Insteel Industries
IIIN
#7293
Rank
$0.50 B
Marketcap
$26.22
Share price
-8.03%
Change (1 day)
-13.69%
Change (1 year)

Insteel Industries - 10-Q quarterly report FY


Text size:
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 DECEMBER 29, 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
February 5, 2002 was 8,460,187.
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



DECEMBER 29, SEPTEMBER 29,
2001 2001
------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,116 $ 4,183
Accounts receivable, net 33,225 43,912
Inventories 37,539 34,576
Prepaid expenses and other 4,433 4,645
--------- ---------
Total current assets 80,313 87,316
Property, plant and equipment, net 72,496 74,234
Other assets 36,173 37,296
--------- ---------
Total assets $ 188,982 $ 198,846
========= =========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 25,879 $ 32,293
Accrued expenses 9,045 9,692
Current portion of long-term debt 2,920 2,920
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities 37,844 44,905
Long-term debt 95,615 97,785
Other liabilities 5,426 6,092
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock 16,920 16,920
Additional paid-in capital 38,327 38,327
Retained deficit (1,951) (1,562)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (3,199) (3,621)
--------- ---------
Total shareholders' equity 50,097 50,064
--------- ---------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 188,982 $ 198,846
========= =========
</TABLE>


2
INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands except for per share data)
(Unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
-------------------------------
DECEMBER 29, DECEMBER 30,
2001 2000
-------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net sales $ 62,714 $ 68,939
Cost of sales 57,646 66,024
--------- ---------
Gross profit 5,068 2,915
Selling, general and administrative expense 3,322 5,435
Restructuring charges 121 --
--------- ---------
Operating income (loss) 1,625 (2,520)
Interest expense 3,143 3,387
Other income (956) (194)
--------- ---------
Loss before income taxes (562) (5,713)
Benefit for income taxes (173) (2,153)
--------- ---------

Net loss $ (389) $ (3,560)
========= =========

Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and diluted) 8,460 8,460
========= =========

Net loss per share (basic and diluted) $ (0.05) $ (0.42)
========= =========
</TABLE>


3
INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
----------------------------------
DECEMBER 29, DECEMBER 30,
2001 2000
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss $ (389) $ (3,560)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided
by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 2,541 3,292
Loss (gain) on sale of assets 28 (32)
Restructuring charges 121 --
Deferred income taxes (186) (2,153)
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net 10,608 8,973
Inventories (2,963) 3,920
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (7,061) (14,741)
Other changes 405 2
-------- --------
Total adjustments 3,493 (739)
-------- --------
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities 3,104 (4,299)
-------- --------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures (86) (657)
Proceeds from (issuance of) notes receivable 79 (18)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 6 47
-------- --------
Net cash used for investing activities (1) (628)
-------- --------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from long-term debt 2,100 39,600
Principal payments on long-term debt (4,270) (34,480)
-------- --------
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities (2,170) 5,120
-------- --------

Net increase in cash 933 193
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 4,183 3,230
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 5,116 $ 3,423
======== ========

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $ 2,054 $ 3,068
Income taxes -- 5
</TABLE>


4
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 the audited 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 29, 2001.

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) RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, "Business Combinations" ("SFAS 141")
and No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("SFAS 142"). SFAS 141
requires all business combinations to be accounted for using the purchase method
of accounting and is effective for all business combinations initiated after
June 30, 2001. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in business combinations
completed before July 1, 2001 will continue to be amortized and tested for
impairment in accordance with the appropriate pre-SFAS 142 accounting literature
prior to the full adoption of SFAS 142.

