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Russel Metals

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FY2012 Annual Report · Russel Metals
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2012
Annual Report 

2012

A n n u a l   R e p o r t 

T A B L E   O F   C O N T E N T S
A Message from our President & CEO...............................1

Five Year Financial Summary.............................................3 

Glossary.............................................................................4 

Management’s Responsibilty for Financial Reporting........5

Management’s Discussion & Analysis................................6

Consolidated Financial Statements..................................23

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

METAL SERVICE CENTERS

ENERGY PRODUCTS

STEEL DISTRIBUTORS 

These operations distribute oil 
country tubular goods (OCTG), 
line pipe, tubes, valves and fittings 
in Canada and in the U.S.  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, 
beams, channel, flat rolled 
products, rails and pipe products. 

Our network of metals service 
centers carries 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 aluminum.  We purchase 
these products primarily from 
North American steel producers 
and package and sell them to 
end users in accordance with 
their specific needs.  We service 
all major geographical regions of 
Canada and the Southeastern and 
Midwestern regions of the United 
States.

Brian R. Hedges 

President & Chief 
Executive Officer 

A Message from our President and Chief Executive Officer  

As I reflect back on this past year, 2012  was a year where we set the foundation for the 
future  growth  of  Russel  Metals.    During  the  year  we  employed  our  capital  to  complete  a 
major acquisition,  two  smaller  acquisitions  and  increase our  processing capabilities.    We 
extended  the  duration  of  our  long-term  debt  by  issuing  new  debt  and  increased  our 
dividend  payout  to  you,  our  shareholders.    In  addition  to  those  specific  initiatives,  we 
continued to navigate Russel Metals through the constantly changing economic conditions 
that seem to have become the norm.   

We  started  the  year  by  tapping  the  Canadian  high  yield  market  and  issuing  $300  million 
6.0% senior notes that mature in 2022.  The new issue represented our first issue in the 
Canadian  high  yield  market  and  we  are  extremely  pleased  to  have  10  year  mezzanine 
financing for an attractive 6.0% interest rate.  We now have shareholders equity, excluding 
convertible  debentures,  of  $800  million,  convertible  debentures  of  $175  million,  and  long 
duration  debt  of  $300  million  –  overall  a  capitalization  structure  that  we  are  very 
comfortable with.   

We  continually  evaluate  potential  acquisition  opportunities  but  since  our  acquisition  of 
Norton Metals in 2008, none of these opportunities were at a price where we felt that they 
would add significant shareholder value.  During the second quarter of 2012 two attractive 
service center opportunities presented themselves and both acquisitions were completed 
for  a  total  purchase  price of  $57  million.    The  first  one,  Siemens Laserworks,  is  a  value-
added laser processor with locations in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Edmonton, Alberta.  
Siemens  is  a  market  leader  in  laser  processing  in  the  prairies  and  complements  our 
growth  in  value-added  processing  throughout  our  Canadian  metals  service  center 
operations.    The  second  one,  Alberta  Industrial  Metals  operates  a  service  center  in  Red 
Deer  Alberta  with  cut-to-length  capabilities.    The  acquisition  of  Alberta  Industrial  Metals 
allowed  us  to  realize  synergies  and  close  our  existing  Red  Deer  facility,  combining  the 
operations  within  the  Alberta  Industrial  facility.    For  both  Siemens  and  Alberta  Industrial 
Metals,  their  pre-acquisition  management  teams  continue  to  lead  their  respective 
operations.   

On August 29, 2012, we announced that we had entered into a letter of intent to acquire 
Apex  Distribution  and  its  related  companies  and  on  November  8,  2012  we  closed  the 
transaction.    Apex  Distribution  operates  48  locations  in  Canada  and  15  locations  in  the 
U.S.      Apex  Distribution  was  and  continues  to  be  the  largest  Canadian-owned  oilfield 
supply  company  and  provides  us  with  both  product  expansion  and  a  new  channel  of 
distribution  into  the  Western  Canadian  and  U.S.  oil  and  gas  industry.    The  Apex 
Distribution stores are located near various oilfields and they have regular contact with the 
oil and gas company field engineers.  The purchase price was $227 million plus a five year 
earnout.    Apex  Distribution  will  continue  to  operate  as  a  standalone  operation  under  the 
current management team who led Apex Distribution so capably from a start-up operation 
in 1999 to its emergence as an industry leader.   

In  addition  to  growth  by  acquisition  we  continue  to  expand  our  existing  operations  with 
ongoing  organic  growth  initiatives.    Currently,  we  are  in  the  process  of  adding  stretcher 
leveler capabilities to our Stoney Creek, Ontario and Winnipeg North, Manitoba facilities, 
which will allow us to provide industry-leading flatness to our cut-to-length customers.  We 
are also in the process of upgrading our cut-to-length capabilities at our Arrow operation in 
Houston, Texas.  We continue to enhance our deep breadth of processing capabilities by 
adding  and  upgrading  flat  lasers,  tube  lasers,  plate  and  long  products  processing 
equipment throughout our operations.  

As  we  look  to  the  future,  I  would  like  to  welcome  some  key  individuals  who  joined  our 
management team in 2012.  Don White, the President of Apex Distribution joins our team 
with  over  34  years  in  the  metals  distribution  industry.    Don  and  his  management  group 

RUSSEL METALS INC.12012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
bring  a  wealth  of  experience  and  industry  knowledge  to  our  energy  products  segment  and  we  look  forward  to 
many  successful  years  with  them.    In  addition,  in  our  metals  service  center  group  Shawn  Henschel,  general 
manager  of  Siemens  Laserworks,  joined  our  management  team.    Shawn  has  over  17  years  in  the  metals 
distribution industry.  I would also like to welcome Marvin Schultz and Brad Stein from Alberta Industrial Metals to 
our Russel Metals team. 

I would like to welcome our two new directors, John Clark and John Hanna to our Board.  John Clark and John 
Hanna  bring  a  wealth  of  business  and  financial  experience  to  our  Board  and  we  are  pleased  to  have  them.    I 
would also like to take this opportunity to thank Carl Fiora, a Russel Metals’ director since 1994, who has decided 
not  to  stand  for  reelection  this  year.    Carl,  your  industry  experience,  warmth  and  sage  counsel  have  been 
invaluable over the years, thank you.   

Looking forward to 2013 and beyond, we have positioned your company to be more profitable at all points in the 
cycle  with  the  addition  of  Apex  Distribution.    The  speed  of  change  in  the  steel  cycle  has  accelerated  and  we 
believe we are one of the best positioned companies in the industry to take advantage of the constant changes.  
We believe the economy will continue to lack direction for 2013 which will equate to flat volumes and steel prices 
that will be flat or slightly stronger.  This will be the year when we integrate our exciting acquisitions from 2012 and 
validate the strong reasons for making these acquisitions. 

B.R. Hedges 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

RUSSEL METALS INC.22012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING RESULTS (millions)
Revenues
Net earnings (loss)
EBIT 
Adjusted EBIT (Note)
EBIT as a % of revenue
Adjusted EBITDA (Note)
EBITDA as a % of revenue
Basic earnings (loss) per common share ($)
BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION (millions)
Metals
  Accounts receivable
  Inventories
  Prepaid expenses and other assets
  Accounts payable and accruals
  Net working capital - Metals
  Fixed assets
  Goodwill and intangibles
Net assets employed in metals operations
Other operating assets
Net income tax assets (liabilities)
Pension and benefit assets (liabilities)
Other corporate assets and liabilities
Total net assets employed
CAPITALIZATION (millions)
Bank indebtedness, net of (cash)
Long-term debt (incl. current portion)
Total interest bearing debt, net of (cash)
Market capitalization 
Total firm value
OTHER INFORMATION (Notes)
Shareholders' equity (millions)
Book value per share ($)
Free cash flow (millions)
Capital expenditures (millions)
Depreciation and amortization (millions)
Earnings multiple
Firm value as a multiple of EBIT
Firm value as a multiple of EBITDA
Interest bearing debt/EBITDA
Debt as a % of capitalization
Market capitalization as a % of book value
Return on equity
Return on capital employed
COMMON SHARE INFORMATION
Ending outstanding common shares
Average outstanding common shares
Dividend yield  
Dividend per share 
Share price - High
Share price - Low 
Share price - Ending

Russel Metals Inc.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
<-------------------------------------Years ended------------------------------------->

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

$3,000.1
98.8
176.2
176.2
5.9%
201.7
6.7%
$1.64

$455.6
764.0
7.1
(381.5)
845.2
225.3
192.1
1,262.6
16.0
(8.2)
(38.7)
(47.3)
$1,184.4

($100.8)
455.8
355.0
1,662.2
$2,017.2

$829.4
$13.78
$99.4
$33.7
$25.5
16.8
11.4
10.0
2.3
35%
200%
12%
15%

$2,693.3
118.3
197.5
197.5
7.3%
221.0
8.2%
$1.97

$381.7
645.6
4.3
(343.6)
688.0
184.1
24.7
896.8
17.1
(12.0)
(33.3)
(22.1)
$846.5

($270.7)
297.8
27.1
1,346.8
$1,373.9

$819.4
$13.64
$129.5
$18.1
$23.5
11.4
7.0
6.2
1.3
27%
164%
14%
23%

$2,178.0
57.3
110.8
111.5 (1)
5.1%
136.8 (1)
6.3%
$0.96

$1,971.8
(92.0)
(130.2)

63.9 (1)
3.2%
89.6 (1)
4.5%
($1.54)

$3,366.2
228.5
355.2
392.9 (1)
11.7%
416.3 (1)
12.4%
$3.67

$300.5
544.1
2.9
(259.8)
587.7
187.2
24.9
799.8
17.6
(11.5)
(17.2)
(11.9)
$776.8

($323.7)
319.7
(4.0)
1,373.5
$1,369.5

$772.8
$12.88
$85.7
$11.6
$25.3
23.9
12.3 (1)
10.0 (1)
2.3 (1)
29%
178%
7%
14% (1)

$214.2
517.9
4.6
(231.2)
505.5
213.1
28.4
747.0
18.9
47.7
2.1
(39.9)
$775.8

($359.6)
342.1
(17.5)
1,058.5
$1,041.0

$793.3
$13.29
$95.7
$18.6
$25.7
-
16.3 (1)
11.6 (1)
3.8 (1)
30%
133%
 (12%)

8% (1)

$425.9
925.1
7.6
(393.7)
964.9
230.4
71.8
1,267.1
19.4
(30.2)
0.7
(38.0)
$1,219.0

$20.0
218.9
238.9
1,134.2
$1,373.1

$980.1
$16.42
$235.9
$22.2
$23.4
5.2
3.9 (1)
3.3 (1)
0.5 (1)
18%
116%
23%
29% (1)

60,204,636
60,128,534
5.1%
$1.40
$28.97
$22.52
$27.61

60,071,698
60,043,222
5.4%
$1.20
$27.75
$18.90
$22.42

59,978,173
59,717,629
4.8%
$1.10
$23.94
$16.25
$22.90

59,698,690
59,696,743
5.6%
$1.00
$22.00
$9.25
$17.73

59,695,290
62,329,483
5.3%
$1.00
$31.36
$15.01
$19.00

Notes:
(1) Adjusted EBIT excludes inventory writedowns in the amount of $37.7 million in 2008 and $158.7 million in 2009 and 
$35.4 million for asset impairment. It excludes the inventory reversal of $1.9 million and plant closure costs of
$2.6 million in 2010.
(2) 2012, 2011 and 2010 are reported under IFRS.  2008 and 2009 represent actual results as reported under Canadian GAAP.

RUSSEL METALS INC.32012 ANNUAL REPORT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.   

RUSSEL METALS INC.42012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING 

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, 2012, and has 
disclosed the results of this evaluation in its Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition. 

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 and the 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition.  The Audit Committee reports its findings to the 
Board of Directors for consideration in approving the consolidated financial statements and the Management's 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition for presentation to the shareholders. 

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

February 12, 2013 

B. R. Hedges 
President and 
Chief Executive Officer   

M. E. Britton 
Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer 

RUSSEL METALS INC.52012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RUSSEL METALS INC. 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012 

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 our audited Consolidated Financial Statements 
for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2012,  including  the  notes  thereto  and  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with 
these financial statements.  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 12, 2013. 

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. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.62012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 products, and steel distributors. 

