Russel Metals
Annual Report 2014

Plain-text annual report

2014 ANNUAL REPORT OPERATING SEGMENTS 2014 METALS SERVICE CENTERS 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. ENERGY PRODUCTS These operations distribute oil country tubular goods (OCTG), line pipe, tubes, valves and fittings in Canada and in the United States. We purchase these products either from the pipe division of North American steel mills or from independent manufacturers of pipe and pipe accessories. STEEL DISTRIBUTORS 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. TABLE OF CONTEN TS A Message from our President & CEO A Message from our Chair of the Board Financial Highlights Management’s Responsibility for Financial Reporting Management’s Discussion & Analysis Independent Auditor’s Report Consolidated Financial Statements 1 2 3 4 5 22 23 A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER From an operations perspective, 2014 was our best year since 2008. All three of our operating segments had strong results as prices held and demand strengthened. Our recently acquired operations grew, our investments in equipment and facilities helped us continue to capture market share and our process improvements lowered our operating costs, all of which contributed to the strong growth in earnings. Against the backdrop of our successes we experienced the single largest economic event since 2009 with the downward movement in the price of crude oil late in 2014. Brent Crude Oil prices dropped from a 2013 close of US$110 per barrel to below US$50 per barrel in early 2015. On the positive side, we have significantly less inventory valuation exposure than in 2009 due to much lower current steel prices. Following the price of crude lower was the Canadian dollar and our Company’s share price, despite our positive earnings growth. MANAGEMENT In our management ranks, I would like to thank Ed Peckham general manager of our Atlantic Region for his many years of strong leadership and personal friendship. Ed retired this year; he will be missed. We will also miss two outstanding long term senior managers who have announced their retirement – Dave Gallo and Terry Vanstone. Several key individuals have joined or been promoted to our management team in 2014. Gregg Bryant has replaced Ed as General Manager of our Atlantic Region. Gregg has been an integral part of our Atlantic region since our acquisition of Leroux in 2003 and has more than 28 years of experience in our industry. Also joining our management group is Jason Kaiser who will head our Fedmet Tubular operation in Calgary. We would also like to welcome Brian Classen who is the new leader of our Siemen’s Laserworks operation in Saskatchewan. I would also like to welcome the teams from Big West Valve and B.R. Chisholm, our two acquisitions completed in 2014. THE FUTURE Our service center and steel distributor segments sell to the broader North American economy and will continue to perform as the underlying economy performs. The current pricing pressures on steel should lessen as the year progresses and the industry inventory buildup due to imported products is corrected. The recent decline in oil prices will cause energy activity levels to drop and we expect the first quarter, which is traditionally a seasonally strong period, to be lower than the 2014 first quarter. Our profitabily in the energy segment should be more stable since commodity prices are not inflated and with the addition of the Apex Distribution group of companies. This group supports maintenance, repair and operations activities and is less impacted by the decline in drilling activities. We have no clarity, however, on what to expect for 2015. Our results will depend on the price of oil and its impact on energy projects, corresponding activity in the oil patch and the overall economy. Our cash flow from operations, the cash generated from working capital reductions and existing liquidity from our bank facility will enable the payment of our industry-leading dividend and continued investments in our growth through acquisitions and capital spending. Brian R. Hedges President and Chief Executive Officer RUSSEL METALS INC.12014 ANNUAL REPORT      A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR OF THE BOARD Fellow Shareholders, Our Company's financial success last year made 2014 one of our best years ever. Our core businesses continued to show strong growth, and we are pleased that our newest acquisition, Apex Distribution and its related companies reduced the volatility of our energy products segment. Living in Alberta, I often say "experience is what you get when you don’t get what you want". We all have plenty of 'experience' at Russel so we know that the drop in oil and gas prices will have a serious impact on our energy customers. We are confident we will weather the downturn, as we have a strong balance sheet and geographically diverse holdings. Our confidence is anchored in the efforts of our senior management team and the leadership of our CEO, Brian Hedges. In an industry known for its turbulence and not- quite-so-predictable turns, Russel’s management has agility and acumen on its side. They respond quickly to take advantage of market turns and avoid major pitfalls. Our Board says thank you to the management team and all of our employees who serve our customers every day. Success in these economic conditions is hard-won. Our industry is competitive and there is no shortage of uncertainty. The American economy is back in growth mode for now. The Canadian picture is much less certain as we face a changing landscape and indeed a riskier environment. Your Board is working closely with Brian and his team to fully understand and assess our risk map. We'll take a measured approach and ensure we have strong processes and we are always mindful that risk-taking - done right - is how we earn a living and deliver shareholder returns. I was honoured this year to become the Chair at Russel Metals. Since I joined as a director in 2003, our Board has provided sound, strategic guidance to management as the Company has grown and prospered. I want to thank all the directors for their diligence and their continued commitment to the Company, our shareholders and our people. Finally, my director colleagues join me in thanking Mr. Anthony Griffiths, our former Chair who retired last May after 17 years of astute leadership at Russel. We all felt fortunate to have Tony's quietly strong, 'no-drama' guidance through the tumult and the highs and lows of steel and energy throughout his tenure. Tony Griffiths is one-of-a- kind. All of us at Russel thank you, our shareholders, for your continued support. We will remain vigilant in working on your behalf in 2015 and beyond. James F. Dinning Chair of the Board RUSSEL METALS INC.22014 ANNUAL REPORT    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS OPERATING RESULTS (millions) Revenues Net earnings EBIT Adjusted EBIT (Note) Adjusted EBIT as a % of revenue Adjusted EBITDA (Note) EBITDA as a % of revenue Basic earnings 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 Dividends paid as a % of free cash flow Share price - High Share price - Low Share price - Ending <---------------------------------------Years ended---------------------------------------> 2010 2012 2014 2013 2011 $3,869.3 123.6 217.0 226.9 (1) 5.9% 261.7 6.8% $2.01 $3,187.8 83.3 146.0 151.2 (1) 4.7% 184.8 (1) 5.8% $1.37 $3,000.1 97.9 (2) 175.3 (2) 175.3 (2) 5.8% 200.8 6.7% $1.63 (2) $2,693.3 118.3 197.5 197.5 7.3% 221.0 8.2% $1.97 $2,178.0 57.3 110.8 111.5 (1) 5.1% 136.8 (1) 6.3% $0.96 $566.6 930.8 11.6 (486.0) 1,023.0 249.8 214.3 1,487.1 1.5 (23.4) (26.1) (42.3) $1,396.8 ($29.2) 461.0 431.8 1,597.4 $2,029.2 $965.0 $15.65 $124.8 $48.2 $34.8 12.9 8.9 7.8 1.8 32% 166% 13% 16% $455.9 766.3 5.9 (383.7) 844.4 228.4 218.7 1,291.5 10.1 (11.3) (23.1) (42.6) $1,224.6 ($116.2) 458.4 342.2 1,913.1 $2,255.3 $882.4 $14.48 $91.9 $27.2 $33.6 22.9 14.9 12.2 2.5 34% 217% 9% 12% $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 16.9 11.5 10.0 2.3 35% 200% 12% 15% $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 $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 ($270.7) 297.8 27.1 1,346.8 $1,373.9 ($323.7) 319.7 (4.0) 1,373.5 $1,369.5 $819.4 $13.64 $129.5 $18.1 $23.5 11.4 7.0 6.2 1.3 27% 164% 14% 23% - $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) 61,674,228 61,321,767 5.9% $1.52 72% $37.63 $25.07 $25.90 60,946,393 60,780,520 4.5% $1.40 93% $31.62 $23.23 $31.39 60,204,636 60,128,534 5.1% $1.40 82% $28.97 $22.52 $27.61 60,071,698 60,043,222 5.4% $1.20 53% $27.75 $18.90 $22.42 59,978,173 59,717,629 4.8% $1.10 70% $23.94 $16.25 $22.90 Notes: (1) Adjusted EBIT and EBITDA excludes the asset impairment charge in 2014 of $9.9 million, 2013 of $5.2 million and the inventory reversal of $1.9 million and plant closure costs of $2.6 million in 2010. (2) Restated due to adoption of IAS 19 (Amended 2011) (3) This chart includes certain financial measures that are not prescribed by Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or have standardized meanings, and thus, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies, for example EBIT and EBITDA and Other Information. Management believes that EBIT and EBITDA 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. EBIT and EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to cash from operating activities or other combined income or cash flow data. EBIT, EBITDA and a number of the ratios provided under Other Information are used by debt and equity analysts to compare our performance against other public companies. This terminology is defined on the inside back cover of our Annual Report. See financial statements for GAAP earnings. RUSSEL METALS INC.32014 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, 2014, 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 18, 2015 B. R. Hedges President and Chief Executive Officer M. E. Britton Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer RUSSEL METALS INC.42014 ANNUAL REPORT MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") of Russel Metals Inc. and its subsidiaries provides information to assist readers of our audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2014, 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 in this MD&A are as of February 18, 2015. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements contained in this MD&A constitute forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements as to our future capital expenditures, our outlook, the availability of future financing and our ability to pay dividends. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are 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. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us, inherently 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, including the factors described below. We are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties which could have a material adverse effect on our future profitability and financial position, including the risks and uncertainties listed below, which are important factors in our business and the metals distribution industry. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the current economic climate; volatility in metal prices; volatility in oil and natural gas prices; cyclicality of the metals industry and the industries that purchase our products; lack of credit availability that may limit the ability of our customers to obtain credit or expand their businesses; significant competition that could reduce our market share; the interruption in sources of metals supply; the integration of future acquisitions, including successfully adapting to a public company control environment and retaining key acquisition management personnel; failure to renegotiate any of our collective agreements and work stoppages; disruption in our customer or suppliers' operations due to labour disruptions or the existence of events or circumstances that cause a force majeure; environmental liabilities; environmental concerns or changes in government regulations in general, and those related to oil sands production, shale fracking or oil distribution in particular; changes in government regulations relating to workplace safety and worker health; product claims from customers; currency exchange risk, particularly between the Canadian and U.S. dollar; the failure of our key computer- based systems, including our enterprise resource and planning systems; the failure to implement new technologies; the loss of key individuals; the inability to access affordable financing, capital or insurance; interest rate risk; dilution; and change of control. While we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct, and our forward-looking statements included in this MD&A should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this MD&A and, except as required by law, we do not assume any obligation to update our forward-looking statements. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements including as a result of the risk factors described above and under the heading "Risk" later in this MD&A, and in our filings with securities regulatory authorities which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Specific reference is made to our most recent Annual Information Form for a further discussion of some of the factors underlying our forward-looking statements. RUSSEL METALS INC.52014 ANNUAL REPORT NON-GAAP MEASURES This MD&A includes a number of measures that are not prescribed by Canadian generally accepted accounting principles ("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. 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. Our earnings for 2014 were $124 million compared to $83 million in 2013. Earnings per share were $2.01 for 2014 compared to $1.37 for 2013. Our return on equity was 13%. Our earnings increase was driven by an increase in revenues in all segments. Revenues increased in our metals service centers segment by 12%, in our energy products segment by 24% and in our steel distributors segment by 56% for the year ended 2014 compared to 2013. Stronger gross margins and cost containment resulted in a 50% increase in operating profits; more than double the rate of revenue increase. SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION The table discloses selected information related to revenues, earnings and common share information over the last three years. 