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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [_]
Check the appropriate box:
[_] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[_] CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE
COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY
RULE 14A-6(E)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[_] Definitive Additional Materials
[_] Soliciting Material Pursuant to (S) 240.14a-11(c) or (S) 240.14a-12
A.M. Castle & Co.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[_] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which
the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
[_] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[_] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing Party:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Date Filed:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:
Reg. (S) 240.14a-101.
SEC 1913 (3-99)
<PAGE>
[Castle Metals Logo]
MICHAEL SIMPSON
Chairman of the Board
March 10, 2000
Dear Castle Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend A. M. Castle & Co.'s Annual Meeting of
Stockholders which will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2000 at 10:00 a.m. in
our offices at 3400 North Wolf Road, Franklin Park, Illinois.
At the meeting we will report to you on current business conditions and
recent developments at Castle. Members of the Board of Directors and many of
our executives will be present to discuss the affairs of Castle with you.
I also wish to remind you that Castle offers its stockholders the ability
to reinvest their dividends as well as to purchase additional stock without
broker commissions through Castle's Dividend Reinvestment Plan. If you are not
doing this and have an interest to do so, contact either Castle's Secretary at
our corporate headquarters or our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer and
Trust Company, in New York at 800-937-5449.
Whether or not you attend our Annual Meeting, it is important that you
sign, date and return your Proxy as soon as possible. If you do attend the
meeting and wish to vote in person, your Proxy will then be revoked at your
request so that you can vote personally. Therefore, I urge you to return your
Proxy even if you currently plan to be with us for the meeting.
I look forward, with other members of management, to the opportunity of
meeting you on April 27th.
Sincerely,
/s/Michael Simpson
Michael Simpson
<PAGE>
A. M. CASTLE & CO.
3400 North Wolf Road
Franklin Park, Illinois 60131
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
----------------
Franklin Park, Illinois, March 10, 2000
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of A.
M. Castle & Co. will be held at the general offices of the Company, 3400 North
Wolf Road, Franklin Park, Illinois on THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2000~, at 10 o'clock
in the forenoon, Central Daylight Savings Time, for the purposes of
considering and acting upon the following:
1. The election of eleven Directors of the Company;
2. The ratification of the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as
independent public accountants for the year 2000, and
3. The transaction of any other business which may properly come before the
meeting.
Stockholders of record at the close of business February 29, 2000, o~nly,
are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting.
Stockholders who do not expect to attend in person are urged to execute and
return the accompanying Proxy in the enclosed envelope. No postage is needed
if mailed in the United States.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jerry M. Aufox
Secretary
<PAGE>
A. M. CASTLE & CO.
3400 North Wolf Road
Franklin Park, IL 60131
----------------
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON
APRIL 27, 2000
----------------
The enclosed Proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of A. M. Castle &
Co. for use at the Annual Meeting. Any Proxy given pursuant to such
solicitation may be revoked by the Stockholder at any time prior to the voting
of the Proxy. Holders of shares of Common Stock, the only class of voting
security of the Company, are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to
come before the meeting. As of February 29, 2000, the record date for
determining the Stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting,
there were 14,048,050 outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company.
All of the expenses involved in preparing, assembling and mailing this
Proxy Statement and the material enclosed herewith will be paid by the
Company, including upon request, expenses incurred by brokerage houses and
fiduciaries in forwarding Proxies and Proxy Statements to their principals.
The original solicitation of Proxies by mail may be supplemented by telephone,
telegraph, facsimile, written and personal solicitation by Officers,
Directors, and employees of the Company; however, no additional compensation
will be paid to such individuals.
The Annual Report of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1999, is enclosed with this Proxy Statement. The approximate date of mailing
this Proxy Statement and the enclosed Proxy is March 10, 2000.
CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS
Eleven directors, constituting the entire Board of Directors, are to be
elected at the Annual Meeting. Proxies received by the Board of Directors will
be voted for the election of the nominees named below, unless otherwise
specified. In the event any of the nominees shall unexpectedly become
unavailable for election, votes will be cast pursuant to authority granted by
the enclosed Proxy for such persons as may be designated by the Board of
Directors. The persons elected as Directors are to serve a term of one year
until the next Annual Meeting and until their successors are elected and
qualified.
