Document



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
FORM 11-K
 
 
 
 
 
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.
 
 

OR
 
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the transition period from ___ to ___.
 
 

Commission file number:  1-5415
 
 
 
A.
Full title of the plan and the address of the plan, if different from that of the issuer named below:

A.M. Castle & Co.
401(k) Savings and Retirement Plan
 
B.
Name of issuer of the securities held pursuant to the plan and the address of its principal executive office:

A. M. Castle & Co.
1420 Kensington Road, Suite 220
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523










A.M. CASTLE & CO.
401(k) SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN





Table of Contents
 
 
Page
Financial Statements:
 
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
4-16
 
 
Supplementary Information:
 
 
17
 
 
 
 
 
 
EX 23.1 -1


Note: Supplemental schedules required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 not included as part of these financial statements are not applicable to the A.M. Castle & Co. 401(k) Savings and Retirement Plan.
    
    









    





Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Participants and Administration Committee of the
A.M. Castle & Co. 401(k) Savings and Retirement Plan

We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits of the A.M. Castle & Co. 401(k) Savings and Retirement Plan (the “Plan”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related statement of changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits of the Plan as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The supplemental information in the accompanying schedules of A.M. Castle & Co. 401(k) Savings and Retirement Plan, including the Schedule H, line 4i - Schedule of Assets (Held at End of Year) as of December 31, 2015, has been subjected to audit procedures performed in conjunction with the audit of the A.M. Castle & Co. 401(k) Savings and Retirement Plan’s financial statements. The supplemental information is presented for the purpose of additional analysis and is not a required part of the financial statements but includes supplemental information required by the Department of Labor’s Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The supplemental information is the responsibility of the Plan’s management. Our audit procedures included determining whether the supplemental information reconciles to the financial statements or the underlying accounting and other records, as applicable, and performing procedures to test the completeness and accuracy of the information presented in the supplemental information. In forming our opinion on the supplemental information in the accompanying schedules, we evaluated whether the supplemental information, including its form and content, is presented in conformity with the Department of Labor’s Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. In our opinion, the supplemental information in the accompanying schedules is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the financial statements as a whole.
/s/ Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP

Chicago, Illinois
June 24, 2016


1



A.M. CASTLE & CO.
401(k) SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN



STATEMENTS OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014




 
2015
 
2014
NET ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Participant directed investments at fair value
$
75,693,902

 
$
89,900,058

 
 
 
 
Other receivable

 
106,283

 
 
 
 
Notes receivable from participants
2,136,460

 
2,296,960

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS AT FAIR VALUE
77,830,362

 
92,303,301

 
 
 
 
Adjustment from fair value to contract value for fully benefit-
 
 
 
responsive investment contracts
(64,040
)
 
(53,076
)
 
 
 
 
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
$
77,766,322

 
$
92,250,225








See accompanying notes to financial statements.


2



A.M. CASTLE & CO.
401(k) SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN



STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
For the Year ended December 31, 2015



ADDITIONS TO NET ASSETS
 
Investment income:
 
Dividends
$
5,117,276

 
 
Interest income from notes receivable from participants
93,924

 
 
Contributions:
 
Company
2,582,896

Participant
3,768,760

Rollovers from other qualified plans
650,980

Total contributions
7,002,636

 
 
Total additions
12,213,836

 
 
 
 
DEDUCTIONS FROM NET ASSETS
 
 
 
Net depreciation in fair value of investments
8,259,262

Benefits paid to participants
17,806,804

Administrative fees
235,719

Total deductions
26,301,785

 
 
NET DECREASE
(14,087,949
)
 
 
TRANSFER OUT OF PLAN (NOTE 5)
(395,954
)
 
 
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS - BEGINNING OF YEAR
92,250,225

 
 
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS - END OF YEAR
$
77,766,322



See accompanying notes to financial statements.



