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Russel Metals

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FY2019 Annual Report · Russel Metals
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019 A

2

VALUE-ADDED PROCESSING
In  our  2018  Annual  Report  we  highlighted  our  value-added 
processing initiatives primarily focused in our Western Canada and 
JMS Jackson, Tennessee operations.  During 2019, these initiatives 
continued  with  the  addition  of  Fiber  Lasers  in  Boucherville, 
Quebec; Halifax, Nova Scotia and Prince George, BC along with 
Oxy/Plasma  Machines  in  Delta,  BC  and  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin.

OUR CYCLICAL JOURNEY
OUR CYCLICAL JOURNEY

CITY PIPE & SUPPLY CORP.
On  October  1,  2019,  we  purchased  100%  of  the  issued 
and  outstanding  shares  of  City  Pipe  &  Supply  Corp.  
City  Pipe  distributes  pipe,  valves  and  fittings  to  oil  and 
gas  customers  primarily  in  the  Permian  basin  in  Texas 
and  New  Mexico.    Together  with  our  Apex  Remington 
operation,    City  Pipe  has  added  breadth  to  our  U.S.  energy 
field  stores  and  the  combined  business  will  operate 
under  the  new  business  name  Elite  Supply  Partners.

HEALTH & SAFETY
The Health & Safety of our employees and other stakeholders 
is of paramount importance.  Our commitment to continuous 
improvement  in  areas  such  as  lost  time  incidents,  injury 
prevention,  training  and  early  return  to  work  programs 
were 
in  2019  with  several  new 
initiatives  such  as  our  new  Learning  Management  Training 
System,  E-Maintenance  and  Job  Observational  Audits.

further  enhanced 

NON-FERROUS GROWTH
We  continue  to  focus  on  the  growth  of  non-ferrous  products 
across  our  metals  service  center  regions.    In  2019  we  relocated 
our Saskatoon, Calgary, BC and Winnipeg locations to new and/or 
larger facilities.  A combination of additional storage capacity and 
improved material handling capabilities will allow us to increase our 
product offering and more importantly improve customer service.

TABLE OF CONT EN TS 

Financial Highlights 
A Message from our President & CEO 
Management’s Responsibility for Financial Reporting 

1
2 
4

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 
Independent Auditor’s Report 
Consolidated Financial Statements 

5 
22 
24

 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

OPERATING RESULTS (millions)
Revenues
Net earnings 
EBIT
EBIT as a % of revenue
EBITDA
EBITDA as a % of revenue
Basic earnings per common share ($)
BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION (millions)
Metals
  Accounts receivable
  Inventories
  Prepaid expenses and other assets
  Accounts payable and accruals
  Net working capital - Metals
  Fixed assets
  Right-of-use assets
  Goodwill and intangibles
  Lease obligations
Net assets employed in metals operations
Other operating assets
Net income tax assets (liabilities)
Pension and benefit assets (liabilities)
Other corporate assets and liabilities
Total net assets employed
CAPITALIZATION (millions)
Bank indebtedness, net of (cash)
Long-term debt (incl. current portion)
Total interest bearing debt, net of (cash)
Market capitalization 
Total firm value
OTHER INFORMATION (Notes)
Shareholders' equity (millions)
Book value per share ($)
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 capital employed
Return on equity
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----------------------------------------------->

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$3,675.9
76.6
146.3
4.0%
203.0
5.5%
$1.23

$457.9
883.6
18.2
(307.9)
1,051.8
288.9

90.1 (1)

137.0
(111.6) (1)
1,456.2
1.7
10.2
(5.0)
(27.5)
$1,435.6

$46.2
444.8
491.0
1,378.4
$1,869.4

$944.6
$15.19
$136.7
$34.8
$56.7
18.0
12.8
9.2
2.2
34%
146%
10%
8%

$4,165.0
219.0
330.9
7.9%
366.6
8.8%
$3.53

$566.4
1,052.5
14.1
(470.6)
1,162.4
268.0
-
86.2
-
1,516.6
0.7
(32.3)
(5.8)
(26.5)
$1,452.7

$4.2
443.6
447.8
1,324.7
$1,772.5

$1,004.9
$16.18
$300.1
$41.3
$35.7
6.0
5.4
4.8
1.2
31%
132%
23%
22%

$3,296.0
123.8
206.4
6.3%
240.6
7.3%
$2.00

$445.8
819.9
17.2
(347.4)
935.5
246.5
-
90.5
-
1,272.5
(0.8)
(30.0)
(12.0)
(24.4)
$1,205.3

$82.0
296.5
378.5
1,805.3
$2,183.8

$826.8
$13.36
$180.4
$35.7
$34.2
14.6
10.6
9.1
1.2
31%
218%
17%
15%

$2,578.6
62.8
119.0
4.6%
154.1
6.0%
$1.02

$358.9
615.8
8.5
(276.3)
706.9
239.7
-
85.7
-
1,032.3
(1.1)
(7.3)
(11.0)
(38.5)
$974.4

$(146.8)
295.9
149.1
1,579.2
$1,728.3

$825.3
$13.37
$77.4
$16.7
$35.1
25.1
14.5
11.2
1.9
26%
191%
12%
8%

$3,111.6
(87.6)
(86.1)
nm
(51.0)
nm
($1.42)

$333.4
712.5
10.7
(269.7)
786.9
267.8
-
92.0
-
1,146.7
(1.9)
25.4
(21.7)
(33.1)
$1,115.4

$(49.2)
295.7
246.5
991.6
$1,238.1

$868.9
$14.08
$0.6
$38.3
$35.1
nm
nm
nm
nm
25%
114%
 (8%)
 (10%)

62,173,430
62,132,030
6.9%
$1.52
69%
$25.22
$18.47
$22.17

62,106,895
62,028,991
7.1%
$1.52
31%
$32.65
$19.72
$21.33

61,890,197
61,788,013
5.2%
$1.52
52%
$29.78
$23.67
$29.17

61,735,485
61,704,990
5.9%
$1.52
121%
$27.78
$13.95
$25.58

61,702,560
61,696,592
9.5%
$1.52
nm
$27.81
$14.36
$16.07

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. 

(1) Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted IFRS 16 - Leases

RUSSEL METALS12019 ANNUAL REPORT             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

Fellow Shareholders, 

Our 2019 front cover highlights the cyclical nature  of  our  industry  that  we navigate  daily.  
During the last two years we experienced trade actions which impacted pricing, irrespective 
of demand, and added complexity to our already cyclical industry.  These trade actions, that 
had dramatically increased steel prices in 2018, were resolved by the market in 2019 but 
created  a  rapid  whipsaw  effect  on  steel  prices.    In  2019,  demand  in  all  our  segments 
decreased modestly and most of our operating units adapted quickly to produce a profitable 
year.  Our counter-cyclical cash flows generated cash from operations of $250 million as 
working capital needed to support business activity was lower in 2019. 

The  2019  acquisition  of  City  Pipe  &  Supply,  an  oil  &  gas  field  store  operation  located 
primarily in the Permian basin, complemented our existing Apex Remington operations and 
further  expanded  our  energy  services  footprint.    I  would  like  to  take  this  opportunity  to 
welcome Brett Lossin and the entire City Pipe team to the Russel family of companies.   

At the end of the 2019, City Pipe & Supply merged with Apex Remington to form Elite Supply 
Partners under the leadership of Brett Lossin.  We look forward to the success and continued 
growth of the merged entity. 

OPERATIONS 

Our metals service centers generated revenues of $2.0 billion and operating profit of $74 
million.  Our metals service centers experienced an overall stellar year in 2018, making the 
2019 comparable a challenge.  Color Steels had record earnings in 2019 and several of our 
regions turned in very solid years in what proved to be a difficult environment.  We continue 
to  expand  our  value-added  processing  offerings  and  corresponding  customer  base.    Our 
employees have raised the bar by meeting and exceeding our health & safety initiatives. 

Our energy products segment generated revenues of $1.3 billion and operating profit of $69 
million.  Our Comco Pipe and Apex field store operations turned in yet another solid year 
with Comco exceeding 2018.  Our line pipe and OCTG operations experienced a challenging 
year as rigs counts dropped to levels reminiscent of 2015/2016.  This created an oversupply 
of  product  in  the  distribution  channel,  ultimately  pressuring  prices  and  led  to  inventory 
provisions predominately in our U.S. operations. 

Our steel distributor segment generated revenues of $0.4 billion and operating profit of $16 
million.    Our  Canadian  operation,  Wirth  Steel  had  results  that  exceeded  2018  as  the 
business model for this operation involves preselling a large majority of inventory purchases.  
Our  U.S.  steel  distributor  operation,  Sunbelt  Group,  had  a  more  difficult  year  as  the 
transactional  nature  of  their  business  model  leaves  them  exposed  to  inventory  price 
volatility. 

MANAGEMENT 

In our metals service centers, Michel Vaillancourt, our Regional General Manager - Quebec, 
retired after 48 years of service.  I would like to personally thank Michel for his leadership 
and his ability to keenly direct our operations in the unique Quebec marketplace along with 
developing  a  worthy  successor.    Succeeding  Michel  is  Annick  Cadieux  who  started  her 
career at Acier Leroux in 2001 and has excelled at every level during her career from finance 
to operational to managerial roles within the region. 

RUSSEL METALS22019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In  our  steel  distributors  segment,  Doug  Thompson  Chairman  -  Wirth  Steel,  retired  in  2019.    Doug  originally 
started his affiliation with Wirth Steel in the 1960's before leaving to form his own company, Lackner Thompson, 
and then rejoining Wirth Steel in 1989.  Doug's extensive industry knowledge and ability to anticipate market 
changes were instrumental in the success of our Wirth Steel operation over his tenure.  Fernando Ferreira, who 
has served Wirth Steel for 35 years under Doug's tutelage and was promoted to President during 2016 as part 
of our succession plan will succeed Doug. 

On September 9, 2019 we announced that Marion Britton will be retiring as CFO after more than 35 years with 
our  Company.    Marion's  professionalism,  integrity  and  dedication  were  evident  in  our  continuous  disclosure 
documents  and  the  numerous  transactions  during  her  tenure.  Marion's  tireless  effort  and  keen  intellectually 
ability make her unique and it has been an absolute pleasure to work with her since I joined Russel Metals in 
2007.   

Please join me in saluting their accomplishments, appreciating their indelible mark in their respective areas and 
wishing them a wonderful and well-deserved retirement. 

I also want to welcome Martin Juravsky who joins us in May and will succeed Marion as CFO.  Marty brings 
extensive CFO experience in finance, capital markets and M&A. 

Finally, I would like to thank our Board of Directors for their representation of our shareholders' interests.  Our 
open and honest discussions around the Board table have provided support, guidance and healthy debate for 
the entire management team. 

FUTURE 

We saw steel prices stabilize and improve very late in 2019 and into early 2020.  We believe the 2019 steel 
prices marginally over-corrected and this was compounded by a dip in industrial demand and a slide in the North 
American rig count.  We are experiencing demand levels consistent with early 2019 as we kickoff 2020.  Prices 
appear  to  have  found  solid  footing  and  inventory  levels  throughout  the  service  center  and  steel  distributor 
operations  have  returned  to  sustainable  levels.    The  energy  distribution  supply  chains  are  moving  toward 
acceptable levels.  We look forward to a successful 2020. 

John G. Reid 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

RUSSEL METALS32019 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, 2019, 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 11, 2020 

J. G. Reid 
President and 
Chief Executive Officer   

M. E. Britton 
Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer 

RUSSEL METALS42019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 

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, 2019, 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 11, 2020. 

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: 
volatility in metal prices; cyclicality of the metals industry; volatility in oil and natural gas prices; capital budgets 
in  the  energy  industry;  climate  change;  product  claims;  significant  competition;  sources  of  metals  supply; 
manufacturers  selling  directly;  material  substitution;  credit  risk;  currency  exchange  risk;  restrictive  debt 
covenants; asset impairments; the unexpected loss of key individuals; decentralized operating structure; future 
acquisitions;  the  failure  of  our  key  computer-based  systems,  labour  interruptions;  laws  and  governmental 
regulations;  litigious  environment;  environmental  liabilities;  carbon  emissions;  health  and  safety  laws  and 
regulations and common share risk. 

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 under the heading 
"Risk  Management  and  Risks  Affecting  Our  Business"  in  our  most  recent  Annual  Information  Form  and  are 
otherwise  disclosed  in  our  filings  with  securities  regulatory  authorities  which  are  available  on  SEDAR  at 
www.sedar.com. 

RUSSEL METALS52019 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. 

Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $3.7 billion compared to $4.2 billion in 2018.  Demand 
declined in all three segments in 2019.  Steel prices declined in 2019 resulting in margin pressure compared to 
rising prices and inventory holding gains experienced in 2018.  Our net earnings for 2019 of $77 million were 
65% lower than our net earnings of $219 million in 2018.  Basic earnings per share was $1.23 for 2019 compared 
to $3.53 for 2018. 

Management believes that adjusted net earnings and adjusted earnings per share are useful measures that can 
facilitate comparisons between periods as they exclude items that are not part of our normal operations and 
could distort the analysis of trends in business performance.  The exclusion of these items does not necessarily 
imply  that  they  are  non-recurring.    These  measures  do  not  have  any  standardized  meaning  in  GAAP  and 
therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. 

Our adjusted net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $99 million or $1.59 per share, which 
excludes $18 million of inventory provisions on an after-tax basis and $4 million in acquisition-related charges 
on an after-tax basis for our October 1, 2019 City Pipe acquisition. 

We recorded an inventory provision of $5 million related to the decline in OCTG prices and an inventory provision 
of $14 million related to the decline in line pipe prices, both in our U.S. operations that are part of our energy 
products segment.  In our steel distributor segment, we recorded inventory provisions of $5 million.  Also, during 
2019, we recorded a pre-tax charge of $4 million related to the fair value adjustment on inventories and expenses 
of $2 million for our City Pipe acquisition. 

The following table provides a reconciliation of net earnings and earnings per share for the year ended December 
31, 2019 to adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share. 

2019 

Net earnings 
Inventory provisions, after tax 
City Pipe acquisition, after tax 
Adjusted net earnings 

millions 
$       77 
18 
4 
$       99 

per share 
$       1.23 
0.29 
0.07 
$       1.59 

Adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share are non-GAAP measures that exclude non-recurring 
items; inventory provisions and acquisition related charges.  We believe that adjusted net earnings and adjusted 
net earnings per share may be useful in assessing our operating performance but should not be considered as 
an alternative to net earnings or net earnings per share. 

UPDATE ON TARIFFS AND CANADIAN SAFEGUARDS 
Trade actions by government authorities in recent years have increased the volatility in steel prices and have 
created uncertainty in the industry.  The following is a summary of the major actions by government authorities. 

