10-K 1 iiin20130930_10k.htm FORM 10-K

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended September 28, 2013

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock (No Par Value) (Preferred Share Purchase | The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Rights are attached to and trade with the Common Stock) | (NASDAQ Global Select Market)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Preferred Share Purchase Rights (attached to and trade with the Common Stock)

Title of Class

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [ ] No [X]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes [ ] No [X]

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 [ ]

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). Yes [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to the Form 10-K. [X]

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. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer [ ] | Accelerated filer [X]
Non-accelerated filer [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [ ] No [X]

As of March 30, 2013 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter), the aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $272,849,494 based upon the closing sale price as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. As of October 28, 2013, there were 18,184,912 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Certain portions of the registrant’s proxy statement to be delivered to shareholders in connection with the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference as set forth in Part III hereof.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements | 3
PART I
Item 1. | Business | 4
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 7
Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments | 10
Item 2. | Properties | 10
Item 3. | Legal Proceedings | 10
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | 10
PART II
Item 5. | Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities | 10
Item 6. | Selected Financial Data | 12
Item 7. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 12
Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 20
Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data | 21
Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | 51
Item 9A. | Controls and Procedures | 51
Item 9B. | Other Information | 53
PART III
Item 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance | 53
Item 11. | Executive Compensation | 53
Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | 53
Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence | 53
Item 14. | Principal Accounting Fees and Services | 54
PART IV
Item 15. | Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules | 54
SIGNATURES | 55
EXHIBIT INDEX | 56

2

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 in the “Business,” “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of this report. When used in this report, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,” “intends,” “may,” “should” 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 achieved. Many of these risks are discussed herein under the caption “Risk Factors” and are updated from time to time in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). You should read these risk factors carefully.

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.

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:

| ● | general economic and competitive conditions in the markets in which we operate;

| ● | credit market conditions and the relative availability of financing for us, our customers and the construction industry as a whole;

| ● | the continuation of reduced spending for nonresidential and residential construction and the impact on demand for our products;

| ● | changes in the amount and duration of transportation funding provided by federal, state and local governments and the impact on spending for infrastructure construction and demand for our products;

| ● | the cyclical nature of the steel and building material industries;

| ● | fluctuations in the cost and availability of our primary raw material, hot-rolled steel wire rod, from domestic and foreign suppliers;

| ● | competitive pricing pressures and our ability to raise selling prices in order to recover increases in wire rod costs;

| ● | changes in United States (“U.S.”) or foreign trade policy affecting imports or exports of steel wire rod or our products;

| ● | unanticipated changes in customer demand, order patterns and inventory levels;

| ● | the impact of weak demand and reduced capacity utilization levels on our unit manufacturing costs;

| ● | our ability to further develop the market for engineered structural mesh (“ESM”) and expand our shipments of ESM;

| ● | legal, environmental, economic or regulatory developments that significantly impact our operating costs;

| ● | unanticipated plant outages, equipment failures or labor difficulties;

| ● | continued escalation in certain of our operating costs; and

| ● | the risks and uncertainties discussed herein under the caption “Risk Factors.”

3

PART I

Item 1. Business

General

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 (“WWR”), including ESM, concrete pipe reinforcement (“CPR”) and standard welded wire reinforcement (“SWWR”). Our products are sold primarily to manufacturers of concrete products that are used in nonresidential construction. For fiscal 2013, we estimate that approximately 90% of our sales were related to nonresidential construction and 10% were related to residential construction.

Insteel is the parent holding company for two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Insteel Wire Products Company (“IWP”), an operating subsidiary, and Intercontinental Metals Corporation, an inactive subsidiary. We were incorporated in 1958 in the State of North Carolina.

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 in our core businesses that further our penetration of the markets we currently serve or expand our geographic footprint. Headquartered in Mount Airy, North Carolina, we operate nine manufacturing facilities that are located in the U.S. in close proximity to our customers. Our growth initiatives are focused on organic opportunities as well as acquisitions in existing or related markets that leverage our infrastructure and core competencies in the manufacture and marketing of concrete reinforcing products.

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

Internet Access to Company Information

Additional information about us and our filings with the SEC, including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments thereto, are available at no cost on our web site at http://investor.insteel.com/sec.cfm and the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The information available on our web site and the SEC’s web site is not part of this report and shall not be deemed incorporated into any of our SEC filings.

Products

Our concrete reinforcing products consist of PC strand and WWR.

PC strand is a high strength seven-wire strand that is used to impart compression forces into precast concrete elements and structures, which may be either pretensioned or posttensioned, providing reinforcement for bridges, parking decks, buildings and other concrete structures. Pretensioned or “prestressed” concrete elements or structures are primarily used in nonresidential construction while posttensioned concrete elements or structures are used in both nonresidential and residential construction. For 2013, 2012 and 2011, PC strand sales represented 37%, 37% and 38%, respectively, of our consolidated net sales.

WWR is produced as either a standard or a specially engineered reinforcing product for use in nonresidential and residential construction. We produce a full range of WWR products, including ESM, CPR and SWWR. ESM is an engineered made-to-order product that is used as the primary reinforcement for concrete elements or structures, frequently serving as a replacement for hot-rolled rebar due to the cost advantages that it offers. CPR is an engineered made-to-order product that is used as the primary reinforcement in concrete pipe, box culverts and precast manholes for drainage and sewage systems, water treatment facilities and other related applications. SWWR is a secondary reinforcing product that is produced in standard styles for crack control applications in residential and light nonresidential construction, including driveways, sidewalks and various slab-on-grade applications. For 2013, 2012 and 2011, WWR sales represented 63%, 63% and 62%, respectively, of our consolidated net sales.

4

Marketing and Distribution

We market our products through sales representatives who are our employees. Our outside sales representatives sell multiple product lines in their respective territories, thereby reducing duplication of personnel and travel expenses as compared to the product line sales strategy previously utilized by the Company. Our sales representatives are trained in the technical applications of our products. We sell our products nationwide as well as into Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America, delivering our products primarily by truck, using common or contract carriers. The delivery method selected is dependent upon backhaul opportunities, comparative costs and customer service requirements.

Customers

We sell our products to a broad range of customers that includes manufacturers of concrete products, and to a lesser extent, distributors, rebar fabricators and contractors. In fiscal 2013, we estimate that approximately 70% of our net sales were to manufacturers of concrete products and 30% were to distributors, rebar fabricators and contractors. In many cases we are unable to identify the specific end use for our products as a high percentage of our customers sell into both the nonresidential and residential construction sectors. There were no customers that represented 10% or more of our net sales in fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Backlog

Backlog is minimal for our business because of the relatively short lead times that are required by our customers. We believe that the majority of our firm orders existing on September 28, 2013 will be shipped prior to the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2014.

Product Warranties

Our products are used in applications which are subject to inherent risks including performance deficiencies, personal injury, property damage, environmental contamination or loss of production. We warrant our products to meet certain specifications and actual or claimed deficiencies from these specifications may give rise to claims, although we do not maintain a reserve for warranties as the historical claims have been immaterial. We maintain product liability insurance coverage to minimize our exposure to such risks.

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 shipments within the year typically occurs when weather conditions are the most conducive to construction activity. As a result, shipments and profitability are usually higher in the third and fourth quarters of the fiscal year and lower in the first and second quarters. From a cyclical standpoint, the level of construction activity tends to be correlated with general economic conditions although there can be significant differences between the relative performance of the nonresidential and residential construction sectors for extended periods.

Raw Materials

The primary raw material used to manufacture our products is hot-rolled carbon steel wire rod, which we purchase from both domestic and foreign suppliers. Wire rod can generally be characterized as a commodity product. We purchase several different grades and sizes of wire rod with varying specifications based on the diameter, chemistry, mechanical properties and metallurgical characteristics that are required for our end products. High carbon grades of wire rod are required for the production of PC strand while low carbon grades are used to manufacture WWR.

Pricing for wire rod tends to fluctuate based on both domestic and global market conditions. In most economic environments, domestic demand for wire rod exceeds domestic production capacity and imports of wire rod are necessary to satisfy the supply requirements of the U.S. market. Trade actions initiated by domestic wire rod producers can significantly impact the pricing and availability of imported wire rod, which during fiscal years 2013 and 2012 represented approximately 25% and 17%, respectively, of our total wire rod purchases. We believe that the substantial volume of our wire rod requirements, our strong financial condition and our desirable mix of sizes and grades represents a competitive advantage by making us a more attractive customer to our suppliers relative to our competitors.

Our ability to source wire rod from overseas suppliers is limited by domestic content requirements generally referred to as “Buy America” or “Buy American” laws that exist at both the federal and state levels. These laws generally require a domestic “melt and cast” standard for purposes of compliance. Certain segments of the PC strand market and the majority of our CPR and ESM products are certified to customers to be in compliance with the domestic content regulations.

5

Selling prices for our products tend to be correlated with changes in wire rod prices. However, the timing of the relative price changes varies depending upon market conditions and competitive factors. The relative supply and demand conditions in our markets determine whether our margins expand or contract during periods of rising or falling wire rod prices.

Competition

We believe that we are the largest domestic producer of PC strand and WWR. The markets in which our business is conducted are highly competitive. Some of our competitors, such as Nucor Corporation, Keystone Steel & Wire Co., Oklahoma Steel and Wire, and Gerdau Long Products North America, are vertically integrated companies that produce both wire rod and concrete reinforcing products and offer multiple product lines over broad geographic areas. Other competitors are smaller independent companies that offer limited competition in certain markets. Market participants compete on the basis of price, quality and service. Our primary competitors for WWR products are Nucor Corporation, Gerdau Ameristeel Corporation, Engineered Wire Products, Inc., Davis Wire Corporation, Oklahoma Steel & Wire Co., Inc., Concrete Reinforcements Inc. and Wire Mesh Corporation. Our primary competitors for PC strand are American Spring Wire Corporation, Sumiden Wire Products Corporation, Strand-Tech Martin, Inc. and Wire Mesh Corporation. Import competition is also a significant factor in certain segments of the PC strand market.

In response to irrationally-priced import competition from offshore PC strand suppliers, we have pursued trade cases when necessary as a means of ensuring that foreign producers were complying with the applicable trade laws and regulations. In 2003, we, together with a coalition of domestic producers of PC strand, obtained a favorable determination from the U.S. Department of Commerce (the “DOC”) in response to the petitions we had filed alleging that imports of PC strand from Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico and Thailand were being “dumped” or sold in the U.S. at a price that was lower than fair value and had injured the domestic PC strand industry. The DOC imposed anti-dumping duties ranging from 12% up to 119%, which had the effect of limiting the participation of these countries in the domestic market. In 2010, we, together with a coalition of domestic producers of PC strand, obtained favorable determinations from the DOC in response to the petitions we had filed alleging that imports of PC strand from China were being “dumped” or sold in the U.S. at a price that was lower than fair value and that subsidies were being provided to Chinese PC strand producers by the Chinese government, both of which had injured the domestic PC strand industry. The DOC imposed final countervailing duty margins ranging from 9% to 46% and anti-dumping margins ranging from 43% to 194%, which had the effect of limiting the continued participation of Chinese producers in the domestic market.

Quality and service expectations of customers have risen substantially over the years and are key factors that impact their selection of suppliers. Technology has become a critical competitive factor from the standpoint of manufacturing costs, quality and customer service capabilities. In view of our sophisticated information systems, technologically advanced manufacturing facilities, low cost production capabilities, strong market positions, and broad product offering and geographic reach, we believe that we are well-positioned to compete favorably with other producers of our concrete reinforcing products.

Employees

As of September 28, 2013, we employed 687 people. We have not experienced any work stoppages and believe that our relationship with our employees is good. However, should we experience a disruption of production, we have contingency plans in place that we believe would enable us to continue serving our customers, although there can be no assurances that a work slowdown or stoppage would not adversely impact our operating costs and overall financial results.

Financial Information

For information with respect to revenue, operating profitability and identifiable assets attributable to our business and geographic areas, see the items referenced in Item 6, Selected Financial Data; Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; and Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.

Environmental Matters

We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable environmental laws and regulations. We have experienced no material difficulties in complying with legislative or regulatory standards and believe that these standards have not materially impacted our financial position or results of operations. Although our future compliance with additional environmental requirements could necessitate capital outlays, we do not believe that these expenditures would ultimately have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. We do not expect to incur material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities during fiscal years 2014 and 2015.

6

Executive Officers of the Company

Our executive officers are as follows:

Name |  | Age |  | Position
H.O. Woltz III |  | 57 |  | President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
Michael C. Gazmarian |  | 54 |  | Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
James F. Petelle |  | 63 |  | Vice President - Administration and Secretary
Richard T. Wagner |  | 54 |  | Vice President and General Manager of IWP

H. O. Woltz III, 57, was elected Chief Executive Officer in 1991 and has been employed by us and our subsidiaries in various capacities since 1978. He was named President and Chief Operating Officer in 1989. He served as our Vice President from 1988 to 1989 and as President of Rappahannock Wire Company, formerly a subsidiary of our Company, from 1981 to 1989. Mr. Woltz has been a Director since 1986 and also serves as President of Insteel Wire Products Company. Mr. Woltz served as President of Florida Wire and Cable, Inc. until its merger with Insteel Wire Products Company in 2002. Mr. Woltz serves on the Executive Committee of our Board of Directors and was elected Chairman of the Board in 2009.

