The company ended the quarter with net earnings of USD 15.2 million, while earnings per share amounted to USD 0.78. Net sales increased 23.4% y/y to USD 179.9 million. Gross profit increased to USD 30.8 million, with a gross margin of 17.1%. The company generated USD 28.2 million in cash from operating activities and ended the quarter debt free with a net cash balance of USD 53.7 million.
Insteel's performance in the third quarter was driven by increased shipments of concrete reinforcement products and a widening gap between selling prices and raw material costs. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was impacted by incentive plan expenses.
Net sales growth was driven by an 11.7% increase in average selling prices and a 10.5% increase in shipments. The increase in average selling prices reflected pricing measures taken to contain costs. Acquisitions completed earlier in the year and strong demand in the construction market also contributed to shipment volumes.
In the first nine months of fiscal 2025, the company's net earnings totaled USD 26.5 million, with earnings per share of USD 1.35. Net sales reached USD 470.3 million in the same period, representing an increase of 19.1% compared to the same period last year. Gross profit increased to USD 64.8 million, with a gross margin of 13.8%. Cash generated from operating activities in the period was USD 44.2 million.
Capital expenditures declined to USD 6.5 million from USD 17.5 million in the same period a year ago, and are expected to reach approximately USD 11 million by the end of the year. The company's investment program has reportedly slowed temporarily due to integration work on recent acquisitions.
“In the third quarter, we faced supply constraints due to a domestic capacity reduction in the production of steel wire rod, our primary raw material. This disrupted our production schedule, extended delivery times and impacted our ability to meet customer demand,” Insteel President and CEO H.O. Woltz III anounced in a statement.
Woltz noted that they are turning to international supply sources to close this gap and expect supply constraints to ease in the fourth quarter. He also noted that the doubling of the Section 232 tariff on steel imports has increased import costs and requires a disciplined approach to pricing strategies.
“We are confident in our business outlook despite the challenges,” Woltz stated, emphasizing that recent acquisitions have contributed to the company's competitiveness by increasing shipment volumes and that the recovery in customer demand is a positive development. However, he also pointed out that macroeconomic indicators point to a more cautious environment in construction activity.
Woltz added that they are taking proactive steps to keep costs under control and maintain long-term competitive advantage.
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