2014 (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 $ 924.0 53.5 29.0 $ 893.3 56.4 30.5 $ 1,038.8 63.4 33.0 $ 1,013.2 53.6 31.1 $ 3,869.3 226.9 123.6 Basic earnings per common share $ 0.47 $ 0.50 $ 0.54 $ 0.50 $ 2.01 Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.46 $ 0.48 $ 0.52 $ 0.49 $ 1.95 Total assets Non-current financial liabilities Dividends paid Market price of common shares High Low $ 1,883.9 $ 489.6 $ 0.35 $ 1,900.1 $ 490.0 $ 0.35 $ 2,019.8 $ 493.5 $ 0.38 $ 2,042.8 $ 487.8 $ 0.38 $ 2,042.8 $ 487.8 $ 1.46 $ 31.50 $ 27.78 $ 34.43 $ 29.90 $ 37.63 $ 33.50 $ 35.11 $ 25.07 $ 37.63 $ 25.07 Shares outstanding end of quarter Average shares outstanding Number of common shares traded 61,026,590 60,966,768 9,008,334 61,414,260 61,159,759 9,379,761 61,632,896 61,497,827 10,266,671 61,674,228 61,653,232 18,618,067 61,674,228 61,321,767 47,272,833 RUSSEL METALS INC.62014 ANNUAL REPORT 2013 (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 $ 821.8 41.5 21.7 $ 758.1 40.2 19.9 $ 796.8 36.5 18.9 $ 811.1 33.0 22.8 $ 3,187.8 151.2 83.3 Basic earnings per common share $ 0.36 $ 0.33 $ 0.31 $ 0.37 $ 1.37 Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.36 $ 0.33 $ 0.31 $ 0.37 $ 1.37 Total assets Non-current financial liabilities Dividends paid Market price of common shares High Low $ 1,844.5 $ 486.1 $ 0.35 $ 1,809.1 $ 488.0 $ 0.35 $ 1,792.2 $ 490.3 $ 0.35 $ 1,817.8 $ 497.5 $ 0.35 $ 1,817.8 $ 497.5 $ 1.40 $ 29.59 $ 27.86 $ 29.47 $ 23.23 $ 28.25 $ 23.91 $ 31.62 $ 25.81 $ 31.62 $ 23.23 Shares outstanding end of quarter Average shares outstanding Number of common shares traded 60,818,240 60,490,430 9,940,048 60,866,902 60,844,045 12,806,749 60,890,252 60,872,628 7,978,646 60,946,393 60,909,358 9,523,684 60,946,393 60,780,520 40,249,127 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 52.8 32.9 $ 718.7 46.0 22.5 $ 712.6 40.2 22.4 $ 765.9 36.0 20.1 $ 3,000.1 175.0 97.9 Basic earnings per common share $ 0.55 $ 0.37 $ 0.37 $ 0.34 $ 1.63 Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.53 $ 0.37 $ 0.37 $ 0.34 $ 1.62 Total assets Non-current financial liabilities Dividends paid Market price of common shares High Low $ 1,549.1 $ 294.6 $ 0.30 $ 1,689.3 $ 450.8 $ 0.35 $ 1,679.5 $ 451.5 $ 0.35 $ 1,795.1 $ 484.6 $ 0.35 $ 1,795.1 $ 484.6 $ 1.35 $ 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 Average shares outstanding Number of common shares traded 60,102,823 60,080,755 14,759,969 60,129,973 60,089,859 9,475,372 60,155,948 60,139,308 10,831,800 60,204,636 60,181,444 10,378,377 60,204,636 60,128,534 45,445,518 RUSSEL METALS INC.72014 ANNUAL REPORT RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table provides operating profits before interest, other finance expense or income, asset impairment and income taxes. 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 our 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 2014 $ 1,630.4 1,792.1 441.0 5.8 2013 2014 change as a % of 2013 $ 1,455.6 1,442.8 283.2 6.2 12% 24% 56% $ 3,869.3 $ 3,187.8 21% $ 82.1 124.0 38.2 (18.2) 0.8 $ 71.7 79.3 19.0 (17.8) (1.0) 15% 56% 101% (1%) $ 226.9 $ 151.2 50% 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 20.5% 16.8% 14.2% 18.2% 5.0% 6.9% 8.7% 5.9% 20.5% 15.4% 12.5% 17.7% 4.9% 5.5% 6.7% 4.7% RUSSEL METALS INC.82014 ANNUAL REPORT Description of operations METALS SERVICE CENTERS a) We provide processing and distribution services to a broad base of approximately 38,000 end users through a network of 52 Canadian locations and 13 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, 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. Factors affecting results b) The following is a general discussion of the significant factors affecting our metals service centers results. More specific information on how these factors impacted 2014 and 2013 is found in the section that follows. Steel prices fluctuate significantly throughout the steel cycle. Steel prices are influenced by overall international demand, trade sanctions, iron ore prices, scrap steel prices and product availability. Volatile metal prices cause fluctuations in our operating results. Steel prices increased during the first half of 2014, plateaued in the 2014 third quarter and began to soften at the end of 2014. Supply side management, practiced by steel producers in North America, and international supply and demand, which impact steel imports, affects product availability. Trade sanctions are initiated either by steel mills or by government agencies in North America. Our operating results are affected by the inherent risk of the cyclicality of the metals industry and the industries that purchase our products. 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 including oil and gas, and construction segments of the North American 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 diverse customer base of approximately 19,000 Canadian customers mean that our results tend to mirror the performance of the regional economies of Canada. Our U.S. operations, which also have approximately 19,000 customers, are impacted by the local economic conditions in the regions that they serve. 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. The decline in the Canadian dollar in 2014 versus 2013 increased revenues and profits for our U.S. operations translated to Canadian dollars. Revenues and profits of our U.S. operations reported for 2014 were converted at $1.1047 per US$1 compared to $1.0301 per US$1 for 2013. The exchange rate at December 31, 2014 used to translate the balance sheet was $1.1601 per US$1 versus $1.0636 per US$1 at December 31, 2013. Metals service centers segment results -- 2014 compared to 2013 c) Revenues for 2014 increased 12% to $1.6 billion compared to 2013 revenues of $1.5 billion. Tons shipped in the metals service centers segment in 2014 were approximately 5% higher than 2013. The average selling price of metal for 2014 was approximately 7% higher than the average selling price for 2013. The increase in tons shipped was primarily generated by higher volumes in Alberta and at our U.S. operations. In both our results and the Metals Service Center Institute industry statistics the U.S. market was stronger than the Canadian market. Based on these industry statistics, our growth exceeded the industry as we continued to capture market share. RUSSEL METALS INC.92014 ANNUAL REPORT Gross margin as a percentage of revenues was consistent at 20.5% for both 2014 and 2013. Gross margin dollars for 2014 were $35 million higher than 2013 due to stronger revenues. Our average revenue per invoice for 2014 was approximately $1,788 compared to $1,635 for 2013, reflecting higher selling prices. We handled approximately 3,648 transactions per day in 2014 compared to 3,562 per day for 2013, an increase of 2%. Operating expenses as a percentage of revenues were consistent with 2013. Operating expenses for 2014 increased $25 million or 11%, from 2013, mainly related to the increase in activity, the increase caused by foreign exchange on translation of our U.S. metals service centers and variable compensation due to stronger results. Metals service centers operating profits for 2014 of $82 million compares to $72 million for 2013 and reflects the improved market conditions. Description of operations ENERGY PRODUCTS a) We distribute oil country tubular goods (OCTG), line pipe, tubes, valves and fittings, primarily to the energy industry in Western Canada and the United States. A significant portion of our business units are clustered in Alberta and Saskatchewan, 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 55 Canadian and 22 U.S. facilities mainly to support our valve and fitting operations. The majority of these facilities are oil field stores which form the Apex Distribution and Apex Remington network. We purchase our products from the pipe division of North American steel mills, independent manufacturers of pipe, valves and fittings, international steel mills and other distributors. Our energy products segment operates under the names Apex Distribution, Apex Monarch, Apex Remington, Comco Pipe and Supply Company, Fedmet Tubulars, Triumph Tubular & Supply, Pioneer Pipe and Spartan Energy Tubulars. Factors affecting results b) The following is a general discussion of the factors affecting our energy products segment operations. More specific information on how these factors impacted 2014 and 2013 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 and gas for most of 2014 resulted in stronger rig activity in 2014 compared to 2013. Oil and gas prices started to fall at the end of the third quarter of 2014 and continued to fall into 2015 leading to lower rig counts. This severe drop in the price of oil has caused our energy product customers to announce reductions in their projects for 2015 which will result in reduced demand for our products in 2015. Fracking technology, applied to horizontal drilling, enables producers to economically drill in oil and gas-rich shale fields and remains the focus of our OCTG sales efforts; however, fracking has a greater risk of environmental concerns and changes in government regulations. 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. The U.S. government has initiated reviews of pipe from a number of other countries and in July 2014 announced additional duties. Prices of valves and fittings are not as sensitive to steel price fluctuations because they are highly engineered value-added products. 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. RUSSEL METALS INC.102014 ANNUAL REPORT Energy products segment results -- 2014 compared to 2013 c) Revenues in our energy products segment increased to $1.8 billion for 2014, an increase of 24%, compared to 2013 due to strong activity in the sector. Revenues from our Canadian operations servicing oil and gas drilling activity increased 50% compared to 2013 due to increased activity. Our other operations in this segment were also up a combined 15%. Gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 16.8% for 2014 compared to 15.4% in 2013 due to higher margins at most of our energy products operations, partially offset by increased inventory obsolescence provisions of $13 million. Margins improved due to increased revenues at our operations selling valves and fittings which have higher margins than our pipe operations. Operating expense as a percentage of revenue was 10% for 2014 and 2013. Operating expenses increased 23% compared to 2013 due to increased activity, higher variable compensation and the increase caused by foreign exchange on translation of our U.S. operations. This segment generated a 56% increase in operating profit to $124 million for 2014 compared to $79 million for 2013, mainly related to volume increases in our Alberta-based operations. 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. Factors affecting results b) The following is a general discussion of the significant factors affecting our steel distributors. More specific information on how these factors impacted 2014 and 2013 is found in the section that follows. 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. Non- trade related sanctions may also be initiated by governments on countries where our suppliers are located. Trade actions currently exist on plate and pipe from specified countries. Steel imports are affected both by mill capacity by product line in North America, as well as international supply and demand. In addition, these factors significantly affect product availability in North America. The increase in economic activity in the metals service center sector in 2014 led to increased activity at steel distributors. 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 and may be subject to movement in the Canadian dollar. Steel distributors segment results -- 2014 compared to 2013 c) Steel distributors revenues increased 56% to $441 million for 2014 compared to $283 million in 2013 due to higher volumes and prices. The increase related to stronger demand in North America, higher steel prices and more competitively priced off shore product offerings. Gross margin as a percentage of revenues improved to 14.2% for 2014 compared to 12.5% for 2013. Operating expenses as a percentage of revenues was 6% for 2014 and 2013. Operating expenses for 2014 were $8 million higher than 2013 as a result of higher variable compensation and the increase caused by foreign exchange on translation of our U.S. operations. RUSSEL METALS INC.112014 ANNUAL REPORT Operating profits for 2014 doubled to $38 million compared to $19 million in 2013, reflecting higher volumes and selling prices. CORPORATE EXPENSES -- 2014 COMPARED TO 2013 Corporate expenses were $18 million in 2014 and 2013 and improved as a percentage of revenues. The higher performance based bonuses in 2014 were offset by lower stock based compensation as a result of share price declines in the fourth quarter of 2014. CONSOLIDATED RESULTS -- 2014 COMPARED TO 2013 Operating profits were $227 million in 2014, 50% higher than the $151 million in 2013. Volume and price increases in all three segments was the most significant factor in the increase in operating profits. ASSET IMPAIRMENT During 2014 we recorded a $10 million asset impairment charge related to our bulk handling terminal in Thunder Bay, Ontario. In 2013, we had recorded an asset impairment charge of $5 million. The 2013 impairment charge related to volume declines and in 2014 we recorded an additional impairment due to higher than expected future maintenance costs. During the third quarter of 2014 we received a positive outcome to our property tax appeal resulting in non-recurring income of $1 million. INTEREST EXPENSE AND INCOME Net interest expense was $37 million for 2014 compared to $36 million for 2013. OTHER FINANCE EXPENSE AND INCOME Other finance expense was $4 million for 2014 compared to income of $5 million for 2013. Other finance expense or income relates to the change in fair value of the contingent consideration due to imputed interest and change in the expected payouts associated with the Apex Distribution and Apex Monarch acquisitions. The change in the estimated future payments related to an increase in the 2014 payment due to stronger results recorded in 2014 offset by a decrease in the expected future payments due to lower projected earnings in the Apex Group in 2015 and beyond. This decrease is due to lower projected future activity at its customer base caused by oil price declines. The following table shows the components of other finance income and expense: (millions) Imputed interest Change in expected future payments 2014 2013 $ 7 (3) $ 6 (11) $ 4 $ (5) INCOME TAXES We recorded a provision for income taxes of $52 million in 2014 compared to $32 million for 2013. Our effective income tax rate for 2014 was 29.8% compared to 27.6% for 2013. Higher earnings in the U.S. which has higher tax rates and the change in fair value of the contingent consideration which is not tax effected resulted in an increase in our effective tax rate in 2014 compared to 2013. NET EARNINGS Net earnings for 2014 were $124 million compared to $83 million in 2013. Basic earnings per share for 2014 were $2.01 per share compared to $1.37 per share in 2013. SHARES OUTSTANDING AND DIVIDENDS The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for 2014 was 61,321,767 compared to 60,780,520 for 2013. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding has increased as a result of the exercise of options. Common shares outstanding at December 31, 2014 and February 18, 2015 were 61,674,228. RUSSEL METALS INC.122014 ANNUAL REPORT We paid common share dividends of $90 million or $1.46 per share in 2014 compared to $85 million or $1.40 per share in 2013. We have $174 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, 2014, Convertible Debentures having a principal amount of $0.5 million were converted into 19,840 common shares. We have $300 million 6.0% Senior Notes due April 19, 2022. The indenture for our Senior Notes has restrictions related to the payment of quarterly dividends in excess of $0.35 per share. We currently have a basket of approximately $245 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 our borrowings plus four times the current dividend. In addition, we believe we would be able to finance our short-term cash requirements with alternate financing structures and pay the dividend. EBITDA The following table shows the reconciliation of net earnings to adjusted EBITDA: (millions) Net earnings Provision for income taxes Interest and finance expense, net Asset impairment charges Adjusted earnings before interest, finance and income taxes (adjusted EBIT) Depreciation and amortization Adjusted earnings before interest, finance, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (adjusted EBITDA) 2014 2013 $ 123.6 52.4 41.0 9.9 226.9 34.8 $ 83.3 31.8 30.9 5.2 151.2 33.6 $ 261.7 $ 184.8 We believe that adjusted 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 adjusted EBITDA are significant in assessing our operating results and liquidity. Therefore, adjusted 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 $48 million in 2014 compared to $27 million in 2013. During 2014, $13 million was expended to purchase land for the expansion of our Edmonton, Alberta metals service center facilities and $6 million on new processing equipment. Depreciation expense was $28 million in 2014 compared to $27 million in 2013. We expect capital expenditures to exceed depreciation in the short term due to the purchase of additional processing equipment and the relocation and expansion of service center locations. LIQUIDITY At December 31, 2014, we had net cash defined as, cash less bank indebtedness, of $29 million compared to $116 million at December 31, 2013. We generated $173 million from operations during 2014 and utilized $145 million for working capital to support our growth as well as $48 million for capital expenditures and $90 million for dividends to shareholders. RUSSEL METALS INC.132014 ANNUAL REPORT To support revenue levels we experience significant swings in working capital which impact cash flow. Our recent strong revenue growth has resulted in increased working capital requirements. Inventory and accounts receivable represent a large percentage of our total assets employed and vary throughout each cycle. Accounts receivable and inventory comprise our largest liquidity risks. Our customers are impacted by the economic climate and thus it is possible to experience additional bad debts and increased days outstanding for accounts receivable, which may affect the timing of collections. Total assets were $2.0 billion at December 31, 2014 compared to $1.8 billion at December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2014 current assets excluding cash represented 77% of our total assets excluding cash versus 73% at December 31, 2013. Increases in inventory utilized cash of $146 million in 2014. This inventory increase was primarily a result of increased activity at our metals service centers and steel distributors in support of increased activity for the quarter. Inventories represented 46% of our total assets at December 31, 2014 and compared to 42% at December 31, 2013. Inventory by Segment (millions) Metals service centers Energy products Steel distributors Dec. 31 2014 $ 329 437 165 Sept. 30 2014 $ 301 418 153 June 30 2014 $ 265 455 142 Mar. 31 2014 $ 275 412 86 Dec. 31 2013 $ 259 433 74 Total $ 931 $ 872 $ 862 $ 773 $ 766 Inventory Turns (quarters ended) Dec. 31 2014 Sept. 30 2014 June 30 2014 Mar. 31 2014 Dec. 31 2013 Metals service centers Energy products Steel distributors Total 4.0 3.7 2.6 3.6 4.4 4.0 2.7 3.9 5.0 2.6 2.6 3.3 4.5 3.6 3.5 3.9 4.3 3.0 3.3 3.5 At December 31, 2014, our metals service centers had higher inventory tons priced at higher values compared to December 31, 2013. Lower fourth quarter revenues and timing of purchases resulted in a decline in turns from September 30, 2014. Our energy products operations had higher inventory at the end of 2014 due to strong sales relating to the higher level of activity in the Canadian oil patch. A combination of lower inventory and strong revenues improved turns compared to December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2014, our steel distributors segment had doubled its inventory levels compared to December 31, 2013 as strong demand led to increased purchases. We expect these levels to decrease during 2015. Accounts receivable utilized cash of $107 million due to increased revenues in 2014. Accounts receivable represented 28% of our total assets at December 31, 2014 compared to 25% of our total assets at December 31, 2013. During 2014, we made income tax payments of $38 million compared to $35 million for 2013. 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. RUSSEL METALS INC.142014 ANNUAL REPORT FREE CASH FLOW (millions) Cash from operating activities before non-cash working capital Purchase of property, plant and equipment 2014 2013 $ 173.0 (48.2) $ 119.2 (27.2) $ 124.8 $ 92.0 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 As at December 31 (millions) Long-term debt 6.0% $300 million Senior Notes due April 19, 2022 7.75% $174 million Convertible Debentures due September 30, 2016 Finance leases obligations, maturing 2014 to 2017 Current portion 2014 2013 $ 295 165 1 461 (1) $ 294 161 3 458 (1) $ 460 $ 457 Our Convertible Debentures have been split between debt and equity. The debt allocated to equity is accreted as a charge through interest expense over the life of the debentures. The amount allocated to equity represented the valuation of the holders' option to convert the Convertible Debentures into common shares. If the Convertible Debentures were to be converted to equity at redemption or maturity it would result in 6,770,757 common shares being issued. Cash and Bank Credit Facilities As at December 31, 2014 (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 $ (32) 45 13 (43) $ - 16 16 (26) Total $ (32) 61 29 (69) $ (30) $ (10) $ (40) $ 275 50 $ 325 $ 325 $ 46 - $ 321 50 $ 46 $ 371 $ 46 $ 371 We have a credit facility with a syndicate of Canadian and U.S. banks totaling $325 million which expires June 24, 2017. The syndicated facility consists of availability of $275 million under Tranche I to be utilized for borrowings and letters of credit, and $50 million under Tranche II to be utilized for letters of credit only. Letters of credit are issued under Tranche II first and additional needs are issued under Tranche I. 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 $325 million. As of December 31, 2014, we were entitled to borrow and issue letters of credit totaling $325 million under this facility. At December 31, 2014, we had $32 million in borrowings and $43 million of letters of credit outstanding. At December 31, 2013 we had no borrowings and letters of credit of $24 million. RUSSEL METALS INC.152014 ANNUAL REPORT One of our U.S. subsidiaries has their own bank facility. The maximum borrowings under this facility, including letters of credit, are US$40 million. At December 31, 2014, our U.S. subsidiary had no borrowings under this facility and had letters of credit of US$23 million. At December 31, 2013, this subsidiary had no borrowings under this facility and had letters of credit of US$4 million. At December 31, 2014, we were in compliance with all of our financial covenants. With our cash, cash equivalents and our bank facilities we have access to approximately $315 million of cash based on our December 31, 2014 balances. The use of our bank facilities has been predominantly to fund working capital requirements, 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, 2014, we were contractually obligated to make payments as per the following table: Contractual Obligations (millions) Accounts payable Debt Long-term debt interest Finance lease obligations Operating leases Payments due in 2015 $ 500 - 32 - 25 2016 and 2017 2018 and 2019 2020 and thereafter $ - 174 50 1 42 $ - - 36 - 23 $ - 300 46 - 31 Total $ 500 474 164 1 121 Total $ 557 $ 267 $ 59 $ 377 $ 1,260 As part of the purchase consideration for Apex Distribution and Apex Monarch we agreed to pay additional cash consideration during the five years ending 2017 and 2018, respectively, based on earnings before interest and taxes and return on net assets. During the first quarter of 2014 we paid $4 million in satisfaction of the Apex Distribution obligation for 2013. The obligation was increased by $4 million in 2014 related to the change in fair value due to the net of imputed interest of $7 million and a decrease in the expected payment of $3 million. The fair value of the contingent consideration was $44 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The amount is reviewed quarterly and adjusted through income for increases or decreases in the liability. We have obligations related to multiple defined benefit pension plans in Canada, as disclosed in Note 16 of our 2014 consolidated financial statements. During 2014, we contributed $7 million to these plans. We expect to contribute approximately $7 million to these plans during 2015. The defined benefit obligations reported in the consolidated 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 reported funding obligations 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 0.25% change in the discount rate on the solvency obligation would be approximately $5 million. We have disclosed our obligations related to environmental litigation, regulatory actions and remediation in our Annual Information Form under the heading "Environmental Regulation". These obligations relate to previously divested or discontinued operations and do not relate to the metals distribution business. 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. RUSSEL METALS INC.162014 ANNUAL REPORT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES The preparation of our consolidated 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, asset impairment, 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, 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, 2014 approximates our reserve at December 31, 2013. Bad debt expense for 2014 as a percentage of revenue approximates that of 2013. Inventories We review our inventories to ensure that the cost of inventories is not in excess of its estimated net realizable value and for obsolete and slow moving product. Inventory reserves or write-downs are recorded when cost exceeds the estimated selling price less cost to sell and when product is determined to be slow moving or obsolete. The inventory reserve level at December 31, 2014 approximated the level at December 31, 2013. 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 For each acquisition we review the fair value of assets acquired. Where we deem it appropriate, we hire outside business valuators to assist in the assessment of the fair value of property, plant, equipment, intangibles and contingent consideration of acquired businesses. The assessment of fair values for contingent consideration is completed quarterly and requires significant judgement. Contingent Liabilities Provisions for claims and potential claims are determined on a case by case basis. We recognize contingent loss provisions when it is determined that a loss is probable and when we are able to reasonably estimate the loss. This determination takes significant judgement and actual cash outflows might be materially different from estimates. In addition, we may receive claims in the future that could have a material impact on our financial results. The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have been named defendants in a number of legal actions. Although the outcome of these legal actions cannot be determined, management intends to defend all such legal actions and has recorded provisions, as required, based on its best estimate of the potential losses. In the opinion of management, the resolution of these legal actions is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, cash flows or operations. RUSSEL METALS INC.172014 ANNUAL REPORT The Company and the manufacturer of certain energy products have received notice of a customer claim relating to product that was distributed by the Company between 2010 and 2012. The customer alleges that the product was defective and that the manufacturer did not meet the specifications for the goods distributed by the Company. The Company is currently evaluating the claim but has not been provided with information to make a reliable estimate of any potential liability and consequently no provision has been recorded. The Company intends to vigorously defend against this claim and to assert its rights against the manufacturer. 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 interest rate, 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 cost. We account for differences between actual and assumed results by recognizing differences in benefit obligations and plan performance immediately in other comprehensive income. We had approximately $106 million in plan assets at December 31, 2014, which is an increase of approximately $12 million from December 31, 2013. The discount rate used on the employee benefit plan obligation for December 31, 2014 was 4% which is 0.75% lower than the interest rate at December 31, 2013 resulting in an increase in our accrued benefit obligation of $15 million. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that all relevant information is gathered and reported to senior management on a timely basis so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding public disclosure. The purpose of internal controls over financial reporting as defined by the Canadian Securities Administrators is to provide reasonable assurance that: (i) 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. The President and Chief Executive Officer and the Executive 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, 2014. The design and evaluation of internal controls was completed using the framework and criteria established in "Internal Control - Integrated Framework" (the "2013 Framework") issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation, we have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal controls over financial reporting were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information related to our consolidated results and decisions to be made on those results were appropriate. VISION AND STRATEGY The metals distribution business is a segment of a mature, cyclical industry. The use of service centers by both manufacturers and end users has grown over the last decade. RUSSEL METALS INC.182014 ANNUAL REPORT 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 a cycle. Our conservative management approach creates relatively stronger trough earnings but could cause potential peak earnings to be somewhat muted. Management 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. 