions to plan participants or annuity contracts purchased from a third-party insurance company that provided for the payment of vested benefits to those participants that did not elect the lump sum option. As of October 1, 2016, there were no remaining plan assets.

Net periodic pension cost for the Delaware Plan in the prior year included the following components:

Supplemental employee retirement plan. We have Retirement Security Agreements (each, a “SERP”) with certain of our employees (each, a “Participant”). Under the SERPs, if the Participant remains in continuous service with us for a period of at least 30 years, we will pay them a supplemental retirement benefit for the 15-year period following their retirement equal to 50% of their highest average annual base salary for five consecutive years in the 10-year period preceding their retirement. If the Participant retires prior to the later of age 65 or the completion of 30 years of continuous service with us, but has completed at least 10 years of continuous service, the amount of their supplemental retirement benefit will be reduced by 1/360th for each month short of 30 years that they were employed by us.

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

(9) Long-Term Debt

Revolving Credit Facility. We have a $100.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) that is used to supplement our operating cash flow and fund our working capital, capital expenditure, general corporate and growth requirements. In May 2015, we amended the Credit Facility to, among other changes, extend its maturity date from June 2, 2016 to May 13, 2020. Advances under the Credit Facility are limited to the lesser of the revolving loan commitment amount (currently $100.0 million) or a borrowing base amount that is calculated based upon a percentage of eligible receivables and inventories. As of December 31, 2016, no borrowings were outstanding on the Credit Facility, $73.6 million of borrowing capacity was available and outstanding letters of credit totaled $1.8 million.

Interest rates on the Credit Facility are based upon (1) an index rate that is established at the highest of the prime rate, 0.50% plus the federal funds rate or the LIBOR rate plus the excess of the then-applicable margin for LIBOR loans over the then-applicable margin for index rate loans, or (2) at our election, a LIBOR rate, plus in either case, an applicable interest rate margin. The applicable interest rate margins are adjusted on a quarterly basis based upon the amount of excess availability on the Credit Facility within the range of 0.25% to 0.75% for index rate loans and 1.25% to 1.75% for LIBOR loans. In addition, the applicable interest rate margins would be increased by 2.00% upon the occurrence of certain events of default provided for under the terms of the Credit Facility. Based on our excess availability as of December 31, 2016, the applicable interest rate margins on the Credit Facility were 0.25% for index rate loans and 1.25% for LIBOR loans.

Our ability to borrow available amounts under the Credit Facility will be restricted or eliminated in the event of certain covenant breaches, events of default or if we are unable to make certain representations and warranties provided for under the terms of the Credit Facility. We are required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.10 at the end of each fiscal quarter for the twelve-month period then ended when the amount of liquidity on the Credit Facility is less than $12.5 million. In addition, the terms of the Credit Facility restrict our ability to, among other things: engage in certain business combinations or divestitures; make investments in or loans to third parties, unless certain conditions are met with respect to such investments or loans; pay cash dividends or repurchase shares of our stock subject to certain minimum borrowing availability requirements; incur or assume indebtedness; issue securities; enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; or permit liens to encumber our property and assets. The terms of the Credit Facility also provide that an event of default will occur upon the occurrence of, among other things: defaults or breaches under the loan documents, subject in certain cases to cure periods; defaults or breaches by us or any of our subsidiaries under any agreement resulting in the acceleration of amounts above certain thresholds or payment defaults above certain thresholds; certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency; certain entries of judgment against us or any of our subsidiaries, which are not covered by insurance; or a change of control. As of December 31, 2016, we were in compliance with all of the financial and negative covenants under the Credit Facility and there have not been any events of default.

Amortization of capitalized financing costs associated with the Credit Facility was $16,000 for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016. Accumulated amortization of capitalized financing costs was $4.5 million as of December 31, 2016 and October 1, 2016.

(10) Earnings Per Share

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

Options representing 42,000 and 86,000 shares for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, respectively, were antidilutive and not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation.

