Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
     
þ   Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
     
    For Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2010
     
or,
     
o   Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission File Number 1-5415
A. M. Castle & Co.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Maryland   36-0879160
     
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
incorporation of organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
3400 North Wolf Road, Franklin Park, Illinois   60131
     
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone, including area code (847) 455-7111
None
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer; an accelerated filer; a non-accelerated filer; or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one):
             
Large Accelerated Filer o   Accelerated Filer þ   Non-Accelerated Filer o   Smaller Reporting Company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
     
Class   Outstanding at April 23, 2010
     
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value   22,938,020 shares
 
 

 

 


 

A. M. CASTLE & CO.
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
         
    Page  
 
       
Part I. Financial Information
       
 
       
       
 
       
    3  
 
       
    4  
 
       
    5  
 
       
    6-15  
 
       
    16-21  
 
       
    21  
 
       
    21-22  
 
       
       
 
       
    23  
 
       
    23  
 
       
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1

 

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Item 1.   Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Amounts in thousands, except par value and per share data
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                 
    As of  
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
ASSETS
               
Current assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 26,200     $ 28,311  
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $4,228 and $4,195
    126,507       105,832  
Inventories, principally on last-in, first-out basis (replacement cost higher by $117,965 and $116,816)
    161,413       170,960  
Other current assets
    6,227       5,241  
Income tax receivable
    18,615       18,970  
 
           
Total current assets
    338,962       329,314  
Investment in joint venture
    24,251       23,468  
Goodwill
    50,095       50,072  
Intangible assets
    46,691       48,575  
Prepaid pension cost
    20,292       19,913  
Other assets
    3,647       3,906  
Property, plant and equipment, at cost
               
Land
    5,194       5,192  
Building
    52,018       51,945  
Machinery and equipment
    180,670       178,545  
 
           
 
    237,882       235,682  
Less — accumulated depreciation
    (156,550 )     (152,929 )
 
           
 
    81,332       82,753  
 
           
 
               
Total assets
  $ 565,270     $ 558,001  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable
  $ 88,452     $ 71,295  
Accrued liabilities
    24,079       22,419  
Income taxes payable
    1,363       1,848  
Deferred income taxes
    9,638       9,706  
Current portion of long-term debt
    7,639       7,778  
Short-term debt
    9,679       13,720  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    140,850       126,766  
Long-term debt, less current portion
    65,903       67,686  
Deferred income taxes
    31,333       32,032  
Other non-current liabilities
    4,999       5,281  
Pension and post retirement benefit obligations
    8,136       8,028  
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders’ equity
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value — 10,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009
           
Common stock, $0.01 par value — 30,000 shares authorized; 23,115 shares issued and 22,899 outstanding at March 31, 2010 and 22,906 outstanding at December 31, 2009
    230       230  
Additional paid-in capital
    178,625       178,129  
Retained earnings
    151,765       156,387  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (13,401 )     (13,528 )
Treasury stock, at cost — 216 shares at March 31, 2010 and 209 shares at December 31, 2009
    (3,170 )     (3,010 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    314,049       318,208  
 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 565,270     $ 558,001  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                 
    For the Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2010     2009  
 
 
Net sales
  $ 222,996     $ 252,244  
 
               
Costs and expenses:
               
Cost of materials (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
    169,043       182,180  
Warehouse, processing and delivery expense
    28,904       30,926  
Sales, general, and administrative expense
    26,942       31,960  
Depreciation and amortization expense
    5,150       5,416  
 
           
Operating (loss) income
    (7,043 )     1,762  
Interest expense, net
    (1,293 )     (1,705 )
 
           
 
               
(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of joint venture
    (8,336 )     57  
 
               
Income taxes
    2,848       445  
 
           
 
               
(Loss) Income before equity in earnings (losses) of joint venture
    (5,488 )     502  
 
               
Equity in earnings (losses) of joint venture
    866       (22 )
 
           
Net (loss) income
  $ (4,622 )   $ 480  
 
           
 
               
Basic (loss) earnings per share
  $ (0.20 )   $ 0.02  
 
           
 
               
Diluted (loss) earnings per share
  $ (0.20 )   $ 0.02  
 
           
 
               
Dividends per common share
  $     $  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                 
    For the Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2010     2009  
Operating activities:
               
Net (loss) income
  $ (4,622 )   $ 480  
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash from operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    5,150       5,416  
Amortization of deferred gain
    (218 )     (227 )
Loss on sale of fixed assets
          (6 )
Equity in (earnings) losses of joint venture
    (866 )     22  
Dividends from joint venture
    83       485  
Deferred tax benefit
    (810 )     (3,363 )
Share-based compensation expense
    336       470  
Increase (decrease) from changes, net of acquisitions, in:
               
Accounts receivable
    (20,767 )     19,123  
Inventories
    9,108       9,149  
Other current assets
    (979 )     (65 )
Other assets
    (44 )     (169 )
Prepaid pension costs
    (262 )     (188 )
Accounts payable
    17,759       (19,944 )
Accrued liabilities
    1,766       (3,194 )
Income taxes payable
    (389 )     (2,092 )
Postretirement benefit obligations and other liabilities
    154       (1,222 )
 
           
Net cash from operating activities
    5,399       4,675  
 
               
Investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures
    (1,953 )     (3,825 )
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
          15  
Insurance proceeds
          250  
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (1,953 )     (3,560 )
 
               
Financing activities:
               
Short-term (repayments) borrowings, net
    (4,153 )     4,421  
Repayments of long-term debt
    (299 )     (823 )
 
           
Net cash (used in) from financing activities
    (4,452 )     3,598  
 
               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (1,105 )     (117 )
 