INFORMATION CONCERNING NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS
The following information is given for individuals who have been
recommended for election by the Human Resources Committee of the Board of
Directors. Set forth below is the name of each nominee, the corporation or
other organization which is the principal employment of the nominee, the year
in which each nominee first became a Director of the Company, the nominee's
age and the committees on which each nominee serves.
1
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daniel T. Carroll Director since 1982 Age 73
Chairman of The Carroll Group (Management Consulting
Firm). Mr. Carroll is also a Director of American
Woodmark Corp., Aon Corporation, Comshare, Inc., Diversa
Corporation, Oshkosh Truck Corporation, Wolverine World
Wide, Inc. and Woodhead Industries, Inc.
Member of Human Resources Committee
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edward F. Culliton Director since 1983 Age 58
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of A. M.
Castle & Co. Mr. Culliton was elected Vice President in
1977 and CFO in 1995.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William K. Hall Director since 1984 Age 56
Executive Consultant and Retired Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Falcon Building Products, Inc.
(Diversified Manufacturer of Building Products). Dr. Hall
is also a Director of Gencorp.
Chairman of Audit Committee
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert S. Hamada Director since 1984 Age 62
Dean and Edward Eagle Brown Distinguished Service
Professor of Finance at the Graduate School of Business,
University of Chicago since 1993. Dr. Hamada is a
Director of the National Bureau of Economic Research, the
Northern Trust Corporation and The Chicago Board of
Trade.
Member of Human Resources Committee
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patrick J. Herbert, III
Director since 1996 Age 50
President of Simpson Estates, Inc. (Private Management
Firm).
Member of Human Resources Committee
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John P. Keller Director since 1980 Age 60
President of Keller Group, Inc. (Industrial Manufacturing
and Coal Mining Company). Mr. Keller is also a Director
of Castle Energy Corporation, Old Kent Financial
Corporation and MacLean-Fogg Co.
Member of Audit Committee
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John W. McCarter, Jr.Director since 1983 Age 62
President of Field Museum (Chicago), prior to 1997 Senior
Vice President of Booz, Allen & Hamilton, Inc.
(Management Consulting Firm). Mr. McCarter is also a
Director of W.W. Grainger, Inc., and a Director and
Trustee of The Harris Insight Funds (Registered
Investment Corporation).
Member of Audit Committee
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John McCartney Director since 1998 Age 47
Vice Chairman of Datatec, Ltd. Formerly President, Client
Access Business Unit, 3 Com Corporation. Prior to the
June 12, 1997 merger of 3 Com and U.S. Robotics
Corporation, Mr. McCartney was President and Chief
Operating Officer of U.S. Robotics. Prior to January 1997
he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer and prior to January 1996 Executive Vice
President, International Operations. Mr. McCartney is
also a Director of Quotesmith.com, Inc. and Next Level
Communication, Inc.
Member of Audit Committee
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard G. Mork Director since 1988 Age 64
President and Chief Executive Officer of A. M. Castle &
Co. Mr. Mork was elected Senior Vice President in 1988,
Chief Operating Officer in 1989 and President and Chief
Executive Officer in 1990.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John W. Puth Director since 1995 Age 71
Managing Member of J.W. Puth Associates LLC (a Consulting
Firm). General Partner of BVCF III and IV (Institutional
Venture Capital Funds). Mr. Puth is also a Director of
Brockway Standard, Inc., L.B. Foster, Inc., and U.S.
Freightways, Inc.
Chairman of Human Resources Committee
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael Simpson Director since 1972 Age 61
Chairman of the Board of A. M. Castle & Co. Mr. Simpson
was elected Vice President of A. M. Castle & Co. in 1977
and Chairman of the Board in 1979.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
The Board of Directors has two standing committees--an Audit Committee, and
a Human Resources Committee.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised of four
Directors, none of whom may be employed on a full-time basis by the Company.
The Audit Committee is charged with recommending appointment of the
independent auditor, consulting with the independent auditors and reviewing
the results of internal audits, and the audit report of the independent
auditors engaged by the Company. The committee has oversight responsibilities
for investment strategies of the Company's pension plan investments. Further,
the Audit Committee is empowered to make independent investigations and
inquiries into all financial reporting or other financial matters of the
Company as it deems necessary. The Committee meets not less than twice a year.
