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Jun 29, 2024

Insteel Q3 2024 Earnings Report

Insteel's Q3 2024 financial performance decreased due to narrower spreads between selling prices and raw material costs.

Key Takeaways

Insteel Industries reported a decrease in net earnings for Q3 2024, with $6.6 million, or $0.34 per share, compared to $10.6 million, or $0.54 per share, for the same period last year. Net sales also decreased by 12.0% to $145.8 million. Despite these decreases, shipments increased by 5.1%.

Net earnings decreased to $6.6 million, or $0.34 per share.

Net sales decreased to $145.8 million.

Gross profit decreased to $15.4 million, representing 10.6% of net sales.

Operating cash flow was $18.7 million.

Total Revenue
$146M
Previous year: $166M
-12.0%
EPS
$0.34
Previous year: $0.54
-37.0%
Gross Margin
10.6%
Gross Profit
$15.4M
Previous year: $20.4M
-24.5%
Cash and Equivalents
$97.7M
Previous year: $91.7M
+6.5%
Free Cash Flow
$15.5M
Total Assets
$415M
Previous year: $445M
-6.9%

Insteel

Insteel

Forward Guidance

As we move into the fourth fiscal quarter, selling prices and spreads may remain under pressure, particularly where we compete with imported PC strand which is entering the US market at prices lower than the domestic wire rod price. Looking ahead to fiscal 2025, we are optimistic about our business outlook. Easing inflation and the potential for lower interest rates will help drive demand in both our commercial and residential end markets, while the infrastructure related portion of our business should begin to benefit from federal spending associated with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Positive Outlook

  • Improving conditions in our markets require that we continue ramping up operating hours at certain WWR plants to manage lead times and maximize shipments.
  • Looking ahead to fiscal 2025, we are optimistic about our business outlook.
  • Easing inflation and the potential for lower interest rates will help drive demand in both our commercial and residential end markets.
  • The infrastructure related portion of our business should begin to benefit from federal spending associated with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
  • Committed to enhancing our competitive position by leveraging recent capital investments to optimize operations, expand our product line and lower our cash cost of production.

Challenges Ahead

  • It is difficult to attract and retain qualified people in our plants, which is necessary to expand operating hours
  • Selling prices and spreads may remain under pressure, particularly where we compete with imported PC strand which is entering the US market at prices lower than the domestic wire rod price.
  • Continue to work with the Administration to resolve certain trade-related anomalies that contribute to this problem.
  • Ramping up operating hours to accommodate improved demand continues to be challenging.
  • Average selling prices declined by 5.3%.