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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
ý
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2015
or
¨
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.)
 
 
1420 Kensington Road, Suite 220, Oak Brook, Illinois
60523
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone, including area code (847) 455-7111

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) None
 
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  ý No  ¨  
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  ý No  ¨  
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.
Large accelerated filer
¨
 
 
Accelerated filer
ý
Non-accelerated filer
¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    
Yes  ¨ No  ý  
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of July 31, 2015 was 23,777,280 shares.



A. M. CASTLE & CO.
Table of Contents
 




Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)
Amounts in thousands, except par value and per share data
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
As of
 
June 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
11,496

 
$
8,454

Accounts receivable, less allowances of $3,577 and $3,375
115,260

 
131,003

Inventories, principally on last-in first-out basis (replacement cost higher by $127,569 and $129,779)
203,143

 
236,932

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
11,081

 
9,458

Deferred income taxes
1,005

 
685

Income tax receivable
2,927

 
2,886

Total current assets
344,912

 
389,418

Investment in joint venture
38,455

 
37,443

Goodwill
12,973

 
12,973

Intangible assets, net
50,324

 
56,555

Prepaid pension cost
6,656

 
7,092

Other assets
10,254

 
11,660

Property, plant and equipment
 
 
 
Land
3,596

 
4,466

Buildings
50,608

 
52,821

Machinery and equipment
184,504

 
183,923

Property, plant and equipment, at cost
238,708

 
241,210

Less - accumulated depreciation
(172,362
)
 
(168,375
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
66,346

 
72,835

Total assets
$
529,920

 
$
587,976

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
61,339

 
$
68,782

Accrued and other liabilities
40,832

 
27,670

Income taxes payable
648

 
328

Current portion of long-term debt
617

 
737

Total current liabilities
103,436

 
97,517

Long-term debt, less current portion
326,066

 
309,377

Deferred income taxes
8,613

 
8,360

Other non-current liabilities
3,136

 
3,655

Pension and postretirement benefit obligations
19,830

 
18,747

Commitments and contingencies

 

Stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value—9,988 shares authorized (including 400 Series B Junior Preferred $0.00 par value shares); no shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value—60,000 shares authorized and 23,888 shares issued and 23,777 outstanding at June 30, 2015 and 23,630 shares issued and 23,559 outstanding at December 31, 2014
238

 
236

Additional paid-in capital
226,074

 
225,953

Accumulated deficit
(109,050
)
 
(29,424
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(47,398
)
 
(45,565
)
Treasury stock, at cost—111 shares at June 30, 2015 and 71 shares at December 31, 2014
(1,025
)
 
(880
)
Total stockholders’ equity
68,839

 
150,320

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
529,920

 
$
587,976

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

3


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS


 
For the Three Months Ended
 
For the Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net sales
$
199,703

 
$
249,492

 
$
421,931

 
$
502,902

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of materials (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
172,402

 
191,565

 
340,513

 
380,096

Warehouse, processing and delivery expense
30,917

 
36,747

 
57,948

 
72,128

Sales, general and administrative expense
25,683

 
29,471

 
51,218

 
59,095

Restructuring activity, net
15,618

 
907

 
16,449

 
1,646

Depreciation and amortization expense
6,312

 
6,533

 
12,667

 
12,990

Impairment of goodwill

 
56,160

 

 
56,160

Operating loss
(51,229
)
 
(71,891
)
 
(56,864
)
 
(79,213
)
Interest expense, net
(10,374
)
 
(9,888
)
 
(20,920
)
 
(19,840
)
Other expense, net
3,963

 
1,590

 
(2,262
)
 
908

Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint venture
(57,640
)
 
(80,189
)
 
(80,046
)
 
(98,145
)
Income taxes
(1,731
)
 
6,097

 
(906
)
 
6,148

Loss before equity in earnings of joint venture
(59,371
)
 
(74,092
)
 
(80,952
)
 
(91,997
)
Equity in earnings of joint venture
451

 
1,794

 
1,326

 
3,701

Net loss
$
(58,920
)
 
$
(72,298
)
 
$
(79,626
)
 
$
(88,296
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic loss per share
$
(2.50
)
 
$
(3.10
)
 
$
(3.39
)
 
$
(3.78
)
Diluted loss per share
$
(2.50
)
 
$
(3.10
)
 
$
(3.39
)
 
$
(3.78
)
Dividends per common share
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Comprehensive loss
$
(57,461
)
 
$
(71,003
)
 
$
(81,459
)
 
$
(87,163
)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

4


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Operating activities:
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(79,626
)
 
$
(88,296
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
12,667

 
12,990

Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount
4,242

 
3,718

Impairment of goodwill

 
56,160

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
(5,681
)
 
(29
)
Unrealized gains on commodity hedges
(172
)
 
(865
)
    Unrealized foreign currency transaction losses
1,433

 

Equity in earnings of joint venture
(1,326
)
 
(3,701
)
Dividends from joint venture
315

 
1,085

Pension curtailment
3,080

 

Deferred taxes
142

 
(5,471
)
Other, net
(13
)
 
639

Increase (decrease) from changes in:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
14,094

 
(17,371
)
Inventories
31,285

 
(6,709
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(1,577
)
 
(3,375
)
Other assets
(1,988
)
 
(146
)
Prepaid pension costs
1,240

 
346

Accounts payable
(6,788
)
 
18,950

Income taxes payable and receivable
113

 
(1,899
)
Accrued and other liabilities
13,801

 
1,722

Postretirement benefit obligations and other liabilities
(315
)
 
(267
)
Net cash used in operating activities
(15,074
)
 
(32,519
)
Investing activities:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(3,295
)
 
(4,299
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
7,644

 
103

Net cash from (used) in investing activities
4,349

 
(4,196
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from long-term debt
464,700

 
79,450

Repayments of long-term debt
(450,795
)
 
(56,798
)
Other financing activities

 
193

Net cash from financing activities
13,905

 
22,845

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(138
)
 
117

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
3,042

 
(13,753
)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year
8,454

 
30,829

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period
$
11,496

 
$
17,076

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

5


A. M. Castle & Co.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Unaudited - Amounts in thousands except per share data and percentages
(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”), and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014 is derived from the audited financial statements at that date. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with 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 period. 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 2015 interim results reported herein may not necessarily be indicative of the results of the Company’s operations for the full year.
(2) New Accounting Standards
Standards Updates Adopted
Effective January 1, 2015, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant and Equipment: Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity." ASU No. 2014-08 amends the definition of a discontinued operation, expands disclosure requirements for transactions that meet the definition of a discontinued operation and requires entities to disclose additional information about individually significant components that are disposed of or held for sale and do not qualify as discontinued operations. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or financial statement presentation.
Standards Updates Issued Not Yet Effective
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, "Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement," which provides guidance on a customer's accounting for cloud computing costs. The ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is currently reviewing the guidance and assessing the potential impact on its financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs." This new standard would require that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt liability, consistent with debt discounts or premiums. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs would not be affected by the amendments in this Update.The ASU is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company anticipates adoption of the ASU for the effective period. The Company is currently reviewing the guidance and assessing the potential impact on its financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, "Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern," providing additional guidance surrounding the disclosure of going concern uncertainties in the financial statements and implementing requirements for management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued. The ASU is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company does not anticipate the adoption of the ASU will result in additional disclosures, however, management will begin performing the periodic assessments required by the ASU on its effective date.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," related to revenue recognition. The underlying principle of the new standard is that a business or other organization will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. The standard also requires more detailed disclosures and provides additional guidance for transactions that were not addressed completely in prior accounting guidance. The ASU provides alternative methods of initial adoption, and it is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 16, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently reviewing the guidance and assessing the potential impact on its financial statements.

6


(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 employee and director stock options, restricted stock awards, other share-based payment awards, and contingently issuable shares related to the Company’s convertible debt which are included in the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding using the treasury stock method, if dilutive. The following table is a reconciliation of the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively:
 
 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(58,920
)
 
$
(72,298
)
 
$
(79,626
)
 
$
(88,296
)
Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator for basic loss per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
23,560

 
23,351

 
23,511

 
23,337

Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding common stock equivalents

 

 

 

Denominator for diluted earnings per share
23,560

 
23,351

 
23,511

 
23,337

Basic loss per share
$
(2.50
)
 
$
(3.10
)
 
$
(3.39
)
 
$
(3.78
)
Diluted loss per share
$
(2.50
)
 
$
(3.10
)
 
$
(3.39
)
 
$
(3.78
)
Excluded outstanding share-based awards having an anti-dilutive effect
368

 
630

 
368

 
630

Excluded "in the money" portion of Convertible Notes having an anti-dilutive effect

 
1,024

 

 
1,332

The Convertible Notes are dilutive to the extent the Company generates net income and the average stock price during the period is greater than $10.28, which is the conversion price of the Convertible Notes. The Convertible Notes are only dilutive for the “in the money” portion of the Convertible Notes that could be settled with the Company’s stock. In future periods, absent a fundamental change (as defined in the Convertible Notes agreement), the outstanding Convertible Notes could increase diluted average shares outstanding by a maximum of approximately 5,600 shares.
(4) Inventories
Approximately 77% of the Company’s inventories are valued at the lower of LIFO cost or market. Final inventory determination under the LIFO costing 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 June 30, 2015, are based on management’s estimates of future inventory levels and costs for the balance of the current fiscal year. 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 $127,569 and $129,779 at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Income taxes would become payable on any realization of this excess from reductions in the level of inventories.