2012 was a very active year for us.  We raised low cost fixed term debt in the capital markets and subsequently 
used it to complete three acquisitions.  The following summarizes these activities: 

(i)  On April 19, 2012, we issued $300 million of 6.0% Senior Notes and on May 25, 2012, we redeemed 
our  6.375%  U.S.  Senior  Notes.    The  redemption  of  our  6.375%  U.S.  Senior  Notes  prior  to  maturity 
resulted in a charge to earnings for deferred costs, hedging costs and additional interest totaling $0.07 
per share. 

(ii)  On May 1, 2012, we completed the acquisition of Siemens Laserworks for consideration of $27 million 
which  added  laser  processing  capacity  through  its  service  center  facilities  located  in  Saskatoon, 
Saskatchewan and Edmonton, Alberta. 

(iii)  On  May  28,  2012,  we  completed  the  acquisition  of  Alberta  Industrial  Metals  for  consideration  of  $28 
million  which  increased  our  service  center  operations  in  Red  Deer,  Alberta  and  added  cut-to-length 
capacity in Alberta. 

(iv)  On  November  8,  2012,  we  completed  the  acquisition  of  Alberta-based  Apex  Distribution  and  related 
companies for consideration of $268 million.  The total purchase price consisted of a cash payment of 
$227 million and an additional consideration of $41 million which is contingent on future earnings over 
the  next  five  years  ending  December  31,  2017.    Apex  Distribution  is  focused  on  the  distribution  of 
valves  and  fittings  to  the  oil  and  gas  industry  in  Western  Canada.    This  acquisition  provides  a  new 
distribution  channel  and  a  new  product  focus  in  what  we  view  as  a  growing  area  of  the  distribution 
market. 

Revenues increased 11%, led by our energy products segment.  Gross margin dollars were flat year over year 
despite the revenue increase due to margin pressure exerted by declining steel prices, which resulted in lower 
margins  as  a  percentage  of  revenues.    Higher  operating  expenses  in  our  energy  products  segment  due  to 
increased  volumes  and  our  acquisition,  as  well  as  higher  interest  and  finance  expense  reduced  our  net 
earnings for 2012 by $19 million compared to 2011. 

Our earnings for 2012 were $99 million compared to $118 million in 2011.  Earnings per share were $1.64 for 
2012 compared to $1.97 for 2011.  Our return on equity was 12%. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.72012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
The table discloses selected information related to revenues, earnings and common share information over the 
last eight quarters. 

2012 

(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

$     802.9
53.1
33.1

$     718.7
46.4
22.8

$     712.6
40.3
22.5

$     765.9 
36.4 
20.4 

$  3,000.1
176.2
98.8

Basic earnings per common share 

$      0.55

$     0.38

$       0.37

$       0.34 

$       1.64

Diluted earnings 
   per common share 

Market price of common shares 
   High 
   Low 

$      0.53

$     0.38

$       0.37

$       0.34 

$      1.64

$     27.95
$     22.52

$     27.92
$     23.61

$     28.20
$     23.73

$     28.97 
$     25.90 

$    28.97
$    22.52

Shares outstanding end of quarter 
Number of common shares traded 

60,102,823
14,759,969

60,129,973
9,475,372

60,155,948
10,831,800

60,204,636 
10,378,377 

60,204,636
45,445,518

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 

RUSSEL METALS INC.82012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
     
     
     
      
     
      
     
     
     
      
     
      
      
      
      
      
      
     
     
     
      
     
 
 
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
 
 
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) 

Segment Revenues 
Metals service centers 
Energy products 
Steel distributors 
Other 

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

Operating profits 

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

Total operations 

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

Total operations 

2012 

$  1,581.1
1,060.2
351.1
7.7

$  3,000.1

$     102.1
63.2
30.3
(19.9)
0.5

2011 

2012 Change
as a % of 2011

$  1,517.2 
826.2 
342.9 
7.0 

$  2,693.3 

$     115.2 
60.4 
38.4 
(17.0) 
0.5 

4%
28%
2%

11% 

(11%)
5%
(21%)
(17%)

$     176.2

$     197.5 

(11%) 

20.5%
13.5%
14.0%

17.4%

6.5%
6.0%
8.6%

5.9%

22.3% 
14.8% 
16.9% 

19.5% 

7.6% 
7.3% 
11.2% 

7.3% 

RUSSEL METALS INC.92012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
      
      
      
      
      
 
 
 
      
      
 
 
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
 
Description of operations 

METALS SERVICE CENTERS 
a) 
We provide processing and distribution services to a broad base of approximately 39,000 end users through a 
network  of  54  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, Alberta Industrial Metals, B&T Steel, Leroux Steel, Mégantic 
Métal,  Russel  Metals  Specialty  Products,  Métaux  Russel  Produits  Spécialisés,  McCabe  Steel,  Siemens 
Laserworks  and  York-Ennis.    Our  U.S.  service  centers  operate  under  the  names  Russel  Metals  Williams 
Bahcall, JMS Russel Metals, Norton Metals and Baldwin International. 

During the second quarter of 2012 we completed two acquisitions, Siemens Laserworks and Alberta Industrial 
Metals.  These two acquisitions increased our revenues by approximately $28 million in 2012. 

Factors affecting results 

b) 
The  following  is  a  general  discussion  of  the  significant  factors  affecting  our  metals  service  centers  results.  
Specific information on how these factors impacted 2012 and 2011 is found in the section that follows. 

Steel  prices  fluctuate  significantly  throughout  the  steel  cycle.    Mill  price  reductions  during  the  second  half  of 
2012  put  downward  pressure  on  selling  prices  and  gross  margins.    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.  Revenues and operating profits fluctuate 
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. 

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 22,000 customers mean that our results tend to mirror 
the performance of the regional economies of Canada.  Our U.S. operations, which have approximately 17,000 
customers, are impacted by the local economic conditions in the regions that they serve. 

The change in the Canadian dollar in 2012 versus 2011 had no material impact on revenues and profits for our 
U.S. operations translated to Canadian dollars.  Revenues and profits of our U.S. operations reported for 2012 
were  converted  at  $0.9994  per  US$1  compared  to  $0.9893  per  US$1  for  2011.    The  exchange  rate  at 
December 31, 2012 used to translate the balance sheet was $0.9949 per US$1 versus $1.0170 per US$1 at 
December 31, 2011. 

Our Canadian operations can be 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 -- 2012 compared to 2011 

c) 
Revenues for 2012 increased 4% to $1.6 billion compared to 2011 revenues of $1.5 billion.  Tons shipped in 
metals service centers were approximately 6% higher than those shipped in 2011.  Volumes were stronger for 
the first six months of 2012 resulting in a year over year increase of 14% for that period.  The third quarter was 
flat  and  the  fourth  quarter  was  down  4%  compared  to  2011  and  7%  compared  to  the  third  quarter  of  2012.  
Selling price approximated that of 2011 for the first half of 2012 and declined in the second half, resulting in a 
decline for the year of approximately 2%. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.102012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  Metals  Service  Center  Institute  reported  a  decrease  of  3%  in  tons  shipped  for  the  industry  in  2012 
compared  to  2011  for  Canada  and  an  increase  of  2%  in  tons  shipped  for  the  U.S.    Our  6%  increase  in  tons 
shipped indicates that we have captured market share. 

Gross margin as a percentage of revenues was 20.5% for 2012 compared to 22.3% for 2011.  Gross margin 
percentage was lower compared to 2011 due to the absence of inventory holding gains experienced in the first 
half of 2011 and the decline in margins due to falling prices in the second half of 2012. 

Our average revenue per invoice for 2012 was approximately $1,806 compared to $1,772 for 2011, reflecting 
higher  average  orders  in  tons.    We  handled  approximately  3,502  transactions  per  day  in  2012  compared  to 
3,426 per day for 2011, an increase of 2%. 

Operating  expenses  for  2012  decreased  $2  million,  or  by  1%,  from  2011  mainly  related  to  lower  variable 
compensation.  Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue improved from 15% for 2011 to 14% for 2012. 

Our Boucherville, Quebec plant has been on strike since September 2012.  Our 2012 earnings were reduced 
approximately $0.04 per share due to the strike. 

Metals service centers operating profits for 2012 decreased by 11% to $102 million from $115 million in 2011.  
The decrease was due to lower margins compared to 2011 caused by declining steel prices in 2012. 

Description of operations 

ENERGY PRODUCTS 
a) 
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 yards 
ready for distribution to customers throughout North America.  In addition, we operate from 53 Canadian and 19 
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  products  segment  operates  under  the  names  Apex  Distribution,  Apex  Remington,  Comco  Pipe  and 
Supply Company, Fedmet Tubulars, Triumph Tubular & Supply, Pioneer Pipe and Spartan Energy Tubulars. 

On November 8, 2012, we acquired 100% of the operations of Apex Distribution which is a supplier of oil field 
products,  primarily  valves  and  fittings,  to  the  Western  Canadian  oil  and  gas  industry  and  the  Saskatchewan 
potash industry.  The addition of Apex Distribution complements the operations in this segment and provides a 
new channel of distribution into the Western Canadian oil and gas industry and the U.S. market through Apex 
Distribution's start-up operation Apex Remington. 

Factors affecting results 

b) 
The  following  is  a general discussion of  the significant  factors  affecting  our energy products segment results.  
Specific information on how these factors impacted 2012 and 2011 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  returned  to  historically  high  levels  during  2011  and 
remained  high  in  2012  although  rig  activity  in  2012  is  below  that  of  2011.    Activity  in  Western  Canada  is 
dependent on Canadian oil prices which are below U.S. oil prices due to a shortage of pipeline capcity.  Natural 
gas prices are at very low levels and thus drilling activity related to gas is well below historical levels.  Fracking 
technology,  applied  to  horizontal  drilling,  enables  producers  to  economically  drill  in  the  oil  and  gas-rich  shale 
fields  and  remains  the  focus  of  our  OCTG  sales  efforts.    Sales  of  large  diameter  pipe  for  use  in  distribution 
feeder lines has been a very active area for our U.S. operations in 2012 as new shale fields are developed and 
their output connected to the existing pipelines. 

Prices  for  pipe  products  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 and reduce imports 
of these products. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.112012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our Canadian operations can be 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  historically  peaks during  the period  from  October  to 
March. 

Energy products segment results -- 2012 compared to 2011 

c) 
Revenues increased 28% for 2012 to $1.0 billion compared to 2011.  Our Canadian operations servicing the oil 
sands and our U.S. operations had increased revenues mainly related to increased tons shipped.  Revenues of 
our  U.S.  operations  increased  approximately  52%  related  to  the  sale  of  pipe  for  large  diameter  transmission 
lines.  Activities in the oil sands increased 34%, while the addition of Apex Distribution for seven weeks added 
8% to sales.  Revenues from our Canadian operations servicing oil and gas drilling activity decreased by 12% 
compared to 2011. 

Gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 13.5% for 2012 compared to 14.8% in 2011 due to competitive 
price pressures and declining steel prices.  In addition, we recorded an inventory write-down of $4 million in the 
fourth quarter of 2012. 

Operating  expenses  were  $18  million  higher  in  2012  compared  to  2011,  mainly  due  to  higher  variable 
compensation, freight costs for higher volumes and the addition of Apex Distribution.  Operating expenses as a 
percentage of revenues were consistent with 2011. 

This  segment  generated  operating  profits  of  $63  million  for  2012  compared  to  $60  million  for  2011.    The 
increase related to the earnings of Apex Distribution for seven weeks offset by lower gross margin on increased 
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  significant  factors  affecting  our  steel  distributors.    Specific 
information on how these factors impacted 2012 and 2011 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.  In addition, these factors significantly affect product 
availability  in  North  America.    Current  lead  times  for  deliveries  from  North  American  mills  are  short  due  to 
excess capacity reducing demand for imports. 

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  product 
from them on a periodic basis, which can result in large fluctuations in revenues reported from period to period. 

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. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.122012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Steel distributors segment results -- 2012 compared to 2011 

c) 
Revenues for 2012 were 2% higher than that of 2011 mainly due to higher volumes during the first half of 2012.  
Increased shipments to the service center industry and large equipment manufacturers during the first half of 
2012 resulted in increased demand for our steel distributor operations in Canada and the U.S. 

Gross  margin  as  a  percentage  of  revenues  was  14.0%  for  2012  compared  to  16.9%  for  2011.    The  decline 
related to steel pricing pressures from domestic mill price reductions in the second half of 2012 and elevated 
gross margins in 2011 due to rising steel prices in the first half of 2011. 

Operating  expenses  were  $1.0  million  higher  for  2012  compared  to  2011  due  to  higher  volumes.    Operating 
expenses as a percentage of revenue was consistent with 2011. 

Operating profits for 2012 were $30 million compared to $38 million in 2011.  The decrease in operating profit 
from 2011 was mainly a result of lower gross margins. 

