Is IIIN a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC (IIIN) receives a "Reduce" rating with a composite score of 38.4/100. It is ranked #3,282 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 10/100, Value 44/100, Momentum 52/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for IIIN?

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC (IIIN) has a "Reduce" rating and 2-star score. The composite score of 38.4 ranks it #3,282 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is IIIN in?

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC operates in the Materials sector (Steel Works industry) with a market cap of $663 million. It is classified as a small-cap stock.

Does IIIN pay a dividend?

Yes, IIIN pays a dividend with a current yield of 3.45%. The Materials sector average yield is 0.49%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $34.50 in annual dividend income.

What is IIIN's P/E ratio?

IIIN has a trailing P/E ratio of 19.21x. The Materials sector average is 26.5x. This P/E is in a moderate range relative to the broader market.

How profitable is IIIN?

IIIN's quality factor score is 10/100. Gross margin: 12.8%. ROE: 9.5% vs sector average 3.3%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is IIIN valued compared to peers?

IIIN's value factor score is 44/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 19.2x, EV/EBITDA 14.8x. Valuation is roughly in line with peers.

What is IIIN's debt level?

IIIN's debt-to-equity ratio is 27%. Sector average: 41%. Low leverage suggests conservative financial management.

IIIN has a beta of 0.85, meaning it tracks the market. Stability score: 65/100.

Does IIIN have high short interest?

IIIN's short interest factor score is 63/100 (higher = less short selling). Moderate short interest.

IIIN Stock Analysis: Top Small-Cap Reduce (Score 38.4/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
IIIN	+1.00%	+7.75%	+9.99%	+15.03%	+38.68%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLB	+0.56%	+3.07%	+4.17%	+14.58%	-33.54%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	+1.06%	+4.15%	+9.66%	+15.39%	+9.15%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	+0.44%	+4.67%	+5.82%	+0.45%	+72.21%	-	-	-

Metric	IIIN	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	19.2x	-28%
EV/EBITDA	14.8x	+146%
Price / Book	1.8x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
CF CF Industries Holdings, Inc.	57	50	72	66	11.8x	21.1%	36.2%	24.9%	5.5%	41.0x	$19.7B	VS
NTR Nutrien Ltd.	57	37	70	64	54.2x	11.5%	29.0%	2.7%	-	52.0x	$35.9B	VS
UAN CVR PARTNERS, LP	56	50	71	67	12.0x	42.4%	28.5%	17.8%	23.1%	265.0x	$1.3B	VS
LXU LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.	54	50	54	73	41.2x	-3.3%	8.6%	-4.5%	11.0%	85.0x	$1.1B	VS
AA Alcoa Corp	54	50	61	71	18.7x	16.6%	10.0%	8.0%	3.1%	40.0x	$19.0B	VS
MEOH METHANEX CORP	53	34	76	72	24.6x	47.8%	19.1%	6.7%	-	149.0x	$4.6B	VS
NGVT Ingevity Corp	53	50	68	66	53.4x	-638.7%	38.1%	-12.1%	-14.7%	5,459.0x	$2.5B	VS
SEE SEALED AIR CORP/DE	52	50	67	59	11.2x	44.7%	30.2%	10.4%	0.5%	318.0x	$6.2B	VS
ACU ACME UNITED CORP	51	50	71	51	16.4x	9.0%	39.4%	5.2%	-11.5%	45.0x	$171M	VS
APD Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.	51	50	49	50	179.2x	2.4%	31.6%	2.2%	3.9%	114.0x	$64.4B	VS
IIIN INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC	38	10	44	52	19.2x	9.5%	12.8%	5.1%	9.7%	27.0x	$663M

