Insteel Industries
IIIN
#7293
Rank
$0.50 B
Marketcap
$26.22
Share price
-8.03%
Change (1 day)
-1.80%
Change (1 year)

Insteel Industries - 10-Q quarterly report FY


Text size:
1

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q


[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2001

OR


[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ________ TO ________

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-9929



INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



NORTH CAROLINA 56-0674867
-------------- ----------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

1373 BOGGS DRIVE, MOUNT AIRY, NORTH CAROLINA 27030
-------------------------------------------- -----
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

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



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

Yes [X] No [ ]

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of
May 18, 2001 was 8,460,187.
2

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARCH 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
2001 2000
--------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 371 $ 3,230
Accounts receivable, net 41,005 42,614
Inventories 46,316 48,475
Prepaid expenses and other 7,180 7,179
--------- --------
Total current assets 94,872 101,498
Property, plant and equipment, net 106,648 110,191
Other assets 31,641 33,759
--------- --------
Total assets $ 233,161 $245,448
========= ========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 38,366 $ 43,466
Accrued expenses 7,354 9,576
Current portion of long-term debt 7,370 10,120
--------- --------
Total current liabilities 53,090 63,162
Long-term debt 104,680 94,880
Deferred income taxes 3,314 8,934
Other liabilities 4,559 1,033
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock 16,920 16,920
Additional paid-in capital 38,327 38,327
Retained earnings 14,444 22,192
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,173) --
--------- --------
Total shareholders' equity 67,518 77,439
--------- --------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 233,161 $245,448
========= ========
</TABLE>
3

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
--------------------------- ---------------------------
MARCH 31, APRIL 1, MARCH 31, APRIL 1,
2001 2000 2001 2000
--------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>

Net sales $ 70,834 $ 78,822 $ 139,773 $ 137,393
Cost of sales 67,756 69,528 133,780 121,982
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross profit 3,078 9,294 5,993 15,411
Selling, general and administrative expense 4,863 4,827 10,298 8,922
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating income (loss) (1,785) 4,467 (4,305) 6,489
Interest expense 4,544 2,487 7,931 3,237
Other expense (income) (40) 519 (234) 409
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (6,289) 1,461 (12,002) 2,843
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (2,102) 563 (4,255) 1,095
--------- --------- --------- ---------

Net earnings (loss) $ (4,187) $ 898 $ (7,747) $ 1,748
========= ========= ========= =========

Weighted average shares outstanding (basic) 8,460 8,460 8,460 8,459
========= ========= ========= =========

Net earnings (loss) per share (basic) $ (0.49) $ 0.11 $ (0.92) $ 0.21
========= ========= ========= =========

Dividends paid per share $ -- $ 0.06 $ -- $ 0.12
========= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
4

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
-------------------------
MARCH 31, APRIL 1,
2001 2000
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net earnings (loss) $ (7,747) $ 1,748
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided
by (used for) operating activities (net of effect of acquisitions):
Depreciation and amortization 7,125 5,234
Loss (gain) on sale of assets (55) 195
Deferred income taxes (5,620) 348
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net 1,656 639
Inventories 2,159 4,694
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (6,799) (11,173)
Other changes 926 79
--------- ---------
Total adjustments (608) 16
--------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities (8,355) 1,764
--------- ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of businesses -- (68,494)
Payment of acquisition-related costs -- (1,144)
Capital expenditures (1,589) (4,762)
Proceeds from (issuance of) notes receivable (47) 212
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 82 95
--------- ---------
Net cash used for investing activities (1,554) (74,093)
--------- ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from long-term debt 66,900 168,958
Principal payments on long-term debt (59,850) (91,005)
Payment of debt issuance costs -- (4,130)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options -- 19
Cash dividends paid -- (1,014)
--------- ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities 7,050 72,828
--------- ---------

Net increase (decrease) in cash (2,859) 499
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 3,230 827
--------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 371 $ 1,326
========= =========

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $ 6,536 $ 2,738
Income taxes 5 1,201
</TABLE>
5

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The consolidated unaudited financial statements included herein have
been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures
normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such
rules and regulations. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should
be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included
in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30,
2000.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein reflect
all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) that the Company
considers necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results
of operations and cash flows for all periods presented. The results for the
interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for
the entire fiscal year.

