We estimate September-quarter raw material spreads (Insteel's primary profit driver) modestly contracted sequentially off strong 3Q:F25 levels (the highest in eleven quarters), driving our 4Q:F25 EPS forecast of $0.75 (a decline from 3Q:F25's EPS of $0.81).
Insteel currently is a volume leverage story; given its relatively fixed SG&A costs, IIIN has absorbed the two competitors it acquired in F2025 and can now produce incremental volumes with minimal additional operating expenses.
Key topics heading into the 4Q:F25 release include demand trends, supply levels, and any update on management's efforts to clarify Section 232 tariff ambiguities with the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Insteel remains debt-free and held $54 million in cash as of 3Q:F25, supporting our moderate risk rating on the name.
We maintain our $39 price target, based on 13x our F2026 EPS estimate of $2.98.
14 Oct 2025
Insteel Is A Volume Leverage Story, Given Relatively Fixed SG&A And Two Acquisitions Year-To-Date; Balance Sheet Remains Debt-Free; Maintain $39 Price Target
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Insteel Is A Volume Leverage Story, Given Relatively Fixed SG&A And Two Acquisitions Year-To-Date; Balance Sheet Remains Debt-Free; Maintain $39 Price Target
We estimate September-quarter raw material spreads (Insteel's primary profit driver) modestly contracted sequentially off strong 3Q:F25 levels (the highest in eleven quarters), driving our 4Q:F25 EPS forecast of $0.75 (a decline from 3Q:F25's EPS of $0.81).
Insteel currently is a volume leverage story; given its relatively fixed SG&A costs, IIIN has absorbed the two competitors it acquired in F2025 and can now produce incremental volumes with minimal additional operating expenses.
Key topics heading into the 4Q:F25 release include demand trends, supply levels, and any update on management's efforts to clarify Section 232 tariff ambiguities with the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Insteel remains debt-free and held $54 million in cash as of 3Q:F25, supporting our moderate risk rating on the name.
We maintain our $39 price target, based on 13x our F2026 EPS estimate of $2.98.