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Russel Metals

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FY2020 Annual Report · Russel Metals
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2020 ANNUAL REPORT

HEALTH & SAFETY
The Health and Safety of our employees, customers and suppliers 
is always our priority and the 2020 global pandemic brought this 
conviction to the forefront.  As an organization that was deemed an 
essential business, we implemented safety protocols and invested 
resources to minimize health risks while remaining open for business.  
In 2020, our Aberfoyle operation celebrated a Million Hour Club award 
in recognition of 2 million hours without a lost time accident.  Our 
commitment to continuously improve our overall Health and Safety 
results was highlighted this year with 96% of our locations experiencing 
no Lost Time Incidents.

CAPITAL RE-ALLOCATION
During 2020, we furthered our strategy of reducing our line pipe/OCTG footprint, lowering overhead costs 
and redeploying capital.  We reduced our inventory in these operations by $73 million during 2020.  This 
capital reduction plan will continue into 2021.  In November 2020, we merged our Calgary-based Triumph 
Tubulars and Fedmet Tubulars operations which will continue to operate under the Triumph Tubular name.  
In January 2021, we advanced the orderly liquidation of our U.S. line pipe and OCTG operations

ACQUISITION
On December 30, 2020, we completed our acquisition of Sanborn Tube 
Sales of Wisconsin Inc.  Sanborn provides us with enhanced value-added 
processing capabilities in the Wisconsin region and will be managed by Chad 
Schultz, who will report to Mark Fine, Regional Manager of Russel Metals 
Williams Bahcall.  We are pleased to welcome the entire Sanborn team to our 
Russel Family.

FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY
During the second half of 2020, we completed a series of debt refinancing transactions to enhance our 
liquidity, financial flexibility and decrease interest costs.  These transactions included the extension of our 
$450 million credit facility, the issue of $150 million in new 5 3/4% Senior Notes due 2025 and the utilization 
of our excess cash to redeem our $300 million Senior Notes due April 2022.

TRENTON EXPANSION
Since 2015, our JMS Russel Metals Trenton facility has doubled in size 
including our recent 24,000 sq ft expansion in 2020 to accommodate 
value-added processing equipment and a vertical stacker system.  The 
facility now operates Fiber Tube and Fiber Flat Lasers.

TABLE OF CONT EN TS 

Financial Highlights 
Question & Answer 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 
21 
25

 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

OPERATING RESULTS (millions)
Revenues
Net earnings 
Adjusted EBIT (Note)
Adjusted EBIT as a % of revenue
Adjusted EBITDA (Note)
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of revenue
Basic earnings per common share ($)
BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION (millions)
Metals
  Accounts receivable
  Inventories
  Prepaid expenses and other assets
  Accounts payable and accruals
  Net working capital - Metals
  Fixed assets
  Right-of-use assets
  Goodwill and intangibles
  Lease obligations
Net assets employed in metals operations
Other operating assets
Net income tax assets (liabilities)
Pension and benefit assets (liabilities)
Other corporate assets and liabilities
Total net assets employed
CAPITALIZATION (millions)
Bank indebtedness, net of (cash)
Long-term debt (incl. current portion)
Total interest bearing debt, net of (cash)
Shareholders' equity 
Invested Captial
OTHER INFORMATION (Notes)
Book value per share ($)
Free cash flow (millions)
Capital expenditures (millions)
Depreciation and amortization (millions)
Interest bearing debt/Adjusted EBITDA
Net debt to invested capital
Return on invested capital
Return on equity
COMMON SHARE INFORMATION
Ending outstanding common shares
Average outstanding common shares
Dividend per share 
Dividends paid as a % of free cash flow
Share price - High
Share price - Low 
Share price - Ending

<----------------------------------------Years Ended----------------------------------------------->

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

$2,688.3
24.5
98.4
3.7%
159.0
5.9%
$0.39

$343.4
716.4
13.7
(273.1)
800.4
269.5
81.4
109.6
(105.8)
1,155.1
0.8
12.5
(7.9)
(28.4)
$1,132.1