(2) NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARD

Effective October 1, 2000, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No.133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities," as amended by SFAS No. 137 and SFAS No. 138. SFAS No. 133,
as amended, establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative
instruments and hedging activities. It requires an entity to recognize all
derivatives (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other
contracts) as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measure
those instruments at fair value. SFAS No. 133 requires that changes in the
derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific
hedge accounting criteria are met, and requires each derivative to be classified
as either a fair value hedge or a cash flow hedge at the time the contract is
initiated.

The Company has designated its interest rate swap agreements as cash
flow hedges and formally assesses on an ongoing basis whether these agreements
are highly effective in offsetting the changes in the fair values of the
interest cash flows under its senior secured credit facility. Changes in the
fair value of the swap agreements are recorded as a component of "accumulated
other comprehensive income" in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 133
for derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges.

As a result of adopting SFAS No. 133, the Company recorded an
unrealized loss of $0.6 million, net of taxes, in "accumulated other
comprehensive income" as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
to recognize the fair value of its interest rate swap agreements.

The Company recorded an unrealized loss of approximately $1.6 million,
net of taxes, during the quarter ended March 31, 2001 in "accumulated
comprehensive income" for the change in aggregate fair value of its interest
rate swap agreements. The estimated fair value of the Company's interest rate
swap agreements, as determined using market pricing models, was $3.5 million at
March 31, 2001 and has been recognized as a liability and included in "other
liabilities" on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

(3) INVENTORIES

MARCH 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
(Amounts in thousands) 2001 2000
------- -------
Raw materials $19,218 $21,010
Supplies 1,898 2,276
Work in process 2,387 2,449
Finished goods 22,813 22,740
------- -------
Total inventories $46,316 $48,475
======= =======

(4) DEBT FACILITIES

In January 2000, the Company entered into a $140.0 million senior
secured credit facility with a group of banks, consisting of a $60.0 million
revolving credit loan and a $80.0 million term loan. Borrowings under the new
credit facility
6

were used to fund the acquisition of FWC and pay off the balances outstanding on
the Company's then existing $60.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility.

At September 30, 2000, the Company was not in compliance with certain
financial covenants of its senior secured credit facility, which constituted an
event of default. Pursuant to a waiver agreement, the default was waived through
January 15, 2001. On January 12, 2001, the Company and its senior lenders agreed
to an amendment to the credit agreement that modified these financial covenants,
curing the event of default. Under the terms of the amendment, the maturity date
of the credit facility was accelerated from January 31, 2005 to January 15,
2002. Additionally, the Company agreed to certain other terms and conditions,
including: (1) that it would maintain earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") at specified levels; (2) that it would
not make dividend payments or repurchase shares of the Company's common stock;
and (3) that it would not allow capital expenditures to exceed $4.5 million for
fiscal 2001. The Company also agreed to permanent reductions in the revolving
credit facility from $60.0 million to $50.0 million at January 12, 2001; to
$45.0 million at October 1, 2001, and to $40.0 million at December 31, 2001.

At March 31, 2001, the Company was not in compliance with certain
financial covenants of its senior secured credit facility, which constituted an
event of default. On May 21, 2001, the Company and its senior lenders agreed to
an amendment to the credit agreement that modified these financial covenants,
curing the event of default. Under the terms of the amendment, the maturity date
of the credit facility was extended from January 15, 2002 to April 15, 2002. In
addition, certain other terms and conditions were amended, including: (1) a
deferral of the June 30, 2001 and September 30, 2001 $2.5 million principal
payments on the term loan until the amended maturity date; and (2) a reduction
in the specified levels for certain of the financial covenants.

