Year End 06 Revised 8K

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K/A

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934


Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
March 12, 2007


A. M. Castle & Co.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Maryland
1-5415
36-0879160
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission
File Number)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.



3400 N. Wolf Road, Franklin Park, Illinois
60131
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number including area code:
847/455-7111


 
(Former name or former address if changed since last report.)


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13 e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13 e-4(c))




 
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition
 
This item has been amended to show the correct comparison dates of December 2006 to December 2005 in the EBITDA reconciliation.
 
On Thursday, March 8, 2007 the Company disseminated a press release, attached as Exhibit A, announcing the Company’s operational results for the period ending December 31, 2006.

As part of the press release there is a bridge of the non-GAAP financial measurement of EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) to reported net income. It is shown below the disclosure of the GAAP figures for Operating income, Net income and Diluted earnings per share. This reconciliation of EBITDA to Net income is for the Three Months ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 and the Year ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005.

The Company believes, however, that EBITDA is an important term and concept because of its use by the professional investment community, including the Company’s primary lenders. The Company believes the use of this Term is necessary to a proper understanding of the changes in the Company’s earnings.

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors;
Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers


(e)
On Tuesday, March 6, 2007, the Board of Directors of A. M. Castle & Co. amended the compensation arrangements with its Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Michael H. Goldberg in the following manner:
     
 
1)
Base compensation was amended to $500,000.00 per annum.
     
 
2)
The short term incentive payout for Mr. Goldberg was increased to 60% based upon the Company achieving targeted performance under the Company’s Management Short Term Compensation Plan. Mr. Goldberg could receive 130% of base pay upon the Company’s meeting the maximum target goal.
     
 
3)
Mr. Goldberg was awarded 8,700 shares under the Company’s Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan. Mr. Goldberg will receive those shares at the end of the performance period which commences January 1, 2007 and ends December 31, 2009 provided the Company’s performance meets the targets set under the Plan. The maximum payout could reach 17,400 shares if the maximum goal is reached or could be 0 shares if the targeted performance is not met.
 
All other aspects of Mr. Goldberg’s compensation remain the same as stated in the 8-K filed January 26, 2006.




Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

99.1 Press Release March 8, 2007



SIGNATURES

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 hereunto duly authorized.



A. M. Castle & Co.
 
  
 
/s/ Lawrence A. Boik
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 

Date
 03/12/07



                                                   A. M. CASTLE & CO.                                     3400 North Wolf Road
Franklin Park, Illinois 60131
(847) 455-7111
 



For Further Information:

—————AT THE COMPANY—————
 
—————AT ASHTON PARTNERS————
Larry A. Boik
Vice President-Finance & CFO
 
Analyst Contacts:
 
Katie Pyra
(847) 349-2576
 
(312) 553-6717
Email: lboik@amcastle.com
 
Email:kpyra@ashtonpartners.com

Traded: AMEX, CSE (CAS)
Member: S&P SmallCap 600 Index 


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2007

A. M. Castle & Co. Reports 2006 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results;
Announces Third Consecutive Year of Record Sales and Earnings


 
 
FRANKLIN PARK, IL, March 8th - A. m. Castle & Co. (AMEX: CAS), a global distributor of specialty metal and plastic products, value-added services and supply chain solutions, today reported record financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2006.
 
For the fourth quarter, consolidated net sales including the acquisition of Transtar Metals, which was completed on September 5, 2006, were $322.0 million, an increase of $94.7 million or 41.7% from the fourth quarter of 2005. Net earnings for the quarter were $9.0 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, as compared to $3.1 million or $0.18 per diluted share in the prior year.
 
For the year, consolidated net sales including Transtar were $1,177.6 million, an increase of $218.6 million or 22.8% over 2005. Net earnings were $54.2 million, or $2.89 per diluted share, as compared to $37.9 million or $2.11 per diluted share in 2005. Both fourth quarter and full year 2005 earnings include a $3.0 million (after-tax), or $0.16 per diluted share, debt refinancing charge.
 
“2006 marked several major milestones in the company’s 116-year history, which have positioned us for the next stage of development - growing A. M. Castle into a global specialty metals brand,” stated Michael Goldberg, President and CEO of A. M. Castle. “Our revenues surpassed the $1 billion threshold for the first time, while earnings grew 30% to a record $54.2 million.”
 