SFAS 142 requires goodwill and certain intangible assets to be tested
for impairment under certain circumstances, and written off when impaired,
rather than being amortized as previous standards required. The Company adopted
SFAS 142 effective September 30, 2001 and will be completing its assessment of
whether there is an indication that goodwill is impaired as of the date of
adoption before the end of the second quarter. Any transitional impairment loss
will be recognized as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
in the Company's statement of operations. Because of the extensive requirements
associated with the adoption of SFAS 141 and SFAS 142, it is not practicable to
reasonably estimate the impact of adoption on the Company's financial statements
as of the date of this report, including whether it will be required to
recognize any transitional impairment losses as the cumulative effect of a
change in accounting principle.

(3) CREDIT FACILITIES

The Company has a senior secured credit facility with a group of banks,
consisting of a $50.0 million revolving credit loan and a $57.5 million term
loan. In January 2002, the Company and its senior lenders agreed to an amendment
to the credit agreement that extended the previously amended maturity date of
the credit facility from October 15, 2002 to January 15, 2003.

Under the amended terms of the credit agreement, interest rates on the
credit facility 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, in either
case, an applicable interest rate margin. As of December 29, 2001, the interest
rate on the credit facility was 7.75%. 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 December 29,
2001, approximately $0.6 million was available under the revolving credit
facility. Under the amended terms of the credit agreement, the Company is
subject to financial covenants that require the maintenance of earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") and net worth above
specified levels. The senior secured credit facility is collateralized by all of
the Company's assets.

The Company and its senior lenders have agreed to certain modifications
in the credit facility through a series of amendments to the credit agreement.
The previous amendments had the effect of increasing the Company's interest
expense from the amounts that would have been incurred under the original terms
of the credit agreement as a result of: (1) increases


5
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) a reduction in the term of the
credit facility and the period over which the capitalized financing costs are
amortized, resulting in higher amortization expense. Upon an event of default,
the lenders would be entitled to the right to payment of that portion of the
fees that are calculated based upon the Company's stock price.

The Company intends to refinance the senior secured credit facility
prior to its amended maturity date of January 15, 2003. 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.

As required by its lenders under the terms of the 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
variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. 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. 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. Changes in the fair value of the swap
agreements are recorded as a component of "accumulated other comprehensive
income." As of December 29, 2001, the fair value of the swap agreements was
($4.3 million) and was recorded in other liabilities on the Company's
consolidated balance sheet.

(4) EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
-------------------------------------
DECEMBER 29, DECEMBER 30,
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data) 2001 2000
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net loss $ (389) $ (3,560)
============ =============

Weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic) 8,460 8,460
Dilutive effect of stock options -- --
------------ -------------
Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) 8,460 8,460
============ =============

Net loss per share (basic and diluted) $ (0.05) $ (0.42)
============ =============
</TABLE>


Options to purchase 1,184,000 shares and 846,000 shares for the three
months ended December 29, 2001 and December 30, 2000, respectively, were
antidilutive and were not included in the diluted EPS computation.

(5) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The components of comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the
three months ended December 29, 2001 and December 30, 2000 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

THREE MONTHS ENDED
---------------------------------
DECEMBER 29, DECEMBER 30,
2001 2000
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net loss $ (389) $ (3,560)
Change in fair market value of financial instruments
(net of tax of $743 and $261 respectively) 422 (1,204)
---------- ----------
Total comprehensive income (loss) $ 33 $ (4,764)
========== ==========
</TABLE>


6
The components of the change in the accumulated other comprehensive
loss for the three months ended December 29, 2001 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three
Months Ended
December 29,
2001
------------
<S> <C>
Balance, September 29, 2001 $ (3,621)
Change in fair market value of financial instruments 422
----------
Balance, December 29, 2001 $ (3,199)
==========
</TABLE>


(6) OTHER FINANCIAL DATA

Balance sheet information:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 29, SEPTEMBER 29,
2001 2001
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Accounts receivable, net:
Accounts receivable $ 31,121 $ 41,810
Less allowance for doubtful accounts (930) (932)
Other receivables - income tax refund 3,034 3,034
------------- -------------
Total $ 33,225 $ 43,912
============= =============