3



A.M. CASTLE & CO.
401(K) SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014 AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF PLAN

The following description of the A. M. Castle & Co. 401(k) Savings and Retirement Plan (“the Plan”) is provided for general information purposes only. Users of these financial statements should refer to the plan document for more complete information.

General: The Plan was established on January 1, 1957. The Plan was amended and restated from time to time to provide a means for eligible (salaried and nonsalaried) employees to build a supplemental retirement fund and to provide additional disability and death benefits. Participants should refer to the plan document for more complete information.

The Plan is a defined contribution 401(k) plan available to salaried and other eligible employees of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, and is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”). Employees of the Company are eligible to become participants in the Plan on the first day of the month following the completion of 30 days of service. Employees hired after January 1, 2011 are automatically enrolled in the Plan with a salary deferral of three percent of pre-tax compensation, increasing one percent annually until a maximum deferral of ten percent is reached. Each automatically enrolled participant defaults into the T. Rowe Price Target Date Retirement Funds unless the participant elects an alternative investment option. Upon enrollment in the Plan, a participant may direct Company and employee contributions to any combination of available investment options and can opt out of participation at any time.

Trustee: The Plan’s trust fund is administered under the terms of certain trust agreements between the Plan and the Principal Financial Group (the “Trustee”). The trust agreements provide, among other things, that the Trustee shall account for all investments, receipts, and disbursements and other transactions and shall provide annually a report setting forth such transactions and the status of the fund at the close of the year.

Contributions: Each year, participants may contribute up to 100% of their eligible pre-tax annual compensation (salary reduction contributions), as defined by the Plan, subject to Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) limitations. Participants who are 50 years of age or older by the end of a particular plan year and have contributed the maximum 401(k) deferral amount allowed under the Plan for that year are eligible to contribute an additional portion of their annual compensation on a before-tax basis as catch-up contributions, up to the annual IRC limit. In addition, the Plan allows participants to make Roth elective deferrals. Participants may also contribute amounts representing distributions from other qualified plans (rollover contributions).


4



A.M. CASTLE & CO.
401(K) SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014 AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF PLAN (continued)

The Company matches 100% of each dollar the employee contributes to the Plan up to the first 6% of the participant’s pre-tax compensation. For employees whose pension benefit was previously frozen and who met eligibility requirements, there was a fixed “pension credit” contribution of either 3% or 6% of eligible compensation. The “pension credit” contribution percentage was determined on July 1, 2008, the date the pension benefit was frozen, based on age and service at the time the benefit was frozen. United Steelworkers of America participants received no Company contribution. The “pension credit” was discontinued as of August 28, 2015.

Participant Accounts: Each participant’s account is credited with the participant’s contributions, rollover contributions, and an allocation of the Company’s contributions and plan earnings (net of administrative expenses). Allocations are based on the participant’s eligible compensation or account balances, as defined by the Plan. The benefit to which a participant is entitled is the benefit that can be provided from the participant’s vested account.

Investment Options: The investment options provided under the Plan are as follows:

Common Stock

A. M. Castle & Co. common stock – consists entirely of A. M. Castle & Co. common stock. The Castle stock fund was frozen on August 23, 2015 and no new investments or transfers are allowed.
    
Mutual Funds

Conservative Allocation Fund - The fund’s objective is to provide long-term growth of income and a high and sustainable level of current income, along with moderate long-term capital appreciation. The fund invests approximately 60% to 65% of assets in investment-grade corporate, U.S. Treasury, and government agency bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities. The remaining 35% to 40% of fund assets are invested in common stocks of companies that have a history of above-average dividends or expectations of increasing dividends.

Large Value Fund - The fund’s objective is to provide long-term growth of capital and income. The fund invests at least 80% of assets in common stocks and other equity securities of companies that pay or are expected to pay dividends. It invests primarily in common stocks of companies with market capitalizations greater than $3.5 billion. The fund may also invest in real estate investment trusts and in non-U.S. securities, including emerging market securities.

