INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC

Financial Statements

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(In thousands)

(1)Activity within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is reported net of related income taxes: 2024 $103, 2025 ($182) and 2026 ($127)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 3, 2026, SEPTEMBER 27, 2025 and SEPTEMBER 28, 2024

(1) Description of Business

Insteel Industries Inc. (“we,” “us,” “our,” “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 of two wholly-owned subsidiaries: Insteel Wire Products Company (“IWP”), an operating subsidiary, and Intercontinental Metals Corporation, an inactive subsidiary. We manufacture and market prestressed concrete strand (“PC strand”) and welded wire reinforcement (“WWR”), including engineered structural mesh, concrete pipe reinforcement and standard welded wire reinforcement. Our products are primarily sold to manufacturers of concrete products and, to a lesser extent, distributors, rebar fabricators and contractors. We sell our products nationwide across the United States (“U.S.”) and, to a much lesser extent, into Canada, Mexico and Central and South America.

(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Fiscal year. Our fiscal year is the 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to September 30. Fiscal year 2026 was a 53-week period, and fiscal years 2025 and 2024 were 52-week periods. All references to years relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years.

Principles of consolidation**.** The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Insteel and our subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

**Use of estimates. **The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires us 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**.** We consider 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 us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. Our cash is principally concentrated at one major 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.

The majority of our accounts receivable are due from customers that are located in the U.S. and are generally not secured by collateral depending upon the creditworthiness of the account. We provide an allowance for credit losses based upon our assessment of the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends and other information. We write off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible. There is no disproportionate concentration of credit risk.

***Stock-based compensation.***We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with the fair value recognition provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”), 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. We estimate forfeitures over the requisite service period. The fair value of stock options is determined by using a valuation model that incorporates assumptions including expected term, volatility, dividend yield and the risk-free interest rate.

Employee benefit plan. We account for our supplemental retirement benefit agreements (each, a “SRBA”) in accordance with ASC Topic 715, “Compensation - Retirement Benefits” (“ASC 715”). Under the provisions of ASC 715, we recognize net periodic pension cost and value liabilities based on certain actuarial assumptions, principally the assumed discount rate.

The discount rate we utilize for determining net periodic pension cost and the related benefit obligation for the SRBAs is 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 rate is 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. We currently expect net periodic pension cost for 2027 to be $980,000 for the SRBAs. Cash contributions to the SRBAs during 2027 are estimated to be $902,000.

The assumed discount rate is reevaluated annually. 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. However, any actuarial gains generated in future periods can reduce the negative amortization effect of any cumulative unamortized actuarial losses, while any actuarial losses generated in future periods can reduce the favorable amortization effect of any cumulative unamortized actuarial gains.

The projected benefit obligations and net periodic pension cost for the SRBAs 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 our intentions regarding future compensation increases, which generally approximates average long-term inflation rates. A 0.25% decrease in the assumed discount rate for our SRBAs would have increased our projected and accumulated benefit obligations as of October 3, 2026 by approximately $272,000 and $230,000, respectively, and decreased our expected net periodic pension cost for 2027 by approximately $4,000.

Revenue recognition**.** We recognize revenues when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customers are satisfied, which generally occurs when products are shipped and control is transferred. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for our products.

Inventories**.** Inventories are valued at the lower of weighted average cost (which approximates computation on a first-in, first-out basis) and net realizable value. 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 through acquisitions, 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; and land improvements,10 -20 years. Depreciation expense was approximately $16.1 million in 2026, $16.5 million in 2025 and $14.7 million in 2024 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. No interest costs were capitalized in 2026, 2025 and 2024.

