Edgar Filing: CASTLE A M & CO

CAS - 10Q - 9.30.14

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 September 30, 2014 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

None

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes 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. (check one):



Large Accelerated Filer	¨	Accelerated Filer	ý
Non-Accelerated Filer	¨	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

Table of Contents

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.



Class	Outstanding as of October 24, 2014
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value	23,504,449 shares

Table of Contents

A. M. CASTLE & CO.

Table of Contents



		Page
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1.	Financial Statements (unaudited):
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	5
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	6
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	30
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	38
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	38

Part II. Other Information
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	39
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	39
Item 6.	Exhibits	39

Signatures		40

Exhibit Index		41

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
	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	11,805		$	30,829
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $3,130 and $3,463	148,226			128,544
Inventories, principally on last-in first-out basis (replacement cost higher by $130,076 and $130,854)	252,697			214,900
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	12,307			9,927
Deferred income taxes	—			3,242
Income tax receivable	3,738			3,249
Total current assets	428,773			390,691
Investment in joint venture	46,247			41,879
Goodwill	12,973			69,289
Intangible assets, net	59,962			69,489
Prepaid pension cost	17,245			16,515
Other assets	17,824			15,265
Property, plant and equipment
Land	4,470			4,917
Buildings	53,061			53,252
Machinery and equipment	184,190			179,632
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	241,721			237,801
Less - accumulated depreciation	(168,603		)	(161,107		)
Property, plant and equipment, net	73,118			76,694
Total assets	$	656,142		$	679,822
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	111,112		$	69,577
Accrued liabilities	38,834			30,007
Income taxes payable	—			1,360
Deferred income taxes	247			—
Current portion of long-term debt	734			397
Total current liabilities	150,927			101,341
Long-term debt, less current portion	276,140			245,599
Deferred income taxes	4,214			10,733
Other non-current liabilities	4,004			5,646
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations	6,407			6,609
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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	—			—
Common stock, $0.01 par value—60,000 shares authorized and 23,610 shares issued and 23,485 outstanding at September 30, 2014 and 23,471 shares issued and 23,409 outstanding at December 31, 2013	236			234
Additional paid-in capital	225,568			223,893
Retained earnings	9,656			105,277
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(19,420		)	(18,743		)
Treasury stock, at cost—125 shares at September 30, 2014 and 62 shares at December 31, 2013	(1,590		)	(767		)
Total stockholders’ equity	214,450			309,894
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	656,142		$	679,822

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

Table of Contents

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

	For the Three Months Ended						For the Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Net sales	$	245,469		$	253,713		$	748,371		$	819,837
Costs, expenses and (gains):
Cost of materials (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	184,417			186,758			564,513			607,650
Warehouse, processing and delivery expense	34,440			34,808			106,568			106,212
Sales, general and administrative expense	25,185			27,886			84,280			85,428
Restructuring activity	(5,147		)	885			(3,501		)	8,703
Depreciation and amortization expense	6,399			6,400			19,389			19,604
Impairment of goodwill	—			—			56,160			—
Operating income (loss)	175			(3,024		)	(79,038		)	(7,760		)
Interest expense, net	(10,148		)	(10,177		)	(29,988		)	(30,455		)
Other (expense) income	(2,335		)	166			(1,427		)	(1,388		)
Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint venture	(12,308		)	(13,035		)	(110,453		)	(39,603		)
Income taxes	2,770			4,271			8,918			13,455
Loss before equity in earnings of joint venture	(9,538		)	(8,764		)	(101,535		)	(26,148		)
Equity in earnings of joint venture	2,213			1,853			5,914			4,816
Net loss	$	(7,325	)	$	(6,911	)	$	(95,621	)	$	(21,332	)

Basic loss per share	$	(0.31	)	$	(0.30	)	$	(4.10	)	$	(0.92	)
Diluted loss per share	$	(0.31	)	$	(0.30	)	$	(4.10	)	$	(0.92	)
Dividends per common share	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Comprehensive loss	$	(9,135	)	$	(5,641	)	$	(96,298	)	$	(21,872	)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

Table of Contents

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013
Operating activities:
Net loss	$	(95,621	)	$	(21,332	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	19,389			19,604
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount	5,702			5,283
Impairment of goodwill	56,160			—
Gain on sale of fixed assets	(5,606		)	(2		)
Unrealized (gains) losses on commodity hedges	(1,334		)	566
Equity in earnings of joint venture	(5,914		)	(4,816		)
Dividends from joint venture	1,546			3,492
Deferred tax benefit	(8,043		)	(14,523		)
Other, net	949			606
Increase (decrease) from changes in:
Accounts receivable	(20,922		)	(9,107		)
Inventories	(39,690		)	59,028
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(2,593		)	(1,034		)
Other assets	2,558			(167		)
Prepaid pension costs	518			(261		)
Accounts payable	43,796			18,290
Income taxes payable and receivable	(2,179		)	(1,147		)
Accrued liabilities	7,182			10,001
Postretirement benefit obligations and other liabilities	(731		)	1,221
Net cash (used in) from operating activities	(44,833		)	65,702
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(8,725		)	(7,582		)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	7,148			765
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,577		)	(6,817		)
Financing activities:
Short-term debt repayments	—			(501		)
Proceeds from long-term debt	222,789			115,300
Repayments of long-term debt	(195,343		)	(155,192		)
Other financing activities	193			1,516
Net cash from (used in) financing activities	27,639			(38,877		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(253		)	(121		)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(19,024		)	19,887
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	30,829			21,607
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$	11,805		$	41,494

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

Table of Contents

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”). The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 is derived from the audited financial statements at that date. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. In the opinion of management, the unaudited statements, included herein, contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of financial results for the interim 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 2014 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, 2014, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” The amendments in this ASU require an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward except when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available or when the deferred tax asset is not intended for this purpose. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition.

Standards Updates Issued Not Yet Effective

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 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 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently reviewing the revised guidance and assessing the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant and Equipment: Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity." The ASU 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 ASU is effective prospectively for all disposals (except disposals classified as held for sale before the adoption date) or components initially classified as held for sale in periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

(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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:



	Three Months Ended						Nine months ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Numerator:
Net loss	$	(7,325	)	$	(6,911	)	$	(95,621	)	$	(21,332	)
Denominator:
Denominator for basic loss per share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding	23,359			23,242			23,345			23,182
Effect of dilutive securities:
Outstanding common stock equivalents	—			—			—			—
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	23,359			23,242			23,345			23,182
Basic loss per share	$	(0.31	)	$	(0.30	)	$	(4.10	)	$	(0.92	)
Diluted loss per share	$	(0.31	)	$	(0.30	)	$	(4.10	)	$	(0.92	)
Excluded outstanding share-based awards having an anti-dilutive effect	481			1,057			481			1,057
Excluded "in the money" portion of Convertible Notes having an anti-dilutive effect	—			2,030			903			2,149

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, 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 80% 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 September 30, 2014, 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 $130,076 and $130,854 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Income taxes would become payable on any realization of this excess from reductions in the level of inventories.

Table of Contents

(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 months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:



	Three months ended September 30,
	2014		2013
Net sales	$	68,202	$	57,446
Cost of materials	56,446		47,356
Income before taxes	5,921		4,284
Net income	4,426		3,706

The following information summarizes financial data for this joint venture for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:



	Nine months ended September 30,
	2014		2013
Net sales	$	196,061	$	172,226
Cost of materials	162,849		143,727
Income before taxes	15,364		11,335
Net income	11,828		9,632

(6) Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The changes in carrying amounts of goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:



	Metals Segment			Plastics Segment		Total
Balance as of January 1, 2014
Goodwill	$	116,533		$	12,973	$	129,506
Accumulated impairment losses	(60,217		)	—		(60,217		)
Balance as of January 1, 2014	56,316			12,973		69,289
Impairment charge	(56,160		)	—		(56,160		)
Currency valuation	(156		)	—		(156		)
Balance as of September 30, 2014
Goodwill	116,377			12,973		129,350
Accumulated impairment losses	(116,377		)	—		(116,377		)
Balance as of September 30, 2014	$	—		$	12,973	$	12,973

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company changed its goodwill testing date for both the Metals and Plastics reporting units from January 1 to December 1. Based on the December 1, 2013 test, the Company determined that there was no impairment of goodwill.