7


(5) Joint Venture
Kreher Steel Company, LLC is a 50% owned joint venture of the Company. Kreher is a national distributor and processor of carbon and alloy steel bar products, headquartered in Melrose Park, Illinois.
The following information summarizes financial data for this joint venture for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively:
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net sales
$
41,014

 
$
62,608

 
$
93,620

 
$
127,859

Cost of materials
35,045

 
52,100

 
79,395

 
106,403

Income before taxes
760

 
4,639

 
2,750

 
9,443

Net income
902

 
3,588

 
2,652

 
7,402

(6) Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The changes in carrying amounts of goodwill during the six months ended June 30, 2015 were as follows:

 
Metals
Segment
 
Plastics
Segment
 
Total
Balance as of January 1, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
$
116,377

 
$
12,973

 
$
129,350

Accumulated impairment losses
(116,377
)
 

 
(116,377
)
Balance as of January 1, 2015

 
12,973

 
12,973

Balance as of June 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
116,377

 
12,973

 
129,350

Accumulated impairment losses
(116,377
)
 

 
(116,377
)
Balance as of June 30, 2015
$

 
$
12,973

 
$
12,973

The Company tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis as of December 1 and more often if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. The Company assesses, at least quarterly, whether any triggering events have occurred. A two-step method is used for determining goodwill impairment. The first step is performed to identify whether a potential impairment exists by comparing each reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the next step is to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.
The Company completed its December 1, 2014 annual goodwill impairment test for its Plastics reporting unit and there were no identified impairment charges. No annual goodwill impairment testing was performed for the Metals reporting unit as of December 1, 2014, since the Metals reporting unit goodwill was eliminated as a result of second quarter 2014 interim goodwill impairment testing.
The following table summarizes the components of intangible assets, all of which relate to the Metals reporting unit:
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
Customer relationships
$
115,193

 
$
69,628

 
$
116,268

 
$
64,922

Trade name
7,747

 
2,988

 
7,864

 
2,655

Total
$
122,940

 
$
72,616

 
$
124,132

 
$
67,577

For the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the aggregate amortization expense was $5,346 and $5,837, respectively.

8


The following is a summary of the estimated annual amortization expense for 2015 and each of the next 4 years:
2015
$
10,688

2016
10,688

2017
8,665

2018
4,548

2019
4,548

(7) Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
 
 
June 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
LONG-TERM DEBT
 
 
 
12.75% Senior Secured Notes due December 15, 2016
$
210,000

 
$
210,000

7.0% Convertible Notes due December 15, 2017
57,500

 
57,500

Revolving Credit Facility due December 10, 2019
73,500

 
59,200

Other, primarily capital leases
859

 
1,257

Total long-term debt
341,859

 
327,957

Less: unamortized discount
(15,176
)
 
(17,843
)
Less: current portion
(617
)
 
(737
)
Total long-term portion
326,066

 
309,377

TOTAL DEBT
$
326,683

 
$
310,114

Secured Notes
As of June 30, 2015, the Company had $210,000 aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured Notes (the "Secured Notes") outstanding that will mature on December 15, 2016. The Company pays interest on the Secured Notes at a rate of 12.75% per annum in cash semi-annually. The Secured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by certain 100% owned domestic subsidiaries of the Company (the Note Guarantors). Refer to Note 16 for Guarantor Financial Information disclosure.
Subject to certain conditions, within 95 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Company must make an offer to purchase the Secured Notes with certain of its excess cash flow (as defined in the indenture) for such fiscal year at 103% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Company estimated that it had no excess cash flow (as defined in the indenture) and therefore, the Company was not required to make an offer to purchase the Secured Notes.

9


Convertible Notes
As of June 30, 2015, the Company had $57,500 aggregate principal amount of Convertible Senior Notes (the "Convertible Notes") outstanding that are due December 15, 2017. The Company pays interest on the Convertible Notes at a rate of 7.0% per annum in cash semi-annually. The Convertible Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by the Note Guarantors. The initial conversion rate for the Convertible Notes is 97.2384 shares of the Company’s common stock per $1 principal amount of Convertible Notes, equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $10.28 per share of common stock. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment, but will not be adjusted for accrued and unpaid interest, if any. In addition, if an event constituting a fundamental change occurs, the Company will in some cases increase the conversion rate for a holder that elects to convert its Convertible Notes in connection with such fundamental change. Upon conversion, the Company will pay and/or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock, at the Company’s election, together with cash in lieu of fractional shares.
Revolving Credit Facility
The Revolving Credit Facility consists of a $125,000 senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility. In December 2014, the Company obtained an extension on its revolving credit facility, which extended the maturity date from December 15, 2015 to December 10, 2019 (or 91 days prior to the maturity date of the Company's Senior Secured Notes or Convertible Notes if they have not been refinanced). If certain incurrence tests are met, subject to approval by the Revolving Credit Facility lending group, the Company may have the ability to exercise the accordion option under its revolving credit facility for an additional $25,000 of aggregate commitments in the future. Currently, the Company is not able to exercise the accordion.
The weighted average interest rate for borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was 2.74%. The Company pays certain customary recurring fees with respect to the Revolving Credit Facility.
The Revolving Credit Facility contains a springing financial maintenance covenant requiring the Company to maintain the ratio (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility Loan and Security Agreement) of EBITDA to fixed charges of 1.1 to 1.0 when excess availability is less than the greater of 10% of the calculated borrowing base (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility Loan and Security Agreement) or $12,500. In addition, if excess availability is less than the greater of 12.5% of the calculated borrowing base (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility Loan and Security Agreement) or $15,625, the lender has the right to take full dominion of the Company’s cash collections and apply these proceeds to outstanding loans under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company's ratio of EBITDA to fixed charges was negative for the twelve months ended June 30, 2015. At this ratio, the Company's current maximum borrowing capacity would be $101,147 before triggering full dominion of the Company's cash collections. As of June 30, 2015, the Company had $27,647 of additional unrestricted borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility.
(8) Fair Value Measurements
The three-tier value hierarchy the Company utilizes, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies, is:
Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.
Level 2—Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3—Valuations based on unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants.
The fair value of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their carrying values. The fair value of cash equivalents are determined using the fair value hierarchy described above. Cash equivalents consisting of money market funds are valued based on quoted prices in active markets and as a result are classified as Level 1.

10


The Company’s pension plan asset portfolio as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is primarily invested in fixed income securities, which generally fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Fixed income securities are valued based on evaluated prices provided to the trustee by independent pricing services. Such prices may be determined by factors which include, but are not limited to, market quotations, yields, maturities, call features, ratings, institutional size trading in similar groups of securities and developments related to specific securities.
Fair Value Measurements of Debt
The fair value of the Company’s Secured Notes as of June 30, 2015 was estimated to be $202,253 compared to a carrying value of $210,000. The fair value for the Secured Notes is determined based on recent trades of the bonds and fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value of the Convertible Notes as of June 30, 2015 was approximately $48,620 compared to a carrying value of $57,500. The fair value of the Convertible Notes, which fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, is determined based on similar debt instruments that do not contain a conversion feature, as well as other factors related to the callable nature of the notes.
The main inputs and assumptions into the fair value model for the Convertible Notes at June 30, 2015 were as follows:
Company's stock price at the end of the period
$
6.17

Expected volatility
49.8
%
Credit spreads
21.65
%
Risk-free interest rate
0.81
%
As of June 30, 2015, the estimated fair value of the Company's debt outstanding under its revolving credit facility, which falls within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, was $61,041 compared to its carrying value of $73,500, assuming the current amount of debt outstanding as of June 30, 2015 was outstanding until the maturity of the Company's facility in December 2019. 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 the future periods since there is no predetermined borrowing or repayment schedule.
Fair Value Measurements of Commodity Hedges
The Company has a commodity hedging program to mitigate risks associated with certain commodity price fluctuations. At June 30, 2015, the Company had executed forward contracts that extend through 2016. The counterparty to these contracts is not considered a credit risk by the Company. At June 30, 2015, the notional value associated with forward contracts was $5,283. The Company recorded, through cost of materials, realized and unrealized net losses of $244 and $454 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, and a realized and unrealized net gain of $217 and a realized and unrealized net loss of $69 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, as a result of the change in the fair value of the contracts. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, all commodity hedge contracts were in a liability position. Refer to Note 14 for letters of credit outstanding for collateral associated with commodity hedges.
The Company uses information which is representative of readily observable market data when valuing derivative liabilities associated with commodity hedges. The derivative liabilities are included in accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities on the Company's balance sheets and classified as Level 2 in the table below.
The liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total(a)
As of June 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liability for commodity hedges
$