$(26.3)
293.7
267.4
864.7
$1,132.1

$13.88
$94.4
$24.9
$60.6
1.8
24%
9%
11%

$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
944.6
$1,435.6

$15.19
$136.7
$34.8
$56.7
2.2
35%
10%
15%

$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
1,004.9
$1,452.7

$16.18
$300.1
$41.3
$35.7
1.2
31%
23%
33%

$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
826.8
$1,205.3

$13.36
$180.4
$35.7
$34.2
1.2
34%
17%
25%

$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
825.3
$974.4

$13.37
$77.4
$16.7
$35.1
1.9
15%
12%
14%

62,295,441
62,191,208
$1.52
100%
$23.09
$10.97
$22.73

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

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

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

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

This chart
includes certain financial measures that are not prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards (GAAP) or have
standardized meanings, and thus, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies, for example Adjusted EBIT and
Adjusted EBITDA and Other Information. Management believes that Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted 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. Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to cash from operating activities or
other combined income or cash flow data. Adjusted EBIT, Adjusted 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 herein and on the
inside back cover of our Annual Report.  See financial statements for GAAP measures.

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

RUSSEL METALS12020 ANNUAL REPORT             
             
             
             
             
             
A DISCUSSION…  
WITH OUR PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

Q  Many  companies  changed  their  standard  practices  and  procedures  due  to  the  global 
pandemic.  Can you comment on the changes that you have implemented for the health 
and safety of your employees and other stakeholders? 

A  As our operations were deemed essential in both Canada and the US, we implemented 
many new procedures in accordance with WHO and CDC guidelines.  In addition, we 
implemented  travel  bans,  quarantine  restrictions  and  backpack  spraying  at  several 
locations,  and  contracted  with  testing  labs  for  24-hour  turnaround  time  for  our  C19 
testing.  I want to thank all the Russel family for working diligently to protect each other 
and the communities we serve. 

Q  A reduction of the capital allocated to your line pipe and OCTG operations was a stated 
objective for 2020.  Did you make significant progress during the year and is it still an 
objective for 2021? 

A 

In mid-2020, we stated our goal of reducing the capital allocated to this segment by $100 
million by the end of 2021.  Over the last six months of 2020, we reduced our inventories 
by $65 million, so we are well on our way to achieving our target.  In 2020, we completed 
the merger of our two Canadian line pipe and OCTG operations and in early 2021 we 
advanced the orderly liquidation of our U.S. line pipe and OCTG operations. 

Q  2020  was  a  difficult  year  for  the  energy  sector.    What  do  you  see  on  the  horizon  for 

Comco, Apex and Elite field stores? 

A  Energy experienced  a  double black swan  event with  C19 and the collapse  of  energy 
prices.  Our field store operations, which consist of Comco  and Apex  in Canada and 
Elite Supply Partners in the U.S, were impacted yet outperformed their competitors.  This 
business looks, feels and operates very similar to our service center business and we 
see a promising future for this segment as the energy sector recovers. 

Q 

In  2020,  you  acquired  Sanborn  as  a  complement  to  your  Wisconsin  service  centers.  
What was the purpose of the acquisition and how is the integration going?  Are there 
other acquisitions on the horizon? 

A  Sanborn  was  a  natural  extension  to  Russel  Metals  Williams  Bahcall  (RMWB),  that 
serves the Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois region as a general line service center with 
a heavy emphasis in plate processing.  Sanborn is a tube laser and processing operation 
that  allowed  us  to  accelerate  our  value-added  processing  initiative  in  Wisconsin  and 
dovetails nicely with RMWB's sales force and expands Sanborn's commercial footprint.  
Strategically, we want to continue to grow the value-added component of our service 
centers organically or by acquisition. 

Q  Marty Juravsky has been at Russel for a year.  Please comment on Marty's transition to 

CFO and the capital structure changes that were implemented in the year. 

A  Marty proved to be  an immediate  and  natural fit with the Russel cultural  as if  he had 
been a member of the Russel family for years.  He immediately made a positive impact 
on our capital structure, by working closely with our team to take advantage of Russel's 
countercyclical cash flow to further solidify our balance sheet by reducing long term debt 
and the cost of borrowing while maintaining a high level of liquidity. 

Q  Have there been any other management or Board changes in 2020? 

A  Bruce Robb, our Regional General Manager of Alberta/Manitoba/Saskatchewan, moved 
to his planned retirement at the end of 2020.  Bruce left his mark throughout Western 
Canada as a sound veteran businessman who cared passionately for his people, while 
possessing tremendous commercial leadership throughout his tenure.  Bruce's parting 
gift to Russel was his transition to his long-term manager RJ Weisner, who seamlessly 
assumed the reins in the regions. 

