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Russel Metals

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FY2011 Annual Report · Russel Metals
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Message from President & CEO................1

Five Year Financial Summary........................2 

Glossary.........................................................3 

Management’s Report to Shareholders.........4

Management’s Discussion & Analysis...........5 

Consolidated Financial Statements...............22 

Russel Metals Directory.................................ibc  

METAL SERVICE CENTERS

ENERGY TUBULAR PRODUCTS

STEEL DISTRIBUTORS 

These operations distribute oil 
country tubular goods (OCTG), 
line pipe, tubes, valves and 
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and two U.S. locations.  We 
purchase these products either 
from the pipe division of North 
American steel mills or from 
independent manufactures of 
pipe and pipe accessories. 

Our steel distributors act as 
master distributors, selling 
steel in large volumes to other 
steel service centers and large 
equipment manufacturers mainly 
on an “as is” basis.  The main 
steel products sourced by this 
segment are carbon steel plate, 
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products, rails and pipe products. 

Our network of metals service 
centers carries a broad line of 
metal products in a wide range of 
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including carbon hot rolled and 
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tubular products, stainless steel 
and aluminum.  We purchase 
these products primarily from 
North American steel producers 
and package and sell them to 
end users in accordance with 
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all major geographical regions of 
Canada and the Southeastern and 
Midwestern regions of the United 
States.

A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

The world continues to exhibit the increased economic volatility which began in late 2008.  Your company and 
indeed  the  steel  industry  as  a  whole,  mirrors  the  general  economy  as  steel  usage  follows  closely  the  overall 
general economic activity.  The underlying market dynamics, however, are much healthier today than they were 
when the volatility began.  Steel prices are much lower and steel production levels are running at around 75% 
of capacity.  Inventory levels at all points of the supply chain are much tighter as all market participants remain 
cautious  in  these  uncertain  times.    For  example,  in  the  energy  sector,  the  supply  chain  is  much  more  stable 
today than it was in 2008 when the shortage of energy tubular products led to the import of high priced, long 
lead-time  oil  country  tubular  products.    Additional  domestic  production  capacity,  trade  barriers  and  the 
increased demand due to horizontal drilling activities have resulted in lower inventory levels in this sector.   

Operating in this uncertain economy, your company achieved excellent results for 2011, reporting earnings per 
share  of  $1.97.    These  results  are  significantly  greater  than  our  earnings  per  share  of  $0.96  in  the  2010 
recovery year.  Concurrent with our improved earnings in 2011, we increased our dividend twice during the year 
to  an  annualized  dividend  rate  of  $1.20.    The  maintenance  of  a  strong  dividend  policy  has  been,  and  will 
continue to be, a primary goal of your company.   

Our customers continue to be cautious in their buying patterns but several pockets of growth emerged during 
2011 as our volume of business increased.  Our balance sheet continues to be strong with cash of $271 million 
and  untapped  credit  facilities  of  $247  million  available  to  finance  growth  areas.    We  believe  that  we  are  well 
positioned to capitalize on future opportunities as they arise. 

Before we look to the future, I would be remiss if I did not thank those who were so instrumental to our 2011 
success, our employee group, whose dedication and industry expertise helped us to achieve stellar results in a 
difficult  climate.    I  would  also  like  to  specifically  thank  David  Miller  of  our  AJ  Forsyth  division,  a  long-service 
leader  who  retired  during  2011.    In  addition,  I  would  like  to  acknowledge  the  contributions  over  the  years  of 
Greg Eidman, President of our Sunbelt Group who passed away in late 2011.  He will be missed.   

Finally, I would like to thank John Robinson, a Russel Metals’ director since 1995, who decided not to stand for 
reelection this year.  John, your patience, wisdom and counsel have been invaluable over the years, thank you.   

Looking forward to 2012 and beyond, despite the highly visible world economic issues, we see many positive 
signs.  The construction market, which has been depressed for some time, will slowly start to recover.  The low 
natural gas prices for the past few years have curtailed vertical gas drilling in Alberta and any increase in gas 
prices will lead to increased activity.  Large oil sands projects have been announced and are starting to come 
online.  The growing activity in the horizontal drilling North American shale plays should continue.  Our team is 
in place, our balance sheet is strong and we are looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that 2012 
will inevitability bring.

B.R. Hedges 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

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OPERATING RESULTS (millions)

Revenues
Net earnings (loss)
EBIT
Adjusted EBIT (Note)
EBIT as a % of revenue
Adjusted EBITDA (Note)
EBITDA as a % of revenue

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

$2,693.3
118.3
194.9
194.9
7.2%
218.4
8.1%

$2,178.0
57.3
110.8
111.5 (1)
5.1%
136.8 (1)
6.3%

$1,971.8
(92.0)
(130.2)

63.9 (1)
3.2%
89.6 (1)

$3,366.2
228.5
355.2
392.9 (1)
11.7%
416.3 (1)

$2,559.2
111.2
176.8
176.8
6.9%
197.2

GLOSSARY

Adjusted EBIT
Earnings before deduction of interest and income taxes excluding inventory write-downs and assets 
impairments.  

Adjusted EBITDA
Earnings before deduction of interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, inventory write-downs and 
asset impairments. 

Book Value Per Share 
Equity value divided by ending common shares outstanding. 

Debt as % of Capitalization
Total net interest bearing debt excluding cash on hand divided by common shareholders’ equity plus interest 
bearing debt excluding cash on hand.  

Dividend Yield
The dividend per share divided by the year end common share price. 

Earnings Multiple
Period ending common share price divided by basic earnings per common share. 

EBIT
Earnings before deduction of interest and income taxes. 

Free Cash Flow
Cash from operating activities before change in working capital less capital expenditures. 

Interest Bearing Debt to EBITDA
Total interest bearing debt excluding cash on hand divided by EBITDA. 

Market Capitalization
Outstanding common shares times market price of a common share at December 31. 

Return on Capital Employed
Adjusted EBIT for period annualized over net assets employed.   

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MANAGEMENT'S REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS 

The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements,  management's  discussion  and  analysis  of  financial 
condition and all information in the Annual Report have been prepared by management and approved by the 
Audit Committee and the Board of Directors of the Company. 

These  consolidated  financial  statements  were  prepared  in  accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting 
Standards,  as  issued  by  the  International  Accounting  Standards  Board,  and,  where  appropriate,  reflect 
management's  best  estimates  and  judgements.    Management  is  responsible  for  the  accuracy,  integrity  and 
objectivity  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  management's  discussion  and  analysis  of  financial 
condition within reasonable limits of materiality and for the consistency of financial data included in the text of 
the Annual Report with that contained in the consolidated financial statements. 

To assist management in the discharge of these responsibilities, the Company has developed, documented and 
maintained  a  system  of  internal  controls  in  order  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  that  its  assets  are 
safeguarded;  that  only  valid  and  authorized  transactions  are  executed;  and  that  accurate,  timely  and 
comprehensive  financial  information  is  prepared  in  accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting 
Standards.  In addition, the Company has developed and maintained a system of disclosure controls in order to 
provide reasonable  assurance  that  the  financial  information  is  relevant,  reliable  and  accurate.    The  Company 
has evaluated its internal and disclosure controls for the year ended December 31, 2011, and has concluded 
that they are effective. 

The Company's Audit Committee is appointed annually by the Board of Directors.  The Audit Committee, which 
is composed entirely of outside directors, meets with management to satisfy itself that management is properly 
discharging  its  financial  reporting  responsibilities  and  to  review  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  the 
management's  discussion  and  analysis  of  financial  condition  and  the  report  to  shareholders.    The  Audit 
Committee reports its findings to the Board of Directors for consideration in approving the consolidated financial 
statements, the management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and the report to shareholders for 
presentation to the shareholders. 

The consolidated financial statements have been audited on behalf of the shareholders by the external auditors, 
Deloitte & Touche LLP, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards.  Deloitte & Touche 
LLP has full and free access to the Audit Committee. 

February 15, 2012 

B. R. Hedges 
President and 
Chief Executive Officer   

M. E. Britton 
Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer 

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RUSSEL METALS INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011

This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Russel Metals 
Inc. and its subsidiaries provides information to assist readers of, and should be read in conjunction with, the 
audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, including the notes thereto.  
We  adopted  the  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (IFRS)  effective  January  1,  2011.    These 
standards  required  us  to  restate  our  January  1,  2010  opening  statement  of  financial  position  and  prepare 
comparative 2010 IFRS financial statements to be presented with our 2011 results.  The information disclosed 
for the year ended December 31, 2010 has been restated for IFRS differences in the financial statements and 
in  this  Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations.    IFRS  is 
considered  Canadian  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  (GAAP)  for  Canadian  reporting  issuers  for 
reporting periods commencing on or after January 1, 2011.  All dollar references in our financial statements and 
in this report are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. 

Additional  information  related  to  Russel  Metals  Inc.,  including  our  Annual  Information  Form,  may  be  obtained 
from SEDAR at www.sedar.com or on our website at www.russelmetals.com. 

Unless otherwise stated, the discussion and analysis contained herein are as of February 15, 2012. 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 
Certain statements contained in this document constitute forward-looking statements or information within the 
meaning of applicable securities laws.  These statements relate to future events or our future performance.  All 
statements  other  than  statements  of  historical  fact  may  be  forward-looking  statements.    Forward  looking 
statements  are  often,  but  not  always,  identified  by  the  use  of  words  such  as  "seek",  "anticipate",  "plan", 
"continue",  "estimate",  "expect",  "may",  "will",  "project",  "predict",  "potential",  "targeting",  "intend",  "could", 
"might",  "should",  "believe"  and  similar  expressions.    These  statements  involve  known  and  unknown  risks, 
uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated 
in such forward-looking statements.  These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: no assurance 
future  financing  will  be  available;  dilution;  change  of  control;  interest  rate  risk;  foreign  exchange  risk;  volatile 
metal  prices;  cyclicality  of  the  metals  industry  and  the  industries  that  purchase  our  products;  significant 
competition; interruption in sources of metals supply; integrating future acquisitions; collective agreements and 
work  stoppages;  environmental  liabilities;  changes  in  government  regulations;  failure  of  key  computer-based 
systems;  loss  of  key  individuals;  and  the  current  economic  climate.    While  we  believe  that  the  expectations 
reflected  in  the  forward-looking  statements  contained  herein  are  reasonable,  no  assurance  can  be  given  that 
these expectations will prove to be correct, and such forward looking statements included herein should not be 
unduly relied upon.  These statements speak only as of the date hereof.  Except as required by law, we do not 
assume any obligation to update the aforementioned forward-looking statements.  Our actual results could differ 
materially from those anticipated in the aforementioned forward-looking statements, as applicable, including as 
a result of the risk factors set forth elsewhere herein and in our filings with the securities regulatory authorities 
which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. 

NON-GAAP MEASURES
This  Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations  includes  a 
number of measures that are not prescribed by GAAP and as such may not be comparable to similar measures 
presented by other companies.  We believe these measures are commonly employed to measure performance 
in  our  industry  and  are  used  by  analysts,  investors,  lenders  and  other  interested  parties  to  evaluate  financial 
performance and our ability to incur and service debt to support our business activities.  The measures we use 
are specifically defined where they are first used in this report. 

While  we  believe  that  non-GAAP  measures  are  helpful  supplemental  information,  they  should  not  be 
considered  in  isolation  as  an  alternative  to  net  income,  cash  flows  generated  by  operating,  investing  or 
financing activities, or other financial statement data presented in accordance with GAAP. 

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OVERVIEW 
We are one of the largest metals distribution companies in North America.  We conduct business primarily in 
three metals distribution segments: metals service centers; energy tubular products; and steel distributors. 

Our 2011 results reflect an increase in volumes and gross margins compared to 2010.  Our earnings for 2011 
were $118 million compared to $57 million in 2010.  Earnings per share were $1.97 for 2011 compared to $0.96 
for 2010.  Our return on equity was 14%. 

All  three  operating  segments  had  volume  increases  compared  to  2010.    These  volume  increases  along  with 
improved gross margins related to higher steel prices significantly increased our operating profits in the metals 
service centre and steel distributor segments.  Increased drilling activity mainly for oil, improved the operating 
results of our energy tubular products segment. 

IMPACT OF IFRS ON DECEMBER 31, 2010 RESULTS 
Note 26 to the audited consolidated financial statements discloses the differences between IFRS and Canadian 
GAAP used prior to January 1, 2011.  The most significant financial impact relates to the accounting treatment 
of the cash conversion feature of our convertible debentures which existed prior to the amendment of the Trust 
Indenture  governing  the  debentures  in  December  2010.    Prior  to  this  amendment,  the  conversion  feature 
allowed us to settle the conversion of the debentures in cash or in a combination of cash and common shares in 
lieu  of  common  shares  prior  to  maturity,  and  was  a  derivative  under  IFRS.    Under  IFRS,  a  derivative  is  fair 
valued  at  each  reporting  period  with  the  net  change  impacting  net  earnings.    The  amendment  of  the  Trust 
Indenture resulted in the removal of the charge to the income statement and a split in the convertible debenture 
between long-term debt and shareholders' equity. 

This  table  summarizes  the  impact  of  the  restatement  of  2010  to  IFRS  disclosing  the  impact  of  the  finance 
expense of the derivative and the other adjustments for the 2010 year: 

(millions)

Net earnings previously reported under Canadian GAAP 
Finance expense convertible debentures 

Other adjustments, net 

Net earnings IFRS 

Year Ended 
December 31, 2010 

$       69.7 
(11.1) 

58.6 
(1.3) 

$       57.3 

See Accounting and Reporting Changes in this MD&A for more details on the differences. 

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SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The table discloses selected information related to revenues, earnings and common share information over the 
last eight quarters. 

2011

(in millions, except 
per share data and volumes)

Revenues 
Earnings from operations 
Net earnings 

Quarters Ended 

Mar. 31 

June 30

Sept. 30

Dec. 31

         Year 
Ended 
     Dec. 31 

$     657.7 
54.2 
33.0 

$     618.6 
52.1 
31.1 

$     705.4 
44.9 
25.7 

$     711.6 
46.3 
28.5 

$  2,693.3 
197.5 
118.3 

Basic earnings per common share 

$       0.55 

$       0.52 

$       0.43 

$       0.47 

$       1.97 

Diluted earnings 
   per common share 

Market price of common shares 
   High 
   Low 

$       0.53 

$       0.50 

$       0.43 

$       0.46 

$       1.92 

$     27.70 
$     21.90 

$     27.75 
$     22.35 

$     24.99 
$     19.28 

$     24.28 
$     18.90 

$     27.75 
$     18.90 

Shares outstanding end of quarter 
Number of common shares traded 

60,043,673 
13,803,753 

60,062,473 
9,338,536 

60,063,173 
9,204,553 

60,071,698 
9,765,696 

60,071,698 
42,112,538 

2010

(in millions, except 
per share data and volumes) 

Revenues 
Earnings from operations 
Net earnings  

Quarters Ended 

Mar. 31 

June 30 

Sept. 30 

Dec. 31 

         Year
Ended 
     Dec. 31 

$     526.8 
25.9 
9.1 

$     506.6 
35.1 
24.8 

$     582.5 
30.0 
8.2 

$     562.1 
29.4 
15.2 

$  2,178.0 
120.4 
57.3 

Basic earnings per common share 

$       0.15 

$       0.41 

$       0.14 

$       0.26 

$       0.96 

Diluted earnings  
   per common share 

Market price of common shares 
   High 
   Low 

$       0.15 

$       0.41 

$       0.14 

$       0.26 

$       0.96 

$     20.40 
$     16.59 

$     22.25 
$     16.25 

$     21.31 
$     17.67 

$     23.94 
$     19.75 

$     23.94 
$     16.25 

Shares outstanding end of quarter 
Number of common shares traded 

59,698,690 
12,412,200 

59,698,840 
15,424,843 

59,705,240 
9,071,721 

59,978,173 
9,272,683 

59,978,173 
46,181,447 

Demand for our product has increased in 2011 compared to 2010, this along with higher metal prices resulted 
in higher revenues and earnings in 2011.  Rising metal prices resulted in stronger earnings for the first half of 
2011.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 
The  following  table  provides  operating  profits  before  interest,  taxes  and  other  income  or  expense.    The 
corporate expenses included are not allocated to specific operating segments.  Gross margins (revenue minus 
cost of sales) as a percentage of revenues for the operating segments are also shown below.  The table shows 
the  segments  as  they  are  reported  to  management  and  are  consistent  with  the  segment  reporting  in  the 
consolidated financial statements. 

(in millions, except percentages) 

2011

2010

2011 Change 
as a % of 2010 

Segment Revenues
Metals service centers 
Energy tubular products 
Steel distributors 
Other

Segment Operating Profits
Metals service centers 
Energy tubular products 
Steel distributors 
Corporate expenses 
Other

Operating profits 

Segment Gross Margin as a % of Revenues
Metals service centers 
Energy tubular products 
Steel distributors 

Total operations 

Segment Operating Profit as a % of Revenues
Metals service centers 
Energy tubular products 
Steel distributors 

Total operations 

25% 
17% 
38% 

24%

94% 
14% 
84% 
0% 

64%

$  1,517.2 
826.2
342.9
7.0

$  1,210.7 
708.3
247.8
11.2 

$  2,693.3 

$  2,178.0

$     115.2 
60.4
38.4
(17.0)
0.5

$       59.4 
52.9
20.9
(17.0)
4.2 

$     197.5 

$     120.4 

22.3% 
14.8% 
16.9% 

19.5% 

7.6% 
7.3% 
11.2% 

7.3% 

21.5% 
14.8% 
15.2% 

19.0% 

4.9% 
7.5% 
8.4%

5.5% 

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Description of operations 

METALS SERVICE CENTERS 
a) 
We provide processing and distribution services to a broad base of approximately 33,000 end users through a 
network  of  49  Canadian  locations  and  12  U.S.  locations.    Our  metals  service  centers  carry  a  broad  line  of 
products in a wide range of sizes, shapes and specifications, including carbon hot rolled and cold finished steel, 
pipe  and  tubular  products,  stainless  steel  and  aluminum.    We  purchase  these  products  primarily  from  steel 
producers  in North  America  and  process  and package  them  in  accordance with  end  user specifications.    We 
service  all  major  geographic  regions  of  Canada  and  the  Southeastern  and  Midwestern  regions  in  the  United 
States.    Within  Canada,  our  service  centers  operate  under  the  names  Russel  Metals,  Métaux  Russel,  A.J. 
Forsyth,  Acier  Leroux,  Acier  Loubier,  Acier  Richler,  B&T  Steel,  Leroux  Steel,  Mégantic  Métal,  Russel  Metals 
Specialty  Products,  Métaux  Russel  Produits  Spécialisés,  McCabe  Steel  and  York-Ennis.    Our  U.S.  service 
centers  operate  under  the  names  Russel  Metals  Williams  Bahcall,  JMS  Russel  Metals,  Norton  Metals  and 
Baldwin International. 

Factors affecting results 

b) 
The following is a general discussion of the significant factors affecting our metals service centers results.  More 
specific information on how these factors impacted 2011 and 2010 is found in the section that follows. 

Steel prices fluctuate significantly throughout the steel cycle.  Steel prices increased throughout the first quarter 
of 2011 due to mill price increases.  Steel prices peaked in April 2011 and declined for the remainder of 2011.  
Steel prices have increased slightly at the start of 2012 and additional increases have been announced for the 
first quarter of 2012.  Although steel prices increased and peaked in the second quarter of both 2010 and 2011, 
the price increases in 2011 were larger resulting in higher average prices per ton in 2011 for most products. 

Steel prices are influenced by overall demand, trade sanctions, iron ore prices, scrap steel prices and product 
availability.  Supply side management, practiced by steel producers in North America, and international supply 
and  demand,  which  impacts  steel  imports,  affects product  availability.    Trade  sanctions  are initiated  either  by 
steel mills or by government agencies in North America. 

Demand  for  our  product  is  significantly  affected  by  economic  cycles,  with  revenues  and  operating  profit 
fluctuating  with  the  level  of  general  business  activity  in  the  markets  served.    We  are  most  impacted  by  the 
manufacturing,  resource  and  construction  segments  of  the  Canadian  economy.    Tons  shipped  in  2011  were 
approximately  12%  higher  than  that  in  2010.    Demand  improved  in  2011,  with  tons  shipped  representing 
approximately  86%  of  volumes  prior  to  the  economic  downturn  in  2008.    The  recovery  in  Canada  has  been 
uneven with our operations in the Prairies stronger than before the downturn while our Ontario operations have 
been experiencing a slower recovery. 

Canadian  service  centers,  which  represent  the  majority  of  our  metals  service  center  operations,  have 
operations in all regions of Canada and are affected by general regional economic conditions.  Our large market 
share and our diverse customer base of approximately 18,000 customers means that our results tend to mirror 
the performance of the regional economies of Canada.  Our U.S. operations, which have approximately 15,000 
customers, are impacted by the local economic conditions in the regions that they serve. 

The  strength  of  the  Canadian  dollar  in  2011  versus  2010  has  decreased  revenues  and  profits  for  our  U.S. 
operations translated to Canadian dollars.  Revenues and profits of our U.S. operations reported for 2011 were 
converted at $0.9893 per US$1 compared to $1.0301 per US$1 for 2010.  The exchange rate at December 31, 
2011 used to translate the balance sheet was $1.0170 per US$1 versus $0.9946 per US$1 at December 31, 
2010. 

Our  Canadian  operations  are  affected  by  the  U.S.  dollar  exchange  rate  since  some  products  are  sourced 
outside of Canada and are priced in U.S. dollars.  Movement in the Canadian dollar has a short-term impact on 
inventory prices. 

Metals service centers segment results -- 2011 compared to 2010 

c) 
Revenues  for  2011  increased  25%  to  $1.5  billion  compared  to  2010  revenues  of  $1.2  billion.    Overall  tons 
shipped in metals service centers were approximately 12% higher than those shipped in 2010.  Tons shipped 
per day have been consistent throughout 2011.  Average selling price of metal for 2011 was approximately 12% 
higher than the average for 2010. 

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Gross margin as a percentage of revenues, was 22.3% for 2011 compared to 21.5% for 2010.  Gross margin 
percentage  was  higher  due  to  larger  metal  price  increases  in  the  first  half  of  2011  which  generated  higher 
inventory holding gains. 

Our average revenue per invoice for 2011 was approximately $1,772 compared to $1,453 for 2010, reflecting 
higher  average  orders  in  tons.    We  handled  approximately  3,426  transactions  per  day  in  2011  compared  to 
3,337 per day for 2010, an increase of 3%. 