The Human Resources Committee, comprised of four directors, reviews and
recommends compensation with respect to the Officers of the Company and
administers and directs operation of the 1989 Long Term Incentive Compensation
Plan, the 1996 Restricted Stock and Stock Option Plan and other compensation
benefits granted to various Officers. The Committee is also charged with
making recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning institution,
continuation, or discontinuation of benefit compensation plans and programs
for officers and succession planning for officers and key managers. In 1992
the Committee took on the responsibilities formerly handled by the Nominating
Committee. Therefore the Committee also reviews applications, interviews, and
recommends nominees to the Board of Directors to be presented to Stockholders
at the Annual Meeting. The Committee has established standards and criteria
for the selection and nomination of
3
<PAGE>
candidates to the Board of Directors and for membership on the various
committees of the Board. Any Stockholder who wishes to recommend individuals
for nomination to the Board of Directors is invited to do so by supplying in
writing to the Human Resources Committee the name of the individual, and his
or her credentials and background material for review by the Human Resources
Committee.
During the last fiscal year, the Board of Directors held seven meetings in
addition to its four scheduled meetings. Also, there were two meetings of the
Audit Committee and six meetings of the Human Resources Committee. All the
Directors attended at least 75 percent or more of the aggregate of the total
number of meetings of the Board of Directors and the total number of meetings
of each committee on which they served.
STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Stock Ownership of Nominees
The following table sets forth, with respect to the Company's common stock
(the only class of voting securities) the number of shares and percentage of
the Common Stock of the Company owned beneficially, directly, or indirectly by
each Director and nominee as of February 21, 2000:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares of Common
Stock
Beneficially Percent
Name of Nominee or Director Owned(1) of Class
- --------------------------- ---------------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Daniel T. Carroll..................................... 3,162 0.02%
Edward F. Culliton.................................... 43,692(2) 0.31%
William K. Hall....................................... 1,053 0.01%
Robert S. Hamada...................................... 1,580 0.01%
Patrick J. Herbert, III............................... 3,084,156(3) 21.95%
John P. Keller........................................ 1,265 0.01%
John W. McCarter, Jr.................................. 2,303 0.01%
John McCartney........................................ 8,000 0.05%
Richard G. Mork....................................... 81,147 0.58%
John W. Puth.......................................... 1,625 0.01%
Michael Simpson....................................... 620,108(4) 4.41%
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The nature of beneficial ownership of securities is direct unless
otherwise indicated by footnote. Beneficial ownership, as shown in the
table, arises from sole voting power and sole investment power, unless
otherwise indicated by footnote.
(2) Includes 1,171, shares owned by Mr. Culliton's wife. Mr. Culliton
disclaims any beneficial interest in such shares.
(3) Includes 65,455 shares with respect to which Mr. Herbert has sole voting
power and 3,024,201 shares to which voting power is shared. Mr. Herbert
has sole dispositive power with respect to 1,791,621 shares and shared
dispositive power over 900,036 shares. Mr. Herbert disclaims any
beneficial interest with respect to 3,081,701 shares.
(4) Includes 453,631 shares which Mr. Simpson also owns beneficially in five
trusts, and 67,463 shares held by another trust in which he is one of five
beneficiaries.
4
<PAGE>
Principal Stockholders
The only persons who held of record as of February 21, 2000, or, to the
knowledge of the Management, owned beneficially, more than 5% of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company are the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percent
Name and Address Shares(1) of Class
- ---------------- --------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Patrick J. Herbert, III................................... 3,084,156(2) 21.95%
Suite 1232
30 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504
Bank One Corporation...................................... 2,298,244(3) 16.35%
One First National Plaza
Chicago, Illinois 60670-0287
W. B. & Co., an Illinois partnership ..................... 2,153,339(4) 15.33%
Suite 1232
30 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ................................ 796,000 5.67%
on Behalf of Merrill Lynch Asset Management Group
World Financial Center, North Tower
250 Vesey Street
New York City, New York 10381
United States Trust Company of New York................... 704,103(3) 5.01%
114 West 47th Street
New York City, New York 10036-1532
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The nature of beneficial ownership of securities is direct unless
otherwise indicated by footnote. Beneficial ownership, as shown in this
table, arises from sole voting power and sole investment power unless
otherwise indicated by footnote.
(2) Includes 2,153,339 shares indicated below as owned by W. B. & Co. Herbert
has sole voting power with respect to 65,455 shares and shared voting
power with respect to 3,024,201 shares; he has sole dispositive power with
respect to 1,791,621 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to
900,036 shares.
(3) Beneficial ownership acquired in behalf of others via either a
trust/fiduciary capacity and/or portfolio management/agency relationship.