(11) Share Repurchases

On November 18, 2008, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase authorization to buy back up to $25.0 million of our outstanding common stock (the “Authorization”). Under the Authorization, repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. We are not obligated to acquire any particular amount of common stock and the program may be commenced or suspended at any time at our discretion without prior notice. The Authorization continues in effect until terminated by the Board of Directors. As of December 31, 2016, there was $24.8 million remaining available for future share repurchases under this authorization. No repurchases of common stock were made during the three-month periods ended December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016.

(12) Other Financial Data

Balance sheet information:

(13) Business Segment Information

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

(14) Contingencies

Legal proceedings. We are involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including commercial, environmental and employment matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business. We do not expect 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 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,” “appears,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “should,” “could” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and we can provide no assurances that such plans, intentions or expectations will be implemented or achieved. Many of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in detail, and where appropriate, updated in our filings with the United States (“U.S.”) Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in particular in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 1, 2016. You should carefully review these risks and uncertainties.

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

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

Overview

Insteel Industries, Inc. (“we”, “us”, “our”, “the Company” or “Insteel”) is the nation’s largest manufacturer of steel wire reinforcing products for concrete construction applications. We manufacture and market prestressed concrete strand (“PC strand”) and welded wire reinforcement, including ESM, concrete pipe reinforcement and standard welded wire reinforcement. Our products are sold primarily to manufacturers of concrete products that are used in nonresidential construction. We market our products through sales representatives who are our employees. We sell our products nationwide across the U.S. and, to a much lesser extent, into Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America, delivering them primarily by truck, using common or contract carriers. 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 footprint.

Results of Operations

Statements of Operations – Selected Data

(Dollars in thousands)

First Quarter of Fiscal 2017 Compared to First Quarter of Fiscal 2016

Net Sales

Net sales for the first quarter of 2017 increased 1.6% to $93.9 million from $92.4 million in the prior year quarter as an 8.5% increase in shipments was partially offset by a 6.4% decrease in average selling prices. The increase in shipments was primarily due to improved market conditions and increased demand for our products relative to the prior year quarter. The decrease in average selling prices was driven by competitive pricing pressures.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the first quarter of 2017 decreased 20.8% to $13.0 million, or 13.9% of net sales, from $16.4 million, or 17.8% of net sales, in the prior year quarter. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to lower spreads between average selling prices and raw material costs ($4.5 million), which were partially offset by the increase in shipments ($1.5 million). The decrease in spreads was driven by lower average selling prices ($6.4 million) and higher freight expense ($0.3 million) partially offset by lower raw material costs ($2.2 million).

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

Selling, general and administrative expense for the first quarter of 2017 remained relatively flat at $6.3 million, or 6.7% of net sales, compared to 6.9% of net sales in the prior year quarter as higher employee benefit costs ($0.4 million) were offset by lower compensation expense ($0.4 million). The increase in employee benefit costs was primarily related to higher employee health insurance expense in the current year quarter. The decrease in compensation expense was largely driven by lower incentive plan expense.

Restructuring Charges, Net

Net restructuring charges of $48,000 were incurred in the first quarter of 2017 for equipment relocation costs related to the consolidation of our PC strand facilities. Net restructuring recoveries of $75,000 were incurred in the first quarter of 2016 reflecting a gain on the sale of equipment previously associated with the Newnan, Georgia PC strand facility ($180,000) partially offset by equipment relocation ($75,000) and facility closure costs ($30,000).

Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 2017 decreased to 33.7% from 34.6% for the prior year quarter due to changes in permanent book versus tax differences.

Net Earnings

Net earnings for the first quarter of 2017 decreased to $4.5 million ($0.23 per share) from $6.7 million ($0.36 per share) in the prior year quarter primarily due to the decrease in gross profit.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Selected Financial Data

(Dollars in thousands)

Operating Activities

Operating activities provided $3.8 million of cash during the first quarter of 2017 primarily from net earnings adjusted for non-cash items partially offset by an increase in the net working capital components of accounts receivable, inventories, and accounts payable and accrued expenses. Net working capital used $4.6 million of cash due to a $17.4 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses partially offset by a $9.6 million decrease in inventories and a $3.2 million decrease in accounts receivable. The decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses was principally due to lower raw material purchases during the quarter together with the payment of accrued incentive compensation for the prior year. The decrease in inventories was largely due to lower raw material purchases during the quarter. The decrease in accounts receivable was primarily related to the seasonal downturn in sales and lower selling prices.