CORPORATE EXPENSES -- 2012 COMPARED TO 2011 
Corporate  expenses  were  $20  million  in  2012  compared  to  $17  million  in  2011.    Corporate  expenses  were 
higher due to increases in the value of deferred and restricted stock units, a result of our increased share price.  
In  addition,  as  required  under  IFRS,  we  expensed  legal,  consulting  and  audit  services  of  approximately  $1 
million related to our three acquisitions. 

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS -- 2012 COMPARED TO 2011 
Operating  profits  from  operations  were  $176  million  for  2012,  compared  to  $198  million  in  2011.    Reduced 
gross margins in metals service centers and steel distributors and higher expenses due to increased volumes in 
the energy products segment were the primary factors contributing to the decrease. 

INTEREST EXPENSE AND INCOME 
Net interest expense was $33 million for 2012 compared to $26 million for 2011.  We issued $300 million of 6% 
Senior  Notes  on  April  19,  2012  and  a  portion  of  the  proceeds  was  used  to  redeem  the  outstanding  US$139 
million Senior Notes on May 25, 2012.  Higher outstanding debt as well as the additional interest between the 
issue  of  the  new  debt  and  the  redemption  of  the  US$139  million  Senior  Notes  resulted  in  higher  interest 
expense. 

OTHER FINANCE INCOME AND EXPENSE 
Net finance expense was $5 million for 2012 compared to $3 million for 2011.  We recorded a $4 million charge 
related to deferred costs and hedging costs on the redemption of the U.S. Senior Notes in the second quarter of 
2012. 

INCOME TAXES 
Our  income  tax  provision  for  2012  was  $39  million.    Our  effective  income  tax  rate  for  2012  was  28.5% 
compared  to  30.2%  for  2011.    The  effective  income  tax  rate  decreased  due  to  lower  statutory  rates.    We 
estimate our normalized effective income tax rate to be 28.5% for 2013.  Our normalized effective income tax 
rate excludes the fair value adjustment on the Apex Distribution contingent consideration which will not have a 
tax benefit. 

NET EARNINGS 
Net earnings for 2012 were $99 million compared to $118 million for 2011.  Basic earnings per common share 
for 2012 were $1.64 compared to $1.97 per common share in 2011. 

SHARES OUTSTANDING AND DIVIDENDS 
The  weighted  average  number  of  common  shares  outstanding  for  2012  was  60,128,534  compared  to 
60,043,222 for 2011.  The average number of common shares outstanding has increased as a result of stock 
options  being  exercised.    As  at  December  31,  2012,  we  had  60,204,636  common  shares  outstanding  and  at 
February 12, 2013 we had 60,204,907 common shares outstanding. 

We paid common share dividends of $81 million or $1.35 per share in 2012 as compared to $69 million or $1.15 
per share in 2011. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.132012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.    During  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2012, Convertible Debentures of $10,000 principal were converted into 388 common shares. 

During  the  second  quarter  of  2012,  we  issued  $300  million  6.0%  Senior  Notes  due  April  19,  2022.    The 
indenture for our Senior Notes has restrictions related to quarterly dividends in excess of $0.35 per share.  We 
currently  have  a  basket  of  approximately  $110  million  available  for  restricted  payments,  which  is adjusted  for 
50% of our net earnings or losses on a quarterly basis.  This basket would be available for increased dividend 
payments. 

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 
dividends 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. 

EBITDA 
The following table shows the reconciliation of net earnings to EBITDA: 

(millions) 

Net earnings 
Provision for income taxes 
Interest and finance expense, net 

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

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

2012 

2011 

$       98.8 
39.3 
38.1 

176.2 
25.5 

$     118.3 
51.1 
28.1 

197.5 
23.5 

$     201.7 

$     221.0 

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 $34 million for 2012 compared to $18 million for 2011.  Depreciation expense was 
$24 million in 2012 and $22 million in 2011. 

In the first quarter of 2012, we acquired land adjacent to our Comco Pipe's operation in Edmonton, Alberta for 
$6 million to allow us to expand our storage of pipe for large projects in the oil sands.  In the second quarter of 
2012, we purchased a leased facility from our landlord for $4 million. 

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; however, 
due to lower expenditures on processing equipment when volumes were lower, our 2012 expenditures were in 
excess of depreciation.  We are in the process of upgrading four cut-to-length lines to improve our processing 
capabilities.    Expenditures  related  to  these  projects  commenced  during  2012  and  will  be  completed  in  2013.  
These expenditures support our organic growth initiatives 

RUSSEL METALS INC.142012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
LIQUIDITY 
At  December  31,  2012,  we  had  cash  of  $115  million  compared  to  $271  million  at  December  31,  2011.    In 
addition, at December 31, 2012, we had bank indebtedness of $14 million resulting in net cash of $101 million. 

We  generated  $133  million  from  operations  during  2012  and  utilized  $57  million  in  working  capital  to  support 
our  growth  as  well  as  $34  million  for  capital  expenditures and  $81  million  for dividends  to  shareholders.    We 
also generated $293 million from the issuance of our 6.0% Senior Notes offset by $141 million used to repay 
our  6.375%  U.S.  Senior  Notes  and  $281  million  used  to  acquire  Apex  Distribution,  Siemens  Laserworks  and 
Alberta  Industrial  Metals.    In  2011,  we  invested  $91  million  in  working  capital  to  support  our  growth  and  $18 
million for capital expenditures.  In 2011, we repurchased $29 million of our U.S. Senior Notes, 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  bad  debts  and  increased  days 
outstanding for accounts receivable, which may affect the timing of collections.  Total assets were $1.8 billion at 
December 31, 2012 and $1.5 billion at December 31, 2011.  At December 31, 2012, current assets excluding 
cash represented 73% of our total assets excluding cash, versus 81% at December 31, 2011. 

Cash  utilized  for  inventory  was  $29  million  in  2012,  mainly  related  to  increased  tons  in  all  three  segments.  
Inventories represented 42% of our total assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011. 

Inventory by Segment 

(millions) 

Metals service centers 
Energy products 
Steel distributors 

Total  

Dec. 31
2012

$     274
411
79

$     764

Sept. 30 
2012 

$     286 
350 
87 

June 30 
2012 

$     294 
341 
88 

Mar. 31 
2012 

$     300 
308 
84 

Dec. 31 
2011 

$     270 
304 
72 

$     723 

$     723 

$     692 

$     646 

Energy products includes inventories of $85 million relating to the Apex Distribution acquisition.  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 products 
Steel distributors 

Total  

Quarters Ended 

Dec. 31
2012

Sept. 30 
2012 

June 30 
2012 

Mar. 31 
2012 

Dec. 31 
2011 

3.9
3.4
3.6

3.6

4.3 
2.5 
3.1 

3.3 

4.7 
1.9 
3.6 

3.3 

4.5 
3.1 
4.0 

3.8 

4.4 
2.6 
4.8 

3.6 

At December 31, 2012, our metals service centers had higher tons of inventory priced at a lower average price 
than at December 31, 2011.  Lower revenues in the fourth quarter of 2012 reduced inventory turns. 

Our  energy  products  operations  had  inventory  at  the  end  of  2012  slightly  higher  than  2011;  however,  higher 
revenues resulted in improved inventory turns for 2012. 

Our steel distributors segment had only a slightly higher level of inventory compared to the end of 2011 but due 
to the lower revenues in the fourth quarter of 2012 had significantly lower turns. 

Accounts receivable utilized cash of $25 million during 2012 due to increased revenues in our energy segment.  
Accounts receivable represented 25% of our total assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.152012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
      
      
      
      
 
 
 
 
During 2012, we made income tax payments of $60 million compared to $46 million for 2011. 

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 property, plant and equipment 

2012 

2011 

$     133.1 
(33.7) 

$     147.6 
(18.1) 

$       99.4 

$     129.5 

We believe that 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 

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

Long-term debt 
   6.0% $300 million Senior Notes due April 19, 2022 
   7.75% $175 million Convertible Debentures due September 30, 2016 
   6.375% U.S. Senior Notes due March 1, 2012 (2011: US$138.9 million) 
Finance leases obligations, maturing 2014 to 2017 

Current portion 

2012 

2011 

$     293 
158 
- 
5 

456 
(2) 

$          - 
154 
140 
4 

298 
(1) 

$     454 

$     297 

During  2012,  we  issued  $300  million  of  6.0%  Senior  Notes  for  net  proceeds  of  $293  million  due  on  April  19, 
2022. 

Our  Convertible  Debentures  have  been  split  between  debt  and  equity.    The  amount  allocated  to  equity 
represented the valuation of the holders' option to convert the Convertible Debentures into common shares and 
the fair value adjustments on the cash conversion feature were treated as a derivative prior to the amendment 
of the Trust Indenture in December 2010.  The debt allocated to equity is accreted as a charge through interest 
expense over the life of the debentures. 

Cash and Bank Credit Facilities 

As at December 31, 2012 (millions) 

Bank loans 
Cash net of outstanding cheques 

Net cash 
Letters of credit 

Facilities 
Borrowings and letters of credit 
Letters of credit 

Facilities availability 

Available line based on borrowing base 

Russel Metals
Facility

U.S. Subsidiary 
Facility 

$      (37)
132

95
(37)

$          - 
6 

6 
(20) 

Total

$      (37)
138

101
(57)

$       58

$      (14) 

$       44

$     202
50

$     252

$     252

$       30 
- 

$     232
50

$       30 

$     282

$       30 

$     282

RUSSEL METALS INC.162012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
      
 
 
      
      
      
      
 
 
 
    
      
    
      
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 2012, we renewed our U.S. subsidiary facility with 
an expiry of July 2013 and reduced availability to US$30 million. 

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,  2012,  we  were  entitled  to 
borrow  and  issue  letters  of  credit  totaling  $252  million  under  this  facility.    At  December  31,  2012,  we  had 
borrowings of US$37 million under this facility and at December 31, 2011 we had no borrowings.  At December 
31, 2012, we had letters of credit of $37 million compared to $44 million at December 31, 2011. 

The  maximum  borrowings  including  letters of  credit under  the U.S.  subsidiary's  facility  are US$30 million.    At 
December 31, 2012, this subsidiary had no borrowings and had letters of credit of US$20 million.  At December 
31, 2011, this subsidiary had no borrowings and had letters of credit of US$20 million. 

With our cash, cash equivalents and our bank facilities we have access to approximately $287 million of cash 
based  on  our  December  31,  2012  balances.    The  use  of  our  bank  facilities  has  been  predominantly  to  fund 
working  capital  requirements,  finance  acquisitions  and  trade  letters  of  credit  for  inventory  purchases.    These 
lines may be used to support increased working capital needs when volumes and steel prices increase. 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS 
As  at  December  31,  2012,  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.    The  following  table 
sets forth such payments. 

Contractual Obligations 

(millions) 

Debt 
Long-term debt interest 
Finance lease obligations 
Operating leases 

Payments due in 

2014
and 2015

2016
and 2017

2018 and 
thereafter 

$           -
63.2
2.1
30.6

$     175.0
46.2
0.6
19.3

$     300.0 
77.3 
- 
26.8 

Total

$     475.0
218.3
5.1
96.4

2013

$           -
31.6
2.4
19.7

Total 

$       53.7

$       95.9

$     241.1

$     404.1 

$     794.8

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

We have obligations related to multiple defined benefit pension plans in Canada, as disclosed in Note 14 of our 
2012 consolidated financial statements.  During 2012, we contributed $6 million to these plans.  We expect to 
contribute approximately $5 million to these plans during 2013.  The defined benefit obligations reported in the 
financial statements use different assumptions than the going concern actuarial valuations prepared for funding.  
In  addition,  the  actuarial  valuations  provide  a  solvency  valuation,  which  is  a  valuation  assuming  the  plan  is 
wound up at the valuation date.  Our funding obligations reported would increase by $6 million on a solvency 
basis  and  thus  additional  funding  could  be  required  based  on  solvency  if  the  plans  were  wound  up.    We 
estimate  the  impact  of  a  change  in  the  discount  rate  on  the  solvency  obligation  would  be  similar  to  that 
disclosed in Note 14. 

As part of the purchase consideration for Apex Distribution we agreed to pay additional consideration during the 
next  five  years  based  on  earnings  before  interest  and  taxes  and  return  on  net  assets.    The  fair  value  of  this 
consideration  was  determined  to  be  $41  million  at  the  date  of  acquisition.    This  amount  will  be  reviewed 
quarterly and adjusted through income for increases or decreases in the liability.  Any changes in this amount 
will  not  be  tax  affected.    As  the  fair  value  includes  a  discount  related  to  future  payments,  we  estimate  the 
change in fair value on the Apex Distribution acquisition which will be recorded as other finance expense, to be 
$7 million in 2013. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.172012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
   
   
 
 
 
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 the contractual obligations table. 