Operating  expenses  for  2011  increased  $22  million,  or  by  11%,  from  2010  mainly  related  to  higher  variable 
compensation and higher freight costs due to increased volumes, orders delivered and fuel costs.  Operating 
expenses as a percentage of revenue improved by 2% to 15% for 2011. 

Metals  service  centers  operating  profits  for  2011  increased  by  94%  to  $115  million  from  $59  million  in  2010.  
The  significant  increase  was  due  to  the  rise  in  volumes  and  gross  margins  compared  to  2010  and  lower 
operating expenses as a percentage of revenue. 

ENERGY TUBULAR PRODUCTS 
a) 
Description of operations 
These operations distribute oil country tubular goods (OCTG), line pipe, tubes, valves and fittings, primarily to 
the energy industry in Western Canada and the United States.  Our business units are clustered in Alberta in 
Canada  and  Colorado  and  Texas  in  the  U.S.    A  large  portion  of  our  inventories  are  located  in  third  party 
warehouses  ready  for  distribution  to  customers  throughout  North  America.    In  addition,  we  operate  from  five 
Canadian  and  two  U.S.  facilities.    We  purchase  our  products  either  from  the  pipe  division  of  North  American 
steel  mills,  independent  manufacturers  of  pipe  and  pipe  accessories,  international  steel  mills  or  other 
distributors.    Our  energy  tubular  products  segment  operates  under  the  names  Comco  Pipe  and  Supply 
Company, Fedmet Tubulars, Triumph Tubular & Supply, Pioneer Pipe and Spartan Energy Tubulars. 

Factors affecting results 

b) 
The following is a general discussion of the factors affecting our energy tubular products segment results.  More 
specific information on how these factors impacted 2011 and 2010 is found in the section that follows. 

The price of natural gas and oil can impact rig count and drilling activities, particularly in Western Canada.  Rig 
activity affects demand for our products.  The price of oil increased during 2010 and remained high during 2011 
resulting  in  improved  rig  activity.    Drilling  rig  counts,  an  indicator  of  demand  for  pipe  product,  were  at  higher 
levels in both Canada and the U.S. in 2011 compared to 2010.  Natural gas prices were at low levels and thus 
drilling  activity  related  to  gas  remained  below  historical  levels,  particularly  in  Canada.    Fracking  technology 
enables  producers  to  economically  drill  in  the  oil  and  gas-rich  shale  fields,  which  has  offset  the  drop  in 
conventional gas drilling. 

Prices for metal are influenced by overall demand, trade sanctions and product availability.  Trade sanctions are 
initiated  either  by  steel  mills  or  by  government  agencies  in  North  America.    Both  the  Canadian  and  U.S. 
governments have imposed duties on certain Chinese pipe, which remain in effect.  These trade actions tend to 
reduce imports of these products as higher prices are paid at the time of import. 

Our  Canadian  operations  were  affected  by  the  U.S.  dollar  exchange  rate  since  some  products  are  sourced 
outside  of  Canada  and  are  priced  in  U.S.  dollars.    Movement  in  the  Canadian  dollar  impacts  the  cost  of 
inventory and cost of sales. 

Drilling  related  to  oil  and  natural  gas  in  Western  Canada  usually  peaks  during  the  period  from  October  to 
March. 

Energy tubular products segment results -- 2011 compared to 2010 

c) 
Revenues  increased  17%  for  2011  to  $826  million  compared  to  2010.    Our  U.S.  operations  had  a  revenue 
increase of 35% due to increased activity.  Our operations servicing oil drilling activity in Western Canada had 
an increase of 5% related to increased oil drilling activity.  Our operations servicing the oil sands had a revenue 
increase of 19% mainly related to a return to more normal operating levels. 

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Gross  margin  as  a  percentage  of  revenue  was  14.8%  for  both  2011  and  2010.    Prices  for  pipe  have  been 
relatively constant during 2011. 

Operating  expenses  were  $10  million  higher  in  2011  compared  to  2010,  mainly  due  to  higher  freight  on 
increased volumes, other volume related costs and variable compensation. 

This  segment  generated  operating  profits  of  $60  million  for  2011  compared  to  $53  million  for  2010.    The 
increase related to additional gross margin dollars from higher revenues. 

Description of operations 

STEEL DISTRIBUTORS 
a) 
Our steel distributors act as master distributors selling steel in large volumes to other steel service centers and 
equipment manufacturers mainly on an "as is" basis.  Our U.S. operation has a cut-to-length facility in Houston, 
Texas where it processes coil for its customers.  Our steel distributors source their steel both domestically and 
off shore. 

The main steel products sourced by this segment are structural beam, plate, coils, pipe and tubing; however, 
product volumes vary based on the economy and trade actions in North America.  Our steel distributors operate 
under the names Wirth Steel and Sunbelt Group.  Arrow Steel, a division of Sunbelt Group, processes coils.
.
b) 
The following is a general discussion of the factors affecting our steel distributors.  More specific information on 
how these factors impacted 2011 and 2010 is found in the section that follows. 

Factors affecting results 

Steel  prices are  influenced  by  overall demand,  trade  sanctions  and  product  availability  both  domestically  and 
worldwide.  Trade sanctions are initiated either by steel mills or government agencies in North America.  Trade 
actions currently exist on plate and pipe from specified countries.  Mill capacity by product line in North America 
and international supply and demand impact steel imports and significantly affect product availability. 

Our Canadian  operations source  product  outside  of  Canada  that is  priced  in  U.S.  dollars.    Movements  in  the 
Canadian  dollar  can  result  in  some  products  that  we  have  purchased  being  subsequently  available  in  the 
marketplace  at  a  lower  cost.    In  addition,  the  change  in  the  Canadian  dollar  in  2011  versus  2010  decreased 
revenues and profits for our U.S. operations translated to Canadian dollars. 

Demand  for  steel  that  is  sourced  off  shore  fluctuates  significantly  and  is  mainly  driven  by  price  and  product 
availability in North America.  Our steel distributors have a significant number of customers who buy from them 
on a periodic basis, which can result in large fluctuations in revenues reported from period to period. 

Steel distributors segment results -- 2011 compared to 2010 

c) 
Revenues for 2011 were 38% higher than that of 2010 mainly due to higher volumes.  Extended lead times for 
certain products from steel mills during the first half of 2011, as well as higher steel purchases as customers 
have balanced inventory levels, resulted in increased demand and revenues in 2011. 

Gross margin as a percentage of revenues was 16.9% for 2011 compared to 15.2% for 2010.  Gross margin is 
higher in 2011 due to rising steel prices in the first half of 2011. 

Operating  expenses  were  $3  million  higher  for  2011  compared  to  2010,  mainly  due  to  higher  variable 
compensation in 2011.  Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue improved by 1% to 6%. 

Operating profit for 2011 was $38 million, $18 million higher than 2010.  The increase in operating profit over 
2010 was mainly a result of higher volumes and gross margins. 

CORPORATE EXPENSES -- 2011 COMPARED TO 2010 
Corporate expenses were $17 million for both 2011 and 2010.  Higher bonus accruals in 2011 due to improved 
earnings  per  share  were  offset  by  a  lower  expense  in  2011  for  mark  to  market  valuation  of  deferred  and 
restricted stock units. 

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OTHER -- 2011 COMPARED TO 2010 
Other revenues and income represents the results of our bulk commodities handling terminal in Thunder Bay, 
Ontario.    Revenues  and  operating  profits  have  decreased  due  to  lower  volumes  of  metallurgical  coal  and 
potash in 2011. 

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS -- 2011 COMPARED TO 2010 
Operating  profits  from  operations  were  $198  million  for  2011,  compared  to  $120  million  in  2010.    Improved 
volumes and increased steel prices in 2011 were the main contributors to the significantly improved results. 

INTEREST EXPENSE AND INCOME
Net interest expense was $26 million for 2011 compared to $28 million for 2010.  The reduction in net interest 
expense related to lower interest after we repurchased a portion of our U.S. Senior Notes. 

OTHER FINANCE INCOME AND EXPENSE 
Net  finance  expense  was  $3  million  for  2011  compared  to  net  finance  expense  of  $10  million  for  2010.    The 
expense in 2011 mainly related to the repurchase of US$28 million of our Senior Notes.  The cash conversion 
feature that was in our convertible debentures is a derivative under IFRS and resulted in a fair value expense of 
$11 million in 2010.  In December 2010, we amended the Trust Indenture governing our convertible debentures 
to remove the settlement option under the conversion feature prior to maturity, which eliminated the derivative 
treatment and associated impact on earnings in 2011. 

INCOME TAXES 
We recorded a provision for income taxes of $51 million for 2011.  Our effective income tax rate for 2011 was 
30.2% compared to 31.1% for 2010.  We estimate our normalized effective income tax rate to be 29% for 2012. 

NET EARNINGS 
Net earnings for 2011 were $118 million compared to $57 million for 2010.  Basic earnings per common share 
for 2011 were $1.97 compared to $0.96 per common share in 2010. 

Results improved due to rising steel prices, higher volumes and the removal of the cash conversion feature in 
our convertible debentures that created an expense in 2010. 

SHARES OUTSTANDING AND DIVIDENDS 
The  weighted  average  number  of  common  shares  outstanding  for  2011  was  60,043,222  compared  to 
59,717,629 for 2010.  As at December 31, 2011 and February 15, 2012, we had 60,071,698 common shares 
outstanding.  The number of common shares outstanding has increased as a result of options being exercised. 

We paid common share dividends of $69 million or $1.15 per share in 2011 as compared to $60 million or $1.00 
per share in 2010. 

We have $175 million of 7.75% convertible unsecured subordinated debentures outstanding which mature on 
September 30, 2016.  Each debenture is convertible into common shares at the option of the holder at any time 
on  or  prior  to  the  business  day  immediately  preceding  (i)  the  maturity  date,  or  (ii)  the  date  specified  for 
redemption of the convertible debentures, at a conversion price of $25.75 per share being a conversion rate of 
38.8350 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of convertible debentures 

Our  U.S.  Senior  Notes  indenture  provides  restrictions  on  dividend  payments.    We  currently  have  a  basket  of 
approximately $263 million available for restricted payments which is adjusted for 50% of net earnings or losses 
on a quarterly basis.  We do not believe this will restrict our ability to pay dividends in the forseeable future. 

Under our syndicated bank facility, the payment of dividends is subject to excess borrowing base availability of 
not less than four times the declared dividend.  We do not believe this requirement will restrict our ability to pay 
a dividend as our borrowing base, which is based on percentages of accounts receivable and inventories, has 
traditionally been in excess of borrowings plus four times the current dividend. 

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EBITDA
The following table shows the reconciliation of net earnings (loss) to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA: 

(millions)

Net earnings 
Provision for income taxes 
Interest expense, net 

Earnings before interest and income taxes (EBIT) 
Depreciation and amortization 

Earnings before interest, income taxes, 
   depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) 

2011

2010 

$     118.3 
51.1 
25.5 

$       57.3 
25.9 
27.6 

194.9 
23.5 

110.8 
25.3 

$     218.4 

$     136.1 

We believe that EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, may be useful in assessing our operating performance and as 
an  indicator  of  our  ability  to  service  or  incur  indebtedness,  make  capital  expenditures  and  finance  working 
capital  requirements.    The  items  excluded  in  determining  EBITDA  are  significant  in  assessing  our  operating 
results and liquidity.  Therefore, EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to cash from 
operating activities or other combined income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with GAAP. 

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 
Capital expenditures were $18 million for 2011 compared to $12 million for 2010.  Depreciation expense was 
$22 million in 2011 and $24 million in 2010. 

In  2011,  we  relocated  our  Ontario  structural  steel  business  to  our  plant  in  Cambridge,  Ontario.    Our  capital 
expenditures included $5 million for the cost of a new outside crane facility in Cambridge. 

Capital  expenditures  mainly  relate  to  the  replacement  of  capital  items,  the  purchase  of  additional  processing 
equipment across a broad base of our operations and upgrades to our existing facilities and computer systems.  
Our  expectation  is  for  capital  expenditures  to  approximate  depreciation  expense  over  the  long  term  which  is 
higher than our current expenditures. 

LIQUIDITY
At  December  31,  2011,  we  had  cash  of  $271  million  compared  to  $324  million  at  December  31,  2010,  a 
decrease of $53 million in the year.  Our operations generated $148 million before working capital changes in 
2011.    In  2011,  we  invested  $91  million  in  working  capital  to  support  our  growth  and  $18  million  for  capital 
expenditures.    We  repurchased  $29  million  of  our  U.S.  Senior  Notes,  reducing  our  long-term  debt,  and 
distributed $69 million in dividends to shareholders.  

Our  metals  distribution  business  experiences  significant  swings  in  working  capital  which  impact  cash  flow.  
Inventory  and  accounts  receivable  represent  a  large  percentage  of  our  total  assets  employed  and  vary 
throughout each cycle.  Accounts receivable and inventory comprise our largest liquidity risks.  Our customers 
are impacted by the economic climate and thus it is possible to experience additional bad debts and increased 
days  outstanding  for  accounts  receivable,  which  may  affect  the  timing  of  collections.    Total  assets  were  $1.5 
billion  at December  31,  2011  and  $1.4 billion  at December  31,  2010.    At  December  31,  2011,  current  assets 
excluding cash represented 81% of our total assets excluding cash, versus 78% at December 31, 2010. 

Cash  generated  from  operating  activities  was  $56  million  for  2011  compared  to  $85  million  for  2010.    During 
2011, we had a $91 million increase in working capital compared to a decrease of $12 million in 2010.  This use 
of cash for working capital as revenues increase is consistent with our business model. 

Cash utilized for inventory was $98 million in 2011, mainly related to increased tons and steel prices in all the 
three segments.  Inventories represented 42% of our total assets at December 31, 2011 and 38% at December 
31, 2010. 

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Inventory by Segment

(millions)

Metals service centers 
Energy tubular products 
Steel distributors 

Dec. 31 
2011 

$     270 
304 
72 

Sept. 30 
2011 

$     264 
295 
94 

June 30 
2011 

$     249 
300 
83 

Mar. 31 
2011 

$     238 
257 
54 

Dec. 31 
2010 

$     202 
290 
52 

Total

$     646 

$     653 

$     632 

$     549 

$     544 

Inventory turns are calculated using annualized quarterly cost of sales dollars, divided by inventory in dollars at 
the end of the quarter. 

Inventory Turns

Metals service centers 
Energy tubular products 
Steel distributors 

Total

Quarters Ended 

  Dec. 31
2011 

Sept. 30
2011 

June 30
2011 

Mar. 31 
2011 

Dec. 31 
2010 

4.4
2.6
4.8

3.6

4.7 
2.6 
3.2 

3.5 

4.8 
1.6 
3.2 

3.1 

4.6 
3.0 
4.2 

3.8 

4.8 
2.3 
4.0 

3.4 

At December 31, 2011, our metals service centers had more tons of inventory priced at a higher average price 
than at December 31, 2010.  Inventory has been increased to align with increased sales as volumes increased 
compared to 2010. 

Our  energy  tubular  products  operations  had  inventory  at  the  end  of  2011 slightly  higher  then  2010;  however, 
higher revenues resulted in increased inventory turns for 2011. 

Our steel distributors segment had increased inventory to service higher demand.  These tons were at higher 
prices resulting in more inventory dollars than December 2010. 

As  a  result  of  higher  volumes  and  selling  prices,  accounts  receivable  utilized  cash  of  $79  million  in  2011.  
Accounts receivable represented 25% of our total assets at December 31, 2011 compared to 21% of our total 
assets at December 31, 2010. 

During 2011, we made income tax payments of $46 million.  During 2010, we received income tax refunds, net 
of payments, of $37 million due to 2009 losses. 

The  balances  disclosed  in  our  consolidated  cash  flow  statements  are  adjusted  to  remove  the  non-cash 
component  related  to  foreign  exchange  rate  fluctuations  impacting  inventory,  accounts  receivable,  accounts 
payable and income tax balances of our U.S. operations. 

FREE CASH FLOW 
(millions)

Cash from  operating activities before non-cash working capital 
Purchase of fixed assets 

2011

2010 

$    147.6 
(18.1) 

$    97.3 
(11.6) 

$    129.5 

$    85.7 

Free  cash  flow  may  be  useful  in  assessing  our  ability  to  pay  dividends,  reduce  outstanding  debt  and  fund 
working  capital  growth.    Free  cash  flow  is  a  non-GAAP  measure  regularly  used  by  investors  and  analysts  to 
evaluate companies 

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CASH, DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES 
Debt 
As at December 31 (millions)

Long-term debt 
   6.375% US$138.9 million Senior Notes due March 1, 2014 
      (2010: US$167.2 million) 
   7.75% $175 million convertible debentures due September 30, 2016 
Finance leases 

Current portion 

2011 

2010 

$     140 
154 
4

$     164 
151 
5

298 
(1) 

320 
(1) 

$     297 

$     319 

During 2011, we repurchased US$28 million of our U.S. Senior Notes.  The face value of Notes outstanding at 
December 31, 2011 was US$139 million compared to US$167 million as at December 31, 2010. 

Our convertible debentures have been split between debt and equity.  The amount allocated to equity was $29 
million  representing  the  valuation  of  the  holders'  option  to  convert  the  convertible  debentures  into  common 
shares and the fair value adjustments on the cash conversion feature that was a derivative under IFRS prior to 
the amendment of the Trust Indenture in December 2010. 

Cash and Bank Credit Facilities

As at December 31, 2011 (millions)

Bank loans 
Cash net of outstanding cheques 

Net cash 
Letters of credit 

Facilities
Borrowings and letters of credit 
Letters of credit 

Facilities availability 

Russel Metals 
Facility 

U.S. Subsidiary 
Facility 

Total 

$             - 
254 

$            - 
17 

$              - 
271 

254 
(44) 

17 
(6) 

271 
(50) 

$        210 

$         11 

$         221 

$        202 
50 

$        252 

$         20 
25 

$         222 
75 

$         45 

$         297 

Available line based on borrowing base 

$        252 

$         45 

$         297 

We have a credit facility with a syndicate of Canadian and U.S. banks totaling $252 million which was extended 
to June 24, 2014 during the second quarter of 2011.  In July 2011, our U.S. subsidiary facility of US$45 million 
was renewed with an expiry of July 2012. 

The syndicated facility consists of availability of $202 million to be utilized for borrowings and letters of credit 
and $50 million to be utilized only for letters of credit.  Letters of credit are issued under the $50 million line first 
and additional needs are issued under the $202 million line.  The borrowings and letters of credit are available 
on  a  revolving  basis,  up  to  an  amount  equal  to  the  sum  of  specified  percentages  of  our  eligible  accounts 
receivable  and  inventories,  to  a  maximum  of  $252  million.    As  of  December  31,  2011,  we  were  entitled  to 
borrow and issue letters of credit totaling $252 million under this facility.  At December 31, 2011 and 2010, we 
had no borrowings.  At December 31, 2011, we had letters of credit of $44 million compared to $14 million at 
December 31, 2010. 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:15)(cid:22)

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The  maximum  borrowings  including  letters of  credit under  the U.S.  subsidiary's  facility  are US$45 million.    At 
December 31, 2011, this subsidiary had no borrowings and had letters of credit of US$6 million.  At December 
31, 2010, this subsidiary had no borrowings and had letters of credit of US$13 million. 

With our cash, cash equivalents and our bank facilities we have access to approximately $493 million of cash 
based  on  our  December  31,  2011  balances.    The  use  of  our  bank  facilities  has  been  predominantly  to  fund 
working capital requirements and trade letters of credit for inventory purchases.  As steel prices and demand 
declined,  cash  generated  from  accounts  receivable  and  inventory  was  utilized  to  reduce  bank  borrowings.  
These lines may be used to support increases in working capital when volumes and steel prices increase. 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS 
As  at  December  31,  2011,  we  were  contractually  obligated  to  make  payments  under  our  long-term  debt 
agreements, finance lease obligations and operating leases that come due in the future. 

Contractual Obligations

(millions)

Debt
Long-term debt interest 
Finance lease obligations 
Operating leases 

         2013 
         2012        and 2014         and 2016 

     2015          2017 and 

     thereafter              Total 

Payments due in 

$            - 
22.8 
1.6 
12.9 

$     141.3 
37.9 
2.2 
16.4 

$     175.0 
23.8 
0.4 
6.7 

$            - 
- 
- 
6.1 

$     316.3 
84.5 
4.2 
42.1 

Total

$       37.3 

$     197.8

$     205.9 

$         6.1

$     447.1 

We have disclosed our obligations related to environmental litigations, regulatory actions and remediation in our 
Annual Information Form.  The obligations relate to previously divested or discontinued operations and do not 
relate to the metals distribution business. 

We have multiple defined benefit pension plans in Canada, as disclosed in Note 13 of our 2011 consolidated 
financial  statements.    During  2011,  we  contributed  $5.1  million  to  these  plans.    We  expect  to  contribute 
approximately $4.4 million to these plans during 2012. 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS 
Our  off-balance  sheet  arrangements  consist  of  the  letters  of  credit  disclosed  in  the  bank  credit  facilities  table 
and operating lease obligations disclosed in Note 23 to the financial statements. 

ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING CHANGES 
We  adopted  IFRS  effective  January  1,  2011,  which  required  us  to  restate  our  January  1,  2010  statement  of 
financial  position  and  prepare  comparative  2010  IFRS  financial  statements  to  report  with  our  2011  financial 
statements.  IFRS requires significantly more disclosure than the previous requirements under Canadian GAAP 
and  during  the  first  reporting  year  we  are  required  to  include  a  number  of  reconciliations  compared  to  prior 
Canadian GAAP. 

Note 26 of our consolidated financial statements provides details on our exemption options on initial conversion 
to  IFRS,  key  Canadian  GAAP  to  IFRS  differences,  reconciliations  of  Canadian  GAAP  to  IFRS  for  2010, 
changes in accounting policies, presentation reclassifications and additional IFRS annual disclosures. 

As  a  result  of  the  IFRS  conversion  and  the  exemption  options  chosen,  our  January  1,  2010  opening 
shareholders' equity was reduced by $42 million.  This reduction resulted from the following: 

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

Employee future benefits - charge to retained earnings for unamortized actuarial gains and losses and 
other adjustments relating to our pension plans, 

Share based compensation - change to graded vesting on stock options and restricted share units, 

Financial instruments - revaluation of the cash conversion feature on our convertible debentures, 

(cid:2) Decommissioning liabilities - realization of previously unrecognized constructive obligations for 

environmental cleanup, 

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(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

Property, plant and equipment - accelerated depreciation caused by componentization, 

Asset impairment - assessment of cash generating units at a lower level and discounting of expected 
cash flows, 

Foreign currency translation - one time exemption to set the foreign currency cumulative translation 
adjustment to zero, and 

Income taxes - on above items.

