Russel Metals rewards its shareholders

Article Excerpt

The pandemic presented this firm with unique challenges. However, it remained profitable and is now well positioned to keep prospering as the economy rebounds. Trends underway—as well as its strong position in key markets—will power its gains beyond even current all-time highs. The stock is a Power Buy. RUSSEL METALS, $38.22, is a buy. The company (Toronto symbol RUS; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (www.russelmetals.com; Shares outstanding: 62.4 million; Market cap: $2.4 billion; Dividend yield: 4.2%) is one of North America’s largest metal distributors: Russel serves 33,000 clients at 48 locations in Canada and 16 others in the U.S. In the three months ended June 30, 2023, revenue fell 12.7%, to $1.19 billion from $1.36 billion a year earlier. That reflects the fall of steel prices from the unusually high levels of 2021 and early 2022 when easing COVID lockdowns spurred demand. Continued improvement in revenue at the company’s energy field stores partially offset the weaker prices for Russel’s steel. Those field stores carry a specialized product line…