           
 
               
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (2,111 )     4,596  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of year
    28,311       15,277  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period
  $ 26,200     $ 19,873  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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A. M. Castle & Co.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited — Amounts in thousands except per share data)
(1) Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by A. M. Castle & Co. and subsidiaries (the “Company”), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2009 is derived from the audited financial statements at that date. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. In the opinion of management, the unaudited statements, included herein, contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of financial results for the interim periods. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K. The 2010 interim results reported herein may not necessarily be indicative of the results of the Company’s operations for the full year.
Non-cash investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 consisted of $169 and $101, of capital expenditures financed by accounts payable, respectively.
(2) New Accounting Standards
Standards Adopted
Effective January 1, 2010, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2009-17, “Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved With Variable Interest Entities” (“ASU 2009-17”). The revised guidance amends the consolidation guidance that applies to a variable interest entity (“VIE”). The adoption of the ASU did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
(3) Earnings Per Share
Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock plus common stock equivalents. Common stock equivalents consist of stock options, non-vested shares, restricted stock units, and other share-based payment awards, which have been included in the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding using the treasury stock method. The following table is a reconciliation of the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009:
                 
    For the Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2010     2009  
Numerator:
               
Net (loss) income
  $ (4,622 )   $ 480  
 
           
 
               
Denominator:
               
Denominator for basic (loss) earnings per share:
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    22,652       22,727  
Effect of dilutive securities:
               
Outstanding common stock equivalents
          342  
 
           
Denominator for diluted (loss) earnings per share
    22,652       23,069  
 
           
 
               
Basic (loss) earnings per share
  $ (0.20 )   $ 0.02  
 
           
 
               
Diluted (loss) earnings per share
  $ (0.20 )   $ 0.02  
 
           
 
               
Excluded outstanding share-based awards having an anti-dilutive effect
    796       150  
 
           

 

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For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, the undistributed (losses) earnings attributed to participating securities, which represent certain non-vested shares granted by the Company, were approximately one percent of total (losses) earnings.
(4) Debt
Short-term and long-term debt consisted of the following:
                 
    March 31, 2010     December 31, 2009  
SHORT-TERM DEBT
               
U.S. Revolver A (a)
  $ 1,500     $ 5,000  
Trade acceptances (b)
    8,179       8,720  
 
           
Total short-term debt
    9,679       13,720  
 
               
LONG-TERM DEBT
               
6.76% insurance company loan due in scheduled installments through 2015
    50,026       50,026  
U.S. Revolver B (a)
    22,777       24,246  
Other, primarily capital leases
    739       1,192  
 
           
Total long-term debt
    73,542       75,464  
Less current portion
    (7,639 )     (7,778 )
 
           
Total long-term portion
    65,903       67,686  
 
           
 
               
TOTAL SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT
  $ 83,221     $ 89,184  
 
           
     
(a)   The Company’s amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “2008 Senior Credit Facility”) dated as of September 5, 2006, provides a $230,000 five-year secured revolver consisting of (i) a $170,000 revolving “A” loan (the “U.S. Revolver A”), (ii) a $50,000 multicurrency revolving “B” loan (the “U.S. Revolver B“), and (iii) a Canadian dollar $9,784 revolving loan (corresponding to $10,000 in U.S. dollars as of the amendment closing date; availability expressed in U.S. dollars changes based on movement in the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar). The maturity date of the 2008 Senior Credit Facility is January 2, 2013.
     
    The Company has classified U.S. Revolver A as short-term based on its ability and intent to repay amounts outstanding under this instrument within the next 12 months. U.S. Revolver B is classified as long-term as the Company’s cash projections indicate that amounts outstanding under this instrument are not expected to be repaid within the next 12 months. The Company had availability of $77,786 under its U.S. Revolver A and $27,223 under its U.S. Revolver B as of March 31, 2010. The Company’s Canadian subsidiary had availability of approximately $9,639 in U.S dollars. The weighted average interest rate for borrowings under the U.S. Revolver A and U.S. Revolver B for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was 2.15% and 1.40%, respectively. The weighted average interest rate for borrowings under the Canadian Revolver for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was 0.25%.

 