The  above  changes  similarly  impacted  the  2010  earnings.    The  most  significant  item  impacting  our  2010 
earnings was the cash conversion feature in our convertible debenture, which caused it to be a derivative.  We 
removed this feature by amending our Trust Indenture governing the convertible debentures in December 2010. 

The remaining items, represented a $1.3 million impact on 2010 earnings: 

(millions)

Employee future benefits 
     - reduced pension expense as unamortized actuarial gains and losses 
       were charged to opening retained earnings 

Share based compensation 
     - increased expense as graded vesting results in larger expense in earlier years 

Financial instruments 
     - increased accretion on revalued conversion option in convertible debentures 

Decommissioning liabilities 
     - expenses related to constructive obligations of prior environmental matters 

Depreciation on plant and equipment 
     - charge for accelerated depreciation rates on componentized assets 

Foreign currency translation - change in 2010 

Income taxes - tax effect of above items 

Year ended 
December 31, 2010 

$         0.5 

(0.2) 

(0.8)

(0.4)

(0.4)

(0.3)

0.3

Impact on earnings excluding cash conversion derivative expense 

$        (1.3) 

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES 
The  preparation  of  our  financial  statements  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and  judgements  that 
affect the reported amounts.  On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to bad 
debts, inventory net realizable value and obsolescence, useful lives of fixed assets, fair values, income taxes, 
pensions  and  benefits  obligations,  guarantees,  decommissioning  liabilities,  contingencies,  litigation  and 
assigned values on net assets acquired.  We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other 
assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for 
making judgements about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other 
sources.  Actual results may differ from these estimates. 

Our most significant assets are accounts receivable and inventories. 

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Accounts Receivable 
An  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  is  maintained  for  estimated  losses  resulting  from  the  inability  of  our 
customers  to  make  required  payments.    Assessments  are  based  on  aging  of  receivables,  legal  issues 
(bankruptcy status), past collection experience, current financials or credit agency reports and the experience of 
our credit personnel.  Accounts receivable which we determine to be uncollectible are reserved in the period in 
which the determination is made.  If the financial condition of our customers was to deteriorate, resulting in an 
impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.  Our reserve for bad debts 
at  December  31,  2011  approximates  our  reserve  at  December  31,  2010;  however,  our  accounts  receivable 
balance  is  significantly  higher.  Bad  debt  expense  for  2011  as  a  percentage  of  revenue  approximates  that  of 
2010. 

Inventories 
We review our inventories to ensure that the cost of inventories is not in excess of its estimated net realizable 
value  and  for  obsolete  and  slow  moving  product.    Inventory  reserves or write-downs  are recorded when  cost 
exceeds  the  estimated  selling  price  less  cost  to  sell  and  when  product  is  determined  to  be  slow  moving  or 
obsolete.  The inventory reserve level at December 31, 2011 decreased compared to the level at December 31, 
2010 mainly due to the sale of inventory that had been written-down. 

Other areas involving significant estimates and judgements include: 

Income Taxes
We believe that we have adequately provided for income taxes based on all of the information that is currently 
available.  The calculation of income taxes in many cases requires significant judgement in interpreting tax rules 
and regulations, which are constantly changing.  Our tax filings are also subject to audits, which could materially 
change the amount of current and future income tax assets and liabilities.  Any change would be recorded as a 
charge or reduction in income tax expense. 

Employee Benefit Plans
We  perform  a  valuation,  at  least  every  three  years,  for  each  defined  benefit  plan  to  determine  the  actuarial 
present value of the benefits.  The valuation uses management's assumptions for the discount rate, expected 
long-term rate of return on plan assets, rate of compensation increase, rate of increase in government benefits 
and expected average remaining years of service of employees. 

While  we  believe  that  these  assumptions  are  reasonable,  differences  in  actual  results  or  changes  in 
assumptions could materially affect employee benefit obligations and future net benefit plan costs.  We account 
for differences between actual and assumed results by recognizing differences in benefit obligations and plan 
performance over the working lives of the employees who benefit from the plans. 

We had approximately $85 million in plan assets at December 31, 2011, which is a decrease of approximately 
$2 million from December 31, 2010.  Due to a change in the discount rate used from 5.25% in 2010 to 4.5% in 
2011,  which  reflects  the  current  interest  rate  environment,  our  accrued  benefit  obligations  increased  by  $14 
million  to  $119  million  at  December  31,  2011  as  compared  to  $105  million  at  December  31,  2010.    Our 
projected 2012 pension expense has also increased by approximately $1 million. 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that all relevant information 
is gathered and reported to senior management on a timely basis so that appropriate decisions can be made 
regarding public disclosure. 

The purpose of internal controls over financial reporting as defined by the Canadian Securities Administrators is 
to provide reasonable assurance that: 

(i) 

(ii)

(iii)

financial  statements  prepared  for  external  purposes  are  in  accordance  with  the  Company's  generally 
accepted accounting principles, 
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements, and records are 
maintained in reasonable detail, 
receipts  and  expenditures  of  the  Company  are  made  only  in  accordance  with  authorizations  of  the 
Company's management and directors, and 

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(iv)  unauthorized acquisitions, uses or dispositions of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on 
the  financial  statements  will  be  prevented  or  detected  in  order  to  prevent  material  error  in  financial 
statements. 

The  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  the  Vice  President  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  have  caused 
management  and  other  employees  to  design  and  document  our  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  our 
internal controls over financial reporting. 

An  evaluation  of  the  design  and  operating  effectiveness  of  the  disclosure  controls  and  internal  controls  over 
financial reporting was conducted as at December 31, 2011.  The design and evaluation of internal controls was 
completed using the framework and criteria established in "Internal Control - Integrated Framework" issued by 
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Based on the evaluation, we have 
concluded  that  our  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  our  internal  controls  over  financial  reporting  were 
effective to provide reasonable assurance that information related to our consolidated results and decisions to 
be made based on those results were appropriate. 

VISION AND STRATEGY 
The metals distribution business is a segment of a mature, cyclical industry.  The use of service centers and 
steel  distributors  by  both  manufacturers  and  end  users  of  steel  continues  to  grow.    This  is  evidenced  by  the 
growth in the percentage of total steel shipments from steel producers to service centers.  As the distribution 
segment's  share  of  steel  industry  shipments  continues  to  grow,  service  centers  such  as  ours  can  grow  their 
business over the course of a cycle. 

We  strive  to  deal  with  the  cyclical  nature  of  the  business  by  operating  with  the  lowest  possible  net  assets 
throughout the course of a cycle.  This intensive asset management reduces borrowings and therefore interest 
expense  in  declining  periods  in  the  economic  cycle.    This  in  turn  creates  higher,  more  stable  returns  on  net 
assets over the course of the cycle.  Our conservative management approach creates relatively stronger trough 
earnings but could cause potential peak earnings to be somewhat muted.  Management strongly believes that it 
is more prudent to be profitable throughout a cycle, without the spikes in earnings caused by less emphasis on 
asset management, and have average earnings over the full range of the cycle in the top deciles of the industry. 

Growth  from  selective  acquisitions  is  also  part  of  our  strategy.    We  focus  on  investment  opportunities  in 
businesses that have strong market niches or provide mass to our existing operations.  Any new acquisitions 
could be either major stand-alone operations or ones that complement our existing operations.  We continue to 
review opportunities for acquisitions. 

We  believe  that  the  length  of  the  steel-based  economic  cycle  will  continue  to  be  short,  and  a  management 
structure  and  philosophy  that  allows  the  fastest  reaction  to  changes  that  affect  the  industry  will  be  the  most 
successful.  We will continue to invest in business systems to enable faster reaction times to changing business 
conditions.    In  addition,  management  believes  the  high  level  of  service  and  flexibility  provided  by  service 
centers will enable this distribution channel to capture an increasing percentage of total metal revenues to end 
users, allowing for increased growth within the sector. 

RISK
The timing and extent of future price changes from steel producers and their impact on us cannot be predicted 
with  any  certainty  due  to  the  inherent  cyclical  nature  of  the  steel  industry.    Demand  for  our  products  is  at 
approximately 86% of pre-2009 levels and we cannot predict when or if it will return to pre-2009 levels across 
the regions we serve.  Our Annual Information Form includes a summary of risks. 

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FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS
The  following  table  provides  operating  profit  before  interest,  taxes  and  other  income  or  expense  in  a  format 
consistent with our annual results. 

(millions, except percentages) 

Segment Revenues 
Metals service centers 
Energy tubular products 
Steel distributors 
Other

Segment Operating Profits 
Metals service centers 
Energy tubular products 
Steel distributors 
Corporate expenses 
Other

Quarters Ended December 31, 

2011 

2010 

2011 change 
as a % of 2010 

$     375.1 
233.5 
101.0 
2.0

$     303.9 
194.0 
61.1 
3.1 

$     711.6 

$     562.1 

$       21.3 
16.9 
11.1 
(3.4) 
0.4

$       12.3 
16.6 
4.7
(5.8) 
1.6 

23% 
20% 
65% 

27% 

73% 
2% 
136% 
41% 

Operating profits 

$       46.3 

$       29.4 

57% 

Segment Gross Margin as a % of Revenues 
Metals service centers 
Energy tubular products 
Steel distributors 

Total operations 

Segment Operating Profit as a % of Revenues
Metals service centers 
Energy tubular products 
Steel distributors 

Total operations 

20.1% 
14.0% 
15.6% 

17.7% 

5.7% 
7.2% 
11.0% 

6.5% 

20.1% 
15.7% 
14.9% 

18.4% 

4.0% 
8.6% 
7.7% 

5.2% 

Fourth quarter results for 2011 were strong compared to the 2011 third quarter and the 2010 fourth quarter.  
Our earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2011 were $0.47 compared to fourth quarter of 2010 of $0.26 
and third quarter of 2011 of $0.43.  The seasonal pick up in our energy tubular segment and higher volumes in 
our steel distributors segment contributed to our strong results.  Tons shipped in the fourth quarter of 2011 for 
metals service centers were approximately 4% lower than for the third quarter of 2011 while selling prices were 
consistent. 

OUTLOOK 
2011 was a successful year with demand for our products and operating profits improving in all three metals 
segments.  We believe that 2012 will be another positive year and the manufacturing and energy sectors will 
again lead economic growth. 

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 

To the Shareholders of Russel Metals Inc. 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Russel Metals Inc., which comprise 
the consolidated statements of financial positions as at December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 
1,  2010,  and  the  consolidated  statements  of  earnings,  comprehensive  income,  cash  flows  and  changes  in 
equity  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2011  and  December  31,  2010,  and  a  summary  of  significant 
accounting policies and other explanatory information.

Management's Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements 

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements 
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and for such internal control as management 
determines  is  necessary  to  enable  the  preparation  of  consolidated financial  statements  that  are  free  from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

Auditor's Responsibility 

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.  We 
conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards.  Those standards 
require  that  we  comply  with  ethical  requirements  and  plan  and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain  reasonable 
assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement. 

An  audit  involves  performing  procedures  to  obtain  audit  evidence  about  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the 
consolidated financial statements.  The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment, including the 
assessment  of  the  risks  of  material  misstatement  of  the  consolidated financial  statements,  whether  due  to 
fraud or error.  In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's 
preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures 
that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness 
of  the  entity's  internal  control.    An  audit  also  includes  evaluating  the  appropriateness  of  accounting  policies 
used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall 
presentation of the consolidated financial statements. 

We believe  that  the  audit evidence we have  obtained  in  our audits  is  sufficient  and appropriate  to  provide  a 
basis for our audit opinion. 

Opinion

In  our  opinion,  the  consolidated financial  statements  present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial 
position  of  Russel  Metals  Inc.  as  at  December  31,  2011, December  31,  2010  and  January  1,  2010,  and  its 
financial performance and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. 

Deloitte & Touche LLP 
Chartered Accountants 
Licensed Public Accountants 

February 15, 2012 
Toronto, Ontario 

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(cid:16)(cid:15)

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

Revenues 
Cost of materials 
Employee expenses (Note 17) 
Other operating expenses (Note 17) 

Earnings before interest, finance and income tax expense 
Interest expense (Note 18) 
Interest income (Note 18) 
Finance expense convertible debentures (Note 18) 
Other finance expense (income) (Note 18) 

Earnings before income taxes 
Provision for income taxes (Note 19)

Net earnings for the year 

Basic earnings per common share (Note 16) 

Diluted earnings per common share (Note 16) 

Years ended December 31 
2010 

2011 

$  2,693.3 
2,168.0 
202.3 
125.5 

$  2,178.0 
1,763.6 
177.1 
116.9 

197.5 
27.5 
(2.0) 
-
2.6

169.4 
51.1 

120.4 
29.2 
(1.6) 
11.1 
(1.5) 

83.2 
25.9 

$     118.3 

$       57.3 

$       1.97 

$       0.96 

$       1.92 

$       0.96 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in millions of Canadian dollars) 

Net earnings for the year 

Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax (Note 25) 
   Unrealized foreign exchange gains (losses) on translation 
     of foreign operations 
   Reclassification of adjustment for realized foreign exchange 
     gain included in net earnings 
   Unrealized (losses) gains on items designated as net investment hedges 
   Unrealized losses on items designated as cash flow hedges 
   Losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges transferred 
     to net earnings during the year 
   Actuarial (losses) gains on pension and similar obligations 

Other comprehensive loss 

Total comprehensive income 

Years ended December 31 
2010 

2011 

$     118.3

$       57.3 

9.1

-
(2.5) 
-

1.1
(13.8) 

(6.1) 

(17.2) 

0.1
8.8
(2.5) 

0.1
0.8

(9.9) 

$     112.2 

$       47.4 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:16)(cid:16)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

      
      
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

(in millions of Canadian dollars) 

ASSETS
Current 
   Cash and cash equivalents (Note 4) 
   Accounts receivable (Note 5) 
   Inventories (Note 6) 
   Prepaid expenses 
   Income taxes receivable 

Property, Plant and Equipment (Note 7) 
Deferred Income Tax Assets (Note 19) 
Pensions and Benefits (Note 13) 
Financial and Other Assets (Note 8) 
Goodwill and Intangibles (Note 9) 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 
Current 
   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 11) 
   Income taxes payable 
   Current portion long-term debt (Note 12) 

Derivatives (Note 23) 
Long-Term Debt (Note 12) 
Pensions and Benefits (Note 13)  
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities (Note 19) 
Provisions (Note 20) 
Other Non-Current Liabilities (Note 20) 

Shareholders' Equity (Note 14) 
   Common shares 
   Retained earnings 
   Contributed surplus 
   Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 
   Equity component of convertible debenture (Note 12) 

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, 

December 31 
2011 

December 31 
2010 

January 1 
2010 

$     270.7 
382.4 
645.6 
4.6
0.5

$     323.7 
301.4 
544.1 
3.0 
2.8 

$     359.6 
217.8 
517.9 
4.9 
50.6 

1,303.8 

1,175.0 

1,150.8 

201.3 
5.3
-
3.3
24.7 

205.2 
7.1 
0.7 
3.8 
24.9 

221.9 
8.9 
- 
8.3 
26.4 

$  1,538.4 

$  1,416.7 

$  1,416.3 

$     362.8 
17.4 
1.3

$     272.8 
14.4 
1.2 

$     245.4 
- 
1.3 

381.5 

-
296.5 
33.3 
0.4
5.4
1.9

719.0 

485.4 
306.7 
15.7 
(17.1) 
28.7 

819.4 

288.4 

- 
318.5 
17.9 
7.0 
5.6 
6.5 

643.9 

483.7 
257.5 
13.9 
(11.0) 
28.7 

246.7 

53.1 
333.1 
20.8 
2.3 
5.5 
3.9 

665.4 

478.9 
259.9 
13.2 
(1.1) 
- 

772.8 

750.9 

$  1,538.4 

$  1,416.7 

$  1,416.3 

 A. Benedetti 
Director 

   L. Lachapelle 
   Director 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:16)(cid:20)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

     
      
      
      
      
      
     
      
     
      
      
      
      
     
      
      
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW

(in millions of Canadian dollars) 

Operating activities 
   Net earnings for the year 
   Depreciation and amortization 
   Deferred income taxes 
   Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 
   Stock-based compensation 
   Loss on derivatives 
   Difference between pension expense and amount funded 
   Debt accretion, amortization and other 

Years ended December 31 
2010 

2011 

$     118.3 
23.5 
(0.2) 
0.1
2.1
-
(2.6) 
6.4

$       57.3 
25.3 
0.6
0.8
1.5
11.2 
(3.1) 
3.7

Cash from operating activities before non-cash working capital 

147.6 

97.3 

Changes in non-cash working capital items 
   Accounts receivable 
   Inventories 
   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
   Income tax receivable/payable 
   Other 

Change in non-cash working capital 

Cash from operating activities  

Financing activities
   Issue of common shares 
   Dividends on common shares 
   Repayment of long-term debt 
   Swap termination (Note 23) 
   Deferred financing 

Cash used in financing activities 

Investing activities
   Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
   Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment 
   Proceeds on sale of investment 
   Other 

Cash used in investing activities 

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents 

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year

(78.6) 
(97.5) 
79.0 
7.2
(1.5) 

(86.3) 
(34.8) 
33.3 
73.8 
2.1

(91.4) 

(11.9) 

56.2 

85.4 

1.4
(69.1) 
(29.3) 
-
(0.6) 

4.0
(59.7) 
(9.2) 
(35.2) 
(0.7) 

(97.6) 

(100.8) 

(18.1) 
0.8
-
-

(17.3) 

5.7

(53.0) 
323.7 

(11.6) 
1.4
6.0
(0.5) 

(4.7) 

(15.8) 

(35.9) 
359.6 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year 

$     270.7 

$     323.7 

Supplemental cash flow information: 
Income taxes paid (received) 
Interest paid (net) 

$       45.8 
$       25.5 

$      (36.8) 
$       26.2 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:16)(cid:21)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

      
      
      
      
      
      
     
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(in millions of Canadian dollars)

Common 
Shares 

Equity 
Component 
Retained  Contributed  Comprehensive  of Convertible 
Debentures 
Earnings 

Accumulated 
Other 

Income  (Loss) 

Surplus 

Total 

Balance, January 1, 2011 
Payment of dividends 
Net earnings for the year 
Other comprehensive  
   loss for the year 
Recognition of stock-based  
   compensation 
Stock options exercised 

$   483.7 
- 
- 

$   257.5 
(69.1) 
118.3 

$     13.9 
- 
- 

$    (11.0) 
- 
- 

$     28.7  $   772.8 
(69.1) 
118.3 

- 
- 

- 

- 
1.7 

- 

- 
- 

- 

1.8 
- 

(6.1) 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

(6.1) 

1.8 
1.7 

Balance, December 31, 2011 

$   485.4 

$   306.7 

$     15.7 

$    (17.1) 

$     28.7  $   819.4 

(in millions of Canadian dollars)

Balance, January 1, 2010 
Payment of dividends 
Net earnings for the year 
Other comprehensive  
   loss for the year 
Recognition of stock-based  
   compensation 
Stock options exercised 
Equity component of  
   convertible debentures (Note 12) 

Equity 
Component 
Retained  Contributed  Comprehensive  of Convertible 
Debentures 
Earnings 

Accumulated 
Other 

Income  (Loss) 

Surplus 

Total 

Common 
Shares 

$   478.9 
- 
- 

$   259.9 
(59.7) 
57.3 

$     13.2 
- 
- 

$      (1.1) 
- 
- 

$           -  $   750.9 
(59.7) 
57.3 

- 
- 

- 

- 
4.8 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

0.7 
- 

- 

(9.9) 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

(9.9) 

0.7 
4.8 

28.7 

28.7 

Balance, December 31, 2010 

$   483.7 

$   257.5 

$     13.9 

$    (11.0) 

$     28.7  $   772.8 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:16)(cid:22)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

      
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
     
 
      
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

1. 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

General business description 

a) 
Russel Metals Inc. (the "Company"), a Canadian corporation, with common shares listed on the Toronto Stock 
Exchange  (TSX),  is  a  metals  distribution  company  operating  in  various  locations  within  North  America.   The 
Company's registered office is located at 1900 Minnesota Court, Suite 210, Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 3C9. 

These consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on February 15, 
2012. 

Statement of compliance and basis of presentation 

b) 
These  consolidated  financial  statements,  including  comparatives,  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with 
International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). 

The  Company's  consolidated  financial  statements  were  previously  prepared  in  accordance  with  accounting 
principles  generally  accepted  in  Canada  ("Canadian  GAAP").    IFRS  is  considered  Canadian  GAAP  for 
Canadian reporting issuers for reporting periods commencing on or after January 1, 2011.  In preparing these 
financial  statements,  management  has  amended  certain  accounting  and  measurement  methods  previously 
applied in the Canadian GAAP financial statements to comply with IFRS.  Note 26 contains reconciliations and 
descriptions  of  the  effect  of  the  transition  from  Canadian  GAAP  to  IFRS  on  equity,  earnings  and  other 
comprehensive  income  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2010  along  with  line-by-line  reconciliations  of  the 
statement of financial position as at January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. 

These  financial  statements  were  prepared  on  a  going  concern  assumption  using  the  historical  cost  basis 
except for certain financial instruments.  Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration 
given in exchange for assets at the time of the transaction. 

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting 
estimates.  It also requires management to exercise judgment in applying the Company's accounting policies.  
The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are 
significant to the financial statements are disclosed in Note 2. 

These consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is the Company's functional 
currency. 

Basis of consolidation 

c) 
The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  Russel  Metals  Inc.  and  its  subsidiary 
companies.    Accounting  policies  for  all  subsidiaries  are  consistent  with  those  of  the  parent  and  all 
intercompany transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation. 

Business combinations 

d) 
Subsidiaries are  fully consolidated  from  the  date  control  is  transferred  to  the  Company.   Control  is  achieved 
where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain 
benefits from its activities. 

The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries as follows: 

(i) 

(ii)

(iii)

cost of consideration is measured as the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued and 
liabilities incurred or assumed at the acquisition date; 

identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are measured at fair value at the acquisition date; 

the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as 
goodwill; 

(iv) 

if  the  acquisition  cost  is  less  than  the  fair  value  of  the  net  assets  acquired,  the  fair  value  of  the  net 
assets is re-assessed and any remaining difference is recognized directly in net earnings; 

(v)  any costs directly attributable to the business combination are expensed as incurred; and 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:16)(cid:23)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

(vi)  contingent  consideration  is  measured  initially  at  fair  value  at  the  acquisition  date  and  changes  are 

recognized in net earnings. 