RUSSEL METALS62019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In April 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce self-initiated an investigation under section 232 of the Trade 
Expansion Act of 1962 to determine whether imports of foreign-made steel were harming U.S. national security.  
On March 8, 2018, the U.S. President signed executive orders to implement import tariffs of 25% on steel and 
10%  on  aluminum.    These  tariffs  were  implemented  on  March  23,  2018.    Canada  and  Mexico  were  initially 
excluded from the tariffs; however, the exclusion was lifted, and the tariffs were implemented on material from 
Canada  and  Mexico  on  June  1,  2018.    Canada  subsequently  implemented  retaliatory  tariffs  on  steel  and 
aluminum products from the U.S. effective July 1, 2018.  These steel and aluminum tariffs on products produced 
in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico were eliminated on May 20, 2019. 

On September 30, 2018, the U.S., Canada and Mexico reached an agreement to replace NAFTA.  On January 
29, 2020, the new agreement was signed into law in the U.S. but still requires the approval of the Canadian 
Parliament prior to implementation.  The new agreement should result in a more stable business environment 
after ratification by all parties. 

On October 22, 2018, the Canadian Department of Finance announced provisional safeguards of 25% on seven 
steel product categories.  Material imported into Canada from sources other than the U.S., Israel, Chile, Mexico 
and a number of developing countries were subject to provisional surcharges once the import volumes exceeded 
an allowable quota.  Formal hearings were conducted in January 2019 and recommendations were announced 
in April 2019 at which time it was recommended that tariff rate quotas be continued on heavy plate and stainless-
steel wire products for three years.  On May 10, 2019, the final safeguard order was implemented on these two 
product categories.  No remedy was recommended on the other five product categories, thus the provisional 
safeguards on these goods were removed effective April 29, 2019. 

During the 2019 first quarter, the U.S. International Trade Commission ("ITC") made a preliminary determination 
that  fabricated  structural  steel  from  Canada,  China  and  Mexico  materially  injured  the  U.S.  fabricated  steel 
industry.  On January 24, 2020, the Department of Commerce announced affirmative final determinations on 
anti-dumping duties of imports from Canada at rates of 0-6.70%.  As the Department of Commerce reached a 
negative  countervailing  determination  on  exports  from  Canada,  this  investigation  was  terminated,  and  no 
countervailing duties will be collected on imports from Canada.  The ITC is scheduled to make its final anti-
dumping injury determination on March 9, 2020.  If the ITC determines that no injury occurred due to imports 
from Canada, then no order to collect anti-dumping duties will be issued. 

SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
The following tables disclose selected information related to revenues, earnings and common shares over the 
last three years. 

2019 

(in millions, except per share data and volumes) 

Revenues 
Earnings before interest, finance expense and taxes 
Net earnings (loss) 

Mar. 31 
$  1,032.6 
58.2 
34.3 

Quarters Ended 
June 30 
$     936.7 
50.9 
30.8 

Sept. 30 
$     869.2 
34.9 
18.1 

Dec. 31 
$     837.4 
2.3 
(6.6) 

Year 
Ended 
Dec. 31 
$  3,675.9 
146.3 
76.6 

Basic earnings (loss) per common share 

$       0.55 

$       0.50 

$       0.29 

$     (0.11) 

$      1.23 

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share 

$       0.55 

$       0.50 

$       0.29 

$     (0.11) 

$      1.23 

Total assets 
Non-current financial liabilities 
Dividends paid 

Market price of common shares 
   High 
   Low 

$  2,199.2 
$     540.0 
$       0.38 

$  2,115.9 
$     541.1 
$       0.38 

$  2,074.9 
$     538.9 
$       0.38 

$  1,929.0 
$     539.2 
$       0.38 

$  1,929.0 
$     539.2 
$       1.52 

$     25.22 
$     20.75 

$     24.61 
$     20.90 

$     22.56 
$     18.47 

$     23.35 
$     19.85 

$     25.22 
$     18.47 

Shares outstanding end of quarter 
Average shares outstanding 
Number of common shares traded on the TSX 

62,109,395  62,109,395  62,173,430  62,173,430  62,173,430 
62,107,839  62,108,622  62,170,481  62,173,430  62,132,030 
13,787,516  10,661,704  12,814,804  14,601,555  51,865,579 

RUSSEL METALS72019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
 
 
 
2018 

(in millions, except per share data and volumes) 
Revenues 
Earnings before interest, finance expense and taxes 
Net earnings 

Mar. 31 
$     931.3 
60.6 
38.5 

Quarters Ended 
June 30 
$     978.2 
97.3 
66.1 

Sept. 30 
$  1,140.1 
101.6 
68.2 

Dec. 31 
$  1,115.4 
71.4 
46.2 

Year 
Ended 
Dec. 31 
$  4,165.0 
330.9 
219.0 

Basic earnings per common share 

$       0.62 

$       1.07 

$       1.10 

$      0.74 

$      3.53 

Diluted earnings per common share 

$       0.62 

$       1.06 

$       1.09 

$      0.74 

$      3.52 

Total assets 
Non-current financial liabilities 
Dividends paid 

Market price of common shares 
   High 
   Low 

$  1,924.2 
$     442.6 
$       0.38 

$  2,057.8 
$     443.0 
$       0.38 

$  2,140.9 
$     443.3 
$       0.38 

$  2,130.4 
$     443.6 
$       0.38 

$  2,130.4 
$     443.6 
$       1.52 

$     32.65 
$     27.08 

$     31.33 
$     26.24 

$     30.99 
$     26.20 

$     28.20 
$     19.72 

$     32.65 
$     19.72 

Shares outstanding end of quarter 
Average shares outstanding 
Number of common shares traded on the TSX 

61,965,644  62,077,045  62,090,045  62,106,895  62,106,895 
61,921,421  62,012,928  62,081,187  62,097,921  62,028,991 
8,981,225  10,136,481  14,371,151  49,516,725 
16,027,868 

2017 

(in millions, except per share data and volumes) 

Revenues 
Earnings before interest, finance expense and taxes 
Net earnings 

Mar. 31 
$     803.5 
47.9 
29.6 

Quarters Ended 
June 30 
$     816.5 
54.1 
32.5 

Sept. 30 
$     850.9 
57.5 
33.7 

Dec. 31 
$     825.1 
46.9 
28.0 

Year 
Ended 
Dec. 31 
$  3,296.0 
206.4 
123.8 

Basic earnings per common share 

$       0.48 

$       0.52 

$       0.55 

$      0.45 

$      2.00 

Diluted earnings per common share 

$       0.48 

$       0.52 

$       0.55 

$      0.45 

$      2.00 

Total assets 
Non-current financial liabilities 
Dividends paid 

Market price of common shares 
   High 
   Low 

$  1,611.4 
$     296.0 
$       0.38 

$  1,665.4 
$     296.1 
$       0.38 

$  1,796.7 
$     296.3 
$       0.38 

$  1,759.1 
$     296.5 
$       0.38 

$  1,759.1 
$     296.5 
$       1.52 

$     29.78 
$     25.13 

$     28.65 
$     23.67 

$     28.47 
$     24.61 

$     29.51 
$     27.16 

$     29.78 
$     23.67 

Shares outstanding end of quarter 
Average shares outstanding 
Number of common shares traded on the TSX 

61,792,194  61,792,194  61,792,194  61,890,197  61,890,197 
61,754,827  61,733,614  61,779,875  61,812,162  61,788,013 
9,812,965  50,514,518 
17,146,636  12,951,578  10,603,339 

RUSSEL METALS82019 ANNUAL REPORT 
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
 
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
 
 
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 
The following table provides earnings before interest, other finance expense and income taxes, which is a non-
GAAP measure.  The corporate expenses included are not allocated to specific operating segments.  Gross 
margins (revenues 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. 

(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 
Asset impairment 
Other 
Earnings before interest, finance expense and income taxes 

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 

variance 
as a % 
of 2018 

(7%) 
(18%) 
(13%) 

(12%) 

(56%) 
(49%) 
(67%) 
17% 

(56%) 

2019 

2018 

$  1,958.0 
1,310.7 
395.9 
11.3 
$  3,675.9 

$       73.7 
68.8 
15.8 
(17.0) 
- 
5.0 
$     146.3 

$  2,100.8 
1,597.5 
456.5 
10.2 
$  4,165.0 

$     169.4 
133.6 
47.2 
(20.4) 
(3.3) 
4.4 
$     330.9 

18.8% 
16.6% 
11.0% 

17.4% 

3.8% 
5.2% 
4.0% 

4.0% 

23.3% 
18.6% 
19.1% 

21.2% 

8.1% 
8.4% 
10.3% 

7.9% 

On January 1, 2019, we adopted  IFRS 16 - Leases which resulted in an increase in our segment operating 
profits and interest expense but had no impact on net income. 

EFFECTS OF IFRS 16 

(millions) 

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

Interest 
Provision for taxes 
Net earnings 

2019 

As reported 

Pre-IFRS 16 

$       73.7 
68.8 
15.8 
(17.0) 
5.0 
$     146.3 
40.9 
28.8 
$       76.6 

$       70.0 
65.0 
15.4 
(17.0) 
4.9 
$     138.3 
33.2 
28.5 
$       76.6 

Results of our U.S. operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 were converted at $1.3268 per US$1 
compared  to  $1.2961  per  US$1  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2018.    Our  U.S.  operations  represented 
approximately 30% of our total revenues.  The exchange rate used to translate the balance sheet at December 
31, 2019 was $1.2988 per US$1 versus $1.3642 per US$1 at December 31, 2018. 

RUSSEL METALS92019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
      
      
      
      
      
      
 
 
 
      
      
 
 
 
      
      
 
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
ANNUAL FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 

(millions, except per share amounts) 
Revenues 
Earnings before interest, finance expense and income taxes 
Net earnings 
Basic earnings per share 

2019 
$  3,676 
146 
77 
1.23 

2018 
$  4,165 
331 
219 
3.53 

2017 
$  3,296 
206 
124 
2.00 

Description of operations 

METALS SERVICE CENTERS 
a) 
We provide processing and distribution services to a broad base of approximately 33,000 end users through a 
network  of  48  Canadian  locations  and  16  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, Alberta Industrial Metals, B&T Steel, Color Steels, Leroux Steel, Mégantic Métal, Pemco 
Steel,  Russel  Metals  Processing,  Russel  Metals  Specialty  Products,  Métaux  Russel  Produits  Spécialisés, 
McCabe  Steel  and  York-Ennis.    Our  U.S.  service  centers  operate  under  the  names  Russel  Metals  Williams 
Bahcall, DuBose Steel, 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 2019 and 2018 is found in the section that follows. 

Steel prices fluctuate significantly throughout the steel cycle.  Steel prices are influenced by overall international 
demand,  domestic  demand,  trade  sanctions,  iron  ore  prices,  scrap  steel  prices  and  product  availability.  
Changing metal prices cause fluctuations in our operating margins.  Hot rolled coil products and sheet prices 
softened during 2019 and U.S. long products and plate pricing softened in the 2019 third quarter.  Price increases 
for hot rolled sheet and plate were announced late in the 2019 fourth quarter.  During the second half of 2018 
and  early  2019,  due  to  tariffs  on  material  between  Canada  and  the  U.S.,  product  prices  in  Canada  for  coil, 
structural tubing and hot rolled plate were not based on the currency adjusted U.S. pricing as had been the 
historical practice of the mills.  Canadian coil and structural tubing prices were lower than the equivalent U.S. 
price  whereas  plate  prices  were  higher  until  tariffs  were  removed  in  May  2019  when  the  prices  reverted  to 
currency-adjusted prices. 

In 2018, the implementation by the U.S. of import tariffs on steel led to a substantial increase in North American 
steel prices, as further described in the "Update on Tariffs and Canadian Safeguards" included in this MD&A.  
During 2019, the market adjusted to these tariffs and the U.S., Mexico and Canada agreed to remove import 
tariffs in May 2019.  Steel prices consequently decreased in the year. 

Supply side management, practiced by steel producers in North America, and international supply and demand, 
which impact steel imports, have historically affected product availability.  Trade sanctions on specific products 
have been initiated either by steel mills or by North American government agencies. 

Our operating results are affected by the cyclicality of the metals industry and the industries that purchase our 
products.  Demand for our products is significantly affected by economic cycles.  Revenues and operating profits 
fluctuate with the level of general business activity in the markets we serve.  We are most impacted by several 
sectors  of  the  North  American  economy  including  natural  resources,  oil  and  gas,  manufacturing  and 
construction. 

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  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. 

RUSSEL METALS102019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our U.S.  operations,  which  have  approximately  14,000  customers,  are  also  impacted  by  the  local  economic 
conditions  in  the  regions  that  they  serve.    In  April  2018,  we  acquired  DuBose  Steel  which  expanded  our 
geographic presence in the Southeastern United States. 

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

c) 

Metals service centers segment results -- 2019 compared to 2018 

(millions) 
Financial Highlights 
Revenues 
Gross margin ($) 
Gross margin (%) 
Earnings from operations 

2019 

2018 

% Change 

$  1,958 
368 
18.8% 
74 

$  2,101 
490 
23.3% 
169 

(7%) 
(25%) 

(56%) 

Our 2019 revenues decreased compared to 2018 due to lower steel prices and demand.  The average selling 
price was 1% lower than 2018 and same store tons shipped in 2019 were approximately 6% lower than tons 
shipped in 2018.  Based on 2019 data obtained from the Metals Service Center Institute, the Canadian and U.S. 
service center industries both had a reduction in shipments of 7%.  All of our regions had volume declines except 
Alberta and Color Steels.  Our Manitoba/Saskatchewan and British Columbia regions had lower demand than 
our other regions due to declines in the agriculture and forestry industries. 

The reduction of gross margin as a percentage of revenues was due to the absence of inventory holding gains 
relating to the rising price environment experienced in 2018 offset by an increase in value-added processing 
which has a positive impact on margins. 

Our average revenue per invoice for 2019 was approximately $2,371 compared to $2,422 for 2018, reflecting 
decreased steel prices and demand.  We handled approximately 3,303 transactions per day in 2019 compared 
to 3,274 per day in 2018. 

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 in the U.S., in Colorado and Texas.  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 49 Canadian and 24 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 Elite Supply Partners networks.  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 Western Fiberglass, Comco Pipe & Supply Company, Elite 
Supply Partners, 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 2019 and 2018 is found in the section that follows. 

The prices of oil, including the Western Canadian select discount, and natural gas can impact rig count and 
drilling activities, which in turn affects demand for our products.  Oil prices increased throughout the beginning 
of 2019 but decreased at the end of the second quarter and was range bound for the balance of 2019.  During 
2019, rig activity in the U.S. and Canada was lower than the same period in 2018. 

On October 1, 2019, we completed the acquisition of City Pipe and on December 31, 2019 City Pipe merged 
with Apex Remington to form Elite Supply Partners. 