(4) See Footnote (3) under "Stock Ownership of Nominees".
Management Stock Ownership
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares of
Common Stock Percent
Beneficially of
Name of Officer Owned Class
--------------- ------------ -------
<S> <C> <C>
Michael Simpson.................................... 620,108(1) 4.41%
Richard G. Mork.................................... 81,147 0.58%
Edward F. Culliton................................. 43,692(1) 0.31%
M. Bruce Herron.................................... 14,665 0.10%
Stephen V. Hooks................................... 36,073 0.26%
All Directors and Officers as a Group.............. 3,944,885 28.08%
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) See Footnotes under "Stock Ownership of Nominees".
5
<PAGE>
Section 16(a) Exchange Act Reports
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
executive officers and directors to file initial reports of ownership and
reports of changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
the American Stock Exchange and the Chicago Stock Exchange. Executive officers
and directors are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with
copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on a review of the
copies of such forms furnished to the Company and written representations from
the Company's executive officers and directors, the Company believes that all
Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its executive officers and
directors were met.
Directors' Compensation
Directors who are not Officers of the Company, or of a Subsidiary, received
an annual retainer of $20,000 and $1,500 for each meeting of the Board of
Directors and $1,000 for each meeting of committees of the Board attended,
except Directors who Chair a Board committee receive an additional retainer of
$2,000 annually.
In 1987, the Board of Directors adopted the Director's Deferred
Compensation Plan. Under the Plan maintained by the Company, Directors who are
not Officers of the Company have the option to defer payments of the retainer
and meetings fees in either a stock equivalent unit account or an interest
account. Fees held in the interest account are credited with interest at the
rate of 6 percent per year compounded annually. Fees deferred in the stock
equivalent accounts are divided by the A. M. Castle & Co. common stock price
on the 15th day after the meeting for which payment is made. The resultant are
called share units. The stock equivalent account will be credited on a
dividend payment date with units equal to the product of the declared dividend
per share multiplied by the number of stock equivalent units in the Director's
account on the record date of the dividend. The share units are maintained
until the account is closed. Disbursement of the interest account and the
stock equivalent unit account can be made only upon resignation or retirement
from the Board or upon death of a Director.
If payment from the stock equivalent unit account is made in shares of A.
M. Castle & Co. common stock, it will be made as of the date of the request or
termination event, whichever occurs last. The stock distribution will be
treasury shares, shares purchased on the open market, or authorized or
unissued shares as determined under the Plan.
Only fees earned as a Director of A. M. Castle & Co. can be deferred under
the Plan. In 1999 $172,250 was paid to Directors and $77,250 was deferred
under the Plan.
In 1995, the Board of Directors adopted the 1995 Directors Stock Option
Plan, which authorized the issuance of up to 150,000 shares of common stock of
the Company to outside (non-employee) directors. This Plan was approved by the
shareholders at the annual meeting held in April of 1995. Under the Plan, non-
employee directors are granted an option to purchase 1,500 shares of the
Company's common stock on the first business day in June of each year at a
price equal to the closing price of the Company's common stock as reported by
the American Stock Exchange and/or Chicago Stock Exchange for that date; or if
no trade occurred on that date, the next preceding date for which there is a
reported sale.
The option expires ten (10) years after the date on which it is granted.
The option also expires upon the outside director's termination of service
from the Board, unless it is due to death, disability or retirement, in which
case there is a period of one (1) year in which to exercise. Pursuant to the
Plan, last year the eight (8) outside directors were granted an option of
1,500 shares each at the option price of $15.0625 per share.
6
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE'S REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
The executive compensation program is administered by the Human Resources
Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee") which is comprised of
the individuals listed below who are directors of the corporation with
responsibilities for all compensation matters for the corporation's senior
management. The Committee has overall responsibility to review and recommend
broad based compensation plans to the Board of Directors and annual
compensation, including salary, cash bonus programs, long term incentive plans
and executive benefits for the officers of the Company.
The Committee and the management of the Company are committed to the
principle that remuneration should be commensurate with performance and the
attainment of pre-determined financial and strategic objectives, while at the
same time externally competitive in order to attract and keep highly qualified
personnel. In carrying out this objective, the compensation for executives is
broken down into three basic categories: base salary, short term incentive and
long term incentive compensation.
Base Compensation
The base salary is set in the middle of the range of base salaries offered
by companies of comparable size. In establishing base salaries, the Committee
utilizes outside consultants and industrial surveys to assure that such base
salaries are proper and externally competitive.