Michael C. Gazmarian, 54, was elected Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in February 2007. He had previously served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since 1994, the year he joined us. Before joining us, Mr. Gazmarian had been employed by Guardian Industries Corp., a privately-held manufacturer of glass, automotive and building products, since 1986, serving in various financial capacities.

James F. Petelle, 63, joined us in October 2006. He was elected Vice President and Assistant Secretary on November 14, 2006 and Vice President - Administration and Secretary on January 12, 2007. He was previously employed by Andrew Corporation, a publicly-held manufacturer of telecommunications infrastructure equipment, having served as Secretary from 1990 to May 2006, and Vice President - Law from 2000 to October 2006.

Richard T. Wagner, 54, joined us in 1992 and has served as Vice President and General Manager of the Concrete Reinforcing Products Business Unit of the Company’s subsidiary, Insteel Wire Products Company, since 1998. In February 2007, Mr. Wagner was appointed Vice President of the parent company, Insteel Industries, Inc. Prior to 1992, Mr. Wagner served in various positions with Florida Wire and Cable, Inc., a manufacturer of PC strand and galvanized strand products, since 1977.

The executive officers listed above were elected by our Board of Directors at its annual meeting held February 12, 2013 for a term that will expire at the next annual meeting of the Board of Directors or until their successors are elected and qualify. The next meeting at which officers will be elected is expected to be February 12, 2014.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

You should carefully consider all of the information set forth in this annual report on Form 10-K, including the following risk factors, before investing in any of our securities. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that are currently unknown to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial may also impair our business or adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. We may amend or supplement these risk factors from time to time by other future reports and statements that we file with the SEC.

Our business is cyclical and can be negatively impacted by prolonged economic downturns or reduced availability of financing in the credit markets that reduce the level of construction activity and demand for our products.

Demand for our concrete reinforcing products is cyclical in nature and sensitive to changes in the economy and in the availability of financing in the credit markets. Our products are sold primarily to manufacturers of concrete products for the construction industry and used for a broad range of nonresidential and residential construction applications. Demand in these markets is driven by the level of construction activity, which tends to be correlated with conditions in the general economy as well as other factors beyond our control. The tightening in the credit markets that has persisted since fiscal 2009 could continue to unfavorably impact demand for our products by reducing the availability of financing to our customers and the construction industry as a whole. Future prolonged periods of economic weakness or reduced availability of financing could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

7

Our business can be negatively impacted by reductions in the amount and duration of government funding for infrastructure projects that reduce the level of construction activity and demand for our products.

Certain of our products are used in the construction of highways, bridges and other infrastructure projects that are funded by federal, state and local governments. Reductions in the amount of funding for such projects or the period for which it is provided could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

In particular, the recent U.S. government partial shutdown presents a significant risk. If the U.S. government budget process results in a prolonged shutdown, we may experience delayed orders, delayed payments, and declines in revenues, profitability, and cash flows. Additionally, we may experience related supply chain delays, disruptions, or other problems associated with financial constraints faced by our suppliers. These conditions could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

Our operations are subject to seasonal fluctuations that may impact our cash flow.

Our shipments are generally lower in the first and second quarters primarily due to the reduced level of construction activity resulting from winter weather conditions together with customer plant shutdowns associated with holidays. As a result, our cash flow from operations may vary from quarter to quarter due to these seasonal factors.

Demand for our products is highly variable and difficult to forecast due to our minimal backlog and the unanticipated changes that can occur in customer order patterns or inventory levels.

Demand for our products is highly variable. The short lead times for customer orders and minimal backlog that characterize our business make it difficult to forecast the future level of demand for our products. In some cases, unanticipated downturns in demand can be exacerbated by inventory reduction measures pursued by our customers. The combination of these factors may cause significant fluctuations in our sales, profitability and cash flows.

Our customers may be adversely affected by the continued negative macroeconomic conditions and tightening in the credit markets.

Current negative macroeconomic conditions and the tightening in the credit markets could limit the ability of our customers to fund their financing requirements, thereby reducing their purchasing volume with us. Further, the reduction in the availability of credit may increase the risk of customers defaulting on their payment obligations to us. The continuation or occurrence of these events could materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our financial results can be negatively impacted by the volatility in the cost and availability of our primary raw material, hot-rolled carbon steel wire rod.

The primary raw material used to manufacture our products is hot-rolled carbon steel wire rod, which we purchase from both domestic and foreign suppliers. We do not use derivative commodity instruments to hedge our exposure to changes in the price of wire rod as such instruments are currently unavailable in the financial markets. Beginning in fiscal 2004, a tightening of supply in the rod market together with fluctuations in the raw material costs of rod producers resulted in increased price volatility which has continued through fiscal 2013. In response to the increased pricing volatility, wire rod producers have resorted to increasing the frequency of price adjustments, typically on a monthly basis as well as unilaterally changing the terms of prior commitments.

Although changes in our wire rod costs and selling prices tend to be correlated, depending upon market conditions, there may be periods during which we are unable to fully recover increased rod costs through higher selling prices, which would reduce gross profit and cash flow from operations. Additionally, should raw material costs decline, our financial results may be negatively impacted if the selling prices for our products decrease to an even greater degree and to the extent that we are consuming higher cost material from inventory.

Our financial results can also be significantly impacted if raw material supplies are inadequate to satisfy our purchasing requirements. In addition, trade actions by domestic wire rod producers against offshore suppliers can have a substantial impact on the availability and cost of imported wire rod. The imposition of anti-dumping or countervailing duty margins by the DOC against exporting countries can have the effect of reducing or eliminating their activity in the domestic market, which is of increasing significance in view of the reductions in domestic wire rod production capacity that have occurred in recent years. If we were unable to obtain adequate and timely delivery of our raw material requirements, we may be unable to manufacture sufficient quantities of our products or operate our manufacturing facilities in an efficient manner, which could result in lost sales and higher operating costs.

8

Foreign competition could adversely impact our financial results.

Our PC strand business is subject to offshore import competition on an ongoing basis in that in most market environments, domestic production capacity is insufficient to satisfy domestic demand. If we are unable to purchase raw materials and achieve manufacturing costs that are competitive with those of foreign producers, or if the margin and return requirements of foreign producers are substantially lower, our market share and profit margins could be negatively impacted. In response to irrationally-priced import competition from offshore PC strand suppliers, we have pursued trade cases when necessary as a means of ensuring that foreign producers were complying with the applicable trade laws and regulations. These trade cases have resulted in the imposition of duties which have had the effect of limiting the continued participation of certain countries in the domestic market. Trade law enforcement is critical to our ability to maintain our competitive position against foreign PC strand producers that engage in unlawful trade practices.

Our manufacturing facilities are subject to unexpected equipment failures, operational interruptions and casualty losses.

Our manufacturing facilities are subject to risks that may limit our ability to manufacture products, including unexpected equipment failures and catastrophic losses due to other unanticipated events such as fires, explosions, accidents, adverse weather conditions and transportation interruptions. Any such equipment failures or events can subject us to material plant shutdowns, periods of reduced production or unexpected downtime. Furthermore, the resolution of certain operational interruptions may require significant capital expenditures. Although our insurance coverage could offset the losses or expenditures relating to some of these events, our results of operations and cash flows could be negatively impacted to the extent that such claims were not covered or only partially covered by our insurance.

Our financial results could be adversely impacted by the continued escalation in certain of our operating costs.

Our employee benefit costs, particularly our medical and workers’ compensation costs, have increased substantially in recent years and are expected to continue to rise. In March 2010, Congress passed and the President signed The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which will have a significant impact on employers, health care providers, insurers and others associated with the health care industry and is expected to increase our employee health care costs. This legislation requires certain large employers to offer health care benefits to full-time employees or face potential annual penalties. To avoid these penalties, employers must offer health benefits providing a minimum level of coverage and must limit the amount that employees are charged for the coverage. Although this new requirement has been delayed generally from January 2014 to January 2015, any significant increases in the costs attributable to our self-insured health plans could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, higher prices for natural gas, electricity, fuel and consumables increase our manufacturing and distribution costs. Most of our sales are made under terms whereby we incur the fuel costs and surcharges associated with the delivery of products to our customers. Although we have implemented numerous measures to offset the impact of the ongoing escalation in these costs, there can be no assurance that such actions will be effective. If we are unable to pass these additional costs through by raising selling prices, our financial results could be adversely impacted.

Our capital resources may not be adequate to provide for our capital investment and maintenance expenditures if we were to experience a substantial downturn in our financial performance.

Our operations are capital intensive and require substantial recurring expenditures for the routine maintenance of our equipment and facilities. Although we expect to finance our business requirements through internally generated funds or from borrowings under our $100.0 million revolving credit facility, we cannot provide any assurances these resources will be sufficient to support our business. A material adverse change in our operations or financial condition could limit our ability to borrow funds under our credit facility, which could further adversely impact our liquidity and financial condition. Any significant future acquisitions could require additional financing from external sources that may not be available on favorable terms, which could adversely impact our operations, growth plans, financial condition and results of operations.

Environmental compliance and remediation could result in substantially increased capital investments and operating costs.

Our business is subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to the protection of the environment that could require substantial increases in capital investments and operating costs. These laws and regulations, which are constantly evolving, are becoming increasingly stringent and the ultimate impact of compliance is not always clearly known or determinable because regulations under some of these laws have not yet been promulgated or are undergoing revision.

Our stock price can be volatile, often in connection with matters beyond our control.

Equity markets in the U.S. have been increasingly volatile in recent years. During fiscal 2013, our common stock traded as high as $19.37 and as low as $10.53. There are numerous factors that could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate significantly, including: variations in our quarterly and annual operating results; changes in our business outlook; changes in market valuations of companies in our industry; changes in the expectations for nonresidential and residential construction; and announcements by us, our competitors or industry participants that may be perceived to impact us or our operations.

9

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 2. Properties.

Insteel’s corporate headquarters and IWP’s sales and administrative offices are located in Mount Airy, North Carolina. At September 28, 2013, we operated nine manufacturing facilities located in Dayton, Texas; Gallatin, Tennessee; Hazleton, Pennsylvania; Hickman, Kentucky; Jacksonville, Florida; Kingman, Arizona; Mount Airy, North Carolina; Sanderson, Florida; and St. Joseph, Missouri.

We own all of our real estate. We believe that our properties are in good operating condition and that our machinery and equipment have been well maintained. We also believe that our manufacturing facilities are suitable for their intended purposes and have capacities adequate to satisfy the current and projected needs for our existing products.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

We are, from time to time, 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 anticipate that the ultimate cost to resolve these other matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

PART II

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

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

|  | Fiscal 2013 |  |  | Fiscal 2012 |
|  | High |  |  | Low |  |  | Cash Dividends |  |  | High |  |  | Low |  |  | Cash Dividends |
First Quarter |  | $ | 12.67 |  |  | $ | 10.53 |  |  | $ | 0.28 |  |  | $ | 11.25 |  |  | $ | 9.27 |  |  | $ | 0.03 |
Second Quarter |  |  | 17.22 |  |  |  | 11.79 |  |  |  | 0.03 |  |  |  | 13.74 |  |  |  | 10.47 |  |  |  | 0.03 |
Third Quarter |  |  | 19.37 |  |  |  | 14.01 |  |  |  | 0.03 |  |  |  | 12.38 |  |  |  | 8.93 |  |  |  | 0.03 |
Fourth Quarter |  |  | 18.21 |  |  |  | 15.18 |  |  |  | 0.03 |  |  |  | 12.24 |  |  |  | 9.46 |  |  |  | 0.03 |

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

10

Stock Performance Graph

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

|  | Fiscal Year Ended |
|  | 9/27/08 |  |  | 10/3/09 |  |  | 10/2/10 |  |  | 10/1/11 |  |  | 9/29/12 |  |  | 9/28/13 |
Insteel Industries, Inc. |  | $ | 100.00 |  |  | $ | 84.19 |  |  | $ | 65.33 |  |  | $ | 74.41 |  |  | $ | 87.61 |  |  | $ | 122.93 |
Russell 2000 |  |  | 100.00 |  |  |  | 90.45 |  |  |  | 102.53 |  |  |  | 98.91 |  |  |  | 130.47 |  |  |  | 169.68 |
S&P Building Products |  |  | 100.00 |  |  |  | 76.14 |  |  |  | 66.36 |  |  |  | 43.94 |  |  |  | 95.46 |  |  |  | 137.33 |

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

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

Rights Agreement

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

11

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

Financial Highlights

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

|  | Year Ended |
|  | (52 weeks) |  |  | (52 weeks) |  |  | (52 weeks) |  |  | (52 weeks) |  |  | (53 weeks) |
|  | September 28, |  |  | September 29, |  |  | October 1, |  |  | October 2, |  |  | October 3, |
|  | 2013 |  |  | 2012 |  |  | 2011 |  |  | 2010 |  |  | 2009 |
Net sales |  | $ | 363,896 |  |  | $ | 363,303 |  |  | $ | 336,909 |  |  | $ | 211,586 |  |  | $ | 230,236 |
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations |  |  | 11,735 |  |  |  | 1,809 |  |  |  | (387 | ) |  |  | 458 |  |  |  | (20,940 | )
Net earnings (loss) |  |  | 11,735 |  |  |  | 1,809 |  |  |  | (387 | ) |  |  | 473 |  |  |  | (22,086 | )
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations (basic) |  |  | 0.65 |  |  |  | 0.10 |  |  |  | (0.02 | ) |  |  | 0.03 |  |  |  | (1.20 | )
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations (diluted) |  |  | 0.64 |  |  |  | 0.10 |  |  |  | (0.02 | ) |  |  | 0.03 |  |  |  | (1.20 | )
Net earnings (loss) per share (basic) |  |  | 0.65 |  |  |  | 0.10 |  |  |  | (0.02 | ) |  |  | 0.03 |  |  |  | (1.27 | )
Net earnings (loss) per share (diluted) |  |  | 0.64 |  |  |  | 0.10 |  |  |  | (0.02 | ) |  |  | 0.03 |  |  |  | (1.27 | )
Cash dividends declared |  |  | 0.37 |  |  |  | 0.12 |  |  |  | 0.12 |  |  |  | 0.12 |  |  |  | 0.12 |
Total assets |  |  | 212,649 |  |  |  | 208,552 |  |  |  | 216,530 |  |  |  | 182,505 |  |  |  | 182,117 |
Total debt |  |  | - |  |  |  | 11,475 |  |  |  | 14,156 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Shareholders’ equity |  |  | 161,056 |  |  |  | 149,500 |  |  |  | 148,474 |  |  |  | 147,876 |  |  |  | 147,070 |

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

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

Overview

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

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

Critical Accounting Policies

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

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

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

12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14

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

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

Recent Accounting Pronouncements.