Inventories:
Raw materials $ 15,179 $ 16,514
Supplies 1,706 1,901
Work in process 1,936 1,791
Finished goods 18,718 14,370
------------- -------------
Total $ 37,539 $ 34,576
============= =============

Other assets:
Goodwill, net $ 14,358 $ 14,358
Non-current deferred tax asset 5,544 5,806
Assets held for sale 4,742 4,724
Equity investment 3,401 3,401
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 2,430 2,380
Capitalized financing costs, net 1,681 1,771
Other 4,017 4,856
------------- -------------
Total $ 36,173 $ 37,296
============= =============

Property, plant and equipment, net:
Land and land improvements $ 6,708 $ 6,708
Buildings 40,222 40,239
Machinery and equipment 96,879 97,446
Construction in progress 1,398 1,444
------------- -------------
145,207 145,837
Less accumulated depreciation (72,711) (71,603)
------------- -------------
Total $ 72,496 $ 74,234
============= =============
</TABLE>


7
(7) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

During the quarter, the Company announced plans to exit the collated
nail business and dispose of the collated nail manufacturing facility located in
Andrews, South Carolina. Following unsuccessful efforts to sell the collated
nail business as a going concern, in January 2002, the Company ceased the
operations of the collated nail facility.

In January 2002, the Company announced plans to exit the bulk nail
business and dispose of the assets of the bulk nail operation, also located in
Andrews, South Carolina. The Company expects to complete the closure of the bulk
nail operation before the end of the second quarter and continue to operate the
industrial wire operation that is located in the same facility. Following the
closure of the bulk nail operation, the Company will no longer participate in
the nail business. For fiscal 2001, sales of bulk and collated nails were $24.3
million, or 8% of the Company's consolidated sales.

The Company is in discussions with prospective purchasers for the
collated and bulk nail assets and expects to determine the estimated fair market
value of the long-lived assets to be disposed of during the second quarter based
upon the outcome of these discussions. If the estimated fair market value is
less than the carrying amount of the assets (approximately $4.5 million for
collated nails and $2.2 million for bulk nails as of December 29, 2001), the
Company will record an impairment loss in the second quarter.


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 and
competitive 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 from domestic and foreign suppliers; 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; 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 OPERATIONS - SELECTED DATA
($ in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
------------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER 29, DECEMBER 30,
2001 CHANGE 2000
------------ ------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $ 62,714 (9)% $ 68,939
Gross profit 5,068 74 % 2,915
Percentage of net sales 8.1% 4.2%
Selling, general and administrative expense $ 3,322 (39)% $ 5,435
Percentage of net sales 5.3% 7.9%
Restructuring charges $ 121 N/M $ --
Operating income (loss) 1,625 (164)% (2,520)
Percentage of net sales 2.6% (3.7)%
Interest expense $ 3,143 (7)% $ 3,387
Percentage of net sales 5.0% 4.9%
Effective income tax rate 30.8% 37.7%
Net loss $ (389) N/M $ (3,560)
</TABLE>


FIRST QUARTER OF FISCAL 2002 COMPARED TO FIRST QUARTER OF FISCAL 2001

Net Sales

Net sales for the quarter decreased 9% to $62.7 million from $68.9
million in the same year-ago period primarily due to the elimination of revenues
associated with the galvanized strand business which the company exited during
the third quarter of fiscal 2001. On a comparable basis, excluding galvanized
strand and related products, sales decreased 1% from the prior year due to lower
average selling prices. Sales of the Company's concrete reinforcing products
(welded wire fabric and PC strand) declined 3% from the year-ago quarter, but
rose to 70% of consolidated sales from 66%. Sales of wire products (industrial
wire, nails and tire bead wire) increased 5% from the year-ago quarter and rose
to 29% of consolidated sales from 25%. The changes in product mix were primarily
due to increased sales of welded wire fabric and tire bead wire together with
the elimination of galvanized strand sales in the current year. Following the
Company's sale of the galvanized strand business in the third quarter of fiscal
2001 and its planned exit from the nail business during the second quarter of
fiscal


9
2002, the Company will no longer generate revenues from these product lines. For
fiscal 2001, sales of bulk and collated nails were $24.3 million, or 8% of the
Company's consolidated sales.