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. We made acquisitions in both 2013 and 2014. 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 the 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 and modest capacity utilization rates for North American steel producers. Our acquisitions between 2012 and 2014 increased our exposure to the Western Canadian oil and gas segment. We believe that this continues to be an area of growth long term; however, our exposure to the cyclicality of oil and gas pricing has increased. Management believes the acquisition in the oil field operations 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. RUSSEL METALS INC.192014 ANNUAL REPORT 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. Quarters Ended December 31 (millions, except percentages) 2014 2013 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 2014 change as a % of 2013 14% 25% 77% $ 402.6 484.1 124.9 1.6 $ 351.9 387.3 70.4 1.5 $ 1,013.2 $ 811.1 25% $ 13.4 31.5 11.5 (2.9) 0.1 $ 13.4 21.5 4.3 (5.5) (0.7) - % 46% 167% 47% $ 53.6 $ 33.0 62% 19.2% 16.1% 14.7% 17.3% 3.3% 6.5% 9.2% 5.3% 20.2% 15.5% 12.4% 17.5% 3.8% 5.6% 6.1% 4.1% Revenue increases in the fourth quarter were consistent with the revenue increases throughout 2014. Operating profits of $54 million for the fourth quarter 2014 were 62% higher compared to the fourth quarter of 2013. Tons shipped in the fourth quarter of 2014 for metals service centers were approximately 5% higher than for the fourth quarter of 2013 and selling prices were 10% higher than the fourth quarter of 2013. Gross margin as a percentage of revenues declined from 20.2% for the fourth quarter of 2013 to 19.2% for the fourth quarter of 2014. Inventory costs rose faster than we were able to increase selling prices. The energy products segment had strong volumes and gross margins which resulted in operating profits improving 46%. Steel distributors operating profits more than doubled reflecting higher volumes and selling prices. During the fourth quarter of 2014 we recorded finance income of $6 million related to contingent consideration on the Apex Distribution and Apex Monarch acquisitions based on fair value adjustment for future payments due to anticipated reduced earnings caused by declining oil prices. Also during the fourth quarter we recorded an asset impairment charge of $10 million on our Thunder Bay Terminals operation due to a reduction in expected future cash flows. Earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2014 was $0.50 compared to $0.37 for the fourth quarter of 2013 and $0.54 for the third quarter of 2014. RUSSEL METALS INC.202014 ANNUAL REPORT OUTLOOK We believe the current oil price levels, reductions in rig counts and announced capital spending reductions will significantly impact our energy sector business. We believe the addition of Apex Distribution with their heavier concentration on repair and maintenance-based energy business will provide a more stable revenue and earnings stream compared to our historical results in the energy products segment. We believe that current off shore supply imbalances will cause continued downward pressure on steel prices in the first half of 2015. We believe there is a lower risk of a severe drop in metal prices in 2015 compared to 2009, as metal prices in the current environment are much lower compared to 2008. It is difficult to predict how all of these factors will impact our results. RUSSEL METALS INC.212014 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 position as at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the consolidated statements of earnings, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statements of cash flow and consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years then ended, 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. Chartered Professional Accountants, Chartered Accountants Licensed Public Accountants February 18, 2015 Toronto, Ontario RUSSEL METALS INC.222014 ANNUAL REPORT CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS For the years ended December 31 (in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data) Revenues Cost of materials (Note 9) Employee expenses (Note 20) Other operating expenses (Note 20) Asset impairment (Note 10) Gain on sale of business (Note 6) Earnings before interest, finance expense and provision for income taxes Interest expense (Note 21) Interest income (Note 21) Other finance expense (income) (Note 21) Earnings before provision for income taxes Provision for income taxes (Note 22) Net earnings for the year Net earnings attributed to: Equity holders Non-controlling interest Basic earnings per common share (Note 19) Diluted earnings per common share (Note 19) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the years ended December 31 (in millions of Canadian dollars) Net earnings for the year Other comprehensive income Items that may be reclassified to earnings Unrealized foreign exchange gains on translation of foreign operations Items that may not be reclassified to earnings Actuarial (losses) gains on pension and similar obligations, net of taxes (Note 28) Other comprehensive income Total comprehensive income The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 2014 2013 $ 3,869.3 3,166.0 287.8 189.3 9.9 (0.7) $ 3,187.8 2,624.6 248.8 163.2 5.2 - 217.0 36.9 - 4.1 176.0 52.4 146.0 36.0 (0.4) (4.7) 115.1 31.8 $ 123.6 $ 83.3 $ 123.5 0.1 $ 83.2 0.1 $ 123.6 $ 83.3 $ 2.01 $ 1.37 $ 1.95 $ 1.37 2014 2013 $ 123.6 $ 83.3 35.1 (4.5) 30.6 23.2 11.3 34.5 $ 154.2 $ 117.8 RUSSEL METALS INC.232014 ANNUAL REPORT CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION As at December 31 (in millions of Canadian dollars) ASSETS Current Cash and cash equivalents (Note 7) Accounts receivable (Note 8) Inventories (Note 9) Prepaid expenses Income taxes receivable Property, Plant and Equipment (Note 10) Deferred Income Tax Assets (Note 22) Pensions and Benefits (Note 16) Financial and Other Assets (Note 11) Goodwill and Intangibles (Note 12) LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Bank indebtedness (Note 13) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 14) Income taxes payable Current portion long-term debt (Note 15) Long-Term Debt (Note 15) Pensions and Benefits (Note 16) Deferred Income Tax Liabilities (Note 22) Provisions and Other Non-Current Liabilities (Note 23) Shareholders' Equity (Note 17) Common shares Retained earnings Contributed surplus Accumulated other comprehensive income Equity component of convertible debentures (Note 15) Total Shareholders' Equity Attributable to Equity Holders Non-controlling interest Total Shareholders' Equity 2014 2013 $ 53.4 569.3 930.8 11.6 2.8 $ 116.2 456.2 766.3 5.9 6.3 1,567.9 1,350.9 249.8 4.9 - 5.9 214.3 238.9 3.0 0.2 6.1 218.7 $ 2,042.8 $ 1,817.8 $ 24.2 500.4 14.1 0.5 $ - 384.1 0.2 1.2 539.2 460.5 26.1 17.0 35.0 1,077.8 531.2 344.0 14.1 47.1 28.6 965.0 - 965.0 385.5 457.2 23.3 20.5 48.9 935.4 509.5 314.6 16.2 12.0 28.7 881.0 1.4 882.4 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 2,042.8 $ 1,817.8 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, A. Laberge Director J. A. Hanna Director RUSSEL METALS INC.242014 ANNUAL REPORT CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW For the years ended December 31 (in millions of Canadian dollars) Operating activities Net earnings for the year Depreciation and amortization Deferred income taxes Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment Gain on sale of business Stock based compensation Difference between pension expense and amount funded Asset impairment Debt accretion, amortization and other Change in fair value of contingent consideration 2014 2013 $ 123.6 34.8 (3.0) 1.0 (0.7) 1.6 (3.2) 9.9 4.9 4.1 $ 83.3 33.6 (4.4) (0.4) - 2.4 (0.1) 5.2 4.3 (4.7) Cash from operating activities before non-cash working capital 173.0 119.2 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 (decrease) in bank indebtedness Issue of common shares Dividends on common shares Issuance of long-term debt Repayment of long-term debt Deferred financing Cash used in financing activities Investing activities Purchase of property, plant and equipment Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment Purchase of business Proceeds from sale of business Payment of contingent consideration Cash used in investing activities Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year (106.6) (146.4) 96.5 17.2 (5.6) (144.9) 28.1 24.2 17.4 (89.6) - (0.9) - (48.9) (48.2) 1.7 (1.6) 2.3 (4.1) (49.9) 7.9 (62.8) 116.2 18.7 22.3 (21.9) 2.2 1.2 22.5 141.7 (14.3) 18.0 (85.2) 1.0 (2.8) (1.3) (84.6) (27.2) 2.6 (42.6) - - (67.2) 11.2 1.1 115.1 Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year $ 53.4 $ 116.2 Supplemental cash flow information: Income taxes paid Interest paid (net) The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. $ 37.6 $ 36.8 $ 34.7 $ 36.0 RUSSEL METALS INC.252014 ANNUAL REPORT CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (in millions of Canadian dollars) Balance, January 1, 2014 Changed during the year Payment of dividends Net earnings for the year Other comprehensive income for the year Recognition of stock-based compensation Stock options exercised Conversion of debentures Sale of business (Note 6) Transfer of net actuarial losses on defined benefit plans Non- Common Retained Contributed Comprehensive of Convertible Controlling Interest Debentures Earnings Surplus Income Shares Accumulated Other Equity Component Total $ 509.5 - - - $ 314.6 - (89.6) 123.5 $ 16.2 - - - $ 12.0 - - - $ 28.7 - - - $ 1.4 (0.1) - 0.1 $ 882.4 (0.1) (89.6) 123.6 - - 21.2 0.5 - - - - - - - (4.5) - 1.6 (3.7) - - - 30.6 - - 30.6 - - - - 4.5 - - (0.1) - - - - - (1.4) - 1.6 17.5 0.4 (1.4) - Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 531.2 $ 344.0 $ 14.1 $ 47.1 $ 28.6 $ - $ 965.0 (in millions of Canadian dollars) Balance, January 1, 2013 Changed during the year Payment of dividends Net earnings for the year Other comprehensive income for the year Recognition of stock-based compensation Stock options exercised Conversion of debentures Transfer of net actuarial gains on defined benefit plans Non- Common Retained Contributed Comprehensive of Convertible Controlling Interest Income (Loss) Debentures Earnings Surplus Shares Accumulated Other Equity Component Total $ 487.9 - - - $ 305.3 - (85.2) 83.2 $ 17.3 - - - - - 21.5 0.1 - - - - - 11.3 - 2.4 (3.5) - - $ (11.2) - - - 34.5 - - - (11.3) $ 28.7 - - - $ 1.4 (0.1) - 0.1 $ 829.4 (0.1) (85.2) 83.3 - - - - - - - - - - 34.5 2.4 18.0 0.1 - Balance, December 31, 2013 $ 509.5 $ 314.6 $ 16.2 $ 12.0 $ 28.7 $ 1.4 $ 882.4 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. RUSSEL METALS INC.262014 ANNUAL REPORT NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1 GENERAL BUSINESS DESCRIPTION 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 primarily distributes steel and other metal products in three principal business segments: Metals Service Centers The Company's network of metals service centers carries a broad line of metal products in a wide range of sizes, shapes and specifications. We purchase these products primarily from North American steel producers and package and sell them to end users in accordance with their specific needs. Energy Products These operations carry a specialized product line focused on the needs of its energy industry customers. We purchase these products primarily from the pipe divisions of North American steel mills or from independent manufactures. Steel Distribution The Company's steel distributors act as master distributors, selling steel in large volumes to other metal service centers and large equipment manufactures. This segment sources its steel both domestically and off shore. The Company's registered office is located at 6600 Financial Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 7J6. NOTE 2 BASIS OF PRESENTATION These consolidated financial statements, including comparatives, have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of financial assets and financial liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value through the consolidated statement of earnings. 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. These consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is the Company's functional currency. These consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on February 18, 2015. Basis of consolidation ACCOUNTING POLICIES a) 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. To facilitate a better understanding of the Company's consolidated financial statements, significant accounting policies, estimates and judgements are disclosed with the related financial note disclosure. RUSSEL METALS INC.272014 ANNUAL REPORT Impairment of long lived non-financial assets b) 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 cash generating unit ("CGU") exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in net earnings for the period. Impairment losses recognized relating to 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 inflows, 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. Revenue recognition c) 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. Foreign currency d) 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 statement of financial position date, which was $1.1601 per US$1 at December 31, 2014 (December 31, 2013: 1.0636 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. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average rate of exchange during the period. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the average U.S. dollar published exchange rate was $1.1047 per US$1 (2013: $1.0301 per US$1). 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. 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 statement of financial position date. Non-controlling interests e) 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. Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations f) The Company classifies non-current assets and disposal groups as held for sale if their carrying amounts will be recovered principally through a sale rather than through continuing use. Such non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. RUSSEL METALS INC.282014 ANNUAL REPORT The criteria for held for sale classification is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable and the assets or disposal group is available for the immediate sale in its present condition. Actions required to complete the sale should indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the sale will be made or that the sale will be withdrawn. Additionally, the sale should be expected within one year from the date of the classification. Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are not depreciated or amortized once classified as held for sale. Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale are presented separately as current items in the consolidated statement of financial position. A disposal group qualifies as a discontinued operation if it is:  A component of the Company that is a CGU or a group of CGUs;  Classified as disposed of or held for sale; and  A major line of business or major geographical area. Discontinued operations are excluded from the results of continuing operations and are presented as a single amount, net of tax, as income from discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of earnings. 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 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. NOTE 3 CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICY IFRIC Interpretation 21 - Levies (IFRIC 21) IFRIC 21 was issued by the IASB in May 2013. IFRIC 21 provides guidance on when to recognize a liability for a levy imposed by a government both for levies that are accounted for in accordance with IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets and those where the timing and amount of the levy is certain. A levy is an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits that is imposed by governments on entities in accordance with legislation, other than income taxes within the scope of IAS 12 Income Taxes and fines or other penalties imposed for breaches of the legislation. The interpretation identifies the obligating event for the recognition of a liability as the activity that triggers the payment of the levy in accordance with the relevant legislation. It provides the following guidance on recognition of a liability to pay levies: (i) the liability is recognized progressively if the obligation event occurs over a period of time, and (ii) if an obligation is triggered on reaching a minimum threshold, the liability is recognized when that minimum threshold is reached. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2014. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position or results of operation. RUSSEL METALS INC.292014 ANNUAL REPORT NOTE 4 FUTURE ACCOUNTING CHANGES IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers In May 2014, the IASB released IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which establishes principles for reporting the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity's contracts with customers. It provides a single model in order to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The core principle of IFRS 15 is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. IFRS 15 also requires more comprehensive disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity's contracts with customers. IFRS 15 supersedes IAS 11 Construction Contracts, IAS 18 Revenue and a number of revenue-related interpretations (IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes, IFRIC 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate, IFRIC 18 Transfers of Assets from Customers and SIC-31 Revenue - Barter Transactions Involving Advertising Service). IFRS 15 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017, with earlier adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on its consolidated financial statements. NOTE 5 BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS ACCOUNTING POLICIES The Company accounts for its acquisitions using the acquisition method whereby assets acquired and 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. 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 residual 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. ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS 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, 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, future growth rates and estimated future customer attrition. There is measurement uncertainty inherent in this analysis, particularly in the fair value measurement of contingent consideration, and actual results could differ from estimates. SUPPORTING INFORMATION 2014 Acquisitions On November 6, 2014, the Company completed an acquisition of the operating assets of Big West Valve Partnership ("BWV"), a mobile field valve service operation servicing Drayton Valley, Alberta, for $0.9 million. This operation is part of the Company's energy products segment. On September 3, 2014, the Company completed an acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of B.R. Chisholm Industrial ("Chisholm"), a metals service center operation located in Burlington, Ontario, for $0.7 million. RUSSEL METALS INC.302014 ANNUAL REPORT 2013 Acquisitions a) Supply ("Monarch"), an oilfield supply operation servicing the Drayton Valley, Alberta area. On December 2, 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of certain operating assets of Monarch b) On September 14, 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of Northern Valve Services ("Northern") a valve service center with operations in Fort St. John, British Columbia, through a share purchase. c) oilfield supply company with stores operating Saskatchewan, through a share purchase. On September 12, 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of Keystone Oilfield ("Keystone") an in Virden, Manitoba and Moosomin and Wawaota, d) follows: The combined purchase price allocation of the Monarch, Keystone and Northern acquisitions was as (millions) Net working capital Property, plant and equipment Deferred income tax liability Intangibles Goodwill Monarch Keystone and Northern $ 12.2 0.7 (0.9) 13.9 12.6 $ 5.5 1.8 (0.7) 1.8 2.2 Total $ 17.7 2.5 (1.6) 15.7 14.8 Net identifiable assets acquired $ 38.5 $ 10.6 $ 49.1 Consideration: Cash Fair value of contingent consideration $ 32.3 6.2 $ 10.3 0.3 $ 42.6 6.5 $ 38.5 $ 10.6 $ 49.1 The fair value of accounts receivable acquired was $12.2 million, which was included in net working capital. Any accounts receivable which were not collected resulted in a reduction of the consideration. The contingent consideration of $6.5 million is contingent on future earnings over the five year period ending December 31, 2018. 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 16.1%. The undiscounted expected cash outflow relating to contingent consideration was estimated to be $9.9 million. e) These three acquisitions are part of the energy products segment and complement the Company's energy products operations. They were acquired in order to expand the Company's geographical presence and to penetrate new markets. The amount of goodwill, of which $4.2 million is deductible for tax purposes, reflects the expected future growth potential due to the strategic locations of the operations acquired. f) following the final settlement of various holdbacks which may impact net working capital. The allocation described above for the Monarch acquisition was preliminary and subject to change The operating results of the acquired businesses, which were included in the consolidated statement of earnings of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013, were as follows: (millions) Keystone Northern Monarch Total 2013 Revenue Earnings before interest, finance and income taxes $ 3.5 0.6 $ 1.0 0.3 $ 2.7 0.3 $ 7.2 1.2 If the acquisitions had taken place at the beginning of the fiscal year 2013, the acquired businesses would have provided revenues of $60.7 million and earnings before interest, finance and provision for income tax of $4.7 million. The transaction costs for the three acquisitions of $0.3 million were expensed. RUSSEL METALS INC.312014 ANNUAL REPORT NOTE 6 SALE OF BUSINESS On October 21, 2014, the Company sold its interest in Apex Advanced Solutions Inc. for a net proceeds of $2.3 million resulting in a pre-tax gain of $0.7 million. NOTE 7 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ACCOUNTING POLICIES Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits, bank term deposits and 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. SUPPORTING INFORMATION (millions) Cash on deposit Short-term investments 2014 2013 $ 36.2 17.2 $ 116.2 - $ 53.4 $ 116.2 NOTE 8 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ACCOUNTING POLICIES 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. Trade receivables are measured at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. 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 consolidated statement of earnings. 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 uncollectible amounts are recorded as an allowance for doubtful accounts. ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS 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. SUPPORTING INFORMATION (millions) Trade receivables Other receivables 2014 2013 $ 564.8 4.5 $ 447.7 8.5 $ 569.3 $ 456.2 RUSSEL METALS INC.322014 ANNUAL REPORT 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 2014 2013 $ 3.8 1.3 (1.4) 0.2 $ 3.1 2.5 (1.9) 0.1 $ 3.9 $ 3.8 At December 31, 2014 and 2013 the allowance was less than 1.0%, of accounts receivable. An increase in the reserve of 1% of accounts receivable would decrease pre-tax earnings by approximately $5.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 (2013: $4.5 million). As at December 31, 2014 (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 $ 320.2 - $ 177.6 (0.1) $ 49.8 (0.2) $ 21.1 (3.6) $ 568.7 (3.9) Total net trade receivables $ 320.2 $ 177.5 $ 49.6 $ 17.5 $ 564.8 As at December 31, 2013 (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 $ 239.4 - $ 155.0 (0.1) $ 42.6 (0.2) $ 14.5 (3.5) $ 451.5 (3.8) Total net trade receivables $ 239.4 $ 154.9 $ 42.4 $ 11.0 $ 447.7 NOTE 9 INVENTORIES ACCOUNTING POLICIES 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. ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS Inventories are reviewed to ensure that the cost of inventories is not in excess of its estimated net realizable value and for obsolete and slow moving product. Inventory reserves or write-downs are recorded when cost exceeds the estimated selling price less cost to sell and when product is determined to be slow moving or obsolete. The Company's determination of the net realizable value of inventory requires the use of assumptions such as future selling prices and costs to sell. There is measurement uncertainty in these estimates. Actual selling prices and costs to sell could differ from these estimates. SUPPORTING INFORMATION During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded an inventory impairment charge of $14.6 million (2013: $18.4 million). Inventories of $3.2 billion (2013: $2.6 billion) were expensed in cost of materials. The Company did not have any reversals of previous inventory impairment charges taken during 2014 and 2013. RUSSEL METALS INC.332014 ANNUAL REPORT NOTE 10 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Property, plant, equipment and leasehold improvements are recorded at cost. Component accounting is used for both buildings and machinery and equipment. Components that make up a material portion of the original cost of the asset and have a significantly different estimated useful life than the parent asset are considered to be significant components. For buildings, roofs are the only significant component. For machinery and equipment there are various significant components depending on the asset. Depreciation starts when the asset or significant component is ready for use and is provided on a straight-line basis at rates that charge the original cost of such asset, less residual values, to operations over their estimated useful lives. Periods of depreciation 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. 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. ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS 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. SUPPORTING INFORMATION Cost (millions) Balance, December 31, 2012 Business acquisition (Note 5) Additions Disposals Asset impairment Foreign exchange Balance, December 31, 2013 Business acquisition (Note 5) Additions Disposals Asset impairment Sale of business (Note 6) Foreign exchange Land and Buildings Machinery and Equipment Leasehold Improvements $ 210.9 0.8 3.1 (0.6) (0.1) 2.3 216.4 - 19.2 - (1.2) - 3.2 $ 297.9 1.7 23.8 (9.7) (0.6) 2.2 315.3 0.3 27.6 (11.3) (8.0) (4.7) 4.4 $ 28.7 - 0.3 (0.1) (4.5) - 24.4 - 3.2 (1.2) (0.7) - 0.2 Total $ 537.5 2.5 27.2 (10.4) (5.2) 4.5 556.1 0.3 50.0 (12.5) (9.9) (4.7) 7.8 Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 237.6 $ 323.6 $ 25.9 $ 587.1 RUSSEL METALS INC.342014 ANNUAL REPORT Accumulated depreciation and amortization (millions) Land and Buildings Machinery and Equipment Leasehold Improvements Balance, December 31, 2012 Depreciation and amortization Disposals Foreign exchange Balance, December 31, 2013 Depreciation and amortization Disposals Sale of business Foreign exchange $ 79.9 7.1 - 0.7 $ 195.2 19.8 (8.1) 1.6 $ 20.6 0.5 (0.1) - 87.7 7.4 - - 1.1 208.5 19.7 (8.7) (1.2) 2.0 21.0 0.8 (1.1) - 0.1 Total $ 295.7 27.4 (8.2) 2.3 317.2 27.9 (9.8) (1.2) 3.2 Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 96.2 $ 220.3 $ 20.8 $ 337.3 Net Book Value (millions) December 31, 2013 December 31, 2014 $ 238.9 $ 249.8 All items of property, plant and equipment are recorded and held at cost. Land, included in land and buildings, was $45.3 million (2013: $32.6 million). During 2014 additions to leasehold improvements included $1.8 million of leasehold inducements. Depreciation of $8.1 million was included in cost of materials (2013: $7.7 million) and depreciation of $19.8 million (2013: $19.7 million) was included in other operating expense. Impairment of Assets The Company reviews the carrying value of long-lived assets for impairment whenever there are events or changes in circumstances that indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. During 2013, the Company completed an impairment review on its Thunder Bay Terminal operation ("the terminal") because the financial performance of the terminal had deteriorated due to reduced volumes from its existing customer base and the inability to secure replacement tonnage from alternative customers. During 2014, the Company recorded a further asset impairment charge due to lower expected future cash flows from operations caused by higher than expected future maintenance costs. The Company used a discounted cash flow technique to determine the value in use. Key assumptions used by management included forecasted cash flows, and an assessment of expected growth rate in future earnings of 1% (2013: 2%). The Company used a pre-tax weighted average cost of capital of 14.5% (2013: 14.6%) to calculate the present value of the projected cash flows. The recoverability was measured by comparing the carrying value of the assets to the estimated value in use. The estimated value in use was determined by measuring the pre-tax cash flows expected to be generated from the terminal's assets over their estimated useful lives, discounted by the pre-tax discount rate. The Company determined that the future expected discounted cash flows of this operation were insufficient to recover the carrying value of the long-lived assets, resulting in an asset impairment charge of $9.9 million (2013: $5.2 million). This asset impairment charge is included in the consolidated statement of earnings and reduced the carrying value of the associated assets on a pro-rated basis. NOTE 11 FINANCIAL AND OTHER ASSETS ACCOUNTING POLICIES 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. RUSSEL METALS INC.352014 ANNUAL REPORT SUPPORTING INFORMATION (millions) Deferred charges on revolving credit facility Investments and advances Other 2014 2013 $ 1.0 2.1 2.8 $ 1.2 2.3 2.6 $ 5.9 $ 6.1 Amortization of deferred financing charges was $0.2 million (2013: $0.5 million). Investments and advances were acquired in the acquisitions and have been initially recorded at fair value. NOTE 12 GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES ACCOUNTING POLICIES 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 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 inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. 