Operating activities provided $12.4 million of cash during the first quarter of 2016 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 $0.7 million of cash due to a $6.4 million decrease in accounts receivable partially offset by a $3.0 million increase in inventories and a $2.7 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses. The decrease in accounts receivable was primarily related to the seasonal downturn in sales and lower selling prices. The increase in inventory was largely due to the seasonal downturn in sales and a higher proportion of import purchases during the quarter. The decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses was principally due to the payment of accrued incentive compensation for the prior year.

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

Investing Activities

Investing activities used $5.6 million of cash during the first quarter of 2017 compared to $0.9 million in the prior year quarter. Capital expenditures increased to $5.4 million from $0.9 million in the prior year quarter and are expected to increase to up to $25.0 million for fiscal 2017 largely related to the expansion of the Houston, Texas PC strand facility, additional investments in ESM manufacturing capabilities and further upgrades of production technology and information systems. Our investing activities are largely discretionary, providing us with the ability to significantly curtail outlays should business conditions warrant that such actions be taken.

Financing Activities

Financing activities used a nominal amount of cash during the first quarter of 2017 while providing $0.8 million of cash during the prior year quarter. Stock option exercises provided $1.5 million of cash during the prior year quarter, which were partially offset by the payment of $0.6 million of cash dividends. In November 2016, we declared a special cash dividend totaling $23.7 million, or $1.25 per share, in addition to our regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.6 million, or $0.03 per share, which were paid in the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

Cash Management

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

Credit Facility

We have a $100.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) that is used to supplement our operating cash flow and fund our working capital, capital expenditure, general corporate and growth requirements. In May 2015, we amended the Credit Facility to, among other changes, extend its maturity date from June 2, 2016 to May 13, 2020. Advances under the Credit Facility are limited to the lesser of the revolving loan commitment amount (currently $100.0 million) or a borrowing base amount that is calculated based upon a percentage of eligible receivables and inventories. As of December 31, 2016, no borrowings were outstanding on the Credit Facility, $73.6 million of borrowing capacity was available and outstanding letters of credit totaled $1.8 million.

We believe that, in the absence of significant unanticipated cash demands, cash and cash equivalents, net cash generated by operating activities, and the borrowing availability provided under the Credit Facility will be sufficient to satisfy our expected requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends and share repurchases, if any. We expect to have access to the amounts available under the Credit Facility as required. However, should we experience future reductions in our operating cash flows due to weakening conditions in our construction end-markets and reduced demand from our customers, we may need to curtail capital and operating expenditures, delay or restrict share repurchases, cease dividend payments and/or realign our working capital requirements.

Should we determine, at any time, that we 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, including the next 12 months.

Seasonality and Cyclicality

Demand in our markets is both seasonal and cyclical, driven by the level of construction activity, but can also be impacted by fluctuations in the inventory positions of our customers. From a seasonal standpoint, shipments typically reach their highest level of the year when weather conditions are the most conducive to construction activity. As a result, shipments and profitability are usually higher in the third and fourth quarters of the fiscal year and lower in the first and second quarters. From a cyclical standpoint, construction activity and demand for our products is generally correlated with general economic conditions, although there can be significant differences between the relative strength of nonresidential and residential construction for extended periods.