Cash and cash equivalents 

e) 
Cash  and  cash  equivalents  include  demand  deposits,  bank  term  deposits  and  investment  grade  short-term 
investments  with  a  maturity  of  less  than  three  months  at  time  of  purchase.    The  financial  instrument 
designation for cash and cash equivalents is loans and receivables. 

Trade receivables 

f) 
Trade  receivables  are  amounts  due  from  customers  from  the  sale  of  goods  or  rendering  of  services  in  the 
ordinary course of business.  Trade receivables are classified as current assets if payment is due within one 
year or less.  The financial instrument designation for trade receivables is loans and receivables. 

The  Company  maintains  an  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  to  provide  for  impairment  of  trade  receivables.  
The expense relating to doubtful accounts is included within "Other operating expenses" in the statements of 
earnings. 

Inventories 

g) 
Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost and net realizable value.  Cost is determined on an average cost 
basis.  Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated 
costs  necessary  to  make  the  sale.    Inventories  are  written  down  to  net  realizable  value  when  the  cost  of 
inventories  is  not  estimated  to  be  recoverable  due  to  declining  selling  prices.    When  circumstances  that 
previously  caused  inventories  to  be  written  down  below  cost  no  longer  exist,  the  amount  of  the  write-down 
previously recorded is reversed. 

Property, plant, equipment and depreciation 

h) 
Property,  plant,  equipment  and  leasehold  improvements  are  recorded  at  cost,  less  impairment.    Component 
accounting  is  used  for  both  buildings  and  machinery  and  equipment.    Components  that  make  up  a  material 
portion of the original cost of the asset and have a significantly different estimated useful life than the parent 
asset  are  considered  to  be  significant  components.    For  buildings,  roofs  are  the  only  significant  component. 
For machinery and equipment there are various significant components depending on the asset.  Depreciation 
starts when the asset or significant component is ready for use and is provided on a straight-line basis at rates 
that charge the original cost of such asset less residual values to operations over their estimated useful lives.  
These are 15 to 25 years for roofs, 20 to 40 years for buildings, 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment 
components,  10  to  25  years  for  machinery  and  equipment,  and  over  the  lease  term  for  leasehold 
improvements.  Depreciation ceases at the earlier of when the asset or component is derecognized, or when it 
is held for sale or included in a group that is classified as held for sale.  Residual values and useful lives are 
reviewed  at  the  end  of  each  annual  reporting  period,  and  whenever  facts  and  circumstances  indicate  a 
reduction  in  residual  value  or  useful  life.    Changes  in  the  estimates  of  residual  values  and  useful  lives  are 
reflected in earnings in the period of the change and future periods, as appropriate. 

Deferred financing charges and amortization 

i) 
Eligible  costs  incurred  relating  to  the  short-term  revolving  credit  facility  are  deferred  and  amortized  on  a 
straight-line  basis  over  the  period  of  the  related  financing.    Deferred  financing  charges  are  recorded  at  cost 
less accumulated amortization.  Eligible costs related to long-term debt financing are capitalized to the carrying 
amount of the associated debt and amortized using the effective interest method. 

Goodwill and intangibles 

j) 
Goodwill 
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net identifiable assets 
acquired  at  the  date  of  acquisition.    Goodwill  is  carried  at  cost  less  accumulated  impairment  losses.    The 
Company  reviews  goodwill  for  impairment  annually  and  whenever  facts  and  circumstances  indicate  that 
carrying amounts may not be recoverable. 

Intangibles 
Intangible assets are comprised of customer lists.  They are recorded at cost which for business acquisitions 
represents the fair value at the date of acquisition less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment 
losses.    Customer  lists  are  amortized  on  a  straight  line  basis  over  their  estimated  useful  life  of  15  years.  
Useful lives are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and adjusted if appropriate. 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:16)(cid:24)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

Impairment of long lived non-financial assets 

k) 
Non-financial tangible and intangible assets (other than goodwill) are reviewed for an indication of impairment 
at  each  statement  of  financial  position  date.    If  an  indication  of  impairment  exists,  the  asset's  recoverable 
amount is estimated. 

An  impairment  loss  is  recognized  when  the  carrying  amount  of  an  asset  or  cash-generating  unit  (CGU), 
exceeds its recoverable amount.  A CGU is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash flows 
that  are  largely  independent  of  the  cash  flows  from  other  assets or  group  of  assets.    Impairment  losses  are 
recognized in net earnings for the period.  Impairment losses recognized in respect of CGUs are allocated first 
to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the CGU and then to reduce the carrying amount of 
the other assets in the unit on a pro-rata basis. 

The  recoverable  amount  is  the  greater  of  the  asset's  fair  value  less  costs  to  sell  and  its  value  in  use.    In 
assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax 
discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the 
asset.    For  an  asset  that  does  not  generate  largely  independent  cash  flows,  the  recoverable  amount  is 
determined for the CGU to which the asset belongs. 

An impairment loss is reversed if there is an indication that there has been a change in the estimates used to 
determine the recoverable amount.  An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset's carrying 
amount  does  not  exceed  the  carrying  amount  that  would  have  been  determined,  net  of  depreciation  or 
amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized.  An impairment loss with respect to goodwill is never 
reversed. 

Employee future benefits 

l) 
For  defined  benefit  pension  plans  and  other  post-employment  benefits,  the  net  periodic  pension  expense  is 
actuarially  determined  on  an  annual  basis  by  independent  actuaries  using  the  projected  benefit  method, 
prorated  on  service  and  is  charged  to  expense  as  services  are  rendered.    The  determination  of  a  benefit 
expense  requires  assumptions  such  as  the  expected  return  on  assets  available  to  fund  pension  obligations, 
the  discount  rate  to  measure  obligations,  the  expected  mortality,  the  expected  rate  of  future  compensation 
increases and the expected healthcare cost trend rate.  For the purpose of calculating the expected return on 
plan  assets,  the  assets  are  valued  at  fair  value.    The  Company  uses  historical  returns  on  its  existing  plan 
assets to estimate the expected future return on plan assets.  Actual results will differ from estimated results 
which are based on assumptions. 

The  vested  portion  of  past  service  costs  arising  from  plan  amendments  is  recognized  immediately  in  net 
earnings.  The unvested portion is amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining period until 
the  benefits  become  vested.    The  asset  or  liability  recognized  in  the  statements  of  financial  position  is  the 
present  value  of  the  defined  benefit  obligation  at  the  end  of  the  reporting  period  less  the  fair  value  of  plan 
assets,  together  with  adjustments  for  unrecognized  past  service  costs  and  asset  ceiling  limits.    The  present 
value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using 
interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds and that have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the 
related pension liability.  All actuarial gains and losses that arise in calculating the present value of the defined 
benefit  obligation  and  the  fair  value  of  plan  assets  are  recognized  immediately  in  the  statements  of  other 
comprehensive  income.    Any  defined  benefit  asset  resulting  from  this  calculation  is  limited  to  the  total  of 
unrecognized net actuarial losses and past service cost and the present value of any economic benefit in the 
form  of  refunds  from  the  plan  or  reduction  in  future  contributions  to  the  plan.    The  Company  contributes  to 
certain multi-employer pension plans which are accounted for as defined contribution plans. 

Income taxes 

m) 
Tax expense comprises current and deferred tax.  Tax is recognized in the statements of earnings except to 
the extent it relates to items recognized directly in equity in which case the related tax is recognized in equity. 

Current  tax  expense  is  based  on  the  results  for  the  period  as  adjusted  for  items  that  are  not  taxable  or  not 
deductible.  Current tax is calculated using tax rates  and laws that were enacted or substantively enacted at 
the end of the reporting period. 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:16)(cid:25)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

Deferred tax is recognized, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases 
of  assets  and  liabilities  and  their  carrying  amounts  in  the  statements  of  financial  position.    Deferred  tax  is 
calculated  using  tax  rates  and  laws  that  have  been  enacted  or  substantively  enacted  at  the  end  of  the 
reporting period, and which are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realized or the 
deferred income tax liability is settled. 

Deferred tax liabilities

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

are generally recognized for all taxable temporary differences; 

are recognized for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, except where 
the reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled and it is probable that the difference will not 
reverse in the foreseeable future; and 

are not recognized on differences that arise from goodwill which is not deductible for tax purposes. 

Deferred tax assets

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

are  recognized  to  the  extent  it  is  probable  that  taxable  profits  will  be  available  against  which  the 
deductible  temporary  differences  and  the  carry  forward  of  unused  tax  losses  and  credits  can  be 
utilized; and 

are reviewed at the end of the reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable 
that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. 

Deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  not  recognized  in  respect  of  temporary  differences  that  arise  on  initial 
recognition of assets and liabilities acquired other than in a business combination. 

Revenue recognition 

n) 
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of discounts, and after 
eliminating intercompany sales.  Freight and shipping costs billed to customers are also included in revenue. 

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognized when the Company has transferred to the buyer the significant 
risks  and  rewards  of  ownership  of  the  goods,  no  longer  retains  control  over  the  goods  sold,  the  amount  of 
revenue can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will 
flow to the Company, and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured 
reliably. 

Share based payments 

o) 
The  Company  accounts  for  stock  based  compensation  at  fair  value,  utilizing  a  Black-Scholes  option  pricing 
model. 

Compensation expense is recognized for stock options on a graded vesting basis, where the fair value of each 
tranche  is  determined  at  the  grant  date  based  on  the  Company's  estimate  of  equity  instruments  that  will 
eventually vest and is recognized over its respective vesting period, except for employees who are eligible to 
retire during the vesting period whose options are expensed immediately.  At the end of each reporting period, 
the  Company  revises  its  estimate  of  the  number  of  equity  instruments  expected  to  vest.    The  impact  of  the 
revision of the original estimate, if any, is recognized in net earnings such that the cumulative expense reflects 
the revised estimate with a corresponding adjustment to contributed surplus. 

Compensation expense for deferred share units is recognized when the units are issued and for changes in 
the quoted market price from the issue date to the reporting date until the units are redeemed.  Compensation 
expense for restricted share units is recognized over the vesting period and for changes in the quoted market 
price from the issue date to the reporting period date until the units mature. 

Provisions 

p) 
Provisions  represent  liabilities  to  the  Company  for  which  the  amount  or  timing  is  uncertain.    Provisions  are 
recognized when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is 
probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount can be reliably 
estimated.  Provisions are not recognized for future operating losses.  Provisions are measured at the present 
value  of  the  expected  expenditures  to  settle  the  obligation  using  a  discount  rate  that  reflects  current  market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation.  Any increase in the provision 
due to passage of time is recognized as interest expense. 

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(cid:16)(cid:26)

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Decommissioning, restoration and similar liabilities 

q)
The Company recognizes liabilities for statutory, contractual, constructive or legal obligations associated with 
the  retirement  of  property,  plant  and  equipment,  when  those  obligations  result  from  the  acquisition, 
construction, development  or  normal  operation  of  the  assets.    The  net  present value  of  the  estimated  future 
rehabilitation cost is capitalized to the related asset along with a corresponding increase in the provision in the 
period  incurred.    Pre-tax  discount  rates  that  reflect  the  time  value  of  money  are  used  to  calculate  the  net 
present value. 

The estimates of decommissioning costs could change as a result of changes in regulatory requirements and 
assumptions regarding the amount and timing of the future expenditures.  These changes are recorded directly 
to  the  related  asset  or  net  earnings  with  a  corresponding  adjustment  to  the  provision.    The  estimates  are 
reviewed  annually  for  changes  in  regulatory  requirements,  and  changes  in  estimates.    Changes  in  the  net 
present value are charged to net earnings for the period. 

Leases 

r) 
Leases are classified as finance or operating depending on the terms and conditions of the contracts.  Leases 
which transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases.  An asset 
held under a finance lease is initially recognized at the inception of the lease at an amount equal to the lower 
of its fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments.  The corresponding liability to the lessor 
is  included  in  the  statements  of  financial  position  as  a  finance  lease  obligation.    Subsequent  to  its  initial 
recognition,  the  costs  are  depreciated  in  accordance  with  the  accounting  policy  of  the  applicable  asset.  
Obligations recorded under finance leases are reduced by lease payments, net of imputed interest.  Interest 
expense is recognized in net earnings. 

Leases  that  do  not  meet  the  criteria  for  finance  leases  are  classified  as  operating  leases.    Payments  made 
under operating leases are expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. 

Earnings per share 

s) 
Basic earnings per common share is calculated using the weighted daily average number of common shares 
outstanding.  Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the treasury stock method. 

Long-term debt 

t) 
Long-term  debt  is  recognized  initially  at  fair  value,  net  of  transaction  costs  incurred.    Long-term  debt  is 
subsequently recorded at amortized cost with any difference between the proceeds (net of transactions costs) 
and the redemption value recognized in the net earnings over the term of the debt using the effective interest 
method. 

Debt is classified as a current liability unless the Company has an unconditional right to defer settlement for at 
least 12 months after the end of the reporting period. 

Trade payables 

u) 
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of 
business.  Trade payables are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less.  Trade 
payables are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost. 

Operating segments 

v) 
The Company's operating segments are organized around the markets it serves and are reported in a manner 
consistent  with  the  internal  reporting  provided  to  the  chief  operating  decision-maker  which  is  the  Chief 
Executive Officer. 

Foreign currency 

w) 
The  consolidated  financial  statements  are  presented  in  Canadian  dollars,  which  is  the  Company's  functional 
and presentation currency. 

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The  accounts  of  foreign  subsidiaries  whose  functional  currency  is  the  U.S.  dollar  are  translated  from  U.S. 
dollars  to Canadian  dollars  at  the  noon  spot rate  in  effect  at  the statements  of  financial  position  date, which 
was $1.0170 per US$1 at December 31, 2011 (December 31, 2010: $0.9946 per US$1 and January 1, 2010: 
$1.0466  per  US$1).    Monetary  items  receivable  or  payable  to  a  foreign  operation  for  which  settlement  is 
neither planned nor likely to occur form part of the net investment in the foreign operation.  The resulting gains 
or losses from the translation of the foreign subsidiaries and those items forming part of the net investment are 
included  in  other  comprehensive  income.    Exchange  gains  or  losses  on  the  translation  of  long-term  debt 
denominated  in  a  foreign  currency  designated  as  a  hedge  of  the  Company's  net  investment  in  foreign 
subsidiaries are included in other comprehensive income. 

Goodwill, intangibles and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign operation are treated as 
assets and liabilities of the foreign operation and translated at the rate in effect at the financial position date. 

Revenues and expenses are translated at the average rate of exchange during the period.  For the year ended 
December 31, 2011, the U.S. dollar published average exchange rate was $0.9893 per US$1 (2010: $1.0301 
per US$1).  The resulting gains or losses are included in other comprehensive income. 

Financial Instruments 

x) 
Financial Assets 
Purchases and sales of financial assets are recognized on the settlement date, which is the date on which the 
asset is delivered to or by the Company.  Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash 
flows from the investments have expired or have transferred and the Company has transferred substantially all 
risks and rewards of ownership.  Financial assets are classified in the following categories at the time of initial 
recognition based on the purpose for which the financial assets were acquired: 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 
(cid:2) Classification 

Financial  assets  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss  are  financial  assets  held  for  trading.    A  financial  asset  is 
classified in this category if acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short-term or if so designated 
by  management.    Assets  in  this  category  include  forward  exchange  contracts  and  embedded  derivatives  in 
inventory purchases. 

(cid:2) Recognition and measurement 

Financial  assets  carried  at  fair  value  are  initially  recognized,  and  subsequently  carried,  at  fair  value,  with 
changes recognized in net earnings.  Transaction costs are expensed. 

Loans and receivables 
(cid:2) Classification 

Loans  and  receivables  are  non-derivative  financial  assets  with  fixed  or  determinable  payments  that  are  not 
quoted in an active market.  They are included in current assets, except for those with maturities greater than 
12  months  after  the  end  of  the  reporting  period,  which  are  classified  as  non-current  assets.    Assets  in  this 
category  include  cash  and  cash  equivalents  and  accounts  receivable  and  are  classified  as  current  assets  in 
the statements of financial position. 

(cid:2) Recognition and measurement 

Loans and receivables are initially recognized at fair value plus transaction costs and subsequently carried at 
amortized cost, less impairment. 

Impairment of financial assets 
The  Company,  at  each  financial  position  date,  assesses  whether  there  is  objective  evidence  that  a  financial 
asset or a group of financial assets is impaired.  When impairment has occurred, the loss is recognized in net 
earnings with the offset to reduce the asset's carrying value. 

For  financial  assets  carried  at  amortized  cost,  the  amount  of  the  impairment  is  the  difference  between  the 
asset's carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the financial 
asset's original effective interest rate. 

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In a subsequent period, if the impairment loss decreases and the decrease relates to an event occurring after 
the impairment was recognized, the previously recognized impairment loss is reversed through net earnings.  
On the date of impairment reversal, the carrying amount of the financial asset cannot exceed its amortized cost 
had impairment not been recognized. 

Financial liabilities and equity instruments 
Debt  and  equity  instruments  are  classified  as  either  financial  liabilities  or  as  equity  in  accordance  with  the 
substance of the contractual arrangement.  Financial liabilities are classified in the following categories at the 
time of initial recognition: 

Other financial liabilities 
(cid:2) Classification 

Other financial liabilities include accounts payable and accrued liabilities and long-term debt. 

(cid:2) Recognition and measurement 

Short-term borrowings are recorded at the fair value of the proceeds received.  Long-term debt is measured at 
amortized cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense recognized in net earnings.  Eligible 
costs  related  to  long-term  debt  financing  are  carried  at  amortized  cost  and  amortized  using  the  effective 
interest method over the period of the related financing. 

Derivative financial instruments 
Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value on the date a contract is entered into and are subsequently re-
measured  at  their  fair  value.    The  method  of  recognizing  the  resulting  gain  or  loss  depends  on  whether  the 
derivative is designated as a hedging instrument and the nature of the item being hedged. 

The Company documents at the inception of the transaction the relationship between hedging instruments and 
hedged  items,  as  well  as  its  risk  management  objectives  and  strategy  for  undertaking  various  hedging 
transactions.    The  Company  also  documents  its  assessment,  both  at  hedge  inception  and  on  an  ongoing 
basis, of whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes 
in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. 

Non-performance risk, including the Company's own credit risk, is considered when determining the fair value 
of financial instruments. 

Derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting 
The Company designates certain derivatives as either a cash flow hedge or net investment hedge as follows: 

(cid:2) Cash flow hedge 

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as a cash flow 
hedge  is  recognized  in  other  comprehensive  income.    The  gain  or  loss  relating  to  the  ineffective  portion  is 
recognized immediately in net earnings. 

(cid:2) Net Investment hedge 

The  Company  has  designated  certain  financial  instruments  as  a  hedge  of  its  net  investment  in  foreign 
operations and are accounted for similarly to cash flow hedges.  Any gain or loss on the hedging instrument 
relating to the effective portion of the hedge is recognized in other comprehensive income.  The gain or loss 
relating to the ineffective portion is recognized immediately in net earnings. 

Gains  and  losses  on  the  hedging  instrument  relating  to  the  effective  portion  of  the  hedge  included  in 
accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  are  reclassified  to  net  earnings  when  the  foreign  operations  are 
disposed of or when control is lost. 

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting 
Certain derivative instruments, while providing effective economic hedges, are not designated as hedges for 
accounting  purposes.    Changes  in  the  fair  value  of  any  derivatives  that  are  not  designated  as  hedges  for 
accounting  purposes  are  recognized  within  "Other  finance  expense  (income)"  in  the  statements  of  earnings 
consistent with the underlying nature and purpose of the derivative instruments. 

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Embedded derivatives 
An  embedded  derivative  is  a  feature  within  a  contract,  where  the  cash  flows  associated  with  that  feature 
behave  in  a  similar  fashion  to  a  stand-alone  derivative.    The  Company  has  embedded  foreign  currency 
derivatives in certain purchase contracts where the currency of the contract is different from the functional or 
local currencies of the parties involved.  These derivatives are accounted for as separate instruments and are 
measured  at  fair  value  and  included  in  accounts  payable  and  accrued  liabilities  at  the  end  of  the  reporting 
period.    Changes  in  their  fair  values  are  recognized  within  "Other  operating  expenses"  in  the  statements  of 
earnings. 

Borrowing costs 

y) 
Borrowing  costs  directly  attributable  to  the  acquisition,  construction  or  production  of  a  qualifying  asset  are 
capitalized  as  part  of  the  costs  of  that  asset.    Other  borrowing  costs  not  directly  attributable  to  a  qualifying 
asset are expensed in the period incurred. 

2. 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  requires  management  to  make  certain  judgements  and  estimates 
about  the  future.    Judgement  is  commonly  used  in  determining  whether  a  balance  or  transaction  should  be 
recognized in the consolidated financial statements and estimates and assumptions are more commonly used 
in determining the measurement of recognized transactions and balances.  However, judgement and estimates 
are  often  interrelated.    Estimates  and  assumptions  are  continually  evaluated  and  are  based  on  historical 
experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under 
the circumstances.  The following discussion sets forth management's most critical estimates and assumptions 
in determining the value of assets and liabilities. 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 
The  Company  assesses  the  collectability  of  accounts  receivable.    An  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  is 
estimated based on customer creditworthiness, current economic trends and past experience. 

Property, Plant and Equipment 
The Company reviews the estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment at the end of each annual 
reporting  period,  and  whenever  events  or  circumstances  indicate  a  change  in  useful  life.    Estimated  useful 
lives of items of property, plant and equipment are based on a best estimate and the actual useful lives may be 
different.

Intangible Assets and Goodwill 
Intangible  assets  and  goodwill  arise  from  business  combinations.    Upon  acquisition,  the  Company  identifies 
and  attributes  fair  values  and  estimated  useful  lives  of  intangible  assets  with  the  residual  value  allocated  to 
goodwill acquired.  These determinations involve estimates and assumptions regarding cash flow projections, 
economic risk and the weighted average cost of capital.  If future events or results differ adversely from these 
estimates and assumptions, the Company could record increased amortization or impairment charges in the 
future. 

Employee Future Benefits 
The Company's determination of employee benefit expenses and obligations requires the use of assumptions 
such  as  the  expected  return  on  assets  available  to  fund  pension  obligations,  the  discount  rate  to  measure 
obligations,  expected  mortality,  the  expected  rate  of  increase  of  future  compensation  and  the  expected 
healthcare  cost  trend  rate.    Since  the  determination  of  the  costs  and  obligations  associated  with  employee 
future  benefits  requires  the  use  of  various  assumptions,  there  is  measurement  uncertainty  inherent  in  the 
actuarial  valuation  process.    Actual  results  could  differ  from  estimated  results,  which  are  based  on 
assumptions. 