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,  contingent 
consideration,  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. 

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,  2012  approximates  our  reserve  at  December  31,  2011;  however,  our  accounts  receivable 
balance at December 31, 2012 is higher.  Bad debt expense for 2012 as a percentage of revenue approximates 
that of 2011. 

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.  During 2012, we increased cost of sales and our inventory write-down reserve by $5 million related to 
the energy products segment. 

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. 

Business Combinations 
We  review  the  fair  value  of  assets  acquired  for  acquisitions.    Where  we  deem  it  appropriate  we  hire  outside 
business valuators to assist in the assessment of the fair value of property, plant, equipment and intangibles of 
acquired  businesses.    The  assessment  of  fair  values  requires  significant  judgement  including  the  contingent 
consideration which will be fair valued quarterly. 

Employee Benefit Plans 
Our  actuaries  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. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.182012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We had approximately $86 million in plan assets at December 31, 2012, which is an increase of approximately 
$1  million  from  December  31, 2011.   Due  to  a change  in  the  discount  rate  used  from 4.5%  in  2011  to  4%  in 
2012,  which  reflects  the  current  interest  rate  environment,  our  accrued  benefit  obligations  increased  by  $6 
million to $125 million at December 31, 2012 as compared to $119 million at December 31, 2011.  An actuarial 
loss on employee future benefit plans of $6 million, net of tax, was charged to other comprehensive income in 
2012  and  $14  million  was  charged  in  2011.    Our  projected  2013  pension  expense  has  also  increased  by 
approximately $2 million. 

FUTURE ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING CHANGES 
The following standards are effective for our consolidated financial statements commencing January 1, 2013.  
The  adoption  of  these  standards  is  not  expected  to  have  a  significant  impact  on  the  Company's  financial 
position or results of operations. 

a) 
IFRS  10,  Consolidated  Financial  Statements,  replaces  IAS  27  Consolidated  and  Separate  Financial 
Statements  and  SIC-12  Consolidation  -  Special  Purpose  Entities  and  introduces  a  new  principle-based 
definition of control to determine whether an investment needs to be consolidated. 

IFRS 12, Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities, provides guidance on minimum disclosure requirements 

b) 
when a reporting entity holds an interest in other entities. 

IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement, clarifies the definition of fair value, provides guidance on measuring fair 

c) 
value and disclosure requirements related to fair value measurement. 

d) 
IAS  27,  (Amended),  Separate  Financial  Statements,  was  amended  to  focus  solely  on  accounting  and 
disclosure requirements when an entity presents financial statements, separate from its consolidated financial 
statements. 

e) 
IAS  28  (Amended),  Investments  in  Associates  and  Joint  Ventures,  was  republished  to  set  out  the 
requirements  for  the  application  of  equity  method  accounting  for  interests  in  joint  ventures  and  interests  in 
associates. 

f) 
IAS  1  Presentation  of  Financial  Statements:  Other  Comprehensive  Income,  was  amended  to  require 
entities to group items presented in other comprehensive income based on whether those items will, or will not, 
be classified to profit or loss in the future. 

IAS  19  (Amended),  Post  Employment  Benefits,  was  amended  to  make  improvements  to  recognition, 
g) 
presentation and disclosures of defined benefit plans in the financial statements.  The amendments eliminate 
the use of the corridor method, streamline the presentation of changes in assets and liabilities and enhance the 
disclosure requirements. 

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) 

financial  statements  prepared  for  external  purposes  are  in  accordance  with  the  Company's  generally 
accepted accounting principles, 

(ii)  transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements, and records are 

maintained in reasonable detail, 

(iii)  receipts  and  expenditures  of  the  Company  are  made  only  in  accordance  with  authorizations  of  the 

Company's management and directors, and 

(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. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.192012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2012.  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,  for 
operations  other  than  those  related  to  Apex  Distribution  which  we  acquired  on  November  8,  2012,  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. 

Apex  Distribution  was  a  private  company  prior  to  our  acquisition  on  November  8,  2012  and  does  not  have 
documented internal controls and lacks appropriate controls in its computer system to ensure all transactions 
are recorded in accordance with our generally accepted accounting principles.  We will be working with Apex 
Distribution's  management  during  2013  to  add  appropriate  manual  and  computer  controls  and  document  the 
internal control processes. 

Summary Financial Information - Apex Distribution 

For the period November 8 to December 31, 2012 
(millions) 

Revenue 
Earnings before interest and tax 

As at December 31, 2012 
(millions) 

Current assets 
Current liabilities excluding contingent consideration 
Goodwill and intangibles 
Other non-current assets 
Deferred income tax liability 
Contingent consideration 
Other non-current liabilities 

$       66 
5 

$     172 
(49) 
183 
15 
(19) 
(41) 
(1) 

The line items that could be affected by this lack of appropriate controls are revenue, earnings before interest 
and taxes, current assets and current liabilities excluding contingent consideration. 

VISION AND STRATEGY 
The metals distribution business is a segment of a mature, cyclical industry.  The use of service centers 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 in the last five years.  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 
this strategy will result in higher profits throughout a cycle and we will have average earnings over the full range 
of the cycle in the top deciles of the industry. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.202012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Growth from selective acquisitions is also part of our strategy.  We focus on investment opportunities in metals 
businesses that have strong market niches or provide mass to our existing operations.  New acquisitions could 
be  either  major  stand-alone  operations  or  ones  that  complement  our  existing  operations.    During  2012,  we 
completed  two  acquisitions  in  the  metals  service  center  segment  totaling  $55  million  and  one  in  the  energy 
products segment totaling $268 million.  We continue to review opportunities for acquisitions. 

We believe that the steel-based pricing cycle will continue to be short and volatile, 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  our  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 returning 
to pre-2009 levels in all regions other than Ontario and the U.S.  We will continue to make structural changes 
where necessary based on demand levels.  Our Apex Distribution acquisition in 2012 increased our exposure to 
the Western Canadian oil and gas segment.  We believe that this continues to be an area of growth; however, 
our  exposure  to  the  cyclicality  of  oil  and  gas  pricing  has  increased.    Management  believes  the  acquisition  of 
Apex  Distribution  provides  a  more  stable  stream  of  revenues  and  earnings  for  the  energy  products  segment.  
Our Annual Information Form includes a summary of risks related to our business. 

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 products 
Steel distributors 
Other 

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

Operating profits 

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

Total operations 

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

Total operations 

Quarters Ended December 31,

2012

2011 

2012 change 
as a % of 2011 

(10%)
48%
(20%)

7%

(21%)
7%
(41%)
(24%)

(21%)

$     338.5
344.4
81.3
1.7

$     375.1 
233.5 
101.0 
2.0 

$     765.9

$     711.6 

$       16.9
18.0
6.6
(4.2)
(0.9)

$       21.3 
16.9 
11.1 
(3.4) 
0.4 

$       36.4

$       46.3 

20.2%
13.1%
13.2%

16.4%

5.0%
5.2%
8.0%

4.5%

20.1% 
14.0% 
15.6% 

17.7% 

5.7% 
7.2% 
11.0% 

6.5% 

RUSSEL METALS INC.212012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
 
      
      
      
      
 
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
Fourth quarter results for 2012 were lower compared to the third quarter of 2012 and the fourth quarter of 2011.  
Our earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2012 were $0.34 compared to fourth quarter of 2011 of $0.47 
and third quarter of 2012 of $0.37.  Tons shipped in the fourth quarter of 2012 for metals service centers were 
approximately  9%  lower  than  for  the  third  quarter  of  2012  and  selling  prices  were  2%  lower  than  the  third 
quarter of 2012. 

OUTLOOK 
In 2013, our energy products segment will reflect our acquisition of Apex Distribution and will generate higher 
revenues and earnings.  We believe that 2013 volumes for our other operations will be flat compared to 2012.  
Steel  pricing  should  increase  slightly  compared  to  the  end  of  2012  resulting  in  higher  gross  margins  as  a 
percentage of revenues. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.222012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
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, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and the 
consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in equity for the years 
ended  December  31,  2012  and  December  31,  2011,  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, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and its financial performance 
and  its  cash  flows  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2012  and  December  31,  2011  in  accordance  with 
International Financial Reporting Standards. 

Deloitte LLP 
Chartered Accountants 
Licensed Public Accountants 

February 12, 2013 
Toronto, Ontario 

RUSSEL METALS INC.232012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS 

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

Revenues 
Cost of materials (Note 7) 
Employee expenses (Note 18) 
Other operating expenses (Note 18) 

Earnings before interest, finance and income taxes
Interest expense (Note 19) 
Interest income (Note 19) 
Other finance expense (Note 19) 

Earnings before income taxes 
Provision for income taxes (Note 20) 

Net earnings for the year 

Basic earnings per common share (Note 17)

Diluted earnings per common share (Note 17)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

(in millions of Canadian dollars) 

Net earnings for the year 

Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax (Note 26) 
   Unrealized foreign exchange (losses) gains on translation 
     of foreign operations 
   Unrealized losses on items designated as net investment hedges 
   Losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges transferred 
     to net earnings during the year 
   Actuarial losses on pension and similar obligations 

Other comprehensive loss 

Total comprehensive income 

Years ended December 31
2011 

2012 

$  3,000.1 
2,476.8 
215.3 
131.8 

$  2,693.3 
2,168.0 
202.3 
125.5 

176.2 
34.2 
(1.7) 
5.6 

138.1 
39.3 

197.5 
27.5 
(2.0) 
2.6 

169.4 
51.1 

$       98.8 

$     118.3 

$       1.64 

$       1.97 

$       1.64 

$       1.92 

Years ended December 31
2011 

2012 

$       98.8 

$     118.3 

(8.5) 
(0.9) 

2.3 
(6.0) 

(13.1) 

9.1 
(2.5) 

1.1 
(13.8) 

(6.1) 

$       85.7 

$     112.2 

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

RUSSEL METALS INC.242012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
      
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION 

As at December 31 
(in millions of Canadian dollars) 

ASSETS 
Current 
   Cash and cash equivalents (Note 5) 
   Accounts receivable (Note 6) 
   Inventories (Note 7) 
   Prepaid expenses 
   Income taxes receivable 

Property, Plant and Equipment (Note 8)
Deferred Income Tax Assets (Note 20) 
Financial and Other Assets (Note 9) 
Goodwill and Intangibles (Note 10) 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current 
   Bank indebtedness (Note 11) 
   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 12) 
   Income taxes payable 
   Current portion long-term debt (Note 13) 

Long-Term Debt (Note 13) 
Pensions and Benefits (Note 14) 
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities (Note 20)
Provisions and Other Non-Current Liabilities (Note 21)

Shareholders' Equity (Note 15) 
   Common shares 
   Retained earnings 
   Contributed surplus 
   Accumulated other comprehensive loss 
   Equity component of convertible debentures (Note 13) 

Total Shareholders' Equity Attributable to Equity Holders
    Non-controlling interest 

Total Shareholders' Equity 

2012 

2011 

$     115.1 
456.2 
764.0 
7.1 
7.7 

$     270.7 
382.4 
645.6 
4.6 
0.5 

1,350.1 

1,303.8 

241.8 
4.6 
6.5 
192.1 

201.3 
5.3 
3.3 
24.7 

$  1,795.1 

$  1,538.4 

$       14.3 
396.5 
- 
2.2 

$            - 
362.8 
17.4 
1.3 

413.0 

453.6 
38.7 
20.5 
39.9 

965.7 

487.9 
324.3 
17.3 
(30.2) 
28.7 

828.0 
1.4 

829.4 

381.5 

296.5 
33.3 
0.4 
7.3 

719.0 

485.4 
306.7 
15.7 
(17.1) 
28.7 

819.4 
- 

819.4 

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

$  1,795.1 

$  1,538.4 

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, 

 A. Laberge 
Director 

   L. Lachapelle 
   Director 

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

RUSSEL METALS INC.252012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
     
      
      
      
      
     
 
                                                                         
 
 
  
  
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW 

(in millions of Canadian dollars) 

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

Years ended December 31
2011 

2012 

$       98.8 
25.5 
1.3 
(1.2) 
2.1 
(3.1) 
9.7 

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

Cash from operating activities before non-cash working capital 

133.1 

147.6 

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 
   Increase in bank borrowings 
   Issue of common shares 
   Dividends on common shares 
   Issuance of long-term debt 
   Repayment of long-term debt 
   Deferred financing 

