Niche markets protect their high yields

Article Excerpt

These two firms are leaders in their individual markets. That helps offset their cyclical risk, and lets them maintain their high dividend yields. RUSSEL METALS INC. $29 (Toronto symbol RUS; Cyclical- Growth Dividend Payer Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 62.0 million; Market cap: $1.8 billion; Dividend yield: 5.2%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.russelmetals.com) is one of North America’s largest metal distributors, serving 46,000 clients, at 51 locations in Canada and 14 in the U.S. Oil and gas clients supply about 36% of the company’s revenue. Its Canadian business accounts for 70% of its overall revenue, with the remainder from the U.S. Russel continues to pay quarterly dividends of $0.38 a share; the annual rate of $1.52 yields a high 5.2%. In the three months ended December 31, 2017, the company’s revenue rose 26.2%, to $825.1 million from $653.6 million a year earlier. That’s due to its acquisition of Color Steels and stronger demand and higher prices in all three of its operating segments. Earnings…