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(b)   A trade acceptance is a form of debt instrument having a definite maturity and obligation to pay and which has been accepted by an acknowledgement by the company upon whom it is drawn. At March 31, 2010, the Company had $8,179 in outstanding trade acceptances with varying maturity dates ranging up to 120 days. The weighted average interest rate was 1.20% for the three months ended March 31, 2010.
The fair value of the Company’s fixed rate debt as of March 31, 2010, including current maturities, was estimated to be between $48,500 and $49,500 compared to a carrying value of $50,026. The fair value of the fixed rate debt was determined using a market approach, which estimates fair value based on companies with similar credit quality and size of debt issuances. As of March 31, 2010, the estimated fair value of the Company’s debt outstanding under its revolving credit facility is $21,434, assuming the current amount of debt outstanding at the end of the period was outstanding until the maturity of the Company’s facility in January 2013. Although borrowings could be materially greater or less than the current amount of borrowings outstanding at the end of the period, it is not practical to estimate the amounts that may be outstanding during future periods since there is no predetermined borrowing or repayment schedule. The estimated fair value of the Company’s debt outstanding under its revolving credit facility is lower than the carrying value of $24,277 since the terms of this facility are more favorable than those that might be expected to be available in the current lending environment.
As of March 31, 2010, the Company remained in compliance with the covenants of its financing agreements, which require it to maintain certain funded debt-to-capital and working capital-to-debt ratios and a minimum adjusted consolidated net worth as defined within the agreements.
(5) Segment Reporting
The Company distributes and performs processing on both metals and plastics. Although the distribution processes are similar, the customer markets, supplier bases and types of products are different. Additionally, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, the chief operating decision-maker, reviews and manages these two businesses separately. As such, these businesses are considered reportable segments and are reported accordingly.
In its Metals segment, the Company’s marketing strategy focuses on distributing highly engineered specialty grades and alloys of metals as well as providing specialized processing services designed to meet very precise specifications. Core products include alloy, aluminum, stainless, nickel, titanium and carbon. Inventories of these products assume many forms such as plate, sheet, round bar, hexagon bar, square and flat bar, tubing and coil. Depending on the size of the facility and the nature of the markets it serves, service centers are equipped as needed with bar saws, plate saws, oxygen and plasma arc flame cutting machinery, water-jet cutting, stress relieving and annealing furnaces, surface grinding equipment and sheet shearing equipment. This segment also performs various specialized fabrications for its customers through pre-qualified subcontractors that thermally process, turn, polish and straighten alloy and carbon bar.
The Company’s Plastics segment consists exclusively of a wholly owned subsidiary that operates as Total Plastics, Inc. (“TPI”) headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The Plastics segment stocks and distributes a wide variety of plastics in forms that include plate, rod, tube, clear sheet, tape, gaskets and fittings. Processing activities within this segment include cut to length, cut to shape, bending and forming according to customer specifications. The Plastics segment’s diverse customer base consists of companies in the retail (point-of-purchase), marine, office furniture and fixtures, transportation and general manufacturing industries. TPI has locations throughout the upper northeast and midwest regions of the U.S. and one facility in Florida from which it services a wide variety of users of industrial plastics.

 

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The accounting policies of all segments are the same as described in Note 1, “Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. Management evaluates the performance of its business segments based on operating income.
Segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:
                                 
    Net     Operating     Capital     Depreciation &  
    Sales     (Loss) Income     Expenditures     Amortization  
2010
                               
Metals segment
  $ 199,674     $ (5,821 )   $ 1,888     $ 4,820  
Plastics segment
    23,322       163       65       330  
Other
          (1,385 )            
 
                       
Consolidated
  $ 222,996     $ (7,043 )   $ 1,953     $ 5,150  
 
                       
 
                               
2009
                               
Metals segment
  $ 231,082     $ 4,015     $ 3,734     $ 5,085  
Plastics segment
    21,162       (408 )     91       331  
Other
          (1,845 )            
 
                       
Consolidated
  $ 252,244     $ 1,762     $ 3,825     $ 5,416  
 
                       
“Other” — Operating loss includes the costs of executive, legal and finance departments, which are shared by both the Metals and Plastics segments.
Segment information for total assets is as follows:
                 
    March 31, 2010     December 31, 2009  
Metals segment
  $ 493,770     $ 488,090  
Plastics segment
    47,249       46,443  
Other
    24,251       23,468  
 
           
Consolidated
  $ 565,270     $ 558,001  
 
           
“Other” — Total assets consist of the Company’s investment in joint venture.
(6) Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The changes in carrying amounts of goodwill during the three months ended March 31, 2010 were as follows:
                         
    Metals     Plastics        
    Segment     Segment     Total  
Balance as of January 1, 2010
                       
Goodwill
  $ 97,316     $ 12,973     $ 110,289  
 
                       
Accumulated impairment losses
    (60,217 )           (60,217 )
 
                 
Balance as of January 1, 2010
    37,099       12,973       50,072  
 
                 
Currency valuation
    23             23  
 
                 
Balance as of March 31, 2010
                       
Goodwill
    97,339       12,973       110,312  
Accumulated impairment losses
    (60,217 )           (60,217 )
 
                 
Balance as of March 31, 2010
  $ 37,122     $ 12,973     $ 50,095  
 
                 

 

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As discussed in Note 8, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets”, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $1,357 for the year ended December 31, 2009. The Company’s annual test for goodwill impairment is completed as of January 1st each year. Based on the January 1, 2010 test, the Company determined that there was no impairment of goodwill.
The following summarizes the components of intangible assets:
                                 
    March 31, 2010     December 31, 2009  
    Gross             Gross        
    Carrying     Accumulated     Carrying     Accumulated  
    Amount     Amortization     Amount     Amortization  
Customer relationships
  $ 69,386     $ 23,019     $ 69,549     $ 21,435  
Non-compete agreements
    2,854       2,530       2,938       2,477  
Trade name
    378       378       378       378  
 
                       
Total
  $ 72,618     $ 25,927     $ 72,865     $ 24,290  
 
                       
The weighted-average amortization period for the intangible assets is 10.5 years, 10.8 years for customer relationships and 3 years for non-compete agreements. Substantially all of the Company’s intangible assets were acquired as part of the acquisitions of Transtar on September 5, 2006 and Metals U.K. on January 3, 2008, respectively. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, amortization expense was $1,771 and $1,895, respectively.
The following is a summary of the estimated annual amortization expense for 2010 and each of the next 4 years:
         
2010
  $ 7,053  
2011
    6,600  
2012
    6,140  
2013
    6,140  
2014
    6,140  
(7) Inventories
Over eighty percent of the Company’s inventories are valued at the lower of LIFO cost or market. Final inventory determination under the LIFO method is made at the end of each fiscal year based on the actual inventory levels and costs at that time. Interim LIFO determinations, including those at March 31, 2010, are based on management’s estimates of future inventory levels and costs. The Company values its LIFO increments using the cost of its latest purchases during the periods reported.
Current replacement cost of inventories exceeded book value by $117,965 and $116,816 at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. Income taxes would become payable on any realization of this excess from reductions in the level of inventories.