RUSSEL METALS22020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derek Currah, our President of Comco, also embarked on his planned retirement in 2020.  Derek left a strong 
legacy of keen business acumen, exemplary people management and professionalism.  Derek turned over 
the reins to Steve St. Jean, who Derek had been grooming for this position over the last several years. 

I wish to thank both Bruce and Derek for their contributions, efforts, leadership and most of all, their friendship.  
You both epitomize what it means to lead a division for Russel Metals. 

Alain Benedetti cycled off our board as part of our board renewal process.  Ben's keen financial mind, ability 
to synthesize the issues, straight forward approach, leadership and unique insight served the shareholders of 
Russel well.  Personally, I always appreciated Ben's wise counsel and mentoring over the years. 

Q  Diversity of Board composition has gained  momentum over the last few years.   What  is your view on this 

trend? 

A  Russel has been focused on diversity in the boardroom and in the management group for a long time and we 
are also proud to say we have promoted the right person for the job.  Our diversity is part of what has and will 
continue to be a key component of our unique culture as it is our people who separate us from our competition. 

Q  How did the Company's employees benefit from the Canadian Wage Subsidy funds in 2020? 
A  Russel qualified for the wage subsidy and it allowed us to methodically navigate through the C19 challenges 
and maintain employment levels across Russel’s businesses during the pandemic.  This wage subsidy buffer 
allowed us to weather the storm as the business environment gradually improved to sustainable levels. 

Q  How was Russel able to maintain its dividend during 2020? 

A  Our cash flows are countercyclical, and we threw off cash from effective working capital management during 
the downturn.  Maintaining our dividend has been a staple during previous cycles and our business model 
continued to prove sound during 2020 as we maintained our dividend. 

Q  Please  describe  the  expansion  of  your  Trenton,  Georgia  location  to  a  value-added  processing  center  of 

excellence occurred in 2020. 

A  Trenton, Georgia completed a warehouse expansion by adding a stacker system which expanded the breadth 
of inventory available at the location.  This expansion freed up space to add both tube and flat lasers serving 
multiple JMS locations.  This expansion came to fruition as our Jackson, Tennessee laser processing center 
reached  capacity  and  we  continued  to  see  market  opportunities  for  further  value-added  processing  in  the 
region.  The facility is fully operational and both Trenton and Jackson continue to have tremendous back logs 
of business.  The JMS region will add further equipment in the coming year, as we continue to grow our value-
added business. 

Q  Please comment on the margin enhancement associated with value-added processing and any future projects 

being contemplated. 

A  During previous market downturns our service centers have seen gross margin compression as the industry 
fights  to  maintain  market  share.    We  were  not  only  able  to  maintain  our  gross  margins  during  this  recent 
downturn, but we were  able to  modestly grow  our gross margin as a  direct result of our  expanding value-
added  processing.    The  hub  and  spoke  concept  continues  to  garner  market  share  and  we  are  looking  at 
multiple value-added projects along with bolt on acquisitions, like Sanborn, to accelerate this initiative. 

Q  Your Annual Report cover features a light at the end of a dark tunnel.  Do you see a light in 2021? 
A  2020 obviously came with unique challenges, yet also with unique opportunities.  We reduced capital in our 
OCTG  and  Line  Pipe  segment  while  we  redeployed  capital  to  our  value-added  processing  initiative.    Our 
people were thrust into leadership roles due to the circumstances and gained tremendous experience as they 
were stretched professionally and rose to the challenge.  We implemented a series of new health and safety 
initiatives that are critical steps forward.  In 2020, we became a better company as our leadership team was 
molded through adversity.  Not only is there light at the end of the tunnel, but we are charging forward in 2021 
better equipped to seize new opportunities. 

John G. Reid 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

RUSSEL METALS32020 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, 2020 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 10, 2021 

J. G. Reid 
President and 
Chief Executive Officer   

M. L. Juravsky 
Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer 

RUSSEL METALS42020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 

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, 2020, 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 10, 2021. 

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 METALS52020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NON-GAAP MEASURES 
This MD&A includes a number of measures that are not prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards 
("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.    These  measures  include  Adjusted  EBITDA  which  represents 
earnings before long-lived asset impairment charges, interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization; and 
free  cash  flow  which  represents  cash  from  operating  activities  before  changes  in  working  capital  less  capital 
expenditures.  We believe that Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow 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.  The items excluded in determining Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow are significant 
in assessing operating results and liquidity.  Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow should not be considered in 
isolation or 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. 

Adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share are non-GAAP measures that exclude non-cash long-
lived asset impairment.  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. 

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FOURTH QUARTER AND 2020 ANNUAL RESULTS 
Our net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2020, were $25 million or $0.39 per share compared to net 
earnings of $77 million or $1.23 per share for 2019.  Our adjusted net earnings (excluding the after-tax impact of 
non-cash  asset  impairment  charges  of  $26  million  related  to  our  U.S.  energy  operations)  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2020 were $50 million or $0.81 per share.  Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020 were 
$2.7 billion compared to $3.7 billion in 2019.  Adjusted EBITDA was $159 million compared to $203 million in 
2019. 

In the 2020 fourth quarter, our revenues, Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings per share were $671 million, 
$41 million and $0.22 per share, respectively.  Revenues during the quarter benefited from multiple steel price 
increases and stronger seasonal demand in the metals service centers and steel distributors segments.  During 
the 2020 fourth quarter, items of note that negatively impacted Adjusted EBITDA included a net increase in our 
inventory valuation reserves of $3 million related to our line pipe/OCTG operations and non-cash stock-based 
compensation  expense  of  $4  million  due  to  our  improved  share  price.    During  the  2020  fourth  quarter,  we 
recognized $8 million in federal government wage subsidies, as compared to $20 million in the 2020 third quarter. 

Market Conditions 
The global pandemic created extraordinary market volatility in 2020, from a severe deterioration of activity in the 
second quarter to gradual improvement through the third quarter and a stronger pick-up towards the end of the 
fourth  quarter  in  metals  service  centers  and  steel  distributors.    Our  operations  were  deemed  essential  and 
remained open throughout 2020.  In the 2020 fourth quarter, rapid increases in raw material pricing, improved 
demand and low inventory levels throughout the supply chain drove a substantial increase in steel prices. 

Business Optimization 
During 2020, we implemented a number of our value-added processing initiatives in several of our regions.  On 
December 30, 2020, we acquired Sanborn Tube Sales of Wisconsin, Inc. ("Sanborn "), a leader in value-added 
manufacturing,  for  US$13  million.    Sanborn  operates  three  tube  lasers  from  its  facility  located  in  Pewaukee, 
Wisconsin and will complement our existing locations in that region.  During 2020, we expanded our Trenton, 
Georgia facility which now includes a bar storage facility, fiber tube and flat lasers.  The rationalization of our B.C. 
region was completed through the closure and sale of the real estate related to our Kelowna and Kitimat service 
centers.  The sale of these two facilities resulted in proceeds of $10 million and a gain on sale of $6 million which 
was recorded in the 2020 third quarter. 

RUSSEL METALS62020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In our energy products segment, we furthered our objective of reducing capital employed in our line pipe/OCTG 
operations.    During  the  year,  we  completed  the  merger  of  our  two  Canadian  line  pipe/OCTG  operations  and 
advanced  the  orderly  liquidation  of  our  U.S.  line  pipe/OCTG  operations.    As  a  result,  we  reduced  our  line 
pipe/OCTG inventory by $73 million for the year, including $34 million in the 2020 fourth quarter.  In  our field 
stores, we rationalized six Elite Supply Partners locations. 

Liquidity and Capital Structure Improvements 
During 2020, we generated $371 million of cash from operating activities and ended the year with total liquidity 
of $406 million. 

During  September  2020,  we  updated  and  improved  our  credit  facility  to  provide  additional  borrowing  base 
flexibility and extended its maturity.  In October 2020, we issued $150 million 5 ¾% senior unsecured notes due 
October 2025.  In November 2020, we redeemed our $300 million 6% senior unsecured notes due 2022.  The 
combination of these initiatives will reduce our interest expense and extend our debt maturities.  During the 2020 
fourth quarter, our interest expense included $1.3 million in deferred financing costs related to the redemption of 
senior unsecured notes due 2022. 

RECONCILIATION OF NET EARNINGS TO ADJUSTED EBITDA 
The following table provides a reconciliation of net earnings (loss) and earnings (loss) per share for the year and 
quarter ended December 31, 2020 to adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share. 