Gross Profit

Gross profit rose 74% to $5.1 million, or 8.1% of net sales in the
quarter compared with $2.9 million, or 4.2% of net sales in the same year-ago
period. The increase was largely driven by the higher productivity levels and
reduced conversion costs that were attained by most of the Company's
manufacturing facilities.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

Selling, general and administrative expense fell 39% to $3.3 million,
or 5.3% of net sales in the quarter from $5.4 million, or 7.9% of net sales in
the same year-ago period. The decrease was primarily due to the Company's cost
reduction initiatives and the elimination of expenses associated with the
galvanized strand business. During the current quarter, the Company completed
further administrative staffing reductions in connection with its efforts to
align the costs of its selling and administrative activities with current
business conditions.

Restructuring Charges

During the quarter, the Company completed further administrative
staffing reductions and recorded charges totaling $0.1 million for the
associated employee separation costs.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the quarter decreased $0.2 million to $3.1 million
from $3.4 million in the same year-ago period. The decrease was primarily due to
lower average borrowing levels on the Company's senior secured credit facility.

Other Income

The Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $1.0 million in other income for
the quarter, or eight cents per share after-tax, in connection with the
settlement of a property damage and business interruption insurance claim
associated with an accident that occurred at its Fredericksburg, Virginia
facility in August 1999.

Income Taxes

The Company's effective income tax rate decreased to 30.8% in the
quarter compared to 37.7% in the year-ago period due to the increasing impact of
permanent book - tax differences on the reduced taxable loss in the current
year.

Net Loss

The Company's net loss for the quarter fell to $389,000, or five cents
per share, from a net loss of $3.6 million, or 42 cents per share, for the same
year-ago period.


10
FINANCIAL CONDITION

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
($ in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

THREE MONTHS ENDED
---------------------------------------
DECEMBER 29, DECEMBER 30,
2001 2000
----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities $ 3,104 $ (4,299)
Net cash used for investing activities (1) (628)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities (2,170) 5,120
Total long-term debt 98,535 110,120
Percentage of total capital 66% 60%
Shareholders' equity $ 50,097 $ 73,879
Percentage of total capital 34% 40%
Total capital (total long-term debt + shareholders' equity) $ 148,632 $ 183,999
</TABLE>


CASH FLOW ANALYSIS

Operating activities provided $3.1 million of cash for the quarter
while using $4.3 million in the same year-ago period. The year-to-year change
was primarily due to the current year loss of $0.4 million compared with the net
loss of $3.6 million in the prior year and the related $2.0 million reduction in
the change in deferred income taxes. In addition, the net change in the working
capital components of receivables, inventories and accounts payable and accrued
expenses provided $0.6 million in the current year while using $1.8 million in
the prior year. Depreciation and amortization declined by $0.8 million, or 23%,
compared to the prior year quarter primarily due to the reduced depreciation
resulting from the impairment losses and write-downs in the carrying values of
the Company's tire bead wire and galvanized strand facilities in the third
quarter of fiscal 2001.

Investing activities were essentially breakeven for the quarter while
using $0.6 million in the same year-ago period. The decrease was principally due
to the Company's curtailment of capital outlays in connection with its debt
reduction efforts.

Financing activities used $2.2 million of cash for the quarter while
providing $5.1 million for the same year-ago period. The reduction in financing
requirements was primarily due to the Company's debt reduction efforts.

As required by its lenders under the terms of the 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
variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. 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. 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. Changes in the fair value of the swap
agreements are recorded as a component of "accumulated other comprehensive
income." As of December 29, 2001, the fair value of the swap agreements was
($4.3 million) and was recorded in other liabilities on the Company's
consolidated balance sheet.