Key Ratio	TTM	2026	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
Gross Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%
Operating Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.2%	0.1%	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%
EBITDA Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%
Net Margin %	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.0%	0.0%	0.2%	0.1%	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%
FCF Margin %	-6.4%	-	2.9%	-	-	-	8.9%	10.4%	-0.9%	7.8%	0.1%
ROE %	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.3%	0.2%	0.1%	0.0%	0.2%	0.1%
ROA %	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.3%	0.2%	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%
ROIC %	10.2%	2.1%	12.3%	5.7%	8.6%	32.8%	32.1%	9.1%	2.1%	17.0%	14.1%

Key Ratio

TTM

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

Gross Margin %

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

Operating Margin %

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

EBITDA Margin %

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

Net Margin %

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.2%

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

FCF Margin %

-6.4%

2.9%

8.9%

10.4%

-0.9%

7.8%

0.1%

ROE %

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

0.3%

0.2%

0.1%

0.0%

0.2%

0.1%

ROA %

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

0.3%

0.2%

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

ROIC %

10.2%

2.1%

12.3%

5.7%

8.6%

32.8%

32.1%

9.1%

2.1%

17.0%

14.1%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$630M	$648M	$529M	$649M	$827M	$591M	$473M	$456M	$453M	$389M	$419M	$448M
	—	—	$480M	$584M	$630M	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$83M	$93M	$50M	$65M	$197M	$122M	$56M	$30M	$71M	$60M	$85M	$58M
Gross Margin	12.8%	14.4%	9.4%	10.1%	23.9%	20.6%	11.8%	6.6%	15.6%	15.4%	20.3%	13.0%
	—	—	$30M	$31M	$36M	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Depreciation	—	$18M	—	—	—	$15M	$14M	$14M	$13M	$12M	$12M	$12M
Total Operating Expenses	—	—	$24M	$24M	$36M	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$44M	$52M	$25M	$42M	$162M	$86M	$23M	$6M	$43M	$34M	$56M	$32M
EBIT	$44M	$52M	$25M	$42M	$162M	$86M	$23M	$6M	$43M	$34M	$56M	$32M
EBITDA	$44M	$70M	$25M	$42M	$162M	$101M	$38M	$21M	$55M	$46M	$68M	$45M
Operating Margin	6.6%	8.0%	4.8%	6.4%	19.6%	14.6%	4.8%	1.2%	9.4%	8.8%	13.5%	7.2%
EBITDA Margin	7.0%	10.8%	4.8%	6.4%	19.6%	17.1%	8.1%	4.6%	12.2%	11.8%	16.2%	10.1%
	—	$52K	$89K	$87K	$91K	$96K	$106K	$168K	$114K	$136K	$158K	$320K
	—	—	$25M	$42M	$162M	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$13M	$6M	$9M	$37M	$19M	$5M	$2M	$6M	$12M	$19M	$11M
	$34M	$41M	$19M	$32M	$125M	$67M	$19M	$6M	$36M	$23M	$37M	$22M
Net Margin	5.1%	6.3%	3.6%	5.0%	15.1%	11.3%	4.0%	1.2%	8.0%	5.8%	8.9%	4.9%
	$0.39	$2.11	$0.99	$1.66	$6.41	$3.44	$0.99	$0.29	$1.90	$1.19	$1.99	$1.18
Diluted EPS	$0.39	$2.11	$0.99	$1.66	$6.37	$3.44	$0.99	$0.29	$1.90	$1.19	$1.99	$1.18
Weighted Avg Basic	—	—	20M	20M	20M	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	—	20M	20M	20M	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$630M