RUSSEL METALS112019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prices for pipe products are influenced by overall demand, trade sanctions, product availability and metal prices.  
Trade sanctions are initiated either by steel mills or by North American government agencies.  Both the Canadian 
and U.S. governments have imposed duties on certain Chinese pipe, which remain in effect and have reduced 
imports of these products.  In August 2018, anti-dumping duties were imposed by the U.S. on imported large 
diameter pipe from six countries including Canada.  The U.S. section 232 investigation and the resulting tariffs 
and retaliatory tariffs increased pipe prices.  The subsequent removal of these tariffs and retaliatory tariffs in 
North America and quotas on Korean product has led to decreased pipe prices.  Large projects such as the 
Kitimat  LNG  project  should  result  in  stronger  demand  in  our  industry.    Valves  and  fittings  prices  are  not  as 
sensitive to steel price fluctuations because they are highly engineered products. 

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

c) 

Energy products segment results -- 2019 compared to 2018 

(millions) 
Financial Highlights 
Revenues 
Gross margin ($) 
Gross margin (%) 
Earnings from operations 

2019 

2018 

% Change 

$  1,311 
217 
16.6% 
69 

$  1,598 
298 
18.6% 
134 

(18%) 
(27%) 

(49%) 

Revenues in our energy products segment decreased in 2019 due to lower activity from reduced rig counts and 
large line pipe projects in 2018 which were not replicated in 2019.  Our oilfield stores and Comco Pipe operation 
had solid results in 2019 with Comco Pipe's results exceeding 2018. 

Gross margin as a percentage of revenues was lower than 2018 mainly due to lower industry-wide OCTG and 
line pipe prices in reaction to lower demand caused by reduced North American rig counts.  The lower line pipe 
prices resulted in a $14 million inventory provision and the lower OCTG prices resulted in a $5 million inventory 
provision. 

The October 1, 2019 acquisition of City Pipe resulted in revenues of $34 million and operating earnings of $2 
million in the 2019 fourth quarter.  The acquisition accounting resulted in a charge of $6 million consisting of a 
decrease in gross margin of $4 million and an increase in operating expenses of $2 million. 

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 operating 
under the name Arrow Steel, located in Houston, Texas where it processes coil for its customers.  Our steel 
distributors source their steel both domestically and offshore. 

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 processes and levels coil products. 

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 2019 and 2018 is found in the section that follows. 

RUSSEL METALS122019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Steel prices are influenced by overall demand, trade sanctions and product availability both domestically and 
worldwide.  Trade sanctions are initiated either by steel mills or government agencies in North America.  Trade 
actions currently exist on plate and pipe from specified countries.  The imposition of steel tariffs under the section 
232 investigation, discussed in more detail under "Update on Tariffs and Canadian Safeguards", led to higher 
prices and shifted supply channels for steel distributor customers in the second half of 2018.  Certain products 
purchased by our Canadian steel distributors operation were subject to the Canadian provisional safeguards 
that went into effect October 25, 2018.  On May 10, 2019, these safeguards were removed, and provisional 
surcharges were implemented on heavy plate and stainless-steel wire products. 

Demand  for  steel  that  is  sourced  offshore  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 operation sources product outside of Canada that is priced in U.S. dollars and may be impacted 
by movements in the Canadian dollar. 

c) 

Steel distributors segment results -- 2019 compared to 2018 

(millions) 
Financial Highlights 
Revenues 
Gross margin ($) 
Gross margin (%) 
Earnings from operations 

2019 

2018 

% Change 

$     396 
43 
11.0% 
16 

$     457 
87 
19.1% 
47 

(13%) 
(50%) 

(66%) 

Steel  distributors'  2019  revenues  decreased  compared  to  2018,  due  to  reduced  volumes  and  selling  prices 
primarily at our U.S. steel distributor operation. 

Gross margin as a percentage of revenues decreased in our U.S. operation due to lower steel prices.  There 
was  no  change  in  our  gross  margin  as  a  percentage  of  revenues  in  our  Canadian  operation  as  their  model 
incorporates  pre-selling  prior  to  purchase  of  material  in  contrast  to  the  U.S.  operation  which  is  more 
transactional.  Our U.S. operation recorded an inventory provision of $5 million in 2019. 

CORPORATE EXPENSES -- 2019 COMPARED TO 2018 
Corporate  expenses  were  $17  million  in  2019  compared  to  $20  million  in  2018  due  to  lower  variable 
compensation attributable to lower net earnings. 

LOSS ON ASSET IMPAIRMENT 
During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, we recorded an asset impairment charge of $3 million relating to 
costs associated with our ERP modernization project, as we decided to move in another direction to meet the 
needs of the business. 

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS -- 2019 COMPARED TO 2018 
Operating profits of $146 million in 2019 compared to $331 million in 2018 due to decreased steel prices and 
demand. 

INTEREST EXPENSE 
Net interest expense was $41 million for 2019 compared to $32 million for 2018 reflecting additional interest 
expense of $8 million related to the new lease accounting standard IFRS 16. 

OTHER FINANCE EXPENSE 
We recorded finance expenses of $1 million in 2018 related to the fair value of the contingent consideration on 
our Apex Distribution acquisition.  This reflected the final payment under the agreement. 

RUSSEL METALS132019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INCOME TAXES 
We recorded a provision for income taxes of $29 million for 2019 compared to a provision of $79 million for 2018.  
Our  effective  income  tax  rate  for  2019  was  27.3%  compared  to  26.5%  for  2018.    The  increase  in  the  2019 
effective tax rate was due to losses in our U.S. operations which were at a lower effective rate compared to our 
Canadian operations offset in part by the Alberta corporate rate reduction. 

NET EARNINGS 
Net earnings for 2019 were $77 million compared to $219 million in 2018.  Basic earnings per share for 2019 
was $1.23 per share compared to $3.53 per share in 2018 as the decline in steel prices and stagnant demand 
led to decreased results in all segments. 

SHARES OUTSTANDING AND DIVIDENDS 
The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for 2019 was 62,132,030 compared to 62,028,991 
for 2018 as a result of the exercise of options.  Common shares outstanding at December 31, 2019 and February 
11, 2020 were 62,173,430. 

We paid common share dividends of $94 million or $1.52 per share in 2019 and 2018. 

We  have  $150  million  of  6%  Senior  Notes  due  March  16,  2026.    The  indenture  for  these  Senior  Notes  has 
restrictions related to the payment of quarterly dividends in excess of $0.38 per share.  These notes can be 
redeemed at par on or after March 16, 2024. 

We  have  $300  million  of  6%  Senior  Notes  due  April  19,  2022.    The  indenture  for  these  Senior  Notes  has 
restrictions related to the payment of quarterly dividends in excess of $0.35 per share.  At the current dividend 
rate, there is sufficient room to continue to pay the dividend to the maturity of these 2022 Senior Notes which 
can be redeemed at par on or after April 19, 2020. 

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.  In addition, if our excess borrowing base were to be insufficient, we believe we would be able to 
obtain a waiver or finance our short-term cash requirements with alternative financing structures and pay the 
dividend. 

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

(millions) 
Net earnings 
Provision for income taxes 
Interest and finance expense, net 
Earnings before interest, finance expense and income taxes (EBIT) 
Depreciation and amortization 
Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) 

2019 
$       76.6 
28.8 
40.9 
146.3 
56.7 
$     203.0 

2018 
$     219.0 
79.1 
32.8 
330.9 
35.7 
$     366.6 

We believe that EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, may be useful in assessing our operating performance and as 
an indicator of our ability to service or incur indebtedness, make capital expenditures and finance working capital 
requirements.  The items excluded in determining EBITDA are significant in assessing our operating results and 
liquidity.  Therefore, EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to cash from operating 
activities or other combined income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with GAAP.  EBITDA increased 
by $25 million as a result of the new lease accounting standard IFRS 16. 

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 
Capital expenditures were $35 million in 2019 compared to $41 million in 2018.  We continue to invest in value-
added processing equipment in our metals service centers.  Depreciation expense was $32 million compared to 
$29 million for the comparable period in 2018.  The implementation of the new lease accounting standard IFRS 
16 resulted in additional depreciation of $17 million in 2019. 

RUSSEL METALS142019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIQUIDITY 
At December 31, 2019, we had net bank indebtedness, defined as cash less bank indebtedness, of $46 million 
compared to $4 million at December 31, 2018.  We generated cash of $171 million from operations during 2019 
and $144 million from working capital.  We invested $35 million for capital expenditures, utilized $66 million for 
income tax payments and returned $94 million in dividends to our shareholders. 

Due to our cyclicality, we experience significant swings in working capital, which impact cash flow.  Inventory 
and accounts receivable represent a large percentage of our total assets employed and utilize cash at the peak 
of  each  cycle  and  generate  cash  from  working  capital  reductions  at  the  bottom  of  each  cycle.    Accounts 
receivable and inventory comprise our largest liquidity risks and generated $324 million in cash in 2019 due to 
decreased business activity triggering strong cash flows as we focused on optimizing working capital levels. 

Total  assets  were  $1.9  billion  at  December  31,  2019,  compared  to  $2.1  billion  at  December  31,  2018.    At 
December  31,  2019,  current  assets  excluding  cash  represented  72%  of  our  total  assets  excluding  cash, 
compared to 80% at December 31, 2018.  This ratio was impacted by the addition of $90 million in right-of-use 
assets as a result of IFRS 16. 

Reduced inventory levels yielded cash of $203 million in 2019.  Inventories were lower due to both decreased 
tons and steel prices.  Inventories represented 46% of our total assets at December 31, 2019 compared to 49% 
at December 31, 2018. 

Inventory by Segment  (millions) 
Metals service centers 
Energy products 
Steel distributors 
Total  

Inventory Turns  (quarters ended) 
Metals service centers 
Energy products 
Steel distributors 

Total  

Dec. 31 
2019 
$     295 
494 
95 
$     884 

Dec. 31 
2019 
4.5 
2.5 
3.3 

3.2 

Sept. 30 
2019 
$     334 
507 
123 
$     964 

Sept. 30 
2019 
4.6 
2.0 
2.7 

3.0 

June 30 
2019 
$     378 
506 
124 
$  1,008 

June 30 
2019 
4.6 
1.9 
2.8 

3.0 

Mar. 31 
2019 
$     429 
465 
137 
$  1,031 

Mar. 31 
2019 
4.1 
2.6 
3.1 

3.3 

Dec. 31 
2018 
$     427 
475 
150 
$  1,052 

Dec. 31 
2018 
3.9 
3.0 
3.6 

3.4 

At December 31, 2019, our metals service inventory tons and average cost per ton were lower compared to 
December 31, 2018 as our operations reduced purchases consistent with business levels. 

During  2019  inventory  levels  decreased  in  our  energy  products  operations,  excluding  City  Pipe,  due  to 
decreased demand in the sector caused by lower rig counts. 

Inventory levels at steel distributors were lower due to decreased demand and lower costs per ton. 

Accounts receivable generated cash of $121 million in 2019 reflecting lower revenues in the 2019 fourth quarter.  
Accounts receivable represented 24% of our total assets excluding cash at December 31, 2019 compared to 
28% in 2018. 

During  2019,  we  made  income  tax  payments  of  $66  million  compared  to  $78  million  for  2018  due  to  lower 
earnings. 

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 METALS152019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
    
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FREE CASH FLOW 
(millions) 
Cash from operating activities before non-cash working capital 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

2019 
$     171.5 
(34.8) 
$     136.7 

2018 
$     341.4 
(41.3) 
$     300.1 

We  believe  that  free  cash  flow  may  be  useful  in  assessing  our  ability  to  pay  dividends,  interest,  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.  The purchase of property, plant and equipment excludes the 
non-cash addition of right-of-use assets. 

DEBT 
As at December 31 (millions) 
Long-term debt 
   6% $300 million Unsecured Senior Notes due April 19, 2022 
   6% $150 million Unsecured Senior Notes due March 16, 2026 

CASH AND BANK CREDIT FACILITY 
(millions) 
Bank loans 
Cash net of outstanding cheques 
Net debt 
Letters of credit 

Facility 
Borrowings and letters of credit 
Letters of credit 
Facility availability 

Available line based on borrowing base 

2019 

2018 

$     298 
147 
$     445 

$     297 
147 
$     444 

2019 
$     (57) 
11 
(46) 
(33) 
$     (79) 

$     400 
50 
$     450 

$     450 

2018 
$    (148) 
144 
(4) 
(76) 
$     (80) 

$     500 
50 
$     550 

$     550 

On February 6, 2018, we increased and extended our credit facility to $450 million expiring September 21, 2021.  
The facility with a syndicate of Canadian and U.S. banks provides $50 million for letters of credit and $400 million 
which can be utilized for borrowings or additional letters of credit.  On August 31, 2018, we amended our credit 
facility to increase availability by $100 million for borrowings or additional letters of credit for a period of one year 
for a total availability of $550 million.  On August 30, 2019, this increase expired and the availability reverted 
back to $450 million.  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 
$450 million. 

As of December 31, 2019, we were entitled to borrow and issue letters of credit totaling $450 million under this 
facility.  At December 31, 2019, we had $57 million in borrowings and $33 million of letters of credit outstanding.  
At December 31, 2018 we had $148 million in borrowings and letters of credit of $76 million. 

At December 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all of our financial covenants. 

With our cash, cash equivalents and our bank facility we have access to approximately $354 million of cash 
based  on our  December  31,  2019  balances.    The  use  of  our  bank  facilities  has  been  predominantly  to  fund 
working capital requirements, acquisitions and trade letters of credit for inventory purchases. 

RUSSEL METALS162019 ANNUAL REPORT 
      
 
 
 
 
      
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS 
As at December 31, 2019, we were contractually obligated to make payments as per the following table: 

Contractual Obligations 
(millions) 
Bank loans 
Accounts payable 
Debt 
Long-term debt interest 
Operating leases 
Total 

Payments due in 

2021 
and 2022 
$          - 
- 
300 
44 
42 
$     386 

2023 
and 2024 
$          - 
- 
- 
18 
31 
$       49 

2025 and 
thereafter 
$          - 
- 
150 
14 
59 
$     223 

2020 
$       57 
331 
- 
27 
26 
$     441 

Total 
$       57 
331 
450 
103 
158 
$  1,099 

We provide defined contribution pension plans for a majority of our Canadian and U.S. employees; however, we 
have obligations related to multiple defined benefit pension plans in Canada, as disclosed in Note 15 of our 2019 
consolidated financial statements.  During 2019 we contributed $4 million to these plans.  We expect to contribute 
approximately $5 million to these plans during 2020.  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 $11 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 $6 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,  which  are  not 
material, 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  short-term  and  low  value  operating  lease  obligations  disclosed  in  the  contractual  obligations  table.    On 
January 1, 2019, we adopted the new lease accounting standard IFRS 16 and our leases, excluding short-term 
and low value leases, that were previously off-balance sheet were recorded on the balance sheet. 