Large Growth Fund - The fund’s objective is to provide long-term capital appreciation and, secondly, current income. The fund primarily invests in common stocks and convertible securities. The portfolio manager uses a bottom-up approach to stock selection and seeks high quality, well-established large-cap companies that are believed to be growing their near-term earnings at an above average rate. It defines a large-cap company as one having a market capitalization of $5.0 billion or more at the time of acquisition. The fund may invest in foreign securities.



5



A.M. CASTLE & CO.
401(K) SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014 AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF PLAN (continued)

Large Blend Fund - The fund’s objective is to track the performance of a benchmark index that measures the investment return of large-capitalization stocks. The fund employs an indexing investment approach designed to track the performance of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. It attempts to replicate the target index by investing all, or substantially all, of its assets in the stocks that make up the index, holding each stock in approximately the same proportion as its weighting in the index.

Mid-Cap Value Fund - The investment seeks capital appreciation. The fund primarily invests in the common stocks of mid-sized companies whose stock prices the portfolio managers believe are undervalued. It normally invests at least 80% of the net assets in equity securities of companies whose market capitalization falls, at the time of purchase, within the 12-month average of the capitalization
range of the Russell Midcap Value Index. The fund may also invest in foreign equity and debt securities, which may include investments in emerging markets.

Mid-Cap Growth Fund - The investment seeks long-term growth of capital. The fund invests at least 80% of assets in equities securities, including common stocks and other forms of equity investments of mid-cap domestic growth companies that are expected to exhibit quality growth characteristics. Securities are considered mid-cap if it has a market capitalization no smaller than the smallest capitalized company, and no larger than the largest capitalized company, included in the Russell Midcap Index at the time of the Fund’s investment.

Foreign Large Blend Fund - The investment seeks long term growth of capital. The fund normally invests in the equity securities of issuers located in international markets.  It typically invests in equity and equity-related instruments of mid-size and larger companies.  The fund invests at least 80% of net assets in equity securities of issuers located anywhere in the world, normally excluding the U.S.  It may invest in derivatives for hedging and non-hedging purposes.  The fund may invest up to 35% of its net assets in emerging market securities.  The maximum allocation to any one country, measured at the time of purchase, is the higher of 15% or double the country’s weighting in the Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia, and Far East (EAFE) Index.

Retirement Income Fund - The investment seeks the highest total return over time consistent with an emphasis on both capital growth and income. The fund invests in a diversified portfolio of other T. Rowe Price stock and bond funds that represent various asset classes and sectors. It is intended for retired investors who seek income and relative stability from bonds along with some capital appreciation potential from stocks. The fund’s “neutral allocations,” which are what T. Rowe Price considers broadly appropriate for investors during their retirement years, are 40% stock funds and 60% bond funds. While the investment is non-diversified, it invests in diversified underlying holdings.

Target Date 2000-2010, Target Date 2011-2015, Target Date 2016-2020, Target Date 2021-2025, Target Date 2026-2030, Target Date 2031-2035, Target Date 2036-2040, Target Date 2041-2045, Target Date 2046-2050 and Target Date 2051+ Funds - The investments seek the highest total return over time consistent with an emphasis on both capital growth and income. The funds invest in a diversified portfolio of other T. Rowe Price stock and bond funds that represent various asset classes and sectors. Their allocation between T. Rowe Price stock and bond funds will change over time in relation to




6



A.M. CASTLE & CO.
401(K) SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014 AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF PLAN (continued)

the target retirement date. While the investments are non-diversified, they invest in diversified underlying holdings.

Common Collective Trust

Fixed Income Fund - The fund seeks to preserve invested principal while providing a competitive current rate of return. The fund invests primarily in guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”), money market funds, money market instruments, repurchase agreements, private placements, bank investment contracts and synthetic GICs. The fund will operate within a weighted average maturity range selected by the fund’s trustee from time to time.