 
$
1,442

 
$

 
$
1,442

As of December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liability for commodity hedges
$

 
$
1,615

 
$

 
$
1,615

(a) As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 the short-term portion of the derivative liability for commodity hedges of $1,095 and $1,137, respectively, is included in "Accrued and other liabilities" and the long-term portion of $347 and $478, respectively, is included in "Other non-current liabilities" in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

11


(9) Stockholders’ Equity
Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive loss includes net loss and all other non-owner changes to equity that are not reported in net loss.
The Company’s comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, is as follows:
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net loss
$
(58,920
)
 
$
(72,298
)
 
$
(79,626
)
 
$
(88,296
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(378
)
 
1,041

 
(4,692
)
 
626

Change in unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax
1,837

 
254

 
2,859

 
507

Total comprehensive loss
$
(57,461
)
 
$
(71,003
)
 
$
(81,459
)
 
$
(87,163
)
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:
 
June 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Foreign currency translation losses
$
(14,686
)
 
$
(9,994
)
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax
(32,712
)
 
(35,571
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
$
(47,398
)
 
$
(45,565
)
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Items
 
Foreign Currency Items
 
Total
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Balance as of April 1,
$
(34,549
)
 
$
(13,873
)
 
$
(14,308
)
 
$
(5,032
)
 
$
(48,857
)
 
$
(18,905
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications

 

 
(378
)
 
1,041

 
(378
)
 
1,041

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (a)
1,837

 
254

 

 

 
1,837

 
254

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
1,837

 
254

 
(378
)
 
1,041

 
1,459

 
1,295

Balance as of June 30,
$
(32,712
)
 
$
(13,619
)
 
$
(14,686
)
 
$
(3,991
)
 
$
(47,398
)
 
$
(17,610
)
(a) See reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss table for details of reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

12


Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, are as follows:
 
Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Items
 
Foreign Currency Items
 
Total
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Balance as of January 1,
$
(35,571
)
 
$
(14,126
)
 
$
(9,994
)
 
$
(4,617
)
 
$
(45,565
)
 
$
(18,743
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications

 

 
(4,692
)
 
626

 
(4,692
)
 
626

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (a)
2,859

 
507

 

 

 
2,859

 
507

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
2,859

 
507

 
(4,692
)
 
626

 
(1,833
)
 
1,133

Balance as of June 30,
$
(32,712
)
 
$
(13,619
)
 
$
(14,686
)
 
$
(3,991
)
 
$
(47,398
)
 
$
(17,610
)
(a) See reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss table for details of reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the six months periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service cost (b)
 
$
(907
)
 
$
(70
)
 
$
(1,001
)
 
$
(141
)
Actuarial loss (b)
 
(930
)
 
(345
)
 
(1,858
)
 
(690
)
Total before tax
 
(1,837
)
 
(415
)
 
(2,859
)
 
(831
)
Tax effect
 

 
161

 

 
324

Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax
 
$
(1,837
)
 
$
(254
)
 
$
(2,859
)
 
$
(507
)
(b) These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost included in "Sales, general and administrative expense." Prior service cost of $813 for pension curtailment is shown as "Restructuring activity, net" in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2015. There was no pension curtailment expense in 2014 (see Note 11 for additional details).

(10) 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. All compensation expense related to share-based compensation arrangements is recorded in sales, general and administrative expense and warehouse, processing and delivery expense. The unrecognized compensation cost as of June 30, 2015 associated with all share-based payment arrangements is $1,663 and the weighted average period over which it is to be expensed is 1.3 years.

13


(11) Employee Benefit Plans
In conjunction with the restructuring activities in the second quarter of 2015, the Company recorded a pension curtailment of $3,080, related to the company-sponsored defined benefit plans.
Components of the net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, are as follows:
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Service cost
$
237

 
$
128

 
$
474

 
$
255

Interest cost
1,795

 
1,740

 
3,590

 
3,480

Expected return on assets
(2,317
)
 
(2,095
)
 
(4,634
)
 
(4,190
)
Amortization of prior service cost
94

 
70

 
188

 
141

Amortization of actuarial loss
929

 
345

 
1,857

 
690

Curtailment charge
$
3,080

 
$

 
$
3,080

 
$

Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost
$
3,818

 
$
188

 
$
4,555

 
$
376

Contributions paid
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

The Company anticipates making no significant cash contributions to its pension plans in 2015.
(12) Restructuring Activity

As part of the Company’s continued efforts to adapt operations to market conditions, additional restructuring activities related to the Company’s organizational structure and operations were announced in the second quarter of 2015. In April 2015, the Company announced organizational changes, which include workforce reductions and the consolidations of up to ten facilities in locations it deemed to have redundant operations. The plan has now been changed to consolidate only seven facilities. The consolidations and organizational changes are part of the Company’s restructuring plan to streamline the organizational structure, lower structural operating costs, and increase liquidity. The Company expects that most of the actions related to the restructuring plan will be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2016. Depending on future market conditions and activity levels, further actions may be necessary to adjust operations, which may result in additional charges in 2015. Restructuring activity is primarily included in the Company's Metals segment. There was not any restructuring activity in the Company's Plastic segment. Restructuring activity associated with the write-down of inventory is included in "Cost of materials" in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss and all other restructuring is recorded in the "Restructuring activity, net" line item.
The Company recorded the following restructuring activity during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Employee termination and related benefits
 
$
14,252

 
$
870

 
$
14,252

 
$
870

Moving costs associated with plant consolidations
 
601

 
37

 
$
601

 
$
776

Professional fees
 
765

 

 
1,596

 

Total
 
$
15,618

 
$
907

 
$
16,449

 
$
1,646


Employee termination and related benefits
In the second quarter of 2015, the Company began a workforce reduction which decreased its headcount by seven percent. The Company plans to eliminate further positions by the first quarter of 2016 as the branch consolidations occur. As a result of the restructuring plan, the Company recorded a charge for severance expense totaling $5,672. The Company also recorded a pension curtailment charge of $3,080 and an estimated pension withdrawal liability charge of $5,500 from a multi-employer plan.


14


Moving costs associated with plant consolidations
As part of the restructuring plan, the Company will consolidate seven facilities. The closing plants will move certain of their operations to the remaining facilities. As a result, the Company recognized $601 of moving costs associated with the closing or moving of certain facilities and inventory in the second quarter of 2015.

Professional fees
As of June 30, 2015, the Company incurred $1,596 to date in professional fees associated with the development and implementation of the current restructuring plan.

Inventory charge
In addition to the matters described above, the Company recorded charges of $22,335 for inventory which was identified to be scrapped or reserved in the second quarter 2015. Management decided it was more economically feasible to scrap aged material as opposed to expending the time and effort to sell such material in the normal course. The charge includes a provision for small pieces of inventory at closing branches which will not be moved, as well as, provisions for excess inventory levels based on estimates of current and future market demand. The inventory charge is reported in the "Cost of materials" line item in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

Restructuring reserve activity for the six months ended June 30, 2015 is summarized below:

 
 
 
 
Period Activity
 
 
 
 
Balance January, 1 2015
 
Charges (gains)
 
Cash receipts (payments)
 
Write-down of inventory
 
Balance June 30, 2015
Employee termination and related benefits
 
$

 
$
14,252

 
$
(508
)
 
$

 
$
13,744

Lease termination costs (a)
 
636

 

 
(202
)
 

 
434

Moving costs associated with plant consolidations
 

 
601

 
(601
)
 

 

Professional fees
 

 
1,596

 
(1,596
)
 

 

Inventory write-down
 

 
22,335

 

 
(22,335
)
 

Total
 
$
636

 
$
38,784

 
$
(2,907
)
 
$
(22,335
)
 
$
14,178

(a) Payments on certain of the lease obligations are scheduled to continue until 2016. Market conditions and the Company’s ability to sublease these properties could affect the ultimate charge related to the lease obligations. Any potential recoveries or additional charges could affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements of future periods. As of June 30, 2015, the short-term portion of the lease termination costs of $388, and the employee termination and related benefits of 13,744 are included in accrued liabilities and the long-term portion of the lease termination costs of $46 is included in other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(13) Income Taxes

The Company's tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimate of its annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items.