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 of the agreement. Useful lives are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and adjusted if appropriate. Trademarks are not amortized as they have an 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. ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS 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. SUPPORTING INFORMATION (millions) Goodwill Trademarks Intangibles 2014 2013 $ 128.5 5.0 80.8 $ 126.9 5.0 86.8 $ 214.3 $ 218.7 The entire trademarks balance relates to the energy products segment. RUSSEL METALS INC.362014 ANNUAL REPORT Goodwill a) The continuity of goodwill is as follows: Goodwill (millions) Balance, beginning of the year Business acquisitions (Note 5) Foreign exchange Metals Service Centers $ 37.6 0.4 1.0 Energy Products $ 89.3 0.2 - Total 2014 Total 2013 $ 126.9 0.6 1.0 $ 110.7 15.5 0.7 Balance, end of the year $ 39.0 $ 89.5 $ 128.5 $ 126.9 Impairment of goodwill 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 operations 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 was allocated to each CGU or group of CGUs as follows: Allocation of Goodwill (millions) Energy Products Apex Metals service centers U.S. Southeast Canadian Alberta Manitoba/Saskatchewan Quebec/Atlantic/Ontario $ 89.5 11.8 11.0 7.7 8.5 $ 128.5 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 forecasted cash flows based on financial plans approved by management covering a five year period and expected growth in future earnings of 1 % to 3% in line with expected inflation and discount rates. The assumptions are based on historical data, industry cyclicality and expected market developments. The Company uses a weighted average cost of capital (WACC) to calculate the present value of its projected cash flows. WACC reflects the 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 each unit. For 2014, the pre-tax weighted average cost of capital used was 14.5% (2013: 14.6%) for metals service centers and 18.0% (2013: 19.4%) for energy products. To monitor potential impairment exposure, the Company performs a sensitivity analysis. For 2014 and 2013 a 1% increase in the respective discount rate would not trigger a goodwill or trademark 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 2014 and 2013. The estimated recoverable amount of all units exceeded their carrying values. As a result, no impairment was recorded. RUSSEL METALS INC.372014 ANNUAL REPORT 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, is as follows: Cost (millions) Balance, beginning of the year Business acquisitions (Note 5) Foreign exchange Metals Service Centers $ 18.3 0.2 0.5 Energy Products $ 79.5 - - Total 2014 Total 2013 $ 97.8 0.2 0.5 $ 81.7 15.7 0.4 Balance, end of the year $ 19.0 $ 79.5 $ 98.5 $ 97.8 Accumulated amortization (millions) Metals Service Centers Energy Products Total 2014 Total 2013 Balance, beginning of the year Amortization $ (5.9) (1.2) $ (5.1) (5.5) $ (11.0) (6.7) $ (5.3) (5.7) Balance, end of the year $ (7.1) $ (10.6) $ (17.7) $ (11.0) Carrying amount December 31, 2013 December 31, 2014 $ 86.8 $ 80.8 The carrying amount of intangible assets as at December 31, 2014 relates to customer relationships and non- competition agreements arising from the acquisition of JMS Metals Services, Norton Metal Products, Siemens Laserworks, Alberta Industrial Metals, Apex Distribution, Keystone, Northern, Monarch, Chisholm and BWV. The remaining amortization period for customer relationships is 9 to 16 years and for non-competition agreements is two years. NOTE 13 REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITIES The Company has a credit agreement with a syndicate of banks which provides a credit facility of $275.0 million available for borrowings and letters of credit and an additional $50.0 million for letters of credit. The syndicated facility with a term to June 24, 2017 consists of availability of $275.0 million under Tranche I to be utilized for borrowings and letters of credit and $50.0 million under Tranche II to be utilized for letters of credit only. Letters of credit are issued under Tranche II first and additional needs are issued under Tranche I. The borrowings and letters of credit are available on a revolving basis, up to an amount equal to the sum of specified percentages of the Company's eligible accounts receivable and inventories, to a maximum of $325.0 million. 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. The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2014, the Company had borrowings of $32.0 million (2013: $nil) and letters of credit of $42.6 million (2013: $23.9 million) under this facility. In September 2014, the Company increased its U.S. subsidiary credit facility from US $20.0 million to US$40.0 million. At December 31, 2014, this subsidiary had no borrowings (2013: $nil) and letters of credit of US$22.6 million (2013: US$3.6 million) under this facility. RUSSEL METALS INC.382014 ANNUAL REPORT NOTE 14 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES ACCOUNTING POLICIES 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. SUPPORTING INFORMATION (millions) Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses Contingent consideration (Note 23) Accrued interest 2014 2013 $ 476.0 17.1 7.3 $ 373.0 4.0 7.1 $ 500.4 $ 384.1 NOTE 15 LONG-TERM DEBT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 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. SUPPORTING INFORMATION (millions) 6.0% $300 million Senior Notes due April 19, 2022 7.75% $174 million Convertible Debentures due September 30, 2016 Finance lease obligations (Note 26) Less: current portion 2014 2013 $ 294.5 165.4 1.1 (0.5) $ 293.9 161.6 2.9 (1.2) $ 460.5 $ 457.2 a) On April 19, 2012, the Company issued through a private placement, $300 million 6.0% Senior Notes (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. Prior to April 19, 2017, the Company may redeem the Notes in whole or in part at an amount which is the greater of (i) the present value of future interest and principal payments based on Canada bond yield or (ii) 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, 2014. Fees associated with the issue of the debt are included in the carrying amount of debt and are amortized using the effective interest method. RUSSEL METALS INC.392014 ANNUAL REPORT b) In October 2009, the Company issued $175 million of 7.75% Convertible Unsecured Subordinated 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, 2014, Convertible Debentures of $511,000 principal (2013: $132,000) were converted to 19,840 shares (2013: 5,124 shares). NOTE 16 PENSIONS AND BENEFITS ACCOUNTING POLICIES For defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefits, the net periodic pension and benefit 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 discount rate to measure obligations, the expected mortality, the expected rate of future compensation increases and the expected healthcare cost trend rate. The past service costs arising from plan amendments is recognized immediately in net earnings. The asset or liability recognized in the consolidated statement 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 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 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 consolidated statement of other comprehensive income. Net interest on the defined benefit liability (asset) represents the net defined benefit liability (asset), multiplied by the discount rate and is recorded in employee expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings. The net interest expense (income) on the net defined benefit liability (asset) is comprised of interest cost on the defined benefit obligation and interest income on plan assets. Any defined benefit asset resulting from this calculation is limited to the total of unrecognized net actuarial losses 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. The Company closes out actuarial gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income into retained earnings at the end of each reporting period. ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS The Company's determination of employee benefit expenses and obligations requires the use of assumptions such as 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. SUPPORTING INFORMATION a) On January 1, 2013, the Company initiated a new defined contribution pension plan ("DCPP") for most of its Canadian salaried employees who were previously members of a group RRSP. On December 31, 2013, the Company merged five of its defined benefit plans into the DCPP, subject to regulatory approval. The Company maintains two additional defined benefit pension plans in Canada for a total of three defined benefit plans. Two of the plans provide benefits on an average earnings basis and 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 a defined contribution plan 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. RUSSEL METALS INC.402014 ANNUAL REPORT The defined benefit pension plans are administered by a master trust, which is legally separate from the Company and is monitored by a pension committee. The pension committee is responsible for policy setting. The pension plans expose the Company to actuarial risk, currency risk, interest rate risk and market risk. The Company's defined benefit pension plans had a valuation date of January 1, 2014. The components of the Company's pension and benefit expense recorded in net earnings included the following: (millions) Defined benefit pension plans Current service cost Net interest cost Plan administration cost Other Post-retirement benefits Defined contribution plans Pension and benefit expense 2014 2013 $ 3.0 0.7 0.4 - $ 3.6 1.2 0.3 0.5 4.1 0.2 5.9 5.6 0.2 6.4 $ 10.2 $ 12.2 The components of the Company's pension and benefit changes recorded in other comprehensive income included the following: (millions) Remeasurements on the net defined benefit liability Actuarial (losses) gains due to actuarial experience Actuarial (losses) gains due to financial assumption changes Actuarial gains (losses) due to demographic assumption changes Return on plan assets greater than the discount rate 2014 2013 $ (0.3) (12.8) 1.3 5.7 $ 2.7 13.1 (4.7) 4.4 Remeasurement effect recognized in other comprehensive income $ (6.1) $ 15.5 Cumulative actuarial losses relating to pensions and benefits Balance of actuarial losses at January 1 Net actuarial (losses) gains recognized in the year Balance of actuarial losses at December 31 $ (9.2) (6.1) $ (24.7) 15.5 $ (15.3) $ (9.2) There were no adjustments related to asset ceiling limits in other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. The actuarial determinations were based on the following assumptions: Assumed discount rate - year end Rate of increase in future compensation Rate of increase in future government benefits 2014 4.00% 3.50% 3.25% 2013 4.75% 3.50% 3.25% The discount rate is based on a review of current market interest rates of AA corporate bonds 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 $4.7 million as of December 31, 2014 (2013: $4.0 million). The health care cost trend rates used were 5% for dental and 7% 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. RUSSEL METALS INC.412014 ANNUAL REPORT The sensitivity analysis presented above may not be representative of the actual change in defined benefits obligation as it is unlikely that the change in assumptions would occur in isolation of one another as some of the assumptions may be correlated. Furthermore, in presenting the above sensitivity analysis, the present value of the defined benefit obligation has been calculated using the projected benefit method at the end of the reporting period, which is consistent with the defined benefit obligation liability calculation recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position. The mortality assumptions used to assess the defined benefit obligation are based on 2014 Private Sector Canadian Pensioners' Mortality Table (CPM2014Priv) using improvement scale CPM-B. 