Vesting: Participant contributions (including rollover contributions) and earnings thereon are at all times 100% vested. Generally, unless otherwise specified in the Plan document, for Company contributions to the Plan, and any earnings thereon, participants will be fully vested after completing two calendar years of service. In addition, the Plan contains provisions under which the entire amount credited to a participant’s account is distributable upon a participant’s disability or death.

Forfeitures: Matching contributions made by the Company may be reduced by the amount of forfeitures from employees’ unvested matching contribution accounts. Amounts forfeited from employees’ matching contribution accounts are to be allocated to eligible participants, as defined by the Plan. Forfeitures were used to reduce Company contributions in the amount of $157,927 for the year ended December 31, 2015. The forfeiture account balance at December 31, 2015 and 2014, was $3,941 and $8,097, respectively.

Notes Receivable from Participants: Participants may borrow a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of the lesser of $50,000 or 50% of their vested account balances for a specified time period, as defined in the plan document. Interest is charged on outstanding loans at one percentage point above the prime rate in effect at the time of the loan. Loan rates are established at the beginning of each quarter. Loans are secured by the balance in the participant’s account. Upon termination of employment, notes receivable from participants (if in default) are first deducted from participant’s vested account balance, with the remaining equity balance distributed to the participant.

Payment of Benefits: Benefit payments from the Plan will not be made until a participant retires, dies, attains age 65, or otherwise terminates employment with the Company. However, in-service benefit payments may be taken when participants reach 59.5 years of age. Benefit payments are made in cash in a lump sum, an installment basis, purchase of an annuity, or can be rolled over to another eligible plan or an individual’s Individual Retirement Account. Hardship withdrawals are allowed by the Plan in certain cases of financial hardship, as defined by the Plan. Included in net assets available for benefits are amounts allocated to individuals who have completed an election to withdraw from the Plan and requested that their benefits be paid but whose distributions have not yet been paid. Plan assets allocated to the accounts of these participants were $463,195 and $751,978 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Administrative Expenses: The Company pays a portion of the Plan's administrative expenses. A participant's account balance will be charged with certain fees and expenses. Asset-based fees (e.g., management fees and other operating expenses) are used to cover the expenses related to running an investment fund, and are generally deducted directly from a participant's investment returns.




7



A.M. CASTLE & CO.
401(K) SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014 AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

Plan administration fees cover the day-to-day expenses of administering the Plan, and may be charged directly to a participant's account or covered by a portion of the asset-based fees deducted directly from investment returns.


NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Accounting: The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of net assets available for benefits and changes therein. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Risks and Uncertainties: The Plan utilizes various investment instruments, including mutual funds, a common collective trust fund, and common stock. Investment securities, in general, are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, credit, and overall market volatility. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect participants’ account balances and the amounts reported in the financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Income Recognition: Investments are stated at fair value. The fair values of common stock and mutual fund investments are based on quoted market prices as of the last day of the year. Common collective trusts are valued at the fair value based on the Net Asset Value (NAV) of the underlying investments of participant units held by the Plan as of the last trading day of the period, as reported by the managers of the trust. Interest and dividends earned on investments, but not yet received, are included in the statements of net assets available for benefits.

Net appreciation (depreciation) in fair value of investments is calculated as the difference between market value at January 1, or date of purchase if subsequent to January 1, and fair value at year end. Fully benefit-responsive investment contracts included in the underlying investments of the FFTW Income Plus Fund, a common collective trust fund in which the Plan holds an interest, is presented at fair value. The difference between the fair value of this investment and its contract value is presented as a separate adjustment in the Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits because the contract value remains the relevant measurement attribute for that portion of net assets available for benefits attributable to fully benefit-responsive investment contracts. Purchases and sales are recorded on a trade-date basis.

Notes Receivable from Participants: Notes receivable from participants are measured at their unpaid principal balance plus any accrued but unpaid interest. Delinquent participant loans are reclassified as distributions based upon the terms of the plan document.

