Russel Metals Inc (TSE:RUS)
TSX:RUS

Russel Metals (RUS) AI Stock Analysis

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Russel Metals

(TSX:RUS)

66Neutral
Russel Metals demonstrates stability with strong cash flow and strategic financial management, including a successful note offering. However, declining revenue and weak technical indicators present challenges. The stock offers reasonable valuation and attractive dividends, supporting a balanced outlook.

Russel Metals (RUS) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Russel Metals Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionRussel Metals Inc. operates as a metal distribution company in North America. The company operates through three segments: Metals Service Centers, Energy Products, and Steel Distributors. The Metal Service Centers segment sells plates, flat rolled carbon, stainless steel, aluminum, and other non-ferrous specialty metal products, as well as general line steel products, such as plates, structural shapes, bars, sheets, pipes, tubing, and hollow structural steel tubing. It also offers services, including fiber tube and flat laser processing; multi-dimensional press braking and rolling; shearing, slitting, and cutting to length; laser, oxy-fuel, and plasma cutting; stretcher and traditional leveling; beam drilling, notching, coping, and tee-splitting; saw cutting; edge trimming; and cambering. This segment serves customers in industries, such as machinery and equipment manufacturing, construction, ship building, and natural resources. The Energy Products segment distributes flanges, valves, fittings, and tubular goods primarily to energy industry. The Steel Distributors segment operates as a steel distributor for steel service centers and large equipment manufactures. Russel Metals Inc. was incorporated in 1929 and is headquartered in Mississauga, Canada.
How the Company Makes MoneyRussel Metals generates revenue primarily through its three business segments. The metals service centers segment, the largest contributor to revenue, involves the processing and distribution of metal products, where the company earns money by purchasing bulk metal products, processing them to customer specifications, and selling them at a markup. The energy products segment supplies specialized pipe, valve, and fitting products to the oil and gas industry, earning revenue through sales contracts with energy companies. The steel distributors segment involves the wholesale distribution of steel products, where the company makes money by purchasing steel from mills and selling it to various end-users. Key factors contributing to Russel Metals' earnings include its strategic partnerships with steel mills and energy companies, its vast distribution network, and its ability to provide value-added processing services to its customers.

Russel Metals Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Russel Metals shows a mixed financial performance. The income statement reveals declining revenue and profitability challenges, whereas the balance sheet indicates strong equity and improved leverage. Cash flow remains robust, highlighting effective cash management despite a dip in net income.
Income Statement
68
Positive
Russel Metals experienced fluctuating revenues over the past years, with a notable decline in 2024. The gross profit margin in 2024 was 20.88%, a decrease from previous years, reflecting reduced operational efficiency. The absence of EBIT in 2024 indicates challenges in maintaining profitability. The EBITDA margin for 2024 was 7.39%, showing some resilience despite revenue decline, but significantly lower than previous years' margins.
Balance Sheet
75
Positive
Russel Metals maintains a strong equity position, with an equity ratio of 70.66% in 2024, indicating a stable financial structure. The debt-to-equity ratio improved to 0.12 in 2024, reflecting lower financial leverage. Return on equity (ROE) for 2024 was 9.71%, a decrease from previous years, suggesting reduced profitability for shareholders.
Cash Flow
72
Positive
Cash flow from operations was strong at $343.9 million in 2024, though down from 2023. Free cash flow was $253.7 million in 2024, indicating solid cash management. The free cash flow to net income ratio was 1.58, showing that the company generates significant cash beyond net income, albeit decreased compared to previous years.
Breakdown
TTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
4.96B4.26B4.51B5.07B4.21B2.69B
Gross Profit
1.26B889.90M956.50M1.13B1.21B518.70M
EBIT
633.70M0.00560.20M514.10M608.40M91.30M
EBITDA
687.30M314.80M428.20M580.40M657.90M125.20M
Net Income Common Stockholders
456.50M161.00M266.70M371.90M432.20M24.50M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
45.60M45.60M629.20M363.00M133.10M26.30M
Total Assets
2.35B2.35B2.57B2.51B2.31B1.60B
Total Debt
196.80M196.80M422.50M422.90M404.30M399.40M
Net Debt
151.20M151.20M-206.70M59.90M271.20M373.10M
Total Liabilities
688.30M688.30M930.20M947.60M1.07B731.60M
Stockholders Equity
1.66B1.66B1.64B1.56B1.25B864.70M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
178.20M253.70M389.00M318.40M275.70M346.10M
Operating Cash Flow
210.30M343.90M461.70M359.90M304.50M371.00M
Investing Cash Flow
-98.20M-417.70M-5.30M-6.50M-107.20M-27.30M
Financing Cash Flow
-104.60M-537.90M-184.90M-139.10M-93.50M-327.10M

Russel Metals Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price36.56
Price Trends
50DMA
40.35
Negative
100DMA
41.43
Negative
200DMA
39.62
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.37
Negative
RSI
44.63
Neutral
STOCH
42.19
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:RUS, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 36.56 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 39.29, below the 50-day MA of 40.35, and below the 200-day MA of 39.62, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.37 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 44.63 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 42.19 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for TSE:RUS.