The Company's total debt to capital ratio increased to 66% at December
29, 2001 compared with 60% at December 30, 2000 primarily due to the net losses
over the prior twelve-month period and related reduction in shareholders'
equity.

CREDIT FACILITIES

The Company has a senior secured credit facility with a group of banks,
consisting of a $50.0 million revolving credit loan and a $57.5 million term
loan. In January 2002, the Company and its senior lenders agreed to an amendment
to the credit agreement that extended the previously amended maturity date of
the credit facility from October 15, 2002 to January 15, 2003.


11
Under the amended terms of the credit agreement, interest rates on the
credit facility 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, in either
case, an applicable interest rate margin. As of December 29, 2001, the interest
rate on the credit facility was 7.75%. 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 December 29,
2001, approximately $0.6 million was available under the revolving credit
facility. Under the amended terms of the credit agreement, the Company is
subject to financial covenants that require the maintenance of earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") and net worth above
specified levels. The senior secured credit facility is collateralized by all of
the Company's assets.

The Company and its senior lenders have agreed to certain modifications
in the credit facility through a series of amendments to the credit agreement.
The previous amendments had the effect of increasing the Company's interest
expense from the amounts that would have been incurred under the original terms
of the credit agreement as a result of: (1) 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) a reduction in the term of the credit facility and
the period over which the capitalized financing costs are amortized, resulting
in higher amortization expense. Upon an event of default, the lenders would be
entitled to the right to payment of that portion of the fees that are calculated
based upon the Company's stock price.

The Company intends to refinance the senior secured credit facility
prior to its amended maturity date of January 15, 2003. 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 believes that the general weakening in the economy together
with the increased uncertainty and volatility in demand will continue to create
challenging business conditions in 2002. In addition, reduced domestic capacity
together with the pending antidumping and countervailing duty actions could
significantly reduce the supply of hot rolled carbon steel wire rod, the
Company's primary raw material, to domestic producers of steel wire products,
leading to higher prices. In the event that it was unsuccessful in recovering
these higher costs in its markets, the Company's financial performance would be
negatively impacted.

In view of the Company's recent financial performance and the expected
continuation of difficult market conditions, it is continuing to pursue a range
of initiatives to reduce operating costs and debt. Over the prior year, the
Company completed staffing reductions, curtailed discretionary spending, and
achieved higher productivity levels at its manufacturing facilities in reducing
operating costs. The Company anticipates that the reductions in operating costs
together with the suspension of its cash dividend, curtailment of capital
outlays, improved management of working capital and disposal of excess assets
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 2002 (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


12
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.

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 December 29, 2001.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 5. OTHER MATTERS.

In January 2002, the Company was notified by the New York Stock
Exchange ("NYSE") that it would initiate procedures to suspend trading and
delist the common stock of the Company in view of the fact that it had fallen
below the following NYSE continued listing standards: (1) average global market
capitalization over a consecutive 30 trading-day period less than $15.0 million,
and (2) average closing price of the Company's common stock less than $1.00 over
a consecutive 30 trading-day period. The Company expects to begin trading its
common stock on the OTC bulletin board at the opening of trading on February 8,
2002, the date the NYSE intends to suspend trading.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

a. Exhibits:

4.1(e) Amendment Agreement No. 5 dated January 28, 2002 to Credit
Agreement between Insteel Industries, Inc., Bank of America,
N.A. and Lenders dated January 31, 2000 as amended January 12,
2001, May 21, 2001, August 9, 2001 and November 16, 2001.
(Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a
request for confidential treatment).

b. Reports of Form 8-K

None.

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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: February 5, 2002 By: /s/ H.O. Woltz III
---------------------------------------------
H.O. Woltz III
President and Chief Executive Officer




Date: February 5, 2002 By: /s/ Michael C. Gazmarian
---------------------------------------------
Michael C. Gazmarian
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer


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