Millions 

Per Share 

December 31, 2020 

Net earnings (loss) 
Asset impairment, after tax 
Adjusted net earnings 
Provision for income taxes 
Provision for income taxes on asset impairment 
Interest and finance expense 
Adjusted EBIT 
Depreciation and amortization 
Adjusted EBITDA 

Quarter 
Ended 
$        (8.8) 
22.6 
13.8 
(3.8) 
7.5 
9.0 
26.5 
14.6 
$       41.1 

Year 
Ended 
$       24.5 
25.6 
50.1 
3.4 
8.2 
36.7 
98.4 
60.6 
$     159.0 

Quarter 
Ended 
$      (0.14) 
0.36 
$       0.22 

Year 
Ended 
$       0.39 
0.42 
$       0.81 

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

2020 

(in millions, except per share data and volumes) 

Revenues 
EBITDA 
Adjusted EBITDA 
Net earnings (loss) 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share 
Diluted earnings per common share 

Total assets 
Non-current financial liabilities 
Dividends paid 

Market price of common shares 
   High 
   Low 

Mar. 31 
$     814.7 
35.5 
39.2 
13.5 
$       0.17 
$       0.17 

$  2,010.5 
$     542.7 
$       0.38 

Quarters Ended 
June 30 
$     588.1 
31.5 
31.5 
4.6 
$       0.07 
$       0.07 

Sept. 30 
$     614.9 
47.2 
47.2 
18.2 
$       0.29 
$       0.29 

Dec. 31 
$     670.5 
11.1 
41.2 
(8.8) 
$     (0.14) 
$     (0.14) 

$  1,824.5 
$     538.1 
$       0.38 

$  1,787.7 
$     536.0 
$       0.38 

$  1,596.3 
$     382.5 
$       0.38 

Year 
Ended 
Dec. 31 
$  2,688.3 
125.2 
159.0 
24.5 
$      0.39 
$      0.39 

$  1,596.3 
$     382.5 
$       1.52 

$     23.00 
$     10.97 

$     18.29 
$     12.51 

$     19.71 
$     16.23 

$     23.09 
$     17.34 

$     23.09 
$     10.97 

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

62,184,978  62,184,978  62,184,978  62,295,441  62,295,441 
62,179,130  62,182,055  62,183,036  62,215,545  62,191,208 
19,490,294  24,546,823  12,319,978  13,239,649  69,596,744 

RUSSEL METALS72020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
 
 
2019 

(in millions, except per share data and volumes) 
Revenues 
EBITDA 
Adjusted EBITDA 
Net earnings (loss) 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share 

Total assets 
Non-current financial liabilities 
Dividends paid 

Market price of common shares 
   High 
   Low 

Mar. 31 
$  1,032.6 
71.9 
71.9 
34.3 
$       0.55 
$       0.55 

$  2,199.2 
$     540.0 
$       0.38 

Quarters Ended 
June 30 
$     936.7 
64.8 
64.8 
30.8 
$       0.50 
$       0.50 

Sept. 30 
$     869.2 
48.7 
48.7 
18.1 
$       0.29 
$       0.29 

Dec. 31 
$     837.4 
17.6 
17.6 
(6.6) 
$     (0.11) 
$     (0.11) 

$  2,115.9 
$     541.1 
$       0.38 

$  2,074.9 
$     538.9 
$       0.38 

$  1,929.0 
$     539.2 
$       0.38 

Year 
Ended 
Dec. 31 
$  3,675.9 
203.0 
203.0 
76.6 
$      1.23 
$      1.23 

$  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 

On January 1, 2019, we retroactively adopted IFRS 16-Leases. 

2018 

(in millions, except per share data and volumes) 

Revenues 
EBITDA 
Adjusted EBITDA 
Net earnings 
Basic earnings per common share 
Diluted earnings per common share 

Total assets 
Non-current financial liabilities 
Dividends paid 

Market price of common shares 
   High 
   Low 

Mar. 31 
$     931.3 
69.0 
69.0 
38.5 
$       0.62 
$       0.62 

$  1,924.2 
$     442.6 
$       0.38 

Quarters Ended 
June 30 
$     978.2 
106.0 
106.0 
66.1 
$       1.07 
$       1.06 