“Our long-term strategy is to increase our focus on higher-margin specialty products and complementary value-added services and expand our presence in targeted growth markets on a global basis. We took the first step in our new strategy with the acquisition of Transtar Metals, a leading global aluminum distributor to the aerospace and defense industry. Transtar significantly broadened our global participation in the aerospace industry, which now accounts for approximately 30% of our total revenue,” stated Goldberg.
 
Goldberg further commented, “Contributing to our 2006 revenue performance were the strong sales of nickel alloy products. Nickel alloy tonnage for the fourth quarter was up nearly 21% over the fourth quarter of 2005 and was 26% higher on a full year comparative basis. The greatest demand for our specialty metals products, including nickel alloys, aluminum, stainless steels and thick carbon plate, were largely into higher growth industries such as aerospace, oil and gas and heavy equipment.”
 
Metal segment sales were $295.1 million in the fourth quarter, an increase of $94.5 million or 47.1% versus the fourth quarter of 2005. Of this increase, 4.5% was attributable to volume, 12.5% to price increases and the balance to the acquisition of Transtar.
 
Plastic segment sales were $26.9 million in the quarter, an increase of $0.2 million or 0.8% versus the fourth quarter of last year.
 
For the full year, Metal segment sales were $1,062.6 million, an increase of $211.3 million or 24.8% versus 2005. Of this increase, 6.5% was attributable to volume, 8.6% to price increases and the balance to the Transtar acquisition.
 
Plastic segment sales for fiscal year 2006 were $115.0 million, an increase of $7.3 million or 6.8% versus last year. Volume accounted for 3.8% of this increase and the remainder was due to price increases.
 
“In addition to our 2006 sales growth, we focused on our operations which resulted in improved inventory turnover and operating margin of 7.9% of sales. We were able to successfully manage the intricacies of our customers’ supply-chain networks in an environment of relatively high demand, tight supply and volatile material prices,” commented Mike Goldberg. “The Transtar acquisition, which was the largest in our company’s history, affords us opportunities to further enhance our operating leverage in 2007 through both top-line sales growth and material procurement initiatives. We have already integrated key members of our Castle Metals team with the Transtar team to manage the cross-selling effort of our combined product offerings and enhance our supplier partnerships on a global scale. Through these efforts and a realignment of leadership and certain operations within the company, we have formed the nucleus of an aerospace and defense group within our Metals segment that is focused on servicing the supply chain needs of that industry. This is a cornerstone of our long-term strategy to become the foremost provider of specialty products and services and specialized supply chain solutions for targeted industries,” Goldberg ended.
 
The company reported continued improvement in inventory turnover. Days sales in inventory (DSI) were 116.7 days in 2006 versus 119.3 days in 2005.
“Looking to 2007, we believe most of the markets we serve will remain strong, supporting further sales growth, but they may exhibit a slower rate of growth than what we enjoyed in recent years. We have targeted further improvements in our inventory turnover for 2007 and remain steadfast in reducing our debt-to-capital ratio from 51.2% at December 31, 2006 to the low 40’s range by year end 2007. In summary, 2007 is already showing signs of being another promising year for our company, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead,” Goldberg concluded.
 
Also on February 22, 2007, the Company announced a cash dividend of $0.06 per share to be paid on March 16, 2007 to shareholders of record at close of business on March 2, 2007. The Company will be holding its annual shareholders’ meeting at 10:00 am (CST) on April 26, 2007 at it’s corporate headquarters in Franklin Park, IL.

Webcast Information
 
Management will hold a conference call at 11:00 a.m. ET today to review the Company's results for the three month and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2006. The call can be accessed via the Internet live or as a replay. Those who would like to listen to the call may access the webcast through http://www.amcastle.com.
 
An archived version of the conference call webcast will be accessible for replay on the above website until the next earnings conference call. A replay of the conference call will also be available for seven days by calling 303-590-3000 (international) or 800-405-2236 and citing code 11084285.

About A. M. Castle & Co.
 