These amendments are expected to significantly increase the Company's
interest expense as a result of: (1) scheduled increases in the applicable
interest rate margins; (2) additional fees, a portion of which are calculated
based upon the Company's stock price, payable to the lenders on certain dates
and in increasing amounts based upon the timing of the completion of a
refinancing of the credit facility, and (3) higher amortization expense related
to capitalized financing costs due to the acceleration of the maturity date.
Upon an event of default under the amended terms of the credit agreement, the
lenders would be entitled to the right to payment of that portion of the fees
that are based upon the Company's stock price.

Under the amended terms of the credit agreement, interest rates are
determined based upon a base rate that is established at the higher of the prime
rate or 0.5% plus the federal funds rate, plus an applicable interest rate
margin. In addition, a commitment fee is payable on the unused portion of the
revolving credit facility. Advances under the revolving credit facility are
limited to the lesser of the revolving credit commitment or a borrowing base
amount that is calculated based upon a percentage of eligible receivables and
inventories. At March 31, 2001, approximately $2.6 million was available on the
facility and $64.5 million was outstanding on the term loan. The senior secured
facility is collateralized by all of the Company's assets.

The Company intends to refinance the senior secured credit facility
prior to its amended maturity date of April 15, 2002. In the event that such
efforts are unsuccessful, the Company believes that it would likely experience a
material adverse impact on its financial condition, liquidity and results of
operation.

(5) EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
------------------------- -------------------------
MARCH 31, APRIL 1, MARCH 31, APRIL 1,
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data) 2001 2000 2001 2000
------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net earnings (loss) $(4,187) $ 898 $(7,747) $ 1,748

Weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic) 8,460 8,460 8,460 8,458
Dilutive effect of stock options -- 79 -- 95
------- ------- ------- -------
Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) 8,460 8,539 8,460 8,553
======= ======= ======= =======

Earnings (loss) per share (basic and diluted):
Net earnings (loss) $ (0.49) $ 0.11 $ (0.92) $ 0.20
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>

Options to purchase 846,000 shares and 241,000 shares for the three
months ended March 31, 2001 and April 1, 2000, respectively, were not included
in the diluted EPS computation.
7

(6) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The components of comprehensive income, net of tax, were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
------------------------- -------------------------
MARCH 31, APRIL 1, MARCH 31, APRIL 1,
(Amounts in thousands) 2001 2000 2001 2000
------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net earnings (loss) $(4,187) $ 898 $(7,747) $ 1,748
Change in fair market value of financial instruments (378) -- (1,569) --
------- ------- ------- -------
Total comprehensive income (loss) (4,565) 898 (9,316) 1,748
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>

The changes in the accumulated other comprehensive loss for the six
months ended March 31, 2001 was as follows:

Balance, September 30, 2000 $ --
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (604)
Change in fair market value of financial instruments (1,569)
-------
Balance, March 31, 2001 $ 2,173
=======

(7) ACQUISITION OF FLORIDA WIRE AND CABLE, INC.

In January 2000, the Company acquired Florida Wire and Cable, Inc.
("FWC"), a manufacturer of prestressed concrete strand ("PC strand") and
galvanized products. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the Company
acquired all of the outstanding stock of FWC for $66.6 million from GS
Technologies Operating Co., Inc. ("GSTOC"), a subsidiary of GS Industries, Inc.
("GSI"). In addition, the Company entered into a five-year agreement with GSI
under which GSI will supply FWC with a portion of its raw material requirements.

The acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting and, accordingly, the results of operations of FWC have been included
in the consolidated financial statements since the date of the acquisition,
January 31, 2000. The excess of cost over the estimated fair value of net assets
acquired has been recorded as goodwill and is being amortized on a straight-line
basis over 20 years. The allocation of the purchase price was finalized during
the quarter ended March 31, 2001 resulting in goodwill and other intangibles of
$19.9 million.