$648M

$529M

$649M

$827M

$591M

$473M

$456M

$453M

$389M

$419M

$448M

—

$480M

$584M

$630M

—

$83M

$93M

$50M

$65M

$197M

$122M

$56M

$30M

$71M

$60M

$85M

$58M

Gross Margin

12.8%

14.4%

9.4%

10.1%

23.9%

20.6%

11.8%

6.6%

15.6%

15.4%

20.3%

13.0%

—

$30M

$31M

$36M

—

Depreciation

—

$18M

—

$15M

$14M

$13M

$12M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$24M

$36M

—

$44M

$52M

$25M

$42M

$162M

$86M

$23M

$6M

$43M

$34M

$56M

$32M

EBIT

$44M

$52M

$25M

$42M

$162M

$86M

$23M

$6M

$43M

$34M

$56M

$32M

EBITDA

$44M

$70M

$25M

$42M

$162M

$101M

$38M

$21M

$55M

$46M

$68M

$45M

Operating Margin

6.6%

8.0%

4.8%

6.4%

19.6%

14.6%

4.8%

1.2%

9.4%

8.8%

13.5%

7.2%

EBITDA Margin

7.0%

10.8%

4.8%

6.4%

19.6%

17.1%

8.1%

4.6%

12.2%

11.8%

16.2%

10.1%

—

$52K

$89K

$87K

$91K

$96K

$106K

$168K

$114K

$136K

$158K

$320K

—

$25M

$42M

$162M

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$13M

$6M

$9M

$37M

$19M

$5M

$2M

$6M

$12M

$19M

$11M

$34M

$41M

$19M

$32M

$125M

$67M

$19M

$6M

$36M

$23M

$37M

$22M

Net Margin

5.1%

6.3%

3.6%

5.0%

15.1%

11.3%

4.0%

1.2%

8.0%

5.8%

8.9%

4.9%

$0.39

$2.11

$0.99

$1.66

$6.41

$3.44

$0.99

$0.29

$1.90

$1.19

$1.99

$1.18

Diluted EPS

$0.39

$2.11

$0.99

$1.66

$6.37

$3.44

$0.99

$0.29

$1.90

$1.19

$1.99

$1.18

Weighted Avg Basic

—

20M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

20M

—

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC (IIIN) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC Do?

Insteel Industries, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets steel wire reinforcing products for concrete construction applications. The company offers prestressed concrete strand (PC strand) and welded wire reinforcement (WWR) products. Its PC strand is a seven-wire strand that is used to impart compression forces into precast concrete elements and structures providing reinforcement for bridges, parking decks, buildings, and other concrete structures. The company's WWR engineered reinforcing product is used in nonresidential and residential construction. It produces a range of WWR products, such as engineered structural mesh, an engineered made-to-order product that is used as the primary reinforcement for concrete elements or structures serving as a reinforcing solution for hot-rolled rebar; concrete pipe reinforcement, an engineered made-to-order product, which is used as the primary reinforcement in concrete pipe, box culverts, and precast manholes for drainage and sewage systems, water treatment facilities, and other related applications; and standard welded wire reinforcement, a secondary reinforcing product for crack control applications in residential and light nonresidential construction, including driveways, sidewalks, and various slab-on-grade applications. The company sells its products through sales representatives to the manufacturers of concrete products, rebar fabricators, distributors, and contractors primarily in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America. Insteel Industries, Inc. was founded in 1953 and is headquartered in Mount Airy, North Carolina. INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC (IIIN) is classified as a small-cap stock in the Materials sector, specifically within the Steel Works industry. The company is led by CEO Howard O. Woltz and employs approximately 960 people, headquartered in MOUNT AIRY, North Carolina. With a market capitalization of $663M, IIIN is one of the notable companies in the Materials sector.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC (IIIN) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

As of April 2026, INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC receives a Reduce rating with a composite score of 38.4/100 and 2 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.IIIN ranks #3,282 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Materials sector, INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC ranks #235 of 284 stocks, placing it in the lower half of its Materials peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

IIIN Stock Price and 52-Week Range

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC (IIIN) currently trades at $36.43. The stock gained $0.36 (1.0%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for IIIN is $41.64, which means the stock is currently trading -12.5% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $22.49, putting the stock 62.0% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 106K shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.

Is IIIN Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC (IIIN) carries a value factor score of 44/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 19.21x, compared to the Materials sector average of 26.50x — a discount of 28%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 1.82x, versus the sector average of 2.83x. The price-to-sales ratio is 1.04x, compared to 0.74x for the average Materials stock. On an enterprise value basis, IIIN trades at 14.81x EV/EBITDA, versus 6.01x for the sector.

