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

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

For the Quarterly Period Ended January 2, 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 20, 2016 was 18,600,328.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands except for per share data)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

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 periodic and other reports and statements, in particular under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 3, 2015, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). 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 and specifically decline any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect any future events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events, 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. Our products are sold nationwide as well as into Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America, and delivered 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 geographic footprint.

On August 15, 2014, we, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Insteel Wire Products Company (“IWP”), purchased substantially all of the assets associated with the PC strand business of American Spring Wire Corporation (“ASW”) for a final adjusted purchase price of $33.5 million (the “ASW Acquisition”). ASW manufactured PC strand at facilities located in Houston, Texas and Newnan, Georgia (see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements). We acquired, among other assets, the accounts receivable and inventories related to ASW’s PC strand business, the production equipment at its facility in Houston and its production equipment and facility in Newnan. We also entered into an agreement to lease the Houston facility from ASW with an option to purchase it in the future. Subsequent to the acquisition, we elected to consolidate our PC strand operations with the closure of the Newnan facility, which was completed in March 2015.

Results of Operations

Statements of Operations – Selected Data

 (Dollars in thousands)

First Quarter of Fiscal 2016 Compared to First Quarter of Fiscal 2015

Net Sales

Net sales for the first quarter of 2016 decreased 16.5% to $92.4 million from $110.6 million in the prior year quarter on a 9.0% decrease in shipments and an 8.3% decrease in average selling prices. The reduction in shipments was primarily due to a more pronounced seasonal downturn in the current year quarter partially related to the Company’s fiscal calendar. Sales for both periods reflect reduced volumes relative to prerecession levels in our construction end-markets.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the first quarter of 2016 increased 36.4% to $16.4 million, or 17.8% of net sales, from $12.0 million, or 10.9% of net sales, in the prior year quarter. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to higher spreads between average selling prices and raw material costs ($5.1 million) and, to a much lesser extent, lower unit conversion costs ($0.1 million) partially offset by the decrease in shipments ($1.2 million). The increase in spreads was driven by lower raw material ($13.1 million) and freight costs ($0.4 million) partially offset by lower average selling prices ($8.4 million). Gross profit for both periods was unfavorably impacted by reduced shipment volumes and elevated unit conversion costs relative to prerecession levels largely due to reduced operating schedules.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A expense”) for the first quarter of 2016 increased 12.1% to $6.3 million, or 6.9% of net sales, from $5.7 million, or 5.1% of net sales, in the same year-ago period as higher compensation expense ($0.7 million) was partially offset by lower employee benefit costs ($0.2 million). The increase in compensation expense was largely driven by higher incentive plan expense due to our improved financial results in the current year quarter. The decrease in employee benefit costs was primarily related to lower employee health insurance expense.

Restructuring Recoveries, Net

Net restructuring recoveries of $75,000 were realized in the first quarter of 2016 related to the consolidation of our PC strand facilities, 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).

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the first quarter of 2016 decreased 56.4% to $41,000 from $94,000 in the prior year quarter primarily due to the borrowings on our revolving credit facility during the year-ago period.

Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 2016 was essentially unchanged at 34.6% compared with 34.5% for the prior year quarter.

Net Earnings

Net earnings for the first quarter of 2016 increased to $6.7 million ($0.36 per share) from $4.2 million ($0.22 per diluted share) in the prior year quarter primarily due to an increase in gross profit partially offset by an increase in SG&A expense.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Selected Financial Data

(Dollars in thousands)

Operating Activities

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 lower accrued salaries and wages.

Operating activities used $9.5 million of cash during the first quarter of 2015 primarily due to an increase in the net working capital components of accounts receivable, inventories, and accounts payable and accrued expenses partially offset by net earnings adjusted for non-cash items. Net working capital used $17.9 million of cash due to a $22.7 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses and a $5.6 million increase in inventories partially offset by a $10.4 million decrease in accounts receivable. The decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses was largely due to lower raw material purchases during the latter portion of the quarter and changes in the mix of vendors and payment terms. The increase in inventories was primarily driven by higher raw material purchases. The decrease in accounts receivable was principally due to the usual seasonal downturn in sales.

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

Investing Activities

Investing activities used $0.9 million of cash during the first quarter of 2016 compared to $3.0 million during the prior year quarter. Capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2016 were $0.9 million compared with $3.5 million in the prior year period and are expected to total approximately $20.0 million for fiscal 2016, including $9.0 million of outlays related to expansion of our Houston PC strand facility. 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 provided $0.8 million of cash during the first quarter of 2016 compared to $9.4 million during the prior year quarter. Stock option exercises provided $1.5 million of cash during the current quarter, which was partially offset by the payment of $0.6 million of cash dividends. Additionally, in December 2015 we declared a special cash dividend totaling $18.6 million, or $1.00 per share, that was paid in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. In the prior year quarter, net borrowings on our revolving credit facility provided $10.0 million of cash, which was partially offset by the payment of $0.6 million of cash dividends.

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 the maturity date from June 2, 2016 to May 13, 2020. As of January 2, 2016, no borrowings were outstanding on the Credit Facility, $75.2 million of borrowing capacity was available and outstanding letters of credit totaled $1.6 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, deterioration in our construction end-markets could result in reduced 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 the Credit Facility position us to meet our anticipated liquidity requirements for the foreseeable future.

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, the highest level of sales within the year typically occurs when weather conditions are the most conducive to construction activity. As a result, sales 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, the level of construction activity tends to be correlated with general economic conditions although there can be significant differences between the relative performance of nonresidential versus 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 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 2016. The timing and magnitude of any future increases or decreases 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 3, 2015 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 United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. The preparation of our financial statements requires the application of accounting policies in addition to certain estimates and judgments based on current available information, actuarial estimates, historical results and other assumptions believed to be reasonable. Actual results could differ from these estimates. 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 3, 2015 for further information regarding our critical accounting policies and estimates. As of January 2, 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 3, 2015.

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 3, 2015, 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 2016, we expect further improvement in our financial results driven by the favorable conditions in our construction end-markets, the consumption of lower cost inventory reflecting the recent decline in raw material costs and reduced unit conversion costs at our facilities. The outlook for private nonresidential construction, our primary demand driver, remains positive and we expect the ongoing recovery will result in higher shipment volumes and operating levels. The recent passage of a new five-year federal transportation funding authorization provides greater funding certainty for states and municipalities that should spur increased infrastructure construction in the coming years.

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. 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 geographic 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 deemed 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 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 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 inventory. Based on our shipments and average wire rod cost reflected in cost of sales for the first quarter of 2016, a 10% increase in the price of steel wire rod would have resulted in a $5.0 million decrease in our pre-tax earnings for the three months ended January 2, 2016 (assuming there was not a corresponding change in our selling prices).

Interest Rates 

Although we did not have any balances outstanding on our revolving credit facility as of January 2, 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 January 2, 2016.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

We have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of January 2, 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 January 2, 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 various lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including commercial, environmental and employment matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business. We do not expect that the ultimate costs to resolve these matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

During the quarter ended January 2, 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 3, 2015. 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 3, 2015, 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”). 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 January 2, 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 January 2, 2016 and December 27, 2014.

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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