**Goodwill. **Goodwill is the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested annually for impairment and whenever events or circumstances change that would make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred. We perform our annual impairment analysis as of the first day of the fourth quarter each year. The evaluation of impairment involves comparing the current estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its recorded value, including goodwill. We perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. It may be necessary to perform a quantitative analysis where a discounted cash flow model is used to determine the current estimated fair value of the reporting unit. Key assumptions used to determine the fair value of the reporting unit as part of our annual testing (and any required interim testing) include: (a) expected cash flows for the five-year period following the testing date; (b) an estimated terminal value using a terminal year growth rate based on the growth prospects of the reporting unit; (c) a discount rate based on our estimated after-tax weighted average cost of capital; and (d) a probability-weighted scenario approach by which varying cash flows are assigned to alternative scenarios based on their likelihood of occurrence. In developing these assumptions, we consider historical and anticipated future results, general economic and market conditions, the impact of planned business and operational strategies and all available information at the time the fair value of the reporting unit is estimated. Assumptions in estimating future cash flows are subject to judgment and complexity. Changes in assumptions and estimates may affect the fair value of goodwill and could result in impairment charges in future periods. Based on the results of our impairment analysis, no goodwill impairment losses were recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for 2026, 2025 and 2024. Subsequent to the analysis, there have been no events or circumstances that indicate any potential impairment of goodwill.

Long-lived assets**.** Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment and identifiable intangible assets with definite useful lives. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Our intangible assets consist of customer relationships, developed technology and know-how, non-competition agreements and patents and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their finite useful lives (see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements). We assess the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be fully recoverable. When we determine that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable, we measure 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. There wereno impairment losses in 2026 or 2024. Impairment charges of $1.0 million were recorded in 2025 related to the impairment of long-lived assets resulting from the consolidation of our WWR operations (see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements).

Fair value of financial instruments. The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of their short 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 basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. We assess the need to establish a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets to the extent we no longer believe it is more likely than not that the tax assets will be fully realized. We recognize uncertain tax positions when we have determined it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination. However, new information may become available, or applicable laws or regulations may change, thereby resulting in a favorable or unfavorable adjustment to amounts recorded.

***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 December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures”. ASU No. 2023-09 requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as information on income tax paid. ASU No. 2023-09 became effective for us in fiscal 2026 for annual reporting. Retrospective application is permitted for all prior periods presented in the financial statements. We adopted ASU No. 2023-09 retrospectively in fiscal 2026. The adoption resulted in expanded income tax disclosures but did not affect the recognition or measurement of income taxes and had no impact on our consolidated balance sheet, results of operations or cash flows. See Note 10 for the required disclosures.

Future Adoptions

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, “Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses”. ASU No. 2024-03 does not change or remove existing expense disclosure requirements but requires disaggregated disclosures about certain expense categories and captions, including but not limited to, purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, amortization and selling expenses. ASU No. 2024-03 will become effective for us in fiscal 2028 for annual reporting and in the first quarter of fiscal 2029 for interim reporting. Retrospective application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the ASU on our disclosures within the consolidated financial statements.

(4) Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenues when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with our customers are satisfied, which generally occurs when products are shipped and control is transferred. We enter into contracts that pertain to products, which are accounted for as separate performance obligations and typically one year or less in duration. Revenue for certain contracts is recognized over time using the output method as products are shipped, control is transferred and performance obligations are satisfied. Revenue for these contracts is recognized based on the amount the Company has a right to invoice for as a practical expedient. We do not exercise significant judgment in determining the timing for the satisfaction of performance obligations or the transaction price. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for our products. We present revenue net of amounts collected from customers for sales tax.

Variable consideration that may affect the total transaction price, including contractual discounts, rebates, returns and credits, is included in net sales. Estimates for variable consideration are based on historical experience, anticipated performance and management's judgment and are updated as of each reporting date. Shipping and related expenses associated with outbound freight are accounted for as fulfillment costs and included in cost of sales. We do not have significant financing components. Contract costs are not significant and are recognized as incurred.

Contract assets primarily relate to our rights to consideration for products that are delivered but not billed as of the reporting date and are reclassified to receivables when the customer is invoiced. Contract liabilities primarily relate to performance obligations that are to be satisfied in the future and arise when we collect from the customer in advance of shipments. As of October 3, 2026, September 27, 2025, and September 28, 2024, contract assets totaled $2.0 million, $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Contract liabilities were not material as of October 3, 2026 and September 27, 2025.