Current Adoptions

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

Future Adoptions

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

Results of Operations

Statements of Operations – Selected Data

(Dollars in thousands)

|  | Year Ended |
|  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | Change |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | Change |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Net sales |  | $ | 363,896 |  |  |  | 0.2% |  |  | $ | 363,303 |  |  |  | 7.8% |  |  | $ | 336,909 |
Gross profit |  |  | 39,233 |  |  |  | 74.7% |  |  |  | 22,458 |  |  |  | (29.3% | ) |  |  | 31,743 |
Percentage of net sales |  |  | 10.8% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6.2% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 9.4% |
Selling, general and administrative expense |  | $ | 20,682 |  |  |  | 9.4% |  |  | $ | 18,911 |  |  |  | (3.6% | ) |  | $ | 19,608 |
Percentage of net sales |  |  | 5.7% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.2% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.8% |
Other expense (income), net |  | $ | 333 |  |  | N/M |  |  | $ | (188 | ) |  |  | (15.3% | ) |  | $ | (222 | )
Restructuring charges, net |  |  | - |  |  |  | (100.0% | ) |  |  | 832 |  |  |  | (90.0% | ) |  |  | 8,318 |
Gain on early extinguishment of debt |  |  | - |  |  |  | (100.0% | ) |  |  | (425 | ) |  | N/M |  |  |  | - |
Acquisition costs |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (100.0% | ) |  |  | 3,518 |
Bargain purchase gain |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (100.0% | ) |  |  | (500 | )
Interest expense |  |  | 235 |  |  |  | (62.3% | ) |  |  | 623 |  |  |  | (35.0% | ) |  |  | 958 |
Interest income |  |  | (14 | ) |  |  | (33.3% | ) |  |  | (21 | ) |  |  | (44.7% | ) |  |  | (38 | )
Effective income tax rate |  |  | 34.8% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 33.6% |  |  |  |  |  |  | N/M |
Net earnings (loss) |  | $ | 11,735 |  |  | N/M |  |  | $ | 1,809 |  |  | N/M |  |  | $ | (387 | )
"N/M" = not meaningful |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

2013 Compared with 2012

Net Sales

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

15

Gross Profit

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

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

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

Gain on Early Extinguishment of Debt

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

Restructuring Charges, Net

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

Other Expense (Income)

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

Interest Expense

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

Income Taxes

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

Net Earnings

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

2012 Compared with 2011

Net Sales

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

16

Gross Profit

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

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

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

Gain on Early Extinguishment of Debt

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

Restructuring Charges, Net

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

Acquisition Costs

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

Bargain Purchase Gain

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

Interest Expense

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

Income Taxes

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

17

Net Earnings (Loss)

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

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Selected Financial Data

(Dollars in thousands)

|  | Year Ended |
|  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities |  | $ | 36,828 |  |  | $ | 13,144 |  |  | $ | (2,907 | )
Net cash used for investing activities |  |  | (6,294 | ) |  |  | (8,191 | ) |  |  | (41,389 | )
Net cash used for financing activities |  |  | (15,104 | ) |  |  | (4,953 | ) |  |  | (1,629 | )
Cash and cash equivalents |  |  | 15,440 |  |  |  | 10 |  |  |  | 10 |
Working capital |  |  | 83,791 |  |  |  | 79,065 |  |  |  | 75,789 |
Total debt |  |  | - |  |  |  | 11,475 |  |  |  | 14,156 |
Percentage of total capital |  |  | - |  |  |  | 7 | % |  |  | 9 | %
Shareholders' equity |  | $ | 161,056 |  |  | $ | 149,500 |  |  | $ | 148,474 |
Percentage of total capital |  |  | 100 | % |  |  | 93 | % |  |  | 91 | %
Total capital (total debt + shareholders' equity) |  | $ | 161,056 |  |  | $ | 160,975 |  |  | $ | 162,630 |

Operating Activities

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

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

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

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

18

Investing Activities

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

Financing Activities

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

Cash Management

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

Credit Facility

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

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

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

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

Impact of Inflation

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

19

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

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

Contractual Obligations

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

Payments Due by Period

(In thousands)

Contractual obligations: |  | Total |  |  | Less Than 1 Year |  |  | 1 - 3 Years |  |  | 3 – 5 Years |  |  | More Than 5 Years |
Raw material purchase commitments(1) |  | $ | 62,875 |  |  | $ | 62,875 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |
Supplemental employee retirement plan obligations |  |  | 18,470 |  |  |  | 290 |  |  |  | 581 |  |  |  | 647 |  |  |  | 16,952 |
Pension benefit obligations |  |  | 5,495 |  |  |  | 213 |  |  |  | 419 |  |  |  | 411 |  |  |  | 4,452 |
Operating leases |  |  | 1,932 |  |  |  | 845 |  |  |  | 725 |  |  |  | 74 |  |  |  | 288 |
Trade letters of credit |  |  | 1,467 |  |  |  | 1,467 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Commitment fee on unused portion of credit facility |  |  | 971 |  |  |  | 364 |  |  |  | 607 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Other unconditional purchase obligations(2) |  |  | 462 |  |  |  | 462 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Total |  | $ | 91,672 |  |  | $ | 66,516 |  |  | $ | 2,332 |  |  | $ | 1,132 |  |  | $ | 21,692 |

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

(2)Contractual commitments for capital expenditures.

Outlook

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

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

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

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

20

Commodity Prices

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

Interest Rates

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

Foreign Exchange Exposure

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

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

(a) | Financial Statements

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September 28, 2013, September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011 | 23
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended September 28, 2013, September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011 | 24
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 | 25
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended September 28, 2013, September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011 | 26
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 28, 2013, September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011 | 27
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 28
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Consolidated Financial Statements | 49
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended September 28, 2013, September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011 | 50
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Internal Control Over Financial Reporting | 52

21

(b) Supplementary Data

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

Financial Information by Quarter (Unaudited)

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

|  | Quarter Ended |
|  | December 29 |  |  | March 30 |  |  | June 29 |  |  | September 28 |
2013 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating results: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | $ | 85,887 |  |  | $ | 82,873 |  |  | $ | 96,946 |  |  | $ | 98,190 |
Gross profit |  |  | 8,593 |  |  |  | 11,051 |  |  |  | 10,910 |  |  |  | 8,679 |
Net earnings |  |  | 2,402 |  |  |  | 3,714 |  |  |  | 3,274 |  |  |  | 2,345 |
Net earnings per share amounts: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic |  |  | 0.14 |  |  |  | 0.21 |  |  |  | 0.18 |  |  |  | 0.13 |
Diluted |  |  | 0.13 |  |  |  | 0.20 |  |  |  | 0.18 |  |  |  | 0.13 |

|  | Quarter Ended |
|  | December 31 |  |  | March 31 |  |  | June 30 |  |  | September 29 |
2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating results: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | $ | 84,811 |  |  | $ | 87,029 |  |  | $ | 93,598 |  |  | $ | 97,865 |
Gross profit |  |  | 4,659 |  |  |  | 5,494 |  |  |  | 6,404 |  |  |  | 5,901 |
Net earnings (loss) |  |  | (180 | ) |  |  | 262 |  |  |  | 894 |  |  |  | 833 |
Net earnings (loss) per share amounts: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic and diluted |  |  | (0.01 | ) |  |  | 0.01 |  |  |  | 0.05 |  |  |  | 0.05 |

22

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except for per share amounts)

|  | Year Ended |
|  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Net sales |  | $ | 363,896 |  |  | $ | 363,303 |  |  | $ | 336,909 |
Cost of sales |  |  | 324,663 |  |  |  | 340,845 |  |  |  | 305,166 |
Gross profit |  |  | 39,233 |  |  |  | 22,458 |  |  |  | 31,743 |
Selling, general and administrative expense |  |  | 20,682 |  |  |  | 18,911 |  |  |  | 19,608 |
Gain from early extinguishment of debt |  |  | - |  |  |  | (425 | ) |  |  | - |
Restructuring charges, net |  |  | - |  |  |  | 832 |  |  |  | 8,318 |
Acquisition costs |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3,518 |
Bargain purchase gain |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (500 | )
Other expense (income), net |  |  | 333 |  |  |  | (188 | ) |  |  | (222 | )
Interest expense |  |  | 235 |  |  |  | 623 |  |  |  | 958 |
Interest income |  |  | (14 | ) |  |  | (21 | ) |  |  | (38 | )
Earnings before income taxes |  |  | 17,997 |  |  |  | 2,726 |  |  |  | 101 |
Income taxes |  |  | 6,262 |  |  |  | 917 |  |  |  | 488 |
Net earnings (loss) |  | $ | 11,735 |  |  | $ | 1,809 |  |  | $ | (387 | )
Net earnings (loss) per share: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic |  | $ | 0.65 |  |  | $ | 0.10 |  |  | $ | (0.02 | )
Diluted |  | $ | 0.64 |  |  | $ | 0.10 |  |  | $ | (0.02 | )
Cash dividends declared |  | $ | 0.37 |  |  | $ | 0.12 |  |  | $ | 0.12 |
Weighted shares outstanding: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic |  |  | 17,948 |  |  |  | 17,664 |  |  |  | 17,562 |
Diluted |  |  | 18,353 |  |  |  | 17,990 |  |  |  | 17,562 |

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

23

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands)

|  | Year Ended |
|  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Net earnings (loss) |  | $ | 11,735 |  |  | $ | 1,809 |  |  | $ | (387 | )
Other comprehensive income (loss): |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Adjustment to defined benefit plan liability, net of income taxes of ($539), $261 and ($180) |  |  | 879 |  |  |  | (426 | ) |  |  | 294 |
Comprehensive income (loss) |  | $ | 12,614 |  |  | $ | 1,383 |  |  | $ | (93 | )

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

24

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except for per share amounts)

|  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | $ | 15,440 |  |  | $ | 10 |
Accounts receivable, net |  |  | 41,110 |  |  |  | 42,138 |
Inventories, net |  |  | 58,793 |  |  |  | 65,774 |
Other current assets |  |  | 5,863 |  |  |  | 7,146 |
Total current assets |  |  | 121,206 |  |  |  | 115,068 |
Property, plant and equipment, net |  |  | 83,053 |  |  |  | 87,716 |
Other assets |  |  | 8,390 |  |  |  | 5,768 |
Total assets |  | $ | 212,649 |  |  | $ | 208,552 |
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts payable |  | $ | 30,561 |  |  | $ | 30,126 |
Accrued expenses |  |  | 6,854 |  |  |  | 5,877 |
Total current liabilities |  |  | 37,415 |  |  |  | 36,003 |
Long-term debt |  |  | - |  |  |  | 11,475 |
Other liabilities |  |  | 14,178 |  |  |  | 11,574 |
Commitments and contingencies |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Shareholders’ equity: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Preferred stock, no par value |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Authorized shares: 1,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
None issued |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Common stock, $1 stated value |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Authorized shares: 50,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Issued and outstanding shares: 2013, 18,185; 2012, 17,717 |  |  | 18,185 |  |  |  | 17,717 |
Additional paid-in capital |  |  | 55,452 |  |  |  | 50,379 |
Retained earnings |  |  | 88,981 |  |  |  | 83,845 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |  |  | (1,562 | ) |  |  | (2,441 | )
Total shareholders’ equity |  |  | 161,056 |  |  |  | 149,500 |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity |  | $ | 212,649 |  |  | $ | 208,552 |