Payment of Benefits: Benefits are recorded when paid.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain


8



A.M. CASTLE & CO.
401(K) SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014 AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent) (“ASU 2015-07”). ASU 2015-07 removes the requirement to include investments in the fair value hierarchy for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient under Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820. ASU 2015-07 is effective for the Plan for years beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of ASU 2015-07 on the Plan’s financial statements.
In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-12, Plan Accounting: Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Topic 960), Defined Contribution Pension Plans (Topic 962), Health and Welfare Benefit Plans (Topic 965). ASU 2015-12 eliminates the requirement that employee benefit plans measure the fair value of fully benefit-responsive investment contracts and provides the related fair value disclosures. It requires plans to disaggregate their investments measured using fair value by general type, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, and self-directed brokerage accounts are one general type. A plan with a fiscal year end that doesn’t coincide with the end of a calendar month is allowed to measure its investments and investment-related accounts using the month end closest to its fiscal year end. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier application is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of ASU 2015-12 on the Plan’s financial statements.

 


9



A.M. CASTLE & CO.
401(K) SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014 AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

NOTE 3 - INVESTMENTS

The Plan’s investments that represent 5% or more of the Plan’s net assets available for benefits (at fair value) as of December 31 are as follows:

 
2015
2014
Common collective trust fund:
 
 
       FFTW Income Plus Fund
$
14,873,128

$
19,241,715

 
 
 
Mutual Funds:
 
 
      Allianz NFJ Dividend Value Fund
9,174,573

12,767,942

      Aston Asset Management Montag &
9,713,687

10,978,421

         Caldwell Growth Fund
 
 
      Vanguard Wellesley Adv Income Fund
7,266,655

8,745,001

      Vanguard 500 Index Admiral Fund
5,073,500

6,158,760

      William Blair SSMD Cap Growth
4,342,794

 *


* Investment represents less than 5% of the Plan’s net assets at the end of the reporting period.

During 2015, the Plan’s investments (depreciated) appreciated as follows:    

      Mutual funds
 $ (5,309,971)
      Common collective trust fund
                85,067
      A.M. Castle & Co. Common Stock
          (3,034,358)
            Net depreciation in fair value of investments
 $ (8,259,262)




10



A.M. CASTLE & CO.
401(K) SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014 AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

NOTE 4 - FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS

The Internal Revenue Service has determined and informed the Company by a letter dated March 21, 2012 that the Plan and related trust were designed in accordance with applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”). The determination letter is applicable for the plan document effective January 1, 2010. The Plan has been amended since receiving the determination letter. However, the Plan Administrator believes that the Plan is currently designed and being operated in compliance with the applicable requirements of the IRC. The Plan is required to operate in conformity with the IRC in order to maintain its qualification. The Plan Administrator is not aware of any events that have occurred that might adversely impact the Plan’s qualified status. Therefore, no provision for income taxes has been included in the Plan’s financial statements.

Plan management is required to evaluate tax positions taken by the Plan in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The financial statements effects of a tax position are recognized when the position is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, to be sustained upon examination by the IRS. Based on the Plan Administrator’s evaluation,
there are no uncertain positions taken or expected to be taken by the Plan as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. Therefore, the Plan has recognized no interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The Plan is subject to routine audits by taxing jurisdictions; however, there are currently no audits for any tax periods in progress.

NOTE 5 – PLAN TRANSFER

The legacy profit sharing account balances for Total Plastics, Inc. participants in the aggregate amount of $395,954 were transferred out of the Plan and into the Total Plastics, Inc. plan on December 31, 2015.

NOTE 6 - PLAN TERMINATION

Although the Company has not expressed any intent to do so, it reserves the right under the Plan to discontinue its contributions at any time and terminate the Plan subject to the provisions set forth in ERISA. In the event of termination of the Plan, all participants shall become 100% vested in their accounts and no part of the trust fund shall revert to the Company.

NOTE 7 - RELATED-PARTY AND PARTY-IN-INTEREST TRANSACTIONS

Parties-in-interest are defined under Department of Labor Regulations as any fiduciary of the Plan, any party rendering service to the Plan, the Company, and certain others. Notes receivable from Plan participants qualify as party-in-interest transactions, which are exempt from the prohibited transactions rules.