The positive sales trends in the Company's Metals segment that began at the end of the first quarter of 2014 did not continue throughout the second quarter. This resulted in financial results that were significantly lower than the financial results that were forecasted by the Company and used in the December 1, 2013 annual goodwill impairment analysis. The Company concluded that under FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other," these unfavorable operating results could be indicators of impairment of its Metals reporting unit’s goodwill and, therefore, performed an interim impairment analysis as of May 31, 2014. Based on the guidance set forth in ASC 350 the Company performed the two-step quantitative analysis. Under the first step, the Company determined that the carrying value of the Metals reporting unit exceeded its estimated fair value requiring the Company to perform the

Table of Contents

second step of the analysis. The second step of the analysis included allocating the calculated fair value (determined in the first step) of the Metals reporting unit to its assets and liabilities to determine an implied goodwill value. The result of the second step was that the goodwill of the Metals reporting unit was impaired and a $56,160 non-cash impairment charge ($26,300 of which is deductible for tax purposes) was recorded during the three-month period ended June 30, 2014 to eliminate the Metals reporting unit goodwill.

The fair value of the Metals reporting unit was estimated using a combination of an income approach, which estimates fair value based on a discounted cash flow analysis using historical data, estimates of future cash flows and discount rates based on the view of a market participant, and a market approach, which estimates fair value using market multiples of various financial measures of comparable public companies. In selecting the appropriate assumptions, the Company considered, among other factors, the following: the selection of appropriate peer group companies; control premiums appropriate for acquisitions in the industry in which the Company competes; discount rates; terminal growth rates; short and long-term projections of future financial performance; and relative weighting of income and market approaches. The projections used in the determination of the Metals reporting unit’s fair value were based on estimates and assumptions that required significant judgment, and actual results may differ from assumed and estimated amounts. The impairment of the Metals reporting unit’s goodwill was primarily driven by the valuation effects of the continued divergence of the Metals reporting unit’s forecast versus its actual results. Specifically, in determining the fair value of the Metals reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing purposes, the Company decreased its long-term estimates of the reporting unit’s operating results and cash flows and included a Company specific risk premium of 1% into its discount rate of 13% to account for the unquantified risk that may still be present in the decreased forecast.

The valuation of goodwill for the second step of the goodwill impairment analysis is considered a Level 3 fair value measurement, which means that the valuation of the assets and liabilities reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets and liabilities.

The following table summarizes the components of intangible assets:



	September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer relationships	$	116,932	$	62,582	$	117,794	$	55,157
Non-compete agreements	3,888		3,818		3,888		3,569
Trade name	7,932		2,487		8,025		1,939
Developed technology	1,400		1,303		1,400		953
Total	$	130,152	$	70,190	$	131,107	$	61,618

Substantially all of the Company’s intangible assets were acquired as part of the acquisitions of Transtar on September 5, 2006 and Tube Supply on December 15, 2011.

For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate amortization expense was $2,921 and $2,944, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate amortization expense was $8,758 and $8,855, respectively.

The following is a summary of the estimated annual amortization expense for 2014 and each of the next 4 years:



2014	$	11,619
2015	10,852
2016	10,852
2017	8,829
2018	4,709

Table of Contents

(7) Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:



	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
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 15, 2015	27,000			—
Other, primarily capital leases	1,444			998
Total long-term debt	295,944			268,498
Less: unamortized discount	(19,070		)	(22,502		)
Less: current portion	(734		)	(397		)
Total long-term portion	276,140			245,599
TOTAL DEBT	$	276,874		$	245,996

Secured Notes

In December of 2011, the Company issued $225,000 aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured Notes (the "Secured Notes") 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, 2013, the Company estimated that it had no excess cash flow (as defined in the indenture) and therefore, the Company did not make an offer to purchase the Secured Notes. In November 2013, the Company purchased and subsequently retired $15,000 aggregate principal amount of the Secured Notes.

Convertible Notes

In December 2011, the Company issued $57,500 aggregate principal amount of Convertible Senior Notes (the "Convertible Notes") 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

In December of 2011, the Company entered into a $100,000 senior secured asset based revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). In January of 2014, the Company partially exercised the accordion option under its revolving credit facility to increase the aggregate commitments by $25,000. As a result, the Company's maximum borrowing capacity increased from $100,000 to $125,000, and the Company maintains the ability to exercise the accordion for an additional $25,000 of aggregate commitments in the future.

The Revolving Credit Facility matures on December 15, 2015. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility will be classified as short-term debt as of December 15, 2014 if the Company does not enter into an agreement to extend the maturity date prior to December 31, 2014.

Table of Contents

The weighted average interest rate for borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was 3.00%. 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 0.59 for the twelve months ended September 30, 2014. At this ratio, the Company's current maximum borrowing capacity would be $99,467 before triggering full dominion of the Company's cash collections. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had $88,092 of additional borrowing capacity available 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.

The Company’s pension plan asset portfolio as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 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 September 30, 2014 was estimated to be $218,436 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 September 30, 2014 was approximately $60,919 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 September 30, 2014 were as follows:



Company's stock price at the end of the period	$	8.54
Expected volatility	45.3		%
Credit spreads	14.41		%
Risk-free interest rate	1.14		%

Table of Contents

As of September 30, 2014, 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 $26,386 compared to its carrying value of $27,000, assuming the current amount of debt outstanding as of September 30, 2014 was outstanding until the maturity of the Company's facility in December 2015. 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 September 30, 2014, 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 September 30, 2014, the notional value associated with forward contracts was $8,653. The Company recorded, through cost of materials, realized and unrealized net gains of $143 and $74 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and a realized and unrealized net gain of $354 and net loss of $1,819 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, as a result of the change in the fair value of the contracts. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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
As of September 30, 2014
Derivative liability for commodity hedges	$	—	$	1,537	$	—	$	1,537
As of December 31, 2013
Derivative liability for commodity hedges	$	—	$	2,871	$	—	$	2,871

(9) Stockholders’ Equity

Shareholder Rights Plan

In August 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan (the “Rights Plan”) and declared a dividend of one right for each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock outstanding at the close of business on September 11, 2012. Pursuant to the Rights Plan, the Company issued one preferred stock purchase right (a “Right”) for each share of common stock outstanding on September 11, 2012. Each Right, once exercisable, represents the right to purchase one one-hundredth of a share (a “Unit”) of Series B Junior Preferred Stock of the Company, without par value, for $54.00, subject to adjustment. The Rights become exercisable in the event any individual person or entity, without Board approval, acquires 10% or more of the Company’s common stock, subject to certain exceptions. In these circumstances, each holder of a Right (other than rights held by the acquirer) will be entitled to purchase, at the then-current exercise price of the Right, additional shares of the Company’s common stock having a value of twice the exercise price of the Right. Additionally, if the Company is involved in a merger or other business combination transaction with another person after which its common stock does not remain outstanding, each Right will entitle its holder to purchase, at the then-current exercise price of the Right, shares of common stock of the ultimate parent of such other person having a market value of twice the exercise price of the Right. The Rights may be redeemed by the Company for $0.001 per Right at any time until the tenth business day following the first public announcement of an acquisition of beneficial ownership of 10% of the Company’s common stock. On August 13, 2013, the Company's Board of Directors agreed to extend the Rights Plan from August 30, 2013, when it was originally set to expire, to August 30, 2014, unless the rights issued thereunder were earlier redeemed or the Rights Plan was amended by the Board of Directors. The Rights Plan expired on August 30, 2014.