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 valuation, 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 reserves are estimated in the period in which revenue is recorded.  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,  2019 
approximated our reserve level at December 31, 2018.  Bad debt expense for 2019 as a percentage of revenues 
was less than 1%. 

RUSSEL METALS172019 ANNUAL REPORT 
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Inventories 
We review our inventories to ensure that the cost of inventories is not in excess of 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.  When 
recent selling prices are not available, future selling prices are estimated using current replacement cost plus an 
applicable margin.  The inventory reserve level at December 31, 2019 was $24 million greater than the level at 
December 31, 2018. 

Other areas involving significant estimates and judgements include: 

Goodwill Impairment 
The determination of whether goodwill and intangibles are impaired requires the estimation of future cash flows 
and an appropriate discount rate to determine value in use.  An impairment occurs when the book value of the 
assets associated with a particular cash-generating unit is greater than the value in use.  The assessment of 
future cash flows and the discount rate requires significant judgement.  Goodwill is tested for impairment on an 
annual basis which resulted in no impairment for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. 

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, if 
any, 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 
obligation.  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 our financial position, cash flows or operations. 

Employee Benefit Plans 
At  least  every  three  years,  our  actuaries  perform  a  valuation  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 $153 million in plan assets at December 31, 2019, which is approximately $18 million 
higher than December 31, 2018.  The discount rate used on the employee benefit plan obligation for December 
31, 2019 was 3.0%, which is 75 basis points lower than the discount rate at December 31, 2018. 

RUSSEL METALS182019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 & Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Vice President & 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, 2019.  The 
design and evaluation of internal controls was completed using the framework and criteria established in "Internal 
Control  -  Integrated  Framework"  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway 
Commission. 

Based  on  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.  We believe we enhance profitability 
by operating with the lowest possible net assets.  This reduces borrowings and minimizes interest expense in 
all periods of the economic cycle and creates returns on net assets that are more stable.  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 average profits and that we 
will generate earnings over the cycle in the top quartile of the industry. 

Growth from selective acquisitions is also part of our strategy.  We focus on investment opportunities in metals 
and energy distribution 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.  
In addition, we will continue to invest in value-added processing that allows for growth and will further stabilize 
our returns.  We completed the acquisition of Color Steels in 2017 which provided a new product line to our 
Canadian service center operations.  On April 16, 2018, we completed the acquisition of the operating assets 
and facilities of DuBose Steel which adds a new geographic area to our U.S. service center operations.  On 
October 1, 2019, we completed the acquisition of City Pipe & Supply Corp. which added energy field service 
facilities, primarily in the Permian basin, to our existing Apex Remington strength in Oklahoma, Texas and North 
Dakota.  We continue to review opportunities for additional acquisitions. 

We believe that the steel-based pricing cycle will continue to be short and volatile, and that our decentralized 
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. 

RUSSEL METALS192019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 cyclical nature of the steel industry, fluctuation in capacity utilization rates for North 
American steel producers and high import levels.  The tariffs implemented under the section 232 investigation 
supported higher steel prices and North American production in 2018.  The removal of the North American tariffs 
reduced  steel  prices  for  2019  below  those  experienced  in  late  2017.    Future  changes  to  country  or  product 
exemptions may impact steel prices and product availability 

We are one of the largest energy services companies in Canada.  Approximately 40% of our North American 
revenues are dependent on the oil and gas industry whose activity fluctuates with oil and gas prices.  Our oil 
field store operations provide a more stable stream of earnings as their products are used in maintenance and 
repair as well as new drilling activity.  Our OCTG and line pipe operations are experiencing an increasingly price 
competitive market place with the North American supply channel evolving as certain pipe manufacturers have 
elected  to  hold  inventory  in  an  effort  to  bypass  the  distributors.    This  has  reduced  margins  and  created  an 
oversupply of inventories throughout the supply chain during a period of reduced demand driven by lower rig 
counts. 

We have implemented an enterprise risk management program.  The enterprise risk management program and 
a summary of the risks affecting our business is described under the heading "Risk Management and Risks 
Affecting Our Business" in our most recent Annual Information Form, which section is incorporated by reference 
in this "Risk" section of our MD&A. 

FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS 
Revenues in the fourth quarter of 2019 were 25% lower than the same quarter in 2018.  Operating income was 
$2 million compared to $71 million in 2018 and our net loss was $7 million compared to net income of $46 million 
in 2018. 

During the quarter ended December 31, 2019, we recorded inventory provisions of $14 million related to the 
decline in line pipe prices in our U.S. energy product operation and $4 million on various products at our U.S. 
steel distributor operation.  Also during the fourth quarter we recorded a pre-tax charge of $6 million attributed 
to the fair value adjustment and expenses on our City Pipe acquisition. 

Management believes that adjusted net earnings and adjusted earnings per share are useful measures that can 
facilitate comparisons between periods as they exclude items that are not part of our normal operations and 
could distort the analysis of trends in business performance.  The exclusion of these items does not necessarily 
imply  that  they  are  non-recurring.    These  measures  do  not  have  any  standardized  meaning  in  GAAP  and 
therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. 

Our adjusted net earnings for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 were $11 million or $0.19 per share which 
excludes $14 million of inventory provisions on an after-tax basis and $4 million in acquisition-related charges 
on an after-tax basis for our October 1, 2019 City Pipe acquisition. 

The  following  table  provides  a  reconciliation  of  net  earnings  and  earnings  per  share  for  the  quarter  ended 
December 31, 2019 to adjusted net earnings and adjusted earnings per share. 

2019 Fourth Quarter 
Net earnings (loss) 
Inventory provisions, net of tax 
City Pipe acquisition, net of tax 
Adjusted net earnings 

millions 
$        (7) 
14 
4 
$       11 

per share 
$      (0.11) 
0.23 
0.07 
$       0.19 

RUSSEL METALS202019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table provides earnings before interest, taxes and other income or expense in a format consistent 
with our annual results. 

(millions, except percentages) 
Segment Revenues 
Metals service centers 
Energy products 
Steel distributors 
Other 

Segment Operating Profits (Loss) 
Metals service centers 
Energy products 
Steel distributors 
Corporate expenses 
Other 
Earnings before interest, finance expense and income taxes 

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

Total operations 

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

Total operations 

Quarters Ended 
December 31 

2019 

2018 

variance 
as a % 
of 2018 

$     411.6 
342.6 
80.6 
2.6 
$     837.4 

$         8.8 
(1.8) 
(3.2) 
(2.6) 
1.1 
$         2.3 

$     524.3 
431.7 
156.8 
2.6 
$  1,115.4 

$       28.3 
32.5 
10.8 
(1.6) 
1.4 
$       71.4 

(21%) 
(21%) 
(49%) 

(25%) 

(69%) 
(105%) 
(130%) 

(97%) 

18.8% 
11.4% 
3.6% 

14.6% 

2.1% 
(0.5%) 
(4.0%) 

0.3% 

20.9% 
17.8% 
13.3% 

18.8% 

5.4% 
7.5% 
6.9% 

6.4% 

Metals service centers revenues were 21% lower than the same quarter in 2018 as a result of decreased activity 
and lower selling prices.  Tons shipped in the fourth quarter of 2019 for metals service centers were 7% lower 
than the fourth quarter of 2018 and selling prices were 15% lower than the fourth quarter of 2018.  Gross margin 
as a percentage of revenues decreased to 18.8% for the fourth quarter of 2019 from 20.9% for the fourth quarter 
of 2018 but were consistent with year to date margins at September 30, 2019 and improved over the 2019 third 
quarter. 

Revenues at our energy products segment were 21% lower than 2018.  Lower demand was experienced in the 
2019 fourth quarter as a result of lower North American rig counts and large line pipe projects in 2018 that were 
not  replicated.    The  energy  products  segment  had  an  operating  loss  in  the  fourth  quarter  due  to  inventory 
provisions of $14 million at our U.S. line pipe operation. 

Our steel distributors reported an operating loss in the 2019 fourth quarter due to inventory provisions of $4 
million at our U.S. operation. 

Corporate expenses were higher than 2018 due to stock-based compensation. 

Loss per share for the fourth quarter of 2019 was $0.11 compared to earnings of $0.74 for the fourth quarter of 
2018. 

OUTLOOK 
Late in the 2019 fourth quarter and early 2020, we experienced an increase in steel prices which will benefit our 
metals service center and steel distributor operations.  Demand remains consistent with early 2019.  In energy 
products, pipe prices have not yet recovered as the North American distribution network remains overstocked 
and capital spending in the industry remains under pressure due to lower rig counts, particularly in the U.S. 

RUSSEL METALS212019 ANNUAL REPORT 
      
      
 
 
 
      
      
 
 
 
      
      
 
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Russel Metals Inc. 

Opinion 
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Russel Metals Inc. (the "Company"), which comprise 
the  consolidated  statements  of  financial  position  as  at  December  31,  2019  and  2018,  and  the  consolidated 
statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and 
notes  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  including  a  summary  of  significant  accounting  policies 
(collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). 

In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position 
of the Company as at December 31, 2019 and 2018, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the 
years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). 

Basis for Opinion 
We  conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  Canadian  generally  accepted  auditing  standards  ("Canadian 
GAAS").  Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for 
the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report.  We are independent of the Company in accordance 
with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in Canada, and we have 
fulfilled  our  other  ethical  responsibilities  in  accordance  with  these  requirements.    We  believe  that  the  audit 
evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Other Information 
Management is responsible for the other information.  The other information comprises:  

  Management's Discussion and Analysis  
 

The  information,  other  than  the  financial  statements  and  our  auditor's  report  thereon,  in  the  Annual 
Report. 

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not and will not express 
any  form  of  assurance  conclusion  thereon.    In  connection  with  our  audit  of  the  financial  statements,  our 
responsibility  is  to  read  the  other  information  identified  above  and,  in  doing  so,  consider  whether  the  other 
information is materially  inconsistent  with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or 
otherwise appears to be materially misstated. 

We obtained Management's Discussion and Analysis prior to the date of this auditor's report.  If, based on the 
work we have performed on this other information,  we conclude that there is a  material misstatement of this 
other information, we are required to report that fact in this auditor’s report.  We have nothing to report in this 
regard. 

The Annual Report is expected to be made available to us after the date of the auditor's report. If, based on the 
work we will perform on this other information, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other 
information, we are required to report that fact to those charged with governance. 

Responsibility of Management and those Charged with Governance for the Financial Statements 
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance 
with IFRS, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of 
financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In  preparing  the  financial  statements,  management  is  responsible  for  assessing  the  Company's  ability  to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going 
concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, 
or has no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Company's financial reporting process. 

RUSSEL METALS222019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free 
from material  misstatement,  whether  due  to  fraud  or  error,  and  to  issue  an  auditor's  report  that  includes  our 
opinion.  Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in 
accordance with Canadian GAAS will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.  Misstatements can 
arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably 
be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

As  part  of  an  audit  in  accordance  with  Canadian  GAAS,  we  exercise  professional  judgment  and  maintain 
professional skepticism throughout the audit.  We also: 

 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud 
or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that 
is  sufficient  and  appropriate  to  provide  a  basis  for  our  opinion.    The  risk  of  not  detecting  a  material 
misstatement  resulting  from  fraud  is  higher  than  for  one  resulting  from  error,  as  fraud  may  involve 
collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. 

  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit 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 Company's internal control. 
Evaluate  the  appropriateness  of  accounting  policies  used  and  the  reasonableness  of  accounting 
estimates and related disclosures made by management. 

 

  Conclude on the appropriateness of management's use of the going concern basis of accounting and, 
based  on  the  audit  evidence  obtained,  whether  a  material  uncertainty  exists  related  to  events  or 
conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.  If 
we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor's report 
to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify 
our opinion.  Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor's 
report.  However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going 
concern. 
Evaluate  the  overall  presentation,  structure  and  content  of  the  financial  statements,  including  the 
disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a 
manner that achieves fair presentation. 

 

  Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business 
activities within the Company to express an opinion on the financial statements.  We are responsible for 
the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit.  We remain solely responsible for our 
audit opinion. 

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and 
timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we 
identify during our audit. 

We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical 
requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that 
may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards. 

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor's report is Stacey Nagle. 

Deloitte LLP 
Chartered Professional Accountants 
Licensed Public Accountants 

Toronto, Ontario 
February 11, 2020 

RUSSEL METALS232019 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 7) 
Employee expenses (Note 19) 
Other operating expenses (Note 19) 
Asset impairment (Note 8) 
Earnings before interest, finance expense and provision for income taxes 
Interest expense (Note 20) 
Other finance expense (Note 20) 
Earnings before provision for income taxes 
Provision for income taxes (Note 21) 
Net earnings for the year 

Basic earnings per common share (Note 18) 

Diluted earnings per common share (Note 18) 

2019 
$  3,675.9 
3,035.9 
295.9 
197.8 
- 
146.3 
40.9 
- 
105.4 
28.8 
$       76.6 

2018 
$  4,165.0 
3,280.4 
335.1 
215.3 
3.3 
330.9 
31.6 
1.2 
298.1 
79.1 
$     219.0 

$       1.23 

$       3.53 

$       1.23 

$       3.52 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

For the years ended December 31 
(in millions of Canadian dollars) 

Net earnings for the year 
Other comprehensive income (loss) 
Items that may be reclassified to earnings 
   Unrealized foreign exchange (losses) 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 of $nil million (2018: $1.2 million) 
Other comprehensive (loss) income 
Total comprehensive income 

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

2019 
$       76.6 

2018 
$     219.0 

(27.8) 

44.8 

(0.1) 
(27.9) 
$       48.7 

3.4 
48.2 
$     267.2 

RUSSEL METALS242019 ANNUAL REPORT 
     
     
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION 

As at December 31 
(in millions of Canadian dollars) 

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

Property, Plant and Equipment (Note 8) 
Right-of-Use Assets (Note 9) 
Deferred Income Tax Assets (Note 21) 
Pension and Benefits (Note 15) 
Financial and Other Assets (Note 10) 
Goodwill and Intangibles (Note 11) 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 
Current 
   Bank indebtedness (Note 12) 
   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 13) 
   Short-term lease obligations (Note 9) 
   Income taxes payable 

Long-Term Debt (Note 14) 
Pensions and Benefits (Note 15) 
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities (Note 21) 
Long-term Lease Obligations (Note 9) 
Provisions and Other Non-Current Liabilities (Note 22) 

Shareholders' Equity (Note 16) 
   Common shares 
   Retained earnings 
   Contributed surplus 
   Accumulated other comprehensive income 
Total Shareholders' Equity 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity 