 

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(8) Share-based Compensation
The Company accounts for its share-based compensation arrangements by recognizing compensation expense for the fair value of the share awards granted ratably over their vesting period. The consolidated compensation cost recorded for the Company’s share-based compensation arrangements was $336 and $470 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009. The total income tax benefit recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for share-based compensation arrangements was $130 and $183 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009. All compensation expense related to share-based compensation arrangements is recorded in sales, general and administrative expense. The unrecognized compensation cost as of March 31, 2010 associated with all share-based payment arrangements is $5,306 and the weighted average period over which it is to be expensed is 1.8 years.
Long-Term Compensation and Incentive Plans
On March 18, 2010, the Human Resources Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors of the Company approved equity awards under the Company’s 2010 Long-Term Compensation Plan (“2010 LTC Plan”) for executive officers and other select personnel. The 2010 LTC Plan awards included restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance share units, and stock options. All 2010 LTC Plan awards are subject to the terms of the Company’s 2008 Restricted Stock, Stock Option and Equity Compensation Plan, amended and restated as of March 5, 2009. In addition to the 2010 LTC Plan, the Company maintains Long-term Incentive Plans (“LTI Plans”) for executive officers and other select personnel under which they may receive share-based awards.
Unless covered by a specific change-in-control or severance agreement, participants to whom RSUs, performance shares and other non-vested shares have been granted must be employed by the Company on the vesting date or at the end of the performance period, respectively, or the award will be forfeited. However, for stock option awards, unless a participant is covered by a specific change-in-control or severance agreement options are forfeited in the event of the termination of employment other than by reason of disability or a retirement.
Compensation expense is recognized based on management’s estimate of the total number of share-based awards expected to vest at the end of the service period.
Restricted Share Units and Non-Vested Shares
The RSUs granted under the 2010 LTC Plan will cliff vest on December 31, 2012. Each RSU that becomes vested entitles the participant to receive one share of the Company’s common stock. The number of shares delivered may be reduced by the number of shares required to be withheld for federal and state withholding tax requirements (determined at the market price of Company shares at the time of payout). The Company’s 2009 LTI Plan also included issuance of approximately 187 non-vested share awards which cliff vest on December 31, 2011. Approximately 170 shares associated with the 2009 LTI Plan are outstanding as of March 31, 2010. The remaining outstanding non-vested share balance primarily consists of shares issued to the Board of Directors during the second quarter of 2009. The Director shares cliff vest during the second quarter of 2010.
The fair value of the RSUs and non-vested shares is established using the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant.

 

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A summary of the non-vested share and RSU activity is as follows:
                                 
    Shares     Units  
            Weighted-             Weighted-  
            Average Grant             Average Grant  
    Shares     Date Fair Value     Units     Date Fair Value  
Outstanding at January 1, 2010
    262     $ 10.76              
Granted
                150     $ 12.07  
Forfeited
    (8 )   $ 6.37       (1 )   $ 12.07  
 
                           
 
                               
Outstanding at March 31, 2010
    254     $ 10.86       149     $ 12.07  
 
                           
Expected to vest as of March 31, 2010
    230     $ 11.21       126     $ 12.07  
 
                           
The unrecognized compensation cost as of March 31, 2010 associated with non-vested share and RSU awards is $2,222.
Performance Shares
Under the 2010 LTC Plan, the potential award for the performance shares granted is dependent on the Company’s relative total shareholder return (“RTSR”), which represents a market condition, over a three-year performance period, beginning January 1, 2010 and ending December 31, 2012. RTSR is measured against a group of peer companies either in the metals industry or in the industrial products distribution industry (the “RTSR Peer Group”). The 2010 LTC Plan provides with respect to performance shares for (1) a threshold level up to which the threshold level of performance shares will vest, a target performance level at which the target number of performance shares will vest, a maximum performance level at or above which the maximum number of performance shares will vest, and pro rata vesting between the threshold and maximum performance levels and (2) minimum and maximum vesting opportunities ranging from one-half up to two times the target number. The threshold, target and maximum performance levels for RTSR are the 25th, 50th and 75th percentile, respectively, relative to RTSR Peer Group performance. The number of performance shares, if any, that vest based on the performance achieved during the three-year performance period, will vest at the end of the three-year performance period. Compensation expense for performance awards containing a market condition is recognized regardless of whether the market condition is achieved to the extent the requisite service period condition is met. Each performance share that becomes vested entitles the participant to receive one share of the Company’s common stock. The number of shares delivered may be reduced by the number of shares required to be withheld for federal and state withholding tax requirements (determined at the market price of Company shares at the time of payout).
The grant date fair value of $12.26 for each performance share awarded under the 2010 LTC Plan was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation with the following assumptions:
         
    2010  
Expected volatility
    61.6 %
Risk-free interest rate
    1.45 %
Expected life (in years)
    2.80  
Expected dividend yield
     

 

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Final award vesting and distribution of performance awards granted under the 2009 and 2008 LTI Plans are determined based on the Company’s actual performance versus the target goals for a three-year consecutive period (as defined in the 2008 and 2009 Plans). Partial performance awards can be earned for performance less than the target goal, but in excess of minimum goals; and award distributions twice the target can be achieved if the maximum goals are met or exceeded. The performance goals are three-year cumulative net income and average return on total capital for the same three-year period. Compensation expense recognized is based on management’s expectation of future performance compared to the pre-established performance goals. If the performance goals are not expected to be met, no compensation expense is recognized and any previously recognized compensation expense is reversed. The grant date fair-value of performance awards under the 2008 and 2009 LTI Plans was established using the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant.
The status of performance shares that have been awarded as part of the active LTC and LTI Plans is summarized below as of March 31, 2010:
                         