For the three months ended June 30, 2015, the Company recorded income tax expense of $1,731 on pre-tax losses of $57,189, for an effective tax rate of (3.0)%. For the three months ended June 30, 2014, the Company recorded income tax benefit of $6,097 on pre-tax loss of $78,395, for an effective tax rate of 7.8%.

For the six months ended June 30, 2015 , the Company recorded income tax expense of $906 on pre-tax losses of $78,720, for an effective tax rate of (1.2)%. For the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company recorded income tax benefit of $6,148 on pre-tax loss of $94,444, for an effective tax rate of 6.5%.

The Company's U.S. statutory rate is 35%. The most significant factors impacting the effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were losses in jurisdictions that the Company is not able to benefit due to uncertainty as to the realization of those losses, and the tax effects of goodwill impairment charges in 2014.

15



(14) Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
As of June 30, 2015, the Company had $5,092 of irrevocable letters of credit outstanding which primarily consisted of $2,000 for collateral associated with commodity hedges and $1,842 for compliance with the insurance reserve requirements of its workers’ compensation insurance carriers.
The Company is party to a variety of legal proceedings arising from the operation of its business. These proceedings are incidental and occur in the normal course of the Company’s business affairs. It is the opinion of management, based upon the information available at this time, that the current expected outcome of these proceedings will not have a material effect on the consolidated results of operations, financial condition or cash flows of the Company.
(15) 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, extrusions, 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, trepanning machinery, boring machinery, honing equipment, 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, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. 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), automotive, marine, office furniture and fixtures, safety products, life sciences applications, 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.
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, 2014. Management evaluates the performance of its business segments based on operating income.

16


Segment information for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
 
Net
Sales
 
Operating
(Loss) Income
 
Capital
Expenditures
 
Depreciation &
Amortization
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metals segment
$
166,328

 
$
(49,996
)
 
$
713

 
$
5,887

Plastics segment
33,375

 
1,748

 
521

 
425

Other (a)

 
(2,981
)
 

 

Consolidated
$
199,703

 
$
(51,229
)
 
$
1,234

 
$
6,312

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metals segment
$
214,095

 
$
(70,155
)
 
$
1,859

 
$
6,103

Plastics segment
35,397

 
1,667

 
428

 
430

Other (a)

 
(3,403
)
 

 

Consolidated
$
249,492

 
$
(71,891
)
 
$
2,287

 
$
6,533

(a) “Other” – Operating loss includes the costs of executive, legal and elements of the finance departments which are shared by both the Metals and Plastics segments.
Segment information for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, is as follows:
 
Net
Sales
 
Operating
(Loss) Income
 
Capital
Expenditures
 
Depreciation &
Amortization
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metals segment
$
354,868

 
$
(53,000
)
 
$
2,550

 
$
11,781

Plastics segment
67,063

 
2,978

 
745

 
886

Other (a)

 
(6,842
)
 

 

Consolidated
$
421,931

 
$
(56,864
)
 
$
3,295

 
$
12,667

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metals segment
$
433,158

 
$
(76,387
)
 
$
3,737

 
$
12,159

Plastics segment
69,744

 
3,174

 
562

 
831

Other (a)

 
(6,000
)
 

 

Consolidated
$
502,902

 
$
(79,213
)
 
$
4,299

 
$
12,990

(a) “Other” – Operating loss includes the costs of executive, legal and elements of the finance departments which are shared by both the Metals and Plastics segments.
Below are reconciliations of segment data to consolidated loss before income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively,:
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Operating loss
$
(51,229
)
 
$
(71,891
)
 
$
(56,864
)
 
$
(79,213
)
Interest expense, net
(10,374
)
 
(9,888
)
 
(20,920
)
 
(19,840
)
Other expense, net
3,963

 
1,590

 
(2,262
)
 
908

Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint venture
(57,640
)
 
(80,189
)
 
(80,046
)
 
(98,145
)
Equity in earnings of joint venture
451

 
1,794

 
1,326

 
3,701

Consolidated loss before income taxes
$
(57,189
)
 
$
(78,395
)
 
$
(78,720
)
 
$
(94,444
)

17


Segment information for total assets is as follows:
 
June 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Metals segment
$
431,013

 
$
489,563

Plastics segment
60,452

 
60,970

Other (a)
38,455

 
37,443

Consolidated
$
529,920

 
$
587,976

(a) “Other” — Total assets consist of the Company's investment in joint venture.
(16) Guarantor Financial Information
The Company's Senior Secured Notes are guaranteed by certain 100% directly owned subsidiaries of the Company (the "Guarantors"). As of June 30, 2015, the Guarantors included Total Plastics, Inc., Advanced Fabricating Technology, LLC, Keystone Tube Company, LLC and Paramount Machine Company, LLC, each of which fully and unconditionally guarantee the Senior Secured Notes on a joint and several basis.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared and presented pursuant to Rule 3-10 of SEC Regulation S-X “Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or Being Registered.” The financial statements present condensed consolidating financial information for A. M. Castle & Co. (the "Parent"), the Guarantors, the non-guarantor subsidiaries (all other subsidiaries) and an elimination column for adjustments to arrive at the information for the Parent, Guarantors, and non-guarantors on a consolidated basis. The condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared on the same basis as the consolidated financial statements of the Parent. The equity method of accounting is followed within this financial information.

18



Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of June 30, 2015

 
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,674

 
$
1,222

 
$
8,600

 
$

 
$
11,496

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
53,682

 
18,629

 
42,949

 

 
115,260

Receivables from affiliates
1,089

 
113

 

 
(1,202
)
 

Inventories
104,572

 
19,960

 
78,679

 
(68
)
 
203,143

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
3,888

 
413

 
10,712

 

 
15,013

Total current assets
164,905

 
40,337

 
140,940

 
(1,270
)
 
344,912

Investment in joint venture
38,455

 

 

 

 
38,455

Goodwill

 
12,973

 

 

 
12,973

Intangible assets, net
38,189

 

 
12,135

 

 
50,324

Other assets
15,094

 

 
2,675

 
(859
)
 
16,910

Investment in subsidiaries
57,299

 

 

 
(57,299
)
 

Receivables from affiliates
133,707

 
42,079

 

 
(175,786
)
 

Property, plant and equipment, net
40,783

 
11,774

 
13,789

 

 
66,346

Total assets
$
488,432

 
$
107,163

 
$
169,539

 
$
(235,214
)
 
$
529,920

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
36,336

 
$
9,391

 
$
15,612

 
$

 
$
61,339

Payables due to affiliates
1,089

 

 
113

 
(1,202
)
 

Other current liabilities
32,724

 
2,668

 
6,088

 

 
41,480

Current portion of long-term debt
575

 

 
42

 

 
617

Total current liabilities
70,724

 
12,059

 
21,855

 
(1,202
)
 
103,436

Long-term debt, less current portion
326,036

 

 
30

 

 
326,066

Payables due to affiliates

 
7,004

 
168,782

 
(175,786
)
 

Deferred income taxes

 
5,524

 
3,948

 
(859
)
 
8,613

Other non-current liabilities
22,833

 

 
133

 

 
22,966

Stockholders’ equity (deficit)
68,839

 
82,576

 
(25,209
)
 
(57,367
)
 
68,839

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
488,432

 
$
107,163

 
$
169,539

 
$
(235,214
)
 
$
529,920


19


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2014

 
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
511

 
$
977

 
$
6,966

 
$

 
$
8,454

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
66,178

 
19,303

 
45,522

 

 
131,003

Receivables from affiliates
2,071

 
81

 

 
(2,152
)
 

Inventories
142,314

 
19,320

 
75,366

 
(68
)
 
236,932

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
3,490

 
1,033

 
8,506

 

 
13,029

Total current assets
214,564

 
40,714

 
136,360

 
(2,220
)
 
389,418

Investment in joint venture
37,443

 

 

 

 
37,443

Goodwill

 
12,973

 

 

 
12,973

Intangible assets, net
42,772

 

 
13,783

 

 
56,555

Other assets
18,766

 

 
996

 
(1,010
)
 
18,752

Investment in subsidiaries
70,274

 

 

 
(70,274
)
 

Receivables from affiliates
113,188

 
36,607

 
2,157

 
(151,952
)
 

Property, plant and equipment, net
46,094

 
12,184

 
14,557

 

 
72,835

Total assets
$
543,101

 
$
102,478

 
$
167,853

 
$
(225,456
)
 
$
587,976

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
41,613

 
$
8,055

 
$
19,114

 
$

 
$
68,782

Payables due to affiliates
2,071

 

 
81

 
(2,152
)
 

Other current liabilities
18,841

 
3,065

 
6,092

 

 
27,998

Current portion of long-term debt
691

 

 
46

 

 
737

Total current liabilities
63,216

 
11,120

 
25,333

 
(2,152
)
 
