CAS Simplify China A Shares Plus Income ETF

Castle Sees Continued Sales and Earnings Strength FRANKLIN PARK, Ill., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a presentation today before the Roth/RedChip Resources Discovery Day Conference, G. Thomas McKane, Chairman and CEO of A. M. Castle & Co. (AMEX:CAS), stated, "The strength we saw in core markets during the first half of the year continues into the second half. We expect the impact of price increases on the second half should be comparable to second quarter levels and, therefore, expect to close 2004 with a seasonally strong second half." He further stated, "Management forecasts that during 2005, core market strength will continue and that aerospace, oil and gas markets would show significant recovery. While no new metals price increases are anticipated for 2005, the carryover of price increases phased in during 2004 add significantly to 2005 sales volume." During the second quarter A. M. Castle & Co. reported earnings of 36 cents per share and year-over-year sales growth of 41% of which approximately one-half was due to higher material prices. Founded in 1890, A. M. Castle & Co. provides highly engineered materials and value-added services to a wide range of companies within 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 wide spectrum of industries. Within its core metals business, it specializes in the distribution of carbon, alloy and stainless steels; nickel alloy, aluminum; titanium; copper and brass. Through its subsidiary, Total Plastics, Inc., the Company also distributes a broad range of value-added industrial plastics. Together, Castle and its affiliated companies operate over 50 locations throughout North America. Its common stock is traded on the American and Chicago Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "CAS". 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 and Exchange Commission. DATASOURCE: A. M. Castle & Co. CONTACT: Edward Culliton, VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer of A. M. Castle & Co., +1-847-349-2508, ; Analysts, John McNamara, +1-212-445-8435, , or General Information, George Zagoudis, +1-312-640-6663, , both of Financial Relations Board

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