Accounts receivable includes amounts billed and currently due from customers stated at their net estimated realizable value. Customer payment terms are generally 30 days. We maintain an allowance for credit losses to provide for the estimated receivables that will not be collected, which is based upon our assessment of customer creditworthiness, historical payment experience and the age of outstanding receivables. Past-due trade receivable balances are written off when our collection efforts have been unsuccessful. As of October 3, 2026, September 27, 2025, and September 28, 2024, net accounts receivable totaled $89.3 million, $78.7 million and $58.3 million, respectively.

See Note 15 for the disaggregation of our net sales by product line and geography.

(5) Restructuring and Business Combinations

Acquisitions have been accounted for as business purchases pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 805,Business Combinations (“ASC 805”).

Upper Sandusky Closure

In August 2026, we announced plans to close our Upper Sandusky, Ohio manufacturing facility and consolidate its operations into our remaining WWR facilities. The consolidation is intended to improve the operating efficiency and cost competitiveness of our WWR business. We expect production at the facility to cease during the first quarter of fiscal 2027. We also expect to relocate or dispose of certain machinery and equipment and market the real property for sale following the completion of closure activities.

Following is a summary of the restructuring activity for the year ended October 3, 2026:

As of October 3, 2026, we had accrued restructuring liabilities of $547,000 within accrued expenses on our consolidated balance sheet. We currently expect to incur approximately $3.9 million of additional restructuring charges through the third fiscal quarter of 2027. The timing and amount of these charges are estimates and may change as the consolidation is completed.

Engineered Wire Products, Inc.

On October 21, 2024, we purchased substantially all of the assets, other than cash and accounts receivable, of Engineered Wire Products, Inc. (“EWP”) and certain related assets of Liberty Steel Georgetown, Inc. (“LSG”) for an adjusted purchase price of $67.0 million (the “EWP Acquisition”), which included a $1.5 million holdback. Subsequent to the acquisition date, purchase price adjustments totaling $0.8 million were applied to the holdback amount, reducing it to $0.7 million. The final holdback amount was settled during 2025.

EWP was a leading manufacturer of WWR products for use in nonresidential and residential construction. Under the terms of the EWP Acquisition, Insteel acquired EWP’s inventories, production equipment and production facilities located in Upper Sandusky, Ohio and Warren, Ohio. Insteel also acquired certain equipment from LSG located in Georgetown, South Carolina, but the Georgetown facility was excluded from the acquisition. EWP retained its accounts receivable and accounts payable. The EWP Acquisition was funded with cash on hand. The EWP Acquisition expanded our geographic footprint and strengthened our competitive position within the Midwest market.

Following is a summary of our final allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:

In connection with the EWP Acquisition, we acquired certain intangible assets that are being amortized based on their estimated useful lives of 20.0 years for customer relationships,4.0 years for a non-competition agreement,1.0 year for a trade name and 7.0 years for a patent. Goodwill associated with the EWP Acquisition, which is deductible for tax purposes, consists largely of the synergies we expect to realize through the integration of the acquired assets with our operations.

Following the EWP Acquisition, net sales of the former EWP facilities in 2025 were approximately $59.3 million. The actual net sales specifically attributable to the EWP Acquisition, however, cannot be quantified due to our integration efforts which involved the reassignment of business between the former EWP facilities and our existing WWR facilities. As a result, we have determined that the presentation of EWP’s earnings is impracticable for 2025 due to the integration of EWP’s operations following the EWP Acquisition.

The following unaudited supplemental pro forma financial information reflects our combined results of operations had the EWP Acquisition occurred at the beginning of fiscal 2024. The pro forma information reflects certain adjustments related to the EWP Acquisition, including adjusted amortization and depreciation expense based on the fair values of the assets acquired and adjustments to interest income. The pro forma information does not reflect any potential operating efficiencies or cost savings that may result from the EWP Acquisition. Accordingly, this pro forma information is for illustrative purposes and is not intended to represent the actual results of operations of the combined company that would have been achieved had the EWP Acquisition occurred at the beginning of fiscal 2024, nor is it intended to indicate future results of operations. The pro forma combined results of operations for the current and comparative prior year periods are as follows:

Restructuring charges. In connection with the EWP Acquisition, we elected to consolidate our WWR operations through the closure of the Warren facility and through the redeployment of equipment to our other WWR production facilities. Production at the Warren facility ceased in November 2024, and its orders were distributed to our remaining WWR facilities. The facility was sold in 2025.