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

25

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(In thousands)

|  | Common Stock |  |  | Additional Paid-In |  |  | Retained |  |  | Accumulated Other Comprehensive |  |  | Total Shareholders' |
|  | Shares |  |  | Amount |  |  | Capital |  |  | Earnings |  |  | Income (Loss)(1) |  |  | Equity |
Balance at October 2, 2010 |  |  | 17,579 |  |  |  | 17,579 |  |  |  | 45,950 |  |  |  | 86,656 |  |  |  | (2,309 | ) |  |  | 147,876 |
Net loss |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (387 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |  | (387 | )
Other comprehensive income(1) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 294 |  |  |  | 294 |
Stock options exercised |  |  | 13 |  |  |  | 13 |  |  |  | 8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 21 |
Vesting of restricted stock units |  |  | 30 |  |  |  | 30 |  |  |  | (30 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | - |
Compensation expense associated with stock-based plans |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,917 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,917 |
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8 |
Restricted stock surrendered for withholding taxes payable |  |  | (13 | ) |  |  | (13 | ) |  |  | (130 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (143 | )
Cash dividends declared |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (2,112 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |  | (2,112 | )
Balance at October 1, 2011 |  |  | 17,609 |  |  |  | 17,609 |  |  |  | 48,723 |  |  |  | 84,157 |  |  |  | (2,015 | ) |  |  | 148,474 |
Net earnings |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,809 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,809 |
Other comprehensive loss(1) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (426 | ) |  |  | (426 | )
Stock options exercised |  |  | 12 |  |  |  | 12 |  |  |  | (10 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2 |
Vesting of restricted stock units |  |  | 96 |  |  |  | 96 |  |  |  | (96 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | - |
Compensation expense associated with stock-based plans |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,208 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,208 |
Restricted stock surrendered for withholding taxes payable |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (446 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (446 | )
Cash dividends declared |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (2,121 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |  | (2,121 | )
Balance at September 29, 2012 |  |  | 17,717 |  |  |  | 17,717 |  |  |  | 50,379 |  |  |  | 83,845 |  |  |  | (2,441 | ) |  |  | 149,500 |
Net earnings |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 11,735 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 11,735 |
Other comprehensive income(1) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 879 |  |  |  | 879 |
Stock options exercised |  |  | 371 |  |  |  | 371 |  |  |  | 3,054 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,425 |
Vesting of restricted stock units |  |  | 97 |  |  |  | 97 |  |  |  | (97 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | - |
Compensation expense associated with stock-based plans |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,161 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,161 |
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 660 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 660 |
Restricted stock units and stock options surrendered for withholding taxes payable |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (705 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (705 | )
Cash dividends declared |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (6,599 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |  | (6,599 | )
Balance at September 28, 2013 |  |  | 18,185 |  |  | $ | 18,185 |  |  | $ | 55,452 |  |  | $ | 88,981 |  |  | $ | (1,562 | ) |  | $ | 161,056 |

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

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

26

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

|  | Year Ended |
|  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Cash Flows From Operating Activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net earnings (loss) |  | $ | 11,735 |  |  | $ | 1,809 |  |  | $ | (387 | )
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization |  |  | 9,833 |  |  |  | 9,762 |  |  |  | 9,573 |
Amortization of capitalized financing costs |  |  | 102 |  |  |  | 97 |  |  |  | 81 |
Stock-based compensation expense |  |  | 2,161 |  |  |  | 2,208 |  |  |  | 2,917 |
Gain on early extinguishment of debt |  |  | - |  |  |  | (425 | ) |  |  | - |
Asset impairment charges |  |  | - |  |  |  | (11 | ) |  |  | 3,825 |
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation |  |  | (660 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (8 | )
Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment |  |  | 348 |  |  |  | (46 | ) |  |  | (1,618 | )
Deferred income taxes |  |  | 3,881 |  |  |  | 835 |  |  |  | 209 |
Gain from life insurance proceeds |  |  | (45 | ) |  |  | (505 | ) |  |  | (357 | )
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies over premiums paid |  |  | (555 | ) |  |  | (750 | ) |  |  | - |
Net changes in assets and liabilities (net of assets and liabilities acquired): |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts receivable, net |  |  | 1,028 |  |  |  | (167 | ) |  |  | (17,001 | )
Inventories |  |  | 6,981 |  |  |  | 10,600 |  |  |  | (11,870 | )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |  |  | 1,645 |  |  |  | (9,562 | ) |  |  | 12,439 |
Other changes |  |  | 374 |  |  |  | (701 | ) |  |  | (710 | )
Total adjustments |  |  | 25,093 |  |  |  | 11,335 |  |  |  | (2,520 | )
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities |  |  | 36,828 |  |  |  | 13,144 |  |  |  | (2,907 | )
Cash Flows From Investing Activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Capital expenditures |  |  | (5,030 | ) |  |  | (8,066 | ) |  |  | (7,937 | )
Acquisition of intangible asset |  |  | (1,887 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies |  |  | (64 | ) |  |  | (467 | ) |  |  | (147 | )
Proceeds from life insurance claims |  |  | 577 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,063 |
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment |  |  | 107 |  |  |  | 305 |  |  |  | 518 |
Proceeds from surrender of life insurance policies |  |  | 3 |  |  |  | 37 |  |  |  | 19 |
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 2,403 |
Acquisition of business |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (37,308 | )
Net cash used for investing activities |  |  | (6,294 | ) |  |  | (8,191 | ) |  |  | (41,389 | )
Cash Flows From Financing Activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from long-term debt |  |  | 4,602 |  |  |  | 91,150 |  |  |  | 52,806 |
Principal payments on long-term debt |  |  | (16,077 | ) |  |  | (93,406 | ) |  |  | (52,150 | )
Cash dividends paid |  |  | (6,599 | ) |  |  | (2,121 | ) |  |  | (2,112 | )
Cash received from exercise of stock options |  |  | 3,425 |  |  |  | 2 |  |  |  | 21 |
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation |  |  | 660 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 8 |
Payment of employee tax withholdings related to net share transactions |  |  | (705 | ) |  |  | (446 | ) |  |  | (143 | )
Financing costs |  |  | - |  |  |  | (172 | ) |  |  | - |
Other |  |  | (410 | ) |  |  | 40 |  |  |  | (59 | )
Net cash used for financing activities |  |  | (15,104 | ) |  |  | (4,953 | ) |  |  | (1,629 | )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |  |  | 15,430 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (45,925 | )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |  |  | 10 |  |  |  | 10 |  |  |  | 45,935 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |  | $ | 15,440 |  |  | $ | 10 |  |  | $ | 10 |
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash paid (refunded) during the period for: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest |  | $ | 20 |  |  | $ | 753 |  |  | $ | 356 |
Income taxes, net |  |  | 2,667 |  |  |  | 176 |  |  |  | (489 | )
Non-cash investing and financing activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment in accounts payable |  |  | 432 |  |  |  | 176 |  |  |  | 384 |
Restricted stock units and stock options surrendered for withholding taxes payable |  |  | 705 |  |  |  | 446 |  |  |  | 143 |
Note payable issued as consideration for business acquired |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 13,500 |
Post-closing purchase price adjustment for business acquired |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 500 |

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

27

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

(1) Description of Business

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

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

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

(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

28

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

29

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

(3) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Current Adoptions

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

Future Adoptions

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

(4) Business Combination

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

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

30

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

(In thousands) |  |  |  |
Assets acquired: |  |  |  |
Inventories |  | $ | 20,585 |
Property, plant and equipment |  |  | 37,211 |
Total assets acquired |  | $ | 57,796 |
Liabilities assumed: |  |  |  |
Accounts payable |  | $ | 6,263 |
Accrued expenses |  |  | 725 |
Total liabilities assumed |  |  | 6,988 |
Net assets acquired |  |  | 50,808 |
Purchase price |  |  | 50,308 |
Bargain purchase gain |  | $ | 500 |

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

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

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

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

(In thousands) |  | Year Ended October 1, 2011 |
Net sales |  | $ | 353,620 |
Earnings before income taxes |  |  | 867 |
Net earnings |  |  | 182 |

(5) Restructuring Charges and Acquisition Costs

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

31

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

(In thousands) |  | Severance and other employee separation costs |  |  | Asset impairment charges |  |  | Facility closure costs |  |  | Equipment relocation costs |  |  | Total |
2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Liability as of October 1, 2011 |  | $ | 65 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 77 |  |  | $ | 112 |  |  | $ | 254 |
Restructuring charges, net |  |  | (40 | ) |  |  | (11 | ) |  |  | 139 |  |  |  | 744 |  |  |  | 832 |
Cash payments |  |  | (25 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (216 | ) |  |  | (856 | ) |  |  | (1,097 | )
Non-cash charges |  |  | - |  |  |  | 11 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 11 |
Liability as of September 29, 2012 |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |
2011 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Liability as of October 2, 2010 |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |
Restructuring charges |  |  | 2,263 |  |  |  | 3,825 |  |  |  | 2,606 |  |  |  | 1,233 |  |  |  | 9,927 |
Gain on sale of assets held for sale |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (1,609 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (1,609 | )
Restructuring charges, net |  |  | 2,263 |  |  |  | 3,825 |  |  |  | 997 |  |  |  | 1,233 |  |  |  | 8,318 |
Cash payments |  |  | (2,198 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (920 | ) |  |  | (1,121 | ) |  |  | (4,239 | )
Non-cash charges |  |  | - |  |  |  | (3,825 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (3,825 | )
Liability as of October 1, 2011 |  | $ | 65 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 77 |  |  | $ | 112 |  |  | $ | 254 |

During 2012, all of the remaining restructuring liabilities were satisfied and the final proceeds were received from the sale of previously impaired machinery and equipment, which have been included in asset impairment charges.

Asset impairment charges include the proceeds received from the disposal of certain machinery and equipment that were previously impaired. Facility closure costs in 2011 include a $1.6 million gain from the sale of the Wilmington, Delaware facility, which had been closed in May 2011.

Acquisition costs. During 2011, the Company recorded $3.5 million of acquisition-related costs associated with the Ivy Acquisition for advisory, accounting, legal and other professional fees. The Company did not incur any additional acquisition costs related to the Ivy Acquisition in 2012.

(6) Fair Value Measurements

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

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

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

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

32

As of September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, the Company held financial assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The financial assets held by the Company and the fair value hierarchy used to determine their fair values are as follows:

(In thousands) |  | Total at September 28, 2013 |  |  | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) |  |  | Observable Inputs (Level 2) |
Current assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash equivalents |  | $ | 15,534 |  |  | $ | 15,534 |  |  | $ | - |
Other assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies |  |  | 6,145 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 6,145 |
Total |  | $ | 21,679 |  |  | $ | 15,534 |  |  | $ | 6,145 |

(In thousands) |  | Total at September 29, 2012 |  |  | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) |  |  | Observable Inputs (Level 2) |
Other assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies |  | $ | 5,146 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 5,146 |
Total |  | $ | 5,146 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 5,146 |

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

As of September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, the Company had no nonfinancial assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these financial instruments. As of September 29, 2012, the carrying amount of long-term debt outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility approximated its estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of long-term debt is primarily based upon quoted market prices as well as borrowing rates currently available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and maturities.

(7) Long-Term Debt

Revolving Credit Facility. The Company has a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) that is used to supplement its operating cash flow and fund its working capital, capital expenditure, general corporate and growth requirements. On February 6, 2012, the Company and each of its wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into an amendment agreement that, among other changes, increased the commitment amount of the Credit Facility from $75.0 million to $100.0 million and extended the maturity date from June 2, 2015 to June 2, 2016. Advances under the Credit Facility are limited to the lesser of the revolving loan commitment amount (currently $100.0 million) or a borrowing base amount that is calculated based upon a percentage of eligible receivables and inventories. As of September 28, 2013, no borrowings were outstanding on the Credit Facility, $72.8 million of borrowing capacity was available and outstanding letters of credit totaled $1.5 million. As of September 29, 2012, $11.5 million of borrowings were outstanding on the Credit Facility.

Interest rates on the Credit Facility are based upon (1) an index rate that is established at the highest of the prime rate, 0.50% plus the federal funds rate or the LIBOR rate plus the excess of the then-applicable margin for LIBOR loans over the then-applicable margin for index rate loans, or (2) at the election of the Company, a LIBOR rate, plus in either case, an applicable interest rate margin. The applicable interest rate margins are adjusted on a quarterly basis based upon the amount of excess availability on the Credit Facility within the range of 0.50% - 1.25% for index rate loans and 1.50% - 2.50% for LIBOR loans. In addition, the applicable interest rate margins would be increased by 2.00% upon the occurrence of certain events of default provided for under the terms of the Credit Facility. Based on the Company’s excess availability as of September 28, 2013, the applicable interest rate margins on the Credit Facility were 0.50% for index rate loans and 1.50% for LIBOR loans.