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

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, 

J. Clark 
Director 

   A. Benedetti 
   Director 

2019 

2018 

$       16.0 
458.1 
883.6 
18.1 
18.9 
1,394.7 

288.9 
90.1 
4.8 
5.4 
4.0 
137.0 
$  1,924.9 

$       62.1 
326.4 
17.1 
0.3 
405.9 

444.8 
10.4 
13.2 
94.4 
11.6 
980.3 

543.7 
284.5 
15.7 
100.7 
944.6 
$  1,924.9 

$     124.3 
567.5 
1,052.5 
14.1 
5.2 
1,763.6 

268.9 
- 
4.2 
3.1 
4.4 
86.2 
$  2,130.4 

$     128.5 
494.7 
- 
21.5 
644.7 

443.6 
8.9 
20.1 
- 
8.2 
1,125.5 

542.1 
318.6 
15.7 
128.5 
1,004.9 
$  2,130.4 

RUSSEL METALS252019 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 
   Provision for income taxes 
   Interest expense 
   (Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 
   Share-based compensation 
   Difference between pension expense and amount funded 
   Debt accretion, amortization and other 
   Change in fair value of contingent consideration 
   Interest paid, including interest on lease obligations 
Cash from operating activities before non-cash working capital 
Changes in non-cash working capital items 
   Accounts receivable 
   Inventories 
   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
   Other 
Change in non-cash working capital 
   Income tax paid, net 
Cash from operating activities  
Financing activities 
   Decrease in bank indebtedness 
   Issue of common shares 
   Dividends on common shares 
   Issuance of long-term debt 
   Lease obligations 
   Deferred financing costs 
Cash used in financing activities 
Investing activities 
   Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
   Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment 
   Payment of contingent consideration 
   Purchase of business 
Cash used in investing activities 
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents 
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year 

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

2019 

2018 

$       76.6 
56.7 
28.8 
40.9 
(0.5) 
0.3 
(0.9) 
1.2 
- 
(31.6) 
171.5 

$     219.0 
35.7 
79.1 
31.6 
2.8 
0.5 
(1.6) 
1.0 
1.2 
(27.9) 
341.4 

121.1 
202.5 
(175.7) 
(3.8) 
144.1 
(65.9) 
249.7 

(66.3) 
1.3 
(94.5) 
- 
(17.2) 
- 
(176.7) 

(101.0) 
(195.5) 
117.7 
3.2 
(175.6) 
(77.9) 
87.9 

(79.3) 
4.7 
(94.3) 
146.0 
- 
(1.1) 
(24.0) 

(34.8) 
1.4 
- 
(139.4) 
(172.8) 
(8.5) 
(108.3) 
124.3 
$       16.0 

(41.3) 
2.4 
(4.5) 
(36.8) 
(80.2) 
14.8 
(1.5) 
125.8 
$     124.3 

RUSSEL METALS262019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
     
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

(in millions of Canadian dollars) 

Balance, January 1, 2019 
Payment of dividends 
Change in accounting policy (Note 3) 
Net income for the year 
Other comprehensive loss for the year 
Recognition of share-based compensation 
Share options exercised 
Transfer of net actuarial losses on defined benefit plans 
Balance, December 31, 2019 

Common 
Shares 
$   542.1 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1.6 
- 
$   543.7 

Retained 
Earnings 
$   318.6 
(94.5) 
(16.1) 
76.6 
- 
- 
- 
(0.1) 
$   284.5 

(in millions of Canadian dollars) 

Balance, January 1, 2018 
Payment of dividends 
Net income for the year 
Other comprehensive income for the year 
Recognition of share-based compensation 
Share options exercised 
Transfer of net actuarial gains on defined benefit plans 
Balance, December 31, 2018 

Common 
Shares 
$   536.6 
- 
- 
- 
- 
5.5 
- 
$   542.1 

Retained 
Earnings 
$   190.5 
(94.3) 
219.0 
- 
- 
- 
3.4 
$   318.6 

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

Accumulated 
Other 
Contributed  Comprehensive 
Income 

Surplus 
$     15.7 
- 
- 
- 
- 
0.3 
(0.3) 
- 
$     15.7 

Total 
$   128.5  $ 1,004.9 
(94.5) 
(16.1) 
76.6 
(27.9) 
0.3 
1.3 
- 
$   944.6 

- 
- 
- 
(27.9) 
- 
- 
0.1 
$   100.7 

Accumulated 
Other 
Contributed  Comprehensive 
Income 

Surplus 
$     16.0 
- 
- 
- 
0.5 
(0.8) 
- 
$     15.7 

Total 
$     83.7  $    826.8 
(94.3) 
219.0 
48.2 
0.5 
4.7 
- 
$   128.5  $ 1,004.9 

- 
- 
48.2 
- 
- 
(3.4) 

RUSSEL METALS272019 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.    The  Company  purchases  these  products  primarily  from  North  American  steel 
producers and packages and sells 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.  The 
Company  purchases  these  products  primarily  from  the  pipe  divisions  of  North  American  steel  mills  or  from 
independent manufacturers. 

Steel Distribution 
The Company's steel distributors act as master distributors, selling steel in large volumes to other metals service 
centers and large equipment manufacturers.  This segment sources its steel both domestically and offshore. 

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 statements 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 11, 
2020. 

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 METALS282019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment of long lived non-financial assets 

b) 
Non-financial tangible and  definite life intangible assets 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 from contracts with customers 

c) 
Revenue  is  recognized  at  an  amount  that  reflects  the  expected  consideration  receivable  in  exchange  for 
transferring goods or services to a customer applying the following steps: 

Identify the contract with a customer 
Identify the performance obligation 

1. 
2. 
3.  Determine the transaction price 
4.  Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation in the contract 
5.  Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation 

The Company generates revenue primarily from the delivery of metal and metal products to customers.  The 
primary  contracts  to  provide  goods  and  services  to  customers  are  purchase  orders  (written  or  verbal)  which 
provide the Company's performance obligations and transaction prices.  The primary performance obligation in 
the  Company's  contracts  is  to  provide  metal  products  to  customers  in  accordance  with  their  specifications.  
These  specifications  could  require  the  Company  to  cut,  bend  and  provide  other  metal  processing  prior  to 
delivery.  The Company's performance obligation is satisfied upon transfer of control of product to the customers, 
which occurs when it has been packed and loaded for delivery.  Credit terms for customers are short-term in 
nature. 

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 closing rate in effect at the statement of financial position date, which was $1.2988 
per  US$1  at  December  31,  2019  (December  31,  2018:  $1.3642  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  year.    For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2019,  the  average  U.S.  dollar  Bank  of  Canada  closing 
exchange  rate  was  $1.3268  per  US$1  (2018:  $1.2961  per  US$1).    The  resulting  gains  or  losses  from  the 
translation  of  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. 

RUSSEL METALS292019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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,  long-lived  asset  and  goodwill  impairment,  decommissioning 
obligations, lease 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 POLICIES 

IFRS 16 Leases 
In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16, Leases ("IFRS 16"), which set out the principles for the recognition, 
measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract, i.e. the lessee and the lessor.  
Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted this standard using the modified retrospective approach under 
which the cumulative effect of initial application was recognized in retained earnings at January 1, 2019.  The 
majority  of  the  Company's  off  balance  sheet  leases  became  on  balance  sheet  liabilities.    The  impact  of  this 
change in accounting policy is noted below. 

For contracts entered into before January 1, 2019, the Company determined whether the arrangement contained 
a lease under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4.  Prior to the adoption of IFRS 16, these leases were classified as operating 
or finance leases based on an assessment of whether the lease transferred significantly all the risks and rewards 
of ownership of the underlying asset.  The Company leases warehouse locations, field stores, office space, land, 
equipment, trucks and other vehicles. 

On transition, the Company elected to apply the practical expedient to grandfather the determination of which 
contract  was or contained  a lease and  applied IFRS  16 to those contracts  that  were  previously  identified  as 
leases.  Upon transition to the new standard, lease liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining 
lease payments discounted by the Company's incremental borrowing rate as at January 1, 2019.  Right-of-use 
assets and lease liabilities were recognized on the statement of financial position with the cumulative difference 
recognized in retained earnings. 

The Company has elected not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases with a lease term 
of less than 12 months or low value assets and recognizes the lease payments associated with these leases in 
other operating expenses on a straight-line basis over the lease term, as permitted by IFRS 16. 

Impact of Change in Accounting Policy 
At transition, lease liabilities of $112.7 million, right-of-use assets of $90.8 million and reduction in net deferred 
tax liabilities of $5.8 million were recognized in the statement of financial position.  The difference of $16.1 million 
was recognized as a reduction of retained earnings. 

The Company's lease commitments as disclosed in its December 31, 2018 notes to its consolidated financial 
statements of $138.4 million compare to the transitional lease obligation of $112.7 million.  The lease obligation 
commitments  decreased  by  $45.3  million  due  to  the  discounting  of  the  obligations  using  the  Company's 
incremental borrowing rate and increased by $24.0 million due to the assessment of extension options on certain 
real  estate  leases.    The  remaining  difference  relates  to  variable  payments,  low  value  leases  and  short-term 
leases which are not recorded on the balance sheet. 

RUSSEL METALS302019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 4 

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 provided, 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 
The  fair  value  of  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  assumed  in  a  business  combination  are  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  models,  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 
2019 Acquisition 
On October 1, 2019, the Company completed its acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of 
City Pipe & Supply Corp. ("City Pipe"), a distributor of pipe, valves and fittings to oil and gas companies primarily 
in the Permian basin through its five distribution locations in Odessa, Big Spring, Weatherford and Longview, 
Texas  and  Hobbs,  New  Mexico.    The  transaction  costs  for  this  acquisition  were  $1.4  million.    The  following 
summarizes the preliminary allocation of the consideration for this acquisition: 

(millions) 

Inventory 
Accounts receivable 
Prepaid and other 
Property, plant and equipment 
Intangibles 
Goodwill 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Income tax payable 
Net identifiable assets acquired 

Consideration: 
Cash 

$       46.6 
16.9 
0.5 
22.2 
45.5 
14.2 
(6.3) 
(0.2) 
$     139.4 

$     139.4 

The preliminary allocation is subject to change following the final settlement of the holdbacks which may result 
in an adjustment to working capital.  Accounts receivable of $16.9 million represented gross contractual accounts 
receivable of which none was considered uncollectible at the time of acquisition. 

RUSSEL METALS312019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
     
 
 
 
Goodwill represents the expansion of our geographical footprint in the Permian basin and the expected growth 
potential of the business.  City Pipe complements our Apex Remington operation and on December 31, 2019 
City Pipe was merged with Apex Remington to form Elite Supply Partners Inc. ("Elite Supply Partners").  The 
goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. 

The  consolidated  statements  of  earnings  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2019  includes  supplementary 
revenues  of  $33.5  million  and  earnings  before  interest,  acquisition  costs,  finance  expense  and  provision  for 
income taxes of $1.9 million attributable to the business acquired. 

If  the  acquisition  had  taken  place  at  the  beginning  of  the  2019  fiscal  year,  management  estimates  that  the 
acquired business would have provided revenues of $184 million and earnings before interest, acquisition costs, 
finance expense and provision for income taxes of $19.9 million. 

2018 Acquisition 
On April 16, 2018, the Company completed its acquisition of certain operating assets and facilities of DuBose 
Steel,  a  general  line  service  center  operation  with  value-added  processing  capabilities  located  in  Roseboro, 
North Carolina.  The following summarizes the allocation of the consideration for this acquisition: 

(millions) 
Inventory 
Accounts receivable 
Prepaid and other 
Property, plant and equipment 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Net identifiable assets acquired 

Consideration: 
Cash 

$       15.4 
10.1 
0.9 
10.2 
(0.1) 
$       36.5 

$       36.5 

Accounts  receivable  of  $10.1  million  represented  gross  contractual  accounts  receivable  of  which  none  was 
considered uncollectible at the time of acquisition.  All accounts receivable have subsequently been collected. 

This  acquisition  adds  another  geographic  region  and  value-added  processing  capabilities  to  the  Company’s 
existing U.S. metals service centers segment.  There was no goodwill included in the assets acquired. 

The  consolidated  statements  of  earnings  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2018  includes  supplementary 
revenues of $63.6 million and earnings before interest, finance expense and provision for income taxes of $1.9 
million attributable to the business acquired. 

If  the  acquisition  had  taken  place  at  the  beginning  of  the  2018  fiscal  year,  management  estimates  that  the 
acquired business would have provided revenues of $70.4 million and earnings before interest, finance expense 
and provision for income taxes of $2.3 million. 

NOTE 5 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
Cash includes demand deposits and cash equivalents includes 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 
Cash equivalents 

2019 
$       11.4 
4.6 
$       16.0 

2018 
$       12.6 
111.7 
$     124.3 

RUSSEL METALS322019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
      
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
NOTE 6 

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 the impairment of trade receivables.  
The  expense  relating  to  doubtful  accounts  is  included  within  "Other  operating  expenses"  in  the  consolidated 
statements 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 

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 

2019 
$     449.7 
8.4 
$     458.1 

2018 
$     556.6 
10.9 
$     567.5 

2019 

2018 

$       4.9 
2.1 
(2.1) 
0.2 
$       5.1 

$       3.6 
3.2 
(2.1) 
0.2 
$       4.9 

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the allowance for doubtful accounts was less than 2% of accounts receivable.  
An increase in the allowance of 1% of accounts receivable would decrease pre-tax earnings by approximately 
$4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 (2018: $5.6 million). 

As at December 31, 2019  (millions) 

Current 

Past Due 
1-30 Days 

Past Due 

Past Due 
31-60 Days  Over 60 Days 

Total Trade 
Receivables 

Trade Receivables 
Gross trade receivables 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 
Total net trade receivables 

As at December 31, 2018  (millions) 
Trade Receivables 
Gross trade receivables 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 
Total net trade receivables 

$     251.4 
(0.1) 
$     251.3 

$     128.1 
(0.1) 
$     128.0 

$       55.0 
(0.2) 
$       54.8 

$       20.3 
(4.7) 
$       15.6 

$     454.8 
(5.1) 
$     449.7 

Current 

Past Due 
1-30 Days 

Past Due 

Past Due 
31-60 Days  Over 60 Days 

Total Trade 
Receivables 

$     291.7 
- 
$     291.7 

$     179.9 
(0.1) 
$     179.8 

$       61.4 
(0.2) 
$       61.2 

$       28.5 
(4.6) 
$       23.9 

$     561.5 
(4.9) 
$     556.6 

RUSSEL METALS332019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 7 

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  to  be  greater  than  the  recoverable  amount  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 
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.  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 costs to sell and when product is 
determined  to  be  slow  moving  or  obsolete.    Where  the  selling  prices  cannot  be  estimated  based  on  recent 
transactional information, they are estimated using current replacement cost plus an applicable margin. 

There is measurement uncertainty in these estimates.  Actual selling prices and costs to sell could differ from 
these estimates. 