            Estimated Number of     Maximum Number of  
    Grant Date Fair     Performance Shares to     Performance Shares that  
Plan Year   Value     be Issued     could Potentially be Issued  
2010 LTC Plan
  $ 12.26           300  
2009 LTI Plan
  $ 5.66           676  
2008 LTI Plan
  $ 22.90 – $28.17           349  
As of March 31, 2010, the Company did not meet the threshold level at which any shares would vest for the 2010 LTC Plan. Therefore, no performance shares were estimated to be issued as of the end of the current period under the 2010 LTC Plan.
The unrecognized compensation cost as of March 31, 2010 associated with the 2010 LTC Plan performance shares is $1,539.
No performance awards were issued under the 2007 LTI Plan as the minimum goals were not achieved.
Stock Options
The stock options issued under the 2010 LTC Plan vest and become exercisable three years from the date of the grant. The term of the options is eight years. The exercise price of the options is $12.79 per share (which is based on the average closing price of the Company’s common stock for the 10 trading days preceding the date on which the options were granted).
The grant date fair value of $5.71 per share was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
         
    2010  
Expected volatility
    58.5 %
Risk-free interest rate
    2.3 %
Expected life (in years)
    5.5  
Expected dividend yield
    1.2 %

 

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A summary of the stock option activity is as follows:
                 
            Weighted Average  
    Shares     Exercise Price  
Stock options outstanding at January 1, 2010
    239     $ 11.37  
Granted
    303     $ 12.79  
 
             
Stock options outstanding at March 31, 2010
    542     $ 12.16  
 
             
Stock options vested or expected to vest as of March 31, 2010
    493     $ 12.10  
 
             
The total intrinsic value of options outstanding at March 31, 2010 is $880. As of March 31, 2010, stock options outstanding had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 6 years. The unrecognized compensation cost as of March 31, 2010 associated with stock options is $1,495.
Deferred Compensation Plan
As of March 31, 2010, a total of 30 common share equivalent units are included in the director stock equivalent unit accounts. The unrecognized compensation cost as of March 31, 2010 associated with directors deferred compensation is $50.
(9) Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Comprehensive (loss) income includes net (loss) income and all other non-owner changes to equity that are not reported in net income. The Company’s comprehensive (loss) income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:
                 
    March 31,  
    2010     2009  
Net (loss) income
  $ (4,622 )   $ 480  
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)
    56       1,204  
Pension cost amortization, net of tax
    71       59  
 
           
Total comprehensive (loss) income
  $ (4,495 )   $ 1,743  
 
           
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss is as follows:
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Foreign currency translation losses
  $ (3,158 )   $ (3,214 )
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax
    (10,243 )     (10,314 )
 
           
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
  $ (13,401 )   $ (13,528 )
 
           
(10) Pension and Postretirement Plans
Components of the net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost for the three months ended are as follows:
                 
    For the Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2010     2009  
Service cost
  $ 200     $ 197  
Interest cost
    1,919       1,934  
Expected return on assets
    (2,335 )     (2,253 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    65       72  
Amortization of actuarial loss
    55       34  
 
           
Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit
  $ (96 )   $ (16 )
 
           

 

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As of March 31, 2010, the Company had not made any cash contributions to its pension plans for this fiscal year and does not anticipate making any significant cash contributions to its pension plans in 2010.
In March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and a reconciliation measure, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, (collectively, “the Act”) were signed into law. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of the Act to determine its potential impact, if any, to health care benefit costs. The Act contains a provision that repeals the tax benefit for the Medicare Part D subsidy for retiree benefits, which does not have an impact on the Company.
(11) Joint Venture
Kreher Steel Co., LLC is a 50% owned joint venture of the Company. It is a metals distributor of bulk quantities of alloy, special bar quality and stainless steel bars, headquartered in Melrose Park, Illinois.
The following information summarizes financial data for this joint venture for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009:
                 
    For the Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2010     2009  
Net sales
  $ 38,645     $ 31,315  
Cost of materials
    32,183       27,187  
Income before taxes
    2,029       103  
Net income (loss)
    1,732       (44 )
(12) Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
At March 31, 2010, the Company had $2,791 of irrevocable letters of credit outstanding which primarily consisted of $2,141 for compliance with the insurance reserve requirements of its workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
The Company is a defendant in several lawsuits arising from the operation of its business. These lawsuits are incidental and occur in the normal course of the Company’s business affairs. It is the opinion of management, based on current knowledge, that no uninsured liability will result from the outcome of this litigation that would have a material adverse effect on the consolidated results of operations, financial condition or cash flows of the Company.
(13) Income Taxes
The Company or its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S., 29 states and seven foreign jurisdictions. The tax years 2006 through 2009 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company or its subsidiaries is subject.

 

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Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Amounts in millions except per share data
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Information provided and statements contained in this report that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements only speak as of the date of this report and the Company assumes no obligation to update the information included in this report. Such forward-looking statements include information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of our business strategy. These statements often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “predict,” “plan,” or similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of performance or results, and they involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there are many factors that could affect our actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including those risk factors identified in Item 1A “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. All future written and oral forward-looking statements by us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to above. Except for our ongoing obligations to disclose material information as required by the federal securities laws, we do not have any obligations or intention to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances in the future or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto in ITEM 1 “Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)”.
Executive Overview
Economic Trends and Current Business Conditions
A. M. Castle & Co. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) experienced lower demand in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2009 principally within its Metals segment, reflecting the declines in the overall global economy. Savings from certain of the Company’s cost reduction initiatives implemented in April 2009 resulted in operating expenses in the first quarter of 2010 being 10.6% lower than the same prior year period.
Metals segment sales decreased 13.6% from the first quarter of 2009. Average tons sold per day decreased 10.9% compared to the same period in 2009. Key end-use markets that experienced significant declines in demand include oil and gas, commercial aircraft, heavy equipment, industrial goods and construction equipment.
The Company’s Plastics segment reported a sales increase of 10.4% compared to the first quarter of 2009, primarily due to higher sales volume in the automotive industry.

