Russel is Still a Hold

Article Excerpt

RUSSEL METALS $18.75 (Toronto symbol RUS; SI Rating: Speculative) (905-819-7777; www.russelmetals.com; Shares outstanding: 63.3 million; Market cap: $1.2 billion) is one of North America’s largest metals distribution companies. In the three months ended June 30, 2008, Russel’s revenues rose 31.2%, to $856.3 million from $652.8 million a year earlier. Earnings per share jumped to $1.25 from $0.47. High steel prices and steady demand at its metals service centers boosted Russel’s results. Rising U.S. drilling activity and Alberta oil sands activity also strengthened demand for its energy tubular products. The company’s long-term debt of $180.4 million is equal to just 15% of market cap. It holds cash of $235.5 million or $3.72 a share. The shares have a high current yield of 10.7%. Russel’s outlook remains positive. However, its exposure to both steel prices and resource sector activity adds a lot of uncertainty. The stock trades at 5.2 times this year’s forecast earnings of $3.60 a share. which suggests that that forecast may now be…