Founded in 1890, A. M. Castle & Co. is a specialty metal and plastic products and services distributor, principally serving the producer durable equipment sector of the economy. Its customer base includes many Fortune 500 companies as well as thousands of medium and smaller-sized firms spread across a variety of industries. Within its core metals business, it specializes in the distribution of alloy and stainless steels; nickel alloys; aluminum and carbon. Through its subsidiary, Total Plastics, Inc., the Company also distributes a broad range of value-added industrial plastics. Together, Castle operates over 65 locations throughout North America and Europe. Its common stock is traded on the American and Chicago Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "CAS".
 
Safe Harbor Statement / Regulation G Disclosure
 
This release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future financial results. Actual results may differ materially as a result of factors over which the Company has no control. These risk factors and additional information are included in the Company's reports on file with the Securities Exchange Commission.
 
The financial statements included in this release contain a non-GAAP disclosure, EBITDA, which consists of income before provision for income taxes plus depreciation and amortization, debt extinguishment expense, and interest expense (including discount on accounts receivable sold and loss on extinguishment of debt), less interest income. EBITDA is presented as a supplemental disclosure because this measure is widely used by the investment community for evaluation purposes and provides the reader with additional information in analyzing the Company's operating results. EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income or any other item calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP, or as an indicator of operating performance. Our definition of EBITDA used here may differ from that used by other companies. A reconciliation of EBITDA to net income is provided per U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission requirements.



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Three
 
For the Year
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
Months Ended
Ended
Unaudited
 
Dec 31,
Dec 31,
     
2006
   
2005
   
2006
   
2005
 
                           
Net sales
 
$
321,991
 
$
227,257
 
$
1,177,600
 
$
958,978
 
                           
Costs and expenses:
                         
Cost of materials (exclusive of depreciation)
   
233,099
   
164,480
   
839,235
   
677,186
 
Warehouse, processing and delivery expense
   
34,484
   
26,792
   
123,204
   
108,427
 
Sales, general, and administrative expense
   
32,601
   
23,340
   
109,406
   
92,848
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
   
4,968
   
2,588
   
13,290
   
9,340
 
Total operating expense
   
305,152
   
217,200
   
1,085,135
   
887,801
 
                           
Operating income
   
16,839
   
10,057
   
92,465
   
71,177
 
                           
Interest expense, net
   
(4,353
)
 
(1,473
)
 
(8,302
)
 
(7,348
)
Discount on sale of accounts receivable
                     
(1,127
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
   
-
   
(4,904
)
 
-
   
(4,904
)
                           
Income before income taxes and equity earnings of joint venture
   
12,486
   
3,680
   
84,163
   
57,798
 
                           
Income taxes
   
(4,219
)
 
(1,303
)
 
(33,330
)
 
(23,191
)
Net income before equity in earnings of joint venture
   
8,267
   
2,377
   
50,833
   
34,607
 
                           
Equity in earnings of joint venture
   
954
   
960
   
4,286
   
4,302
 
Net income
   
9,221
   
3,337
   
55,119
   
38,909
 
                           
Preferred dividends
   
(242
)
 
(241
)
 
(963
)
 
(961
)
Net income applicable to common stock
 
$
8,979
 
$
3,096
 
$
54,156
 
$
37,948
 
                           
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.47
 
$
0.18
 
$
2.89
 
$
2.11
 
                           
EBITDA *
 
$
22,761
 
$
13,605
 
$
110,041
 
$
84,819
 
                           
*Earnings before interest, discount on sale of accounts receivable, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and debt extinguishment expense
       
                           
Reconciliation of EBITDA to net income:
 
 For the Three
 For the Year
 
 
Months Ended 
 Ended
 
 
Dec 31, 
 Dec 31,
     
2006
   
2005
   
2006
   
2005
 
                           
Net income
 
$
9,221
 
$
3,337
 
$
55,119
 
$
38,909
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
   
4,968
   
2,588
   
13,290
   
9,340
 
Interest expense, net
   
4,353
   
1,473
   
8,302
   
7,348
 
Loss on extinguishment of debt
   
-
   
4,904
   
-
   
4,904
 
Discount on sale of accounts receivable
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,127
 