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Income Taxes 
The  Company  computes  an  income  tax  provision  in  each  of  the  jurisdictions  in  which  it  operates.    Actual 
amounts  of  income  tax  expense  are  finalized  upon  filing  and  acceptance  of  the  tax  return  by  the  relevant 
authorities, which occur subsequent to the issuance of the financial statements.  Additionally, the estimation of 
income  taxes  includes  evaluating  the  recoverability  of  deferred  tax  assets  based  on  an  assessment  of  the 
ability  to  use  the  underlying  future  tax  deductions  before  they  expire  against  future  taxable  income.    The 
assessment is based upon existing tax laws and estimates of future taxable income.  To the extent estimates 
differ  from  the  final  tax  return,  earnings  would  be  affected  in  a  subsequent  period.    In  interim  periods,  the 
income tax provision is based on an estimate of earnings in a full year by jurisdiction.  The estimated average 
annual  effective  income  tax  rates  are  reviewed  at  each  reporting  date,  based  on  full  year  projections  of 
earnings.  To the extent that forecasts differ from actual results, adjustments are recorded through earnings in 
subsequent periods. 

Uncertain Income Tax Positions
The Company is subject to taxation in numerous jurisdictions.  There are many transactions and calculations 
for  which  the  ultimate  tax  determination  is  uncertain  during  the  ordinary  course  of  business.    The  Company 
maintains provisions for uncertain tax positions that it believes appropriately reflect its risk with respect to tax 
matters  under  active  discussion,  audit,  dispute  or  appeal  with  tax  authorities,  or  which  are  otherwise 
considered to involve uncertainty.  These provisions are made using the best estimate of the amount expected 
to be paid based on a qualitative assessment of all relevant factors.  The Company reviews the adequacy of 
these provisions at the end of the reporting period. It is possible that at some future date an additional liability 
could result from audits by taxing authorities.  Where the final outcome of these tax-related matters is different 
from  the  amounts  that  were  initially  recorded,  such  differences  will  affect  the  tax  provision  in  the  period  in 
which such determination is made. 

Other Estimates
The  Company's  management  also  makes  estimates  for  net  realizable  value  and  obsolescence  provisions 
relating  to  inventory,  fair  values,  guarantees,  assigned  values  on  net  assets  acquired,  asset  impairment, 
decommissioning obligations, contingencies and litigation.  These estimates are based on historical experience 
and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of 
which  form  the  basis  for  making  judgements  about  the  carrying  values  of  assets  and  liabilities  that  are  not 
readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results may differ from these estimates. 

3. 

FUTURE ACCOUNTING CHANGES

a) 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 

IFRS 9, replaces the guidance on classification and measurement of financial instruments in IAS 39, Financial 
Instruments:  Recognition  and  Measurement,  establishes  principles  for  the  reporting  of  financial  assets  and 
financial liabilities that will present relevant and useful information to the users of financial statements for their 
assessment of the amounts, timing and uncertainty of an entity's future cash flows. 

b) 

IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements 

This  new  standard  replaces  IAS  27  Consolidated  and  Separate  Financial  Statements,  and  SIC-12 
Consolidation - Special Purpose Entities.  It introduces a new principle-based definition of control, applicable to 
all investees to determine the scope of consolidation.  The standard provides the framework for consolidated 
financial statements and their preparation based on the principle of control. 

c) 

IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements 

This new standard replaces IAS 31 Interests in Joint Ventures, and SIC-13 Jointly Controlled Entities - Non-
Monetary Contributions by Venturers.  IFRS 11 differs from the previous standards in, among other things, the 
use  of  the  proportionate  consolidation  method  is  no  longer  permitted  for  interests  in  joint  ventures  (formerly 
designated as "jointly controlled entities"). 

d) 

IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities 

This  new  standard  provides  minimum  disclosure  requirements  when  a  reporting  entity  holds  an  interest  in 
other  entities.    This  standard  combines disclosures required  for  interests  in  subsidiaries,  joint  arrangements, 
associates and unconsolidated structured entities, which were previously located in each applicable individual 
standard. 

e) 

IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement 

This new standard clarifies the definition of fair value, provide guidance on measuring fair value and improve 
disclosure requirements related to fair value measurement. 

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f)

IAS 27 (Amended) Separate Financial Statements

IAS  27  was  amended  to  focus  solely  on  accounting  and  disclosure  requirements  when  an  entity  presents 
separate  financial  statements,  due  to  the  issuance  of  the  new  IFRS  10  which  is  specific  to  consolidated 
financial statements. 

g) 

IAS 28 (Amended) Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures 

As a result of the issuance of IFRS 11, as well as the withdrawal of IAS 31, IAS 28 was republished to set out 
the requirements for the application of the equity method when accounting for interests in joint ventures and 
interests in associates. 

h) 

IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements: Other Comprehensive Income 

IAS  1,  Presentation  of  Financial  Statements,  was  amended  to  require  entities  to  group  items  presented  in 
"Other  Comprehensive  Income"  in  two  categories.    Items  will  be  grouped  together  based  on  whether  those 
items will or will not be classified to profit or loss in the future. 

i) 

IAS 19 Post Employment Benefits 

IAS 19 Employee Benefits, was amended to make fundamental improvements to recognition, presentation and 
disclosures for defined benefit plans.  The amendments eliminate the use of the corridor method, streamline 
the  presentation  of  changes  in  assets  and  liabilities  arising  from  defined  benefit  plans  and  enhance  the 
disclosure requirements. 

These  new  standards  are  effective  for  the  Company's  condensed  and  annual  consolidated  financial 
statements  commencing  January  1,  2013  except  for  IFRS  9  which  is  effective  for  annual  reporting  periods 
beginning on or after January 1, 2015.   The Company is assessing the impact of these new standards and 
these amendments on its consolidated financial statements. 

4. 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

(millions) 

Cash on deposit 
Short-term investments 

December 31 
2011 

December 31 
2010 

January 1 
2010 

$     217.8 
52.9 

$     173.9 
149.8 

$     249.6 
110.0 

$     270.7 

$     323.7 

$     359.6 

Cash on deposit in bank accounts includes demand deposits, net of outstanding cheques.

5. 

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE 

(millions) 

Trade receivables 
Other receivables 

December 31 
2011 

December 31 
2010 

January 1 
2010 

$     380.1 
2.3

$     298.5 
2.9 

$     212.1 
5.7 

$     382.4 

$     301.4 

$     217.8 

Trade and other receivables are classified as loans and receivables and therefore measured at amortized cost, 
which approximates fair value. 

In  order  to  minimize  the  risk  of  uncollectability  of  trade  receivables,  the  Company  performs  regular  credit 
reviews  for  all  customers  with  significant  credit  limits.    Provisions  for  and  write-offs  of  trade  receivables  are 
done on a case by case basis taking into account a customer's past credit history as well as their current ability 
to pay. 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:20)(cid:22)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

     
      
     
      
The following is the continuity of the allowance for doubtful accounts: 

(millions)

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 
Balance, January 1, 2010 
Increases to reserve 
Amounts written off 
Adjustments 

Balance, December 31, 2010 
Increases to reserve 
Amounts written off 
Adjustments 

Balance, December 31, 2011 

$       4.2 
1.0
(2.0) 
0.2

$       3.4 
1.2
(1.5) 
0.2

$       3.3 

At December 31, 2011, the allowance was 0.9% (2010: 1.1%), of the gross trade accounts receivable balance.  
An  increase  to  the  reserve  of  1%  of  accounts  receivable  would  decrease  pre-tax  earnings  by  approximately 
$3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 (2010: $3.0 million). 

As at December 31, 2011 
(millions)

Current

Past Due
1-30 Days

Past Due

Total Trade
31-60 Days Over 60 Days  Receivables

Past Due 

Trade Receivables 
Gross trade receivables 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 

$     204.0 
- 

$     142.8 
- 

$       26.9 
- 

$         9.7 
(3.3) 

$     383.4 
(3.3) 

Total net trade receivables 

$     204.0 

$     142.8 

$       26.9 

$         6.4 

$     380.1 

As at December 31, 2010 
(millions)

Current

Past Due
1-30 Days

Past Due

Total Trade
31-60 Days Over 60 Days  Receivables

Past Due 

Trade Receivables 
Gross trade receivables 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 

$     168.7 
- 

$     101.9 
- 

$       23.2 
- 

$         8.1 
(3.4) 

$     301.9 
(3.4) 

Total net trade receivables 

$     168.7 

$     101.9 

$       23.2 

$         4.7 

$     298.5 

6. 

INVENTORIES

Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost and net realizable value.  Cost is determined on an average cost 
basis.  During the year ended December 31, 2011 no additional inventory impairment charges were recorded 
(2010: $nil) and $nil million of previous inventory impairment charges were reversed (2010: $1.9 million). 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:20)(cid:23)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

      
     
    
      
    
      
7. 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Cost  (millions) 

Machinery 
and Buildings  and Equipment 

Land 

Leasehold 
Improvements 

Total 

Balance at January 1, 2010 
Additions 
Disposals 
Effect of movements in exchange rates 

$     184.3 
1.0 
(2.3) 
(1.6)

$     261.0 
10.5 
(10.3) 
(2.1)

$       26.9 
0.1
-
(0.1) 

$     472.2 
11.6 
(12.6) 
(3.8) 

Balance as at December 31, 2010 
Additions 
Disposals 
Effect of movements in exchange rates 

181.4 
7.3 
(0.7) 
0.6

259.1 
10.7 
(2.8) 
1.0

26.9 
0.1
-
-

467.4 
18.1 
(3.5) 
1.6

Balance as at December 31, 2011 

$     188.6 

$     268.0 

$       27.0 

$     483.6 

Depreciation and impairment
(millions) 

Machinery 
and Buildings  and Equipment 

Land 

Leasehold 
Improvements 

Total 

Balance at January 1, 2010 
Depreciation and amortization 
Disposals 
Effect of movements in exchange rates 

$       63.0 
5.4
(1.1) 
(0.4)

$     169.2 
17.3 
(9.2) 
(0.8)

$       18.1 
0.8 
-
(0.1) 

$     250.3 
23.5 
(10.3) 
(1.3) 

Balance as at December 31, 2010 
Depreciation and amortization 
Disposals 
Effect of movements in exchange rates 

66.9 
7.2
(0.2) 
-

176.5 
14.1 
(2.4) 
0.6

18.8 
0.8 
-
-

262.2 
22.1 
(2.6) 
0.6

Balance as at December 31, 2011 

$       73.9 

$     188.8 

$       19.6 

$     282.3 

Net Book Value (millions)

January 1, 2010 
December 31, 2010
December 31, 2011 

$     221.9 
$     205.2 
$     201.3 

All items of property, plant and equipment are recorded and held at cost. 

Land,  included  in  land  and  buildings,  was  $24.0  million  (December  31,  2010:  $24.1  million  and  January  1, 
2010: $23.4 million). 

Depreciation  of  $6.3  million  was  included  in  cost  of  materials  (2010:  $6.6  million)  and  depreciation  of  $15.8 
million (2010: $16.9 million) was included in other operating expenses. 

8. 

FINANCIAL AND OTHER ASSETS 

(millions) 

December 31 
2011 

December 31 
2010 

January 1 
2010 

Investment in asset-backed commercial paper 
Deferred charges on short-term revolving credit facility 
Other

$             - 
0.8
2.5

$             - 
1.0 
2.8 

$         4.5 
1.8 
2.0 

$         3.3 

$         3.8 

$         8.3 

Amortization of deferred financing charges was $0.9 million (2010: $1.3 million). 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:20)(cid:24)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
      
9. 

a) 

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES 

The continuity of goodwill is as follows: 

(millions)

Balance, January 1, 2010 
Foreign exchange 

Balance, December 31, 2010 
Foreign exchange 

Balance, December 31, 2011 

$       18.7 
(0.5) 

18.2 
0.2

$       18.4 

The entire goodwill balance relates to the metals service centers segment. 

Impairment of goodwill 

b) 
The Company performed goodwill impairment tests during the fourth quarter of 2011 and 2010 and on January 
1,  2010  in  accordance  with  its  policy  described  in  Note  1.    The  estimated  recoverable  amount  of  all  units 
exceeded their carrying values.  As a result, no impairment was recorded. 

The recoverable amount is the greater of value in use and fair value less costs to sell.  The Company uses a 
discounted cash flow technique to determine the value in use.  Key assumptions used by management include 
forcasted  cashflows  based  on  financial  plans  approved  by  management  covering  a  five  year  period,  an 
assessment of expected growth in future earnings before income taxes and depreciation of 1 % to 2% in line 
with expected inflation and discount rates.  The assumptions are based on historical data, industry cyclicality 
and expected market developments. 

The Company used the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) to calculate the present value of its projected 
cash flows.  The WACC reflects current market assessment of the time value of money and the risks specific 
to that asset. This is an estimate of the overall required rate of return on an investment and serves as the basis 
for developing an appropriate discount rate.  Determination of the WACC requires separate analysis of the cost 
of  equity  and  debt,  and  considers  a  risk  premium  based  on  an  assessment  of  risks  related  to  the  projected 
cash flows of each unit. 

For 2011,  weighted average cost  of capital  used was  10.5%  (2010:  8.6%).    To  monitor  potential  impairment 
exposure, the Company performs a sensitivity analysis.  Accordingly, a 1% increase in the respective discount 
rate will trigger a goodwill impairment of $nil (2010: $nil).  The Company's management does not expect that 
negative change in material assumptions will occur. 

c) 
combinations, within the metals service centers are as follows: 

The  continuity  of  intangibles  which  are  comprised  of  customer  lists  acquired  through  business 

Cost
(millions) 

January 1, 2010 
Foreign exchange 

Balance, December 31, 2010 
Foreign exchange 

Balance, December 31, 2011 

$       10.4 
(0.5) 

9.9
0.2

$       10.1 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:20)(cid:25)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

Accumulated amortization
(millions) 

January 1, 2010 
Amortization 

Balance, December 31, 2010 
Amortization 

Balance, December 31, 2011 

Carrying amount

January 1, 2010 
December 31, 2010 
December 31, 2011 

$        (2.7) 
(0.5) 

(3.2) 
(0.6) 

$        (3.8) 

$         7.7 
$         6.7 
$         6.3 

The carrying amount of intangible assets as at December 31, 2011 relates to customer lists, arising from the 
acquisition of JMS Metals Services, Inc. and Norton Metal Products, Inc.  The remaining amortization period 
for customer lists is 10 to 12 years. 

10. 

REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITIES

On  June  24,  2011,  the  Company  extended  its  credit  agreement  with  a  syndicate  of  banks  which  provides  a 
credit facility of $202.5 million available for borrowings and letters of credit and additional $50 million for letters 
of credit.  The renewed agreement provides decreased interest and standby fees.  During 2011, the Company 
incurred  costs  of  $0.5  million  to  renew  the  facility  which  have  been  included  as  deferred  charges  in  other 
assets  (Note  8).    The  facility  expires  on  June  24,  2014.    Interest  and  standby  fees  are  at  rates  which  vary 
based on the Company's credit rating. 

The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants at December 31, 2011.  The obligations of the 
Company  under  this  agreement  are  secured  by  a  pledge  of  trade  accounts  receivable  and  inventories  of  a 
significant  portion  of  the  Company's  operations.    At  December  31,  2011,  the  Company  had  no  borrowings 
(2010: $nil) and letters of credit of $44.2 million (December 31, 2010: $14.5 million) under this facility. 

In July 2011, the Company renewed its U.S. subsidiary one year credit facility.  The maximum credit available 
under this facility is US$45 million.  At December 31, 2011, this subsidiary had no borrowings (2010: $nil) and 
letters of credit of US$6.3 million (December 31, 2010: US$12.9 million) under this facility. 

11. 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES 

(millions) 

December 31 
2011 

December 31 
2010 

January 1 
2010 

Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses 
Accrued interest 

$     356.2 
6.6

$     265.7 
7.1 

$     234.7 
10.7 

$     362.8 

$     272.8 

$     245.4 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:20)(cid:26)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

     
      
12. 

LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt was comprised of the following: 

(millions) 

December 31  December 31 
2010 

2011 

January 1 
2010 

7.75% $175 million convertible debentures due 
   September 30, 2016 
6.375% US$138.9 million Senior Notes due March 1, 2014
   (2010: US$167.2 million) 
Finance lease obligations (Note 23) 
Less: current portion 

$     154.3 

$     151.1 

$     148.5 

139.8 
3.7
(1.3) 

163.7 
4.9 
(1.2) 

179.7
6.2 
(1.3) 

Total long-term debt 

$     296.5 

$     318.5 

$     333.1 

a) 
In  October  2009,  the  Company  issued  $175  million  of  7.75%  convertible  unsecured  subordinated 
debentures  for  net  proceeds  of  $167.1 million.    The convertible  debentures  mature  on  September  30,  2016, 
and  interest  is  payable  semi-annually  on  March  31  and  September  30  in  each  year.    Each  debenture  is 
convertible  into  common  shares  of  the  Company  at  the  option  of  the  holder  at  any  time  on  or  prior  to  the 
business day immediately preceding (i) maturity date; or (ii) the date specified for redemption of the convertible 
debentures, at  a conversion  price  of $25.75 being a  conversion  rate  of  38.8350 common  shares per $1,000 
principal amount of convertible debentures. 

At the time of issue, the Company valued the holder's option to convert the debenture into common shares, 
using a Black-Scholes valuation model and the residual was recorded as the debt portion.  The holder's option 
to convert the debenture into common shares was initially classified as a derivative liability, as the Company 
could elect to settle the instrument in cash. 

On issuance, the Company recorded a debt liability of $147.7 million, net of issue costs of $7.0 million, and a 
derivative  financial  liability  of  $20.3  million.    The  derivative  financial  liability  was  fair  valued  every  quarter  in 
2010  and  the  change  in  fair  value  was  recognized  in  earnings  for  the  period.    As  at  January  1,  2010,  the 
derivative  liability  was  $22.2  million.    During  December  2010,  the  Company  amended  the  Trust  Indenture 
governing  the  debentures,  removing  the  cash  settlement  feature,  that  allowed  the  Company  to  settle  the 
conversion of the debenture in cash or in a combination of cash and common shares in lieu of common shares 
prior to maturity and therefore the instrument did not meet the criteria for a derivative liability classification.  As 
a result, the fair value of the conversion feature at the date of the amendment of $28.7 million, net of income 
tax of $4.6 million, was reclassified from a liability to equity. 

b) 
On February 20, 2004, the Company issued US$175 million Senior Notes due March 1, 2014, bearing 
interest  at  6.375%.    During  2010,  the  Company  repurchased  US$7.8  million  of  its  Senior  Notes  and  during 
2011 the Company repurchased an additional US$28.3 million of its Senior Notes.  The Company designated 
the remaining US$138.9 million Senior Notes as a hedge of its net investment in foreign subsidiaries. 

The US$138.9 million Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company on or 
after March 1, 2011 at 101.063% and on or after March 1, 2012 at 100.000%.  In addition, the Senior Notes 
are also redeemable, in whole, at the option of the Company at any time at 100% of the principal amount in the 
event of certain changes affecting Canadian withholding taxes.  The Senior Notes contain certain restrictions 
on the payment of common share dividends in excess of $0.08 per share per quarter.  The Company was in 
compliance with the debt covenants at December 31, 2011. 

13. 

PENSION AND BENEFITS

a) 
The Company maintains eight defined benefit pension plans in Canada.  All plans except for one plan 
provide  benefits  on  an  average  earnings  basis.    The  other  plan  provides  benefits  on  a  flat  rate  per  years  of 
pensionable  service  basis.    The  Company  also  maintains  executive  plans,  post-retirement  benefit  plans  and 
defined contribution plans in Canada and 401(k) defined contribution plans in the United States.  In addition, 
under  three  labour  contracts,  the  Company  participates  in  multi-employer  pension  plans  established  for  the 
benefit of certain employees covered by collective bargaining contracts in both Canada and U.S.  One of the 
multi-employer plans is a defined benefit plan; however, this is accounted for as a defined contribution plan as 
the Company has insufficient information to apply defined benefit plan accounting. 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:21)(cid:17)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

     
     
     
Six of the the Company's defined benefit pension plans had a valuation date of January 1, 2010, one plan had 
a valuation date of December 31, 2009 and one plan had a valuation date of January 1, 2011. 

The components of the Company's pension and benefit expense included the following: 

(millions)

2011 

2010 

Defined benefit pension plans 
   Current service cost 
   Interest cost on benefit obligation 
   Expected return on plan assets 
   Other 

Post-retirement benefits 
Defined contribution plans - contributions 

$         2.6 
5.1
(5.2) 
0.1

$         2.6 
4.9
(5.1) 
0.1

2.6
0.3
1.9

2.5
0.3
1.7

Pension and benefit expense  

$         4.8 

$         4.5 

The components of the Company's pension and benefit changes in other comprehensive income included the 
following:

(millions)

2011 

2010 

Defined benefit pension plans 
   Change in actuarial gains (losses) 
   Change in asset ceiling limits 

Change in other comprehensive income 

$      (18.6) 

-

$         1.1 
-

$      (18.6) 

$         1.1 

Cumulative other comprehensive income relating to pension and benefits 
   Balance of actuarial gains (losses) at January 1 
   Net actuarial gains (losses) recognized in the year 

$         1.1 
(18.6) 

$             - 
1.1

   Balance of actuarial gains (losses) at December 31 

$      (17.5) 

$         1.1 

There  was  no  adjustment  related  to  asset  ceiling  limits  in  other  comprehensive  income  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2011 and 2010. 

The actuarial determinations were based on the following assumptions in each year: 

Assumed discount rate - year end 
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 
Rate of increase in future compensation 
Rate of increase in future government benefits 

2011 

2010 

4.50% 
5.75% 
3.75% 
3.25% 

5.25%
6.00%
3.75%
3.25%

The  discount  rate  is  based  on  a  review  of  current  market  interest  rates  of  AA  corporate  bond  yields  with  a 
similar duration as the expected future cash outflows for the pension payments.  A 0.25% increase or decrease 
in the discount rate would decrease or increase the defined benefit obligation by approximately $4.1 million as 
of December 31, 2011 (2010: $3.4 million). 

The Company uses historical returns on its existing plan assets to estimate the expected future return on plan 
assets.    A  0.25%  increase  or  decrease  in  the  expected  return  on  plan  assets  would  decrease  or  increase 
pension expense by approximately $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:21)(cid:15)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

     
      
     
     
    
The health care cost trend rates used were 5% for dental and 9% graded out for medical, which is reduced 
0.5%  per  year  until  5%  and  5%  thereafter.    A  1%  change  in  trend  rates  would  not  result  in  a  significant 
increase or decrease in either the present value of the defined benefit obligation or the net periodic cost. 