Table of Contents

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 months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:



	Three months ended September 30,
	2014			2013
Net loss	$	(7,325	)	$	(6,911	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(2,064		)	924
Change in unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax	254			346
Total comprehensive loss	$	(9,135	)	$	(5,641	)

The Company’s comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:



	Nine months ended September 30,
	2014			2013
Net loss	$	(95,621	)	$	(21,332	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,438		)	(1,576		)
Change in unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax	761			1,036
Total comprehensive loss	$	(96,298	)	$	(21,872	)

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:



	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
Foreign currency translation losses	$	(6,055	)	$	(4,617	)
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax	(13,365		)	(14,126		)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(19,420	)	$	(18,743	)

Table of Contents

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:



	Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Items						Foreign Currency Items						Total
	2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
Balance as of July 1,	$	(13,619	)	$	(18,059	)	$	(3,991	)	$	(4,822	)	$	(17,610	)	$	(22,881	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	—			—			(2,064		)	924			(2,064		)	924
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax ^(a)	254			346			—			—			254			346
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	254			346			(2,064		)	924			(1,810		)	1,270
Balance as of September 30,	$	(13,365	)	$	(17,713	)	$	(6,055	)	$	(3,898	)	$	(19,420	)	$	(21,611	)

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:



	Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Items						Foreign Currency Items						Total
	2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
Balance as of January 1,	$	(14,126	)	$	(18,749	)	$	(4,617	)	$	(2,322	)	$	(18,743	)	$	(21,071	)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	—			—			(1,438		)	(1,576		)	(1,438		)	(1,576		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax ^(a)	761			1,036			—			—			761			1,036
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	761			1,036			(1,438		)	(1,576		)	(677		)	(540		)
Balance as of September 30,	$	(13,365	)	$	(17,713	)	$	(6,055	)	$	(3,898	)	$	(19,420	)	$	(21,611	)

^(a)See reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss table for details of reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:



	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit items:
Prior service cost^(b)	$	(71	)	$	(80	)	$	(212	)	$	(242	)
Actuarial loss ^(b)	(345		)	(485		)	(1,035		)	(1,455		)
Total before tax	(416		)	(565		)	(1,247		)	(1,697		)
Tax effect	162			219			486			661
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$	(254	)	$	(346	)	$	(761	)	$	(1,036	)

^(b)These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (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 September 30, 2014 associated with all share-based payment arrangements is $4,300 and the weighted average period over which it is to be expensed is 1.4 years.

Table of Contents

2014 Long-Term Compensation Plan

On March 26, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company approved equity awards under the Company’s 2014 Long-Term Compensation Plan (“2014 LTC Plan”) for executive officers and other select personnel. The 2014 LTC Plan awards included restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance share units (“PSUs”). All 2014 LTC Plan awards are subject to the terms of the Company’s 2008 A.M. Castle & Co. Omnibus Incentive Plan, amended and restated as of April 25, 2013.

The 2014 LTC Plan consists of three components of share-based payment awards as follows:

Restricted Share Units - The Company granted 119 RSUs with a grant date fair value of $14.35 per share unit to executive officers and other select personnel. The grant date fair value was established using the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The RSUs cliff vest on December 31, 2016. Each RSU that becomes vested entitles the participant to receive one share of the Company’s common stock. The number of shares delivered may be reduced by the number of shares required to be withheld for federal and state withholding tax requirements (determined at the market price of Company shares at the time of payout).

Performance Share Units - The Company granted 239 PSUs, half of which contain a market-based performance condition dependent on relative total shareholder return ("RTSR") and half of which contain a non-market-based performance condition dependent on Company-specific target goals for Return on Invested Capital ("ROIC") (as defined in the 2014 LTC Plan). Partial performance awards can be earned for performance less than the target goal, but in excess of minimum goals, and award distributions up to twice the target can be achieved if the target goals are exceeded. The number of performance shares, if any, that vest based on the performance achieved during the three-year performance period, will vest at the end of the three-year performance period.

PSUs containing the RTSR performance condition - The potential award for PSUs containing the RTSR performance condition is measured over a three-year performance period, beginning January 1^st of the year of grant. RTSR is measured against a group of peer companies either in the metals industry or in the industrial products distribution industry (the “RTSR Peer Group”). Each performance share that becomes vested entitles the participant to receive one share of the Company’s common stock. The grant date fair value for the PSUs containing the RTSR performance condition that were granted to executive officers and other select personnel under the 2014 LTC Plan of $20.16 was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation with the following assumptions:



	2014
Expected volatility	40.8	%
Risk-free interest rate	0.79	%
Expected life (in years)	2.77
Expected dividend yield	—

Compensation expense for performance awards containing the RTSR performance condition is recognized regardless of whether the market condition is achieved to the extent the requisite service period condition is met.

PSUs containing the ROIC performance condition - The potential award for PSUs containing the ROIC performance condition is determined based on the Company’s average actual performance versus target goals for ROIC for the three-year performance period beginning on January 1^st of the year of grant. Compensation expense recognized is based on management’s expectation of future performance compared to the pre-established performance goals. If the performance goals are not expected to be met, no compensation expense is recognized and any previously recognized compensation expense is reversed. The grant date fair-value of the PSUs containing the ROIC performance condition was established using the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant.

The award information associated with 2014 LTC Plan RTSR and ROIC awards is summarized below:



Share type	Grant Date Fair Value		Estimated Number of PSUs to be Issued	Maximum Number of PSUs that could Potentially be Issued
RTSR performance condition	$	20.16	—	178
ROIC performance condition	$	14.35	—	178

Table of Contents

(11) Employee Benefit Plans

Components of the net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:



	Three months ended September 30,
	2014			2013
Service cost	$	127		$	213
Interest cost	1,740			1,618
Expected return on assets	(2,096		)	(2,319		)
Amortization of prior service cost	71			80
Amortization of actuarial loss	345			485
Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost	$	187		$	77
Contributions paid	$	—		$	12

Components of the net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:



	Nine months ended September 30,
	2014			2013
Service cost	$	382		$	639
Interest cost	5,220			4,856
Expected return on assets	(6,286		)	(6,959		)
Amortization of prior service cost	212			242
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,035			1,455
Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost	$	563		$	233
Contributions paid	$	—		$	12

The Company anticipates making no significant cash contributions to its pension plans in 2014.

(12) Restructuring Activity

As part of the Company's efforts to adapt operations to market conditions, restructuring activities related to the Company's organizational structure and operations were announced during January of 2013. In October 2013, the Company announced the consolidation of four additional facilities in locations where it has redundant operations, and in June 2014, the Company announced organizational changes that included workforce reductions. The October 2013 and June 2014 consolidations and organizational changes were part of the Company's continuous improvement plans to lower structural operating costs. Restructuring activity is primarily included in the Company's Metals segment. Restructuring activity for the Company's Other segment, which includes the costs of the executive, legal, and finance departments shared by both the Metals and Plastics segments, are insignificant.

Table of Contents

The Company recorded the following restructuring activity during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:



	Three months ended September 30,					Nine months ended September 30,
	2014			2013		2014			2013
Moving costs associated with plant consolidations	$	133		$	555	$	909		$	4,014
Gain on sale of fixed assets	(5,533		)	—		(5,533		)	—
Employee termination and related benefits	67			279		937			2,493
Lease termination costs	186			—		186			1,830
Other exit costs	—			51		—			366
Inventory write-offs	—			—		—			1,236
Total	$	(5,147	)	$	885	$	(3,501	)	$	9,939

Restructuring activity during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 consisted of a gain on the sale of fixed assets in Houston where the Company completed an October 2013 announced plant consolidation partially offset by employee termination and related benefits for the workforce reductions from the organizational changes announced in June 2014, moving costs associated with the plant consolidations announced in October 2013 and lease termination costs related to the restructuring activities announced in January 2013.