Cash from (used in) financing activities

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

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 

25.4 
(28.5) 
(34.3) 
(19.6) 
(0.1) 

(57.1) 

76.0 

14.6 
2.0 
(81.2) 
300.0 
(142.4) 
(7.0) 

86.0 

(33.7) 
1.8 
(281.3) 

(313.2) 

(4.4) 

(155.6) 
270.7 

(78.6) 
(97.5) 
79.0 
7.2 
(1.5) 

(91.4) 

56.2 

- 
1.4 
(69.1) 
- 
(29.3) 
(0.6) 

(97.6) 

(18.1) 
0.8 
- 

(17.3) 

5.7 

(53.0) 
323.7 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year

$     115.1 

$     270.7 

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

$       60.0 
$       31.2 

$       45.8 
$       25.5 

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

RUSSEL METALS INC.262012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
      
      
      
      
      
      
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

(in millions of Canadian dollars) 

Balance, January 1, 2012 
Acquired during the year (Note 4) 
Payment of dividends 
Net earnings for the year 
Other comprehensive  
   loss for the year 
Recognition of stock-based  
   compensation 
Stock options exercised 

Non-
Common Retained Contributed Comprehensive of Convertible  Controlling
Interest

Debentures 

Earnings

Surplus

Shares

Loss

Accumulated
Other

Equity 
Component 

Total

$   485.4 
- 
- 
- 

$   306.7 
- 
(81.2)
98.8 

$     15.7 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
2.5 

- 

- 
- 

- 

1.6 
- 

$    (17.1)
- 
- 
- 

(13.1)

- 
- 

$     28.7 
- 
- 
- 

$          - 
1.4 
- 
- 

$   819.4 
1.4 
(81.2)
98.8 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

(13.1)

1.6 
2.5 

Balance, December 31, 2012 

$   487.9 

$   324.3 

$     17.3 

$    (30.2)

$     28.7 

$       1.4 

$   829.4 

(in millions of Canadian dollars) 

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 

Non-
Common Retained Contributed Comprehensive of Convertible  Controlling
Interest

Debentures 

Earnings

Surplus

Shares

Loss

Accumulated
Other

Equity 
Component 

Total

$   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 

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

RUSSEL METALS INC.272012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
      
      
     
      
      
 
 
 
      
      
     
      
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 12, 
2013. 

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"). 

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  subsidiaries.  
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company.  Control is achieved when the Company has the power to 
govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.  The financial 
statements  of  subsidiaries  are  included  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  from  the  date  the  control 
commences until the date the control ceases.  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) 
The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries as follows: 

(i) 

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

(ii) 

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

(iii) 

(iv) 

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

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 

(vi)  contingent consideration is measured at fair value at the acquisition date and changes in fair value 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. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.282012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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  estimated  not  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 or declining 
balance 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 or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the assets might be impaired.  When testing goodwill, the carrying values of the cash-generating 
units  (CGUs)  or  group  of  CGUs  including  goodwill  are  compared  with  their  respective  recoverable  amounts 
(higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use) and an impairment loss, if any, is recognized for the 
excess.    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. 

Intangibles 
Intangible assets are comprised of customer relationships, trademarks and non-competition agreements.  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  relationships  are  amortized  on  a 
straight  line  basis  over  their  estimated  useful  life  of  15  to  17  years.    Non-competition  agreements  are 
amortized  over  the  period  noted  in  the  agreement.    Useful  lives  are  reviewed  at  the  end  of  each  reporting 
period and adjusted if appropriate. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.292012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trademarks are not amortized as they have indefinite life; however, they are tested for impairment annually or 
more  frequently  if  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that  the  assets  might  be  impaired.    When 
testing  indefinite  life  intangibles  for  impairment,  the  carrying  values  of  related  CGUs  or  group  of  CGUs 
excluding goodwill are compared to their recoverable amounts. 

Impairment of long lived non-financial assets 

k) 
Non-financial tangible and definite life 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  CGU  exceeds  its  recoverable 
amount.    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 CGU 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. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.302012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

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 

  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 

  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. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.312012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 the passage of time is recognized in other finance expense. 

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 recognized in net earnings. 

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  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  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. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.322012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency 

w) 
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 financial position date, which was $0.9949 per 
US$1 at December 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $1.0170 per US$1).  Monetary items receivable or payable 
to a foreign subsidiary for which settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur form part of the net investment 
in  the  foreign  subsidiary.    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 subsidiary are treated as 
assets and liabilities of the foreign subsidiary 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, 2012, the U.S. dollar published average exchange rate was $0.9994 per US$1 (2011: $0.9893 
per US$1).  The resulting gains or losses are included in other comprehensive income. 

x) 

Financial Instruments 

(i)  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 instruments 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 
  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. 

  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 
  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. 

  Recognition and measurement 

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

(ii) 

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 asset's carrying value is 
reduced with the loss recognized in net earnings. 

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. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.332012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

(iii)  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. 

Other financial liabilities 
  Classification 

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

  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. 

(iv)  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: 

  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. 

  Net investment hedge 

The  Company  has  designated  certain  financial  instruments  as  a  hedge  of  its  net  investment  in  foreign 
operations  and  these  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 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" in the statements of earnings consistent 
with the underlying nature and purpose of the derivative instruments. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.342012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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  expense"  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 cost of that asset.  Other borrowing costs not directly attributable to a qualifying asset 
are expensed in the period incurred. 

Non-controlling interests 

z) 
Non-controlling interest in the Company's subsidiaries are classified as a separate component of equity.  Each 
period the net income or loss and the components of other comprehensive income or loss are attributed to the 
Company and non-controlling interest in proportion to their shareholdings. 

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. 

Business Combinations 
Fair  value  of  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  assumed  in  a  business  combination  is  estimated  based  on 
information  available  at  the  date  of  acquisition  and  involves  considerable  judgement  in  determining  the  fair 
values  assigned  to  property,  plant  and  equipment  and  intangible  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  including 
contingent  consideration,  assumed  on  acquisition.    The  determination  of  these  fair  values  involves  analysis 
including  the  use  of  discounted  cash  flow  analysis,  estimated  future  margins  and  estimated  future  customer 
attrition. 

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. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.352012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

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,  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 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. 

b) 

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. 

c) 

IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement 

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

RUSSEL METALS INC.362012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
d) 

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  IFRS  10  which  is  specific  to  consolidated  financial 
statements. 

e) 

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 Interest in Joint Ventures, 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. 

f) 

IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements: Other Comprehensive Income 

IAS  1  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. 

g) 

IAS 19 Post Employment Benefits 

IAS  19  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.    The  adoption  of  these  standards  is  not  expected  to  have  a 
significant impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. 

4. 

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS 

The Company accounts for its acquisitions using the acquisition method whereby the assets acquired and the 
liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair values with the surplus of the aggregate consideration 
relative to the fair value for the identifiable net assets recorded as goodwill. 

On  November  8,  2012,  the  Company  completed  its  acquisition  of  Apex  Distribution  Inc.,  and  its 
a) 
subsidiaries ("Apex") through the purchase of 100% of the shares.  The following summarizes the preliminary 
allocation of the consideration for the Apex acquisition: 

(millions) 

Net working capital 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investment and advances 
Deferred income tax liability 
Other non-current liabilities 
Non-controlling interest 
Intangibles 
Goodwill 

Net identifiable assets acquired 

Consideration: 
Cash 
Fair value of contingent consideration 

$     131.8 
12.3 
3.3 
(18.1) 
(2.3) 
(1.4) 
68.8 
73.8 

$     268.2 

$     226.8 
41.4 

$     268.2 

The fair value of accounts receivable acquired is $91.4 million, which were included in net working capital.  Any 
accounts receivable which are not collected will result in a reduction of the consideration. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.372012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
     
      
 
Apex is a leading Canadian oilfield supply company predominantly servicing the Western Canadian and U.S. 
oil and gas industry.  The addition of Apex complements the Company's existing energy products segment and 
provides a new channel of distribution.  The Company views this as one of the fastest growing segments of the 
oil  and  gas  industry.    The  amount  of  goodwill,  none  of  which  is  deductible  for  tax  purposes,  reflects  the 
expected future growth potential. 

An additional purchase price consideration of $41.4 million is uncapped and contingent on future earnings over 
the five year period ending December 31, 2017.  The fair value of the contingent consideration was calculated 
by  applying  the  income  approach  using  the  probability  weighted  expected  contingent  consideration  and  a 
discount  rate  of  13.1%.    The  undiscounted  expected  cash  outflow  relating  to  contingent  consideration  is 
estimated to be $60.2 million. 

The allocations described above are preliminary and subject to change following the final settlement of various 
holdbacks which may impact net working capital.  Apex was consolidated into the Company's operating results 
effective November 8, 2012. 

b) 
On  May  1,  2012,  the  Company  completed  its  acquisition  of  all  the  operating  assets  of  Siemens 
Laserworks, a metals distribution and processing service center with operations in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 
and  Edmonton,  Alberta.    The  following  summarizes  the  preliminary  allocation  of  the  consideration  for  the 
Siemens Laserworks acquisition: 

(millions) 

Net working capital 
Property, plant and equipment 
Deferred income tax liability 
Intangibles 
Goodwill 

Net identifiable assets acquired 

Consideration: 
Cash 

$         5.7 
11.4 
(0.2) 
2.4 
7.7 

$       27.0 

$       27.0 

Accounts receivable of $6.5 million, which were included in net working capital, represented gross contractual 
accounts  receivable  of  which  none  was  considered  uncollectible  at  the  time  of  acquisition.    Any  accounts 
receivable which are not collected will result in a reduction of the consideration. 

The goodwill recorded on the transaction represents the addition of a market leader to the core metals service 
centers  segment  that  complements  the  Company's  growth  into  value-added  processing  and  streamlines 
service  center  logistics.    The  Company  expects  that  approximately  $5.6  million  of  acquired  goodwill  will  be 
deductible for tax purposes. 

The allocations described above are preliminary and subject to change following the final settlement of various 
holdbacks which may impact net working capital.  Siemens Laserworks was consolidated into the Company's 
operating results effective May 1, 2012. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.382012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
      
     
 
 
 
c) 
On May 28, 2012, the Company acquired the operating assets of Alberta Industrial Metals, a metals 
distribution  and  processing  service  center  located  in  Red  Deer,  Alberta.    The  following  summarizes  the 
allocation of the consideration for the Alberta Industrial Metals acquisition: 

(millions) 

Net working capital 
Property, plant and equipment 
Deferred income tax liability 
Intangibles 
Goodwill 

Net identifiable assets acquired 

Consideration: 
Cash (net of cash acquired) 

$         4.3 
8.3 
(1.6) 
5.5 
11.0 

$       27.5 

$       27.5 

Accounts receivable of $3.4 million, which were included in net working capital, represented gross contractual 
accounts receivable of which none was considered uncollectible at the time of acquisition. 

The  goodwill  from  this  acquisition  corresponds  to  the  growth  potential  of  the  core  metals  service  centers 
segment  and  capturing  unique  synergies  that  can  be  realized  within  the  Alberta  Region.    The  Company 
expects that approximately $4.6 million of acquired goodwill will be deductible for tax purposes. 

The  operating  results  of  the  acquired  businesses,  which  are  included  in  the  statements  of  earnings  of  the 
Company for the year ended December 31, 2012, are as follows: 

(millions) 

Apex 

Siemens 
Laserworks 

Alberta 
Industrial 
Metals 

Total 
2012 

Revenue 
Earnings before interest, finance and income taxes 

$       66.0 
5.1 

$       20.0 
0.7 

$       10.3 
1.1 

$       96.3 
6.9 

If  the  acquisitions  had  taken  place  at  the  beginning  of  the  fiscal  year  2012,  the  acquired  businesses  would 
have increased the Company's sales by $539.4 million and earnings before interest, finance and provision for 
income tax by an additional $42.8 million.  The transaction costs for the three acquisitions were $1.4 million. 

5. 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

(millions) 

Cash on deposit 
Short-term investments 

2012 

$     115.1 
- 

$     115.1 

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

6. 

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE 

(millions) 

Trade receivables 
Other receivables 

2012 

$     449.9 
6.3 

$     456.2 

2011 

$     217.8 
52.9 

$     270.7 

2011 

$     380.1 
2.3 

$     382.4 

RUSSEL METALS INC.392012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
      
     
 
 
 
 
      
      
      
      
      
      
 
 
      
 
 
      
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.  Trade receivables are analyzed on a case by case basis 
taking  into  account  a  customer's  past  credit  history  as  well  as  its  current  ability  to  pay  and  changes  are 
recorded as an allowance for doubtful accounts. 