Sept. 30 
$  1,140.1 
110.6 
110.6 
68.2 
$       1.10 
$       1.09 

$  2,057.8 
$     443.0 
$       0.38 

$  2,140.9 
$     443.3 
$       0.38 

Dec. 31 
$  1,115.4 
81.0 
81.0 
46.2 
$      0.74 
$      0.74 

$  2,130.4 
$     443.6 
$       0.38 

Year 
Ended 
Dec. 31 
$  4,165.0 
366.6 
366.6 
219.0 
$      3.53 
$      3.52 

$  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 

RUSSEL METALS82020 ANNUAL REPORT 
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
 
 
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
 
 
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 
The following table provides earnings before interest and income taxes.  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 
Gain on sale of assets 
Asset impairment 
Other 
Earnings before interest 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 2019 

(17%) 
(39%) 
(34%) 

(27%) 

41% 
(105%) 
(42%) 
(14%) 

(33%) 

2020 

2019 

$  1,621.8 
797.5 
261.9 
7.1 
$  2,688.3 

$     103.9 
(3.3) 
9.2 
(19.4) 
6.1 
(33.8) 
1.9 
$       64.6 

22.0% 
15.1% 
12.8% 

19.3% 

6.4% 
(0.4%) 
3.5% 

3.7% 

$  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 

18.8% 
16.6% 
11.0% 

17.4% 

3.8% 
5.2% 
4.0% 

4.0% 

Results  of  our  U.S.  operations  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2020  were  converted  at  $1.3412  per  US$1 
compared  to  $1.3268  per  US$1  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2019.    Our  U.S.  operations  represented 
approximately 32% of our total revenues.  The exchange rate used to translate the balance sheet at December 
31, 2020 was $1.2732 per US$1 versus $1.2988 per US$1 at December 31, 2019. 

RUSSEL METALS92020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
      
      
      
      
      
      
 
 
 
      
      
 
 
 
      
 
      
 
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
Description of operations 

METALS SERVICE CENTERS 
a) 
We provide processing and distribution services to a broad base of approximately 31,000 end users through a 
network of 47 Canadian locations and 17 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 as well as the Southeastern and Midwestern regions in the United States. 

b) 

Metals service centers segment results -- 2020 compared to 2019 

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

2020 

2019 

% Change 

$  1,622 
357 
22.0% 
104 

$  1,958 
368 
18.8% 
74 

(17%) 
(3%) 

41% 

Tons shipped in 2020 were approximately 7% lower than 2019.  Our U.S. service centers had a 1% increase in 
tons with all Canadian regions experiencing decreased volumes.  During the year ended December 31, 2020 our 
reduction in tons shipped was lower than the average published by the Metals Service Center Institute as our 
operations garnered market share.  The average selling price per ton was 11% lower than 2019.  The average 
selling price in the 2020 fourth quarter increased 5% over the 2020 third quarter due to price increases late in the 
fourth quarter. 

Gross margin as a percentage of revenues of 22.0% for the year ended December 31, 2020 was higher than the 
18.8% in 2019 due to value-added processing and the lower average cost of inventory. 

Operating expenses for 2020 were $254 million, 14% lower than the $295 million in 2019 due to lower business 
activity and government wage subsidies that allowed us to sustain employment levels.  In July 2020 we launched 
our multi-year ERP upgrade project.  Operating expenses relating to the new ERP project were $4 million for the 
year ended December 31, 2020. 

Metals service centers operating profits for the year ended December 31, 2020 of $104 million were higher than 
the $74 million reported for 2019.  Our average revenue per invoice for 2020 was approximately $1,906 compared 
to $2,371 for 2019, reflecting decreased steel prices.  We handled approximately 3,403 transactions per day in 
2020 compared to 3,303 per day in 2019. 

Description of operations 

ENERGY PRODUCTS 
a) 
We  distribute  tubes,  valves,  fittings,  oil  country  tubular  goods  (OCTG)  and  line  pipe,  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 Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado.  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 48 Canadian and 14 U.S. facilities in our valve and fitting operations.  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. 

b) 

Energy products segment results -- 2020 compared to 2019 

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

2020 

2019 

% Change 

$     798 
121 
15.1% 
(3) 

$  1,311 
217 
16.6% 
69 

(39%) 
(44%) 

(105%) 

RUSSEL METALS102020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
The price of oil, including the Western Canadian select discount, and natural gas can impact rig count and drilling 
activities, which affects demand for our products. 

Depressed  oil  prices  resulted  in  reduced  rig  counts  and  delayed  energy  projects  that  caused  a  significant 
decrease in revenues particularly for our line  pipe and OCTG operations.  In 2020,  the average Canadian  rig 
counts were 89 compared to 134 in 2019 and the average U.S. rig counts were 433 compared to 943 in 2019. 