Restructuring activity during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 consisted of moving costs, employee termination and related benefits related to workforce reductions, lease termination costs, inventory write-offs and other exit costs associated with five plant consolidations announced in January 2013. The January 2013 announced restructuring activities are complete.

Restructuring activity associated with the write-off of inventory is included in cost of materials in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. All other restructuring activity is recorded to the restructuring activity line item within the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss as it is incurred.

Restructuring reserve activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is summarized below:



			Period Activity
	Balance January 1, 2014		Costs (gains)			Cash (payments) receipts			Balance September 30, 2014
Moving costs associated with plant consolidations	$	—	$	909		$	(909	)	$	—
Gain on sale of fixed assets	—		(5,533		)	5,533			—
Employee termination and related benefits	129		937			(1,066		)	—
Lease termination costs ^(a)	921		186			(325		)	782
Total	$	1,050	$	(3,501	)	$	3,233		$	782

^(a)Payments on certain of the lease obligations are scheduled to continue until 2017. 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 September 30, 2014, the short-term portion of the lease termination costs in the restructuring liability of $588 is included in accrued liabilities and the long-term portion of $194 is included in other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Table of Contents

(13) Income Taxes

The reported effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 22.5% and 32.8%, respectively. The reported effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 8.1% and 34.0%, respectively. The change in effective tax rate results from changes in geographic mix and timing of income (losses), valuation allowances for certain deferred tax assets in the U.S. and at certain foreign subsidiaries and the impact of restructuring charges recorded in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. Additionally, goodwill impairment charges recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2014 impacted the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

The Company continues to generate losses at its United Kingdom (“UK”) subsidiary. The larger than expected current period losses, when combined with prior losses and future income projections, indicate that it is more likely than not that the UK deferred tax assets will not be realized. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, a valuation allowance of $2,740 was recorded against all the previously existing deferred tax assets of the UK subsidiary. The deferred tax assets of the UK subsidiary are comprised primarily of net operating loss carry forwards with no expiration. Additionally, current period losses generated by certain foreign subsidiaries during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were not benefited nor are future losses expected to be benefited until these subsidiaries return to profitability and evidence suggests that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. The impact on the income tax provision of not benefiting the losses was approximately $600 and $1,500 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.

In the U.S., the Company is in a net deferred tax asset position as of September 30, 2014, and projects that it will remain in a net deferred tax asset position through December 31, 2014. The Company does not currently have sufficient sources of projected income to cover the net deferred tax asset that is projected at December 31, 2014. Therefore, the Company recorded a valuation allowance and did not provide a tax benefit on a portion of the losses generated by the U.S. during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The impact on the income tax provision of not benefiting the losses was approximately $4,000 and $17,800 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Continued operating losses in future periods and changes to the sources of income identified to utilize the U.S. deferred tax assets that differ significantly from current estimates may result in additional benefits not being recognized and a valuation allowance being recorded against some or all of the remaining U.S. deferred tax assets.

The following tax years remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject:



U.S. Federal	2011 to 2013
U.S. States	2010 to 2013
Foreign	2008 to 2013

A 2011 and 2012 income tax audit of the Company's Canadian subsidiary is in process as of September 30, 2014. To date, no issues have been raised and no adjustments have been proposed. The Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits are not significant.

The Company received its 2012 federal tax refund of $2,590 during October 2013. The Company received its 2013 federal tax refund of $1,500 during October 2014.

(14) Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

As of September 30, 2014, the Company had $6,642 of irrevocable letters of credit outstanding which primarily consisted of $4,000 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, except as noted below.

Table of Contents

customers. The Company estimates that it may incur costs for warranty and other customer claims associated with the alleged quality defects from $325 to $1,250. Based on the information available as of September 30, 2014, the Company's best estimate of the probable loss resulting from these claims is $1,150, which was included as a reduction of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2013. As of September 30, 2014, approximately $45 remained accrued against accounts receivable in current assets for future payments and credits. The Company is pursuing claims against the original supplier of the products. There can be no assurance that the Company's losses related to these claims will not exceed the Company's estimated range.

(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, 2013. Management evaluates the performance of its business segments based on operating income.

Table of Contents

Segment information for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:



	Net Sales		Operating Income (Loss)			Capital Expenditures		Depreciation & Amortization
2014
Metals segment	$	210,682	$	319		$	4,220	$	5,988
Plastics segment	34,787		1,667			206		411
Other ^(a)	—		(1,811		)	—		—
Consolidated	$	245,469	$	175		$	4,426	$	6,399
2013
Metals segment	$	220,000	$	(1,536	)	$	2,026	$	5,980
Plastics segment	33,713		1,049			120		420
Other ^(a)	—		(2,537		)	—		—
Consolidated	$	253,713	$	(3,024	)	$	2,146	$	6,400

Segment information for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:



	Net Sales		Operating (Loss) Income			Capital Expenditures		Depreciation & Amortization
2014
Metals segment	$	643,840	$	(76,068	)	$	7,957	$	18,147
Plastics segment	104,531		4,841			768		1,242
Other ^(a)	—		(7,811		)	—		—
Consolidated	$	748,371	$	(79,038	)	$	8,725	$	19,389
2013
Metals segment	$	717,830	$	(4,387	)	$	6,673	$	18,356
Plastics segment	102,007		2,950			909		1,248
Other ^(a)	—		(6,323		)	—		—
Consolidated	$	819,837	$	(7,760	)	$	7,582	$	19,604

^(a)“Other” – Operating loss includes the costs of executive, legal and 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 months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:



	Three months ended September 30,
	2014			2013
Operating income (loss)	$	175		$	(3,024	)
Interest expense, net	(10,148		)	(10,177		)
Other (expense) income	(2,335		)	166
Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint venture	(12,308		)	(13,035		)
Equity in earnings of joint venture	2,213			1,853
Consolidated loss before income taxes	$	(10,095	)	$	(11,182	)

Table of Contents

Below are reconciliations of segment data to consolidated loss before income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:



	Nine months ended September 30,
	2014			2013
Operating loss	$	(79,038	)	$	(7,760	)
Interest expense, net	(29,988		)	(30,455		)
Other expense	(1,427		)	(1,388		)
Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint venture	(110,453		)	(39,603		)
Equity in earnings of joint venture	5,914			4,816
Consolidated loss before income taxes	$	(104,539	)	$	(34,787	)

Segment information for total assets is as follows:



	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Metals segment	$	548,862	$	580,570
Plastics segment	61,033		57,373
Other ^(a)	46,247		41,879
Consolidated	$	656,142	$	679,822

^(a)“Other” — Total assets consist of the Company's investment in joint venture.

(16) Guarantor Financial Information

The accompanying condensed consolidating financial information has 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 condensed consolidating financial information presents A. M. Castle & Co. (Parent) and subsidiaries. The condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared on the same basis as the consolidated statements of the Parent. The equity method of accounting is followed within this financial information.

Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet As of September 30, 2014

	Parent			Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Eliminations			Consolidated
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,995		$	—	$	8,810	$	—		$	11,805
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	77,168			20,783		50,275		—			148,226
Receivables from affiliates	1,419			—		—		(1,419		)	—
Inventories	157,256			18,946		76,563		(68		)	252,697
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,270			1,025		8,952		(202		)	16,045
Total current assets	245,108			40,754		144,600		(1,689		)	428,773
Investment in joint venture	46,247			—		—		—			46,247
Goodwill	—			12,973		—		—			12,973
Intangible assets, net	45,230			—		14,732		—			59,962
Other assets	30,710			—		4,359		—			35,069
Investment in subsidiaries	94,793			—		—		(94,793		)	—
Receivables from affiliates	99,259			38,639		1,425		(139,323		)	—
Property, plant and equipment, net	47,010			12,016		14,092		—			73,118
Total assets	$	608,357		$	104,382	$	179,208	$	(235,805	)	$	656,142
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	81,016		$	10,904	$	19,192	$	—		$	111,112
Payables due to affiliates	884			—		535		(1,419		)	—
Other current liabilities	30,944			133		8,004		—			39,081
Current portion of long-term debt	686			—		48		—			734
Total current liabilities	113,530			11,037		27,779		(1,419		)	150,927
Long-term debt, less current portion	274,075			—		2,065		—			276,140
Payables due to affiliates	—			7,313		132,010		(139,323		)	—
Deferred income taxes	(3,928		)	6,952		1,190		—			4,214
Other non-current liabilities	10,230			—		181		—			10,411
Stockholders’ equity	214,450			79,080		15,983		(95,063		)	214,450
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	608,357		$	104,382	$	179,208	$	(235,805	)	$	656,142

Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet As of December 31, 2013

	Parent		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	8,675	$	495	$	21,659		$	—		$	30,829
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	67,536		18,305		42,703			—			128,544
Receivables from affiliates	2,811		—		—			(2,811		)	—
Inventories	133,139		16,357		65,472			(68		)	214,900
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8,383		2,244		5,993			(202		)	16,418
Total current assets	220,544		37,401		135,827			(3,081		)	390,691
Investment in joint venture	41,879		—		—			—			41,879
Goodwill	41,504		12,973		14,812			—			69,289
Intangible assets, net	52,703		—		16,786			—			69,489
Other assets	28,145		—		3,635			—			31,780
Investment in subsidiaries	119,075		—		—			(119,075		)	—
Receivables from affiliates	87,247		34,637		1,465			(123,349		)	—
Property, plant and equipment, net	50,812		12,855		13,027			—			76,694
Total assets	$	641,909	$	97,866	$	185,552		$	(245,505	)	$	679,822
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	41,233	$	8,274	$	20,070		$	—		$	69,577
Payables due to affiliates	2,270		—		541			(2,811		)	—
Other current liabilities	22,801		944		7,622			—			31,367
Current portion of long-term debt	371		—		26			—			397
Total current liabilities	66,675		9,218		28,259			(2,811		)	101,341
Long-term debt, less current portion	245,561		—		38			—			245,599
Payables due to affiliates	—		6,579		116,770			(123,349		)	—
Deferred income taxes	7,823		7,061		(4,151		)	—			10,733
Other non-current liabilities	11,956		—		299			—			12,255
Stockholders’ equity	309,894		75,008		44,337			(119,345		)	309,894
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	641,909	$	97,866	$	185,552		$	(245,505	)	$	679,822

Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Sales	$	151,998		$	34,787		$	60,847		$	(2,163	)	$	245,469
Costs, expenses and (gains):
Cost of materials (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	113,127			24,660			48,793			(2,163		)	184,417
Warehouse, processing and delivery expense	24,374			2,934			7,132			—			34,440
Sales, general and administrative expense	16,241			4,592			4,352			—			25,185
Restructuring activity	(5,197		)	—			50			—			(5,147		)
Depreciation and amortization expense	4,819			539			1,041			—			6,399
Impairment of goodwill	—			—			—			—			—
Operating income (loss)	(1,366		)	2,062			(521		)	—			175
Interest expense, net	(6,388		)	—			(3,760		)	—			(10,148		)
Other expense	—			—			(2,335		)	—			(2,335		)
(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries and joint venture	(7,754		)	2,062			(6,616		)	—			(12,308		)
Income taxes	2,724			(784		)	830			—			2,770
Equity in (losses) earnings of subsidiaries	(4,508		)	—			—			4,508			—
Equity in earnings of joint venture	2,213			—			—			—			2,213
Net (loss) income	$	(7,325	)	$	1,278		$	(5,786	)	$	4,508		$	(7,325	)
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(9,135	)	$	1,278		$	(7,850	)	$	6,572		$	(9,135	)

Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013

	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Sales	$	168,591		$	33,708		$	57,949		$	(6,535	)	$	253,713
Costs and expenses:
Cost of materials (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	123,589			24,071			45,633			(6,535		)	186,758
Warehouse, processing and delivery expense	25,913			2,932			5,963			—			34,808
Sales, general and administrative expense	18,786			4,534			4,566			—			27,886
Restructuring activity	627			—			258			—			885
Depreciation and amortization expense	4,864			558			978			—			6,400
Operating (loss) income	(5,188		)	1,613			551			—			(3,024		)
Interest expense, net	(6,594		)	—			(3,583		)	—			(10,177		)
Other income	—			—			166			—			166
(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries and joint venture	(11,782		)	1,613			(2,866		)	—			(13,035		)
Income taxes	3,848			(615		)	1,038			—			4,271
Equity in (losses) earnings of subsidiaries	(830		)	—			—			830			—
Equity in earnings of joint venture	1,853			—			—			—			1,853
Net (loss) income	$	(6,911	)	$	998		$	(1,828	)	$	830		$	(6,911	)
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(5,641	)	$	998		$	(904	)	$	(94	)	$	(5,641	)

Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Sales	$	469,455		$	104,531		$	184,316		$	(9,931	)	$	748,371
Costs, expenses and (gains):
Cost of materials (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	352,013			74,020			148,411			(9,931		)	564,513
Warehouse, processing and delivery expense	77,166			8,805			20,597			—			106,568
Sales, general and administrative expense	55,638			14,054			14,588			—			84,280
Restructuring activity	(3,725		)	—			224			—			(3,501		)
Depreciation and amortization expense	14,643			1,632			3,114			—			19,389
Impairment of goodwill	41,308			—			14,852			—			56,160
Operating (loss) income	(67,588		)	6,020			(17,470		)	—			(79,038		)
Interest expense, net	(18,848		)	—			(11,140		)	—			(29,988		)
Other expense	—			—			(1,427		)	—			(1,427		)
(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries and joint venture	(86,436		)	6,020			(30,037		)	—			(110,453		)
Income taxes	7,750			(1,946		)	3,114			—			8,918
Equity in (losses) earnings of subsidiaries	(22,849		)	—			—			22,849			—
Equity in earnings of joint venture	5,914			—			—			—			5,914
Net (loss) income	$	(95,621	)	$	4,074		$	(26,923	)	$	22,849		$	(95,621	)
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(96,298	)	$	4,074		$	(28,361	)	$	24,287		$	(96,298	)

Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Sales	$	559,388		$	102,007		$	183,129		$	(24,687	)	$	819,837
Costs and expenses:
Cost of materials (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	416,736			73,029			142,572			(24,687		)	607,650
Warehouse, processing and delivery expense	79,311			9,149			17,752			—			106,212
Sales, general and administrative expense	56,499			13,525			15,404			—			85,428
Restructuring activity	6,557			—			2,146			—			8,703
Depreciation and amortization expense	14,933			1,662			3,009			—			19,604
Operating (loss) income	(14,648		)	4,642			2,246			—			(7,760		)
Interest expense, net	(19,418		)	—			(11,037		)	—			(30,455		)
Other expense	—			—			(1,388		)	—			(1,388		)
(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries and joint venture	(34,066		)	4,642			(10,179		)	—			(39,603		)
Income taxes	11,592			(1,695		)	3,558			—			13,455
Equity in (losses) earnings of subsidiaries	(3,674		)	—			—			3,674			—
Equity in earnings of joint venture	4,816			—			—			—			4,816
Net (loss) income	$	(21,332	)	$	2,947		$	(6,621	)	$	3,674		$	(21,332	)
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(21,872	)	$	2,947		$	(8,197	)	$	5,250		$	(21,872	)

Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$	(95,621	)	$	4,074		$	(26,923	)	$	22,849		$	(95,621	)
Equity in losses (earnings) of subsidiaries	22,849			—			—			(22,849		)	—
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash (used in) from operating activities	51,088			(508		)	208			—			50,788
Net cash (used in) from operating activities	(21,684		)	3,566			(26,715		)	—			(44,833		)
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(4,671		)	(793		)	(3,261		)	—			(8,725		)
Other investing activities	7,096			—			52			—			7,148
Net cash (used in) from investing activities	2,425			(793		)	(3,209		)	—			(1,577		)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	219,714			—			3,075			—			222,789
Repayments of long-term debt	(194,316		)	—			(1,027		)	—			(195,343		)
Net intercompany (repayments) borrowings	(12,012		)	(3,268		)	15,280			—			—
Other financing activities	193			—			—			—			193
Net cash from (used in) financing activities	13,579			(3,268		)	17,328			—			27,639
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(253		)	—			(253		)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(5,680		)	(495		)	(12,849		)	—			(19,024		)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	8,675			495			21,659			—			30,829
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$	2,995		$	—		$	8,810		$	—		$	11,805

Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$	(21,332	)	$	2,947		$	(6,621	)	$	3,674		$	(21,332	)
Equity in losses (earnings) of subsidiaries	3,674			—			—			(3,674		)	—
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash from operating activities	76,970			(396		)	10,460			—			87,034
Net cash from operating activities	59,312			2,551			3,839			—			65,702
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(3,803		)	(1,378		)	(2,401		)	—			(7,582		)
Other investing activities	730			—			35			—			765
Net cash used in investing activities	(3,073		)	(1,378		)	(2,366		)	—			(6,817		)
Financing activities:
Short-term debt repayments	—			—			(501		)	—			(501		)
Proceeds from long-term debt	115,300			—			—			—			115,300
Repayments of long-term debt	(151,094		)	—			(4,098		)	—			(155,192		)
Net intercompany (repayments) borrowings	(2,423		)	(1,524		)	3,947			—			—
Other financing activities	1,516			—			—			—			1,516
Net cash used in financing activities	(36,701		)	(1,524		)	(652		)	—			(38,877		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(121		)	—			(121		)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	19,538			(351		)	700			—			19,887
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	4,106			903			16,598			—			21,607
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$	23,644		$	552		$	17,298		$	—		$	41,494

Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Amounts in millions, except per share data

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Information provided and statements contained in this report that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements only speak as of the date of this report and the Company assumes no obligation to update the information included in this report. Such forward-looking statements include information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of our business strategy. These statements often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “predict,” “plan,” or similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of performance or results, and they involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there are many factors that could affect our actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including those risk factors identified in Item 1A “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. 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 third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013 primarily due to lower demand in the Oil and Gas and Industrial sectors. Net sales in the Company's Plastics segment in the third quarter of 2014 improved compared to the same period last year.

Management uses the PMI provided by the Institute for Supply Management (website is www.ism.ws) as an external indicator for tracking the demand outlook and possible trends in its general manufacturing markets. The table below shows PMI trends from the first quarter of 2012 through the third quarter of 2014. Generally speaking, an index above 50.0 indicates growth in the manufacturing sector of the U.S. economy, while readings under 50.0 indicate contraction. Material pricing and demand in both the Metals and Plastics segments of the Company’s business have historically proved to be difficult to predict with any degree of accuracy. A favorable PMI trend suggests that demand for some of the Company’s products and services, in particular those that are sold to the general manufacturing customer base in the U.S., could potentially be at a higher level in the near-term. The Company believes that its revenue trends typically correlate to the changes in PMI on a six to twelve month lag basis. In 2014, the Company has experienced branch consolidation execution issues at certain of its plate and oil and gas facilities. As a result of these issues, revenue trends have not improved in correlation to the change in PMI on the expected six to twelve month lag basis. The Company continues to evaluate the correlation and lag of its revenue trends to PMI to determine if this is specific to the internal execution issues or a permanent change in the correlation of the two variables.



YEAR	Qtr 1	Qtr 2	Qtr 3	Qtr 4
2012	53.3	52.7	50.3	50.6
2013	52.9	50.2	55.8	56.9
2014	52.7	55.2	57.6	—

Consolidated net sales decreased $8.2 million or 3.2% from the third quarter of 2013 due to decreased Metals segment sales volumes and pricing. Consolidated operating income for the third quarter of 2014 was $0.2 million, which included a $5.1 million gain from restructuring activity, compared to third quarter of 2013 consolidated operating loss of $3.0 million, which included a $0.9 million charge for restructuring activity. Consolidated net loss for the third quarter of 2014 was $7.3 million compared to consolidated net loss of $6.9 million for the third quarter of 2013.

Table of Contents

Results of Operations: Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2013

Consolidated results by business segment are summarized in the following table for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.



							Favorable/(Unfavorable)
	2014			2013			$ Change			% Change
Net Sales
Metals	$	210.7		$	220.0		$	(9.3	)	(4.2	)%
Plastics	34.8			33.7			1.1			3.2	%
Total Net Sales	$	245.5		$	253.7		$	(8.2	)	(3.2	)%
Cost of Materials
Metals	$	159.7		$	162.7		$	3.0		1.8	%
% of Metals Sales	75.8		%	73.9		%
Plastics	24.7			24.1			(0.6		)	(2.4	)%
% of Plastics Sales	70.9		%	71.4		%
Total Cost of Materials	$	184.4		$	186.8		$	2.4		1.2	%
% of Total Sales	75.1		%	73.6		%
Operating Costs and Expenses
Metals	$	50.6		$	58.8		$	8.2		14.0	%
Plastics	8.5			8.6			0.1			1.5	%
Other	1.8			2.5			0.7			28.6	%
Total Operating Costs & Expenses	$	60.9		$	69.9		$	9.0		13.0	%
% of Total Sales	24.8		%	27.6		%
Operating Income (Loss)
Metals	$	0.4		$	(1.5	)	$	1.9		120.8	%
% of Metals Sales	0.2		%	(0.7		)%
Plastics	1.6			1.0			0.6			58.9	%
% of Plastics Sales	4.7		%	3.1		%
Other	(1.8		)	(2.5		)	0.7			28.6	%
Total Operating Income (Loss)	$	0.2		$	(3.0	)	$	3.2		105.8	%
% of Total Sales	0.1		%	(1.2		)%

“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 $245.5 million, a decrease of $8.2 million, or 3.2%, compared to the third quarter of 2013. Metals segment net sales during the third quarter of 2014 of $210.7 million were $9.3 million, or 4.2%, lower than the same period last year. Plastics segment net sales during the third quarter of 2014 of $34.8 million were $1.1 million, or 3.2% higher than the third quarter of 2013.

Metals segment pricing was down 2.5% compared to the prior year quarter. The pricing decline was driven by average price decreases for aluminum, nickel and tubing products. Average prices for these products declined throughout 2013, primarily during the second half of the year. Although average prices stabilized during the second quarter of this year compared to the trends of the previous several quarters, the year over year comparisons versus third quarter of 2013 remained negative. Metals segment sales volumes were down 1.4% compared to third quarter of 2013. Carbon and alloy plate and tubing products had the most significant decline in sales volumes compared to the third quarter of 2013. Within the Metals segment, net sales for the third quarter of 2014 were lower for both the Oil and Gas and Industrial businesses compared to the third quarter of 2013. The increase in Plastics segment net sales during the third quarter of 2014 was primarily due to strong performance in the automotive and home goods sectors.

Table of Contents

Cost of Materials:

Cost of materials (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) during the third quarter of 2014 was $184.4 million, a decrease of $2.4 million, or 1.2%, compared to the third quarter of 2013. Third quarter 2014 included a LIFO charge of $0.4 million while the third quarter of 2013 included LIFO income of $2.4 million.