SUPPORTING INFORMATION 

(millions) 

Inventory expensed in cost of materials 

Inventory impairment charge, net of reversals 
   Metals service centers 
   Energy products 
   Steel distributors 

2019 
$  3,035.9 

2018 
$  3,280.4 

2.3 
28.0 
4.8 
$       35.1 

1.0 
4.2 
0.4 
$         5.6 

NOTE 8 

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  an  estimated  useful  life  that  is  significantly  different  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. 

RUSSEL METALS342019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
SUPPORTING INFORMATION 

Cost  (millions) 
Balance, December 31, 2017 
Business acquisition (Note 4) 
Additions 
Asset impairment 
Disposals 
Foreign exchange 
Balance, December 31, 2018 
Business acquisition (Note 4) 
Additions 
Disposals 
Foreign exchange 
Balance, December 31, 2019 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization 
(millions) 

Balance, December 31, 2017 
Depreciation and amortization 
Disposals 
Foreign exchange 
Balance, December 31, 2018 
Depreciation and amortization 
Disposals 
Foreign exchange 
Balance, December 31, 2019 

Net Book Value  (millions) 
December 31, 2018 
December 31, 2019 

Land and 
Machinery 
Buildings  and Equipment 
$     361.8 
1.7 
36.4 
(3.3) 
(11.7) 
8.1 
$     393.0 
4.4 
27.9 
(20.3) 
(5.3) 
$     399.7 

$     243.4 
8.5 
3.7 
- 
(0.3) 
3.8 
$     259.1 
17.8 
5.7 
(0.3) 
(2.4) 
$     279.9 

Machinery 
Land and 
Buildings  and Equipment 
$     256.0 
20.6 
(10.7) 
5.0 
$     270.9 
23.1 
(19.4) 
(3.1) 
$     271.5 

$       107.9 
8.1 
(0.3) 
1.5 
$       117.2 
8.4 
(0.3) 
(0.8) 
$       124.5 

Leasehold 
Improvements 
$       27.4 
- 
1.2 
- 
(7.7) 
0.3 
$       21.2 
- 
1.2 
(0.1) 
(0.2) 
$       22.1 

Leasehold 
Improvements 
$       21.9 
0.6 
(6.8) 
0.6 
$       16.3 
0.7 
(0.1) 
(0.1) 
$       16.8 

Total 
$     632.6 
10.2 
41.3 
(3.3) 
(19.7) 
12.2 
$     673.3 
22.2 
34.8 
(20.7) 
(7.9) 
$     701.7 

Total 
$     385.8 
29.3 
(17.8) 
7.1 
$     404.4 
32.2 
(19.8) 
(4.0) 
$     412.8 

$     268.9 
$     288.9 

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

At December 31, 2019, land, included in land and buildings, was $46.8 million (2018: $44.4 million). 

(millions) 

Depreciation - cost of materials 
Depreciation - other operating expenses 

2019 
$         7.8 
24.4 
$       32.2 

2018 
$         7.5 
21.8 
$       29.3 

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 the first quarter of 2018, the Company recorded an asset impairment charge of $3.3 million relating to 
the costs associated with its ERP modernization project, as the Company decided to move in another direction 
to meet the needs of the business. 

NOTE 9 

RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
The Company recognizes right-of-use assets at the commencement date of the lease.  The Company leases 
warehouse  locations, field  stores, office space, land,  equipment, trucks and other vehicles.   The right-of-use 
asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted by any initial 
direct costs and costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset less any lease incentives.  The right-of use 
asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the earlier of 
the end of the useful life of the underlying asset or the end of the lease term.  In addition, the right-of-use assets 
are  subject  to  impairment  and  adjusted  for  any  remeasurement  of  lease  liabilities.    Amortization  expense  is 
recorded in other operating expenses. 

RUSSEL METALS352019 ANNUAL REPORT     
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of lease payments to be paid and discounted either 
at  the  interest  rate  implicit  in  the  lease  or  the  Company's  incremental  borrowing  rate.    The  lease  payments 
measured in the initial lease liability include payments for an optional renewal period, if any, if the Company is 
reasonably certain that it will exercise a renewal extension option.  The liability is measured at amortized cost 
using the effective interest method and will be remeasured when there is a change in either the future lease 
payments  or  assessment  of  whether  an  extension  or  other  option  will  be  exercised.    The  lease  liability  is 
subsequently  adjusted  for  lease  payments  and  interest  on  the  obligation.    Interest  expense  on  the  lease 
obligation is included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of earnings. 

In the consolidated statements of cash flow the Company records the principal  portion of lease  payments  in 
financing activities and the interest portion in operating activities. 

Lease payments on short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognized in other operating expense 
on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS 
In  determining  the  lease  term,  the  Company  considers  all  facts  and  circumstances  that  create  an  economic 
incentive to  exercise an extension option, or not exercise a termination option.   Extension options (or period 
covered  by  termination  options)  are  only  included  in  the  lease  term  if  the  lease  is  reasonably  certain  to  be 
extended  (or  terminated).    The  assessment  is  reviewed  if  a  significant  event  or  a  significant  change  in 
circumstances occurs which affects this assessment and that is within the control of the lessee.  The Company's 
determination of lease liability requires the use of assumptions to determine incremental borrowing rates. 

The Company adopted IFRS 16, Leases on January 1, 2019. 

SUPPORTING INFORMATION 

(millions) 

Transition, January 1, 2019 
Additions 
Disposals and modifications 
Depreciation and amortization 
Lease payments 
Foreign exchange 
Balance December 31, 2019 

Current portion 
Long-term portion 

Right-of-use 
Assets 
$       90.8 
15.9 
1.5 
(17.0) 
- 
(1.1) 
$       90.1 

Lease 
Obligations 
$     112.7 
15.9 
1.5 
- 
(17.2) 
(1.4) 
$     111.5 

$       17.1 
$       94.4 

The carrying value of right-of-use assets and depreciation by class of underlying assets at January 1, 2019 and 
December 31, 2019 are as follows: 

Right-of-use Assets  (millions) 
Land and buildings 
Machinery and equipment 

Depreciation Expense  (millions) 
Land and buildings 
Machinery and equipment 

December 31 
2019 
$       72.3 
17.8 
$       90.1 

January 1 
2019 
$       75.2 
15.6 
$       90.8 

2019 
$       11.3 
5.7 
$       17.0 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company expensed $0.4 million for short-term and low value leases. 

RUSSEL METALS362019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
      
      
 
      
 
 
 
NOTE 10 

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. 

SUPPORTING INFORMATION 

(millions) 

Deferred charges on revolving credit facility 
Other assets 

2019 
$         0.5 
3.5 
$         4.0 

2018 
$         1.1 
3.3 
$         4.4 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the amortization of deferred financing charges was $0.6 million (2018: 
$0.5 million). 

NOTE 11 

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 or  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 and trademarks.  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  lives  of  12  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  the  fair  value  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. 

The determination of impairment of goodwill and intangibles involves estimates and assumptions regarding cash 
flow projections and estimated discount rates.  There is measurement uncertainty inherent in this analysis. 

SUPPORTING INFORMATION 

(millions) 

Goodwill 
Intangibles 

2019 
$       50.6 
86.4 
$     137.0 

2018 
$       37.4 
48.8 
$       86.2 

RUSSEL METALS372019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
Goodwill 

a) 
The continuity of goodwill is as follows: 

Goodwill  (millions) 
Balance, beginning of the year 
Business acquisition (Note 4) 
Foreign exchange 
Balance, end of the year 

2019 
$       37.4 
14.2 
(1.0) 
$       50.6 

2018 
$       36.3 
- 
1.1 
$       37.4 

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) 
Metals service centers 
  U.S. 
     Southeast 
  Canadian 
     Alberta 
     Ontario 
     Atlantic 
Energy products 
  U.S. 

2019 

2018 

$       13.5 

$       14.2 

11.0 
10.2 
2.0 

11.0 
10.2 
2.0 

13.9 
$       50.6 

- 
$       37.4 

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 subsequent 
to 2020, of 2% 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 
groups of CGUs. 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 2019, the pre-tax weighted average cost of capital used was 15.1% (2018: 13.9%).  To monitor potential 
impairment exposure, the Company performs a sensitivity analysis.  For 2019 and 2018 a 1% increase in the 
respective discount rate would not trigger a goodwill impairment. 

The Company performed goodwill impairment tests to determine recoverable amounts during the fourth quarter 
of 2019 and 2018.  The recoverable amounts were determined based on a value in use calculation.  In 2019 
and  2018,  the  estimated  recoverable  amount  of  all  units  exceeded  their  carrying  values.    As  a  result,  no 
impairment was recorded. 

Intangibles 

c) 
The continuity of intangibles within the metals service centers and energy products segments is as follows: 

Cost  (millions) 
Balance, beginning of the year 
Business acquisitions (Note 4) 
Foreign exchange 
Balance, end of the year 

Metals 
Service Centers 
$       20.1 
- 
(0.1) 
$       20.0 

Energy 
Products 
$       70.7 
45.5 
(0.9) 
$     115.3 

Total 
2019 
$       90.8 
45.5 
(1.0) 
$     135.3 

Total 
2018 
$       90.2 
0.3 
0.3 
$       90.8 

RUSSEL METALS382019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
      
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
Accumulated amortization  (millions) 
Balance, beginning of the year 
Amortization 
Balance, end of the year 

Metals 
Service Centers 
$      (12.0) 
(1.3) 
$      (13.3) 

Energy 
Products 
$      (30.0) 
(5.6) 
$      (35.6) 

Total 
2019 
$      (42.0) 
(6.9) 
$      (48.9) 

Total 
2018 
$      (36.0) 
(6.0) 
$      (42.0) 

Carrying amount 
December 31, 2018 
December 31, 2019 

$       48.8 
$       86.4 

The carrying amount of intangible assets as at December 31, 2019 relates to customer relationships arising from 
the acquisition of Alberta Industrial Metals, Apex Distribution, Apex Western Fiberglass, Color Steels, City Pipe, 
JMS  Metals  Services,  Norton  Metals  Products  and  other  entities.    The  remaining  amortization  period  for 
customer relationships is 5 to 13 years. 

NOTE 12 

REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY 

The  Company  increased  and  extended  its  credit  agreement  in  February  2018  to  provide  $450  million  for 
borrowings  and  letters  of  credit  with  an  expiry  of  September  21,  2021.    The  syndicated  facility  consists  of 
availability of $400 million under Tranche I to be utilized for borrowings and letters of credit and $50 million under 
Tranche II to be utilized only for letters of credit.  Letters of credit are issued under Tranche II first and additional 
needs are issued under Tranche I. 

On August 31, 2018, the Company increased its credit available for borrowings and letters of credit by $100 
million under the same terms as the credit agreement.  The additional credit availability expired on August 30, 
2019  at  which  time  the  availability  reverted  back  to  $450  million.    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 $450 million.  The obligations of the Company 
under this agreement are secured by a pledge of trade accounts receivable and inventories. 

The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants at December 31, 2019.  At December 31, 2019, 
the Company had borrowings of $57.0 million (2018: $148.0 million) and letters of credit of $32.5 million (2018: 
$76.1 million) under this facility. 

NOTE 13 

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 
Accrued interest 

NOTE 14 

LONG-TERM DEBT 

2019 
$     319.9 
6.5 
$     326.4 

2018 
$     488.6 
6.1 
$     494.7 

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. 

RUSSEL METALS392019 ANNUAL REPORT 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
SUPPORTING INFORMATION 

(millions) 

6% $300 million Senior Notes due April 19, 2022 
6% $150 million Senior Notes due March 16, 2026 

2019 
$     298.0 
146.8 
$     444.8 

2018 
$     297.2 
146.4 
$     443.6 

a) 
On  March  16,  2018,  the  Company  issued,  through  a  private  placement,  $150  million  6%  Unsecured 
Senior Notes due March 16, 2026 for net proceeds of $146.0 million.  Interest is due semi-annually on March 16 
and September 16 of each year. 

The Company may redeem up to 40% of these notes prior to March 16, 2021 with the net proceeds of certain 
equity  offerings at the redemption price of 106% of their principal amount, plus  accrued and  unpaid interest.  
Prior to March 16, 2021 the Company may redeem these notes in whole or in part at an amount equal to 100% 
of the principal amount plus the applicable premium which is the greater of 1% of the called principal of these 
notes or the excess of (i) the discounted value of the remaining scheduled payments over (ii) the called principal 
of these notes.  The Company may redeem the notes in whole or in part at any time after March 16, 2021 at 
104.5% of the principal amount declining rateably to 100% of the principal amount on or after March 16, 2024. 

These notes contain certain restrictions on the payment of common share dividends in excess of $0.38 per share 
per quarter.  These notes also contain certain covenants that limit the Company's ability to incur additional debt.  
The Company was in compliance with these financial covenants at December 31, 2019. 

b) 
On April 19, 2012, the Company issued, through a private placement, $300 million 6% Unsecured Senior 
Notes due April 19, 2022 for net proceeds of $293 million.  Interest is due on April 19 and October 19 of each 
year. 

The Company may redeem these notes, in whole or in part, at any time at 101% of the principal amount declining 
rateably to 100% of the principal amount on or after April 19, 2020. 

These notes contain certain restrictions on the payment of common share dividends in excess of $0.35 per share 
per  quarter.    These  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, 2019. 

NOTE 15 

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 statements of financial position is the present value of the defined benefit 
obligation at the end of the reporting period less the fair value of plan assets, together with adjustments for 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  statements  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 statements 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 three multi-employer pension plans 
which are accounted for as defined contribution plans. 

RUSSEL METALS402019 ANNUAL REPORT 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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) 
The Company maintains a defined contribution pension plan ("DCPP") for most of its Canadian salaried 
employees  as  its  defined  benefits  plans  were  closed  for  new  employees  over  20  years  ago.    The  Company 
merged  six  of  its  defined  benefit  plans  into  the  DCPP  and  maintains  one  other  defined  benefit  plan.    The 
Company also maintains executive plans, post-retirement benefit plans and two additional defined contribution 
plans in Canada and two 401(k) defined contribution plans in the United States. 

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 defined benefit pension plans expose the Company to actuarial risk, currency risk, interest rate risk and 
market risk. 

The merged plan had a valuation date of January 1, 2017 and the remaining defined benefit plan had a valuation 
date of January 1, 2018. 

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. 