The Plan invests in the common stock of the Plan sponsor, A. M. Castle & Co., which qualifies as a related-party transaction. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the fair value of the shares of common stock held in the Plan was $1,045,229 and $3,046,292, respectively, which translates to 657,377 and 381,741 shares, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2015, administrative fees of $235,719 were paid by the Plan to the Trustee, which qualify as party-in-interest transactions. The Plan sponsor also pays certain fees and expenses of the Plan.







11



A.M. CASTLE & CO.
401(K) SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014 AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

NOTE 8 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Plan follows U.S. GAAP for measuring, reporting, and disclosing fair value. These standards apply to all assets and liabilities that are measured, reported, and/or disclosed on a fair value basis.

As defined in the accounting standards, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Assets and liabilities measured, reported and/or disclosed at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

Level 1 — Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets that the Plan has ability to access.

Level 2 — Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. Inputs to the valuation methodology include:

quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability;
inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology reflect the Plan’s own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants.

The asset’s or liability’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques used need to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

The following describes the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value. There have been no changes in the methodologies used as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Common stock – valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded.

Mutual funds – valued at the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) of shares derived by the quoted prices of underlying investments held by the fund at year-end.

Common collective trust – valued at the NAV of underlying investments of participant units held by the Plan as of the last trading day of the period, as reported by the managers of the trust.








12



A.M. CASTLE & CO.
401(K) SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014 AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

NOTE 8 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (continued)

The Plan sponsor is responsible for the determination of fair value. Accordingly, they perform periodic analysis on the prices received from the pricing services used to determine whether the prices are reasonable estimates of fair value. As a result of these reviews, the Plan sponsor has not historically adjusted the prices obtained from the pricing services. The preceding methods described may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, although the Plan believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.

The following table sets forth the Plan’s assets at fair value as of December 31, 2015:
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Balance at
December 31, 2015
Common stock
 
 
 
 
   A.M. Castle & Co.
$
1,045,229



$
1,045,229

Mutual funds
 
 
 
 
   Target Date Funds
18,009,451



18,009,451

   Large Value Fund
9,174,573



9,174,573

   Large Growth Fund
9,713,687



9,713,687

   Conservative Allocation Fund
7,266,655



7,266,655

   Large Blend Fund
5,073,500



5,073,500

   Mid-Cap Value Fund
3,401,717



3,401,717

   Foreign Large Blend Fund
2,591,416



2,591,416

   Mid-Cap Growth Fund
4,342,794



4,342,794

   Retirement Income Fund
201,752



201,752

Common collective trust
 
 

 
   Fixed Income Fund

14,873,128


14,873,128

  Total
$
60,820,774

14,873,128


$
75,693,902




13



A.M. CASTLE & CO.
401(K) SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014 AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

NOTE 8 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (continued)

The following table sets forth the Plan’s assets at fair value as of December 31, 2014:
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Balance at
December 31, 2014
Common stock
 
 
 
 
   A.M. Castle & Co.
$
3,046,292

$

$

$
3,046,292

Mutual funds
 
 
 
 
   Target Date Funds
17,047,717



17,047,717

   Large Value Fund
12,767,942



12,767,942

   Large Growth Fund
10,978,421



10,978,421

   Conservative Allocation Fund
8,745,001



8,745,001

   Large Blend Fund
6,158,760



6,158,760

   Mid-Cap Value Fund
4,480,772



4,480,772

   Foreign Large Blend Fund
3,426,140



3,426,140

   Mid-Cap Growth Fund
3,832,557



3,832,557

   Retirement Income Fund
174,741



174,741

Common collective trust
 
 
 
 
   Fixed Income Fund

19,241,715


19,241,715

  Total
$
70,658,343

$
19,241,715

$

$
89,900,058

 
 
 
 
 