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

(millions) 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 
Balance, beginning of the year 
Increases to reserve 
Amounts written off 
Adjustments 

Balance, end of the year 

2012 

2011 

$       3.3 
1.4 
(1.7) 
0.1 

$       3.4 
1.2 
(1.5) 
0.2 

$       3.1 

$       3.3 

At  December  31,  2012  and  2011  the  allowance  was  less  than  1.0%,  of  the  gross  trade accounts  receivable 
balance.    An  increase  to  the  reserve  of  1%  of  accounts  receivable  would  decrease  pre-tax  earnings  by 
approximately $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 (2011: $3.8 million). 

As at December 31, 2012 
(millions) 

Current 

Past Due 
1-30 Days 

Past Due 
31-60 Days 

Past Due 
Over 60 Days 

Total Trade 
Receivables 

Trade Receivables 
Gross trade receivables 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 

$     248.2 
- 

$     150.4 
- 

$       39.6 
- 

$         14.8 
(3.1) 

$     453.0 
(3.1) 

Total net trade receivables 

$     248.2 

$     150.4 

$       39.6 

$         11.7 

$     449.9 

As at December 31, 2011 
(millions) 

Current 

Past Due 
1-30 Days 

Past Due 
31-60 Days 

Past Due 
Over 60 Days 

Total Trade 
Receivables 

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 

7. 

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, 2012, the Company recorded an inventory impairment charge of 
$5.0 million (2011: $nil).  Inventories of $2.5 billion (2011: $2.2 billion) were expensed in cost of materials.  The 
Company did not have any reversals of previous inventory impairment charges during 2012 and 2011. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.402012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
     
 
 
     
      
 
     
      
 
8. 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Cost  (millions) 

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

Balance, December 31, 2011 
Business acquisition (Note 4) 
Additions 
Disposals 
Effect of movements in exchange rates 

Land 
and Buildings 

Machinery 
and Equipment 

Leasehold 
Improvements 

$     181.4 
7.3 
(0.7) 
0.6 

$     259.1 
10.7 
(2.8) 
1.0 

$       26.9 
0.1 
- 
- 

188.6 
9.0 
12.6 
(0.8) 
(0.7) 

268.0 
21.7 
20.7 
(9.3) 
(1.0) 

27.0 
1.3 
0.4 
- 
- 

Total 

$     467.4 
18.1 
(3.5) 
1.6 

483.6 
32.0 
33.7 
(10.1) 
(1.7) 

Balance, December 31, 2012 

$     208.7 

$     300.1 

$       28.7 

$     537.5 

Depreciation and impairment 
(millions) 

Land 
and Buildings 

Machinery 
and Equipment 

Leasehold 
Improvements 

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

Balance, December 31, 2011 
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 
- 
- 

73.9 
6.7 
(0.5) 
(0.2) 

188.8 
15.9 
(9.0) 
(0.5) 

19.6 
1.0 
- 
- 

Total 

$     262.2 
22.1 
(2.6) 
0.6 

282.3 
23.6 
(9.5) 
(0.7) 

Balance, December 31, 2012 

$       79.9 

$     195.2 

$       20.6 

$     295.7 

Net Book Value (millions) 

December 31, 2011 
December 31, 2012 

$     201.3 
$     241.8

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

Land, included in land and buildings, was $32.9 million (2011: $24.0 million). 

Depreciation  of  $6.8  million  was  included  in  cost  of  materials  (2011:  $6.3  million)  and  depreciation  of  $16.8 
million (2011: $15.8 million) was included in other operating expense. 

9. 

FINANCIAL AND OTHER ASSETS 

(millions) 

Deferred charges on short-term revolving credit facility 
Investments and advances 
Other 

2012 

$         0.4 
3.6 
2.5 

$         6.5 

2011 

$         0.8 
- 
2.5 

$         3.3 

Amortization of deferred financing charges was $0.4 million (2011: $0.9 million).  Investments and advances 
were acquired in the Apex acquisition and have been initially recorded at fair value. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.412012 ANNUAL REPORT 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
     
 
 
 
 
      
 
10. 

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES 

(millions) 

Goodwill 
Trademarks 
Intangibles 

2012 

$     110.7 
5.0 
76.4 

$     192.1 

2011 

$       18.4 
- 
6.3 

$       24.7 

a) 

The Continuity of goodwill and trademarks 

Goodwill  (millions) 

Balance, December 31 
Business acquisition (Note 4) 
Foreign exchange 

Metals 
Service Centers 

$       18.4 
18.7 
(0.2) 

Energy 
Products 

$             - 
73.8 
- 

Total 
2012 

Total 
2011 

$       18.4 
92.5 
(0.2) 

$       18.2 
- 
0.2 

Balance, December 31 

$       36.9 

$       73.8 

$     110.7 

$       18.4 

Trademarks  (millions) 

Balance, December 31 
Business acquisition (Note 4) 

Balance, December 31 

Metals 
Service Centers 

Energy 
Products 

Total
2012

$             - 
- 

$             - 
5.0 

$             -
5.0

$             - 

$         5.0 

$         5.0

Impairment of goodwill and trademarks 

b) 
In  determining  whether  goodwill  is  impaired,  the  Company  estimates  the  recoverable  amount  of  CGUs  or 
groups of CGUs to which goodwill is allocated.  Management considers the regions/units below to be CGUs or 
groups  of  CGUs  as  they  represent  the  lowest  level  at  which  goodwill  is  monitored  for  internal  management 
purposes.  Accordingly, goodwill is allocated to each CGU or group of CGUs as follows: 

Allocation of Goodwill and Trademarks  (millions) 

Apex 
Metals service centers 
  U.S. 
     JMS 
  Canadian 
     Alberta 
     Manitoba/Saskatchewan 
     Other 

$       78.8 

10.1 

11.0 
7.7 
8.1 

$     115.7 

The Company uses a discounted cash flow technique to determine the value in use for the above noted CGUs 
or groups of CGUs.  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  weighted  average cost  of capital  (WACC)  to calculate  the present  value  of  its projected 
cash flows.  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. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.422012 ANNUAL REPORT 
      
 
      
 
      
 
 
     
     
      
      
      
 
 
For  2012,  pre-tax  weighted  average  cost  of  capital  used  was  14.0%  (2011:  14.7%).    To  monitor  potential 
impairment exposure, the Company performs a sensitivity analysis.  For 2012 and 2011 a 1% increase in the 
respective discount rate will not trigger a goodwill and trademarks impairment.  The Company's management 
does not expect that a negative change in material assumptions will occur. 

The Company performed goodwill impairment tests during the fourth quarter of 2012 and 2011.  The estimated 
recoverable amount of all units exceeded their carrying values.  As a result, no impairment was recorded. 

Continuity of intangibles 

c) 
The continuity of intangibles which are comprised of customer relationships and non-competition agreements 
acquired through business combinations, within the metals service centers and energy products segments are 
as follows: 

Cost  (millions) 

Balance, December 31 
Business acquisition (Note 4) 
Foreign exchange 

Metals 
Service Centers 

$       10.1 
7.9 
(0.1) 

Energy 
Products 

$             - 
63.8 
- 

Total 
2012 

Total 
2011 

$       10.1 
71.7 
(0.1) 

$         9.9 
- 
0.2 

Balance, December 31 

$       17.9 

$       63.8 

$       81.7 

$       10.1 

Accumulated amortization (millions) 

Metals 
Service Centers 

Energy 
Products 

Total 
2012 

Total 
2011 

Balance, December 31 
Amortization 

Balance, December 31 

Carrying amount 

December 31, 2011 
December 31, 2012 

$        (3.8) 
(1.0) 

$             - 
(0.5) 

$        (3.8) 
(1.5) 

$        (3.2) 
(0.6) 

$        (4.8) 

$        (0.5) 

$        (5.3) 

$        (3.8) 

$         6.3 
$       76.4

The carrying amount of intangible assets as at December 31, 2012 relates to customer relationships and non-
competition agreements arising from the acquisition of JMS Metals Services, Inc., Norton Metal Products, Inc., 
Siemens Laserworks, Alberta Industrial Metals and Apex Distribution Inc.  The remaining amortization period 
for customer relationships is 10 to 17 years and for non-competition agreements is three years. 

11. 

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  an  additional  $50  million  for 
letters of credit.  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  9).    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, 2012.  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,  2012,  the  Company  had  borrowings  of 
US$37.0 million (2011: $nil) and letters of credit of $36.8 million (2011: $44.2 million) under this facility. 

In July 2012, the Company renewed its U.S. subsidiary one year credit facility.  The maximum credit available 
under this facility is US$30 million (2011: US$45 million).  At December 31, 2012 and 2011, this subsidiary had 
no borrowings and letters of credit of US$20.6 million and US$6.3 million respectively under this facility. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.432012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
      
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
12. 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES 

(millions) 

Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses 
Contingent consideration 
Accrued interest 

13. 

LONG-TERM DEBT 

Long-term debt was comprised of the following: 

(millions) 

6.0% $300 million Senior Notes due April 19, 2022 
7.75% $175 million Convertible Debentures due September 30, 2016 
6.375% U.S. Senior Notes (2011: US$138.9 million) 
Finance lease obligations (Note 23) 
Less: current portion 

2012 

2011 

$     378.4 
10.9 
7.2 

$     356.2 
- 
6.6 

$     396.5 

$     362.8 

2012 

2011 

$     293.4 
157.8 
- 
4.6 
(2.2) 

$             - 
154.3 
139.8 
3.7 
(1.3) 

$     453.6 

$     296.5 

On April 19, 2012, the Company issued through a private placement, $300 million 6.0% Senior Notes 
a) 
(the "Notes") due April 19, 2022, for total net proceeds of $293 million.  Interest is due on April 19 and October 
19 of each year. 

The  Company  may  redeem  up  to  35%  of  the  Notes  prior  to  April  19,  2014  with  the  net  proceeds  of  certain 
equity  offerings  at  the  redemption  price  of  106%  of  their  principal  amount  plus  accrued  and  unpaid  interest.  
Prior  to  April  19,  2017,  the  Company  may  redeem  the  Notes  in  whole  or  in  part  at  an  amount  which  is  the 
greater of (a) the present value of future interest and principal payments based on Canada bond yield or (b) 
101%  of  the  principal  amount  plus  accrued  and  unpaid  interest.    After  April  19,  2017,  the  Company  may 
redeem the Notes in whole or in part at any time at 103% of the principal amount declining rateably to 100% of 
the principal amount on or after April 19, 2020. 

The Notes contain certain restrictions on the payment of common share dividends in excess of $0.35 per share 
per  quarter.    The  Notes  also  contain  certain  covenants  that  limit  the  Company's  ability  to  incur  additional 
indebtedness.    The  Company  was  in  compliance  with  these  covenants  at  December  31,  2012.    Fees 
associated with the issue of the debt are included in the carrying amount of debt and are amortized using the 
effective interest method. 

In  October  2009,  the  Company  issued  $175  million  of  7.75%  Convertible  Unsecured  Subordinated 
b) 
Debentures  (the  "Convertible  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.  During the year ended December 31, 
2012, Convertible Debentures of $10,000 principal were converted to 388 shares. 

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.    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  no  longer  met  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. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.442012 ANNUAL REPORT 
      
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
c) 
On May 25, 2012, the Company redeemed its US$138.9 million 6.375% U.S. Senior Notes at par.  The 
total payment of US$141.5 million included US$138.9 million of principal plus accrued interest.  The after tax 
charge  to  net  earnings  relating  to  the  redemption  was  $3.2  million  due  to  the  write-off  of  deferred  financing 
charges and hedging costs. 

14. 

PENSION AND BENEFITS 
The Company maintains eight defined benefit pension plans in Canada.  All plans except for one plan 
a) 
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. 

Five of 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, one plan had a valuation date of January 1, 2011 and one plan had a 
valuation date of July 29, 2011. 

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

(millions) 

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 

Pension and benefit expense  

2012 

2011 

$         3.1 
5.0 
(4.8) 
(0.1) 

$         2.6 
5.1 
(5.2) 
0.1 

3.2 
0.2 
1.5 

2.6 
0.3 
1.9 

$         4.9 

$         4.8 

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

(millions) 

Defined benefit pension plans 
   Change in actuarial losses 

Change in other comprehensive income 

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

   Balance of actuarial losses at December 31 

2012 

2011 

$      (8.4) 

$      (18.6) 

$      (8.4) 

$      (18.6) 

$    (17.5) 
(8.4) 

$         1.1 
(18.6) 

$    (25.9) 

$      (17.5) 

There  was  no  adjustment  related  to  asset  ceiling  limits  in  other  comprehensive  income  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2012 and 2011. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.452012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
     
      
 
 
     
     
 
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 

2012 

4.00% 
5.75% 
3.75% 
3.25% 

2011 

4.50% 
5.75% 
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 $4.6 million as 
of December 31, 2012 (2011: $4.1 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, 2012 and 2011. 