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 

Post-retirement benefits 
Defined contribution plans 
Pension and benefit expense 

2019 

2018 

$         3.0 
- 
0.2 
3.2 
0.1 
6.3 
$         9.6 

$         3.6 
0.2 
0.2 
4.0 
0.1 
5.4 
$         9.5 

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 loss due to demographic assumption changes 
   Return on plan assets greater (less) than the discount rate 
Remeasurement effect recognized in other comprehensive income 

Cumulative actuarial losses relating to pensions and benefits 
   Balance of actuarial losses at January 1 
   Net actuarial gains (losses) recognized in the year 
Balance of actuarial losses at December 31 

2019 

2018 

$        (0.2) 
(15.6) 
- 
15.7 
$        (0.1) 

$         2.4 
10.2 
(1.4) 
(6.6) 
$         4.6 

$      (10.1) 
(0.1) 
$      (10.2) 

$      (14.7) 
4.6 
$      (10.1) 

RUSSEL METALS412019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
      
 
 
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
There were no adjustments related to asset ceiling limits in other comprehensive income for the years ended 
December 31, 2019 and 2018. 

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 

2019 
3.00% 
3.00% 
3.00% 

2018 
3.75% 
3.00% 
3.00% 

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  $5.7  million  as  of 
December 31, 2019 (2018: $4.9 million). 

The  mortality  assumptions  used  to  assess  the  defined  benefit  obligation  are  based  on  the  2017  Mortality 
Improvement Scale (MI-2017).  Informal practices that give rise to constructive obligations are included in the 
measurement of the defined benefit obligation. 

The Company has obligations included under other benefit plans for dental and medical costs for a group of 
retired employees.  The health care cost trend rates used were 5% for dental and 5% for medical.  A 1% change 
in trend rates would not result in a significant increase or decrease in either the present value of the defined 
benefit obligation or the net periodic cost. 

The  sensitivity  analysis  presented  above  may  not  be  representative  of  the  actual  change  in  defined  benefit 
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 
statements of financial position. 

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 
Actuarial losses (gains) 
Balance, end of the year 

(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 (less) greater than discount rate 
Balance, end of the year 

Pension Plans 
2018 

2019 

Other Benefit Plans 
2018 

2019 

$     137.9 
3.0 
0.2 
5.1 
(6.9) 
15.6 
$     154.9 

$     146.4 
3.6 
0.1 
4.7 
(6.5) 
(10.4) 
$     137.9 

$         2.9 
- 
- 
0.1 
(0.2) 
0.1 
$         2.9 

$         3.9 
- 
- 
0.1 
(0.3) 
(0.8) 
$         2.9 

Pension Plans 
2018 

2019 

Other Benefit Plans 
2018 

2019 

$     135.0 
5.1 
3.9 
0.2 
(6.9) 
(0.2) 
15.7 
$     152.8 

$     138.3 
4.5 
5.4 
0.1 
(6.5) 
(0.2) 
(6.6) 
$     135.0 

$             - 
- 
0.2 
- 
(0.2) 
- 
- 
$             - 

$             - 
- 
0.3 
- 
(0.3) 
- 
- 
$             - 

Defined benefit obligation, net 

$         2.1 

$         2.9 

$         2.9 

$         2.9 

RUSSEL METALS422019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
      
     
     
     
     
 
 
The fair values 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 

2019 
$         1.8 

2018 
$         2.4 

68.8 
45.5 
114.3 

60.7 
37.1 
97.8 

13.7 
12.6 
10.4 
36.7 
$     152.8 

10.9 
11.8 
12.1 
34.8 
$     135.0 

The following table provides the defined benefit obligation for plans with surplus, partially funded pension plans 
and unfunded plans. 

(millions) 

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

Pension Plans 
2018 

2019 

Other Benefit Plans 
2018 
2019 

$      (5.4) 
7.5 
- 
$       2.1 

$      (3.1) 
6.0 
- 
$       2.9 

$           - 
- 
2.9 
$       2.9 

$           - 
- 
2.9 
$       2.9 

As at December 31, 2019 approximately 76% (2018: 73%) of the fair value of all pension plan assets 
c) 
was invested  in  equities,  23% (2018:  25%)  in fixed income securities, and 1% (2018: 2%)  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 40% - 80% in equities, 20% - 40% in fixed income securities and 0% - 10% 
in cash and cash equivalents. 

d) 
The weighted average duration of defined benefit obligations is 15.9 years (2018: 15.1 years) for defined 
benefit pension plans, 10.1 years (2018: 9.7 years) for executive pension arrangements and 7.1 years (2018: 
7.1 years) for other post retirement benefit plans.  The Company expects to make contributions of $4.5 million 
to  its  defined  benefit  pension  plans  and  $0.3  million  to  its  post  retirement  benefits medical  plans  in  the  next 
financial year. 

NOTE 16 

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 

a) 

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the authorized share capital of the Company consisted of: 
(i) 

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

(ii) 

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

(iii) 

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

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

RUSSEL METALS432019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
     
     
      
     
      
      
      
 
 
      
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
b) 

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

Balance, December 31, 2017 
Share options exercised 
Balance, December 31, 2018 
Share options exercised 
Balance, December 31, 2019 

The continuity of contributed surplus is as follows: 

(millions) 
Balance, December 31, 2017 
Share-based compensation expense 
Exercise of options 
Balance, December 31, 2018 
Share-based compensation expense 
Exercise of options 
Balance, December 31, 2019 

Number 
of Shares 
61,890,197 
216,698 
62,106,895 
66,535 
62,173,430 

Amount 
(millions) 

$     536.6 
5.5 
$     542.1 
1.6 
$     543.7 

$       16.0 
0.5 
(0.8) 
15.7 
0.3 
(0.3) 
$       15.7 

Dividends paid and declared were as follows: 

Dividends paid (millions) 
Dividends per share 
Quarterly dividend per share declared on February 11, 2020 (February 7, 2019) 

2019 
$       94.5 
$       1.52 
$       0.38 

2018 
$       94.3 
$       1.52 
$       0.38 

NOTE 17 

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
The Company accounts for Share Options and Share Appreciation Rights ("SARs") at fair value.  The Company 
utilizes the Black-Sholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of SARs and share options on the grant 
date. 

Compensation expense is recognized for share 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 options 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 options 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. 

Changes in the fair value of outstanding SARs are calculated at each reporting period as well as at settlement 
dates.  The fair value of the award is recorded over the award vesting period. 

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. 

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS 
The  inputs  for  the  Black-Scholes  option  pricing  model  require  significant  judgements  including  share  price 
volatility, expected dividends, expected life of the options and the risk free interest rate. 

RUSSEL METALS442019 ANNUAL REPORT 
     
     
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
vest over a period of four years in the amount of one quarter each year and expire ten years from their grant 
date.  Other terms and conditions of the plan include a 10 year life and immediate vesting under certain change 
of control provisions.  The consideration paid by employees for the purchase of common shares is added to 
share capital.  From 2014, employees other than certain senior officers no longer receive share options. 

The following is a continuity of options outstanding: 

Balance, beginning of year 
Granted 
Exercised 
Expired or forfeited 
Balance, end of the year 

Exercisable 

Number of Options 

2019 
1,691,086 
53,708 
(66,535) 
(11,725) 
1,666,534 

2018 
1,941,719 
64,815 
(216,698) 
(98,750) 
1,691,086 

Weighted Average 
Exercise Price 
2019 
$    25.75 
23.69 
19.09 
18.17 
$    26.00 

2018 
$    25.13 
31.46 
21.43 
26.73 
$    25.75 

1,399,579 

1,256,599 

$    26.28 

$    26.34 

The weighted average share price for the options exercised during the year was $19.09 (2018: $21.43) 

The outstanding options have exercise price ranges as follows: 

(number of options) 

$ 29.00 - $ 31.46 
$ 25.37 - $ 28.99 
$ 16.58 - $ 25.36 
Options outstanding 

2019 
213,987 
849,785 
602,762 
1,666,534 

2018 
213,987 
851,285 
625,814 
1,691,086 

The options expire in the years 2020 to 2029 and have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 3.4 
years (2018: 4.1 years) 

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

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

2019 
5% 
30% 
5 yrs 
1.94% 
$   3.91 

2018 
5% 
29% 
5 yrs 
2.28% 
$   5.04 

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

Share Appreciation Rights 
In  February  2017,  the  Board  of  Directors  approved  a  Share  Appreciation  Rights  Plan.    Under  this  plan  the 
Company may award SARs to officers and full-time employees as determined by the Board of Directors.  The 
SARs are cash settled and vest over a period of four years in the amount of one quarter each year and expire 
ten years from their grant date. 

The continuity of SARs is as follows: 

Balance, beginning of year 
Granted 
Balance, end of the year 

Number of SARs 

2019 
131,147 
101,724 
232,871 

2018 
63,291 
67,856 
131,147 

Weighted Average 
Exercise Price 
2019 
$    30.12 
23.69 
$    27.31 

2018 
$    28.99 
31.17 
$    30.12 

RUSSEL METALS452019 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 volume weighted average price of 
a common share on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the last five trading days immediately prior to the grant 
date.    DSUs  are  granted  quarterly  to  the  account  of  each  non-executive  director  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. 

The continuity of DSUs is as follows: 

(number of units) 

Balance, beginning of the year 
Granted 
Paid out 
Balance, end of the year 

2019 
254,790 
62,199 
(28,959) 
288,030 

2018 
250,021 
48,839 
(44,070) 
254,790 

The  liability  and  fair  value  of  DSUs  was  $6.4  million  at  December  31,  2019  (2018:  $5.4  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.  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 the first and second anniversary after the 
grant date and the remaining one third on the expiry date.  RSUs expire on the earlier of: (i) December 5 of the 
third calendar year following the year in which the services were provided to which such grant of RSU's relates; 
and (ii) the third anniversary of the grant date.  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 volume weighted average price of a 
common share 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 

2019 
183,588 
259,287 
(53,446) 
389,429 

2018 
74,145 
179,202 
(69,759) 
183,588 

The RSU liability at December 31, 2019 was $5.8 million (2018: $2.6 million).  The fair value of RSUs was $8.6 
million at December 31, 2019 (2018: $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  an amount  equal to 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. 

Components of share-based compensation expense are as follows: 

(millions) 

Share options 
DSUs, SARs and RSUs 
Employee Share Purchase Plan 

2019 
$         0.3 
5.3 
0.7 
$         6.3 

2018 
$         0.5 
1.9 
0.6 
$         3.0 

RUSSEL METALS462019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
NOTE 18 

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 share 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 and diluted earnings per share 

(number of shares) 

Weighted average shares outstanding 
Dilution impact of share options 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 

NOTE 19 

EXPENSES 

(millions) 

Employee Expenses 
Wages and salaries 
Other employee related costs 

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

NOTE 20 

INTEREST AND FINANCE EXPENSE 

(millions) 

Interest on 6% $300 million Senior Notes 
Interest on 6% $150 million Senior Notes 
Interest on lease obligations 
Other interest expense 
Interest expense 

Other finance expense 

2019 
$       76.6 

2018 
$     219.0 

2019 
62,132,030 
42,931 
62,174,961 

2018 
62,028,991 
106,690 
62,135,681 

2019 

2018 

$     250.5 
45.4 
$     295.9 

$     290.5 
44.6 
$     335.1 

$     113.7 
54.7 
14.5 
11.5 
5.5 
(0.5) 
(1.6) 
$     197.8 

$     126.8 
56.6 
13.7 
12.7 
4.7 
(0.5) 
1.3 
$     215.3 

2019 
$       18.8 
9.4 
7.7 
5.0 
40.9 

2018 
$       18.7 
7.5 
- 
5.4 
31.6 

$            - 

$         1.2 

Long-term debt interest expense is charged to earnings using the effective interest method.  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.  Debt accretion and issue cost amortization for the year 
ended December 31, 2019 was $1.2 million (2018: $1.0 million). 

NOTE 21 

INCOME TAXES 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
Income  tax  expense  comprises  current  and  deferred  tax.    Income  tax  is  recognized  in  the  consolidated 
statements of earnings except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity in which case the 
related tax is recognized in equity. 

RUSSEL METALS472019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
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 statements of financial position.  Deferred 
tax is calculated using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the 
reporting period, and which are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realized or the 
deferred income tax liability is settled. 

Deferred tax liabilities 

  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 at acquisition. 

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. 

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 for a full year by jurisdiction.  The estimated average annual 
effective income tax rates are reviewed at each reporting date, based on projections of full year 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 expense 
Statutory rate adjustment 

2019 
$       30.8 
(1.0) 
(1.0) 
$       28.8 

2018 
$       77.4 
1.7 
- 
$       79.1 

RUSSEL METALS482019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
b) 

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

Applicable combined Canadian statutory rate 
Rate difference of U.S. companies 
Share-based compensation and non-deductible items 
Statutory tax rate change – Alberta rate reduction 
Other 
Average effective tax rate 

2019 
26.8% 
0.3% 
0.9% 
(0.9%) 
0.2% 
27.3% 

2018 
27.0% 
(1.3%) 
0.3% 
- 
0.5% 
26.5% 

The combined Canadian statutory rate is the aggregate of the federal income tax rate of 15.0% for both 2019 
and 2018 and the average provincial rates of 11.8% (2018: 12.0%).  The 2019 and 2018 average effective tax 
rate differed from the average Canadian corporate tax rate principally  due to  differing tax rules applicable  to 
certain of the Company's subsidiaries outside Canada. 

On July 1, 2019, the province of Alberta reduced its general corporate tax rate from 12% to 11% with a further 
1% rate reduction every year on January 1 until the general corporate tax rate is reduced to 8% on January 1, 
2022.  This led to a reduction in the Company's Canadian income tax provision in 2019. 

c) 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows: 

Deferred Income Tax Assets 
(millions) 

Balance December 31, 2017 
Benefit (expense) to consolidated 
   statement of earnings 
Balance December 31, 2018 
Benefit (expense) to consolidated 
   statement of earnings 
Reclass assets/liabilities and other 
Effect of adoption- IFRS16 (Note 3) 
Balance December 31, 2019 

Property 
Plant and 
Equipment 
$        0.8 

Pension 
And 
Benefits 
$        0.3 

Goodwill 
And 
Intangibles 
$        3.0 

Other 
Timing 

Total 
$       0.6  $        4.7 

Losses 
$            - 

- 
$            - 

(0.1) 
$        0.7 

(0.1) 
$        0.2 

(0.2) 
$        2.8 

(0.1) 

(0.5) 
$       0.5  $        4.2 

4.9 
0.9 
- 
$        5.8 

(2.1) 
(7.1) 
2.2 
$       (6.3) 

(0.1) 
- 
- 
$        0.1 

(1.4) 
(0.3) 
- 
$        1.1 

0.7 
2.9 
- 

2.0 
(3.6) 
2.2 
$       4.1  $        4.8 

Deferred Income Tax Liabilities 
(millions) 

Balance December 31, 2017 
(Benefit) expense to consolidated 
   statement of earnings 
Reclass assets/liabilities and other 
Benefits to other comprehensive income 
Balance December 31, 2018 
(Benefit) expense to consolidated 
   statement of earnings 
Reclass assets/liabilities and other 
Benefits to other comprehensive income 
Effect of adoption- IFRS16 (Note 3) 
Balance December 31, 2019 

Property 
Plant and 
Equipment 
$      15.0 

2.3 
0.5 
- 
$      17.8 

2.4 
(7.3) 
- 
(3.6) 
$        9.3 

Pension 
And 
Benefits 
$       (2.6) 

0.3 
- 
1.2 
$       (1.1) 

0.2 
- 
0.1 
- 
$       (0.8) 

Losses 
$       (1.1) 

0.4 
(0.2) 
- 
$       (0.9) 

- 
0.9 
- 
- 
$            - 

Goodwill 
And 
Intangibles 

Other 
Timing 

Total 
$      10.9  $       (4.5)  $      17.7 

(0.3) 
(0.1) 
- 

1.2 
- 
1.2 
$      10.5  $       (6.2)  $      20.1 

(1.5) 
(0.2) 
- 

(2.0) 
(0.2) 
- 
- 

0.1 
(3.5) 
0.1 
(3.6) 
$        8.3  $       (3.6)  $      13.2 

(0.5) 
3.1 
- 
- 

Net deferred liability at December 31, 2018 
Net deferred liability at December 31, 2019 

$       15.9 
$         8.4 

d) 
At December 31, 2019, the Company had U.S. state tax losses carried forward which, at U.S. state tax 
rates, have an estimated value of $1.3 million (2018: $0.9 million) and U.S Federal tax loss benefit of $4.5 million.  
The majority of the state tax losses carried forward will expire between 2030 and 2037, if not utilized.  The U.S. 
Federal taxable loss benefit can be carried forward indefinitely.  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. 