    
NOTE 9 – RECONCILIATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TO SCHEDULE H FORM 5500

The reconciliation between the financial statements and Form 5500 is as follows:

 
2015

2014

Net assets per Form 5500, Schedule H    
$
77,830,362

$
92,303,302

Adjustment from fair value to contract value for
   fully benefit – responsive contracts)
Other
(64,040)
-

(53,076)
(1)

Net assets available for benefits per financial statements
$
77,766,322

$
92,250,225

 
 
 













14



A.M. CASTLE & CO.
401(K) SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014 AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

NOTE 9 – RECONCILIATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TO SCHEDULE H FORM 5500 (continued)

 
2015

Decrease in net assets per Form 5500, Schedule H
$
(14,472,940
)
Less: 2015 adjustment from fair value to contract value for fully benefit – responsive contracts
Other
(64,040)
1

 
 
Add: 2014 adjustment from fair value to contract value for fully benefit – responsive contracts
53,076

Decrease in net assets available for benefits per financial statements
$
(14,483,903
)
 
 

NOTE 10 – INVESTMENT IN THE FFTW INCOME PLUS FUND

In 2015 and 2014, the Plan invested in the FFTW Income Plus Fund (“Income Plus Fund”), a sub-fund of the BNP Paribas Investment Partners Pooled Trust fund for Employee Benefit Plans, (“common collective trust fund”). The Income Plus Fund is invested and reinvested primarily in guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”), money market funds, money market instruments, repurchase agreements, private placements, bank investment contracts, and synthetic GICs. A synthetic GIC is a contract that simulates the performance of a traditional GIC through the use of financial instruments. A key difference between a synthetic GIC and a traditional GIC is that the policyholder (such as a benefit plan) owns the assets underlying the synthetic GIC. To enable the policyholder to realize a specific known value for the assets if it needs to liquidate them, synthetic GICs utilize a “wrapper” contract that provides market and cash flow risk protection to the policyholder.

The Income Plus Fund invests primarily in investment contracts such as traditional GICs and enters into wrapper contracts with underlying securities to create synthetic GICs. In a traditional GIC, the Income Plus Fund enters into a contract with an issuer (typically a bank or life insurance company), which provides for a stated rate of interest and a fixed maturity. In a synthetic GIC structure, the Income Plus Fund owns fixed-income investments and enters into a wrap contract from high-quality insurance companies, banks, or other financial services companies that serve to substantially offset the price fluctuations in the underlying investments caused by movements in interest rates. Each wrap contract obligates the wrap provider to maintain the "contract value" of the underlying investments. The contract value is generally equal to the principal amounts invested in the underlying investments, plus interest accrued at a crediting rate established under the contract, less any adjustments for withdrawals (as specified in the wrap agreement).

In general, if the contract value of the wrap agreement exceeds the market value of the underlying investments (including accrued interest), the wrap provider becomes obligated to pay that difference to the Income Plus Fund in the event that shareholder redemptions result in partial or total contract liquidation. In the event that there are partial shareholder redemptions that would otherwise cause the contract's crediting rate to fall below zero percent, the wrap provider is obligated to contribute to the Income Plus Fund an amount necessary to maintain the contract's crediting rate to at least zero percent. The circumstances under which payments are made and the timing of payments between the Fund and the wrap provider may vary based on the terms of the wrap contract.







15



A.M. CASTLE & CO.
401(K) SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014 AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

NOTE 10 – INVESTMENT IN THE FFTW INCOME PLUS FUND (continued)

In certain circumstances, the amount withdrawn from the wrap contract would be payable at fair value rather than at contract value. These events include termination of participating plans, or a material adverse change to the
provisions of participating plans. At this time, the Plan and the Income Plus Fund, believe that it is not probable that the occurrence of any such events would be significant enough to limit the Income Plus Fund’s ability to transact at contract value with participants. The Plan does not have any unfunded commitments.