A summary of the purchase price and the final purchase price allocation
based on the net assets as of January 31, 2000 is as follows (amounts in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PURCHASE PRICE

<S> <C>
Cash paid to GSTOC $ 66,600
Financial advisors, accounting, legal and other direct acquisition costs 1,453
--------
Total purchase price $ 68,053
========

FINAL ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PRICE

Total purchase price $ 68,053
Less: net book value of tangible net assets acquired (34,368)
--------
Excess of cost over net book value of tangible net assets acquired 33,685

Adjustments to record assets and liabilities at fair market value:
Inventories 1,021
Property, plant and equipment (14,830)
Deferred tax assets (2,446)
Accrued expenses 2,440
Other 11
--------
Total adjustments (13,804)

Goodwill and other intangibles $ 19,881
========
</TABLE>
8

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 that reflect the
Company's current assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic
conditions. Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking
statements contain words such as "expects," "plans," "believes," "will,"
"estimates," "intends," and other words of similar meaning that do not relate
strictly to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements are subject
to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those projected, stated or implied by the statements. Such risks
and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions
in the markets in which the Company operates; unanticipated changes in customer
demand, order patterns and inventory levels; fluctuations in the cost and
availability of the Company's primary raw material, hot rolled steel wire rod;
the Company's ability to raise selling prices in order to recover increases in
wire rod prices; legal, environmental or regulatory developments that
significantly impact the Company's operating costs; continuation of good labor
relations; increased demand for the Company's concrete reinforcing products
resulting from increased federal funding levels provided for in the TEA-21
highway spending legislation; the financial impact of the acquisition of FWC;
the inability of the Company to expedite the qualification process with
prospective customers for tire bead wire and increase the operating volumes of
the Fredericksburg, Virginia manufacturing facility; the failure of the Company
to receive regular and substantial orders for its new products; the Company's
ability to avoid events of default with respect to its indebtedness,
particularly under its senior secured credit facility, as amended; and the
Company's ability to refinance its current indebtedness in a timely manner and
on favorable terms.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS - SELECTED DATA
($ in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
-------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
MARCH 31, APRIL 1, MARCH 31, APRIL 1,
2001 CHANGE 2000 2001 CHANGE 2000
----------- -------- ------------ ------------ -------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>

Net sales $ 70,834 (10%) $ 78,822 $ 139,773 2% $ 137,393
Gross profit 3,078 (67%) 9,294 5,993 (61%) 15,411
Percentage of net sales 4.3% 11.8% 4.3% 11.2%
Selling, general and administrative expense $ 4,863 1% $ 4,827 $ 10,298 15% $ 8,922
Percentage of net sales 6.9% 6.1% 7.4% 6.5%
Operating income (loss) $ (1,785) (140%) $ 4,467 $ (4,305) (166%) $ 6,489
Percentage of net sales (2.5%) 5.7% (3.1%) 4.7%
Interest expense $ 4,544 83% $ 2,487 $ 7,931 145% $ 3,237
Percentage of net sales 6.4% 3.2% 5.7% 2.4%
Effective income tax rate 33.4% 38.5% 35.5% 38.5%
Net earnings $ (4,187) (566%) $ 898 $ (7,747) (543%) $ 1,748
Percentage of net sales (5.9%) 1.1% (5.5%) 1.3%
</TABLE>


SECOND QUARTER OF FISCAL 2001 COMPARED TO SECOND QUARTER OF FISCAL 2000

Net Sales

Net sales decreased $8.0 million, or 10%, in the second quarter of
fiscal 2001 compared to the same quarter of fiscal 2000. On a comparable basis,
excluding the sales of Florida Wire and Cable, Inc. ("FWC"), which was acquired
in January 2000, sales decreased 17%. The decrease in net sales was due to lower
shipments as well as reduced average selling prices. Shipments fell 7% as a
result of weaker market conditions in the current year and lower order levels.
Average selling prices declined 3% due to competitive pricing pressures as well
as the weakening in demand. Sales of concrete reinforcing products were flat
during the quarter while sales of industrial wire, nails and tire bead wire
decreased 29%.