33

The Company’s ability to borrow available amounts under the Credit Facility will be restricted or eliminated in the event of certain covenant breaches, events of default or if the Company is unable to make certain representations and warranties provided for under the terms of the Credit Facility. The Company is required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.10 at the end of each fiscal quarter for the twelve-month period then ended when the amount of liquidity on the Credit Facility is less than $13.5 million. In addition, the terms of the Credit Facility restrict the Company’s ability to, among other things: engage in certain business combinations or divestitures; make investments in or loans to third parties, unless certain conditions are met with respect to such investments or loans; pay cash dividends or repurchase shares of the Company’s stock subject to certain minimum borrowing availability requirements; incur or assume indebtedness; issue securities; enter into certain transactions with affiliates of the Company; or permit liens to encumber the Company’s property and assets. The terms of the Credit Facility also provide that an event of default will occur with respect to the Company upon the occurrence of, among other things: defaults or breaches under the loan documents, subject in certain cases to cure periods; defaults or breaches by the Company or any of its subsidiaries under any agreement resulting in the acceleration of amounts above certain thresholds or payment defaults above certain thresholds; certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Company; certain entries of judgment against the Company or any of its subsidiaries, which are not covered by insurance; or a change of control of the Company. As of September 28, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial and negative covenants under the Credit Facility and there have not been any events of default.

Amortization of capitalized financing costs associated with the credit facility was $102,000 in 2013, $97,000 in 2012 and $81,000 in 2011. Accumulated amortization of capitalized financing costs was $4.3 million and $4.2 million as of September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, respectively. The Company expects the amortization of capitalized financing costs to approximate the following amounts for the next five fiscal years:

Fiscal year |  | In thousands |
2014 |  | $ | 102 |
2015 |  |  | 102 |
2016 |  |  | 69 |
2017 |  |  | - |
2018 |  |  | - |

Subordinated Note. As part of the consideration for the Ivy Acquisition, on November 19, 2010 (see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements) the Company entered into a $13.5 million secured subordinated promissory note (the “Note”) payable to Ivy over five years. The Note required semi-annual interest payments in arrears, and annual principal payments payable on November 19 of each year during the period 2011 - 2015. The Note yielded interest on the unpaid principal balance at a fixed rate of 6.0% per annum and was collateralized by certain of the real property and equipment acquired from Ivy. On December 12, 2011, the Company prepaid the remaining balance that was outstanding on the Note for $12.4 million, which represented a discount of $425,000 that was recorded as a gain from the early extinguishment of debt in the consolidated statements of operations in 2012.

(8) Stock-Based Compensation

Under the Company’s equity incentive plans, employees and directors may be granted stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance awards. Effective February 21, 2012, the Company’s 2005 Equity Incentive Plan was amended to increase the number of shares available for future grants by 900,000 shares. As of September 28, 2013, there were 587,000 shares available for future grants under the plans.

Stock option awards. Under the Company’s equity incentive plans, employees and directors may be granted options to purchase shares of common stock at the fair market value on the date of the grant. Options granted under these plans generally vest over three years and expire ten years from the date of the grant. Compensation expense and excess tax benefits associated with stock options are as follows:

|  | Year Ended |
(In thousands) |  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Stock options: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensation expense |  | $ | 951 |  |  | $ | 909 |  |  | $ | 1,203 |
Excess tax benefits |  |  | (660 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (8 | )

The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options at September 28, 2013 was $622,000, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.28 years.

34

The fair value of each option award granted is estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo valuation model. The weighted-average estimated fair values of stock options granted during 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $7.06, $5.20 and $5.31 per share, respectively, based on the following weighted-average assumptions:

|  | Year Ended |
|  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Expected term (in years) |  |  | 6.00 |  |  |  | 6.00 |  |  |  | 5.19 |
Risk-free interest rate |  |  | 1.40 | % |  |  | 1.17 | % |  |  | 1.78 | %
Expected volatility |  |  | 47.32 | % |  |  | 52.97 | % |  |  | 55.15 | %
Expected dividend yield |  |  | 0.72 | % |  |  | 1.06 | % |  |  | 1.05 | %

The assumptions utilized in the Monte Carlo valuation model are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and actual historical experience. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the option was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The dividend yield was calculated based on the Company’s annual dividend as of the option grant date. The expected volatility was derived using a term structure based on historical volatility and the volatility implied by exchange-traded options on the Company’s stock. The expected term for options was based on the results of a Monte Carlo simulation model, using the model’s estimated fair value as an input to the Black-Scholes-Merton model, and then solving for the expected term.

The following table summarizes stock option activity:

|  |  |  |  |  | Exercise Price Per Share |  |  | Contractual Term - |  |  | Aggregate Intrinsic |
|  | Options |  |  |  |  |  | Weighted |  |  | Weighted |  |  | Value |
(Share amounts in thousands) |  | Outstanding |  |  | Range |  |  | Average |  |  | Average (in years) |  |  | (in thousands) |
Outstanding at October 2, 2010 |  |  | 847 |  |  | $0.18 | - | $20.27 |  |  | $ | 10.63 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Granted |  |  | 171 |  |  | 10.72 | - | 12.43 |  |  |  | 11.49 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Exercised |  |  | (13 | ) |  | 1.06 | - | 7.55 |  |  |  | 1.60 |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 143 |
Forfeited |  |  | (11 | ) |  | 11.15 | - | 11.15 |  |  |  | 11.15 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Outstanding at October 1, 2011 |  |  | 994 |  |  | 0.18 | - | 20.27 |  |  |  | 10.89 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Granted |  |  | 178 |  |  | 10.23 | - | 13.06 |  |  |  | 11.44 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Exercised |  |  | (12 | ) |  | 0.18 | - | 0.18 |  |  |  | 0.18 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 147 |
Outstanding at September 29, 2012 |  |  | 1,160 |  |  | 0.36 | - | 20.27 |  |  |  | 11.09 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Granted |  |  | 131 |  |  | 16.45 | - | 17.22 |  |  |  | 16.84 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Exercised |  |  | (373 | ) |  | 0.36 | - | 12.43 |  |  |  | 9.27 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,744 |
Outstanding at September 28, 2013 |  |  | 918 |  |  | 5.43 | - | 20.27 |  |  |  | 12.65 |  |  |  | 6.25 |  |  |  | 3,492 |
Vested and anticipated to vest in future at September 28, 2013 |  |  | 913 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 12.64 |  |  |  | 6.23 |  |  |  | 3,480 |
Exercisable at September 28, 2013 |  |  | 626 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 12.10 |  |  |  | 5.01 |  |  |  | 2,744 |

The 2013 stock option exercises included “net exercises,” pursuant to which the optionee received shares of common stock equal to the intrinsic value of the options (fair market value of common stock on the date of exercise less exercise price) reduced by any applicable withholding taxes.

Restricted stock units. On January 21, 2009, the Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved a change in the equity compensation program such that awards of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to employees and directors would be made in lieu of awards of restricted stock. RSUs granted under these plans are valued based upon the fair market value on the date of the grant and provide for a dividend equivalent payment which is included in compensation expense. The vesting period for RSUs is generally one to three years from the date of the grant. RSUs do not have voting rights. RSU grants and compensation expense are as follows:

|  | Year Ended |
(In thousands) |  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Restricted stock unit grants: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Units |  |  | 73 |  |  |  | 99 |  |  |  | 119 |
Market value |  | $ | 1,225 |  |  | $ | 1,165 |  |  | $ | 1,441 |
Compensation expense |  |  | 1,210 |  |  |  | 1,299 |  |  |  | 1,548 |

35

The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs on September 28, 2013 was $985,000 which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.53 years.

The following table summarizes RSU activity:

(Unit amounts in thousands) |  | Restricted Stock Units Outstanding |  |  | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value |
Balance, October 2, 2010 |  |  | 239 |  |  | $ | 9.23 |
Granted |  |  | 119 |  |  |  | 12.08 |
Released |  |  | (30 | ) |  |  | 9.39 |
Balance, October 1, 2011 |  |  | 328 |  |  |  | 10.25 |
Granted |  |  | 99 |  |  |  | 11.77 |
Released |  |  | (134 | ) |  |  | 10.30 |
Balance, September 29, 2012 |  |  | 293 |  |  |  | 10.74 |
Granted |  |  | 73 |  |  |  | 16.77 |
Forfeited |  |  | (6 | ) |  |  | 10.72 |
Released |  |  | (139 | ) |  |  | 10.00 |
Balance, September 28, 2013 |  |  | 221 |  |  |  | 13.20 |

Restricted stock awards. Under the Company’s equity incentive plans, employees and directors may be granted restricted stock awards which are valued based upon the fair market value on the date of the grant. Restricted stock granted under these plans generally vests one to three years from the date of the grant. There were no restricted stock grants in 2013, 2012 and 2011. Compensation expense for restricted stock is as follows:

(In thousands) |  | Year Ended October 1, 2011 |
Compensation expense |  | $ | 166 |

There were no unvested restricted stock awards as of September 28, 2013.

During 2011, 67,693 shares of employee restricted stock awards vested with a fair value of $771,000. Upon vesting, employees have the option of remitting payment for the minimum tax obligation to the Company or net-share settling such that the Company will withhold shares with a value equivalent to the employees’ minimum tax obligation. During 2011, a total of 12,633 shares were withheld to satisfy employees’ minimum tax obligations.

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity:

(Share amounts in thousands) |  | Restricted Stock Awards Outstanding |  |  | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value |
Balance, October 2, 2010 |  |  | 67 |  |  | $ | 13.37 |
Granted |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Released |  |  | (67 | ) |  |  | 13.37 |
Balance, October 1, 2011 |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |

36

(9) Income Taxes

The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:

|  | Year Ended |
(Dollars in thousands) |  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Provision for income taxes: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Federal |  | $ | 2,124 |  |  | $ | 20 |  |  | $ | 207 |
State |  |  | 257 |  |  |  | 62 |  |  |  | 72 |
|  |  | 2,381 |  |  |  | 82 |  |  |  | 279 |
Deferred: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Federal |  |  | 3,571 |  |  |  | 781 |  |  |  | (12 | )
State |  |  | 310 |  |  |  | 54 |  |  |  | 221 |
|  |  | 3,881 |  |  |  | 835 |  |  |  | 209 |
Income taxes |  | $ | 6,262 |  |  | $ | 917 |  |  | $ | 488 |
Effective income tax rate |  |  | 34.8% |  |  |  | 33.6% |  |  |  | 483.2% |

The reconciliation between income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate and the provision for income taxes is as follows:

|  | Year Ended |
(Dollars in thousands) |  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Provision for income taxes at federal statutory rate |  | $ | 6,299 |  |  |  | 35.0 | % |  | $ | 954 |  |  |  | 35.0 | % |  | $ | 35 |  |  |  | 34.7 | %
Net effect of life insurance policies |  |  | (191 | ) |  |  | (1.1 | ) |  |  | (400 | ) |  |  | (14.7 | ) |  |  | (14 | ) |  |  | (13.9 | )
Qualified production activities deduction |  |  | (165 | ) |  |  | (0.9 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Nondeductible stock option expense |  |  | (51 | ) |  |  | (0.3 | ) |  |  | 161 |  |  |  | 5.9 |  |  |  | 189 |  |  |  | 187.1 |
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit |  |  | 479 |  |  |  | 2.7 |  |  |  | 94 |  |  |  | 3.5 |  |  |  | (20 | ) |  |  | (19.8 | )
Valuation allowance |  |  | 51 |  |  |  | 0.3 |  |  |  | (48 | ) |  |  | (1.8 | ) |  |  | 263 |  |  |  | 260.4 |
Other, net |  |  | (160 | ) |  |  | (0.9 | ) |  |  | 156 |  |  |  | 5.7 |  |  |  | 35 |  |  |  | 34.7 |
Provision for income taxes |  | $ | 6,262 |  |  |  | 34.8% |  |  | $ | 917 |  |  |  | 33.6% |  |  | $ | 488 |  |  |  | 483.2% |

The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

(In thousands) |  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |
Deferred tax assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined benefit plans |  | $ | 3,245 |  |  | $ | 3,556 |
Accrued expenses, asset reserves and state tax credits |  |  | 2,467 |  |  |  | 1,841 |
Stock-based compensation |  |  | 1,560 |  |  |  | 1,878 |
State net operating loss carryforwards |  |  | 1,180 |  |  |  | 1,372 |
Goodwill, amortizable for tax purposes |  |  | 986 |  |  |  | 1,392 |
Federal net operating loss carryforward |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,870 |
Valuation allowance |  |  | (730 | ) |  |  | (679 | )
Deferred tax assets |  |  | 8,708 |  |  |  | 11,230 |
Deferred tax liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Plant and equipment |  |  | (12,607 | ) |  |  | (10,637 | )
Prepaid insurance and other reserves |  |  | (650 | ) |  |  | (722 | )
Deferred tax liabilities |  |  | (13,257 | ) |  |  | (11,359 | )
Net deferred tax liability |  | $ | (4,549 | ) |  | $ | (129 | )

As of September 28, 2013, the Company recorded a current deferred tax asset (net of valuation allowance) of $2.7 million on its consolidated balance sheet in other current assets and a non-current deferred tax liability (net of valuation allowance) of $7.3 million in other liabilities. As of September 29, 2012, the Company recorded a current deferred tax asset (net of valuation allowance) of $4.0 million in other current assets and a non-current deferred tax liability (net of valuation allowance) of $4.1 million in other liabilities. The Company has $22.2 million of state operating loss carryforwards that begin to expire in 2017, but principally expire in 2017 – 2032. The Company has also recorded deferred tax assets for various state tax credits of $261,000, which will begin to expire in 2014 and principally expire between 2014 and 2020.