Short Term Incentive Compensation
Short term incentive compensation opportunities are provided by the
Company's Management Incentive Plan. The Management Incentive Plan pays annual
cash incentives upon achievement of short term financial objectives which are
set by the Board. Each year the Board establishes an objective for the rate of
return on net worth, after taxes, for the forthcoming fiscal year for the
Company as a whole, and further approves other objectives for each business
unit for the Company. The objectives when met will result in the Company
reaching the established rate of return. An executive's incentive is based
upon performance of the segment for which he is responsible and/or on the
Company as a whole. The incentive is earned on a prorata basis as the
established goals are exceeded. Under the Plan, if the established goals are
not reached, no incentive is paid.
Long Term Incentive Compensation
The long term incentive program for executives consists of two types: Stock
Options granted by the Committee under the 1996 Restricted Stock and Stock
Option Plan approved by the shareholders in 1996; and long term incentive
awards under the Company's 1989 Long Term Incentive Plan approved by the
shareholders in 1989.
Stock Options
Stock Option Grants provide the right to purchase shares of common stock at
an exercise price (the closing price of Castle common stock on the date of the
grant). Each stock option becomes exercisable ratably over a three (3) year
period, one-third ( 1/3) of this grant amount after one year and one-third (
1/3) each anniversary thereafter for the next two (2) years. Each stock option
grant must be exercised within ten (10) years. The Committee has granted stock
options to senior management, officers and other key employees on an annual
basis. The option grants cover shares of common stock authorized under
stockholder approved plans. Stock options were granted by the Committee in
1999. The Committee granted stock options reflected in the tables that follow
this report. The number of options when granted reflect competitive industry
practice as reported and analyzed by independent industrial surveys, based on
position, responsibilities and performance of the recipient.
7
<PAGE>
Long Term Incentive Awards
The long term incentive participations are made annually and are awarded at
the end of a three (3) year cycle, subject to the achievement of a three (3)
year compound total return to shareholders which exceeds the compound return
of the S&P 500 by at least 1.5 percentage points. No individuals were named to
participate in the long term incentive plan for the 2000 to 2002 cycle. For
the three year cycle ending on December 31, 1999, the Committee named and the
board ratified the two key members of senior management Mr. Mork and Mr.
Culliton as participants. The awards are not made if the performance threshold
of compound total rate of return of Castle common stock does not exceed the
S&P 500 by 1.5 percentage points. 100% of the award is attained if the three
(3) year average compound rate of return of the Company stock exceeds the S&P
500 by 5.5 percentage points. The awards are made in restricted stock which
vests fifty percent (50%) after one year and the remaining fifty percent (50%)
after the second year. During the two (2) year vesting period after the stock
is granted, the participant receives dividends of the shares and also has a
right to vote the awarded shares. For the three (3) year cycle ending with
1999, the Committee reviewed the degree of achievement on cumulative
shareholder return established in the Long Term Incentive Plan for 1997-1999,
and determined that the Company's three year compound rate of return did not
exceed the S&P 500 by 1.5 percentage points. As a result no awards were made.
Also for 1999, the corporate performance under the Management Incentive
Plan did not exceed the established threshold return on net worth after taxes
for the Company as a whole. Messrs. Simpson, Mork and Culliton did not receive
an incentive award.
Change in Control Agreements
On January 25, 1996, the Board of Directors of A. M. Castle & Co. approved
Change in Control Agreements between the Company and the three senior
executives, Messrs. Michael Simpson, Richard G. Mork and Edward F Culliton.
The Agreements were amended on January 27, 2000. The Change in Control
Agreements require two events to occur before any payments can be made. Upon
the occurrence of the two events (commonly referred to as a double trigger),
the Agreement provides for a lump sum, based on total compensation paid to the
executives over the twelve (12) month period prior to the occurrence of a
"Change in Control Event", to be paid upon the executive's termination of
employment. The amount paid under the Agreement cannot exceed 2.99 times the
executive's total average compensation over the prior five years. The January
27th Amendment provides that if the lump sum exceeds 2.99 times the total
average compensation over the prior five years due to an acceleration of
vesting of previously granted stock options, the amount paid will be increased
to cover the amount of any excise tax which may be levied on the amount paid.