Gross Profit

Gross profit decreased $6.2 million, or 67%, in the second quarter of
fiscal 2001 compared to the same quarter of fiscal 2000. Gross margin as a
percentage of net sales fell to 4.3% in the current quarter from 11.8% in the
prior year period.
9

The decrease in gross profit was primarily due to the combination of lower
shipments and higher unit manufacturing costs resulting from the reduced
operating rates. In addition, spreads between average selling prices and raw
material costs compressed from year-ago levels, largely due to the pricing
erosion.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A expenses") were
flat in the second quarter of fiscal 2001 compared to the same quarter of fiscal
2000. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 6.9% in the second
quarter of fiscal 2001 from 6.1% in the same prior year period as a result of
the lower current year net sales.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $2.1 million, or 83% in the second quarter
of fiscal 2001 compared to the same quarter of fiscal 2000. The increase in
interest expense was primarily due to a $1.3 million increase in amortization
expense associated with capitalized financing costs. The higher amortization
expense was principally related to the acceleration in the maturity date of the
Company's senior secured credit facility together with additional lender fees.
The remainder of the increase in interest expense ($0.8 million) was largely due
to higher average interest rates ($0.6 million) and higher average borrowing
levels ($0.2 million) in the current year quarter.

Income Taxes

The Company's effective income tax rate was 33.4% in the second quarter
of fiscal 2001 compared to 38.5% in the same quarter of fiscal 2000. The
decrease was primarily related to a reduction in the effective state income tax
rate resulting from the uncertainty of the future utilization of tax loss
carryforwards and the related establishment of valuation allowances.

FIRST SIX MONTHS OF FISCAL 2001 COMPARED WITH FIRST SIX MONTHS OF FISCAL 2000

Net Sales

Net sales increased $2.4 million, or 2%, in the first six months of
fiscal 2001 compared to the same prior year period. On a comparable basis,
excluding the sales of FWC, sales decreased 16%. The increase in net sales was
due to slight increases in shipments and average selling prices. Sales of
concrete reinforcing products were flat during the quarter while sales of
industrial wire, nails and tire bead wire decreased 29%.

Gross Profit

Gross profit decreased $9.4 million, or 61%, in the first six months of
fiscal 2001 compared to the same prior year period. Gross margin as a percentage
of net sales fell to 4.3% in the first six months of fiscal 2001 from 11.2% in
the same prior year period. The decrease in gross profit was primarily due to
the combination of lower shipments and higher unit manufacturing costs resulting
from the reduced operating rates. In addition, spreads between average selling
prices and raw material costs compressed from year-ago levels.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

SG&A expenses rose $1.4 million, or 15%, in the first six months of
fiscal 2001 compared to the same prior year period. SG&A expenses as a
percentage of net sales increased to 7.4% in the first six months of fiscal
2001 from 6.5% in the same prior year period. The increase in SG&A expenses was
primarily due to a $1.1 million increase in expenses associated with FWC in the
current year compared to the partial prior year levels based upon the January
2000 acquisition date.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $4.7 million, or 145% in the first six
months of fiscal 2001 compared to the same prior year period. The increase in
interest expense was primarily due to a $1.8 million increase in amortization
expense associated with capitalized financing costs. The higher amortization
expense was principally related to the acceleration in the maturity date of the
Company's senior secured credit facility and additional lender fees in the
current year. In addition, the prior year amortization expense on the credit
facility was only applicable for a portion of the six-month period following the
January 2000 closing date. The remainder of the increase in interest expense
($2.9 million) was largely due to higher average interest rates ($1.5 million)
and higher average borrowing levels ($1.4 million) in the current year.
10

Income Taxes

The Company's effective income tax rate was 35.5% in the first six
months of fiscal 2001 and 38.5% in the same prior year period. The decrease was
primarily related to a reduction in the effective state income tax rate
resulting from the uncertainty of the future utilization of tax loss
carryforwards and the related establishment of valuation allowances.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
($ in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
-----------------------------
MARCH 31, APRIL 1,
2001 2000
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities $ (8,355) $ 1,764
Net cash used for investing activities (1,554) (74,093)
Net cash provided by financing activities 7,050 72,828
Total debt 112,050 124,770
Percentage of total capital 62% 62%
Shareholders' equity $ 67,518 $ 78,082
Percentage of total capital 38% 38%
Total capital (total long-term debt + shareholders' equity) $ 179,568 $ 202,852
</TABLE>