37

The realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets is entirely dependent upon the Company’s ability to generate future taxable income in applicable jurisdictions. Accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”) requires that the Company periodically assess the need to establish a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets to the extent the Company no longer believes it is more likely than not that they will be fully utilized. As of September 28, 2013, the Company had recorded a valuation allowance of $730,000 pertaining to various state NOLs and tax credits that were not expected to be utilized. The valuation allowance established by the Company is subject to periodic review and adjustment based on changes in facts and circumstances and would be reduced should the Company utilize the state net operating loss carryforwards against which an allowance had previously been provided or determine that such utilization is more likely than not. The $51,000 increase in the valuation allowance during 2013 is primarily due to the increase of certain state NOLs that are not expected to be utilized.

As of September 28, 2013, the Company has no material, known tax exposures that require the establishment of contingency reserves for uncertain tax positions.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of total unrecognized tax benefits for 2013 and 2012 is as follows:

(In thousands) |  | 2013 |  |  | 2012 |
Balance at beginning of year |  | $ | 76 |  |  | $ | 67 |
Increase in tax positions of prior years |  |  | - |  |  |  | 9 |
Settlement of tax position in current year |  |  | (76 | ) |  |  | - |
Balance at end of year |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 76 |

The Company classifies interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as part of income tax expense. The accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits was $0 and $56,000, as of September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, respectively. There was $6,000 of expense incurred during 2012 related to interest and penalties. The Company did not record any expense related to interest and penalties during 2013 and 2011.

The Company files U.S. federal income tax returns as well as state and local income tax returns in various jurisdictions. Federal and various state tax returns filed by the Company subsequent to 2008 remain subject to examination together with certain state tax returns filed by the Company subsequent to 2003.

(10) Employee Benefit Plans

Retirement plans. The Company has one defined benefit pension plan, the Insteel Wire Products Company Retirement Income Plan for Hourly Employees, Wilmington, Delaware (“the Delaware Plan”). The Delaware Plan provides benefits for eligible employees based primarily upon years of service and compensation levels. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute amounts at least equal to those required by law. The Delaware Plan was frozen effective September 30, 2008 whereby participants will no longer earn additional benefits. In February 2011, as part of the planned closure of the Wilmington, Delaware facility, the Company amended the Delaware Plan granting certain participants additional service credit. The amendment resulted in a one-time charge of $306,000 that was recorded during 2011 within restructuring charges on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company made contributions totaling $307,000, $206,000 and $477,000 to the Delaware Plan during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and expects to make contributions of $247,000 during 2014.

38

The reconciliation of the projected benefit obligation, plan assets, funded status of the plan and amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets for the Delaware Plan is as follows:

|  | Year Ended |
(In thousands) |  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Change in benefit obligation: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Benefit obligation at beginning of year |  | $ | 3,181 |  |  | $ | 3,231 |  |  | $ | 4,280 |
Amendments |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 306 |
Interest cost |  |  | 128 |  |  |  | 146 |  |  |  | 193 |
Actuarial (gain) loss |  |  | (134 | ) |  |  | 218 |  |  |  | 69 |
Settlement |  |  | - |  |  |  | (218 | ) |  |  | (1,423 | )
Distributions |  |  | (202 | ) |  |  | (196 | ) |  |  | (194 | )
Benefit obligation at end of year |  | $ | 2,973 |  |  | $ | 3,181 |  |  | $ | 3,231 |
Change in plan assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |  | $ | 1,739 |  |  | $ | 1,660 |  |  | $ | 3,017 |
Actual return on plan assets |  |  | 201 |  |  |  | 287 |  |  |  | 10 |
Employer contributions |  |  | 307 |  |  |  | 206 |  |  |  | 477 |
Settlement |  |  | - |  |  |  | (218 | ) |  |  | (1,651 | )
Distributions |  |  | (202 | ) |  |  | (196 | ) |  |  | (193 | )
Fair value of plan assets at end of year |  | $ | 2,045 |  |  | $ | 1,739 |  |  | $ | 1,660 |
Reconciliation of funded status to net amount recognized: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Funded status |  | $ | (928 | ) |  | $ | (1,442 | ) |  | $ | (1,571 | )
Net amount recognized |  | $ | (928 | ) |  | $ | (1,442 | ) |  | $ | (1,571 | )
Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accrued benefit liability |  | $ | (928 | ) |  | $ | (1,442 | ) |  | $ | (1,571 | )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (net of tax) |  |  | 706 |  |  |  | 859 |  |  |  | 909 |
Net amount recognized |  | $ | (222 | ) |  | $ | (583 | ) |  | $ | (662 | )
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unrecognized net loss |  | $ | 1,138 |  |  | $ | 1,386 |  |  | $ | 1,466 |
Net amount recognized |  | $ | 1,138 |  |  | $ | 1,386 |  |  | $ | 1,466 |
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss): |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net gain |  | $ | (192 | ) |  | $ | (31 | ) |  | $ | (206 | )
Amortization of net loss |  |  | (56 | ) |  |  | (49 | ) |  |  | (304 | )
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) |  | $ | (248 | ) |  | $ | (80 | ) |  | $ | (510 | )

Net periodic pension cost for the Delaware Plan includes the following components:

|  | Year Ended |
(In thousands) |  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Interest cost |  | $ | 128 |  |  | $ | 146 |  |  | $ | 193 |
Expected return on plan assets |  |  | (142 | ) |  |  | (134 | ) |  |  | (211 | )
Recognized net actuarial loss |  |  | 56 |  |  |  | 49 |  |  |  | 304 |
Net periodic pension cost |  | $ | 42 |  |  | $ | 61 |  |  | $ | 286 |

The Company incurred settlement losses of $95,000 and $704,000 during 2012 and 2011, respectively, for lump-sum distributions to plan participants. The estimated net loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic pension cost during 2014 is $40,000.

39

The projected benefit payments under the Delaware Plan are as follows:

Fiscal year(s) |  | In thousands |
2014 |  | $ | 213 |
2015 |  |  | 209 |
2016 |  |  | 211 |
2017 |  |  | 205 |
2018 |  |  | 206 |
2019 - 2023 |  |  | 980 |

The assumptions used in the valuation of the Delaware Plan are as follows:

|  | Measurement Date |
|  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Assumptions at year-end: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Discount rate |  |  | 4.75 | % |  |  | 4.00 | % |  |  | 4.75 | %
Rate of increase in compensation levels |  | N/A |  |  | N/A |  |  | N/A |
Expected long-term rate of return on assets |  |  | 8.00 | % |  |  | 8.00 | % |  |  | 8.00 | %

The assumed discount rate is established as of the Company’s fiscal year-end measurement date. In establishing the discount rate, the Company reviews published market indices of high-quality debt securities, adjusted as appropriate for duration, and high-quality bond yield curves applicable to the expected benefit payments of the plan. To develop the expected long-term rate of return on asset assumption, the Company considers the historical returns and the future expectations of returns for each asset class, as well as the target asset allocation of the Delaware Plan portfolio.

The fundamental goal underlying the investment policy for the Delaware Plan is to ensure that its assets are invested in a prudent manner to meet the obligations of the plan as such obligations come due. The primary investment objectives include providing a total return that will promote the goal of benefit security by attaining an appropriate ratio of plan assets to plan obligations, diversifying investments across and within asset classes, minimizing the impact of losses in single investments and adhering to investment practices that comply with applicable laws and regulations. The investment strategy for equities emphasizes U.S. large cap equities with the portfolio’s performance measured against the S&P 500 index or other applicable indices. The investment strategy for fixed income investments is focused on maintaining an overall portfolio with a minimum credit rating of A-1 as well as a minimum rating of any security at the time of purchase of Baa/BBB by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s, if rated.

The Delaware Plan has a long-term target asset mix of 60% equities and 40% fixed income. The asset allocation for the Delaware Plan is as follows:

|  | Target Allocation |  |  | Percentage of Plan Assets at Measurement Date |
|  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Large-cap equities |  |  | 35.0 | % |  |  | 37.7 | % |  |  | 39.3 | % |  |  | 38.6 | %
Mid-cap equities |  |  | 8.0 | % |  |  | 8.1 | % |  |  | 8.9 | % |  |  | 9.1 | %
Small-cap equities |  |  | 9.0 | % |  |  | 8.5 | % |  |  | 5.6 | % |  |  | 6.1 | %
International equities |  |  | 8.0 | % |  |  | 7.5 | % |  |  | 5.9 | % |  |  | 6.0 | %
Fixed income securities |  |  | 40.0 | % |  |  | 36.1 | % |  |  | 37.2 | % |  |  | 39.3 | %
Cash and cash equivalents |  |  | 0.0 | % |  |  | 2.1 | % |  |  | 3.1 | % |  |  | 0.9 | %

40

As of September 28, 2013, the Delaware Plan’s assets include equity securities, fixed income securities and cash and cash equivalents, and were required to be measured at fair value. The Company uses a three-tier hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value, defined as follows: Level 1 - observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities; Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3 - unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, thereby requiring the development of valuation assumptions. The fair values of the Delaware Plan’s assets as of September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 are as follows:

(In thousands) |  | Total at September 28, 2013 |  |  | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) |  |  | Observable Inputs (Level 2) |  |  | Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |
Large-cap equities |  | $ | 771 |  |  | $ | 771 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |
Mid-cap equities |  |  | 165 |  |  |  | 165 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Small-cap equities |  |  | 174 |  |  |  | 174 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
International equities |  |  | 153 |  |  |  | 153 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Fixed income securities |  |  | 739 |  |  |  | 739 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Cash and cash equivalents |  |  | 43 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 43 |  |  |  | - |
Total |  | $ | 2,045 |  |  | $ | 2,002 |  |  | $ | 43 |  |  | $ | - |

(In thousands) |  | Total at September 29, 2012 |  |  | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) |  |  | Observable Inputs (Level 2) |  |  | Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |
Large-cap equities |  | $ | 684 |  |  | $ | 684 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |
Mid-cap equities |  |  | 155 |  |  |  | 155 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Small-cap equities |  |  | 98 |  |  |  | 98 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
International equities |  |  | 103 |  |  |  | 103 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Fixed income securities |  |  | 646 |  |  |  | 646 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Cash and cash equivalents |  |  | 53 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 53 |  |  |  | - |
Total |  | $ | 1,739 |  |  | $ | 1,686 |  |  | $ | 53 |  |  | $ | - |

Equity securities are primarily direct investments in the stock of publicly-traded companies that are valued based on the closing price reported in an active market on which the individual securities are traded. Fixed income securities are government and corporate debt securities that are valued based on the closing price reported in an active market on which the individual securities are traded. Cash and cash equivalents are money market funds that are valued based on the net asset value as determined by the fund each business day.

Supplemental employee retirement plan. The Company has Retirement Security Agreements (each, a “SERP”) with certain of its employees (each, a “Participant”). Under the SERPs, if the Participant remains in continuous service with the Company for a period of at least 30 years, the Company will pay to the Participant a supplemental retirement benefit for the 15-year period following the Participant’s retirement equal to 50% of the Participant’s highest average annual base salary for five consecutive years in the 10-year period preceding the Participant’s retirement. If the Participant retires prior to the later of age 65 or the completion of 30 years of continuous service with the Company, but has completed at least 10 years of continuous service with the Company, the amount of the supplemental retirement benefit will be reduced by 1/360th for each month short of 30 years that the Participant was employed by the Company. In 2005, the Company revised the SERPs to add Participants and increase benefits to existing Participants.

41

The reconciliation of the projected benefit obligation, plan assets, funded status of the plan and amounts recognized for the SERPs in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets is as follows:

|  | Year Ended |
(In thousands) |  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Change in benefit obligation: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Benefit obligation at beginning of year |  | $ | 7,461 |  |  | $ | 6,102 |  |  | $ | 5,590 |
Service cost |  |  | 242 |  |  |  | 217 |  |  |  | 176 |
Interest cost |  |  | 287 |  |  |  | 301 |  |  |  | 282 |
Actuarial loss (gain) |  |  | (807 | ) |  |  | 1,085 |  |  |  | 297 |
Distributions |  |  | (245 | ) |  |  | (244 | ) |  |  | (243 | )
Benefit obligation at end of year |  | $ | 6,938 |  |  | $ | 7,461 |  |  | $ | 6,102 |
Change in plan assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Actual employer contributions |  | $ | 245 |  |  | $ | 244 |  |  | $ | 244 |
Actual distributions |  |  | (245 | ) |  |  | (244 | ) |  |  | (244 | )
Plan assets at fair value at end of year |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |
Reconciliation of funded status to net amount recognized: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Funded status |  | $ | (6,938 | ) |  | $ | (7,461 | ) |  | $ | (6,102 | )
Net amount recognized |  | $ | (6,938 | ) |  | $ | (7,461 | ) |  | $ | (6,102 | )
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unrecognized net loss |  | $ | 1,380 |  |  | $ | 2,324 |  |  | $ | 1,330 |
Unrecognized prior service cost |  |  | - |  |  |  | 227 |  |  |  | 454 |
Net amount recognized |  | $ | 1,380 |  |  | $ | 2,551 |  |  | $ | 1,784 |
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss): |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net loss (gain) |  | $ | (807 | ) |  | $ | 1,085 |  |  | $ | 297 |
Prior service costs |  |  | (227 | ) |  |  | (227 | ) |  |  | (227 | )
Amortization of net loss |  |  | (136 | ) |  |  | (91 | ) |  |  | (34 | )
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) |  | $ | (1,170 | ) |  | $ | 767 |  |  | $ | 36 |

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

|  | Year Ended |
(In thousands) |  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Service cost |  | $ | 242 |  |  | $ | 217 |  |  | $ | 176 |
Interest cost |  |  | 287 |  |  |  | 301 |  |  |  | 282 |
Prior service cost |  |  | 227 |  |  |  | 227 |  |  |  | 227 |
Amortization of net loss |  |  | 136 |  |  |  | 91 |  |  |  | 34 |
Net periodic pension cost |  | $ | 892 |  |  | $ | 836 |  |  | $ | 719 |

The estimated net loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic pension cost during 2014 is $60,000.