The Change in Control Event set forth in the agreements is either (i) a
change in ownership, direct or indirect, in excess of twenty five percent
(25%) of the outstanding shares of the Company by a group or person who did
not have such an amount on January 25, 1996; (ii) the occurrence of any
transaction relating to Castle required to be described pursuant to the
requirements of Item 5(f) of Schedule 14(a) of Regulation 14(a) of the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934; or (iii) any change in composition of the
Board of Directors over a two year period which results in the present
directors not constituting the majority at the period two years thereafter,
excluding any new individuals who are elected under or by recommendation of
the then present majority of the Board.
In addition to a Change in Control Event, the executive's right to payment
arises, if within twenty four (24) months of the Change in Control Event (1)
the duties or the responsibilities of the executive are substantially changed
or reduced; or the executive is transferred or relocated; or that the
compensation rate of the executive is reduced; and (2) the executive
terminates his/her employment, or the executive is discharged for whatever
reason other than for cause, death or disability.
On January 27, 2000 the Board of Directors of A. M. Castle & Co. approved
Executive Severance Agreements between the Company and key officers of the
Company. Messrs. Herron and Hooks are parties to such agreements. The
Severance Agreements provide for a lump sum payment based upon the total
compensation
8
<PAGE>
paid to the executives over the twelve month period prior to the termination
event. This payment is to be made only upon termination by the Company without
cause. In addition to the lump sum payment, health coverage and certain other
fringe benefits are continued for one year. In the event of termination by the
executive, death, disability or by the Company for cause, no payments are made
under the plan. The events comprising cause are defined in the agreement and
consist of such matters as: (i) A material breach by executive of the duties
and responsibilities of the executive; and (ii) the executive's conviction of,
or a plea of nolo contendere to a felony involving willful misconduct.
The Human Resources Committee
John W. Puth, Chairman
Daniel T. Carroll
Robert S. Hamada
Patrick J. Herbert, III
The tables which follow and the accompanying narrative and footnotes
reflect the decisions covered by the above discussion.
Executive Compensation and Other Information
The following table shows, for the fiscal years ending December 31, 1997,
1998 and 1999 the cash compensation paid by the Company and its subsidiaries,
as well as other compensation paid or accrued for those years, to each of the
five (5) most highly compensated executive officers of the Company in all
capacities in which they served.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Long Term Compensation
---------------------------
Annual Compensation Awards Payouts
- ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- -------
Restricted All Other
Name and Principal Other Annual Stock Options/ LTIP Compensation
Position Year Salary Bonus Compensation Award(s) SARS (#) Payouts (1)
- ------------------ ---- ------- ------- ------------ ---------- -------- ------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Richard G. Mork(l) 1999 378,399 18,764 77,000 8,344
President & CEO 1998 347,117 17,359 47,767 24,666
1997 328,870 198,337 15,258 104,065 18,300 81,934 23,060
Michael Simpson 1999 203,961 28,488 3,000 8,537
Chairman of the Board 1998 221,312 20,281 3,000 14,250
1997 235,400 34,330 19,898 68,357 3,000 53,829 17,563
Edward F. Culliton 1999 202,492 8,076 28,000 4,002
Vice President & CFO 1998 188,666 8,986 20,459 11,351
1997 179,829 91,786 8,713 40,637 7,900 32,024 13,054
M. Bruce Herron 1999 171,399 11,680 21,000 3,027
Executive Vice President 1998 151,381 16,985 11,787 9,900 8,572
& COO 1997 146,083 65,804 7,794 7,100 11,418
Stephen V. Hooks 1999 168,209 5,858 20,000 2,153
Vice President--
Merchandising 1998 154,622 16,565 3,789 9,900 9,487
1997 146,482 81,437 2,906 7,100 10,674
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Consists of Company contribution to A. M. Castle & Co. Employees Profit
Sharing Plan (a defined Contribution Plan) and a Top Hat Supplemental
Plan.
9
<PAGE>
Stock Options
The following table sets forth information with respect to the named
executives concerning the grants of stock options or restricted stock grants
made under the Company's 1996 Restricted Stock and Stock Option Plan during
the last fiscal year.
Option Exercise and Holdings
The following table sets forth information with respect to the named
executives concerning the exercise of options during the last fiscal year, and
the unexercised options held as of the end of the fiscal year. The price of A.
M. Castle & Co. common stock as of the close of business at the end of the
fiscal year was $11.75 per share.
Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Last Fiscal Year, and Fiscal Year-End
Option/SAR Values
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of
Securities Value of
Underlying Unexercised
Unexercised In-the-Money
Options/SARs Options/SARs
at FY-End (#) at FY-End($)
-------------- -------------
Shares Acquired Value Realized Exercisable/ Exercisable/
Name on Exercise (#) ($) Unexercisable Unexercisable
- ---- --------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Richard G. Mork.... 0 0 85,262/ 77,000 0/0
Michael Simpson.... 0 0 9,000/3,000 0/0
Edward F. Culliton. 0 0 36,769/28,000 0/0
M. Bruce Herron.... 4,376 17,212.12 24,550/21,000 0/0
Stephen V. Hooks... 0 0 24,550/20,000 0/0
</TABLE>
Option/SAR Grants in Last Fiscal Year
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Individual Grants
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Potential Realizable
Value at Assumed
Annual Rates of Alternative to
Percent of Stock Price (f) and (g):
Number of Total Appreciation for Grant Date
Securities Options/SARs Option Term Value
Underlying Granted to Exercise or ----------------------- -----------------
Options/SARs Employees in Base Price Expiration Grant Date
Granted (#) Fiscal Year ($/Sh) Date 5% ($) 10% ($) Present Value ($)
Name (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h)
- -------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Richard C. Mork......... 77,000 27.1% 16.00 7/22/09 247,170
Michael Simpson......... 3,000 1.0% 15.0625 7/1/09 10,110
Edward F. Culliton...... 28,000 9.8% 16.00 7/22/09 89,880
M. Bruce Herron......... 21,000 7.4% 16.00 7/22/09 67,410
Stephen V. Hooks........ 20,000 7.0% 16.00 7/22/09 64,200
</TABLE>
- --------
(h) The Grant Date Present Value was determined by using the Black-Scholes
pricing model.
Long Term Incentive Plan
There were no awards earned by the named executives under the Long Term
Incentive Plan during the last fiscal year under the Company's 1989 Long Term
Incentive Plan.
10
<PAGE>
Pension Plans
The following table shows the estimated pension benefits payable to a
covered participant at normal retirement age under the Company's qualified
defined benefit pension plan, as well as nonqualified supplemental pension
plans that provide benefits that would otherwise be denied participants by
reason of certain Internal Revenue Code limitations on qualified plan
benefits, based on remuneration that is covered under the plan and years of
service with the Company and its subsidiaries:
Pension Plan Table
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years of Service
------------------------------------------------------
Remuneration 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
- ------------ -- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$145,000................. 24,167 36,250 48,333 60,417 72,500 84,583 96,667
185,000................. 30,833 46,250 61,667 77,083 92,500 107,917 123,333
200,000................. 33,333 50,000 66,667 83,333 100,000 116,667 133,333
250,000................. 41,667 62,500 83,333 104,167 125,000 145,833 166,667
275,000................. 45,833 68,750 91,667 114,583 137,560 160,417 183,333
300,000................. 50,000 75,000 100,000 125,000 150,000 175,000 200,000
325,000................. 54,167 81,250 108,334 135,417 162,500 189,583 216,667
400,000................. 66,667 100,000 133,333 166,667 200,000 233,333 266,667
450,000................. 75,000 112,500 150,000 187,500 225,000 262,500 300,000
</TABLE>
The Pension benefits shown in the Pension table above are determined by the
remuneration, which is the average of the highest cash compensation paid
(approximately base salary plus bonus as shown in the Summary Compensation
Table), for any five (5) consecutive years of service prior to retirement.
Pensions are paid as a straight life annuity and subject to reduction for a
joint and survivor benefit, if elected. The amounts shown in the table above
are prior to reduction for social security benefits. Benefits are reduced
based on one-half ( 1/2) of the social security benefits for the individual
attributable to the working period with the Company.
The current fully accredited years of services for Messrs. Mork, Simpson,
Culliton, Herron and Hooks under the Plan are 43, 31, 35, 29 and 27 years,
respectively.