Russel Metals Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
TSRUS
66
Neutral
$2.21B14.139.83%4.47%-5.41%-37.08%
TSWJX
62
Neutral
C$361.30M8.468.49%8.40%-2.65%-47.65%
62
Neutral
$7.26B12.383.01%3.40%3.58%-14.13%
TSNFI
50
Neutral
C$1.33B-0.38%18.07%98.61%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:RUS
Russel Metals
36.56
-5.07
-12.17%
CNI
Canadian National Railway
96.49
-31.18
-24.42%
CVE
Cenovus Energy
11.25
-9.39
-45.49%
TSE:NFI
NFI Group Inc
10.55
-1.51
-12.52%
TSE:WJX
Wajax Corporation
16.67
-14.62
-46.72%
FQVLF
First Quantum Minerals
11.21
-0.12
-1.06%

Russel Metals Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 12, 2025 | % Change Since: -11.04% | Next Earnings Date: May 6, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call presented a strong financial performance with strategic growth investments and significant returns to shareholders. However, some challenges remain, such as revenue declines due to seasonality, market uncertainties related to tariffs, and integration costs from recent acquisitions. Despite these challenges, the company's achievements in cash flow, investments, and debt reduction indicate a positive outlook.
Highlights
Strong Cash Flow Generation
Russel Metals generated $344 million of cash flow from operations in 2024, including $103 million from working capital, even amidst steel price volatility and economic uncertainty.
Record Investments and Capital Growth
Russel Metals made significant investments with $90 million in CapEx and over $300 million in acquisitions, marking the largest year for investing activities in the company's history.
Return on Invested Capital
The company achieved a return on invested capital of 15% in 2024, averaging 24% over the past three years, which is above their 15% target.
Significant Capital Return to Shareholders
Russel Metals returned $229 million to shareholders in 2024 through share buybacks and dividends, marking the largest capital return in the company's history.
Debt Reduction and Strong Balance Sheet
The company eliminated all long-term debt and ended the year with a net cash position of $32 million and $580 million of liquidity.
Lowlights
Revenue Decline in Q4
Revenues were down by 5% in Q4 compared to Q3 due to seasonality, and EBITDA decreased from Q3 levels.
Impact of Tariffs and Market Uncertainty
The potential U.S. tariffs and retaliatory tariffs present uncertainties that could affect steel prices and the business activities of some customers.
Nonrecurring Costs from Acquisitions
The Samuel integration incurred $1 million in nonrecurring costs in Q4, with further integration expected to complete in 2025.
Seasonal Dynamics and Market Volatility
There was a cautious buying activity amidst market volatility, impacting the steel distributors' segment negatively.
Company Guidance
In the Russel Metals 2024 Year End and Fourth Quarter Results Call, several key metrics and strategic initiatives were discussed. The company reported generating $344 million in cash flow from operations, with $103 million coming from working capital. Capital investments in 2024 totaled $90 million in CapEx, while the company completed acquisitions worth over $300 million, marking the largest year for investing activities in its history. This growth was reflected in their capital base, which increased from $1.3 billion at the end of 2023 to $1.6 billion by the end of 2024. The return on invested capital was reported at 15% for 2024, with a three-year average of 24%. The Service Center segment contributed 67% of revenues, and the U.S. platform accounted for 39%, expected to grow further. In terms of shareholder returns, $131 million was returned through share buybacks and $98 million via dividends, totaling $229 million. The company also achieved a net cash position of $32 million with $580 million in liquidity, having eliminated all long-term debt. Looking ahead to 2025, Russel Metals anticipates continued growth in their U.S. operations and specialty metals, while maintaining flexibility in adapting to market conditions such as potential U.S. tariffs.

Russel Metals Corporate Events

Private Placements and Financing
Russel Metals Secures $300 Million Through Note Offering
Positive
Mar 28, 2025

Russel Metals Inc. has successfully closed a $300 million offering of senior unsecured notes, rated BBB (low) with a stable trend by DBRS Limited. The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, potentially enhancing the company’s financial flexibility and supporting its operations across North America.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
Russel Metals Launches $300 Million Investment Grade Note Offering
Positive
Mar 20, 2025

Russel Metals Inc. has announced a $300 million offering of senior unsecured notes with a 4.423% coupon and a five-year maturity, aimed at re-establishing a base level of lower-cost term debt in its capital structure. This strategic move is part of Russel Metals’ ongoing efforts to strengthen its business portfolio and balance sheet with an investment-grade approach. The notes, which do not include financial or maintenance covenants, are expected to enhance the company’s financial flexibility and are being offered on a private-placement basis in Canada. The offering is led by RBC Capital Markets and Scotia Capital Inc., and is anticipated to close around March 28, 2025.

M&A TransactionsStock BuybackDividendsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Russel Metals Reports 2024 Financials and Strategic Initiatives
Neutral
Feb 12, 2025

Russel Metals Inc. reported its financial results for the year ending December 31, 2024, indicating a revenue of $4.3 billion and an EBITDA of $299 million. The company undertook significant strategic actions, including two acquisitions, modernization projects, and value-added equipment enhancements. It also maintained a strong capital structure with liquidity of $580 million, despite a decrease in annual earnings per share from $4.33 to $2.73, highlighting its continued focus on growth and shareholder returns through share repurchases and dividends.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.