 

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Management uses the Purchaser’s Managers Index (“PMI”) provided by the Institute of Supply Management (website is www.ism.ws) as an external indicator for tracking the demand outlook and possible trends in its general manufacturing markets. The table below shows PMI trends from the first quarter of 2008 through the first quarter of 2010. Generally speaking, an index above 50.0 indicates growth in the manufacturing sector of the U.S. economy, while readings under 50.0 indicate contraction. Based on the data below, the index rose above 50.0 during the third quarter of 2009 and has continued to increase through the first quarter of 2010. The increase in the index indicates growth in the manufacturing sector of the economy.
                                 
YEAR   Qtr 1     Qtr 2     Qtr 3     Qtr 4  
2008
    49.2       49.5       47.8       36.1  
2009
    35.9       42.6       51.5       54.6  
2010
    58.2                          
Material pricing and demand in both the Metals and Plastics segments of the Company’s business have historically proven to be difficult to predict with any degree of accuracy. A favorable PMI trend suggests that demand for some of the Company’s products and services, in particular those that are sold to the general manufacturing customer base in the U.S., could potentially be at a higher level in the near-term. The Company believes that its revenue trends typically correlate to the changes in PMI on a six to twelve month lag basis. Therefore, management forecasts an increase in 2010 net sales due to a combination of demand and pricing increases. The long-term outlook on demand for the Company’s end-markets is less predictable.
Results of Operations: First Quarter 2010 Comparisons to First Quarter 2009
Consolidated results by business segment are summarized in the following table for the quarter
ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.
                                 
                    Fav/(Unfav)  
    2010     2009     $ Change     % Change  
Net Sales
                               
Metals
  $ 199.7     $ 231.1     $ (31.4 )     (13.6 )%
Plastics
    23.3       21.1       2.2       10.4 %
 
                       
Total Net Sales
  $ 223.0     $ 252.2     $ (29.2 )     (11.6 )%
 
                               
Cost of Materials
                               
Metals
  $ 153.0     $ 167.8     $ 14.8       8.8 %
% of Metals Sales
    76.6 %     72.6 %                
Plastics
    16.0       14.4       (1.6 )     (11.1 )%
% of Plastics Sales
    68.7 %     68.2 %                
 
                       
Total Cost of Materials
  $ 169.0     $ 182.2     $ 13.2       7.2 %
% of Total Sales
    75.8 %     72.2 %                
 
                               
Operating Costs and Expenses
                               
Metals
  $ 52.5     $ 59.3     $ 6.8       11.5 %
Plastics
    7.1       7.1              
Other
    1.4       1.8       0.4       22.2 %
 
                       
Total Operating Costs & Expenses
  $ 61.0     $ 68.2     $ 7.2       10.6 %
% of Total Sales
    27.4 %     27.0 %                
 
                               
Operating (Loss) Income
                               
Metals
  $ (5.8 )   $ 4.0     $ (9.8 )     (245.0 )%
% of Metals Sales
    (2.9 )%     1.7 %                
Plastics
    0.2       (0.4 )     0.6       150.0 %
% of Plastics Sales
    0.9 %     (1.9 )%                
Other
    (1.4 )     (1.8 )     0.4       22.2 %
 
                       
Total Operating (Loss) Income
  $ (7.0 )   $ 1.8     $ (8.8 )     (488.9 )%
% of Total Sales
    (3.1 )%     0.7 %                
“Other” includes the costs of executive, legal and finance departments which are shared by both segments of the Company.

 

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Net Sales:
Consolidated net sales were $223.0 million, a decrease of $29.2 million, or 11.6%, versus the first quarter of 2009. Decreased revenues were primarily the result of lower shipping volumes in light of continued challenges in the global economy and the metals market. Metals segment sales during the first quarter of 2010 of $199.7 million were $31.4 million, or 13.6%, lower than the same period last year. Average tons sold per day decreased 10.9% compared to the prior year quarter. The softness experienced in the first quarter was broad-based, impacting virtually all end-markets and products compared to the prior year quarter. Sequentially, average tons sold per day increased 22.0% from the fourth quarter of 2009 due primarily to increased volume for alloy bar and nickel products.
Plastics segment sales during the first quarter of 2010 of $23.3 million were $2.2 million, or 10.4% higher than the first quarter of 2009, primarily due to higher sales volume in the automotive industry. Sequentially, sales in the Plastics segment increased 5.8% from the fourth quarter of 2009.
Cost of Materials:
Cost of materials (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) during the first quarter of 2010 were $169.0 million, a decrease of $13.2 million, or 7.2%, compared to the first quarter of 2009. Material costs for the Metals segment were 76.6% as a percent of net sales, an increase of 4.0% as a percent of net sales, from the first quarter of 2009. Material costs as a percentage of net sales were higher in the first quarter of 2010 than the prior year quarter due to several factors including selling higher costed inventory at lower than anticipated prices due to a competitive pricing environment and $2.0 million in LIFO expense compared to a LIFO benefit of $11.0 million during the prior year period. Material costs for the Plastics segment were 68.7% as a percent of net sales for the first quarter of 2010 as compared to 68.2% for the same period last year.
Operating Expenses and Operating (Loss) Income:
Operating costs and expenses decreased $7.2 million, or 10.6%, compared to the first quarter of 2009. Operating costs and expenses were $61.0 million, or 27.4% of net sales, compared to $68.2 million, or 27.0% of net sales during the first quarter of 2009.
In response to lower sales activity resulting from the decline in the global economy and the metals and plastics markets, the Company implemented several initiatives during 2009 to align its cost structure with lower activity levels. The cost reduction actions primarily focused on payroll related costs and several of the reductions continued to reduce operating cost trends in the first quarter of 2010.
The $7.2 million decrease in operating expenses for the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2009 primarily relates to the following:
    Warehouse, processing and delivery costs decreased by $2.0 million which is primarily due to decreased payroll costs associated with workforce reductions and suspension of the Company 401(k) contributions;
    Sales, general and administrative costs decreased by $5.0 million primarily due to decreased payroll related costs of $4.5 million associated with workforce reductions, suspension of Company 401(k) contributions and executive salary cuts of ten percent and lower ERP implementation costs of $0.3 million; and
    Depreciation and amortization expense was $0.2 million lower primarily due to certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized in 2009.