97,517

Long-term debt, less current portion
307,327

 

 
2,050

 

 
309,377

Payables due to affiliates

 
5,581

 
146,371

 
(151,952
)
 

Deferred income taxes

 
5,524

 
3,846

 
(1,010
)
 
8,360

Other non-current liabilities
22,238

 

 
164

 

 
22,402

Stockholders’ equity (deficit)
150,320

 
80,253

 
(9,911
)
 
(70,342
)
 
150,320

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
543,101

 
$
102,478

 
$
167,853

 
$
(225,456
)
 
$
587,976








20


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015

 
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net sales
$
112,785

 
$
33,375

 
$
56,405

 
$
(2,862
)
 
$
199,703

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of materials (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
105,590

 
23,291

 
46,383

 
(2,862
)
 
172,402

Warehouse, processing and delivery expense
21,319

 
3,053

 
6,545

 

 
30,917

Sales, general and administrative expense
18,053

 
4,336

 
3,294

 

 
25,683

Restructuring activity
15,421

 

 
197

 

 
15,618

Depreciation and amortization expense
4,718

 
564

 
1,030

 

 
6,312

Operating (loss) income
(52,316
)
 
2,131

 
(1,044
)
 

 
(51,229
)
Interest expense, net
(6,360
)
 

 
(4,014
)
 

 
(10,374
)
Other expense, net

 

 
3,963

 

 
3,963

(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries and joint venture
(58,676
)
 
2,131

 
(1,095
)
 

 
(57,640
)
Income taxes
(231
)
 
(810
)
 
(690
)
 

 
(1,731
)
Equity in losses of subsidiaries
(464
)
 

 

 
464

 

Equity in earnings of joint venture
451

 

 

 

 
451

Net (loss) income
$
(58,920
)
 
$
1,321

 
$
(1,785
)
 
$
464

 
$
(58,920
)
Comprehensive (loss) income
$
(57,461
)
 
$
1,321

 
$
(2,163
)
 
$
842

 
$
(57,461
)







21


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014

 
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net sales
$
153,251

 
$
35,397

 
$
63,503

 
$
(2,659
)
 
$
249,492

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of materials (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
116,974

 
25,255

 
51,995

 
(2,659
)
 
191,565

Warehouse, processing and delivery expense
26,789

 
2,889

 
7,069

 

 
36,747

Sales, general and administrative expense
19,436

 
4,633

 
5,402

 

 
29,471

Restructuring activity
733

 

 
174

 

 
907

Depreciation and amortization expense
4,934

 
561

 
1,038

 

 
6,533

Impairment of goodwill
41,308

 

 
14,852

 

 
56,160

Operating (loss) income
(56,923
)
 
2,059

 
(17,027
)
 

 
(71,891
)
Interest expense, net
(6,294
)
 

 
(3,594
)
 

 
(9,888
)
Other expense, net

 

 
1,590

 

 
1,590

(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries and joint venture
(63,217
)
 
2,059

 
(19,031
)
 

 
(80,189
)
Income taxes
2,452

 
(782
)
 
4,427

 

 
6,097

Equity in losses of subsidiaries
(13,327
)
 

 

 
13,327

 

Equity in earnings of joint venture
1,794

 

 

 

 
1,794

Net (loss) income
$
(72,298
)
 
$
1,277

 
$
(14,604
)
 
$
13,327

 
$
(72,298
)
Comprehensive (loss) income
$
(71,003
)
 
$
1,277

 
$
(13,563
)
 
$
12,286

 
$
(71,003
)








22


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015

 
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net sales
$
245,235

 
$
67,063

 
$
115,405

 
$
(5,772
)
 
$
421,931

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of materials (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
205,383

 
47,281

 
93,621

 
(5,772
)
 
340,513

Warehouse, processing and delivery expense
38,861

 
5,971

 
13,116

 

 
57,948

Sales, general and administrative expense
35,395

 
8,903

 
6,920

 

 
51,218

Restructuring activity
16,252

 

 
197

 

 
16,449

Depreciation and amortization expense
9,461

 
1,163

 
2,043

 

 
12,667

Operating (loss) income
(60,117
)
 
3,745

 
(492
)
 

 
(56,864
)
Interest expense, net
(12,773
)
 

 
(8,147
)
 

 
(20,920
)
Other expense, net

 

 
(2,262
)
 

 
(2,262
)
(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries and joint venture
(72,890
)
 
3,745

 
(10,901
)
 

 
(80,046
)
Income taxes
216

 
(1,423
)
 
301

 

 
(906
)
Equity in losses of subsidiaries
(8,278
)
 

 

 
8,278

 

Equity in earnings of joint venture
1,326

 

 

 

 
1,326

Net (loss) income
$
(79,626
)
 
$
2,322

 
$
(10,600
)
 
$
8,278

 
$
(79,626
)
Comprehensive (loss) income
$
(81,459
)
 
$
2,322

 
$
(15,292
)
 
$
12,970

 
$
(81,459
)

23



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net sales
$
317,457

 
$
69,744

 
$
123,469

 
$
(7,768
)
 
$
502,902

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of materials (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
238,886

 
49,360

 
99,618

 
(7,768
)
 
380,096

Warehouse, processing and delivery expense
52,792

 
5,871

 
13,465

 

 
72,128

Sales, general and administrative expense
39,397

 
9,462

 
10,236

 

 
59,095

Restructuring activity
1,472

 

 
174

 

 
1,646

Depreciation and amortization expense
9,824

 
1,093

 
2,073

 

 
12,990

Impairment of goodwill
41,308

 

 
14,852

 

 
56,160

Operating (loss) income
(66,222
)
 
3,958

 
(16,949
)
 

 
(79,213
)
Interest expense, net
(12,460
)
 

 
(7,380
)
 

 
(19,840
)
Other expense, net

 

 
908

 

 
908

(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries and joint venture
(78,682
)
 
3,958

 
(23,421
)


 
(98,145
)
Income taxes
5,026

 
(1,162
)
 
2,284

 

 
6,148

Equity in losses of subsidiaries
(18,341
)
 

 

 
18,341

 

Equity in earnings of joint venture
3,701

 

 

 

 
3,701

Net (loss) income
$
(88,296
)
 
$
2,796

 
$
(21,137
)
 
$
18,341

 
$
(88,296
)
Comprehensive (loss) income
$
(87,163
)
 
$
2,796

 
$
(20,511
)
 
$
17,715

 
$
(87,163
)

24



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015

 
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income
$
(79,626
)
 
$
2,322

 
$
(10,600
)
 
$
8,278

 
$
(79,626
)
Equity in losses of subsidiaries
8,278

 

 

 
(8,278
)
 

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash from (used in) operating activities
70,924

 
2,725

 
(9,097
)
 

 
64,552

Net cash from (used in) operating activities
(424
)
 
5,047

 
(19,697
)
 

 
(15,074
)
Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(1,460
)
 
(753
)
 
(1,082
)
 

 
(3,295
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
7,641

 

 
3

 

 
7,644

Net advances to subsidiaries
(20,519
)
 

 

 
20,519

 

Net cash used in investing activities
(14,338
)
 
(753
)
 
(1,079
)
 
20,519

 
4,349

Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from long-term debt
464,700

 

 

 

 
464,700

Repayments of long-term debt
(448,775
)
 

 
(2,020
)
 

 
(450,795
)
Net intercompany (repayments) borrowings

 
(4,049
)
 
24,568

 
(20,519
)
 

Net cash from (used in) financing activities
15,925

 
(4,049
)
 
22,548

 
(20,519
)
 
13,905

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 
(138
)
 

 
(138
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
1,163

 
245

 
1,634

 

 
3,042

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year
511

 
977

 
6,966

 

 
8,454

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period
$
1,674

 
$
1,222

 
$
8,600

 
$

 
$
11,496


25



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014

 
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income
$
(88,296
)
 
$
2,796

 
$
(21,137
)
 
$
18,341

 
$
(88,296
)
Equity in losses of subsidiaries
18,341

 

 

 
(18,341
)
 

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash from (used in) operating activities
54,603

 
(2,381
)
 
3,555

 

 
55,777

Net cash (used in) from operating activities
(15,352
)
 
415

 
(17,582
)
 

 
(32,519
)
Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(2,364
)
 
(585
)
 
(1,350
)
 

 
(4,299
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
51

 

 
52

 

 
103

Net cash used in investing activities
(2,313
)
 
(585
)
 
(1,298
)
 

 
(4,196
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from long-term debt
78,450

 

 
1,000

 

 
79,450

Repayments of long-term debt
(55,785
)
 

 
(1,013
)
 

 
(56,798
)
Net intercompany (repayments) borrowings
(9,869
)
 
912

 
8,957

 

 

Other financing activities
193

 

 

 