Material costs for the Metals segment for the third quarter of 2014 were $159.7 million, or 75.8% as a percent of net sales, compared to $162.7 million, or 73.9% as a percent of net sales, for the third quarter of 2013. Cost of materials in the Metals segment decreased $3.0 million compared to the third quarter of 2013. The decrease is primarily due to the decrease in sales prices and volumes from the prior year period. Material costs for the Plastics segment for the third quarter of 2014 were $24.7 million, or 70.9% as a percent of net sales, compared to $24.1 million, or 71.4% as a percent of net sales, for the third quarter of 2013. Plastics segment material costs as a percent of net sales were lower than third quarter of 2013 due to supply chain and operations efficiency improvements implemented over the past year.

Operating Costs and Expenses and Operating Income (Loss):

On a consolidated basis, operating costs and expenses decreased $9.0 million, or 13.0%, from $69.9 million, or 27.6% of net sales, in the third quarter of 2013 to $60.9 million, or 24.8% of net sales, during the third quarter of 2014.

A net gain of $5.1 million associated with the Company's restructuring activities was included in operating costs and expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2014. Restructuring activities for the three months ended September 30, 2014 consisted of a gain on the sale of fixed assets in Houston where the Company completed an October 2013 announced plant consolidation partially offset by: (i) lease termination costs related to the restructuring activities announced in January 2013; (ii) moving costs associated with the plant consolidations announced in October 2013; and (iii) employee termination and related benefits for the workforce reductions from the organizational changes announced in June 2014. The Company recorded $0.9 million of charges for the January 2013 announced restructuring activities during the third quarter of 2013 related to moving costs associated with the plant consolidations, employee termination and related benefits and other exit costs.

In addition to the restructuring items, all other operating costs decreased by $3.1 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 $2.7 million as a result of lower payroll and benefits costs;


•	Warehouse, processing and delivery costs decreased by approximately $0.4 million as a result of the decrease in sales activity.

Consolidated operating income for the third quarter of 2014, including a gain from restructuring activity of $5.1 million, was $0.2 million compared to an operating loss of $3.0 million, including $0.9 million of restructuring charges, for the same period last year.

Other Income and Expense, Income Taxes and Net Loss:

Interest expense, net was $10.1 million in the third quarter of 2014 which was comparable to the prior year third quarter.

Other expense related to foreign currency transaction losses was $2.3 million in the third quarter of 2014 compared to other income of $0.2 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 benefit of $2.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 compared to an income tax benefit of $4.3 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 ‘Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint venture.’ The effective tax rate for the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 22.5% and 32.8%, 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 $2.2 million in the third quarter of 2014 and $1.9 million in the same period last year.

Table of Contents

Consolidated net loss for the third quarter of 2014 was $7.3 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, compared to net loss of $6.9 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, for the same period in 2013.

Results of Operations: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

Consolidated results by business segment are summarized in the following table for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.



							Favorable/(Unfavorable)
	2014			2013			$ Change			% Change
Net Sales
Metals	$	643.9		$	717.8		$	(73.9	)	(10.3	)%
Plastics	104.5			102.0			2.5			2.5	%
Total Net Sales	$	748.4		$	819.8		$	(71.4	)	(8.7	)%
Cost of Materials
Metals	$	490.5		$	534.6		$	44.1		8.3	%
% of Metals Sales	76.2		%	74.5		%
Plastics	74.0			73.1			(0.9		)	(1.4	)%
% of Plastics Sales	70.8		%	71.6		%
Total Cost of Materials	$	564.5		$	607.7		$	43.2		7.1	%
% of Total Sales	75.4		%	74.1		%
Operating Costs and Expenses
Metals	$	229.4		$	187.6		$	(41.8	)	(22.3	)%
Plastics	25.7			26.0			0.3			1.4	%
Other	7.8			6.3			(1.5		)	(23.5	)%
Total Operating Costs & Expenses	$	262.9		$	219.9		$	(43.0	)	(19.5	)%
% of Total Sales	35.1		%	26.8		%
Operating (Loss) Income
Metals	$	(76.0	)	$	(4.4	)	$	(71.6	)	(1,633.9	)%
% of Metals Sales	(11.8		)%	(0.6		)%
Plastics	4.8			2.9			1.9			64.1	%
% of Plastics Sales	4.6		%	2.9		%
Other	(7.8		)	(6.3		)	(1.5		)	(23.5	)%
Total Operating Loss	$	(79.0	)	$	(7.8	)	$	(71.2	)	(918.5	)%
% of Total Sales	(10.6		)%	(0.9		)%

“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 $748.4 million, a decrease of $71.4 million, or 8.7%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Metals segment net sales during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 of $643.9 million were $73.9 million, or 10.3%, lower than the same period last year reflecting softer average selling prices and lower demand compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Plastics segment net sales during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 of $104.5 million were $2.5 million, or 2.5%, higher than the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Table of Contents

Metals segment pricing declined by 7.1% compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The pricing decline was primarily driven by average price decreases for nickel, aluminum and tubing products. Metals segment sales volumes declined by 3.1% compared to nine months ended September 30, 2013. Carbon and alloy plate, tubing and aluminum products had the most significant decline in sales volumes compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. All of the Metals segment products had lower average selling prices when compared to nine months ended September 30, 2013, with most average selling prices lower by 4% to 9%. The increase in Plastics segment net sales during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to continued strength in the automotive, marine and life sciences sectors.

Cost of Materials:

Cost of materials (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $564.5 million, a decrease of $43.2 million, or 7.1%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Cost of materials included LIFO income of $0.8 million and $4.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In addition, restructuring charges of $1.2 million impacted cost of materials in the nine months ended September 30, 2013. There were no restructuring charges impacting cost of materials in the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Material costs for the Metals segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $490.5 million, or 76.2% as a percent of net sales, compared to $534.6 million, or 74.5% as a percent of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Cost of materials in the Metals segment decreased $44.1 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The decrease is primarily due to the softer pricing environment and decrease in demand, which was partially offset by $5.1 million of inventory adjustments that negatively impacted material costs during the first half of 2014. Metals segment material costs as a percent of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were higher compared to the same period last year primarily due to inventory adjustment charges during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Material costs for the Plastics segment were $74.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $73.1 million for the same period last year. Plastics segment material costs as a percentage of net sales improved from 71.6% in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 to 70.8% in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 due to supply chain and operations efficiency improvements implemented over the past year.

Operating Costs and Expenses and Operating Loss:

On a consolidated basis, operating costs and expenses increased $43.0 million, or 19.5%, from $219.9 million, or 26.8% of net sales, during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 to $262.9 million, or 35.1% of net sales, during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

The Company recorded a $56.2 million goodwill impairment charge during the second quarter of 2014 that is reflected in operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The Company's financial results for the first half of 2014 were significantly lower than the financial results that were forecasted by the Company and used in the December 1, 2013 annual goodwill impairment analysis. Management concluded during the second quarter that an interim impairment test of its Metals segment goodwill was necessary. The results of the interim impairment analysis indicated that the Metals segment goodwill was impaired, and the Company recorded a $56.2 million non-cash impairment charge to eliminate the Metals segment goodwill. For additional detail, see Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

A net gain of $3.5 million associated with the Company's restructuring activities was included in operating costs and expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Restructuring activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 consisted of a gain on the sale of fixed assets in Houston where the Company completed an October 2013 announced plant consolidation partially offset by: (i) employee termination and related benefits for the workforce reductions from the organizational changes announced in June 2014; (ii) moving costs associated with the plant consolidations announced in October 2013; and (iii) lease termination costs related to the restructuring activities announced in January 2013. The Company recorded restructuring charges of $8.7 million in operating costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 for the January 2013 announced restructuring activities related to moving costs associated with the plant consolidations, employee termination and related benefits, lease termination costs and other exit costs.