Following is a summary of the restructuring activity for the years ended October 3, 2026 and September 27, 2025:

We have incurred cumulative restructuring charges of $2.0 million since the start of this initiative and do not currently expect to incur any additional charges.

Acquisition costs. Under the provisions of ASC 805, acquisition and integration costs are recorded as expenses in the period in which such costs are incurred rather than included as components of consideration transferred. During 2025, we recorded $279,000 of acquisition-related costs associated with the EWP Acquisition for accounting, legal and other professional fees.

O’Brien Wire Products of Texas, Inc.

On November 26, 2024, we purchased certain assets of O’Brien Wire Products of Texas, Inc. (“OWP”) for a purchase price of $5.1 million (the “OWP Acquisition”). OWP was a manufacturer of WWR products for use in nonresidential and residential construction. Under the terms of the OWP Acquisition, Insteel acquired certain of OWP’s inventories and all of the production equipment. The OWP Acquisition was funded with cash on hand. The OWP Acquisition serves to strengthen our competitive position within the Texas market.

Following is a summary of our final allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:

In connection with the OWP Acquisition, we acquired certain intangible assets that will be amortized based on their estimated useful lives of 20.0 years for customer relationships and 5.0 years for a non-competition agreement. Goodwill associated with the OWP Acquisition, which is deductible for tax purposes, consists largely of the synergies we expect to realize through the integration of the acquired assets with our operations.

Following the OWP Acquisition, the net sales resulting from this acquisition were managed through our existing WWR facilities and cannot be quantified separately because of our integration efforts. Additionally, we are unable to prepare pro forma financial information due to the unavailability of certain historical financial data. Disclosing this information is considered impractical, and it would not significantly differ from the results presented in our consolidated financial statements for the years ended September 27, 2025, and September 28, 2024.

Restructuring charges. In connection with the OWP Acquisition, we elected to consolidate our WWR operations through the redeployment of OWP’s equipment and inventory to our other facilities. Following is a summary of the restructuring activity for the years ended October 3, 2026 and September 27, 2025:

Acquisition costs. During 2025, we recorded $46,000 of acquisition-related costs associated with the OWP Acquisition for accounting, legal and other professional fees.

(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.

As of October 3, 2026 and September 27, 2025, we held financial assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis, which are summarized below:

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 our 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 we would receive upon surrender of these policies as of the reporting date.

As of October 3, 2026 and September 27, 2025, we hadno nonfinancial assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis other than the assets and liabilities that were acquired from EWP and OWP at fair value in 2025 (see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements). The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these financial instruments.

(7) Intangible Assets

The primary components of our intangible assets and the related accumulated amortization are as follows:

Amortization expense for intangibles was $1.6 million in 2026, $1.9 million in 2025 and $749,000 in 2024. Amortization expense for the next five years is $1.3 million in 2027, $1.3 million in 2028, $1.1 million in 2029, $1.1 million in 2030 and $1.1 million in 2031.

(8) Long-Term Debt

Revolving Credit Facility.* *We have a $100.0 million 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. In March 2023, we amended our credit agreement to extend the maturity date of the Credit Facility from May 15, 2024, to March 15, 2028, and replaced the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). The Credit Facility provides for an accordion feature whereby its size may be increased by up to $50.0 million, subject to our lender’s approval. 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 October 3, 2026, no borrowings were outstanding on the Credit Facility, $98.7 million of borrowing capacity was available and outstanding letters of credit totaled $1.3 million. As of September 27, 2025, there wereno borrowings 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 SOFR rate plus 1.00% or (2) at our election, a SOFR rate including a credit adjustment of 0.10%, 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 0.25% to 0.50% for index rate loans and 1.25% to 1.50% for SOFR-based 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 our excess availability as of October 3, 2026, the applicable interest rate margins on the Credit Facility were 0.25% for index rate loans and 1.25% for SOFR-based loans.