11
<PAGE>
COMPANY PERFORMANCE
Five-Year Shareholder Return Comparison
The SEC requires that the Company include in this proxy statement a line-
graph presentation comparing the Company's cumulative, five-year shareholder
total returns to those of the S&P 500 Stock Index and either a nationally
recognized industry standard or a peer group of companies selected by the
Company. Since there is no nationally recognized industry standard consisting
of metal service centers or specialty metal distributors, and there are three
competitors of the Company which are publicly held and actively traded on a
national exchange, for a period of more than one year. The Board of Directors
has approved a peer group which also includes durable goods manufacturers and
distributors for purposes of this performance comparison. These companies were
selected based on comparable market capitalizations (both more and less than
the Company's). A list of these companies follows the graph below:
[Performance Graph Appears Here]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 (1) 1996 1997 (2) 1998 (3) 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
A.M. Castle & Co.................. 100 206.6 182.0 216.0 148.9 124.2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500........................... 100 137.6 169.2 225.4 289.2 350.2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peer Group........................ 100 125.9 155.5 202.4 181.7 181.3
</TABLE>
Peer Group Companies:
Lindberg Corporation Sames Corp. (4)
Metals USA, Inc. SPS Technologies Inc.
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. Steel Technologies, Inc.
Ryerson Tull, Inc. Weirton Steel Corporation
Wynn's International, Inc.
- --------
(1) Reliance Steel & Aluminum Common Stock was first publicly traded on
9/16/94.
(2) Ryerson Tull, Inc. Common Stock was first publicly traded second quarter of
1996.
(3) Metals USA, Inc. Common Stock was first publicly traded third quarter 1997.
(4) Sames Corp. was formerly Binks Manufacturing. Varlen Corp. was acquired in
August, 1999.
12
<PAGE>
RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Upon the recommendation of its Audit Committee, the Board of Directors has,
subject to ratification by the Stockholders, appointed Arthur Andersen LLP to
examine the consolidated financial statements and other records of the Company
for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000, and the management will present
to the Annual Meeting a proposal that such appointment be ratified.
During 1999, Arthur Andersen LLP examined the financial statements of the
Company and its Subsidiaries, including those included in the Annual Report to
Stockholders, and consulted on annual and quarterly reports filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and others.
Each year the Audit Committee reviews and approves in advance the scope of
the annual audit by the Company's independent accountant. The Audit Committee
also approves all non-audit professional services including the examination of
the financial statements of the Employee Retirement Plan, Profit Sharing Plan
and review of tax returns. The Audit Committee approved the non-audit services
and considered the possible effect on the accountant's independence at its
October meeting prior to those services being performed.
As at past years' Stockholders meeting, representatives of Arthur Andersen
LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders with the
opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and are expected to be
available to respond to appropriate questions from Stockholders. The favorable
vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock represented in
person or by Proxy at the meeting will be required for such ratification. If a
negative vote results, the matter will be referred to the Audit Committee for
a recommendation to the Board of Directors.
OTHER MATTERS
The Management does not know of any matters to be presented to the meeting
other than the matters set forth in the Notice of the Meeting. However, if any
other matters come before the meeting, it is intended that the holders of the
Proxies will vote thereon in their discretion.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Proposals by Stockholders to be considered for inclusion in the Company's
Proxy Material for the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be received by
the Company at its principal executive office not later than December 22,
2000.
Jerry M. Aufox
Secretary
March 10, 2000
13
<PAGE>
P R O X Y
This Proxy is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors
A.M. CASTLE & CO
Annual Meeting of Stockholders on April 27, 2000
The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Michael Simpson and John P.
Keller and each of them, his true and lawful agents and proxies with full power
of substitution in each, to represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of A.M. Castle & Co. to be held at the office of the Company, 3400
North Wolf Road, Franklin Park, Illinois on Thursday, April 27, 2000, and at
any adjournments thereof, on all matters coming before said meeting.
Election of Directors, Nominees:
Daniel T. Carroll, Edward F. Culliton, William K. Hall, Robert S. Hamada,
Patrick J. Herbert, III, John P. Keller, John W. McCarter, Jr., John McCartney,
Richard G. Mork, John W. Puth, and Michael Simpson.
You are encouraged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate boxes,
SEE REVERSE SIDE, but you need not mark any boxes if you wish to vote in
accordance with the Board of Directors' recommendations. The Proxy Committee
cannot vote your shares unless you sign and return this card.
SEE REVERSE SIDE
----
Please mark your votes as in this example.
X
This Proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein.
If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted FOR Election of Directors,
FOR
WITHHELD
FOR
AGAINST
ABSTAIN
1. Election of Directors
2. Approval of Arthur Andersen LLP As Independent Accountants for the year
2000.
Change of Address
FOR, except vote withheld from the following nominee(s):
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIGNATURE(S) _________________DATE __, _______________________ DATE __,
2000 2000