 

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Consolidated operating loss for the first quarter of 2010 was $7.0 million compared to operating income of $1.8 million for the same period last year. The Company’s first quarter 2010 operating (loss) income as a percent of net sales decreased to (3.1)% from 0.7% in the first quarter of 2009.
Other Income and Expense, Income Taxes and Net Income:
Interest expense was $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2010, a decrease of $0.4 million versus the same period in 2009 as a result of reduced borrowings and lower weighted average interest rates.
The Company recorded a $2.9 million income tax benefit for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 compared to a tax benefit of $0.5 million for the same period a year ago. The effective tax benefit rate for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was 34.2%. The Company’s effective tax benefit rate for the three months ended March 31, 2010 reflects the impact of domestic taxable losses and foreign taxable income. The tax benefit of $0.5 million in the first quarter of 2009 reflects a $0.4 million discrete item recorded in the quarter and a $0.1 million tax benefit from operations.
Equity in earnings of the Company’s joint venture was $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2010, compared to equity in losses of a negligible amount for the same period last year. The increase is a result of overall increased demand and pricing for Kreher’s products compared to last year.
Consolidated net loss for the first quarter of 2010 was $4.6 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, versus net income of $0.5 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, for the same period in 2009.
Accounting Policies:
Effective January 1, 2010, the Company adopted new consolidation guidance that applies to variable interest entities.
See Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for more information regarding the Company’s adoption of this standard. There have been no changes in critical accounting policies from those described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company’s principal sources of liquidity are earnings from operations, management of working capital and available borrowing capacity to fund working capital needs and growth initiatives.
Net cash from operating activities in the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $5.4 million compared to $4.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2009 due primarily to changes in working capital as described below.
During the three months ended March 31, 2010, net sales exceeded cash receipts from customers, resulting in a cash outflow of $20.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to a $19.1 million cash inflow for the three months ended March 31, 2009. Net sales increased 23% from the fourth quarter of 2009. Average receivable days outstanding was 49.5 days for the three months ended March 31, 2010 as compared to 54.1 days for fourth quarter of 2009, reflecting faster collections. The Company continually assesses customer credit worthiness taking various economic factors, as well as customer specific information such as industry, leverage and past payment performance into consideration. Changes to customer credit limits are a result of the Company’s normal review process and management does not believe that credit limit changes increase the Company’s overall credit risk.

 

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During the three months ended March 31, 2010, sales of inventory exceeded inventory purchases, resulting in a cash inflow of $9.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, which was consistent with the first quarter of 2009. Average days sales in inventory was 150.3 days for the three months ended March 31, 2010 versus 183.0 days for the fourth quarter of 2009. There was a 33 day reduction in average inventory days outstanding during the first quarter 2010 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2009 primarily resulting from the Company’s inventory reduction efforts in all of its businesses. Management remains committed to improving these turn rates during the balance of 2010.
During the three months ended March 31, 2010, purchases exceeded cash paid for inventories and other goods and services, resulting in a cash inflow of $19.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to a cash outflow of $23.1 million for the same period last year.
The tight credit market which was evident in 2009 appears to be easing gradually. However, the cost of debt financing remains elevated and deal structures are more restrictive which could have an impact on the Company’s operating results and our ability to access these markets.
On November 5, 2009 the Company filed a universal shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which was declared effective on November 23, 2009. The registration statement gives the Company the flexibility to offer and sell from time to time in the future up to $100 million of equity, debt or other types of securities as described in the registration statement, or any combination of such securities. If securities are issued, the Company may use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions, capital expenditures, working capital and repayment of debt.
Available revolving credit capacity is primarily used to fund working capital needs. Taking into consideration the most recent borrowing base calculation as of March 31, 2010, which reflects trade receivables, inventory, letters of credit and other outstanding secured indebtedness, available credit capacity consisted of the following:
                         
                    Weighted Average  
    Outstanding             Interest Rate for the Three  
    Borrowings as of     Availability as of     Months Ended  
Debt type   March 31, 2010     March 31, 2010     March 31, 2010  
U.S. Revolver A
  $ 1.5     $ 77.8       2.15 %
U.S. Revolver B
    22.8       27.2       1.40 %
Canadian facility
          9.6       0.25 %
Trade acceptances (a)
    8.2       n/a       1.20 %
     
(a)   A trade acceptance is a form of debt instrument having a definite maturity and obligation to pay and which has been accepted by an acknowledgement by the company upon whom it is drawn.
As of March 31, 2010, the Company had $9.7 million of short-term debt which includes trade acceptances of $8.2 million and $1.5 million related to the U.S. Revolver A. The Company has classified U.S. Revolver A as short-term based on its ability and intent to repay amounts outstanding under this instrument within the next 12 months.