Provision for income taxes
   
4,219
   
1,303
   
33,330
   
23,191
 
EBITDA
 
$
22,761
 
$
13,605
 
$
110,041
 
$
84,819
 


 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
         
(Dollars in thousands)
         
Unaudited
 
December 31,
 
     
2006
   
2005
 
ASSETS
             
Current assets
             
Cash and cash equivalents
   $
9,526
    $
37,392
 
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $3,112 at December 31, 2006
             
and $1,763 at December 31, 2005
   
160,999
   
107,064
 
Inventories (principally on last-in, first-out basis)
             
(latest cost higher by $128,104 at December 31, 2006 and $104,036
             
at December 31, 2005)
   
202,394
   
119,306
 
Other current assets
   
18,743
   
6,351
 
Total current assets
   
391,662
   
270,113
 
Investment in joint venture
   
13,577
   
10,850
 
Goodwill
   
101,783
   
32,222
 
Intangible assets
   
66,169
   
70
 
Prepaid pension cost
   
5,681
   
41,946
 
Other assets
   
5,850
   
4,112
 
Property, plant and equipment, at cost
             
Land
   
5,221
   
4,772
 
Building
   
49,017
   
45,890
 
Machinery and equipment
   
141,090
   
127,048
 
     
195,328
   
177,710
 
Less - accumulated depreciation
   
(124,930
)
 
(113,288
)
     
70,398
   
64,422
 
Total assets
   $ 
655,120
    $
423,735
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
             
Current liabilities
             
Accounts payable
    $
117,561
    $
103,246
 
Accrued liabilities
   
30,152
   
21,535
 
Current and deferred income taxes
   
17,270
   
7,052
 
Short-term debt
   
123,261
   
-
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
12,834
   
6,233
 
Total current liabilities
   
301,078
   
138,066
 
Long-term debt, less current portion
   
90,051
   
73,827
 
Deferred income taxes
   
31,782
   
21,903
 
Deferred gain on sale of assets
   
5,666
   
5,967
 
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations
   
10,636
   
8,467
 
Commitments and contingencies
             
Stockholders' equity
             
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value - 10,000,000 shares
             
authorized; 12,000 shares issued and outstanding
   
11,239
   
11,239
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 30,000,000
             
shares; issued and outstanding 17,047,591 at December 31, 2006
             
and 16,605,714 at December 31, 2005
   
170
   
166
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
69,775
   
60,916
 
Retained earnings
   
160,625
   
110,530
 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
   
(18,504
)
 
2,370
 
Other - deferred compensation
   
(1,392
)
 
-
 
Treasury stock, at cost - 399,614 shares at December 31, 2006
             
and 546,065 shares at December 31, 2005
   
(6,006
)
 
(9,716
)
Total stockholders' equity
   
215,907
   
175,505
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
    $
655,120
    $
423,735
 
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
     
(Dollars in thousands)
 
For the Year
 
Unaudited
   
Ended Dec 31,
 
     
2006
   
2005
 
               
Cash flows from operating activities:
             
    Net income
   $
55,119
   $
38,909
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
             
   from operating activities:
             
    Depreciation and amortization
   
13,290
   
9,340
 
    Other non-cash items
   
2,925
   
(3,392
)
  Increase (decrease) from changes, net of acquisitions, in:
             
    Working capital
   
(60,353
)
 
12,832
 
    Other assets and liabilities
   
15,680
   
189
 
Net cash from operating activities
   
26,661
   
57,878
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
             
    Investments and acquisitions, net of cash acquired
   
(175,583
)
 
(236
)
    Capital expenditures
   
(12,935
)
 
(8,685
)
    Other
   
1,747
   
4,413
 
Net cash from investing activities
   
(186,771
)
 
(4,508
)
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
             
    Increased (decreased) borrowings
   
133,087
   
(21,271
)
    Dividends paid on common shares
   
(4,061
)
 
0
 
    Preferred stock dividends
   
(963
)
 
(961
)
    Exercise of stock options and other
   
4,026
   
3,020
 
Net cash from financing activities
   
132,089
   
(19,212
)
               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
155
   
128
 
               
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
(27,866
)
 
34,286
 
               
    Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year
   $
37,392
   $
3,106
 
    Cash and cash equivalents - end of year
 
$
9,526
   $
37,392