The health care cost trend rates used were 5% for dental and 8.5% 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
2011 

2012

Other Benefit Plans
2011 
2012 

$     113.5
3.1
0.2
5.0
(10.4)
(0.2)
9.1

$       99.3 
2.6 
0.2 
5.1 
(5.5) 
- 
11.8 

$         5.6 
- 
- 
0.2 
(0.2)
- 
(0.4)

$         5.5 
- 
- 
0.3 
(0.3) 
- 
0.1 

Balance, end of the year 

$     120.3

$     113.5 

$         5.2 

$         5.6 

(millions) 

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

Pension Plans
2011 

2012

Other Benefit Plans
2011 
2012 

$       85.3
4.8
6.2
0.2
(10.4)
0.3

$       87.0 
5.2 
5.1 
0.2 
(5.5) 
(6.7) 

$             - 
- 
0.2 
- 
(0.2)
- 

$             - 
- 
0.3 
- 
(0.3) 
- 

Balance, end of the year 

$       86.4

$       85.3 

$             - 

$             - 

Defined benefit obligation 
Unrecognized prior service costs 

33.9
(0.4)

28.2 
(0.5) 

5.2 
- 

5.6 
- 

Defined benefit obligation, net 

$       33.5

$       27.7 

$         5.2 

$         5.6 

RUSSEL METALS INC.462012 ANNUAL REPORT 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
     
     
 
      
As  at December 31,  2010,  the  present value  of  defined benefit  obligation was  $99.3 million  and  the  present 
value of plan assets was $85.3 million. 

As at December 31, 2012 and 2011, all of the defined benefit pension plans, including executive pension plans 
in  the  above  table  had  unfunded  obligations.    The  following  table  provides  the  defined  benefit  obligation  for 
partially funded plans and unfunded plans. 

(millions) 

Defined benefit obligation 
Partially funded plans 
Unfunded plans 

Defined benefit obligation 

Pension Plans
2011 

2012

Other Benefit Plans
2011 
2012 

$       33.5
-

$       27.7 
- 

$             - 
5.2 

$             - 
5.6 

$       33.5

$       27.7 

$         5.2 

$         5.6 

c) 
As  at  December  31,  2012,  approximately  52%  of  the  fair  value  of  all  pension  plan  assets  were 
invested  in  equities  (2011:  48%),  30%  in  fixed  income  securities  (2011:  27%),  and  18%  in  cash  and  cash 
equivalents (2011: 25%).  The plan assets are not invested in 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. 

The  Company  expects  to  make  contributions  of  $4.1  million  to  its  defined  benefit  pension  plans  and  $0.4 
million to its post retirement benefits medical plans in the next financial year. 

15. 

a) 

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, 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, December 31, 2010 
Stock options exercised 

Balance, December 31, 2011 
Stock options exercised 
Debentures converted 

Balance, December 31, 2012 

Number 
of Shares 

Amount
(millions)

59,978,173 
93,525 

$     483.7 
1.7 

60,071,698 
132,550 
388 

485.4 
2.5 
- 

60,204,636 

$     487.9

RUSSEL METALS INC.472012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
      
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
The continuity of contributed surplus is as follows: 

(millions) 

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

Balance, December 31, 2011 
Stock-based compensation expense 
Exercise of options 

Balance, December 31, 2012 

Dividends paid and declared are as follows: 

Dividends paid (millions) 
Dividends per share 
Quarterly dividend per share declared on 
   February 12, 2013 (February 15, 2012) 

$       13.9 
2.1 
(0.3) 

15.7 
2.1 
(0.5) 

$       17.3

2012 

2011 

$       81.2 
$       1.35 

$       69.1 
$       1.15 

$       0.35 

$       0.30 

16. 

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION 

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  issued  prior  to  2012,  representing 
2,679,489  options,  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 
2011 

2012

Weighted Average 
Exercise Price 
2011 

2012 

2,857,939
382,189
(132,550)
(52,150)

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

$    25.44 
26.18 
15.31 
28.78 

$    25.08 
25.70 
15.19 
27.07 

Balance, end of the period 

3,055,428

2,857,939 

$    25.92 

$    25.44 

Exercisable 

2,330,492

2,169,719 

$    26.41 

$    26.23 

The weighted average share price for the options exercised during the year was $26.97 (2011: $25.22) 

The outstanding options had an exercise price range as follows: 

(number of options) 

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

Options outstanding 

2012 

2011 

2,227,065 
745,263 
83,100 

1,892,126 
808,913 
156,900 

3,055,428 

2,857,939 

RUSSEL METALS INC.482012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
     
      
 
 
      
      
      
      
 
 
The options expire in the years 2013 to 2022 and have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.8 
years (2011: 5.1 years) 

The Black-Scholes option-pricing model assumptions used to compute compensation expense are as follows: 

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

2012 

5% 
41% 
5 yrs 
3.5% 
$   6.78 

2011 

5% 
41% 
5 yrs 
4% 
$   6.83 

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 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 grant date.  
DSU's are granted quarterly to each non-executive director's account by dividing $7,500 by the market price.  
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,  2012,  there  were  92,492  DSU's  outstanding  (2011:  84,470).    During  2012,  12,463  DSU's 
were redeemed (2011: nil).  The liability and fair value of DSU's was $2.6 million at December 31, 2012 (2011: 
$1.9  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,  2012,  there  were  69,610  RSU's  issued  and  outstanding  (2011:  240,738).    During  2012, 
228,991 RSU's matured and were paid (2011: nil).  The RSU liability at December 31, 2012 was $1.3 million 
(2011:  $5.3  million).    The  fair  value  of  RSU's  was  $1.9  million  at  December  31,  2012  (2011:  $5.4  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. 

Total costs for stock-based compensation are as follows: 

(millions) 

Stock options 
DSU and RSU's 
Employee Share Purchase Plan 

2012 

2011 

$         2.1 
2.8 
0.6 

$         2.1 
0.2 
0.6 

$         5.5 

$         2.9 

RUSSEL METALS INC.492012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
17. 

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 

Net income used in calculation of diluted earnings per share 

(number of shares) 

Weighted average shares outstanding 
Dilution impact of stock options 
Dilution impact of Convertible Debentures 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 

2012 

2011 

$       98.8 
10.9 

$     118.3 
10.6 

$     109.7 

$     128.9 

2012 

2011 

60,128,534 
115,104 
6,795,729 

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

67,039,367 

66,970,176 

18. 

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 
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 
Foreign exchange gains 

2012 

2011 

$     183.8 
31.5 

$     172.1 
30.2 

$     215.3 

$     202.3 

$       59.9 
50.7 
9.8 
6.8 
6.3 
(1.2) 
(0.5) 

$       58.0 
45.4 
9.3 
8.1 
5.5 
0.1 
(0.9) 

$     131.8 

$     125.5 

RUSSEL METALS INC.502012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
     
     
      
 
 
     
     
19. 

FINANCE EXPENSE 

Finance expense (income) is comprised of the following: 

(millions) 

Interest on 6.0% Senior Notes 
Interest on 7.75% Convertible Debentures 
Interest on 6.375% U.S. Senior Notes 
Other interest expense 

Interest expense 

Interest income 

Other finance expense 
Loss on repurchase of U.S. Senior Notes 
Deferred costs on redemption of U.S. Notes 
Change in fair value of contingent consideration 

Other finance expense 

Finance expense, net 

2012 

2011 

$       13.1 
17.1 
3.8 
0.2 

$              - 
16.8 
10.4 
0.3 

34.2 

(1.7) 

3.6 
- 
1.5 
0.5 

5.6 

27.5 

(2.0) 

2.5 
0.1 
- 
- 

2.6 

$       38.1 

$       28.1 

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, 2012 was $4.2 million (2011: $3.8 million). 

20. 

a) 

INCOME TAXES 

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

(millions) 

Current tax expense 
Deferred tax expense (recovery) 

b) 

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

Applicable combined Canadian statutory rate 
Rate difference of U.S. companies 
Stock compensation and non-deductible items 
Change in contingent consideration 
Other 

Average effective tax rate 

2012 

2011 

$       38.0 
1.3 

$       51.3 
(0.2) 

$       39.3 

$       51.1 

2012 

26.3% 
1.9% 
0.6% 
0.1% 
(0.4%) 

28.5% 

2011 

27.9% 
2.5% 
0.4% 
- 
(0.6%) 

30.2% 

The combined Canadian statutory rate is the aggregate of the federal income tax rate of 15.0% (2011: 16.5%) 
and the average provincial rate of 11.3% (2011: 11.4%).  In 2012, there were changes in the statutory rates 
from 27.9% to 26.3% due to scheduled rate reductions which were previously enacted.  The average effective 
tax  rate  was  higher  than  the  average  Canadian  corporate  tax  rate  principally  due  to  differing  tax  rules 
applicable to certain of the Company's subsidiaries outside Canada. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.512012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
      
 
     
 
c) 

The movements of deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows: 

Deferred Income Tax Assets 

(millions) 

Property 
  Plant and 
Losses  Equipment 

Pension 
And 
Benefits 

Goodwill 

Item 
And  Charged 
Intangibles  To Equity 

Other 
Timing 

Total 

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

(Expense) benefit to 
   statements of earnings 
Benefit (charge) to other 
   comprehensive income 
Business acquisition (Note 4) 
Reclass assets/liabilities and other 

(0.3)

- 
- 
- 

(1.6)

- 
(0.7)
(2.5)

(1.4)

2.4 
- 
9.4 

(1.0)

- 
(1.1)
(0.1)

0.6 

- 
- 
(4.1) 

1.8 

(1.0)
- 
(1.1)

(1.9)

1.4 
(1.8)
1.6 

Balance December 31, 2012 

$        0.9 

$       (9.6) $      11.0 

$        4.3  $       (3.5)  $        1.5  $        4.6 

Deferred Income Tax Liabilities 

(millions) 

Property 
Plant and 
Equipment 

Pension 
And 
Benefits 

Goodwill 

Item 
And  Charged 
Intangibles  To Equity 

Other 
Timing 

Total 

Balance December 31, 2010 

$        5.5

$       (5.3)

$            -

$        6.3  $        0.5 $        7.0

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

(0.3)

- 
- 

0.4 

(4.8)
0.4 

- 

- 
- 

(2.1) 

(0.2)

(0.1) 
- 

- 
0.1 

(2.2)

(4.9)
0.5 

Balance December 31, 2011 

$        5.2

$       (9.3)

$            -

$        4.1  $        0.4 $        0.4

(Benefit) expense to 
   statements of earnings 
Business acquisition (Note 4) 
Reclass assets/liabilities and other 

- 
0.8 
(2.8)

- 
- 
9.3 

- 
17.9 
- 

- 
- 
(4.1) 

0.6 
(0.6)
(1.0)

0.6 
18.1 
1.4 

Balance December 31, 2012 

$        3.2  $            - 

$      17.9  $            -  $       (0.6) $      20.5 

Net deferred liability at December 31, 2011 
Net deferred liability at December 31, 2012

$        4.9 
$     (15.9)

d) 
At December 31, 2012, the Company had U.S. state tax losses carried forward which, at U.S. state tax 
rates, have an estimated value of $1 million (2011: $1 million).  The majority of the tax losses carried forward if 
not utilized will expire between 2029 and 2032.  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 probability of 
generating taxable income from operations in the future in the jurisdictions in which the tax losses arose. 

At  December  31,  2012,  the  Company  had  $10  million  (2011:  $13  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 $1.3 million. 

e) 
At December 31, 2012, the aggregate amount of temporary differences associated with undistributed 
earnings of non-Canadian subsidiaries was $198 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. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.522012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
     
 
     
     
     
 
 
 
     
 
     
    
     
 
 
 
 
21. 

PROVISIONS AND OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 

(millions) 

Contingent consideration (Note 4) 
Provisions for decommissioning liabilities 
Deferred compensation and employee incentives 

2012 

2011 

$       31.0 
5.0 
3.9 

$             - 
5.4 
1.9 

$       39.9 

$         7.3 

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

(millions) 

Balance, beginning of the year 
Change in provisions 
Utilization 

Balance, end of the year 

2012 

2011 

$         5.4 
- 
(0.4) 

$         5.6 
- 
(0.2) 

$         5.0 

$         5.4 

22. 