Table of Contents

In addition to the goodwill impairment and restructuring items, all other operating costs decreased by $1.0 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013 primarily due to a decrease in sales, general and administrative costs partially offset by an increase in warehouse, processing and delivery costs including the following:


•	Sales, general and administrative costs decreased by $1.2 million primarily due to lower payroll and benefits costs;


•	Warehouse, processing and delivery costs increased by $0.4 million. Two initiatives executed during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 that were the primary drivers of these higher costs were branch consolidations in our plate and oil and gas businesses and the Company's strategic local inventory deployment initiative that is focused on improving on-time delivery and transactional business;


•	Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $0.2 million.

Consolidated operating loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, including goodwill impairment charges of $56.2 million and a net gain from restructuring activity of $3.5 million, was $79.0 million compared to an operating loss of $7.8 million, including $9.9 million of restructuring charges, for the same period last year.

Other Income and Expense, Income Taxes and Net Loss:

Interest expense was $30.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, a decrease of $0.5 million versus the same period last year as a result of the retirement of $15.0 million of senior secured debt in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Other expense related to foreign currency transaction losses was $1.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $1.4 million for the same period last year. The majority of these transaction losses related to unhedged intercompany financing arrangements between the United States and the United Kingdom and Canada.

The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $8.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to a tax benefit of $13.5 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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 8.1% and 34.0%, 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 goodwill impairment and restructuring charges.

Equity in earnings of the Company’s joint venture was $5.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014, which increased $1.1 million, or 22.8%, compared to the same period last year. Improved demand and pricing for Kreher’s products were the primary factors contributing to the increase in equity in earnings of the Company’s joint venture.

Consolidated net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $95.6 million, or $4.10 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $21.3 million, or $0.92 per diluted share, for the same period in 2013.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents increased (decreased) as follows:



	Nine months ended September 30,
	2014			2013
Net cash (used in) from operating activities	$	(44.8	)	$	65.7
Net cash used in investing activities	(1.6		)	(6.8		)
Net cash from (used in) financing activities	27.6			(38.9		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(0.2		)	(0.1		)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	$	(19.0	)	$	19.9

Table of Contents

The Company’s principal sources of liquidity are cash provided by operations and available borrowing capacity to fund working capital needs and growth initiatives. Cash used in operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $44.8 million compared to cash from operations of $65.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Specific components of the change in working capital are highlighted below:


•	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, higher accounts receivable compared to year-end 2013 resulted in $20.9 million of cash flow use compared to $9.1 million of cash flow use for the same period last year. Average receivable days outstanding was 51.6 days for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 50.6 days for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

•

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, higher inventory levels, compared to year-end 2013, used $39.7 million of cash compared to lower inventory levels that were a $59.0 million cash flow source for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The Company's inventory levels were elevated at the end of 2012, resulting in substantial inventory reductions throughout 2013. Inventory levels have increased during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as part of the Company's inventory deployment initiative to better align inventory at the facilities. Average days sales in inventory was 169.3 days for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 177.2 days for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.


•	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, increases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities were a $51.0 million cash flow source compared to a $28.3 million cash flow source for the same period last year. Accounts payable days outstanding was 43.5 days for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 38.9 days for the same period last year.

Historically, the Company’s primary uses of liquidity and capital resources have been capital expenditures, payments on debt (including interest payments) and acquisitions. Management believes the Company will be able to generate sufficient cash from operations and planned working capital improvements to fund its ongoing capital expenditure programs and meet its debt obligations for at least the next twelve months. 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 0.59 for the twelve months ended September 30, 2014. At this ratio, the Company's current maximum borrowing capacity would be $99.5 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.

The Company is committed to maintaining a strong financial position through maintaining sufficient levels of available liquidity, managing working capital and monitoring the Company’s overall capitalization. Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2014 were $11.8 million, and the Company had $88.1 million of available borrowing capacity under its Revolving Credit Facility. Approximately 39% 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 should the need arise in the future.

In January 2014, the Company partially exercised the accordion option under its revolving credit facility to increase the aggregate commitments by $25.0 million. As a result, the Company's maximum borrowing capacity increased from $100.0 million to $125.0 million, and the Company maintains the ability to exercise the accordion for an additional $25.0 million of aggregate commitments in the future.

Table of Contents

In November 2013, the Company purchased $15.0 million aggregate principal amount of its Senior Secured Notes in the open market with available cash. The Senior Secured Notes that were purchased by the Company were subsequently retired.

Working capital, defined as current assets less current liabilities, and the balances of its significant components are as follows:



	September 30,		December 31,		Increase (Decrease)
	2014		2013		to Working Capital
Working capital	$	277.8	$	289.4	$	(11.6	)
Accounts payable	111.1		69.6		(41.5		)
Cash and cash equivalents	11.8		30.8		(19.0		)
Accrued liabilities	38.8		30.0		(8.8		)
Accounts receivable	148.2		128.5		19.7
Inventories	252.7		214.9		37.8

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 56.4% at September 30, 2014 and 44.3% at December 31, 2013. Over the long-term, the Company plans to continue to improve its total debt to total capitalization by improving operating results, managing working capital and using cash generated from operations to repay outstanding debt. As and when permitted by term of agreements noted above, depending on market conditions, the Company may decide in the future 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	B-	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. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $8.7 million, an increase of $1.1 million compared to the same period last year. Management believes that annual capital expenditures will be approximately $12 million in 2014.

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:



2014 (remaining three months)	$	0.1
2015	27.7
2016	210.5
2017	57.6
2018	—
2019 and beyond	—
Total debt	$	295.9

Table of Contents

As of September 30, 2014, the Company had $6.6 million of irrevocable letters of credit outstanding, which primarily consisted of $4.0 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, 2013. Refer to Item 7a in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the year ended December 31, 2013 for further discussion of such risks.


Item 4.	Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

A review and evaluation was performed by the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“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 September 30, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

On September 26, 2014, Patrick R. Anderson, was appointed interim Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, replacing Scott F. Stephens. Mr. Anderson also retained his position as Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer. The change in Company management did not materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended September 30, 2014.

Table of Contents

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.	Legal Proceedings

(Amounts in millions)

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 estimates that it may incur costs for warranty and other customer claims associated with the alleged quality defects from $0.3 million to $1.3 million. Based on the information available as of September 30, 2014, the Company's best estimate of the probable loss resulting from these claims is $1.2 million, which was included as a reduction of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2013. As of September 30, 2014, less than $0.1 million remained accrued against accounts receivable in current assets for future payments and credits. The Company is pursuing claims against the original supplier of the products. There can be no assurance that the Company's losses related to these claims will not exceed the Company's estimated range.


Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Directors of the Company who are not employees may elect to defer receipt of up to 100% of his or her cash retainer. A director who defers board compensation may select either an interest or a stock equivalent investment option for amounts in the director's deferred compensation account. Disbursement of the stock equivalent unit account may be in shares of Company common stock or in cash as designated by the director. If payment from the stock equivalent unit account is made in shares of the Company's common stock, the number of shares to be distributed will equal the number of full stock equivalent units held in the director's account. On July 1, 2014, receipt of approximately 1,338 shares was deferred as payment for the board compensation. The shares were acquired at a price of $8.28 per share, which represented the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date such fees would otherwise have been paid to the director. Exemption from registration of the shares is claimed by the Company under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.


Item 6.	Exhibits



Exhibit No.		Description
10.40*		Employment Offer Letter dated September 25, 2014 between A. M. Castle & Co. and Mr. Patrick R. Anderson
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.

Table of Contents

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:	October 29, 2014	By:	/s/ Patrick R. Anderson
			Patrick R. Anderson
			Interim Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer and Vice President, Corporate Controller & Chief Accounting Officer
			(Mr. Anderson has been authorized to sign on behalf of the Registrant.)

Table of Contents

Exhibit Index

The following exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated herein by reference:



Exhibit No.	Description	Page
10.40*	Employment Offer Letter dated September 25, 2014 between A. M. Castle & Co. and Mr. Patrick R. Anderson	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.