Overall, IIIN's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC (IIIN) earns a quality factor score of 10/100, signaling below-average profitability metrics relative to the broader market. The return on equity (ROE) is 9.5%, compared to the Materials sector average of 3.3%, which is below typical expectations for high-quality companies. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 7.5% versus the sector average of 0.6%.

On a margin basis, INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC reports gross margins of 12.8%, compared to 29.8% for the sector. The operating margin is 6.6% (sector: 6.0%). Net profit margin stands at 5.1%, versus 3.0% for the average Materials stock. Revenue growth is running at 9.7% on a trailing basis, compared to 1.8% for the sector. Profitability is below benchmark levels, which may reflect industry headwinds, elevated reinvestment, or structural challenges.

IIIN Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC has a debt-to-equity ratio of 27.0%, compared to the Materials sector average of 41.0%. The low leverage indicates a conservative balance sheet with significant financial flexibility. The current ratio is 3.58x, indicating strong short-term liquidity. Total debt on the balance sheet is $0. Cash and equivalents stand at $16M.

IIIN has a beta of 0.85, meaning it is roughly in line with the broader market in terms of price volatility. The stability factor score for INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC is 65/100, reflecting average volatility within the normal range for its sector.

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC reported revenue of $630M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.39. Net income for the quarter was $34M. Gross margin was 12.8%. Operating income came in at $44M.

In Q1 2026, INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC reported revenue of $160M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.39. Net income for the quarter was $8M. Gross margin was 11.3%. Revenue grew 23.3% year-over-year compared to Q1 2025. Operating income came in at $10M.

In FY 2025, INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC reported revenue of $648M and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.11. Net income for the quarter was $41M. Gross margin was 14.4%. Revenue grew 22.4% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $52M.

In Q3 2025, INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC reported revenue of $180M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.78. Net income for the quarter was $15M. Gross margin was 17.1%. Revenue grew 23.4% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $20M.

Over the past 8 quarters, INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $146M to $630M. Investors analyzing IIIN stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

IIIN Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC (IIIN) currently pays a dividend yield of 3.5%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in IIIN stock would generate approximately $$345.00 in annual dividend income. This compares to the Materials sector average dividend yield of 0.5%, meaning IIIN offers above-average income for its sector. The net margin of 5.1% provides reasonable coverage for the dividend, though investors should monitor payout sustainability.

IIIN Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC (IIIN) has a momentum factor score of 52/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 29/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 63/100 reflects moderate short selling activity.

IIIN vs Competitors — Materials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Materials sector, INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC (IIIN) ranks #235 out of 284 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places IIIN in the lower half of all Materials stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF) with a score of 56.6/100, Nutrien Ltd. (NTR) with a score of 56.6/100, CVR PARTNERS, LP (UAN) with a score of 55.6/100, LSB INDUSTRIES, INC. (LXU) with a score of 53.6/100, and ACME UNITED CORP (ACU) with a score of 51.2/100.

Comparing IIIN against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full IIIN vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

IIIN Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC (IIIN) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy IIIN? — Investment Thesis Summary

The quantitative profile for INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC suggests caution. The quality score of 10/100 flags below-average profitability. Low volatility (stability score 65/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC (IIIN) earns a Reduce rating with a composite score of 38.4/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on IIIN stock.

Related Resources for IIIN Investors

Explore more research and tools: IIIN vs S&P 500 comparison, top Materials stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare IIIN head-to-head with peers: IIIN vs CF, IIIN vs NTR, IIIN vs UAN.

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INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC (IIIN) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC Do?

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC (IIIN) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

IIIN Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is IIIN Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

IIIN Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

INSTEEL INDUSTRIES INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

IIIN Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

IIIN Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

IIIN vs Competitors — Materials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

IIIN Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy IIIN? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for IIIN Investors

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