Operating activities used $8.4 million of cash for the first six months
of fiscal 2001 while providing $1.8 million for the same prior year period. The
year-to-year change was primarily due to the current year loss of $7.7 million
compared with net earnings of $1.7 million in the prior year. Depreciation and
amortization rose by $1.9 million, or 36%, primarily due to a $1.8 million
increase in amortization expense associated with the capitalized financing costs
related to the Company's senior secured credit facility. Cash used to reduce
accounts payable and accrued expenses fell by $4.4 million.

Investing activities consumed $1.5 million of cash for the first six
months of fiscal 2001 compared to $74.1 million for the same prior year period.
The decrease was principally related to the acquisition of FWC in the prior year
together with lower capital expenditures in the current year. The Company has
curtailed its capital outlays to conserve cash and it expects capital
expenditures for fiscal 2001 to be significantly lower than the prior year.

Financing activities provided $7.1 million of cash for the first six
months of fiscal 2001 compared with $72.8 million for the same prior year
period. The reduction in financing requirements was primarily related to the
acquisition of FWC in the prior year together with the operating cash deficit in
the current year.

As required by its lenders under the terms of its senior secured credit
facility, in April 2000, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements
to reduce the financial impact of future interest rate fluctuations on its
earnings and cash flows. These agreements effectively converted $50.0 million of
the Company's floating rate debt to fixed rate debt. Interest rate differentials
paid or received under these swap agreements are recognized in income over the
life of the agreements as adjustments to interest expense.

The Company's total debt to capital ratio increased slightly to 63% at
March 31, 2001 compared with 62% at April 1, 2000.

DEBT FACILITIES

In January 2000, the Company entered into a $140.0 million senior
secured credit facility with a group of banks, consisting of a $60.0 million
revolving credit loan and a $80.0 million term loan. Borrowings under the new
credit facility were used to fund the acquisition of FWC and pay off the
balances outstanding on the Company's then existing $60.0 million unsecured
revolving credit facility.

At September 30, 2000, the Company was not in compliance with certain
financial covenants of its senior secured credit facility, which constituted an
event of default. Pursuant to a waiver agreement, the default was waived through
January 15, 2001. On January 12, 2001, the Company and its senior lenders agreed
to an amendment to the credit agreement that modified these financial covenants,
curing the event of default. Under the terms of the amendment, the maturity date
of the credit facility was accelerated from January 31, 2005 to January 15,
2002. Additionally, the Company agreed to certain other terms and conditions,
including: (1) that it would maintain earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") at specified levels; (2) that it would
not make dividend payments or repurchase shares of the Company's common stock;
and (3) that it would not allow capital expenditures to exceed $4.5 million for
fiscal 2001. The Company also
11

agreed to permanent reductions in the revolving credit facility from $60.0
million to $50.0 million at January 12, 2001; to $45.0 million at October 1,
2001, and to $40.0 million at December 31, 2001.

At March 31, 2001, the Company was not in compliance with certain
financial covenants of its senior secured credit facility, which constituted an
event of default. On May 21, 2001, the Company and its senior lenders agreed to
an amendment to the credit agreement that modified these financial covenants,
curing the event of default. Under the terms of the amendment, the maturity date
of the credit facility was extended from January 15, 2002 to April 15, 2002. In
addition, certain other terms and conditions were amended, including: (1) a
deferral of the June 30, 2001 and September 30, 2001 $2.5 million principal
payments on the term loan until the amended maturity date; and (2) a reduction
in the specified levels for certain of the financial covenants.