Impact of Inflation

We are subject to inflationary risks arising from fluctuations in the market prices for our primary raw material, hot-rolled carbon steel wire rod, and, to a much lesser extent, freight, energy and other consumables that are used in our manufacturing processes. We have generally been able to adjust our selling prices to pass through increases in these costs or offset them through various cost reduction and productivity improvement initiatives. However, our ability to raise our selling prices depends on market conditions and competitive dynamics, and there may be periods during which we are unable to fully recover increases in our costs. Inflation did not have a material impact on our sales or earnings during the first fiscal quarter of 2017. 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

There have been no material changes in our contractual obligations and commitments as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as of October 1, 2016 other than those which occur in the ordinary course of business.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based on our unaudited financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. 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. Please refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 1, 2016 for further information regarding our critical accounting policies and estimates. As of December 31, 2016, there were no changes in the nature of our critical accounting policies or the application of those policies from those reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 1, 2016.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

Refer to Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report for recently adopted and issued accounting pronouncements since the filing of our Form 10-K for the year ended October 1, 2016, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects, if any, on our consolidated financial statements.

Outlook

As we look ahead to the remainder of 2017, we expect favorable conditions in our construction end-markets which should support higher shipment volumes and operating levels, and reduced unit conversion costs at our facilities. Customer sentiment remains positive and the most recent macro indicators reflect continued growth in nonresidential construction. We also expect the infrastructure-related portion of our business will benefit to a great extent from the federal funding provided for under the FAST Act.

We 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 that our financial results will be favorably impacted by the realization of additional operating synergies associated with the ASW Acquisition and the related reconfiguration of our PC strand operations following the anticipated completion of the expansion of our Houston plant during the second quarter of fiscal 2017. 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 acquisitions in our existing businesses that expand our penetration of markets we currently serve or expand our footprint.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

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

Commodity Prices

We are subject to significant fluctuations in the cost and availability of our primary raw material, hot-rolled carbon steel wire rod, which we purchase from both domestic and foreign suppliers. We negotiate quantities and pricing for both domestic and foreign wire rod purchases for varying periods (most recently monthly for domestic suppliers), depending upon market conditions, to manage our exposure to price fluctuations and to ensure adequate availability of material consistent with our requirements. We do not use derivative commodity instruments to hedge our exposure to changes in prices as such instruments are not currently available for wire rod. Our ability to acquire wire rod from foreign sources on favorable terms is impacted by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, foreign taxes, duties, tariffs and other trade actions. Although changes in wire rod costs and our selling prices tend to be correlated, in weaker market environments, we may be unable to fully recover increased rod costs through higher selling prices, which would reduce our earnings and cash flows. Additionally, when raw material costs decline, our financial results may be negatively impacted if the selling prices for our products decrease to an even greater extent and if we are consuming higher cost material from inventory. Based on our shipments and average wire rod cost reflected in cost of sales for the first quarter of 2017, a 10% increase in the price of wire rod would have resulted in a $5.2 million decrease in our pre-tax earnings (assuming there was not a corresponding change in our selling prices).

Interest Rates 

Although we did not have any balances outstanding on our Credit Facility as of December 31, 2016, future borrowings under the facility are subject to a variable rate of interest and are sensitive to changes in interest rates.

Foreign Exchange Exposure

We have not typically hedged foreign currency exposures related to transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars, as such transactions have not been material historically. We will occasionally hedge firm commitments for certain equipment purchases that are denominated in foreign currencies. The decision to hedge any such transactions is made by us on a case-by-case basis. There were no forward contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2016.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

We have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2016. This evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer. Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Further, we concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 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

We are involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including commercial, environmental and employment matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business. We do not anticipate that the ultimate 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

During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, there were no material changes from the risk factors set forth under Part I, Item 1A., “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2016. 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 and uncertainties described in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 1, 2016, as well as other reports and statements that we file with the SEC, are not the only risks and uncertainties 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 effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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

On November 18, 2008, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase authorization to buy back up to $25.0 million of our outstanding common stock (the “Authorization”). 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 Authorization continues in effect until terminated by our Board of Directors. As of December 31, 2016, there was $24.8 million remaining available for future share repurchases under the Authorization. There were no share repurchases during the three-month periods ended December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016.

Item 6. Exhibits

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

Registrant

EXHIBIT INDEX

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