42

The assumptions used in the valuation of the SERPs are as follows:

|  | Measurement Date |
|  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Assumptions at year-end: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Discount rate |  |  | 4.75 | % |  |  | 4.00 | % |  |  | 4.75 | %
Rate of increase in compensation levels |  |  | 3.00 | % |  |  | 3.00 | % |  |  | 3.00 | %

The assumed discount rate is established as of the Company’s fiscal year-end measurement date. In establishing the discount rate, the Company reviews published market indices of high-quality debt securities, adjusted as appropriate for duration, and high-quality bond yield curves applicable to the expected benefit payments of the plan. The SERPs expected rate of increase in compensation levels is based on the anticipated increases in annual compensation.

The projected benefit payments under the SERPs are as follows:

Fiscal year(s) |  | (In thousands) |
2014 |  | $ | 290 |
2015 |  |  | 290 |
2016 |  |  | 290 |
2017 |  |  | 290 |
2018 |  |  | 357 |
2019- 2023 |  |  | 1,846 |

As noted above, the SERPs were revised in 2005 to add Participants and increase benefits to certain existing Participants. However, for certain Participants the Company still maintains the benefits of the respective SERPs that were in effect prior to the 2005 changes, which entitles them to fixed cash benefits upon retirement at age 65, payable annually for 15 years. These SERPs are supported by life insurance policies on the Participants purchased and owned by the Company. The cash benefits paid under these SERPs were $28,000 in 2013, $62,000 in 2012 and $74,000 in 2011. The expense attributable to these SERPs was $15,000 in 2013, $15,000 in 2012 and $14,000 in 2011.

Retirement savings plan. In 1996, the Company adopted the Retirement Savings Plan of Insteel Industries, Inc. (“the Plan”) to provide retirement benefits and stock ownership for its employees. The Plan is an amendment and restatement of the Company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan. As allowed under Sections 401(a) and 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Plan provides for tax-deferred salary deductions for eligible employees.

During 2011 - 2013, employees were permitted to contribute up to 75% of their annual compensation to the Plan, limited to a maximum annual amount as set periodically by the Internal Revenue Code. The Plan allows for discretionary contributions to be made by the Company as determined by the Board of Directors. Such contributions to the Plan are allocated among eligible participants based on their compensation relative to the total compensation of all participants. During 2011 - 2013, the Company matched employee contributions up to 100% of the first 1% and 50% of the next 5% of eligible compensation that was contributed by employees. Company contributions to the Plan were $758,000 in 2013, $734,000 in 2012 and $604,000 in 2011.

Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Associations (“VEBA”). The Company has a VEBA under which both employees and the Company may make contributions to pay for medical costs. Company contributions to the VEBA were $3.6 million in 2013, $3.4 million in 2012 and $3.3 million in 2011. The Company is primarily self-insured for each employee’s healthcare costs, carrying stop-loss insurance coverage for individual claims in excess of $175,000 per benefit plan year. The Company’s self-insurance liabilities are based on the total estimated costs of claims filed and claims incurred but not reported, less amounts paid against such claims. Management reviews current and historical claims data in developing its estimates.

(11) Commitments and Contingencies

Leases and purchase commitments. The Company leases a portion of its equipment under operating leases that expire at various dates through 2017. Under most lease agreements, the Company pays insurance, taxes and maintenance. Rental expense for operating leases was $1.2 million in 2013, $908,000 in 2012 and $1.5 million in 2011. Minimum rental commitments under all non-cancelable leases with an initial term in excess of one year are payable as follows: 2014, $845,000; 2015, $542,000; 2016, $183,000; 2017, $37,000; 2018 and beyond, $325,000.

43

As of September 28, 2013, the Company had $62.9 million in non-cancelable purchase commitments for raw material extending as long as approximately 100 days and $0.5 million of contractual commitments for the purchase of certain equipment that had not been fulfilled and are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

Legal proceedings. On November 19, 2007, Dwyidag Systems International, Inc (“DSI”) filed a third-party lawsuit in the Ohio Court of Claims alleging that certain epoxy-coated strand sold by the Company to DSI in 2002, and supplied by DSI to the Ohio Department of Transportation (“ODOT”) for a bridge project, was defective. The third-party action sought recovery of any damages which could have been assessed against DSI in the action filed against it by ODOT, which allegedly could have been in excess of $8.3 million, plus $2.7 million in damages allegedly incurred by DSI. In 2009, the Ohio court granted the Company’s motion for summary judgment as to the third-party claim against it on the grounds that the statute of limitations had expired, but DSI filed an interlocutory appeal of that ruling. In addition, the Company previously filed a lawsuit against DSI in the North Carolina Superior Court in Surry County seeking recovery of $1.4 million (plus interest) owed for other products sold by the Company to DSI, which action was removed by DSI to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.

On October 7, 2010, the Company participated in a structured mediation with ODOT and DSI which led to settlement of all of the above legal matters. The parties dismissed the action in the Middle District of North Carolina on December 23, 2010, and the Ohio Court of Claims action was dismissed on January 21, 2011. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, which was approved by the Ohio Court of Claims on January 5, 2011, the parties released each other from all liability arising out of the sale of strand for the bridge project. In connection with the settlement, the Company reserved the remaining outstanding balance that it was owed by DSI and agreed to make a cash payment of $600,000 to ODOT. During 2011, the Company paid the $600,000 settlement to ODOT and wrote off the DSI receivables against the previously established reserve. The resolution of this matter has enabled the Company to restore its commercial relationship with DSI that had existed prior to the initiation of the legal proceedings.

The Company is also involved in various other lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including commercial, environmental and employment matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not expect that the ultimate cost to resolve these other matters will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Severance and change of control agreements. The Company has entered into severance agreements with its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer that provide certain termination benefits to these executives in the event that an executive’s employment with the Company is terminated without cause. The initial term of each agreement is two years and the agreements provide for an automatic renewal of one year unless the Company or the executive provides notice of termination as specified in the agreement. Under the terms of these agreements, in the event of termination without cause, the executives would receive termination benefits equal to one and one-half times the executive’s annual base salary in effect on the termination date and the continuation of health and welfare benefits for eighteen months. In addition, all of the executive’s stock options and restricted stock would vest immediately and outplacement services would be provided.

The Company has also entered into change in control agreements with key members of management, including its executive officers, which specify the terms of separation in the event that termination of employment followed a change in control of the Company. The initial term of each agreement is two years and the agreements provide for an automatic renewal of one year unless the Company or the executive provides notice of termination as specified in the agreement. The agreements do not provide assurances of continued employment, nor do they specify the terms of an executive's termination should the termination occur in the absence of a change in control. Under the terms of these agreements, in the event of termination within two years of a change of control, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer would receive severance benefits equal to two times base compensation, two times the average bonus for the prior three years and the continuation of health and welfare benefits for two years. The other key members of management, including the Company’s other two executive officers, would receive severance benefits equal to one times base compensation, one times the average bonus for the prior three years and the continuation of health and welfare benefits for one year. In addition, all of the executive’s stock options and restricted stock would vest immediately and outplacement services would be provided.

44

(12) Earnings (Loss) Per Share

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

|  | Year Ended |
(In thousands, except per share amounts) |  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Net earnings (loss) |  | $ | 11,735 |  |  | $ | 1,809 |  |  | $ | (387 | )
Basic weighted average shares outstanding |  |  | 17,948 |  |  |  | 17,664 |  |  |  | 17,562 |
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation |  |  | 405 |  |  |  | 326 |  |  |  | - |
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding |  |  | 18,353 |  |  |  | 17,990 |  |  |  | 17,562 |
Net earnings (loss) per share: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic |  | $ | 0.65 |  |  | $ | 0.10 |  |  | $ | (0.02 | )
Diluted |  | $ | 0.64 |  |  | $ | 0.10 |  |  | $ | (0.02 | )

Options, restricted stock awards and RSUs representing 248,000 shares in 2013, 600,000 shares in 2012 and 582,000 shares in 2011 were antidilutive and were not included in the diluted EPS computation. Options and restricted stock awards representing 223,000 shares were not included in the diluted EPS calculation in 2011 due to the net losses that were incurred.

(13) Business Segment Information

The Company’s operations are entirely focused on the manufacture and marketing of concrete reinforcing products for the concrete construction industry. The Company’s concrete reinforcing products consist of welded wire reinforcement and prestressed concrete strand. Based on the criteria specified in ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting, the Company has one reportable segment.

The Company’s net sales and long-lived assets (consisting of net property, plant and equipment, the cash surrender value of life insurance policies and intangible asset) by geographic region are as follows:

|  | Year Ended |
(In thousands) |  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Net sales: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
United States |  | $ | 357,890 |  |  | $ | 358,539 |  |  | $ | 329,168 |
Foreign |  |  | 6,006 |  |  |  | 4,764 |  |  |  | 7,741 |
Total |  | $ | 363,896 |  |  | $ | 363,303 |  |  | $ | 336,909 |
Long-lived assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
United States |  | $ | 90,922 |  |  | $ | 92,862 |  |  | $ | 93,490 |
Foreign |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Total |  | $ | 90,922 |  |  | $ | 92,862 |  |  | $ | 93,490 |

The Company’s net sales by product line are as follows:

|  | Year Ended |
(In thousands) |  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Net sales: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Welded wire reinforcement |  | $ | 227,957 |  |  | $ | 230,049 |  |  | $ | 208,741 |
Prestressed concrete strand |  |  | 135,939 |  |  |  | 133,254 |  |  |  | 128,168 |
Total |  | $ | 363,896 |  |  | $ | 363,303 |  |  | $ | 336,909 |

There were no customers that accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s net sales in 2013, 2012 and 2011.

(14) Related Party Transactions

Sales to a company affiliated with one of the Company’s directors amounted to $674,000 in 2013, $280,000 in 2012 and $475,000 in 2011. Purchases from a company affiliated with one of the Company’s directors amounted to $6,000 in 2011. There were no such related party purchases in 2013 and 2012.

45

(15) Comprehensive Loss

The accumulated other comprehensive loss was comprised of the adjustment to the defined benefit plan liability as follows:

|  | Year Ended |
(In thousands) |  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Adjustment to defined benefit plan liability, net of taxes |  | $ | (1,562 | ) |  | $ | (2,441 | ) |  | $ | (2,015 | )
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss |  | $ | (1,562 | ) |  | $ | (2,441 | ) |  | $ | (2,015 | )

46

(16) Other Financial Data

Balance sheet information:

(In thousands) |  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |
Accounts receivable, net: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts receivable |  | $ | 42,006 |  |  | $ | 43,261 |
Less allowance for doubtful accounts |  |  | (896 | ) |  |  | (1,123 | )
Total |  | $ | 41,110 |  |  | $ | 42,138 |
Inventories, net: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Raw materials |  | $ | 33,842 |  |  | $ | 38,911 |
Work in process |  |  | 3,074 |  |  |  | 3,634 |
Finished goods |  |  | 21,877 |  |  |  | 23,229 |
Total |  | $ | 58,793 |  |  | $ | 65,774 |
Other current assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current deferred tax asset |  | $ | 2,732 |  |  | $ | 3,958 |
Prepaid insurance |  |  | 1,332 |  |  |  | 1,755 |
Other |  |  | 1,799 |  |  |  | 1,433 |
Total |  | $ | 5,863 |  |  | $ | 7,146 |
Other assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies, net of loans of $ - and $486 |  | $ | 6,145 |  |  | $ | 5,146 |
Intangible asset, net of accumulated amortization of $163 and $ - |  |  | 1,724 |  |  |  | - |
Capitalized financing costs, net |  |  | 171 |  |  |  | 274 |
Other |  |  | 350 |  |  |  | 348 |
Total |  | $ | 8,390 |  |  | $ | 5,768 |
Property, plant and equipment, net: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Land and land improvements |  | $ | 9,175 |  |  | $ | 9,131 |
Buildings |  |  | 42,258 |  |  |  | 41,585 |
Machinery and equipment |  |  | 129,861 |  |  |  | 121,321 |
Construction in progress |  |  | 210 |  |  |  | 5,270 |
|  |  | 181,504 |  |  |  | 177,307 |
Less accumulated depreciation |  |  | (98,451 | ) |  |  | (89,591 | )
Total |  | $ | 83,053 |  |  | $ | 87,716 |
Accrued expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Salaries, wages and related expenses |  | $ | 2,790 |  |  | $ | 1,342 |
Property taxes |  |  | 1,155 |  |  |  | 1,233 |
Pension plan |  |  | 928 |  |  |  | 1,442 |
Customer rebates |  |  | 813 |  |  |  | 716 |
Worker's compensation |  |  | 307 |  |  |  | 327 |
Interest |  |  | 31 |  |  |  | 29 |
Other |  |  | 830 |  |  |  | 788 |
Total |  | $ | 6,854 |  |  | $ | 5,877 |
Other liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deferred income taxes |  | $ | 7,281 |  |  | $ | 4,087 |
Deferred compensation |  |  | 6,897 |  |  |  | 7,487 |
Total |  | $ | 14,178 |  |  | $ | 11,574 |

47

(17) Rights Agreement

On April 26, 1999, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend distribution of one right per share of the Company’s outstanding common stock as of May 17, 1999 pursuant to a Rights Agreement, dated as of April 27, 1999. The Rights Agreement also provides that one right will attach to each share of the Company’s common stock issued after May 17, 1999. On April 21, 2009, effective April 25, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors amended the Rights Agreement to, among other changes, extend the final expiration date and adjust the purchase price payable upon exercise of a right.