 

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Management believes the Company will be able to generate sufficient cash from operations and planned working capital improvements (principally from reduced inventories) to fund its ongoing capital expenditure programs and meet its debt obligations. In addition, the Company has available borrowing capacity, as discussed above.
Capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2010 were $2.0 million, a decrease of $1.9 million compared to the same period last year. Management believes that annual capital expenditures will approximate $10.0 million in 2010.
The Company’s principal payments on long-term debt, including the current portion of long- term debt, required during the next five years and thereafter are summarized below:
         
2010
  $ 7.6  
2011
    7.8  
2012
    8.1  
2013
    31.3  
2014
    9.1  
2015 and beyond
    9.6  
 
     
Total debt
  $ 73.5  
 
     
As of March 31, 2010 the Company remained in compliance with the covenants of its credit agreements, which require it to maintain certain funded debt-to-capital and working capital-to-debt ratios, and a minimum adjusted consolidated net worth, as defined in the Company’s credit agreements and outlined in the table below:
                 
Covenant Description   Requirement per
Credit Agreement
    Actual at March 31,
2010
 
Funded debt-to-capital ratio
  less than 0.55     0.18  
Working capital-to-debt ratio
  greater than 1.0     3.65  
Minimum adjusted consolidated net worth
  $ 261.6     $ 324.3  
As of March 31, 2010, the Company had $2.8 million of irrevocable letters of credit outstanding, which primarily consisted of $2.1 million for compliance with the insurance reserve requirements of its workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The Company is exposed to interest rate, commodity price and foreign exchange rate risks that arise in the normal course of business. There have been no significant or material changes to such risks since December 31, 2009. Refer to Item 7a in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the year ended December 31, 2009 for further discussion of such risks.
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures
(a)   Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
A review and evaluation was performed by the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report.

 

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The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 rule 240.13a-15(f). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
In its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company reported that, based upon their review and evaluation, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2009.
As part of its evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report, and in accordance with the framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, referred to as the Internal Control — Integrated Framework, the Company’s management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2010 that were identified in connection with the evaluation referred to in paragraph (a) above that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Directors of the Company who are not employees may elect to defer receipt of up to 100% of his or her cash retainer and meeting fees. A director who defers board compensation may select either an interest or a stock equivalent investment option for amounts in the director’s deferred compensation account. Disbursement of the stock equivalent unit account may be in shares of Company common stock or in cash as designated by the director. If payment from the stock equivalent unit account is made in shares of the Company’s common stock, the number of shares to be distributed will equal the number of full stock equivalent units held in the director’s account. On March 5, 2010, receipt of approximately 392 shares was deferred as payment for the board compensation. The shares were acquired at a price of $12.75 per share, which represented the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the day as of which such fees would otherwise have been paid to the director. Exemption from registration of the shares is claimed by the company under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Item 6.   Exhibits
         
Exhibit
No.
  Description
       
 
  10.20*    
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under A.M. Castle & Co. 2008 Restricted Stock, Stock Option and Equity Compensation Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.20 to Form 8-K filed March 24, 2010. Commission File No. 1-5415.
   
       
 
   
  10.21*    
Form of 2010 Performance Share Award Agreement under A.M. Castle & Co. 2008 Restricted Stock, Stock Option and Equity Compensation Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.21 to Form 8-K filed March 24, 2010. Commission File No. 1-5415.
   
       
 
   
  10.22*    
Form of Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement under A.M. Castle & Co. 2008 Restricted Stock, Stock Option and Equity Compensation Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.22 to Form 8-K filed March 24, 2010. Commission File No. 1-5415.
   
       
 
   
  10.23*    
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement under A.M. Castle & Co. 2008 Restricted Stock, Stock Option and Equity Compensation Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.23 to Form 8-K filed March 24, 2010. Commission File No. 1-5415.
   
       
 
   
  31.1    
CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
       
 
  31.2    
CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
       
 
  32.1    
CEO and CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
             
    A. M. Castle & Co.
 
(Registrant)
   
 
           
Date: April 28, 2010
  By:   /s/ Patrick R. Anderson
 
Patrick R. Anderson
   
 
      Vice President — Controller and Chief    
 
      Accounting Officer    
 
      (Mr. Anderson has been authorized to sign    
 
      on behalf of the Registrant.)    

 

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Exhibit Index
The following exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated by reference:
             
Exhibit No.   Description   Page
       
 
   
  10.20*    
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under A.M. Castle & Co. 2008 Restricted Stock, Stock Option and Equity Compensation Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.20 to Form 8-K filed March 24, 2010. Commission File No. 1-5415.
   
       
 
   
  10.21*    
Form of 2010 Performance Share Award Agreement under A.M. Castle & Co. 2008 Restricted Stock, Stock Option and Equity Compensation Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.21 to Form 8-K filed March 24, 2010. Commission File No. 1-5415.
   
       
 
   
  10.22*    
Form of Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement under A.M. Castle & Co. 2008 Restricted Stock, Stock Option and Equity Compensation Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.22 to Form 8-K filed March 24, 2010. Commission File No. 1-5415.
   
       
 
   
  10.23*    
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement under A.M. Castle & Co. 2008 Restricted Stock, Stock Option and Equity Compensation Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.23 to Form 8-K filed March 24, 2010. Commission File No. 1-5415.
   
       
 
   
  31.1    
CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
  E-1
       
 
   
  31.2    
CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
  E-2
       
 
   
  32.1    
CEO and CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
  E-3
* These agreements are considered a compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

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