These amendments are expected to significantly increase the Company's
interest expense as a result of: (1) scheduled increases in the applicable
interest rate margins; (2) additional fees, a portion of which are calculated
based upon the Company's stock price, payable to the lenders on certain dates
and in increasing amounts based upon the timing of the completion of a
refinancing of the credit facility, and (3) higher amortization expense related
to capitalized financing costs due to the acceleration of the maturity date.
Upon an event of default under the amended terms of the credit agreement, the
lenders would be entitled to the right to payment of that portion of the fees
that are based upon the Company's stock price.

Under the amended terms of the credit agreement, interest rates are
determined based upon a base rate that is established at the higher of the prime
rate or 0.5% plus the federal funds rate, plus an applicable interest rate
margin. In addition, a commitment fee is payable on the unused portion of the
revolving credit facility. Advances under the revolving credit facility are
limited to the lesser of the revolving credit commitment or a borrowing base
amount that is calculated based upon a percentage of eligible receivables and
inventories. At March 31, 2001, approximately $2.6 million was available on the
facility and $64.5 million was outstanding on the term loan. The senior secured
facility is collateralized by all of the Company's assets.

The Company intends to refinance the senior secured credit facility
prior to its amended maturity date of April 15, 2002. In the event that such
efforts are unsuccessful, the Company believes that it would likely experience a
material adverse impact on its financial condition, liquidity and results of
operation.

OUTLOOK

The Company's operating results are impacted by seasonal factors,
particularly in the first quarter of the fiscal year, which has historically
represented the lowest quarterly sales volume. Shipments typically increase in
the second quarter and reach a high point in the third or fourth quarter,
reflecting the buying patterns of the Company's customers.

In view of the Company's recent financial performance, it is pursuing a
range of initiatives to reduce operating costs and debt. During and following
the second quarter, the Company completed further staffing reductions together
with the reconfiguration and consolidation of manufacturing activities at
certain of its facilities in order to boost productivity levels and reduce
operating costs. The actions are expected to begin having a favorable impact on
the Company's financial results beginning in the third quarter. The Company
anticipates that the suspension of its cash dividend, curtailment of capital
outlays and improved management of working capital will facilitate reductions in
its debt. Although there can be no assurances, the Company believes that these
actions will have a favorable impact on its financial performance for the
remainder of 2001 (see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations - Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements").

ITEM 3. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

Commodity Prices

The Company does not generally use derivative commodity instruments to
hedge its exposures to changes in commodity prices. The principal commodity
price exposure is hot rolled carbon steel wire rod, the Company's primary raw
material, which is purchased from both domestic and foreign suppliers. The
Company has purchasing procedures and arrangements in place with customers to
manage its exposure to changes in wire rod prices.
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Interest Rates

The Company has debt obligations that are sensitive to changes in
interest rates under its senior secured credit facility. As required by its
lenders under the terms of its senior secured credit facility, in April 2000,
the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements to reduce the financial
impact of future interest rate fluctuations on its earnings and cash flows.
These agreements effectively converted $50.0 million of the Company's floating
rate debt to fixed rate debt. Interest rate differentials paid or received under
these swap agreements are recognized in income over the life of the agreements
as adjustments to interest expense.

Foreign Exchange Exposure

The Company has not typically hedged foreign currency exposures related
to transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars, although such
transactions have not been material in the past. The Company will occasionally
hedge firm commitments for certain equipment purchases that are denominated in
foreign currencies. The decision to hedge any such transactions is made by the
Company on a case-by-case basis. There were no forward contracts outstanding as
of March 31, 2001.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

a. Exhibits:

4.1(b) Amendment Agreement No. 2 dated May 21, 2001 to Credit
Agreement between Insteel Industries, Inc., Bank of America,
N.A. and Lenders dated January 31, 2000, as amended January
12, 2001. (Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant
to a request for confidential treatment).

b. Reports of Form 8-K

None.

SIGNATURES

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


INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
------------------------
Registrant



Date: May 21, 2001 By: /s/ H.O. Woltz III
-----------------------------------------
H.O. Woltz III
President and Chief Executive Officer




Date: May 21, 2001 By: /s/ Michael C. Gazmarian
-----------------------------------------
Michael C. Gazmarian
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(and Principal Accounting Officer)