 
193

Net cash from financing activities
12,989

 
912

 
8,944

 

 
22,845

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 
117

 

 
117

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(4,676
)
 
742

 
(9,819
)
 

 
(13,753
)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year
8,675

 
495

 
21,659

 

 
30,829

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period
$
3,999

 
$
1,237

 
$
11,840

 
$

 
$
17,076


26


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, and the cost savings and other benefits that we expect to achieve from our facility closures and organizational changes.  These statements often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “predict,” “plan,” "should," 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 our ability to effectively manage our operational initiatives, the impact of volatility of metals and plastics prices, the cyclical and seasonal aspects of our business, our ability to effectively manage inventory levels and the impact of our substantial level of indebtedness, as well as including those risk factors identified in Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.  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 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, to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or for any other reason.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto in Item 1 “Financial Statements (unaudited)”.
Executive Overview
Economic Trends and Current Business Conditions
A. M. Castle & Co. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) experienced lower net sales in its Metals segment products in the second quarter of 2015 compared to the second quarter of 2014, primarily due to lower demand for tubing in the Oil and Gas sectors, while demand for aluminum in the Aerospace sector was up. Net sales in the Company's Plastics segment in the second quarter of 2015 were 5.7% lower when compared to the same period last year, primarily due to an automotive project that expired in July 2014. The remainder of the decline in the Plastics segment was primarily due to softer demand amplified by raw material pricing declines across most product lines.
Consolidated net sales decreased $49.8 million or 20.0% from the second quarter of 2014 due to decreased Metals segment sales volumes. Consolidated operating loss for the second quarter of 2015 was $51.2 million, which included a $15.6 million charge for restructuring activity in addition to a $22.3 million inventory charge related to restructuring activities, compared to second quarter of 2014 consolidated operating loss of $71.9 million, which included a $0.9 million charge for restructuring activity and a $56.2 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge. Consolidated net loss for the second quarter of 2015 was $58.9 million compared to consolidated net loss of $72.3 million for the second quarter of 2014.
The restructuring actions, announced on April 28, 2015 are expected to result in annualized cost improvement of approximately $40.0 million when measured against annualized first quarter 2015 run rate revenue and upon full implementation of these activities. Significant progress was made in implementing the plan in the second quarter 2015. The original plan was changed to close only seven facilities as compared to ten announced in April 2015. Further analysis indicated that operating results would benefit by keeping the three facilities open versus the savings expected to be realized by closing them. The results of these restructuring activities are also expected to improve the Company's working capital through better management of its assets and, consequentially, improve its liquidity. Total restructuring charges recorded during the second quarter of 2015 were $37.9 million, of which $12.5 million represented cash charges. The cash charges include an estimated $5.5 million that may be paid over 20 years. The Company's total estimated charges to be incurred as part of its restructuring initiatives remain consistent with its initial estimated range of $49.5 million to $64.4 million, including $17.7 million to $21.4 million of estimated cash charges. Not included in this

27


range is the Company's revised estimate of cash proceeds related to the closure and sale of seven facilities of approximately $23.0 million.
Results of Operations: Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
Consolidated results by business segment are summarized in the following table for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.
 
 
 
 
 
Favorable/(Unfavorable)
 
2015
 
2014
 
$ Change
 
% Change
Net Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metals
$
166.3

 
$
214.1

 
$
(47.8
)
 
(22.3
)%
Plastics
33.4

 
35.4

 
(2.0
)
 
(5.7
)%
Total Net Sales
$
199.7

 
$
249.5

 
$
(49.8
)
 
(20.0
)%
Cost of Materials
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metals
$
149.1

 
$
166.3

 
$
17.2

 
10.3
 %
% of Metals Sales
89.6
 %
 
77.7
 %
 
 
 
 
Plastics
23.3

 
25.3

 
2.0

 
7.9
 %
% of Plastics Sales
69.8
 %
 
71.3
 %
 
 
 
 
Total Cost of Materials
$
172.4

 
$
191.6

 
$
19.2

 
10.0
 %
% of Total Sales
86.3
 %
 
76.8
 %
 
 
 
 
Operating Costs and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metals
$
67.2

 
$
117.9

 
$
50.7

 
43.0
 %
Plastics
8.3

 
8.4

 
0.1

 
1.6
 %
Other
3.0

 
3.4

 
0.4

 
12.4
 %
Total Operating Costs & Expenses
$
78.5

 
$
129.8

 
$
51.3

 
39.5
 %
% of Total Sales
39.3
 %
 
52.0
 %
 
 
 
 
Operating Income (Loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metals
$
(50.0
)
 
$
(70.2
)
 
$
20.2

 
28.7
 %
% of Metals Sales
(30.1
)%
 
(32.8
)%
 
 
 
 
Plastics
1.7

 
1.6

 
0.1

 
4.9
 %
% of Plastics Sales
5.1
 %
 
4.7
 %
 
 
 
 
Other
(3.0
)
 
(3.4
)
 
0.4

 
12.4
 %
Total Operating Income (Loss)
$
(51.2
)
 
$
(71.9
)
 
$
20.7

 
28.7
 %
% of Total Sales
(25.7
)%
 
(28.8
)%
 
 
 
 
“Other” includes the costs of executive, legal and finance departments which are shared by both segments of the Company.
Net Sales:
Consolidated net sales were $199.7 million, a decrease of $49.8 million, or 20.0%, compared to the second quarter of 2014. Metals segment net sales during the second quarter of 2015 of $166.3 million were $47.8 million, or 22.3%, lower than the same period last year. Plastics segment net sales during the second quarter of 2015 of $33.4 million were $2.0 million, or 5.7% lower than the second quarter of 2014.
Metals segment pricing was up 7.5% compared to the prior year quarter. The pricing increase was driven by average price increases for carbon and alloy plate, stainless, and alloy bar products. Metals segment sales volumes were down 29.0% compared to second quarter of 2014. Carbon and alloy plate and tubing products had the most significant decline in sales volumes compared to the second quarter of 2014. Within the Metals segment, net sales for the second quarter of 2015 were lower for both the Oil and Gas and Industrial businesses compared to the second quarter of 2014. The decrease in Plastics segment net sales during the second quarter of 2015 was primarily due to weaker performance in the automotive and home goods sectors.

28


Cost of Materials:
Cost of materials (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) during the second quarter of 2015 was $172.4 million, a decrease of $19.2 million, or 10.0%, compared to the second quarter of 2014. Second quarter 2015 included a LIFO credit of $1.5 million while the second quarter of 2014 included no LIFO income. Second quarter 2015 also included a $22.3 million restructuring charge related to the write-down of aged and excess inventory. The charge includes a provision for small pieces of inventory at closing branches which will not be moved, as well as, provisions for excess inventory levels based on estimates of current and future market demand. Management decided it was more economically feasible to scrap aged material as opposed to expending the time and effort to sell such material in the normal course.
Material costs for the Metals segment for the second quarter of 2015 including the $22.3 million inventory restructuring charge were $149.1 million, or 89.6% as a percent of net sales, compared to $166.3 million, or 77.7% as a percent of net sales, for the second quarter of 2014. Cost of materials in the Metals segment decreased $17.2 million compared to the second quarter of 2014. The decrease is primarily due to the decrease in sales volumes from the prior year period. Material costs for the Plastics segment for the second quarter of 2015 were $23.3 million, or 69.8% as a percent of net sales, compared to $25.3 million, or 71.3% as a percent of net sales, for the second quarter of 2014. Plastics segment material costs as a percent of net sales were lower than second quarter of 2014 due to a decline in net sales caused by an expiration of an automotive program and softer demand that was amplified by raw material pricing declines.
Operating Costs and Expenses and Operating Income (Loss):
On a consolidated basis, operating costs and expenses decreased $51.3 million, or 39.5%, from $129.8 million, or 52.0% of net sales, in the second quarter of 2014 to $78.5 million, or 39.3% of net sales, during the second quarter of 2015.
A charge of $15.6 million associated with the Company's restructuring activities was included in operating costs and expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $0.9 million in the three months ended June 30, 2014. Restructuring activities for the three months ended June 30, 2015 consisted of (i) employee termination and related benefits for the workforce reductions from the organizational changes announced in April 2015; (ii) an estimated pension withdrawal liability charge for withdrawal from a multi-employer pension plan; (iii) non-cash pension curtailment charge; (iv) moving costs associated with plant consolidations; and (v) professional fees related to implementation of the restructuring plan. The three months ended June 30, 2014 included a $56.2 million goodwill impairment charge.
In addition to the restructuring items and goodwill impairment, all other operating costs decreased by $9.9 million compared to the prior year quarter due to decreases in sales, general and administrative costs and warehouse, processing and delivery costs which related to the following:
Sales, general and administrative costs decreased by $3.8 million as a result of lower payroll and benefits costs;
Warehouse, processing and delivery costs decreased by approximately $5.8 million as a result of the decrease in sales activity.
Benefits from restructuring activity are not expected to begin to be realized until the fourth quarter of 2015.
Consolidated operating loss for the second quarter of 2015, including a loss from restructuring activity of $15.6 million, was $51.2 million compared to an operating loss of $71.9 million, including $0.9 million of restructuring charges and a $56.2 million goodwill impairment charge, for the same period last year.
Other Income and Expense, Income Taxes and Net Loss:
Interest expense, net was $10.4 million in the second quarter of 2015 which was $0.5 million higher than the prior year second quarter of 2014 due to increased revolver borrowings.
Other income related to foreign currency transaction gains was $4.0 million in the second quarter of 2015 compared to other income of $1.6 million for foreign currency transaction gains in the same period last year. These losses and gains relate to foreign currency transactions and unhedged intercompany financing arrangements.
The Company recorded an income tax expense of $1.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 compared to an income tax benefit of $6.1 million for the same period last year. The Company’s effective tax rate is expressed as