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 contributions Interest cost Benefits paid Plan amendments Actuarial losses (gains) Pension Plans 2013 2014 Other Benefit Plans 2013 2014 $ 111.5 3.0 0.2 5.2 (4.9) - 12.0 $ 119.3 3.6 0.2 4.6 (5.8) 0.2 (10.6) $ 4.7 - - 0.2 (0.2) - (0.1) $ 5.2 - - 0.2 (0.2) - (0.5) Balance, end of the year $ 127.0 $ 111.5 $ 4.6 $ 4.7 (millions) Reconciliation of present value of the plan assets Balance, beginning of the year Interest income Employer contributions Employee contributions Benefits paid Plan administration costs Return on plan assets greater than discount rate Pension Plans 2013 2014 Other Benefit Plans 2013 2014 $ 93.1 4.5 7.2 0.2 (4.9) (0.4) 5.8 $ 85.8 3.4 5.4 0.2 (5.8) (0.3) 4.4 $ - - 0.2 - (0.2) - - $ - - 0.2 - (0.2) - - Balance, end of the year $ 105.5 $ 93.1 $ - $ - Defined benefit obligation, net $ 21.5 $ 18.4 $ 4.6 $ 4.7 RUSSEL METALS INC.422014 ANNUAL REPORT The fair value of the defined benefit pension plan assets at the end of the reporting period for each category, are as follows: (millions) Cash and cash equivalents Equities Canadian equity Global equity fund Fixed income investments categorized by type of issuer Government guaranteed Provincials Corporate 2014 2013 $ 4.0 $ 5.0 53.9 15.8 69.7 9.5 8.7 13.6 31.8 45.9 13.7 59.6 11.8 5.8 10.9 28.5 $ 105.5 $ 93.1 As at December 31, 2014, all three of the defined benefit pension plans in the above table had unfunded obligations. As at December 31, 2013, five of the seven defined benefit pension plans had unfunded obligations. The following table provides the defined benefit obligation for plans with surplus, partially funded plans and unfunded plans. (millions) Defined benefit obligation Plans with surplus Partially funded plans Unfunded plans Pension Plans 2013 2014 Other Benefit Plans 2013 2014 $ - 21.5 - $ (0.2) 18.6 - $ - - 4.6 $ - - 4.7 Defined benefit obligation $ 21.5 $ 18.4 $ 4.6 $ 4.7 As at December 31, 2014 approximately 70% (2013: 68%) of the fair value of all pension plan assets c) were invested in equities, 23% (2013: 25%) in fixed income securities, and 7% (2013: 7%) in cash and cash equivalents. The plan assets are not invested in derivatives or real estate assets. Management endeavours to have an asset mix of approximately 20% - 80% in equities, 20% - 70% in fixed income securities and 0% - 30% in cash and cash equivalents. d) The weighted average duration of defined benefit obligations is 14.8 years (2013: 14.5 years) for defined benefit pension plans, 10.3 years (2013: 10.2 years) for executive pension arrangements and 8.1 years (2013: 8.5 years) for other post retirement benefit plans. The Company expects to make contributions of $6.9 million to its defined benefit pension plans and $0.2 million to its post retirement benefits medical plans in the next financial year. NOTE 17 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY a) At December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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. RUSSEL METALS INC.432014 ANNUAL REPORT 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, 2012 Stock options exercised Debentures converted Balance, December 31, 2013 Stock options exercised Debentures converted Balance, December 31, 2014 The continuity of contributed surplus is as follows: (millions) Balance, December 31, 2012 Stock-based compensation expense Exercise of options Balance, December 31, 2013 Stock-based compensation expense Exercise of options Balance, December 31, 2014 Dividends paid and declared were as follows: Dividends paid (millions) Dividends per share Quarterly dividend per share declared on February 18, 2015 (February 19, 2014) Number of Shares 60,204,636 736,633 5,124 60,946,393 707,995 19,840 Amount (millions) $ 487.9 21.5 0.1 509.5 21.2 0.5 61,674,228 $ 531.2 $ 17.3 2.4 (3.5) 16.2 1.6 (3.7) $ 14.1 2014 2013 $ 89.6 $ 1.46 $ 85.2 $ 1.40 $ 0.38 $ 0.35 NOTE 18 STOCK BASED COMPENSATION ACCOUNTING POLICIES The Company accounts for stock based compensation at fair value. 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.442014 ANNUAL REPORT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of share options. The inputs to this pricing model require significant judgements including stock price volatility, expected dividends, expected life of the options and the risk free interest rate. SUPPORTING INFORMATION Share 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. The number of common shares that may be issued under the 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 include a 10 year life and immediate vesting under certain change of control provisions. The options issued prior to 2012, representing 1,224,638 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. Commencing on January 1, 2014, employees other than senior officers no longer receive stock options. The following is a continuity of options outstanding: Balance, beginning of year Granted Exercised Expired or forfeited Number of Options 2013 2014 Weighted Average Exercise Price 2013 2014 2,606,430 149,172 (707,995) (28,300) 3,055,428 389,607 (736,633) (101,972) $ 26.77 30.00 24.64 30.78 $ 25.92 28.99 24.24 28.01 Balance, end of the year 2,019,307 2,606,430 $ 27.70 $ 26.77 Exercisable 1,366,999 1,803,063 $ 27.44 $ 26.67 The weighted average share price for the options exercised during the year was $33.93 (2013: $28.70) The outstanding options had exercise price ranges as follows: (number of options) $ 25.75 - $ 33.81 $ 15.86 - $ 25.74 $ 9.15 - $ 15.85 Options outstanding 2014 2013 1,604,122 385,785 29,400 1,970,587 588,943 46,900 2,019,307 2,606,430 The options expire in the years 2015 to 2024 and have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 3.0 years (2013: 5.9 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 Expected volatility is based on historical volatility over the last five years. 2014 2013 5% 32% 5 yrs 2.75% $ 5.43 5% 40% 5 yrs 3.5% $ 7.21 RUSSEL METALS INC.452014 ANNUAL REPORT Deferred Share Units The Company has a Deferred Share Unit ("DSU") Plan for non-executive directors. A DSU is a unit of equivalent 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. DSUs are granted quarterly to each non-executive director's account by dividing the quarterly allocation by the market price. At the option of the individual director, they may elect to receive other board fees in the form of DSUs. DSUs vest immediately and are redeemable for cash only when a non-executive director leaves the Board. At December 31, 2014, there were 113,057 DSUs outstanding (2013: 104,413). During 2014, 16,529 DSUs were redeemed (2013: 14,391). The liability and fair value of DSUs was $2.9 million at December 31, 2014 (2013: $3.3 million). Dividends declared on common shares accrue to units in the DSU plan in the form of additional DSUs. Restricted Share Units The Company has a Restricted Share Unit ("RSU") Plan for eligible employees as designated by the Board of Directors. Prior to 2014, RSUs were only issued to senior officers. Commencing on January 1, 2014, RSUs were issued to other eligible employees in lieu of stock options. The plan was established to provide medium- term compensation. RSUs are awarded by the Board of Directors to eligible employees annually. RSUs vest one third on each of the first, second and third anniversary after the grant date. RSUs 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 RSUs 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. Continuity of RSUs outstanding is as follows: (number of units) Balance, beginning of the year Granted Paid out Balance, end of the year 2014 2013 123,673 88,421 (14,825) 69,610 54,063 - 197,269 123,673 The RSU liability at December 31, 2014 was $3.8 million (2013: $3.0 million). The fair value of RSUs was $5.1 million at December 31, 2014 (2013: $3.9 million). Dividends declared on common shares accrue to units in the RSU plan in the form of additional RSUs. 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 RSUs Employee Share Purchase Plan 2014 2013 $ 1.6 1.1 0.8 $ 2.4 2.3 0.7 $ 3.5 $ 5.4 RUSSEL METALS INC.462014 ANNUAL REPORT NOTE 19 EARNINGS PER SHARE ACCOUNTING POLICIES 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. SUPPORTING INFORMATION 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 2014 2013 $ 123.5 10.0 $ 83.2 - Net income used in calculation of diluted earnings per share $ 133.5 $ 83.2 In determining the diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2013, 6,790,602 shares related to convertible debentures were excluded since the effect was anti-dilutive. Interest and accretion related to convertible debentures for the year ended December 31, 2013 were excluded from net earnings used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. (number of shares) Weighted average shares outstanding Dilution impact of stock options Dilution impact of Convertible Debentures 2014 2013 61,321,767 160,917 6,770,757 60,780,520 109,639 - Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 68,253,441 60,890,159 NOTE 20 EXPENSES Details of expense items on the consolidated statement of earnings are as follows: (millions) Employee Expenses Wages and salaries Other employee related costs Other Operating Expenses Plant and other expenses Delivery expenses Repairs and maintenance Selling expenses Professional fees Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment Foreign exchange losses (gains) 2014 2013 $ 251.3 36.5 $ 213.1 35.7 $ 287.8 $ 248.8 $ 95.5 57.0 11.2 12.4 10.6 1.0 1.6 $ 87.6 49.7 10.3 10.0 6.4 (0.4) (0.4) $ 189.3 $ 163.2 RUSSEL METALS INC.472014 ANNUAL REPORT NOTE 21 FINANCE EXPENSE Finance expense is comprised of the following: (millions) Interest on 6.0% Senior Notes Interest on 7.75% Convertible Debentures Other interest expense Interest expense Interest income Other finance expense (income) (Note 23) 2014 2013 $ 18.6 17.8 0.5 $ 18.5 17.3 0.2 36.9 - 4.1 36.0 (0.4) (4.7) Finance expense, net $ 41.0 $ 30.9 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. Debt accretion and issue cost amortization for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $4.9 million (2013: $4.4 million). NOTE 22 INCOME TAXES ACCOUNTING POLICIES Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings except to the extent it relates to items recognized directly in equity in which case the related tax is recognized in equity. Current income tax expense is based on the results for the period which is adjusted for items that are not taxable or not deductible for tax. Current income 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 consolidated statement 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  generally recognized for all taxable temporary differences;  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  not recognized on differences that arise from goodwill. Deferred tax assets   recognized to the extent it is probable that taxable income will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and the carry forward of unused tax losses and credits can be utilized; and reviewed at the end of the reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable income 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. RUSSEL METALS INC.482014 ANNUAL REPORT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS 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 occurs subsequent to the issuance of the consolidated 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. 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. SUPPORTING INFORMATION a) The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows: (millions) Current tax expense Deferred tax 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 2014 2013 $ 55.4 (3.0) $ 36.2 (4.4) $ 52.4 $ 31.8 2014 25.9% 3.8% - % 0.6% (0.5%) 29.8% 2013 25.9% 2.8% 0.8% (1.1%) (0.8%) 27.6% The combined Canadian statutory rate is the aggregate of the federal income tax rate of 15.0% (2013: 15.0%) and the average provincial rate of 10.9% (2013: 10.9%). In 2014, there were no changes in the Canadian statutory rates. 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.492014 ANNUAL REPORT c) The movements of deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows: Deferred Income Tax Assets (millions) Balance December 31, 2012 Benefit (expense) to consolidated statement of earnings Reclass assets/liabilities and other Property Plant and Losses Equipment Pension And Benefits Goodwill Item And Charged Intangibles To Equity Other Timing Total $ 0.9 $ (9.6) $ 11.0 $ 4.3 $ (3.5) $ 1.5 $ 4.6 0.5 - 0.1 3.6 - (10.3) 0.1 0.8 - 3.5 (1.5) 1.6 (0.8) (0.8) Balance December 31, 2013 Benefit (expense) to consolidated statement of earnings Business acquisition (Note 5) Reclass assets/liabilities and other Benefits to other comprehensive income $ 1.4 $ (5.9) $ 0.7 $ 5.2 $ - $ 1.6 $ 3.0 (0.5) - 0.1 - 2.8 (0.1) (5.8) - (0.7) - 5.4 1.6 (1.3) - (0.4) - 0.3 - (2.6) - 1.1 - 2.0 - 1.7 (0.1) (1.3) 1.6 Balance December 31, 2014 $ 1.0 $ (9.0) $ 7.0 $ 3.5 $ (2.3) $ 4.7 $ 4.9 Deferred Income Tax Liabilities (millions) Balance December 31, 2012 (Benefit) expense to consolidated statement of earnings Benefit to other comprehensive income Business acquisition (Note 5) Reclass assets/liabilities and other Balance December 31, 2013 Benefit to consolidated statement of earnings Sale of business Reclass assets/liabilities and other Property Plant and Equipment Pension And Benefits Goodwill Item And Charged Intangibles To Equity Other Timing Total $ 3.2 $ - $ 17.9 $ - $ (0.6) $ 20.5 (1.2) - 0.2 3.9 0.7 4.2 - (10.3) (1.9) - 1.3 1.1 (0.9) - - 3.5 (1.9) - 0.1 1.2 (5.2) 4.2 1.6 (0.6) $ 6.1 $ (5.4) $ 18.4 $ 2.6 $ (1.2) $ 20.5 - (0.4) (5.4) - - 5.4 (1.1) - (0.8) - - (2.6) (0.2) (0.1) 1.7 (1.3) (0.5) (1.7) Balance December 31, 2014 $ 0.3 $ - $ 16.5 $ - $ 0.2 $ 17.0 Net deferred liability at December 31, 2013 Net deferred liability at December 31, 2014 $ (17.5) (12.1) $ d) At December 31, 2014, the Company had U.S. state tax losses carried forward which, at U.S. state tax rates, have an estimated value of $0.7 million (2013: $1 million). The majority of the tax losses carried forward will expire between 2029 and 2034, if not utilized. 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, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $9 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 $1.2 million. e) At December 31, 2014, the aggregate amount of temporary differences associated with undistributed earnings of non-Canadian subsidiaries was $307 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.502014 ANNUAL REPORT NOTE 23 PROVISIONS AND OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES ACCOUNTING POLICIES 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. 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. ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS The Company has recorded the liability for contingent consideration at fair value. The determination of fair value involves analysis including the use of discounted cash flows expected future earnings, expected future net assets and discount rates. There is measurement uncertainty inherent in this analysis and actual results could differ from estimates. The Company has recorded a provision for decommissioning liabilities. The determination of these liabilities involved analysis to estimate expected cash outflows over a long period of time which is inherently uncertain. SUPPORTING INFORMATION (millions) Contingent consideration Provision for decommissioning liabilities Deferred compensation and employee incentives 2014 2013 $ 27.3 2.5 5.2 $ 40.3 2.8 5.8 $ 35.0 $ 48.9 a) The continuity of contingent consideration obligation is as follows: (millions) Balance, beginning of the year Business acquisitions (Note 5) Paid during the year Accretion expense Change in fair value excluding accretion Other Less: current portion Apex Monarch Total 2014 Total 2013 $ 38.1 - (4.1) 5.2 (2.3) 0.1 (14.5) $ 6.2 - - 1.3 (0.1) - (2.6) $ 44.3 - (4.1) 6.5 (2.4) 0.1 (17.1) $ 42.9 6.5 (0.3) 6.1 (10.8) (0.1) (4.0) $ 22.5 $ 4.8 $ 27.3 $ 40.3 RUSSEL METALS INC.512014 ANNUAL REPORT The change in fair value includes a reduction of the liability of $2.4 million relating to a decrease in the expected future payment for Apex Distribution and Monarch. The liability for contingent consideration relating to Apex Distribution and Monarch will end on December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The Company's contingent consideration obligations for Apex Distribution and Monarch are uncapped. The undiscounted expected cash outflow relating to contingent consideration obligations are estimated to be $43.7 million (2013: $50.5 million) for Apex Distribution and $9.4 million (2013: $9.9 million) for Monarch. b) The following table presents the movement in the provision for decommissioning liabilities: (millions) Balance, beginning of the year Utilization Balance, end of the year 2014 2013 $ 2.8 (0.3) $ 5.0 (2.2) $ 2.5 $ 2.8 Deferred compensation includes the RSU and DSU liabilities. The RSU liabilities that will be paid in c) 2015 amounting to $1.5 million were reclassified to current accrued liabilities. NOTE 24 SEGMENTED INFORMATION ACCOUNTING POLICIES 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. SUPPORTING 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 reportable 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 off shore. RUSSEL METALS INC.522014 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 $58.4 million (2013: $30.1 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 Asset impairment Other income (expense) 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 2014 2013 $ 1,630.4 1,792.1 441.0 3,863.5 5.8 $ 1,455.6 1,442.8 283.2 3,181.6 6.2 $ 3,869.3 $ 3,187.8 $ 82.1 124.0 38.2 $ 71.7 79.3 19.0 244.3 (18.2) (9.9) 0.8 217.0 (41.0) (52.4) 170.0 (17.8) (5.2) (1.0) 146.0 (30.9) (31.8) $ 123.6 $ 83.3 $ 38.8 8.4 1.0 - $ 19.5 6.5 1.1 0.1 $ 48.2 $ 27.2 $ 21.8 4.9 0.5 0.7 $ 21.4 4.8 0.3 0.9 $ 27.9 $ 27.4 RUSSEL METALS INC.532014 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 2014 2013 $ 521.2 768.4 220.5 $ 426.7 698.3 105.8 1,510.1 1,230.8 261.6 195.9 5.8 241.4 200.9 4.8 1,973.4 1,677.9 53.4 7.7 1.0 4.9 2.4 116.2 9.3 1.2 4.9 8.3 $ 2,042.8 $ 1,817.8 $ 184.1 276.0 25.9 $ 155.7 212.5 9.7 486.0 377.9 24.2 31.1 461.0 26.1 49.4 - 20.7 458.4 23.3 55.1 Total liabilities $ 1,077.8 $ 935.4 b) Results by geographic segment: (millions) Segment Revenues Canada United States Segment Operating Profits Canada United States 2014 2013 $ 2,692.2 1,171.3 $ 2,163.9 1,017.7 $ 3,863.5 $ 3,181.6 $ 188.8 55.5 $ 134.7 35.3 $ 244.3 $ 170.0 RUSSEL METALS INC.542014 ANNUAL REPORT (millions) Identifiable Assets Canada United States 2014 2013 $ 1,494.3 479.1 $ 1,269.2 408.7 $ 1,973.4 $ 1,677.9 NOTE 25 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 the Company did not have any transactions with subsidiaries outside the normal course of business. All subsidiaries are wholly owned and all transactions with subsidiaries are recorded at fair value and have been eliminated upon consolidation. At December 31, 2014 there were no loans or credit transactions outstanding with key management personnel or directors. Key management personnel includes the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating 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 2014 2013 $ 6.1 4.0 0.4 $ 4.2 2.6 0.7 $ 10.5 $ 7.5 NOTE 26 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RELATED RISK MANAGMENT ACCOUNTING POLICIES a) Fair Value Measurement The Company measures certain financial and non-financial assets and liabilities at fair value at each statement of financial position date. In addition, fair value measurements are disclosed for certain financial and non- financial assets and liabilities. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In estimating the fair value of an asset or a liability, the Company takes into account the characteristics of the asset or liability if market participants would take those characteristics into account when pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Assets and liabilities, for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the consolidated financial statements, are classified using a three-level fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance and transparency of the inputs used in making the fair value measurements. Each level is based on the following: Level 1 Values based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 Values based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 3 Values based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs which are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. b) 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: RUSSEL METALS INC.552014 ANNUAL REPORT 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 consolidated statement 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. c) 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. Contingent consideration is measured at fair value at the acquisition date and is subsequently re-measured at fair value, by applying the income approach using the probability weighted expected return on net assets with changes in fair value recognized in net earnings. d) Derivative financial instruments Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value on the date a contract is entered into and are subsequently re- measured at 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. 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 consolidated statement of earnings. Impairment of financial assets e) 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. RUSSEL METALS INC.562014 ANNUAL REPORT 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. 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. f) Leases 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 consolidated statement 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. SUPPORTING INFORMATION a) Financial assets and liabilities Financial assets and liabilities are as follows: December 31, 2014 (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 Loans and Receivables $ 53.4 569.3 1.0 - - - - - Other Financial Liabilities $ - - - (24.2) (500.4) (0.5) (27.3) (460.5) Total $ 53.4 569.3 1.0 (24.2) (500.4) (0.5) (27.3) (460.5) Total $ 623.7 $ (1,012.9) $ (389.2) December 31, 2013 (millions) Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable Financial assets Accounts payables and accrued liabilities Current portion long-term debt Contingent consideration Long-term debt Loans and Receivables $ 116.2 456.2 1.2 - - - - Other Financial Liabilities $ - - - (384.1) (1.2) (40.3) (457.2) Total $ 116.2 456.2 1.2 (384.1) (1.2) (40.3) (457.2) Total $ 573.6 $ (882.8) $ (309.2) The impact of fair value gains and losses from derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statement of earnings was as follows: (millions) Embedded derivatives Forward contracts 2014 2013 $ 0.6 0.4 $ (0.2) 0.1 RUSSEL METALS INC.572014 ANNUAL REPORT Fair Value b) The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their carrying amounts because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The fair value measurements of contingent consideration obligations arising from business combinations were determined by applying the income approach using the probability weighted expected return on assets and a discount rate of 12.9% (2013: 13.2%). The calculation uses unobservable (level 3) inputs including (i) the estimated amount and timing of projected cash flows; (ii) the probability of the achievement of the factors on which the contingency is based; (iii) average net assets; and (iv) the risk-adjusted discount rate used to present value the projected cash flows. Significant changes in any of these inputs in isolation can result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. The fair values of long-term debt are set forth below. Carrying Amounts Amounts recorded in the consolidated statement 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, 2014 and 2013 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, 2014 (millions) Primary Debt Instrument Carrying Amount Fair Value Level 1 Fair Value Level 2 6.0% $300 million Senior Notes due April 19, 2022 7.75% $174 million Convertible Debentures due September 30, 2016 Finance lease obligations $ 294.5 165.4 1.1 $ - 191.8 - $ 301.5 - 1.1 Total Current portion Long-term portion December 31, 2013 (millions) $ 461.0 $ 191.8 $ 302.6 $ 0.5 $ 460.5 Primary Debt Instrument Carrying Amount Fair Value Level 1 Fair Value Level 2 6.0% $300 million Senior Notes due April 19, 2022 7.75% $175 million Convertible Debentures due September 30, 2016 Finance lease obligations $ 293.9 161.6 2.9 $ - 218.7 - $ 303.0 - 2.9 Total Current portion Long-term portion $ 458.4 $ 218.7 $ 305.9 $ 1.2 $ 457.2 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 receivable. 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, 2014, nearly all cash and cash equivalents held were issued by institutions that were R1 High by DBRS; Counterparties to derivative contracts are members of the syndicated banking facility (Note 13); RUSSEL METALS INC.582014 ANNUAL REPORT  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, 2014 (2013: $nil), other than the allowance for doubtful accounts (Note 8). As at December 31, 2014, trade accounts receivable greater than 90 days represented less than 4% of trade accounts receivable (2013: 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, 2014, the Company had outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts in the amount of US$32.8 million and €11.4 million, maturing in 2014 (2013: US$24.5 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. Cash is managed by the centralized treasury function and is invested in money market instruments or bank deposits, with durations ranging up to sixty days. A centralized treasury function ensures that the Company maintains funding flexibility by assessing future cash flow expectations and by maintaining its committed borrowing facilities. As at December 31, 2014, the Company was contractually obligated to make payments under its financial liabilities that come due during the following periods: (millions) 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 and beyond Accounts Payable Long-Term Debt Maturities Long-Term Debt Interest $ 500.4 - - - - - $ - 174.3 - - - 300.0 $ 31.6 31.6 18.0 18.0 18.0 45.8 Operating Lease Obligations $ 24.7 22.2 19.8 13.6 9.8 30.8 Total $ 556.7 228.1 37.8 31.6 27.8 376.6 Total $ 500.4 $ 474.3 $ 163.0 $ 120.9 $ 1,258.6 Operating lease expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $21.1 million (2013: $21.3 million). At December 31, 2014, the Company was contractually obligated to repay its letters of credit under its bank facilities at maturity (Note 13). 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. RUSSEL METALS INC.592014 ANNUAL REPORT NOTE 27 CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES Lawsuits and legal claims a) The Company recognizes contingent loss provisions for losses that are probable when management is able to reasonably estimate the loss. When the estimated loss lies within a range, the Company records a contingent loss provision based on its best estimate of the probable loss. If no particular amount within that range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum amount is recorded. Estimates of losses may be developed significantly before the ultimate loss is known, and are revalued each accounting period as additional information becomes known. In instances where the Company is unable to develop a reasonable loss estimate, no contingent loss provision is recorded at that time. A contingent loss provision is recorded when a reasonable estimate can be made. Estimates are reviewed quarterly and revised when expectations change. An outcome that deviates from the Company’s estimate may result in an additional expense or income in a future accounting period. The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have been named defendants in a number of legal actions. Although the outcome of these legal actions cannot be determined, management intends to defend all such legal actions and has recorded provisions, as required, based on its best estimate of the potential losses. In the opinion of management, the resolution of these legal actions is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, cash flows or operations. The Company and the manufacturer of certain energy products have received notice of a customer claim relating to product that was distributed by the Company between 2010 and 2012. The customer alleges that the product was defective and that the manufacturer did not meet the specifications for the goods distributed by the Company. The Company is currently evaluating the claim but has not been provided with information to make a reliable estimate of any potential liability and consequently no provision has been recorded. The Company intends to vigorously defend against this claim and to assert its rights against the manufacturer. 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. 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 two 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 has a contractual obligation to pay additional consideration for its acquisitions of Apex Distribution and Monarch, based upon achievement of performance measures during the first five years of ownership. NOTE 28 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Income taxes on other comprehensive income are as follows: (millions) Tax on items that may not be reclassified to earnings Income tax on actuarial gains/losses on pension and similar obligations 2014 2013 1.6 (4.2) RUSSEL METALS INC.602014 ANNUAL REPORT DIRECTORY HEAD OFFICE TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 6600 Financial Drive Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5N 7J6 T: 905.819.7777 F: 905.819.7409 info@russelmetals.com www.russelmetals.com CIBC Mellon Trust Company c/o Canadian Stock Transfer Company Inc. P.O. Box 700, Station B Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3B 3K3 T: 416.682.3860 F: 1.800.387.0825 inquiries@canstockta.com www.canstockta.com The Toronto Stock Exchange - RUS - RUS.DB BOARD OF DIRECTORS ALAIN BENEDETTI Corporate Director JOHN M. CLARK President Investment and Technical Management Corp. JAMES F. DINNING Chair of the Board JOHN A. HANNA Corporate Director BRIAN R. HEDGES President & Chief Executive Officer Russel Metals Inc. ALICE D. LABERGE Corporate Director LISE LACHAPELLE Corporate Director WILLIAM M. O’REILLY Corporate Director JOHN R. TULLOCH Corporate Director OFFICERS JAMES F. DINNING Chair of the Board BRIAN R. HEDGES President & Chief Executive Officer JOHN G. REID Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer MARION E. BRITTON Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Secretary LESLEY M.S. COLEMAN Vice President, Controller & Assistant Secretary SHERRI L. MOOSER Assistant Secretary 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. GLOSSARY Adjusted EBIT - Earnings before deduction of interest and income taxes excluding assets impairments Adjusted EBITDA - Earnings before deduction of interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization 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 Bearning 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 6600 FINANCIAL DRIVE, MISSISSAUGA, ON L5N 7J6 www.russelmetals.com 

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