Our 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 we are unable to make certain representations and warranties provided for under the terms of the Credit Facility. We are required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.0 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 $10.0 million. In addition, the terms of the Credit Facility restrict our 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 our stock subject to certain minimum borrowing availability requirements; incur or assume indebtedness; issue securities; enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; or permit liens to encumber our property and assets. The terms of the Credit Facility also provide that an event of default will occur 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 us or any of our 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; certain entries of judgment against us or any of our subsidiaries, which are not covered by insurance; or a change of control. As of October 3, 2026, we were 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 $51,000 in 2026, $50,000 in 2025 and $50,000 in 2024. We expect the amortization of capitalized financing costs to approximate the following amounts for the next five fiscal years:

(9) Stock-Based Compensation

Under our equity incentive plan, employees and directors may be granted stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance awards. Effective February 11, 2025, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2025 Equity Incentive Plan of Insteel Industries Inc. (the “2025 Plan”), which authorizes the issuance of up to 800,000 shares of our common stock, plus any shares remaining available for grant under the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan of Insteel Industries Inc. (as amended, the “2015 Plan”) as of the effective date of the 2025 Plan and any shares subject to an award granted under the 2015 Plan which are forfeited, cancelled, terminated, lapsed or expired without the issuance of shares. The 2025 Plan expires on February 10, 2035. As of October 3, 2026, there were 753,000 shares of our common stock available for future grants under the 2025 Plan, which is our only active equity incentive plan.

Stock option awards**.**Under our equity incentive plan, 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 the plan generally vest over three years and expireten years from the date of the grant. Compensation expense associated with stock options was $1.4 million in each of the periods ended October, 3, 2026, September, 27, 2025, and September 28, 2024. As of October 3, 2026, there was $753,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.20 years.

The fair value of each stock option award granted during 2026 was estimated on the date of grant using a binomial lattice model, while awards granted during 2025 and 2024 were valued using a Monte Carlo valuation model. Both valuation methodologies satisfy the fair value measurement objectives of ASC 718, utilize substantially similar assumptions and produce materially consistent fair value estimates. Accordingly, the change in valuation model did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The weighted-average estimated fair values of stock options granted during 2026, 2025 and 2024 were $14.54, $12.70 and $13.01 per share, respectively, based on the following weighted-average assumptions:

The assumptions utilized in the valuation model are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and actual historical experience. The expected term assumption was based on the term of the stock options, expected exercise behavior and post-vesting termination rates. The risk-free interest rate was derived from the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect on the grant date for periods corresponding to the expected term of the award. Expected volatility was based on a combination of the historical volatility of the Company's common stock and the implied volatility of exchange-traded options on the Company's common stock. The dividend yield assumption was based on the annual dividend rate in effect on the grant date.

The following table summarizes stock option activity:

Stock option exercises include “net exercises” for 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. **Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) granted under our equity incentive plan 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 generallyone year from the date of the grant for RSUs granted to directors andthree years from the date of the grant for RSUs granted to employees. RSUs do not have voting rights. RSU grants and compensation expense are as follows:

As of October 3, 2026, there was $1.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.71 years.

The following table summarizes RSU activity:

(10) Income Taxes

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

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

The amounts of income taxes paid, net of amounts refunded, are as follows:

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

As of October 3, 2026 and September 27, 2025, we recorded net deferred tax liabilities (net of valuation allowances) of $11.0 million and $11.1 million, respectively, in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. We have $5.3 million of state NOLs that effectively expire in 2031 due to state tax rate reductions.