The rights are not currently exercisable but trade with the Company’s common stock shares and become exercisable on the distribution date. The distribution date will occur upon the earliest of 10 business days following a public announcement that either a person or group of affiliated or associated persons (an “acquiring person”) has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 20% or more (after adjustment for certain derivative transactions) of the outstanding shares of common stock (the “stock acquisition date”), or of a tender offer or exchange offer that would, if consummated, result in an acquiring person beneficially owning 20% or more of such outstanding shares of common stock, subject to certain limitations.

Each right will entitle the holder, other than the acquiring person or group, to purchase one two-hundredths of a share (a “Unit”) of the Company’s Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (“Preferred Stock”) at a purchase price of $46 per Unit, subject to adjustment as described in the Rights Agreement (the “purchase price”). At the time specified, each holder of a right will have the right to receive in lieu of Preferred Stock, upon exercise and payment of the purchase price, common stock (or, in certain circumstances, cash, property or other securities of the Company) having a value equal to two times the purchase price or, at the discretion of the Board, upon exercise and without payment of the purchase price, common stock (or, in certain circumstances, cash, property or other securities of the Company) having a value equal to the difference between the purchase price and the value of the consideration which a person exercising the right and paying the purchase price would receive. Rights that are or (under specified circumstances) were, beneficially owned by any acquiring person will be null and void. The purchase price payable and the number of Units of Preferred Stock or other securities or property issuable upon exercise of the rights are subject to adjustment from time to time. At any time after any person becomes an acquiring person, the Company may exchange all or part of the rights for shares of common stock at an exchange ratio of one share per right, as appropriately adjusted to reflect any stock dividend, stock split or similar transaction.

In addition, each rights holder, other than an acquiring person, upon exercise of rights will have the right to receive shares of the common stock of the acquiring corporation having a value equal to two times the purchase price for such holder’s rights if the Company engages in a merger or other business combination where it is not the surviving entity or where it is the surviving entity and all or part of the Company’s common stock is exchanged for the stock or other securities of the other company, or if 50% or more of the Company’s assets or earning power is sold or transferred.

The rights will expire on April 24, 2019, and may be redeemed by the Company at any time prior to the distribution date at a price of $0.005 per right.

(18) Product Warranties

The Company's products are used in applications which are subject to inherent risks including performance deficiencies, personal injury, property damage, environmental contamination or loss of production. The Company warrants its products to meet certain specifications and actual or claimed deficiencies from these specifications may give rise to claims. The Company does not maintain a reserve for warranties as the historical claims have been immaterial. The Company maintains product liability insurance coverage to minimize its exposure to such risks.

(19) Share Repurchases

On November 18, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase authorization to buy back up to $25.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock (the “New 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. The Company is not obligated to acquire any particular amount of common stock and may commence or suspend the program at any time at its discretion without prior notice. The New Authorization continues in effect until terminated by the Board of Directors. As of September 28, 2013, there was $24.8 million remaining available for future share repurchases under this authorization. During 2011, the Company repurchased $143,000 or 12,633 shares of its common stock through restricted stock net-share settlements. There were no share repurchases during 2013 and 2012.

48

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders

Insteel Industries, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Insteel Industries, Inc. (a North Carolina corporation) and subsidiaries as of September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 and the related consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 28, 2013. Our audits of the basic consolidated financial statements included the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 8(b), Supplementary Data. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Insteel Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 28, 2013 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2013, based on criteria established in the 1992 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated October 29, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion.

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina

October 29, 2013

49

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

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

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

(In thousands)

|  | Year Ended |
|  | September 28, 2013 |  |  | September 29, 2012 |  |  | October 1, 2011 |
Balance, beginning of year |  | $ | 1,123 |  |  | $ | 761 |  |  | $ | 2,296 |
Amounts charged to earnings |  |  | (100 | ) |  |  | 449 |  |  |  | 307 |
Write-offs, net of recoveries |  |  | (127 | ) |  |  | (87 | ) |  |  | (1,842 | )
Balance, end of year |  | $ | 896 |  |  | $ | 1,123 |  |  | $ | 761 |

50

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 28, 2013. 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 Commission’s rules and forms. Furthermore, 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.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting includes: (1) maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of assets; (2) providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of financial statements, and that receipts and expenditures are made in accordance with authorizations of management and directors; and (3) providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of financial statements would be prevented or detected. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

M anagement assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992). Based on this assessment, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 28, 2013. During the quarter ended September 28, 2013, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2013. The report appears below.

51

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Insteel Industries, Inc.:

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Insteel Industries, Inc. (a North Carolina Corporation) and subsidiaries as of September 28, 2013, based on criteria established in the 1992 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2013, based on criteria established in the 1992 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended September 28, 2013, and our report dated October 29, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina

October 29, 2013

52

Item 9B. Other Information.

None.

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

The information called for by this item and not presented herein appears under the captions “Item Number One: Election of Directors”, “Security Ownership – Section 16(a) Beneficial Reporting Compliance” and “Corporate Governance Guidelines and Board Matters” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference. Information on executive officers appears under the caption “Executive Officers of the Company” in Item 1 of this report.

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct that applies to all directors, officers and employees which is available on our web site at http://investor.insteel.com/documents.com. To the extent permissible under applicable law (the rules of the SEC or NASDAQ listing standards), we intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K by posting on our web site any amendment or waiver to a provision of our Code of Business Conduct that requires disclosure under applicable law (the rules of the SEC or NASDAQ listing standards). The Company’s web site does not constitute part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

The information called for by this item appears under the captions “Executive Compensation”, “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Director Compensation” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The information called for by this item and not presented herein appears under the captions “Voting Securities” and “Security Ownership” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

September 28, 2013

(In thousands, except exercise price amount)

Plan Category |  | (a) Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights |  |  | (b) Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights |  |  | (c) Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)) |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders |  |  | 918 |  |  | $ | 12.65 |  |  |  | 587 | (1)

| (1) | In addition to being available for future issuance upon the exercise of stock options that may be granted after September 28, 2013, the securities shown are available for future issuance in the form of restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards made under our 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.

We do not have any equity compensation plans that have not been approved by shareholders.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

The information called for by this item appears under the captions “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” and “Corporate Governance Guidelines and Board Matters” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

53

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

The information called for by this item appears under the caption “Item Number Four: Ratification of the Appointment of Grant Thornton LLP” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)(1) Financial Statements

The financial statements as set forth under Item 8 are filed as part of this report.

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules

Supplemental Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts appears on page 50 of this report.

All other schedules have been omitted because they are either not required or not applicable.

(a)(3) Exhibits

The list of exhibits filed as part of this annual report is set forth on the Exhibit Index immediately preceding such exhibits and is incorporated herein by reference.

(b) Exhibits

See Exhibit Index on pages 56 and 57.

(c) Financial Statement Schedules

See Item 15(a)(2) above.

54

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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: October 29, 2013 |  | By: | /s/ Michael C. Gazmarian
|  |  | Michael C. Gazmarian
|  |  | Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed on October 29, 2013 below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated:

Name and Signature |  | Position(s)
/s/ H. O. WOLTZ III H. O. WOLTZ III |  | President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ MICHAEL C. GAZMARIAN MICHAEL C. GAZMARIAN |  | Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ SCOT R. JAFROODI SCOT R. JAFROODI |  | Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ DUNCAN S. GAGE DUNCAN S. GAGE |  | Director
/s/ LOUIS E. HANNEN LOUIS E. HANNEN |  | Director
/s/ CHARLES B. NEWSOME CHARLES B. NEWSOME |  | Director
/s/ GARY L. PECHOTA GARY L. PECHOTA |  | Director
/s/ W. ALLEN ROGERS II W. ALLEN ROGERS II |  | Director
/s/ C. RICHARD VAUGHN C. RICHARD VAUGHN |  | Director

55

EXHIBIT INDEX

to

Annual Report on Form 10-K of Insteel Industries, Inc. for Year Ended September 28, 2013

Exhibit Number | Description
2.1 | Asset Purchase Agreement between Insteel Wire Products Company and Ivy Steel & Wire, Inc. dated as of November 19, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2010).
3.1 | Restated Articles of Incorporation for the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on May 2, 1985).
3.2 | Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 3, 1988).
3.3 | Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 3, 1999 filed on May 14, 1999).
3.4 | Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 3, 2010 filed on April 26, 2010).
3.5 | Bylaws of the Company (as last amended February 8, 2011) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2011).
4.1 | Rights Agreement dated April 27, 1999 by and between the Company and First Union National Bank, as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on May 7, 1999).
4.2 | Amendment No. 1 to the Rights Agreement dated as of April 25, 2009, between the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (as Successor Rights Agent to First Union National Bank) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2009).
10.1 | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 2, 2010, among Insteel Wire Products Company, as Borrower; Insteel Industries, Inc., as a Credit Party; Intercontinental Metals Corporation, as a Credit Party; and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Agent and Lender (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 26, 2011).
10.2 | First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 6, 2012, among Insteel Wire Products Company, as Borrower; Insteel Industries, Inc. as a Credit Party; Intercontinental Metals Corporation, as a Credit Party; and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Agent and Lender (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 6, 2012).
10.3* | 1994 Employee Stock Option Plan of Insteel Industries, Inc. (as amended and restated effective February 1, 2000) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on February 23, 2000).
10.4* | 1994 Director Stock Option Plan of the Company (as Amended and Restated Effective as of April 28, 1998) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 3, 1998 filed on December 3, 1998).
10.5* | Insteel Industries, Inc. Return on Capital Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended effective September 18, 2007) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 21, 2007).
10.6* | Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Agreements between the Company and each of H.O. Woltz III and Michael C. Gazmarian, respectively, each dated November 14, 2006; each agreement is substantially identical to the form in all material respects (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 16, 2006).
10.7* | Form of Amended and Restated Severance Agreements with H.O. Woltz III and Michael C. Gazmarian dated November 14, 2006 (each agreement is substantially identical to the form in all material respects) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.6 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 16, 2006).
10.8* | Change in Control Severance Agreement between the Company and James F. Petelle dated November 14, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 16, 2006).
10.9* | Insteel Industries, Inc. Director Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1997 filed on December 10, 1997).
10.10* | Amended and Restated Retirement Security Agreement by and between the Company and H.O. Woltz III dated September 19, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 21, 2007).
10.11* | Form of Retirement Security Agreement between the Company and each of Michael C. Gazmarian, James F. Petelle and Richard T. Wagner, respectively, dated September 19, 2007; each agreement is substantially identical to the form in all material respects (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 21, 2007).
10.12* | Letter of Employment between the Company and James F. Petelle, dated August 23, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.7 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 16, 2006).
10.13* | Relocation Proposal between the Company and James F. Petelle, dated August 23, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20.1 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 3, 2009 filed on November 9, 2009).
10.14* | Addendum to Relocation Proposal between the Company and James F. Petelle, dated September 18, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20.2 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 3, 2009 filed on November 9, 2009).
10.15* | Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Agreement between the Company and Richard T. Wagner dated November 14, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 15, 2007).

56

EXHIBIT INDEX

to

Annual Report on Form 10-K of Insteel Industries, Inc. for Year Ended September 28, 2013

Exhibit Number | Description
10.16* | 2005 Equity Incentive Plan of Insteel Industries, Inc., as amended on November 8, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 10, 2011).
10.17* | Summary of amendments to the Insteel Industries, Inc. Director Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.23 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2008 filed on November 18, 2008).
10.18* | Form of Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2009).
10.19* | Insteel Industries, Inc. Return on Capital Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended and restated effective August 12, 2008) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 13, 2009).
10.20* | Form of Amendment to 2005 Equity Incentive Plan of Insteel Industries, Inc. dated August 20, 2013
21.1 | List of Subsidiaries of Insteel Industries, Inc. at September 28, 2013.
23.1 | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31.1 | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2 | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1 | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2 | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101 | The following financial information from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2013, filed on October 31, 2013, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September 28, 2013, September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended September 28, 2013, September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011, (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 28, 2013, September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity as of September 28, 2013, September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011 and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
* | Management contracts or compensation plans or arrangements in which directors or executive officers are eligible to participate.
| Our SEC file number reference for documents filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is 1-9929.

57