29


‘Income taxes’, which includes tax expense on the Company’s share of joint venture earnings, as a percentage of ‘Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint venture.’ The effective tax rate for the quarters ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was (3.0)% and 7.8%, respectively. The lower effective tax rate results from changes in the geographic mix and timing of income (losses), recording valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets in the U.S. and at certain foreign subsidiaries and the impact of restructuring charges.
Equity in earnings of the Company’s joint venture was $0.5 million in the second quarter of 2015 and $1.8 million in the same period last year. Earnings of the joint venture in the second quarter of 2015 have been impacted by declines in activity in the energy markets.
Consolidated net loss for the second quarter of 2015 was $58.9 million, or $2.50 per diluted share, compared to net loss of $72.3 million, or $3.10 per diluted share, for the same period in 2014.

Results of Operations: Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
Consolidated results by business segment are summarized in the following table for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.
 
 
 
 
 
Favorable/(Unfavorable)
 
2015
 
2014
 
$ Change
 
% Change
Net Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metals
$
354.9

 
$
433.2

 
$
(78.3
)
 
(18.1
)%
Plastics
67.1

 
69.7

 
(2.7
)
 
(3.8
)%
Total Net Sales
$
421.9

 
$
502.9

 
$
(81.0
)
 
(16.1
)%
Cost of Materials
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metals
$
293.2

 
$
330.8

 
$
37.5

 
11.3
 %
% of Metals Sales
82.6
 %
 
76.4
 %
 
 
 
 
Plastics
47.3

 
49.3

 
2.1

 
4.2
 %
% of Plastics Sales
70.5
 %
 
70.8
 %
 
 
 
 
Total Cost of Materials
$
340.5

 
$
380.1

 
$
39.6

 
10.4
 %
% of Total Sales
80.7
 %
 
75.6
 %
 
 
 
 
Operating Costs and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metals
$
114.6

 
$
178.8

 
$
64.2

 
35.9
 %
Plastics
16.8

 
17.2

 
0.4

 
2.4
 %
Other
6.8

 
6.0

 
(0.8
)
 
(14.0
)%
Total Operating Costs & Expenses
$
138.3

 
$
202.0

 
$
63.7

 
31.6
 %
% of Total Sales
32.8
 %
 
40.2
 %
 
 
 
 
Operating (Loss) Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metals
$
(53.0
)
 
$
(76.4
)
 
$
23.4

 
30.6
 %
% of Metals Sales
(14.9
)%
 
(17.6
)%
 
 
 
 
Plastics
3.0

 
3.2

 
(0.2
)
 
(6.2
)%
% of Plastics Sales
4.4
 %
 
4.6
 %
 
 
 
 
Other
(6.8
)
 
(6.0
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(14.0
)%
Total Operating Loss
$
(56.9
)
 
$
(79.2
)
 
$
22.3

 
28.2
 %
% of Total Sales
(13.5
)%
 
(15.8
)%
 
 
 
 
“Other” includes the costs of executive, legal and elements of the finance departments which are shared by both segments of the Company.

30


Net Sales:
Consolidated net sales were $421.9 million, a decrease of $81.0 million, or 16.1%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014. Metals segment net sales during the six months ended June 30, 2015 of $354.9 million were $78.3 million, or 18.1%, lower than the same period last year reflecting lower volume compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014. Plastics segment net sales during the six months ended June 30, 2015 of $67.1 million were $2.7 million, or 3.8%, lower than the six months ended June 30, 2014.
Metals segment pricing increased by 2.5% compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014. The pricing increase was primarily driven by average price increases for stainless and carbon and alloy plate, offset by decreases for nickel, aluminum and tubing products. Metals segment sales volumes declined by 20.4% compared to six months ended June 30, 2014. Tubing, carbon and alloy plate products had the most significant decline in sales volumes while aluminum sales volume registered strength compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014. All of the Metals segment products, except for alloy bar, carbon and alloy plate, and stainless, had lower average selling prices when compared to six months ended June 30, 2014, with most average selling prices lower by 2% to 10%. The slight decrease in Plastics segment net sales during the six months ended June 30, 2015 was primarily due to a generally flat market in the automotive, marine and life sciences sectors.
Cost of Materials:
Cost of materials (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) during the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $340.5 million, a decrease of $39.6 million, or 10.4%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014. Cost of materials included LIFO income of $2.0 million and $1.2 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The six months ended June 30, 2015 also included a $22.3 million restructuring charge for the write-down of aged and excess inventory. The charge includes a provision for small pieces of inventory at closing branches which will not be moved, as well as, provisions for excess inventory levels based on estimates of current and future market demand. Management decided it was more economically feasible to scrap aged material as opposed to expending the time and effort to sell such material in the normal course.
Material costs for the Metals segment for the six months ended June 30, 2015 including the $22.3 million inventory restructuring charge were $293.2 million, or 82.6% as a percent of net sales, compared to $330.8 million, or 76.4% as a percent of net sales, for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Cost of materials in the Metals segment decreased $37.5 million compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014. The decrease is primarily due to the decrease in demand during the six months of 2015. Metals segment material costs as a percent of net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were higher compared to the same period last year primarily due to restructuring inventory write-downs during the six months ended June 30, 2015. Material costs for the Plastics segment were $47.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $49.3 million for the same period last year. Plastics segment material costs as a percentage of net sales improved from 70.8% in the six months ended June 30, 2014 to 70.5% in the six months ended June 30, 2015 due to increased fabrication work, which typically generates higher margins and keeps the cost of sales down.
Operating Costs and Expenses and Operating Loss:
On a consolidated basis, operating costs and expenses decreased $63.7 million, or 31.6%, from $202.0 million, or 40.2% of net sales, during the six months ended June 30, 2014 to $138.3 million, or 32.8% of net sales, during the six months ended June 30, 2015. The $63.7 million decrease was due mainly to a $56.2 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge during the six months ended June 30, 2014 offset by a $5.6 million gain on the sale of a facility in the six months ended June 30, 2015. Restructuring charges were $16.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to a $1.6 million charge in the six months ended June 30, 2014. Excluding the goodwill impairment, restructuring charges, and gain on sale of facility, the balance of the operating expenses were $16.7 million lower in the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014. This is due primarily to lower plant and transportation costs of $8.6 million and lower selling, general, and administrative expenses from lower payroll and payroll related costs of $7.9 million.
Consolidated operating loss for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $56.9 million compared to an operating loss of $79.2 million for the same period last year.

31


Other Income and Expense, Income Taxes and Net Loss:
Interest expense was $20.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of $1.1 million versus the same period last year as a result of higher revolver borrowing in 2015.
Other expense related to foreign currency transaction losses was $2.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to a $0.9 million credit for the same period last year. The majority of these transaction gains and losses related to unhedged intercompany financing arrangements between the United States and the United Kingdom and Canada.
The Company recorded an income tax expense of $0.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to a tax benefit of $6.1 million for the same period last year. The Company’s effective tax rate is expressed as ‘Income taxes’, which includes tax expense on the Company’s share of joint venture earnings, as a percentage of ‘Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint venture.’ The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was (1.2)% and 6.5%, respectively. The lower effective tax rate resulted from changes in the geographic mix and timing of income (losses), recording valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets in the U.S. and at certain foreign subsidiaries.
Equity in earnings of the Company’s joint venture was $1.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2015, which decreased $2.4 million, or 64.2%, compared to the same period last year. Weaker demand and pricing for Kreher’s products, mainly in the energy markets, were the primary factors contributing to the decrease in equity in earnings of the Company’s joint venture.
Consolidated net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $79.6 million, or $3.39 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $88.3 million, or $3.78 per diluted share, for the same period in 2014.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash and cash equivalents increased (decreased) as follows:
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Net cash used in operating activities
$
(15.1
)
 