The realization of our deferred tax assets is entirely dependent upon our ability to generate future taxable income in applicable jurisdictions. GAAP requires that we periodically assess the need to establish a reserve against our deferred tax assets to the extent we no longer believe it is more likely than not that they will be fully realized. As of October 3, 2026, we recorded a valuation allowance of $3,000 pertaining to a deferred tax asset that was not expected to be utilized. The valuation allowance is subject to periodic review and adjustment based on changes in facts and circumstances. The $109,000 reduction in the valuation allowance reflects the expected utilization of a state deferred tax asset.

As of October 3, 2026, we had no material, known tax exposures that required the establishment of contingency reserves for uncertain tax positions.

We classify interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as part of income tax expense. There wereno interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits incurred during 2026, 2025 and 2024.

We file 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 subsequent to 2021 remain subject to examination.

(11) Employee Benefit Plans

Supplemental retirement benefit plan. We have SRBAs with certain of our key employees (each, a “Participant”). Under the SRBAs, if the Participant remains in continuous service with us for a period of at least 30 years, we will pay 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 forfive consecutive years in the 10-year period preceding the Participant’s retirement. If the Participant retires prior to the completion of 30 years of continuous service with us but has attained age 55 and completed at least 10 years of continuous service, the amount of the Participant’s supplemental retirement benefit will be reduced by 1/360 th for each month short of 30 years that the Participant was employed by us.

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

In 2026, 2025 and 2024, the actuarial (gain) loss includes amounts resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions utilized to calculate our benefit plan obligation such as the discount rate, estimated future compensation levels and changes in plan participants.

The accumulated benefit obligation was $11.3 million as of October 3, 2026 and September 27, 2025.

Net periodic pension cost for the SRBAs consists of the following components included in SG&A expense:

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

The assumed discount rate is established as of our fiscal year-end measurement date. In establishing the discount rate, we review 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 SRBAs. The SRBAs’ expected rate of increase in compensation levels is based on the anticipated increases in annual compensation.

The projected benefit payments under the SRBAs are as follows:

***Retirement savings plan.***In 1996, we adopted the Retirement Savings Plan of Insteel Industries Inc. (the “Plan”) to provide retirement benefits and stock ownership for our employees. The Plan is an amendment and restatement of our 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.

The Plan allows for discretionary contributions to be made by us as determined by the Board of Directors, which are allocated among eligible participants based on their compensation relative to the total compensation of all participants.*** ***Employees are 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 Service. We match employee contributions up to 100% of the first 1% and 50% of the next 5% of eligible compensation that is contributed by employees. Our contributions to the Plan were $2.1 million in 2026, $1.9 million in 2025 and $1.7 million in 2024.

Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Associations (“VEBA”). We have a VEBA which allows both us and our employees to make contributions to pay for medical costs. Our contributions to the VEBA were $10.8 million in 2026, $10.0 million in 2025 and $6.5 million in 2024. We are primarily self-insured for our employees’ healthcare costs, carrying stop-loss insurance coverage for individual claims in excess of $200,000 per benefit plan year. Our 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. We review current and historical claims data in developing our estimates.

(12) Commitments and Contingencies

Purchase commitments. As of October 3, 2026, we had $132.1 million in non-cancelable purchase commitments for raw material extending as long as approximately 160 days and $31.3 million of contractual commitments for the purchase of certain equipment, which is expected to be incurred in 2027 and beyond, that had not been fulfilled and are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements.

Legal proceedings. We are involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including commercial, environmental and employment matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business. We do not expect the ultimate outcome or cost to resolve these matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

***Severance and change of control agreements.***We have entered into a severance agreement with our Chief Executive Officer that provides him with certain termination benefits in the event his employment with us is terminated without cause. The initial term of the agreement wastwo years, and it automatically renews for successiveone-year terms unless we or our Chief Executive Officer provide notice of termination as specified in the agreement. In the event of termination of the Chief Executive Officer’s employment without cause, this agreement provides that he would receive termination benefits equal to one andone-half times his annual base salary in effect on the termination date and the continuation of health and welfare benefits foreighteen months. In addition, all of his stock options and restricted stock units would vest immediately, and outplacement services would be provided.