RUSSEL METALS492019 ANNUAL REPORT     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had $5.9 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 in respect 
of these losses of $0.8 million has not been recognized. 

e) 
At December 31, 2019, the aggregate amount of temporary differences associated with undistributed 
earnings of non-Canadian subsidiaries was $396 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. 

NOTE 22 

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 decommissioning 
and rehabilitation costs are 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 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) 

Provision for decommissioning liabilities 
Deferred compensation and employee incentives (Note 17) 

Less: current portion 

2019 
$         1.8 
12.2 
14.0 
(2.4) 
$       11.6 

2018 
$         2.0 
8.0 
10.0 
(1.8) 
$         8.2 

a) 

The following table presents the change in the provision for decommissioning liabilities: 

(millions) 

Balance, beginning of the year 
Utilization 
Balance, end of the year 

2019 
$         2.0 
(0.2) 
$         1.8 

2018 
$         2.4 
(0.4) 
$         2.0 

Deferred compensation includes the RSU and DSU liabilities.  The RSU and DSU liabilities that will be 

b) 
paid within the current year amounting to $2.4 million have been classified as current accrued liabilities. 

RUSSEL METALS502019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
      
 
 
 
 
NOTE 23 

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 offshore. 

RUSSEL METALS512019 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 $58.0 million 
(2018: $62.2 million).  These sales, which are at market rates, are eliminated in the following tables. 

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 
Earnings before finance expense and provision for income taxes 
Finance expense, net 
Provision for income taxes 
Net earnings 

Capital Expenditures 
Metals service centers 
Energy products 
Steel distributors 
Other 

Depreciation and Amortization Expense 
Metals service centers 
Energy products 
Steel distributors 
Corporate and other 

2019 

2018 

$  1,958.0 
1,310.7 
395.9 
3,664.6 
11.3 
$  3,675.9 

$  2,100.8 
1,597.5 
456.5 
4,154.8 
10.2 
$  4,165.0 

$       73.7 
68.8 
15.8 
158.3 
(17.0) 
- 
5.0 
146.3 
(40.9) 
(28.8) 
$       76.6 

$     169.4 
133.6 
47.2 
350.2 
(20.4) 
(3.3) 
4.4 
330.9 
(32.8) 
(79.1) 
$     219.0 

$       27.9 
5.4 
0.8 
0.7 
$       34.8 

$       32.7 
7.1 
0.8 
0.7 
$       41.3 

$       34.5 
19.8 
1.6 
0.8 
$       56.7 

$       24.8 
9.2 
1.1 
0.6 
$       35.7 

RUSSEL METALS522019 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 taxes receivable and deferred income tax assets 
   Financial and other assets 
   Pension and benefits 
   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 
Total liabilities 

b) 

Results by geographic segment: 

(millions) 

Segment Revenues 
Canada 
United States 

Segment Operating Profits 
Canada 
United States 

Identifiable Assets 
Canada 
United States 

2019 

2018 

$     482.9 
747.6 
131.3 
1,361.8 

$     675.4 
744.5 
216.0 
1,635.9 

318.3 
187.3 
7.5 
1,874.9 

280.8 
66.5 
6.9 
1,990.1 

16.0 
23.7 
4.0 
5.4 
0.9 
$  1,924.9 

124.3 
9.4 
4.4 
3.1 
(0.9) 
$  2,130.4 

$     220.1 
181.0 
18.3 
419.4 

$     270.8 
171.0 
30.0 
471.8 

62.1 
13.5 
444.8 
10.4 
30.1 
$     980.3 

128.5 
41.6 
443.6 
5.8 
31.1 
$  1,122.4 

2019 

2018 

$  2,561.2 
1,103.4 
$  3,664.6 

$  2,721.0 
1,433.8 
$  4,154.8 

$     166.8 
(8.5) 
$     158.3 

$     237.9 
112.3 
$     350.2 

$  1,248.7 
626.2 
$  1,874.9 

$  1,375.9 
614.2 
$  1,990.1 

RUSSEL METALS532019 ANNUAL REPORT 
     
     
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
c) 

Revenues by product: 

(millions) 

Carbon 
Structurals (WF & I Beams, Angles, Channels, Hollow Tubes) 
Plate (Discrete & Plate in Coil) 
Flanges, Valves, Fittings and other Energy Products 
Tubing/Pipe (Standard, Oil Country Tubular Goods, Line Pipe) 
Bars (Hot Rolled and Cold Finished) 
Flat Rolled (Sheet & Coil) 
Grating/ Expanded/Rails 
Total Carbon 
Total Non-Ferrous (Sheet, Extrusion, Tubes, etc.) 
Other 

2019 

2018 

$     875.7 
664.8 
695.4 
638.5 
184.4 
289.2 
36.2 
3,384.2 
135.0 
156.7 
$  3,675.9 

$     901.4 
791.7 
672.5 
929.4 
197.1 
321.2 
35.3 
3,848.6 
131.6 
184.8 
$  4,165.0 

NOTE 24 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

During  the  years  ended  December  31,  2019  and  2018  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, 2019, there were no loans or credit transactions outstanding with key management personnel 
or  directors.    Key  management  personnel  includes  the  Chief  Executive  Officer,  Chief  Financial  Officer  and 
certain Vice Presidents.  Compensation costs of key management personnel and directors were as follows: 

(millions) 

Salaries and other benefits 
Share based compensation cost 
Post-employment benefits 

2019 
$         5.5 
3.0 
0.3 
$         8.8 

2018 
$         9.9 
5.8 
0.4 
$       16.1 

NOTE 25 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RELATED RISK MANAGEMENT 

Fair value measurement 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
a) 
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. 

RUSSEL METALS542019 ANNUAL REPORT 
     
     
     
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial assets 

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

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

  Classification 

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

  Recognition and measurement 

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

Loans and receivables 
  Classification 

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

  Recognition and measurement 

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

Financial liabilities and equity instruments 

c) 
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  bank indebtedness, 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. 

Derivative financial instruments 

d) 
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 statements of earnings. 

RUSSEL METALS552019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment of financial assets 

e) 
At each financial position date, the Company assesses whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset 
or a group of financial assets is impaired.  When impairment has occurred, the asset's carrying value is reduced 
with the loss recognized in net earnings. 

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

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. 

SUPPORTING INFORMATION 
a) 
Financial assets and liabilities 
Financial assets and liabilities were as follows: 

December 31, 2019  (millions) 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable 
Financial assets 
Bank indebtedness 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Lease obligations 
Long-term debt 
Total 

December 31, 2018  (millions) 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable 
Financial assets 
Bank indebtedness 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Long-term debt 
Total 

Loans and 
Receivables 
$       16.0 
458.1 
3.5 
- 
- 
- 
- 
$     477.6 

Loans and 
Receivables 
$     124.3 
567.5 
3.3 
- 
- 
- 
$     695.1 

Other 
Financial 
Liabilities 
$             - 
- 
- 
(62.1) 
(326.4) 
(111.5) 
(444.8) 
$    (944.8) 

Other 
Financial 
Liabilities 
$            - 
- 
- 
(128.5) 
(494.7) 
(443.6) 
$ (1,066.8) 

Total 
$       16.0 
458.1 
3.5 
(62.1) 
(326.4) 
(111.5) 
(444.8) 
$    (467.2) 

Total 
$     124.3 
567.5 
3.3 
(128.5) 
(494.7) 
(443.6) 
$    (371.7) 

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2019,  the  fair  value  loss  from  derivative  financial  instruments  on  the 
consolidated statements of earnings was $3.7 million (2018: loss of $0.9 million) including embedded derivative 
and forward contracts. 

Fair value 

b) 
The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, bank indebtedness, accounts payable and 
accrued liabilities approximate their carrying amounts because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. 

The fair value of long-term debt is set forth below. 

Carrying Amounts 
Amounts recorded  in the consolidated statements of financial position are referred to  as "carrying amounts".  
The carrying amounts of primary debt are reflected in "Long-term debt" and "Current portion long-term debt". 

Fair Value 
The Company records its debt at amortized cost using the effective interest method.  The fair value of long-term 
debt as at December 31, 2019 and 2018 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. 

RUSSEL METALS562019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
     
      
      
     
      
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following summary reflects the fair value of long-term debt: 

December 31, 2019  (millions) 
6% $300 million Senior Notes due April 19, 2022 
6% $150 million Senior Notes due March 16, 2026 
Total 

Current portion 
Long-term portion 

December 31, 2018  (millions) 
6% $300 million Senior Notes due April 19, 2022 
6% $150 million Senior Notes due March 16, 2026 
Total 

Current portion 
Long-term portion 

Carrying 
Amount 

Fair Value 
Level 2 

$     303.9 
157.2 
$     461.1 

$     298.0 
146.8 
$     444.8 

$             - 
$     444.8 

Carrying 
Amount 

Fair Value 
Level 2 

$     299.6 
145.9 
$     445.5 

$     297.2 
146.4 
$     443.6 

$             - 
$     443.6 

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, 2019, nearly all cash and cash equivalents were held in institutions that 
were R1 High by DBRS; 

  Counterparties to derivative contracts are members of the syndicated banking facility (Note 12);  

  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, 2019 and 2018, other than 
the allowance for doubtful accounts (Note 6).  As at December 31, 2019, trade accounts receivable greater than 
90 days represented less than 5% of trade accounts receivable (2018: 4%). 

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, 2019, the Company had outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts in the amount of US$9.4 million, 
maturing  in  2020  (2018:  US$19.5  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. 

RUSSEL METALS572019 ANNUAL REPORT 
      
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As  at  December  31,  2019,  the  Company  was  contractually  obligated  to  make  payments  under  its  financial 
liabilities that come due during the following periods: 

(millions) 

2020 
2021 
2022 
2023 
2024 
2025 and beyond 
Total 

Accounts 
Payable 
$     326.4 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
$     326.4 

Long-Term 
Debt Maturities 
$            - 
- 
300.0 
- 
- 
150.0 
$     450.0 

Long-Term 
Debt Interest 
$       27.0 
27.0 
17.3 
9.0 
9.0 
13.9 
$     103.2 

Lease 
Obligations 
$       25.9 
22.8 
19.0 
16.8 
14.2 
59.0 
$     157.7 

Total 
$     379.3 
49.8 
336.3 
25.8 
23.2 
222.9 
$  1,037.3 

At December 31, 2019, the Company was contractually obligated to repay its bank borrowings and letters of 
credit under its bank facilities (Note 12). 

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. 

NOTE 26 

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 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 the 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. 

RUSSEL METALS582019 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
      
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE 
6600 Financial Drive 
Mississauga, Ontario 
L5N 7J6 
www.russelmetals.com

ANNUAL MEETING 
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will 
be held at the Corporate Head office on 
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 10:00 am 

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR 
AST TRUST COMPANY (CANADA)
1 Toronto Street, Suite 1200 
Toronto, Ontario, Canada  M5C 2V6
T: 416.682.3860  F: 1.888.249.6189 
inquiries@astfinancial.com 
www.astfinancial.com

The Toronto Stock Exchange - RUS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

JAMES F. DINNING
Chair of the Board

JOHN G. REID
President & 
Chief Executive Officer

MARION E. BRITTON
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer &
Secretary

LESLEY M. COLEMAN 
Vice President,
Controller &
Assistant Secretary

RYAN W. MACDERMID 
Vice President, 
Risk Management & Legal

SHERRI L. MCKELVEY
Assistant Secretary

ALAIN BENEDETTI
Corporate Director

JOHN M. CLARK
President
Investment and Technical
Management Corp.

JAMES F. DINNING
Chair of the Board

BRIAN R. HEDGES
Corporate Director

BARBARA S. JEREMIAH 
Corporate Director

ALICE D. LABERGE
Corporate Director

WILLIAM M. O’REILLY
Corporate Director

JOHN G. REID
President & 
Chief Executive Officer

ANNIE THABET
Corporate Director &
Partner at Celtis Capital

JOHN R. TULLOCH
Corporate Director

CORPORATE & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Our decentralized and entrepreneurial culture in our local operations 
lends  itself  to  community-based  initiatives.    We  invite  you  to  our 
Corporate and Social Responsibility section of our web site, where we 
highlight examples of community involvement by our terrific teams at 
some of our local operations and certain corporate initiatives in this area.

The Velociraptor was produced by John Cabral and his 
CAD operators on a fiber laser at our Aberfoyle, Ontario 
operation.  The branch can cut customer files, adapt open 
source files and scan to recreate parts from existing items.

GLOSSARY
Book Value Per Share - Shareholders’ equity divided common shares outstanding at December 31
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 - Dividend per share divided by common share price at December 31
Earnings Multiple - Common share price at December 31 divided by basic earnings per common share
EBIT - Earnings before deduction of interest and income taxes
EBITDA - Earnings before deduction of interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization 
Free Cash Flow - Cash from operating activities before change in working capital less capital expenditures
Interest Bearing Debt to EBITDA - Total interest bearing debt excluding cash on hand divided by EBITDA 
Market Capitalization - Outstanding common shares times market price of a common share at December 31 
Return on Capital Employed - EBIT over net assets employed

6600 Financial Drive  
Mississauga, Ontario
L5N 7J6
905-819-7777
1-800-268-0750 
www.russelmetals.com