Insteel Q2 FY26 EPS Misses $0.37

Insteel reported Q2 FY2026 adjusted EPS of $0.27, missing consensus $0.64 by $0.37.
Revenue reached $172.7 million, up 7.5% YoY but below $178.23 million estimate, reflecting 5.9% shipment decline.
Gross margin contracted to 9.6% from 15.3% YoY; net earnings fell to $5.2 million from $10.2 million.
Company held $15.1 million cash, no debt, and plans FY2026 capex up to $20 million; shares rose 0.27% after hours.