We have also entered into change in control agreements with key members of management, including our executive officers, which specify the terms of separation in the event that termination of their employment followed a change in control. The initial term of each agreement istwo years, and they automatically renew for successiveone-year terms unless we or the executive provide notice of termination as specified in the agreement. The agreements do not provide assurances of continued employment or specify the terms of an executive’s termination should one occur in the absence of a change in control. The compensation payable under the terms of these agreements differs between the Chief Executive Officer and the other covered executives. In the event of termination of the Chief Executive Officer within two years of a change of control, he would receive severance benefits equal totwo times base compensation, two times the average bonus for the prior three years and the continuation of health and welfare benefits fortwo years. In the event of such a termination of the other key members of management, including our other four executive officers, within two years of a change of control, they would receive severance benefits equal toone times base compensation, one times the average bonus for the prior three years and the continuation of health and welfare benefits forone year. In addition, for any covered executive that is terminated within two years of a change of control, all of their stock options and restricted stock units would vest immediately, and outplacement services would be provided.

(13) Leases

We use operating leases for certain equipment, office space and vehicles. We determine whether an arrangement is a lease at its inception if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Leases with an initial term oftwelve months or less are not recorded on our consolidated balance sheet. Lease expense for operating leases with original terms of more than twelve months was $2.2 million in 2026, $1.9 million in 2025 and $1.3 million in 2024.

Most of our leases include options to extend or terminate the leases which are exercised at our sole discretion. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate as of the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments, which represents an estimate of the interest rate we would incur at the lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term.

Supplemental cash flow and non-cash information related to leases is as follows:

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follows:

The weighted average remaining lease terms and discount rates for operating leases are as follows:

Aggregate future operating lease payments as of October 3, 2026, are as follows:

(14) Earnings Per Share

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

Options and RSUs that were antidilutive and not included in the diluted EPS calculation amounted to 72,000 shares in 2026,60,000 shares in 2025 and 37,000 shares in 2024.

(15) Business Segment Information

Our operations are entirely focused on the manufacture and marketing of steel wire reinforcing products for concrete construction applications. Our concrete reinforcing products consist of two product lines: PC strand and WWR. Based on the criteria specified in ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting”, we haveone reportable segment.

The Company's chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) is the Chief Executive Officer. The CODM assesses performance and allocates resources based on consolidated net earnings. This measure of profitability is utilized to assess growth opportunities, including those through organic growth initiatives, capital expenditures and acquisitions; manage and control expenses and efficiency within our operations; and evaluate shareholder return strategies, including dividend payments and repurchases of common stock.

Significant expenses include cost of sales and SG&A expense which are each presented on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The measure of segment assets is reported on the consolidated balance sheet as total assets, which are located in the U.S.

Our net sales by geographic region are as follows:

Our sales by product line are as follows:

There were no customers that accounted for 10% or more of our net sales in 2026, 2025 or 2024.

(16) Other Financial Data

Balance sheet information:

(17) 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. 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.

(18) Share Repurchases

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 (the “Authorization”). Under the 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. We are not obligated to acquire any particular amount of common stock, and the program may be commenced or suspended at any time at our discretion without prior notice. The Authorization continues in effect until terminated by the Board of Directors. Share repurchases of the Company’s common stock under the Authorization were $3.2 million or 113,778 shares in 2026, $2.3 million or 76,447 shares in 2025 and $1.8 million or 58,099 shares in 2024. As of October 3, 2026, there was $14.0 million remaining available for future share repurchases under this Authorization.

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Insteel Industries Inc.

Opinion on the financial statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Insteel Industries Inc. (a North Carolina corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of October 3, 2026 and September 27, 2025, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 3, 2026, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of October 3, 2026 and September 27, 2025, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 3, 2026, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 3, 2026, based on criteria established in the 2013Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated October 29, 2026 expressed an unqualified opinion.

Basis for opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical audit matters

Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined there are no critical audit matters.

/s/Grant Thornton LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.

Charlotte, North Carolina

October 29, 2026