The  mortality  assumptions  used  to  assess  the  defined  benefit  obligation  are  based  on  the  UP1994 
Generational Table with generational improvements using scale AA. 

Informal  practices  that  give  rise  to  constructive  obligations  are  included  in  the  measurement  of  the  defined 
benefit obligation. 

b) 
excluding those which are in the process of being wound up. 

The following information pertains to the Company's defined benefit pension and other benefit plans, 

(millions) 

Reconciliation of present value of the 
  defined benefit obligation 
Balance, beginning of the year 
Current service costs 
Participant contribution 
Interest cost 
Benefits paid 
Plan amendments 
Actuarial losses (gains) 

Pension Plans 
2010 

2011 

Other Benefit Plans 
2010 

2011 

$       99.3 
2.6
0.2
5.1
(5.5) 
-
11.8 

$       96.0 
2.6
0.2
4.9
(4.3) 
-
(0.1) 

$         5.5 
-
-
0.3
(0.3) 
-
0.1

$         5.6 
-
-
0.3
(0.2) 
-
(0.2) 

Balance, end of the year 

$     113.5 

$       99.3 

$         5.6 

$         5.5 

(millions) 

Pension Plans 
2010 

2011 

Other Benefit Plans 
2010 

2011 

Reconciliation of present value of the plan assets
Balance, beginning of the year 
Actual return of plan assets 
Employer contributions 
Employee contributions 
Benefits paid 
Actuarial (losses) gains 

$       87.0 
5.2
5.1
0.2
(5.5) 
(6.7) 

$       80.1 
5.1
5.1
0.2
(4.3) 
0.8

$             - 
-
0.3
-
(0.3) 
-

$             - 
-
0.2
-
(0.2) 
-

Balance, end of the year 

$       85.3 

$       87.0 

$             - 

$             - 

Defined benefit obligation 
Unrecognized prior service costs 

28.2 
(0.5) 

12.3 
(0.6) 

5.6
-

5.5
-

Defined benefit obligation, net 

$       27.7 

$       11.7 

$         5.6 

$         5.5 

As  at  December  31,  2011,  all  of  the  defined  benefit  pension  plans  including  executive  pension  plans  in  the 
above table had unfunded obligations.  As at December 31, 2010, 6 of the defined benefit pension plans in the 
above  table  had  unfunded  obligations  and  4  executive  plans  had  unfunded  obligations.    The  following  table 
provides the defined benefit obligation between plans with surplus, partially funded plans and unfunded plans. 

(millions) 

Defined benefit obligation 
Plans with a surplus 
Partially funded plans 
Unfunded plans 

Pension Plans 
2010 

2011 

Other Benefit Plans 
2010 

2011 

$             - 
27.7 
-

$        (0.7) 
12.4 
-

$             - 
-
5.6

$             - 
-
5.5

Defined benefit obligation 

$       27.7 

$       11.7 

$         5.6 

$         5.5 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:21)(cid:16)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

      
     
     
      
      
     
c) 
As  at  December  31,  2011,  approximately  48%  of  the  fair  value  of  all  pension  plan  assets  were 
invested  in  equities  (2010:  50%),  27%  in  fixed  income  securities  (2010:  21%),  and  25%  in  cash  and  cash 
equivalents  (2010:  29%).    The  plan  assets  are  not  invested  in  either  derivatives  or  real  estate  assets.    The 
expected return on plan assets is based on the fair value of plan assets.  Management endeavours to have an 
asset  mix  of  approximately  55%  in  equities,  40%  in  fixed  income  securities  and  5%  in  cash  and  cash 
equivalents.    The  investment  policy  allows  up  to  30%  in  cash  and  cash  equivalents.    The  volatility  of  the 
markets has caused management to invest a correspondingly greater percentage of the pension plan assets in 
cash and cash equivalents. 

In accordance with the IFRS provisions for first time adopters, disclosures of the present value of the defined 
benefit obligation, the fair value of the plan assets and experience adjustments arising from plan liabilities and 
assets have been presented prospectively from the date of adoption, January 1, 2010. 

The  Company  expects  to  make  contributions  of  $4.4  million  to  its  defined  benefit  pension  plans  and  $0.4 
milllion to its post retirement benefits medical plans in the next financial year. 

14. 

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

a) 

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the authorized share capital of the Company consisted of: 
(i) 

an unlimited number of common shares without nominal or par value; 

(ii) 

(iii) 

an  unlimited  number  of  Class  I  preferred  shares  without  nominal  or  par  value,  issuable  in 
series; and 

an  unlimited  number  of  Class  II  preferred  shares  without  nominal  or  par  value,  issuable  in 
series. 

The  Directors  have  the  authority  to  issue  the  Class  I  and  Class  II  preferred  shares  in  series  and  fix  the 
designation, rights, privileges and conditions to be attached to each series, except that the Class I shares shall 
be entitled to preference over the Class II shares with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution 
of assets in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company. 

b) 

The number of common shares issued and outstanding was as follows: 

Balance, January 1, 2010 
Stock options exercised 

Balance, December 31, 2010 
Stock options exercised 

Balance, December 31, 2011 

The continuity of contributed surplus is as follows: 

(millions)

Balance, January 1, 2010 
Stock-based compensation expense 
Exercise of options 

Balance, December 31, 2010 
Stock-based compensation expense 
Exercise of options 

Balance, December 31, 2011 

Number 
of Shares 

Amount 
(millions)

59,698,690 
279,483 

$     478.9 
4.8

59,978,173 
93,525 

483.7 
1.7

60,071,698 

$     485.4 

$       13.2 
1.5
(0.8) 

13.9 
2.1 
(0.3) 

$       15.7 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:21)(cid:20)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

 
     
     
Dividends paid and declared are as follows: 

Dividends (millions) 
Dividends per share 
Quaterly dividend per share declared on 
   February 15, 2012 (February 17, 2011) 

15. 

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION 

2011 

2010 

$       69.1 
$       1.15 

$       59.7 
$       1.00 

$       0.30 

$       0.25 

Stock Options 
The  Company  has  a  shareholder-approved  share  option  plan,  the  purpose  of  which  is  to  provide  the 
employees  of  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  with  the  opportunity  to  participate  in  the  growth  and 
development  of  the  Company.    On  May  12,  2011,  the  share  option  plan  was  amended.    The  number  of 
common shares that may be issued under the amended share option plan is 4,498,909 and any options will be 
exercisable  on  a  cumulative  basis  to  an  extent  of  25%  per  year  of  total  options  granted  in  years  two  to  five 
after the date of grant.  Other terms and conditions of the plan such as the 10 year life and immediate vesting 
under certain change of control provisions are unchanged.  The options currently outstanding are exercisable 
on  a  cumulative  basis  to  the  extent  of  20%  per  year  of  total  options  granted.    The  consideration  paid  by 
employees for the purchase of common shares is added to share capital. 

The following is a continuity of options outstanding: 

Balance, beginning of period 
Granted 
Exercised 
Expired or forfeited 

Number of Options 
2010 

2011 

Weighted Average 
Exercise Price 
2010 

2011 

2,684,662 
307,127 
(93,525) 
(40,325) 

2,702,084 
289,411 
(279,483) 
(27,350) 

$    25.08 
25.70 
15.19 
27.07 

$    24.52 
19.84 
14.19 
25.52 

Balance, end of the period 

2,857,939 

2,684,662 

$    25.44 

$    25.08 

Exercisable 

2,169,719 

1,813,063 

$    26.23 

$    25.64 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:21)(cid:21)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

     
      
      
      
      
     
The following share options granted under the share option plan are outstanding as at December 31, 2011. 

Grant Date 

Maturity Date 

February 17, 2003 
February 18, 2004 
February 18, 2004 
April 27, 2005 
April 27, 2005 
February 23, 2006 
February 23, 2006 
February 23, 2006 
February 23, 2006 
February 23, 2006 
February 23, 2006 
February 23, 2006 
February 23, 2006 
May 3, 2006 
May 3, 2006 
May 3, 2007 
May 3, 2007 
May 3, 2007 
May 3, 2007 
May 3, 2007 
May 3, 2007 
May 3, 2007 
February 18, 2008 
February 18, 2008 
February 18, 2008 
February 18, 2008 
February 18, 2008 
February 18, 2008 
August 5, 2009 
August 5, 2009 
August 5, 2009 
August 5, 2009 
August 5, 2009 
May 12, 2010 
May 12, 2010 
May 12, 2010 
May 12, 2010 
February 17, 2011 
February 17, 2011 

February 17, 2013 
May 15, 2013 
February 18, 2014 
May 15, 2013 
April 27, 2015 
June 1, 2012 
May 12, 2013 
May 15, 2013 
January 1, 2014 
March 31, 2014 
May 31, 2015 
June 30, 2015 
February 23, 2016 
May 12, 2013 
May 3, 2016 
June 1, 2012 
May 15, 2013 
January 1, 2014 
March 31, 2014 
May 31, 2015 
June 30, 2015 
May 3, 2017 
May 12, 2013 
May 15, 2013 
March 31, 2014 
May 31, 2015 
June 30, 2015 
February 18, 2018 
May 15, 2013 
March 31, 2014 
May 31, 2015 
June 30, 2015 
August 5, 2019 
May 15, 2013 
May 31, 2015 
June 30, 2015 
May 12, 2020 
May 15, 2013 
February 17, 2021 

Exercise 
Price 

$       5.20 
9.15 
9.15 
15.85 
15.85 
25.75
25.75 
25.75
25.75
25.75
25.75 
25.75 
25.75
26.30 
26.30 
33.81 
33.81 
33.81 
33.81 
33.81 
33.81 
33.81 
26.70 
26.70 
26.70 
26.70 
26.70 
26.70 
16.58 
16.58 
16.58 
16.58 
16.58 
19.84 
19.84 
19.84 
19.84 
25.70 
25.70 

Weighted 
Average 
Number  Contractual 

Options 
Of Options  Life in Years  Exercisable 

10,000 
3,600 
34,000 
8,000 
101,300 
15,000 
112,211 
10,000 
2,500 
6,000 
4,500 
10,000 
316,740 
82,789 
38,210 
15,000 
10,000 
3,000 
10,000 
4,500 
10,000 
440,000 
325,000 
10,000 
15,000 
4,500 
10,000 
437,176 
4,000 
3,600 
1,050 
4,000 
220,275 
5,000 
1,050 
4,000 
262,311 
5,000 
298,627 

1.12 
1.36 
2.13 
1.36 
3.32 
0.41 
1.36 
1.36 
2.00 
2.24 
3.41 
3.50 
4.15 
1.36 
4.34 
0.41 
1.36 
2.00 
2.24 
3.41 
3.50 
5.34 
1.36 
1.36 
2.24 
3.41 
3.50 
6.13 
1.36 
2.24 
3.41 
3.50 
7.59 
1.36 
3.41 
3.50 
8.36 
1.36 
9.13 

10,000 
3,600 
34,000 
8,000 
101,300 
15,000 
112,211 
10,000 
2,500 
6,000 
4,500 
10,000 
316,740 
82,789 
38,210 
15,000 
10,000 
3,000 
10,000 
4,500 
10,000 
440,000 
260,000 
8,000 
12,000 
3,600 
8,000 
348,908 
2,400 
1,200 
350 
2,400 
112,802 
2,000 
- 
1,600 
98,384 
1,000 
59,725 

2,857,939 

5.11 

2,169,719 

The outstanding options had an exercise price range as follows: 

(number of options)

$ 25.75 - $ 33.81 
$ 15.86 - $ 25.74 
$   9.16 - $ 15.85 
$   3.75 - $   9.15 

Options outstanding 

December 31 
2011 

December 31 
2010 

1,892,126 
808,913 
109,300 
47,600 

1,922,826 
542,336 
154,700 
64,800 

January 1 
2010 

1,943,826 
292,158 
328,300 
137,800 

2,857,939 

2,684,662 

2,702,084 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:21)(cid:22)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
The Black-Scholes option-pricing model assumptions used to compute compensation expense under the fair 
value-based method are as follows: 

Dividend yield 
Expected volatility 
Expected life 
Risk free rate of return 
Weighted average fair value of options granted 

2011 

2010 

5% 
41% 
5 yrs 
4% 
$   6.83 

5%
42%
5 yrs 
4%
$   5.31 

Expected volatility is based on historical volatility over the last five years. 

Deferred Share Units 
The Company has a Deferred Share Unit ("DSU") Plan for non-executive directors.  A DSU is a unit equivalent 
in value to one common share based on market price, which is defined by the daily average of the high and 
low board lot on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the last five trading days immediately prior to the grant date.  
DSU's are granted quarterly to each non-executive director's account as determined by dividing $7,500 by the 
market price and at the option of the individual director they may elect to receive other board fees in the form 
of DSU's.  DSU's vest immediately and are redeemable for cash only when a non-executive director leaves the 
Board. 

At  December  31,  2011,  there  were  84,470  DSU's  outstanding  (December  31,  2010:  65,827  and  January  1, 
2010:  49,447).    The  liability  and  fair  value  of  DSU's  was  $1.9  million  at  December  31,  2011  (December  31, 
2010: $1.5 million and January 1, 2010: $0.9 million).  Dividends declared on common shares accrue to the 
units in the DSU plan in the form of additional DSU's. 

Restricted Share Units 
The Company has a Restricted Share Unit ("RSU") Plan for eligible employees as designated by the Board of 
Directors.  The plan was established to provide medium-term compensation.  RSU's are awarded by the Board 
of Directors to eligible employees annually based on the earnings performance of the recently completed year.  
RSU's vest one third on each of the first, second and third anniversary after the grant date.  RSU's expire on 
the third anniversary of the grant date and the Company  is obligated to pay in cash an amount equal to the 
number  of  RSU's  multiplied  by  the  market  price,  which  is  defined  as  the  daily  average  of  the  high  and  low 
board lot on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the last five trading days immediately prior to the expiry date. 

At December 31, 2011, there were 240,738 RSU's issued and outstanding (December 31, 2010: 216,629 and 
January  1,  2010:  206,037).    The  RSU  liability  at  December  31,  2011  was  $5.3  million  (December  31,  2010: 
$4.8  million  and  January  1,  2010:  $3.0  million).    The  fair  value  of  RSU's  was  $5.4  million  at  December  31, 
2011 (December 31, 2010: $5.0 million and January 1, 2010: $3.7 million).  Dividends declared on common 
shares accrue to the units in the RSU plan in the form of additional RSU's. 

Employee Share Purchase Plan 
The Company has an Employee Share Purchase Plan to provide employees with the opportunity to purchase 
common  shares.    Employees  may  make  contributions  of  between  1%  and  5%  of  their  base  pay  and  the 
Company  will  contribute  one-third  of  the  employee's  contribution.    Employees  are  eligible  to  make 
contributions above the 5% of base pay threshold but the Company contributes only to a maximum of one-third 
of 5% of base pay.  The plan does not provide for a discount for employee purchases and is administered by a 
trustee  who  purchases  shares  for  the  plan  through  the  TSX.    Dividends  paid  on  the  shares  are  used  to 
purchase additional shares. 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:21)(cid:23)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

     
Total costs for stock-based compensation are as follows: 

(millions)

Stock options 
DSU and RSU's 
Employee Share Purchase Plan 

December 
2011 

December 
2010 

$         2.1 
0.2
0.6

$         1.5 
1.7
0.5

$         2.9 

$         3.7 

16. 

EARNINGS PER SHARE 

The following table provides the numerator and denominator used to compute basic and diluted earnings per 
share: 

(millions)

Net income used in calculation of basic earnings per share 
Interest and accretion expense, net of income taxes 

2011 

2010 

$     118.3 
10.6 

$       57.3 
-

Net income used in calculation of diluted earnings per share 

$     128.9 

$       57.3 

(number of shares)

Weighted average shares outstanding 
Dilution impact of stock options 
Dilution impact of convertible debentures 

2011 

2010 

60,043,222 
130,837 
6,796,117 

59,717,629 
124,395 
-

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 

66,970,176 

59,842,024 

As  at  December 31,  2010,  the  effect  of  the  conversion  of  the convertible  debenture under  the  "if  converted" 
method would have been 6,796,117 shares, but the effect was anti-dilutive and has therefore been excluded 
from the computation of diluted earnings per share.  Interest, accretion and fair value adjustments related to 
convertible  debentures  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2010,  have  also  been  excluded  from  net  earnings 
used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. 

17. 

EXPENSES 

Details of expense items on the consolidated statements of earnings are as follows: 

(millions)

Employee Expenses 
Wages and salaries 
Other employee related costs 

Other Operating Expenses 
Plant and other expenses 
Delivery expenses 
Repairs and maintenance 
Selling expenses 
Professional fees 
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 
Foreign exchange gains 

2011 

2010 

$     172.1 
30.2 

$     151.3 
25.8 

$     202.3 

$     177.1 

$       58.0 
45.4 
9.3
8.1
5.5
0.1
(0.9) 

$       64.5 
35.0 
8.2
4.8
4.6
0.8
(1.0) 

$     125.5 

$     116.9 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:21)(cid:24)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

     
     
     
     
     
18. 

FINANCE EXPENSE 

Finance expense (income) is comprised of the following: 

(millions)

Interest at 6.375% on U.S. Senior Notes 
Interest at 7.75% on convertible debentures 
Other interest expense 

Interest expense 

Interest income 

Net change in fair value of convertible debentures 

Other finance expense 
Gain on investment 
Loss on repurchase of U.S. Senior Notes 

Other finance expense (income) 

2011 

2010 

$       10.4 
16.8 
0.3

$       11.9 
16.5 
0.8

27.5 

(2.0) 

-

2.5
-
0.1

2.6

29.2 

(1.6) 

11.1 

-
(1.5) 
-

(1.5) 

Finance expense, net 

$       28.1 

$       37.2 

Interest expense on long-term debt is comprised of the interest calculated on the face value of long-term debt, 
issue  costs  and  accretion  of  the  carrying  value  of  the  long-term  debt.    Long-term  debt  interest  expense  is 
charged  to  earnings  using  the  effective  interest  method.    Accretion  and  issue  cost  amortization  for  the  year 
ended December 31, 2011 was $3.8 million (2010: $3.6 million). 

19. 

INCOME TAXES 

a)

The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows: 

(millions) 

2011 

2010 

Current tax expense 
Deferred tax (recovery) expense  
Deferred tax expense (benefit) from a previously unrecognized tax loss 

$       51.3 
(0.5) 
0.3

$       25.6 
3.1
(2.8)

b)

The Company's effective income tax rate was derived as follows: 

Applicable combined Canadian statutory rate 
Rate difference of U.S. companies 
Recognition of previously unrecorded tax benefits 
Non deductible items related to derivatives 
Stock compensation and non deductible items 
Other

Average effective tax rate 

$       51.1 

$       25.9 

2011 

27.9% 
2.5% 
(0.7%) 
-
0.4% 
0.1% 

30.2% 

2010 

29.4%
0.2%
(3.9%)
4.2%
1.2%
-

31.1%

The combined Canadian statutory rate is the aggregate of the federal income tax rate of 16.5% (2010: 18%) 
and the average provincial rate of 11.4% (2010: 11.4%).  In 2011, there were changes in the statutory rates 
from 29.4% to 27.9% due to scheduled rate reductions which were previously enacted.  The average effective 
income tax rates were higher than the average Canadian corporate tax rate due to principally higher tax rates 
and differing tax rules applicable to certain of the Company's subsidiaries outside Canada. 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:21)(cid:25)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

      
     
c) 

The movements of deferred income tax assets and liabilities are shown below: 

Deferred Income Tax Assets

(millions) 

Balance January 1, 2010 
(Expense) benefit to 
   statements of earnings 
Translation and other 

Property 
  Plant and 
Losses  Equipment 

Pension 
And 
Benefits 

Goodwill 

Item 
And  Charged 
Intangibles  To Equity 

Other 
Timing 

Total 

$        0.9 

$       (3.4) $        0.6 

$        8.0  $            -  $        2.8  $        8.9 

(0.8)
- 

(1.0)
0.2 

0.4 
- 

(0.3)
(0.3)

- 
- 

0.1 
(0.1)

(1.6)
(0.2)

Balance December 31, 2010 

$        0.1 

$       (4.2) $        1.0 

$        7.4  $            -  $        2.8  $        7.1 

(Expense) benefit to 
   statements of earnings 
Translation and other 

1.1 
- 

(0.4)
(0.2)

(0.4)
- 

(1.1)
0.2 

- 
- 

(1.0)
- 

(1.8)
- 

Balance December 31, 2011 

$        1.2

$       (4.8) $        0.6

$        6.5

$            - $        1.8  $        5.3

Deferred Income Tax Liabilities

(millions) 

Property 
Plant and 
Equipment 

Pension 
And 
Benefits 

Goodwill 

Item 
And  Charged 
Intangibles  To Equity 

Other 
Timing 

Total 

Balance January 1, 2010 
(Benefit) expense to statements of earnings 
Benefit (charge) to equity 

$        7.1  $       (5.5)
- 
0.2 

(1.6)
- 

$       (0.3) $        1.0  $            -  $        2.3 
(1.4)
6.1 

(0.6) 
5.9 

0.3 
- 

0.5 
- 

Balance December 31, 2010 

$        5.5  $       (5.3)

$            -  $        6.3  $        0.5  $        7.0 

(Benefit) expense to 
   statements of earnings 
Benefit (charge) to equity 
Translation and other 

(0.3)
- 
- 

0.4 
(4.8)
0.4 

- 
- 
- 

(2.1) 
(0.1) 
- 

(0.2)
- 
0.1 

(2.2)
(4.9)
0.5 

Balance December 31, 2011 

$        5.2

$       (9.3)

$            -

$        4.1 $        0.4 $        0.4

Net deferred liability at January 1, 2010 
Net deferred liability at December 31, 2010 
Net deferred liability at December 31, 2011 

$        6.6 
$        0.1 
$        4.9 

d)
At December 31, 2011, the Company had U.S. state tax losses carried forward which, at U.S. state tax 
rates, have an estimated value of $1 million.  The majority of the tax losses carried forward if not utilized will 
expire between 2027 and 2031.  Deferred tax assets are recognized for tax loss carry-forwards to the extent 
that the realization of the related tax benefit through future taxable profits is probable.  The ability to realize the 
tax  benefits  of  these  losses  is  dependent  upon  a  number  of  factors,  including  the  future  probability  of 
generating taxable income from operations in the jurisdictions in which the tax losses arose. 