The NAV of the Income Plus Fund's share classes is determined on a daily basis. Units can be issued and redeemed on any business day at that day's unit value. All earnings, expenses, and gains and losses of the Income Plus Fund are reflected in the calculation of the daily unit value. Although it is intended to permit daily withdrawals, some of the assets of the Income Plus Fund, especially investment contracts, may require an adjustment in the value of the investment if a withdrawal is made. In any event, the withdrawal may be deferred over such period of time, not to exceed one year, as may be deemed necessary for fair and orderly management of the Income Plus Fund.

NOTE 11 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Plan has evaluated subsequent events through the date of the filing, for events requiring recording or disclosure in the Plan’s financial statements.
 



16





SCHEDULE H, LINE 4i - SCHEDULE OF ASSETS (HELD AT END OF YEAR)
December 31, 2015
Name of Plan sponsor: A. M. Castle & Co.
 
 
 
Employer identification number: 36-0879160
 
 
 
Three-digit plan number: 002
 
 
 
 
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a)
Identity of issuer, borrower, lessor or similar party
Description of investment including maturity date, rate of interest, collateral, par or maturity value
Cost
Current value
 
 
Common Stock
 
 
*
A. M. Castle & Co.
A. M. Castle & Co. Common Stock
**
$
1,045,229

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual Funds
 
 
 
Allianz NFJ Advisors
Dividend Value Fund
**
9,174,573

 
Aston Asset Management
Montag & Caldwell Growth Fund
**
9,713,687

 
The Vanguard Group
Wellesley Income Adv Fund
**
7,266,655

 
The Vanguard Group
Vanguard 500 Index Admiral Fund
**
5,073,500

 
Janus International Holding, LLC
Perkins Mid Cap Value Fund
**
3,401,717

 
Manning & Napier Advisors, Inc.
Manning & Napier Overseas Fund
**
2,591,416

 
Willliam Blair
SSMD Cap Growth
**
4,342,794

 
T. Rowe Price Funds
Retirement Income Fund
**
201,752

 
T. Rowe Price Funds
Retirement 2005 Fund
**
40,851

 
T. Rowe Price Funds
Retirement 2010 Fund
**
225,327

 
T. Rowe Price Funds
Retirement 2015 Fund
**
1,445,452

 
T. Rowe Price Funds
Retirement 2020 Fund
**
3,851,246

 
T. Rowe Price Funds
Retirement 2025 Fund
**
2,532,237

 
T. Rowe Price Funds
Retirement 2030 Fund
**
2,718,208

 
T. Rowe Price Funds
Retirement 2035 Fund
**
2,079,783

 
T. Rowe Price Funds
Retirement 2040 Fund
**
2,424,615

 
T. Rowe Price Funds
Retirement 2045 Fund
**
1,361,026

 
T. Rowe Price Funds
Retirement 2050 Fund
**
892,446

 
T. Rowe Price Funds
Retirement 2055 Fund
**
392,354

 
T. Rowe Price Funds
Retirement 2060 Fund
**
45,906

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Collective Trust Fund
 
 
 
BNP Paribas Investment Partners
 
 
 
 
 Trust Company
FFTW Income Plus Fund
**
14,873,128

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Participant Loans
 
 
*
Participant loans
Maturing through 2025, at interest rates of 4.25% to 6.00%
$0
2,136,460

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investments
 
 
$
77,830,362

 
 
 
 
 
*
Represents a party-in-interest
 
 
 
**
Cost information is not required for participant-directed investments and, therefore, is not included.
 
 


17





SIGNATURE
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the trustees (or other persons who administer the employee benefit plan) have duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
A. M. CASTLE & CO. 401(K) SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 24, 2016
 
By:
 
/s/ Marec E. Edgar
 
 
Name:
 
Marec E. Edgar
 
 
 
Title:
 
Administration Committee Member
 
 
 
 
 
 







EXHIBIT INDEX
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
 Page Number
23.1*
 
Consent of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
EX-1-
 
 
 
 
 
* Filed herewith