$
(32.5
)
Net cash from (used) in investing activities
4.3

 
(4.2
)
Net cash from financing activities
13.9

 
22.8

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(0.1
)
 
0.1

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
3.0

 
$
(13.8
)
The Company’s principal sources of liquidity are cash provided by operations and available revolver borrowing capacity to fund working capital needs and growth initiatives. Cash used in operations for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $15.1 million compared to cash used in operations of $32.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Specific components of the change in working capital are highlighted below:
During the six months ended June 30, 2015, accounts receivable compared to year-end 2014 resulted in $14.1 million of cash flow source compared to $17.4 million of cash flow use for the same period last year. Average receivable days outstanding was 53.0 days for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to 50.7 days for the six months ended June 30, 2014.
During the six months ended June 30, 2015, lower inventory levels, compared to year-end 2014, provided $31.3 million of cash compared to higher inventory levels that were a $6.7 million cash flow use for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Approximately $15.0 million of the decrease was related to scrapping restructuring activities. During the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company has been adjusting the inventory deployment initiatives to better align inventory at the facilities. Each location is expected to carry a mix of inventory to adequately service their customers. Average days sales in inventory was 203.7 days for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to 163.9 days for the six months ended June 30, 2014.
During the six months ended June 30, 2015, increases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities were a $7.0 million cash flow source compared to a $20.7 million cash flow source for the same period last year. Accounts payable days outstanding was 41.7 days for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to 41.4 days for the same period last year.

32


Historically, the Company’s primary uses of liquidity and capital resources have been capital expenditures, payments on debt (including interest payments). With the execution of the new restructuring plan and cost savings as a result of the plan, management believes the Company will have access to sufficient cash from operations and planned working capital improvements along with available revolver borrowing capacity to fund its ongoing capital expenditure programs and meet its debt obligations for at least the next twelve months. The Company expects to realize approximately $40 million in operating expense cost savings as a result of the restructuring plan. Furthermore, the Company has available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company's debt agreements impose significant operating and financial restrictions which may prevent the Company from executing certain business opportunities such as: making acquisitions or paying dividends, among other things. The Revolving Credit Facility contains a springing financial maintenance covenant requiring the Company to maintain the ratio (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility Loan and Security Agreement) of EBITDA to fixed charges of 1.1 to 1.0 when excess availability is less than the greater of 10% of the calculated borrowing base (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility Loan and Security Agreement) or $12.5 million. In addition, if excess availability is less than the greater of 12.5% of the calculated borrowing base (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility Loan and Security Agreement) or $15.6 million, the lender has the right to take full dominion of the Company’s cash collections and apply these proceeds to outstanding loans under the Revolving Credit Agreement (“Cash Dominion”). The Company's ratio of EBITDA to fixed charges was negative for the twelve months ended June 30, 2015. At this ratio, the Company's current maximum borrowing capacity would be $101.1 million before triggering Cash Dominion. Based on the Company’s cash projections, it does not anticipate a scenario whereby Cash Dominion would occur during the next twelve months.
Additional unrestricted borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility at June 30, 2015 was as follows:
Maximum borrowing capacity
$
125.0

Less: Letters of credit and other reserves
(8.2
)
Undrawn maximum availability
116.8

Less: Current borrowings
(73.5
)
Total borrowing capacity
43.3

Less: Minimum excess availability before triggering Cash Dominion
(15.6
)
Total unrestricted borrowing capacity
$
27.6

The Revolving Credit Facility matures on December 10, 2019 (or 91 days prior to the maturity date of the Company's Senior Secured Notes or Convertible Notes if they have not been refinanced).
The Company intends to maintain sufficient levels of available liquidity, manage working capital and monitor the Company’s overall capitalization. Cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2015 were $11.5 million, and the Company had $27.6 million of additional unrestricted borrowing capacity under its Revolving Credit Facility. Approximately $4.0 million of the Company’s consolidated cash and cash equivalents balance resides in the United States. As foreign earnings are permanently reinvested, availability under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility would be used to fund operations in the United States as the need arises in the future.
Working capital, defined as current assets less current liabilities, and the balances of its significant components are as follows:
 
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
2015
 
2014
 
to Working Capital
Working capital
$
241.5

 
$
291.9

 
$
(50.4
)
Cash and cash equivalents
11.5

 
8.5

 
3.0

Accounts receivable
115.3

 
131.0

 
(15.7
)
Inventories
203.1

 
236.9

 
(33.8
)
Accounts payable
61.3

 
68.8

 
7.5

Accrued and other liabilities
40.8

 
27.7

 
(13.1
)
The Company monitors its overall capitalization by evaluating total debt to total capitalization. Total debt to total capitalization is defined as the sum of short-term and long-term debt, divided by the sum of total debt and stockholders’ equity. Total debt to total capitalization was 82.6% at June 30, 2015 and 67.4% at December 31, 2014. Over the long-term, the Company plans to continue to improve its total debt to total capitalization by improving operating results,

33


managing working capital and using cash generated from operations to repay outstanding debt. As and when permitted by the terms of agreements noted above, depending on market conditions, and external factors such as credit ratings, the Company will decide in the future when to refinance, redeem or repurchase its debt and take other steps to reduce its debt or lease obligations or otherwise improve its overall financial position.
The Company's credit ratings are periodically reviewed by Moody's Investors Services and Standard and Poor's. With respect to the Company's 12.75% Senior Secured Notes, agency debt ratings were as follows:
 
Senior Debt Rating
 
Outlook
Moody's Investors Services
Caa2
 
Negative
Standard & Poor's
CCC+
 
Negative
In October 2014, Moody's Investor Services downgraded the Company's senior debt rating to Caa2 from Caa1 and revised the Company's outlook to negative from stable. In August 2014, Standard & Poor's revised the Company's outlook to negative from stable and affirmed the Company's B- senior debt rating. In February 2015, Standard & Poor's downgraded the Company's senior debt rating to CCC+ from B- and affirmed the Company's negative outlook. While the agency debt ratings do not result in the Company being in violation of any debt covenants or require it to take any other specified actions, a ratings downgrade could negatively impact the Company's ability to refinance existing debt or increase the cost to refinance its debt. The above ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. These ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization, and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
Cash paid for capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $3.3 million, a decrease of $1.0 million from the same period last year. Management believes there will be minimal capital expenditures during the remainder of 2015.
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:
2015 (remaining six months)
$
0.3

2016
210.5

2017
57.6

2018

2019(a)
73.5

2019 and beyond

Total debt
$
341.9

(a) Amount represents outstanding balance under the Company's Revolving Credit Facility as of June 30, 2015 which can fluctuate. The maturity date presented above is based on the December 15, 2019 maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility. Amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility may become due sooner than the December 15, 2019 maturity date as described in Note 7 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
As of June 30, 2015, the Company had $5.1 million of irrevocable letters of credit outstanding, which primarily consisted of $2.0 million for collateral associated with commodity hedges and $1.8 million for compliance with the insurance reserve requirements of its workers’ compensation insurance carriers.
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, 2014. Refer to Item 7a in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the year ended December 31, 2014 for further discussion of such risks.

34


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 (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), 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). Based upon that review and evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act that occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

35


Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, the Company received warranty and other claims from certain customers regarding alleged quality defects with certain alloy round bar products sold by the Company in 2012 and 2013. The Company evaluated the information provided by the customers and issued a notice of potential defect to other affected customers. The Company has incurred costs for warranty and other customer claims associated with these alleged quality defects of $1.2 million to date, of which $0.1 million and $1.1 million were included as reductions of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. As of June 30, 2015, the Company is not aware of any remaining active claims for compensation as a result of the alleged quality defects. The Company is pursuing claims against the original supplier of the products. While the Company does not currently expect further claims related to the alleged quality defects, there can be no assurance that additional claims will not arise or that the Company will not incur further losses related to such claims in the future.
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
N/A
Item 6.
Exhibits
Exhibit No.
 
Description
10.8*
 
Separation Agreement and General Release, dated June 30, 2015, between A.M. Castle & Co. and Stephen J. Letnich.

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
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
*
 
This agreement is considered a compensatory plan or arrangement.

36


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:
August 5, 2015
By:
/s/ Patrick R. Anderson
 
 
 
Patrick R. Anderson
 
 
 
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Mr. Anderson has been authorized to sign on behalf of the Registrant.)

37


Exhibit Index
The following exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated herein by reference:
Exhibit No.
 
Description
Page
10.8*
 
Separation Agreement and General Release, dated June 30, 2015, between A.M. Castle & Co. and Stephen J. Letnich.
E-1
31.1
 
CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
E-2
31.2
 
CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
E-3
32.1
 
CEO and CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
E-4
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
This agreement is considered a compensatory plan or arrangement.
 

38