At  December  31,  2011,  the  Company  had  $13  million  (2010:  $20  million)  of  capital  losses  carried  forward 
which may only be used to offset future capital gains.   These losses have no expiry date.  The deferred tax 
asset not recognized in respect of these losses was $2 million. 

e)
At December 31, 2011, the aggregate amount of temporary differences associated with undistributed 
earnings of non Canadian subsidiaries was $173 million.  No liability has been recognized in respect of these 
differences  because  the  Company  is  in  a  position  to  control  the  timing  of  the  reversal  of  the  temporary 
differences, and it is probable that such differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:21)(cid:26)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

 
 
 
     
 
     
 
 
     
 
     
20. 

PROVISIONS AND OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 

(millions) 

December 31 
2011 

December 31 
2010 

January 1 
2010 

Provisions for decommissioning liabilities 

$         5.4 

$         5.6 

$         5.5 

Other non-current liabilities - deferred compensation

and employee incentives 

$         1.9 

$         6.5

$         3.9

a)  The following table presents the movement in the provisions for decommissioning liabilities: 

(millions)

Balance, January 1, 2010 
Change in provisions 
Utilization

Balance, December 31, 2010 
Change in provisions 
Utilization

Balance, December 31, 2011 

$         5.5 
0.7
(0.6) 

5.6
-
0.2

$         5.4 

b)  Deferred compensation includes the RSU and the DSU liabilities.  The RSU's issued in 2008 will be paid 

in 2012 and consequently $5.1 million has been reclassified as current accrued liabilities. 

21. 

SEGMENTED INFORMATION 

For the purpose of segment reporting operating, segments are identified as a component of an entity: 

that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses; 

(cid:2)
(cid:2) whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Company's Chief Executive Officer to make 

decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance; and 
for which discrete financial information is available. 

(cid:2)

Accordingly, the Company conducts business in Canada and the U.S. in three business segments. 

Metals service centers 

i) 
The Company's network of metals service centers provides processing and distribution services on a 
broad line of metal products in a wide range of sizes, shapes and specifications, including carbon hot 
rolled and cold finished steel, pipe and tubular products, stainless steel and aluminium.  The Company 
services  all  major  geographic  regions  of  Canada  and  certain  regions  in  the  Southeastern  and 
Midwestern regions in the United States. 

Energy tubular products 

ii) 
The  Company's  energy  tubular  products  operations  distribute  oil  country  tubular  products,  line  pipe, 
tubes, valves and fittings, primarily to the energy industry in Western Canada and the United States. 

Steel distributors 

iii) 
The Company's steel distributors act as master distributors selling steel to customers in large volumes, 
mainly on an "as is" basis.  Steel distributors source their steel domestically and offshore. 

The Company has segmented its operations on the basis of management reporting and geographic segments 
in  which  it  operates.    The  inter-segment  sales  from  steel  distributors  to  metals  service  centers  were  $39.1 
million (2010: $26.4 million).  These sales, which are at market rates, are eliminated in the following table. 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:22)(cid:17)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

     
     
     
a) 

Results by business segment: 

(millions)

Segment Revenues 
Metals service centers 
Energy tubular products 
Steel distributors 

Other

Segment Operating Profits 
Metals service centers 
Energy tubular products 
Steel distributors 

Corporate expenses 
Other

Earnings before interest and income taxes 
Finance expense, net 
Provision for income taxes 

Net earnings 

Capital Expenditures
Metals service centers 
Energy tubular products 
Steel distributors 
Other

Depreciation Expense
Metals service centers 
Energy tubular products 
Steel distributors 
Other

2011 

2010 

$  1,517.2 
826.2 
342.9 

2,686.3 
7.0

$  1,210.7 
708.3 
247.8 

2,166.8 
11.2 

$  2,693.3 

$  2,178.0 

$     115.2 
60.4 
38.4 

$       59.4 
52.9 
20.9 

214.0 
(17.0) 
0.5

197.5 
(28.1) 
(51.1) 

133.2 
(17.0) 
4.2

120.4 
(37.2) 
(25.9) 

$     118.3 

$       57.3 

$       16.6 
0.9
0.5
0.1

$       10.9 
0.5
0.1
0.1

$       18.1 

$       11.6 

$       19.1 
1.6
0.4
1.0

$       20.2 
1.8
0.4
1.1

$       22.1 

$       23.5 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:22)(cid:15)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
(millions)

Current Identifiable Assets
Metals service centers 
Energy tubular products 
Steel distributors 

Non-Current Identifiable Assets
Metals service centers 
Energy tubular products 
Steel distributors 

2011 

2010 

$     462.5 
448.9 
120.3 

$     357.9 
408.4 
81.3 

1,031.7 

201.3 
6.6
1.0

847.6 

203.9 
7.4
0.8

Identifiable assets by segment 

1,240.6 

1,059.7 

Assets not included in segments 
   Cash and cash equivalents 
   Income tax assets 
   Deferred financing charges 
   Other assets 
   Corporate and other operating assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities
Metals service centers 
Energy tubular products 
Steel distributors 

Liabilities by segment 

Liabilities not included in segments 
   Income taxes payable and deferred income tax liabilities 
   Long-term debt 
   Pension and benefits 
   Corporate and other liabilities 

Total liabilities 

b) 

Results by geographic segment: 

(millions)

Segment Revenues 
Canada 
United States 

Segment Operating Profits 
Canada 
United States 

270.7 
5.8
0.8
2.5
18.0 

323.7 
9.9
1.0
2.8
19.6 

$  1,538.4 

$  1,416.7 

$     199.2 
136.0 
8.5

$     146.3 
105.6 
13.7 

343.7 

265.6 

17.8 
297.8 
33.3 
26.4 

21.4 
319.7 
17.9 
19.3 

$     719.0 

$     643.9 

2011 

2010 

$  1,857.7 
828.6 

$  1,544.7 
622.1 

$  2,686.3 

$  2,166.8 

$     153.1 
60.9 

$       94.8 
38.4 

$     214.0 

$     133.2 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:22)(cid:16)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
      
     
     
     
     
(millions)

Identifiable Assets 
Canada 
United States 

2011 

2010 

$     904.8 
335.8 

$     786.4 
273.3 

$  1,240.6 

$  1,059.7 

22. 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

During  the  years  ended  December  31,  2011  and  2010  the  Company  did  not  have  any  transactions  with 
subsidiaries outside the normal course of business.  All subsidiaries are wholly owned and all transactions with 
subsidiaries are recorded at fair value and have been eliminated upon consolidation. 

At December 31, 2011 there were no loans or credit transactions outstanding with key management personnel 
or  directors.    Key  management  personnel  includes  the  Chief  Executive  Officer,  Chief  Financial  Officer  and 
certain Vice Presidents.  Compensation cost of key management personnel and directors were as follows: 

(millions)

Salaries and other benefits 
Share based payments 
Post - employment benefits 

23. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

a) 
Financial assets and liabilities 
Financial assets and liabilities are as follows: 

2011 

2010 

$         5.4 
2.6
0.4

$         3.0 
1.3
0.4

$         8.4 

$         4.7 

December 31, 2011 
(millions)

Asset/(liabilities)
At Fair Value
Through Profit

Loans and
or Loss Receivables

Other
Derivative 
Used for 
Financial
Hedging  Liabilities

Total

Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable 
Financial assets 
Accounts payables and accrued liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt 
Long-term debt 

$               - 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

$     270.7 
382.4 
0.8 
- 
- 
- 

$             -  $             -  $     270.7 
382.4 
0.8 
(362.8)
(1.3)
(296.5)

- 
- 
(362.8)
(1.3)
(296.5)

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Total 

$               - 

$     653.9 

$             -  $    (660.6) $        (6.7)

December 31, 2010 
(millions) 

Asset/(liabilities) 
At Fair Value 
Through Profit 

Loans and 
or Loss  Receivables 

Derivative 
Used for 
Hedging 

Other 
Financial 
Liabilities 

Total 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable 
Financial assets 
Accounts payables and accrued liabilities 
Current portion long-term debt 
Long-term debt 

$              - 
- 
-
- 
- 
- 

$     323.7 
301.4 
1.0 
- 
- 
- 

$             -  $             -  $     323.7 
301.4 
1.0 
(272.8)
(1.2)
(318.5)

- 
- 
(272.8)
(1.2)
(318.5)

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Total

$              - 

$     626.1 

$             -  $    (592.5) $       33.6 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:22)(cid:20)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
     
 
January 1, 2010 
(millions) 

Asset/(liabilities) 
At Fair Value 
Through Profit 

Loans and 
or Loss  Receivables 

Derivative 
Used for 
Hedging 

Other 
Financial 
Liabilities 

Total 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable 
Financial assets 
Accounts payables and accrued liabilities 
Current portion long-term debt 
Long-term debt 
Derivatives 

$              - 
- 
4.5 
- 
- 
- 
(22.2)

$     359.6  $              -  $             -  $     359.6 
217.8 
6.3 
(245.4)
(1.3)
(333.1)
(53.1)

- 
- 
(245.4)
(1.3)
(333.1)
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(30.9) 

217.8 
1.8 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Total

$        (17.7)

$     579.2  $        (30.9)  $    (579.8) $      (49.2)

The impact of fair value gains and losses from derivative financial instruments on the statements of earnings 
and statements of changes in equity was as follows: 

2011

2010

(millions) 

Embedded derivatives 
Forward contracts 
Hedging instruments
   Cross currency interest rate 
     swaps - cash flow hedges 
   US Senior notes -  
     net investment hedges 

Fair value
Gain(loss)
Through Earnings

Fair value
Gain(loss)

Fair value
Gain(loss)
Through AOCI Through Earnings  Through AOCI

Fair value 
Gain(loss) 

$        0.1 
(0.3) 

$             - 
- 

$        11.1 
0.1 

$             - 
- 

1.1 

- 

- 

(2.5) 

0.1 

- 

(2.5) 

8.8 

On January 22, 2010, the Company terminated its US$100 million cross currency swaps.  The Company paid 
$35.2 million to its swap counterparties to terminate the swaps which represented the fair value of the swaps.  
Concurrent with the termination of the swaps, the Company designated its entire US$175 million Senior Notes, 
due March 1, 2014, as a hedge of its net investment in foreign subsidiaries.  During 2011, $1.6 million (2010: 
$1.6 million) related to the swaps was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net 
earnings before income tax. 

Fair Value 

b) 
The  fair  values  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  accounts  receivable,  accounts  payable  and  accrued  liabilities 
approximate their carrying amounts because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.  The fair value of 
long-term debt and related derivative instruments is set forth below. 

Debt and Related Derivative Instruments 
Carrying Amounts 
Amounts recorded in the consolidated statements of financial position are referred to as "carrying amounts".  
The carrying amounts of primary debt are reflected in "Long-term debt" and "Current portion long-term debt" 
and the carrying amounts of derivative instruments are included in "Derivatives". 

Fair Value 
The Company records its debt at amortized cost using the effective interest method.  The fair value of long-
term debt as at December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 was estimated based on the last 
quoted trade price, where it exists, or based on current rates available to the Company for similar debt with the 
same period to maturity. 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:22)(cid:21)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

     
 
 
 
 
     
 
      
      
     
The following summary reflects the fair value of the long-term debt and related derivative instruments: 

Carrying amount 

Fair value 

December 31, 2011 
(millions)

Primary Debt
Instruments

Derivative Primary Debt 
Instruments 

Instruments

Derivative
Instruments

7.75% $175 million convertible 
   debentures due September 30, 2016 
6.375% US$138.9 million Senior Notes 
   due March 1, 2014 
Finance lease obligations 

Total 

Current portion 
Long-term portion 

$     154.3 

$            - 

$     195.1 

$            - 

139.8 
3.7

- 
-

141.6 
3.7

-
-

$     297.8 

$            - 

$     340.4 

$            - 

$         1.3 
$     296.5 

$            - 
$            - 

Carrying amount 

Fair value 

December 31, 2010 
(millions) 

Primary Debt
Instruments

Derivative
Instruments

Primary Debt 
Instruments 

Derivative
Instruments

7.75% $175 million convertible 
   debentures due September 30, 2016 
6.375% US$167.2 million Senior Notes 
   due March 1, 2014 
Finance lease obligations 

Total

Current portion 
Long-term portion 

January 1, 2010 
(millions) 

$     151.1 

$            - 

$     199.5 

$            - 

163.7 
4.9 

- 
- 

168.5 
4.9 

- 
- 

$     319.7 

$            - 

$     372.9 

$            - 

$         1.2 
$     318.5 

$            - 
$            - 

Carrying amount 

Fair value 

Primary Debt
Instruments

Derivative
Instruments
(asset) liability

Primary Debt 
Instruments 

Derivative
Instruments
(asset) liability

7.75% $175 million convertible debentures
   due September 30, 2016 (Note 12) 
6.375% US$175 million Senior Notes 
   due March 1, 2014 
Finance lease obligations 

Total

Current portion 
Long-term portion 

$     148.5 

$       22.2 

$     184.7 

$       22.2 

179.7 
6.2

30.9 
-

164.5 
6.2

30.9 
-

$     334.4 

$       53.1 

$     355.4 

$       53.1 

$         1.3 
$     333.1 

$             - 
$       53.1 

Credit risk 

c) 
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its 
contractual obligation.  Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents and derivative financial instruments, 
as well as credit exposure to customers including accounts receivables. 

The Company attempts to minimize credit exposure as follows: 

(cid:2) Cash  investments  are  placed  with  high-quality  financial  institutions  with  limited  exposure  to  any  one 
institution.    At  December  31,  2011,  nearly  all  cash  and  cash  equivalents  held  were  issued  by 
institutions that were rated R1 High by DBRS; 

(cid:2) Counterparties to derivative contracts are members of the syndicated banking facility (Note 10);

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:22)(cid:22)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

      
     
     
      
     
     
      
 
     
     
(cid:2) Credit limits minimize exposure to any one customer; and 
(cid:2) The customer base is geographically diverse and in different industries. 

No allowance for credit losses on financial assets was required as of December 31, 2011 (2010: $nil), other 
than the allowance for doubtful accounts (see Note 5).  As at December 31, 2011, trade accounts receivable 
greater than 90 days represented less than 3% of trade accounts receivable (2010: 3%). 

Interest rate risk 

d) 
Interest  rate  risk  is  the  risk  that  the  fair  value  of  the  future  cash  flows  of  a  financial  instrument  will  fluctuate 
because of changes in market rates of interest.  The Company is not exposed to significant interest rate risk.  
The  Company's  long-term  debt  is  at  fixed  rates.    The  Company's  bank  borrowings,  net  of  cash  and  cash 
equivalents used to finance working capital, which is short-term in nature, is at floating interest rates. 

Foreign exchange risk 

e) 
Foreign  exchange  risk  is  the  risk  that  the  fair  value  of  the  future  cash  flows  of  a  financial  instrument  will 
fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. The Company uses foreign exchange contracts with 
maturities of less than a year to manage foreign exchange risk on certain future committed cash outflows.  As 
at  December  31,  2011,  the  Company  had  outstanding  forward  foreign  exchange  contracts  in  the  amount  of 
US$27.5  million,  maturing  in  2012  (2010:  US$22.5  million).    A  1%  change  in  foreign  exchange  rates  would  
result in an increase or decrease in the liability or net earnings of $nil. 

In  order  to  mitigate  its  foreign  exchange  exposure, the  Company  has  designated  its  entire US$138.9  million 
Senior Notes as a hedge of its net investment in foreign subsidiaries. 

Liquidity risk 

f) 
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not meet its financial obligations when due.  Liquidity adequacy is 
assessed  in  view  of  seasonal  needs,  growth  requirements,  capital  expenditures,  and  the  maturity  profile  of 
indebtedness.    A  centralized  treasury  function  ensures  that  the  Company  maintains  funding  flexibility  by 
assessing future cash flow expectations and by maintaining its committed borrowing facilities.  Cash, which is 
surplus  to  working  capital  requirements,  is  managed  by  the  centralized  treasury  function  and  is  invested  in 
money market instruments or bank deposits, with durations ranging from current to sixty days. 

As  at  December  31,  2011,  the  Company  was  contractually  obligated  to  make  payments  under  its  financial 
liabilities that come due during the following periods: 

(millions)

2012 
2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 
2017 and beyond 

Total

Long-Term 
Debt Maturities 

Long-Term 
Debt Interest 

$            - 
- 
141.3 
- 
175.0 
-

$       22.8 
22.7 
15.2 
13.6 
10.2 
-

Operating 
Lease 
Obligations 

$       12.9 
9.6
6.8
3.7
3.0
6.1

Total 

$       35.7 
32.3 
163.3 
17.3 
188.2 
6.1

$     316.3 

$       84.5 

$       42.1 

$     442.9 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:22)(cid:23)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

      
      
      
      
      
As at December 31, 2011, the Company was contractually obligated to make payments under finance leases 
as follows: 

(millions)

2012 
2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 

Total minimum lease payments 
Interest at rates varying between 1.2% and 14.9% 

Net minimum lease payments 
Less: current portion 

Long-term portion 

$         1.6 
1.5
0.7
0.3
0.1

4.2
(0.5) 

3.7
(1.3) 

$         2.4 

At  December  31,  2011,  the  Company  was  contractually  obligated  to  repay  its  letters  of  credit  under  both  its 
bank facilities at maturity (Note 10). 

Capital management 

g) 
The Company manages capital in order to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, provide returns 
to  shareholders  through  its  dividend  policy  and  provide  the  ability  to  finance  future  growth.   Capital  includes 
shareholders' equity, bank indebtedness and long-term debt, net of cash.  The Company manages its capital 
structure  and  may  make  adjustments  to  the  amount  of  dividends  paid  to  shareholders,  purchase  shares  for 
cancellation pursuant to issuer bids, issue new shares, issue new debt, repurchase existing debt and extend or 
amend its banking facilities.  During 2011, the Company amended and extended its syndicated banking facility, 
renewed its U.S. subsidiary facility, repurchased US$28.3 million of its Senior Notes and increased its common 
share dividend. 

24. 

CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES

Lawsuits and legal claims 

a) 
The  Company  and  certain  of  its  subsidiaries  have  been  named  defendants  in  a  number  of  legal  actions.  
Although  the  outcome  of  these  claims  cannot  be  determined,  management  intends  to  defend  all  claims  and 
has  recorded  provisions  based  on  its  best  estimate  of  potential  losses.    In  the  opinion  of  management  the 
resolution  of  these  matters  is  not  expected  to  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  Company's  financial 
position, cash flows or operations. 

The Company has also entered into other agreements that provide indemnifications to counterparties in certain 
transactions  including  underwriting  agreements.    These  indemnifications  generally  require  the  Company  to 
indemnify  the  counterparties  for  costs  incurred  as  a  result  of  losses  from  litigation  that  may  be  suffered  by 
counterparties  arising  from  those  transactions  except  in  the  case  of  gross  negligence  by  the  counterparties.  
The Company does not expect to make any payments on these indemnifications and, accordingly, no liability 
has been accrued. 

Decommissioning liability 

b) 
The  Company  is  incurring  site  cleanup  and  restoration  costs  related  to  properties  not  utilized  in  current 
operations.    Remedial  actions  are  currently  underway  at  three  sites.    Decommissioning  liabilities  have  been 
estimated  using  discounted  cash  flow  valuation  techniques  for  cleanup  costs  based  on  management's  best 
estimates of the amount required to settle the liability. 

The  Company  has  asset  retirement  obligations  relating  to  the  land  lease  for  its  Thunder  Bay  Terminal 
operation whose lease term expires in 2031.  The landlord has the option to retain the equipment or to require 
the  Company  to  remove  it.    In  addition,  the  Company  has  end-of-lease  obligations  in  certain  service  center 
operations. 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:22)(cid:24)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

Business combinations and investments 

c) 
The Company may have an obligation to pay additional consideration up to US$5.0 million for its acquisition of 
Norton  Metals,  based  upon  achievement  of  performance  measures  contractually  agreed  to  at  the  time  of 
purchase.  The obligation accrued during the year ended December 31, 2011 was $1.6 million (2010: $nil). 

25. 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Income taxes on other comprehensive income are as follows: 

(millions)

2011 

2010 

Income tax on unrealized (losses) gains  on items designated 
   as net investment hedges 
Income tax on unrealized losses on items designated  
   as cash flow hedges 
Income tax on losses on derivatives designated  
   as cash flow hedges transferred to net earnings during the year 
Income tax on actuarial (losses) gains  on pension and similar obligations 

$         0.6 

$        (1.3) 

-

(0.5) 
4.8

1.2

-
(0.3) 

$         4.9 

$        (0.4) 

26. 

TRANSITION TO IFRS

The  Company  adopted  IFRS  in  accordance  with  IFRS  1,  First-time  Adoption  of  International  Financial 
Reporting Standards.  The first date at which IFRS was applied was January 1, 2010 ("Transition Date").  In 
accordance with IFRS, the Company has: 

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

provided comparative financial information for 2010 restated to IFRS; 

applied the same accounting policies throughout all periods presented; and 

applied certain optional exemptions and certain mandatory exceptions as applicable for first time IFRS 
adopters. 

The  Company's  consolidated  financial  statements  were  previously  prepared  in  accordance  with  Canadian 
GAAP.

Initial Elections Upon Adoption 
Set forth below are the IFRS 1 applicable exemptions and exceptions applied in the conversion from Canadian 
GAAP to IFRS. 

IFRS Exemption Options 
1. 

Business  combinations  -  IFRS  1  provides  the  option  to  apply  IFRS  3,  Business  Combinations, 
retrospectively  or  prospectively  from  the  Transition  Date.    The  retrospective  basis  would  require 
restatement of all business combinations that occurred on or after a selected date prior to the Transition 
Date.    The  election  could  have  resulted  in  changes  in  the  accounting  for  business  combinations 
including the amount computed for goodwill.  The Company elected not to apply IFRS 3 retrospectively 
to  business  combinations  that  occurred  prior  to  its  Transition  Date  and  such  business  combinations 
have  not  been  restated.    Any  goodwill  arising  on  such  business  combinations  before  the  Transition 
Date has not been adjusted from the carrying value previously determined under Canadian GAAP as a 
result of applying this exemption. 

2. 

Employee  benefits  -  IFRS  1  provides  the  option  to  retrospectively  apply  the  provisions  of  IAS  19, 
Employee  Benefits,  for  the  recognition  of  actuarial  gains  and  losses,  or  to  recognize  all  cumulative 
actuarial  gains  and  losses  deferred  under  Canadian  GAAP  in  opening  retained  earnings  at  the 
Transition  Date.    The  Company  elected  to  recognize  all  cumulative  actuarial  gains  and  losses  that 
existed at its Transition Date in opening retained earnings for all of its employee benefit plans. 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:22)(cid:25)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

     
     
     
     
3. 

