Insteel Industries Inc. announced record financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended October 2, 2021. Net earnings for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 were $25.2 million, or $1.28 per diluted share, compared to $7.4 million, or $0.38 per share, in the same period a year ago.
Net earnings for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 were the highest on record for the Company, reaching $25.2 million, or $1.28 per diluted share.
Net sales increased 23.9% to $171.3 million from $138.2 million in the prior year quarter.
Gross margin increased 920 basis points to 23.3% from 14.1% in the prior year quarter.
Operating activities generated $4.4 million of cash during the fourth quarter compared to $11.4 million in the prior year quarter.
As we look ahead to fiscal 2022, we expect our financial performance to continue to benefit from robust market conditions as confidence grows within private and public non-residential construction markets. Supply chain challenges, initially highlighted in our second quarter of 2021, in addition to critically tight labor markets, continue to impact our operations.