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; 

 
  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. 

 

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 products 

ii) 
The  Company's  energy  products  operations  distribute  oil  country  tubular  products,  line  pipe,  tubes, 
valves, flanges 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. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.532012 ANNUAL REPORT 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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  $41.5 
million (2011: $39.1 million).  These sales, which are at market rates, are eliminated in the following table. 

a) 

Results by business segment: 

(millions) 

Segment Revenues 
Metals service centers 
Energy products 
Steel distributors 

Other 

Segment Operating Profits 
Metals service centers 
Energy 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 products 
Steel distributors 
Other 

Depreciation Expense 
Metals service centers 
Energy products 
Steel distributors 
Other 

2012 

2011 

$  1,581.1 
1,060.2 
351.1 

2,992.4 
7.7 

$  1,517.2 
826.2 
342.9 

2,686.3 
7.0 

$  3,000.1 

$  2,693.3 

$     102.1 
63.2 
30.3 

$     115.2 
60.4 
38.4 

195.6 
(19.9) 
0.5 

176.2 
(38.1) 
(39.3) 

214.0 
(17.0) 
0.5 

197.5 
(28.1) 
(51.1) 

$     98.8 

$     118.3 

$       17.6 
12.9 
3.1 
0.1 

$       16.6 
0.9 
0.5 
0.1 

$       33.7 

$       18.1 

$       20.3 
2.1 
0.2 
1.0 

$       19.1 
1.6 
0.4 
1.0 

$       23.6 

$       22.1 

RUSSEL METALS INC.542012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
     
     
     
 
     
     
     
 
     
     
 
     
     
     
 
(millions) 

Current Identifiable Assets 
Metals service centers 
Energy products 
Steel distributors 

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

Total identifiable assets included in segments 

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 products 
Steel distributors 

Liabilities by segment 

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

2012 

2011 

$     439.8 
670.1 
116.9 

$     462.5 
448.9 
120.3 

1,226.8 

1,031.7 

242.1 
171.6 
3.7 

201.3 
6.6 
1.0 

1,644.2 

1,240.6 

115.1 
12.3 
0.4 
6.1 
17.0 

270.7 
5.8 
0.8 
2.5 
18.0 

$  1,795.1 

$  1,538.4 

$     156.4 
220.3 
5.2 

$     199.2 
136.0 
8.5 

381.9 

14.3 
20.5 
455.8 
38.7 
54.5 

343.7 

- 
17.8 
297.8 
33.3 
26.4 

Total liabilities 

$     965.7 

$     719.0 

b) 

Results by geographic segment: 

(millions) 

Segment Revenues 
Canada 
United States 

Segment Operating Profits 
Canada 
United States 

2012 

2011 

$  2,006.8 
985.6 

$  1,857.7 
828.6 

$  2,992.4 

$  2,686.3 

$     144.1 
51.5 

$     153.1 
60.9 

$     195.6 

$     214.0 

RUSSEL METALS INC.552012 ANNUAL REPORT 
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
     
     
     
     
      
 
     
     
 
 
 
     
     
(millions) 

Identifiable Assets 
Canada 
United States 

2012 

2011 

$  1,225.7 
418.5 

$     904.8 
335.8 

$  1,644.2 

$  1,240.6 

23. 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

During  the  years  ended  December  31,  2012  and  2011  the  Company  did  not  have  any  transactions  with 
subsidiaries  outside  the  normal  course  of  business.    All  subsidiaries  except  Apex  Advanced  Solutions  Inc., 
which  was  acquired  in  the  Apex  acquisition  are  wholly  owned  and  all  transactions  with  subsidiaries  are 
recorded at fair value and have been eliminated upon consolidation. 

At December 31, 2012 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 compensation cost 
Post-employment benefits 

24. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

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

December 31, 2012 
(millions) 

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

2012 

2011 

$         4.5 
2.8 
0.4 

$         5.4 
2.6 
0.4 

$         7.7 

$         8.4 

Loans and
Receivables

$     115.1
456.2
0.4
-
-
-
-
-

Other 
Financial 
Liabilities 

$             - 
- 
- 
(14.3) 
(396.5) 
(2.2) 
(31.0) 
(453.6) 

Total

$     115.1
456.2
0.4
(14.3)
(396.5)
(2.2)
(31.0)
(453.6)

Total 

$     571.7

$    (897.6) 

$    (325.9)

December 31, 2011 
(millions) 

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

Loans and 
Receivables 

$     270.7 
382.4 
0.8 
- 
- 
- 

Other 
Financial 
Liabilities 

$             - 
- 
- 
(362.8) 
(1.3) 
(296.5) 

Total 

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

Total 

$     653.9 

$    (660.6) 

$        (6.7) 

RUSSEL METALS INC.562012 ANNUAL REPORT 
     
     
 
 
 
     
 
     
      
      
    
 
     
 
 
 
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: 

(millions) 

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

2012 

2011 

Fair value
Gain(loss)
Through Earnings

Fair value
Gain(loss)
Through AOCI

Fair value 
Gain(loss) 
Through Earnings 

Fair value 
Gain(loss) 
Through AOCI 

$        (0.8)
0.1

$             -
-

$        0.1 
(0.3) 

$             - 
- 

2.3

-

-

(0.9)

1.1 

- 

- 

(2.5) 

The  Company  had  designated  its  6.375%  U.S.  Senior  Notes  as  a  hedge  of  its  net  investment  in  foreign 
subsidiaries.  During 2012, the Company redeemed its U.S. Senior Notes and $2.3 million (2011: $1.6 million) 
related  to  cross-currency  interest  rate  swaps  previously  held  was  reclassified  from  accumulated  other 
comprehensive loss to net earnings. 

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 contingent 
consideration  is  recorded  at  fair  value  (Note  4).    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". 

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, 2012 and 2011 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. 

The following summary reflects the fair value of the long-term debt: 

December 31, 2012 
(millions) 

6.0% $300 million Senior Notes due April 19, 2022
7.75% $175 million Convertible Debentures due September 30, 2016
Finance lease obligations 

Total 

Current portion 
Long-term portion 

Primary Debt Instrument

Carrying 
Amount 

$     293.4 
157.8 
4.6 

Fair Value

$     309.0
207.8
4.6

$     455.8 

$     521.4

$         2.2 
$     453.6 

RUSSEL METALS INC.572012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
      
      
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
      
    
December 31, 2011 
(millions) 

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 

Primary Debt Instrument 

Carrying 
Amount 

$     154.3 
139.8 
3.7 

Fair Value 

$     195.1 
141.6 
3.7 

$     297.8 

$     340.4 

$         1.3 
$     296.5 

Credit risk 

c) 
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if the 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: 

  Cash  investments  are  placed  with  high-quality  financial  institutions  with  limited  exposure  to  any  one 

institution.  At December 31, 2012, the Company did not have any cash investments; 

  Counterparties to derivative contracts are members of the syndicated banking facility (Note 11);  

  Credit limits minimize exposure to any one customer; and 

  The customer base is geographically diverse and in different industries. 

No allowance for credit losses on financial assets was required as of December 31, 2012 (2011: $nil), other 
than  the  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  (Note  6).    As  at  December  31,  2012,  trade  accounts  receivable 
greater than 90 days represented less than 4% of trade accounts receivable (2011: 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,  2012,  the  Company  had  outstanding  forward  foreign  exchange  contracts  in  the  amount  of 
US$14.1 million, maturing in 2013 (2011: US$27.5 million).  A 1% change in foreign exchange rates would not 
result in a significant increase or decrease in accounts payable or net earnings. 

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. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.582012 ANNUAL REPORT 
      
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As  at  December  31,  2012,  the  Company  was  contractually  obligated  to  make  payments  under  its  financial 
liabilities that come due during the following periods: 

(millions) 

2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 and beyond 

Total 

Long-Term 
Debt Maturities 

Long-Term 
Debt Interest 

$            - 
- 
- 
175.0 
- 
300.0 

$       31.6 
31.6 
31.6 
28.2 
18.0 
77.3 

Operating 
Lease 
Obligations 

$       19.7 
16.9 
13.7 
11.3 
8.0 
26.8 

Total 

$       51.3 
48.5 
45.3 
214.5 
26.0 
404.1 

$     475.0 

$       218.3 

$       96.4 

$     789.7 

Operating lease expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $13.6 million (2011: $14.1 million). 

As at December 31, 2012, the Company was contractually obligated to make payments under finance leases 
as follows: 

(millions) 

2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 
2017 

Total minimum lease payments 
Interest at rates varying between 1.8% and 14.5% 

Net minimum lease payments 
Less: current portion 

Long-term portion 

$         2.4 
1.2 
0.9 
0.4 
0.2 

5.1 
(0.5) 

4.6 
(2.2) 

$         2.4 

At December 31, 2012, the Company was contractually obligated to repay its letters of credit under its bank 
facilities at maturity (Note 11). 

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 2012, the Company issued $300 million of 6.0% Senior Notes due April 
19, 2022, redeemed its 6.375% U.S. Senior Notes and increased its common share dividend.  The increase in 
debt was used to finance three acquisitions in 2012. 

25. 

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. 

RUSSEL METALS INC.592012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
      
 
      
      
      
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

Business combinations and investments 

c) 
The Company may have an obligation to pay additional consideration for its acquisitions of Apex and Norton 
Metals, based upon achievement of performance measures contractually agreed to at the time of purchase. 

The continuity of contingent considerations is as follows: 

 (millions) 

Balance, beginning of year 
Business acquisitions (Note 4) 
Paid during the year 
Change in fair value 
Effect of movements in exchange rates 

Apex 

$             - 
41.4 
- 
0.5 
- 

Norton 
Metals 

Total 
2012 

$         1.6 
- 
(0.5) 
- 
(0.1) 

$         1.6 
41.4 
(0.5) 
0.5 
(0.1) 

Total 
2011 

$             - 
1.6 
- 
- 
- 

$       41.9 

$         1.0 

$       42.9 

$         1.6 

26. 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

Income taxes on other comprehensive income are as follows: 

(millions) 

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

2012 

2011 

$         0.1 

$         0.6 

(1.1) 
2.4 

(0.5) 
4.8 

$         1.4 

$         4.9 

RUSSEL METALS INC.602012 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
      
      
      
 
     
     
     
 
Russel Metals Inc. Directory

HEAD OFFICE
1900	Minnesota	Court,	Suite	210
Mississauga,	Ontario,	Canada	L5N	3C9
T:	905.819.7777			F:	905.819.7409
info@russelmetals.com
www.russelmetals.com

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
CIBC	Mellon	Trust	C	ompany 
C/O	Canadian	Stock	Transfer	Company	Inc. 
P.O.	Box	700,	Station	B
Montreal,	Quebec,	Canada	H3B	3K3
T:	416.682.3860	/	1.800.387.0825
inquiries@canstockta.com
www.canstockta.com

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
The	Toronto	Stock	Exchange	-	RUS

            -	RUS.DB

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alain Benedetti                James F. Dinning                Anthony F. Griffiths           Brian R. Hedges                  Lise Lachapelle               
Corporate Director 

                  Corporate Director  

                 Chair of the Board 
																	Western	Financial	Group															

  President & Chief Executive            Corporate Director
		Officer,	Russel	Metals	Inc.																																								

John M. Clark                   Carl R. Fiora  
President	of	Investment														Corporate	Director		
and	Technical	Management								Steel	Industry	Executive
Corp.		

              John A. Hanna 
																		Corporate	Director		

                 Alice D. Laberge                William M. O’Reilly
																					Corporate	Director											

					Corporate	Director	

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
Anthony F. Griffiths             
Chair	of	the	Board	

Brian R. Hedges                           John G. Reid      
																															Vice	President	&						
President	&	Chief	
																															Chief	Operating	Officer				
Executive	Officer	

 Marion E. Britton                           
	Vice	President,	Chief																																	
	Financial	Officer	&	Secretary	

Lesley M.S. Coleman 
Vice	President,	Controller	&	
Assistant	Secretary	

Sherri Mooser
Assistant	Secretary

 
	
	
	
	
					
  
	
																		
  
																				
	
	
	
																			
			
																								
 
 
                    
 
                                 
 
 
  
 
     
                
 
 
 
 
 
                   
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
												
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         
 
 
 
1900 Minnesota Court, Suite 210
Mississauga, Ontario Canada  L5N 3C9
T: 905.819.7777     F: 905.819.7409
info@russelmetals.com
www.russelmetals.com