4. 

5. 

Currency translation differences - Cumulative translation adjustment is a component of comprehensive 
income.  Retrospective  application  of  IFRS  would  require  the  Company  to  determine  cumulative 
currency  translation  differences  in  accordance  with  IAS  21,  The  Effects  of  Changes  in  Foreign 
Exchange Rates, from the date a subsidiary was acquired. IFRS 1 permits cumulative translation gains 
and  losses  to  be  reset  to  zero  at  Transition  Date.    The  Company  elected  to  reset  all  cumulative 
translation gains and losses to zero in opening retained earnings at its Transition Date. 

Revaluation of property, plant and equipment - IFRS 1 provides an option to revalue individual items of 
property, plant and equipment to fair value at the Transition Date.  Fair value would then become the 
deemed cost for the purpose of depreciation.  The Company elected not to apply this exemption and 
continues to measure property, plant and equipment at historical cost. 

Borrowing  costs  -  IAS  23,  Borrowing  Costs,  requires  an  entity  to  capitalize  borrowing  costs  that  are 
directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of certain assets as part of the cost of 
that  asset.    The  Company  utilized  the  IFRS  1  exemption  and  elected  not  to  apply  this  policy  to  pre-
transition borrowing costs. Therefore, borrowing costs prior to January 1, 2010 are expensed. 

IFRS Mandatory Exceptions 
Set forth below are the applicable mandatory exceptions in IFRS 1 applied in the conversion from Canadian 
GAAP to IFRS. 

1. 

2. 

Hedge accounting - Hedge accounting is applied prospectively from the Transition Date to transactions 
that  satisfy  the  hedge  accounting  criteria  in  IAS  39,  Financial  Instruments:  Recognition  and 
Measurement, at the transition date.  Hedging relationships cannot be designated retrospectively and 
the  supporting  documentation  cannot  be  created  retrospectively.    The  Company’s  hedge  accounting 
documentation met the IAS 39 criteria for hedge accounting. 

Estimates - Hindsight cannot be used to create or revise estimates.  The estimates previously made by 
the Company under Canadian GAAP were not revised for application of IFRS except where necessary 
to reflect any difference in accounting policies. 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:22)(cid:26)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

Reconciliations of Canadian GAAP to IFRS 

IFRS  1  requires  an  entity  to  reconcile  prior  period  financial  statements  from  prior  GAAP  to  IFRS.    The 
Company's  first  time  adoption  of  IFRS  did  not  have  a  significant  impact  on  the  total  operating,  investing  or 
financing cash flows. 

The following represents the reconciliations from Canadian GAAP to IFRS for the respective periods noted for 
equity:

The  Canadian  GAAP  statement  of  Shareholder's  equity  as  at  January  1,  2010  and  December  31,  2010  has 
been reconciled to IFRS as follows:

(in millions of Canadian dollars) 

December 31 
2010 

January 1 

2010  Notes 

Shareholders' equity under Canadian GAAP 

$     798.1 

$     793.2 

Differences increasing (decreasing) reported shareholders' equity:

Retained earnings under Canadian GAAP 

325.3 

315.3 

Cumulative retained earnings January 1, 2010 transitional adjustment 

(55.4) 

-

IFRS adjustments:

   Employee future benefits 
   Share based compensation 
   Financial instruments 
   Decommissioning liabilities 
   Property, plant and equipment 
   Asset impairment 
   Foreign currency translation 
   Income taxes 

Retained earnings under IFRS 

Contributed surplus under Canadian GAAP 
   Share based compensation 

0.5
(0.2) 
(11.9) 
(0.4) 
(0.4) 
-
(0.3) 
0.3

(22.8) 
(2.4) 
(2.9) 
(1.8) 
(4.5) 
(7.6) 
(22.9) 
9.5

$     257.5 

$     259.9 

12.5 
1.4

11.4 
1.8

Contributed surplus under IFRS 

$       13.9 

$       13.2 

AOCI under Canadian GAAP 
   Foreign currency translation 
   Actuarial gains/losses on employee benefits 

AOCI under IFRS 

(35.0) 
23.2 
0.8

(24.0) 
22.9 
-

$      (11.0) 

$        (1.1) 

Share capital under Canadian GAAP and IFRS 

$     483.7 

$     478.9 

Equity component of convertible debentures under Canadian GAAP 
   Reclass of convertible debentures call option to derivative liability 
   Reclass of convertible debentures call option to equity (Note 12) 

11.6 
(11.6) 
28.7 

11.6 
(11.6) 

-

Equity component of convertible debentures under IFRS 

$       28.7 

$            - 

Total equity under IFRS 

$     772.8 

$     750.9 

i
ii 
iii 
iv
v
vi
vii
viii 

ii 

vii
i

iii 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:23)(cid:17)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

     
     
The  Canadian  GAAP  statement  of  financial  position  as  at  January  1,  2010  has  been  reconciled  to  IFRS  as 
follows:

Canadian 
GAAP 
Balances 

Effect of 
Transition 
to IFRS 

IFRS 
Balances 

Notes 

(in millions of Canadian dollars)

ASSETS
Current 
   Cash and cash equivalents 
   Accounts receivable 
   Inventories 
   Prepaid expenses 
   Income taxes receivable 

Property, Plant and Equipment 
Deferred Income Tax Assets 
Pensions and Benefits 
Financial Asset 
Other Assets 
Goodwill and Intangibles 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 
Current 
   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
   Income taxes payable 
   Current portion long-term debt 

Derivatives 
Long-Term Debt 
Pensions and Benefits 
Provision 
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities 
Other Non-Current Liabilities 

Shareholders' Equity 
   Common shares 
   Retained earnings 
   Contributed surplus 
   Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 
   Equity component of convertible debenture 

$     359.6 
217.8 
517.9 
4.9 
53.0 

$             - 
- 
- 
- 
(2.4) 

$     359.6 
217.8 
517.9 
4.9 
50.6 

1,153.2 

(2.4) 

1,150.8 

231.9 
5.9 
8.0 
- 
8.3 
28.4 

(10.0) 
3.0 
(8.0) 
4.5 
(4.5) 
(2.0) 

221.9 
8.9 
- 
4.5 
3.8 
26.4 

$  1,435.7 

$      (19.4) 

$  1,416.3 

$     252.3 
1.4 
1.3 

$        (6.9) 
(1.4) 
- 

$     245.4 
- 
1.3 

255.0 

30.9 
340.8 
5.9 
- 
9.9 
- 

642.5 

478.9 
315.3 
11.4 
(24.0) 
11.6 

(8.3) 

246.7 

22.2 
(7.7) 
14.9 
5.5 
(7.6) 
3.9 

53.1 
333.1 
20.8 
5.5 
2.3 
3.9 

22.9 

665.4 

- 
(55.4) 
1.8 
22.9 
(11.6) 

478.9 
259.9 
13.2 
(1.1) 
- 

i - viii 
ii 
vii 
iii 

ix 

v 
viii 
i 
xi 
xi 
vi 

x 
viii 

iii 
iii 
i 
iv,x 
viii 
x 

793.2 

(42.3) 

750.9 

$  1,435.7 

$      (19.4) 

$  1,416.3 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:23)(cid:15)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

      
     
      
     
      
     
     
 
 
 
 
     
 
     
     
 
     
     
 
     
 
     
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
The  Canadian  GAAP  statement  of  earnings  and  statement  of  comprehensive  income  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2010 have been reconciled to IFRS as follows: 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS 

Year Ended December 31, 2010 
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

Revenue 
   Cost of materials 
   Employee expenses 
   Other operating expenses 

Earnings before the following 
   Other expense 
   Interest expense 
   Interest income 
   Finance expense convertible debentures 
   Other finance expense (income) 

Earnings before income taxes 
   Provision for income taxes 

Canadian 
GAAP 
Balances 

Effect of 
Transition 
to IFRS 

IFRS 
Balances 

$  2,175.4 
1,764.9 
- 
287.0 

$         2.6 
(1.3) 
177.1 
(170.1) 

$  2,178.0 
1,763.6 
177.1 
116.9 

123.5 
0.9 
26.7 
- 

- 

95.9 
26.2 

(3.1) 
(0.9) 
2.5 
(1.6) 
11.1 
(1.5) 

(12.7) 
(0.3) 

120.4 
- 
29.2 
(1.6) 
11.1 
(1.5) 

83.2 
25.9 

Notes 

xii 
xii 
xii,ii,i 
xii 

xii 
xii 
xii 
iii 
xii 

viii 

Net earnings for the year 

$       69.7 

$      (12.4) 

$       57.3 

Basic and diluted earnings per common share 

$       1.17 

$       0.96 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

Year Ended December 31, 2010 
(in millions of Canadian dollars)

Canadian 
GAAP 
Balances 

Effect of 
Transition 
to IFRS 

IFRS 
Balances 

Net earnings for the year 

$       69.7 

$      (12.4) 

$       57.3 

Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax 
   Unrealized foreign exchange losses 
     on translation of foreign U.S. operations 
   Reclassification adjustment for realized  
     foreign exchange gains included in net income 
   Unrealized gains on items designated 
     as net investment hedges 
   Unrealized losses on items designated 
     as cash flow hedges 
   Losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 
     transferred to net earnings during the year 
   Actuarial gains on pension and similar obligations 

Other comprehensive income (loss) 

(17.5) 

0.3 

(17.2) 

0.1

8.8

(2.5)

0.1
- 

(11.0) 

- 

- 

- 

- 
0.8 

1.1 

0.1 

8.8 

(2.5) 

0.1 
0.8 

(9.9) 

i 

Total comprehensive income 

$       58.7 

$      (11.3) 

$       47.4 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:23)(cid:16)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

      
     
      
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
     
      
      
 
 
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Canadian GAAP statement of financial position as at December 31, 2010 has been reconciled to IFRS as 
follows: 

(in millions of Canadian dollars)

ASSETS
Current 
   Cash and cash equivalents 
   Accounts receivable 
   Inventories 
   Prepaid expenses 
   Income taxes receivable 

Property, Plant and Equipment 
Deferred Income Tax Assets 
Pensions and Benefits 
Other Assets 
Goodwill and Intangibles 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 
Current 
   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
   Income taxes payable 
   Current portion long-term debt 
   Current portion pension and benefit liability 

Long-Term Debt 
Pensions and Benefits 
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities 
Provision 
Other Non-current Liabilities 

Shareholders' Equity 
   Common shares 
   Retained earnings 
   Contributed surplus 
   Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 
   Equity component of convertible debenture 

Canadian 
GAAP 
Balances 

Effect of 
Transition 
to IFRS 

IFRS 
Balances 

Notes 

$     323.7 
301.4 
544.1 
3.0 
4.8 

$            - 
- 
- 
- 
(2.0) 

$     323.7 
301.4 
544.1 
3.0 
2.8 

1,177.0 

(2.0) 

1,175.0 

215.7 
3.8 
9.9 
3.8 
26.9 

(10.5) 
3.3 
(9.2) 
- 
(2.0) 

205.2 
7.1 
0.7 
3.8 
24.9 

$  1,437.1 

$      (20.4) 

$  1,416.7 

$     281.3 
15.4 
1.2 
- 

$        (8.5) 
(1.0) 
- 
0.4 

$     272.8 
14.4 
1.2 
0.4 

ix 

v 
viii 
i 

vi 

x 
viii 

297.9 

325.5 
5.9 
9.7 
- 
- 

639.0 

483.7 
325.3 
12.5 
(35.0) 
11.6 

(9.1) 

288.8 

(7.0) 
11.6 
(2.7) 
5.6 
6.5 

318.5 
17.5 
7.0 
5.6 
6.5 

iii 
i 
viii 
iv,x 
x 

4.9 

643.9 

- 
(67.8) 
1.4 
24.0 
17.1 

483.7 
257.5 
13.9 
(11.0) 
28.7 

i - viii 
ii 
vii 
iii 

798.1 

(25.3) 

772.8 

$  1,437.1 

$      (20.4) 

$  1,416.7 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:23)(cid:20)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

      
     
      
     
      
     
     
 
 
 
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
     
 
 
     
 
     
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
Changes in Accounting Policies 

In  addition  to  the  exemption  options  and  mandatory  exceptions  discussed  above,  the  following  explains  the 
significant differences between the Company's previous Canadian GAAP accounting policies and our selected 
IFRS accounting policies. 

i.  EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS 

As stated in the section entitled "IFRS Exemption Options", the Company elected to recognize all cumulative 
actuarial  gains  and  losses  that  existed  at  the  Transition  Date  in  opening  retained  earnings  for  all  of  its 
employee defined benefit plans. 

Actuarial Gains and Losses 
Canadian GAAP - Actuarial gains and losses that arise in calculating the present value of the defined benefit 
obligation and the fair value of plan assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated average 
remaining service lives of the employee groups utilizing the corridor approach. 

IFRS -  The  Company  elected  to  recognize  all  unamortized  actuarial  gains  and  losses  as  an  adjustment  to 
retained earnings on transition.  Subsequent to transition, actuarial gains and losses are not amortized to the 
statement  of  earnings  but  rather  are  recorded  directly  to  other  comprehensive  income  at  the  end  of  each 
reporting  period.    The  Company  adjusted  its  2010  pension  expense  to  remove  the  amortization  of  actuarial 
gains and losses that were charged to retained earnings on transition. 

Accrued Benefit Asset 
Canadian GAAP - When a defined benefit plan gives rise to an accrued benefit asset, a valuation allowance is 
recognized for any excess of the accrued benefit asset over the expected future benefit.  The accrued benefit 
asset  is  presented  in  the  statement  of  financial  position  net  of  the  valuation  allowance.    A  change  in  the 
valuation allowance is recognized in earnings for the period in which the change occurs. 

IFRS -  IFRS  limits  the  recognition  of  the  net  benefit  asset  under  certain  circumstances  to  the  total  of  the 
cumulative unrecognized net actuarial losses and past service costs and the present value of any economic 
benefits  available  in  the  form  of  plan  refunds  or  reduction  in  future  contributions.    Since  the  Company  has 
elected to recognize all actuarial gains and losses in other comprehensive income, changes in asset ceilings 
limits,  will  also  be  recognized  in  other  comprehensive  income  in  the  period  in  which  the  changes  occurred.  
The Company's pension expense subsequent to transition has been adjusted to reflect this treatment. 

Benefit Improvements
Canadian GAAP - The employees in one of the pension plans are members of numerous collective bargaining 
groups.    These  groups  have  historically  negotiated  pension  benefits  which  increase  annually,  creating  an 
expectation for future increases.  The future increase is not a legal obligation and therefore no provision was 
recorded. 

IFRS -  The  Company  has  made  a  provision  for  constructive  obligations  representing  the  cost  of  these 
assumed  increases,  in  accordance  with  IFRS,  resulting  in  an  increase  in  defined  benefit  obligations  as  at 
January 1, 2010. 

ii.  SHARE BASED COMPENSATION 

Recognition of Expense 
Canadian GAAP - For grants of share-based awards with graded vesting, the total fair value of the award is 
recognized on a straight-line basis over the employment period necessary to vest the award. 

IFRS - Each tranche of an award with graded vesting is considered a separate grant with a different vesting 
date and fair value.  Each grant is accounted for on that basis.  The Company has adjusted its expense for 
share-based awards to reflect graded vesting by tranche. 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:23)(cid:21)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

iii.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

Compound Financial Instruments 
Canadian  GAAP  -  The  Company  recorded  its  convertible  debentures  by  valuing  the  debt  portion  using  a 
discounted cash flow valuation technique.  The remaining value of the convertible debenture, which represents 
the cash conversion feature relating to the holders' option to convert the debentures into common shares, is 
classified as equity. 

IFRS -  The  Company  valued  the  cash  conversion  feature  relating  to  the  holder's  option  to  convert  the 
debenture into common shares using the Black Scholes valuation model and the residual was recorded as the 
debt portion.  The conversion feature in the convertible debentures is considered to be a derivative under IFRS 
since the Company has the right in certain circumstances to settle the conversion in cash, or in a combination 
of cash and common shares in lieu of common shares.  This derivative is classified as a financial liability and 
was  recorded  at  fair  value  on  the  Transition  Date  and  changes  in  fair  value  from  the  date  of  transition  are 
recorded through earnings. 

During December 2010, the Company amended its trust indenture and removed the cash conversion feature.  
The fair value of the conversion feature at the date of the amendment was reclassified to equity. 

iv.  DECOMMISSIONING LIABILITIES 

Constructive Obligations 
Canadian GAAP - The Company is incurring site cleanup and restoration costs related to properties of former 
non-metals  operations.    The  estimated  costs  of  the  cleanups  on  certain  of  these  properties  have  been 
previously provided and were evaluated based on the Company’s legal obligations. 

IFRS -  IAS  37  includes  an  evaluation  of  legal  and  constructive  obligations  arising  out  of  environmental 
liabilities.  The Company is not under a legal obligation to cleanup one of the properties noted above but has a 
constructive obligation.  The amount recognized as the provision is the best estimate of the amount required to 
settle  the  obligation  at  the  end  of  the  reporting  period  and  was  calculated  using  a  discounted  cash  flow 
technique as of the Transition Date. 

v.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Componentization 
Canadian GAAP - Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost.  Depreciation is provided on a straight-
line basis at rates that charge the original cost of such assets less their residual values to operations over their 
estimated useful lives. 

IFRS -  The  standards  provide  that  the  components  of  assets  with  different  useful  lives  are  depreciated 
separately.    Depreciation  is  provided  on  a  straight-line  basis  at  rates  that  charge  the  original  cost  less  the 
residual value of such components to operations over their estimated useful lives.  Useful lives and residual 
values are evaluated at least annually. 

vi.  ASSET IMPAIRMENT 

Canadian GAAP - If an indication of impairment is identified, the asset group's carrying value is compared to 
its undiscounted cash flows.  If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value, the impairment 
losses recognized are allocated first to reduce the carrying value of the long lived assets on a pro-rata basis 
and then to reduce the carrying value of the goodwill. 

IFRS – If an indication of impairment is identified, the cash generating unit's carrying value is compared to its 
discounted cash flows.  If the discounted cash flows are less than the carrying value, the impairment losses 
recognized in respect of a cash-generating unit are allocated first to reduce the carrying value of any goodwill  
allocated to the cash-generating units and then to reduce the carrying value of the other assets in the unit on a 
pro-rata  basis.    The  Company  booked  an  additional  impairment  of  goodwill  and  long  lived  assets  in  certain 
cash generating units in its energy tubular products and metal service centers segments. 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:23)(cid:22)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

vii.  FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION 

As noted in the section entitled "IFRS Exemption Options", the Company has applied the one-time exemption 
to set the foreign currency cumulative translation adjustment ("CTA") to zero as of January 1, 2010.  The CTA 
balance  as  of  January  1,  2010  was  recognized  as  an  adjustment  to  opening  retained  earnings.    The 
application of the exemption had no impact on shareholders' equity. 

viii.  INCOME TAXES 

Income Tax Effect on Reconciling Differences between Canadian GAAP and IFRS 
Differences  for  income  taxes  include  the  effect  of  recording,  where  applicable,  the  income  tax  effect  of  the 
differences between Canadian GAAP and IFRS. 

Presentation Reclassifications 

ix.  TAX RECLASSIFICATION 

Deferred Tax 

Canadian GAAP 
Deferred  taxes  are  split  between  current  and  non-current  components  on  the  basis  of  either  the  underlying 
asset or liability, or the expected reversal of items not related to an asset or liability. 

IFRS
All deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as non-current. 

x.  PROVISION AND OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES RECLASSIFICATION 

Canadian GAAP 
Provisions and accruals balances are presented under accounts payable and accrued liabilities. 

IFRS
Provisions  are  presented  on  a  separate  line.    Non-current  accruals  are  separately  disclosed  as  non-current 
liabilities on the statement of financial position. 

xi.  FINANCIAL ASSETS RECLASSIFICATION 

Canadian GAAP 
Financial assets are presented under Financial and Other Assets. 

IFRS
Financial assets are presented on a separate line. 

xii.  STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS RECLASSIFICATION 

Due to our selection of the nature presentation of expenses in our statement of earnings under IFRS, certain 
operating and other expenses have been segregated and presented on a separate line. 

The following have been re-classified: 

Canadian GAAP 
Rental  income  is  offset  against  lease  expense  and  presented  under  operating  expense  on  the  statement  of 
earnings. 

IFRS
Rental income is recognized and presented as revenue on the statement of earnings. 

(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:4)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

(cid:23)(cid:23)

(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:7)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:9)

Russel Metals Inc. Directory

HEAD OFFICE

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

3=++(cid:2)(cid:24)(cid:17)(cid:8)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:11)(cid:29)(cid:4)(cid:25)(cid:2)(cid:27)(cid:29)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:4)(cid:22)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:17)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:2)63+
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$1(cid:2)=+8(cid:26)53=(cid:26)****(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)%1(cid:2)=+8(cid:26)53=(cid:26)*2+=
(cid:17)(cid:8)(cid:20)(cid:29):(cid:12)(cid:10)(cid:11)(cid:11)(cid:5)(cid:6)((cid:5)(cid:4)(cid:25)(cid:6)(cid:11)(cid:26)(cid:16)(cid:29)(
<<<(cid:26)(cid:12)(cid:10)(cid:11)(cid:11)(cid:5)(cid:6)((cid:5)(cid:4)(cid:25)(cid:6)(cid:11)(cid:26)(cid:16)(cid:29)(

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            @(cid:2)RUS.DB

BOARD OF DIRCTORS

Alain Benedetti                Carl R. Fiora 
Corporate Director 
(cid:2)

               Brian R. Hedges                 Lise Lachapelle                   John W. Robinson               
                 Corporate Director 
                  President & Chief Executive          Corporate Director            
(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:11)(cid:4)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:5)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:5)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:16)(cid:5)(cid:12)(cid:22)(cid:2)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:11)(cid:11)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:24)(cid:5)(cid:4)(cid:25)(cid:6)(cid:11)(cid:2)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:16)(cid:26)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)

      Corporate Director
(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:11)(cid:4)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:2)(cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:5)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:5)

(cid:2)

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Chair of the Board  
                 Corporate Director  
Western Financial Group            Chair of the Board 
(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:23)(cid:10)(cid:11)(cid:11)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:24)(cid:5)(cid:4)(cid:25)(cid:6)(cid:11)(cid:2)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:16)(cid:26)(cid:2)(cid:2)
(cid:2)

                     Corporate Director          

                  Corporate Director  

(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

CORPORATE DIRECTORY

Please refer to our website at www.russelmetals.com for a listing of all Company locations. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Detailed disclosure concerning the Company’s governance practices may be found in the Information Circular.

OFFICERS

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(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)