Gross margin as a percentage of revenues was 15.1% compared to 16.6% in 2019 mainly due to lower industry-
wide  OCTG  and  line  pipe  prices  in  reaction  to  lower  demand  and  excess  inventories  throughout  the  industry 
created by reduced North American rig counts.  The lower line pipe prices resulted in an increase in our energy 
product inventory provisions of $12 million related to our line pipe and OCTG operations. 

Operating expenses for the year ended 2020 were $124 million compared to $148 million in 2019.  The decrease 
was due to headcount reductions, location closures, work sharing arrangements and government employment 
incentives. 

Operating losses were $3 million for 2020 compared to profits of $69 million for 2019.  Our field store operations 
generated an operating income of $23 million in the year compared to $73 million in 2019.  Our line pipe and 
OCTG operations generated an operating loss of $26 million in the year compared to a loss of $4 million in 2019. 

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 located in 
Houston,  Texas,  where  it  processes  coil  for  its  customers.    Our  steel  distributors  source  their  steel  both 
domestically and off shore. 

The main steel products sourced by this segment are structural beam, plate, coils, pipe and  tubing; however, 
product volumes vary based on the economy and trade actions in North America. 

b) 

Steel distributors segment results -- 2020 compared to 2019 

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

2020 

2019 

% Change 

$     262 
34 
12.8% 
9 

$     396 
43 
11.0% 
16 

(34%) 
(23%) 

(42%) 

Revenues in our steel distributors were 34% lower in 2020 compared to 2019 due to lower demand caused by 
general economic conditions. 

Gross margin as a percentage of revenues was 12.8% for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to 11.1% 
for the year ended December 31, 2019 due to an inventory provision recorded in our U.S. operation in 2019. 

Operating expenses declined to $24 million in 2020 from $28 million in 2019.  Operating profits for 2020 of $9 
million were lower compared to $16 million for 2019 due to reduced demand. 

CORPORATE EXPENSES -- 2020 COMPARED TO 2019 
Corporate expenses were $19 million in 2020 compared to $17 million in 2019.  During the year, the non-cash 
stock-based compensation expense was $5 million due to our improved share price compared to $4 million in 
2019. 

RUSSEL METALS112020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASSET IMPAIRMENT 
The challenging economic conditions experienced in 2020 due to the global pandemic and the oil price turmoil, 
resulted in a triggering event and the need to test long-lived assets for impairment.  The impairment tests resulted 
in non-cash charges of $34 million.  In the 2020 fourth quarter, we recorded an asset impairment charge of $30 
million relating to our U.S. field store operations and in the 2020 first quarter, we recorded an asset impairment 
charge of $4 million relating to our U.S. line pipe operation.  The recoverable amounts for the rest of our operations 
exceeded their carrying value and no other further impairment was recorded. 

GAIN ON SALE OF ASSETS 
During the third quarter of 2020, as part of our rationalization in the B.C. region, we sold the real estate associated 
with our Kitimat and Kelowna branches for net proceeds of $10 million resulting in a gain on sale of $6 million. 

INTEREST EXPENSE 
Net interest expense was $37 million for 2020 compared to $41 million for 2019 due to reduced working capital 
levels.  The capital structure improvements are expected to further reduce our interest expense in 2021. 

INCOME TAXES 
We recorded a provision for income taxes of $3 million for 2020 compared to a provision of $29 million for 2019.  
Our  effective  income  tax  rate  for  2020  was  12.2%  compared  to  27.3%  for  2019.    The  decrease  in  the  2020 
effective tax rate was due to the utilization of capital losses for the gain on sale of assets and certain provisions 
of the CARES Act. 

NET EARNINGS 
Net earnings for 2020 were $25 million compared to $77 million in 2019.  Basic earnings per share for 2020 was 
$0.39 per share compared to $1.23 per share in 2019. 

SHARES OUTSTANDING AND DIVIDENDS 
The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for 2020 was 62.2 million compared to 62.1 million 
for 2019 as a result of the exercise of options.  Common shares outstanding at December 31, 2020 and February 
10, 2021 were 62.3 million. 

We paid common share dividends of $95 million or $1.52 per share in 2020 and 2019. 

We have $150 million of 6% senior unsecured notes due March 16, 2026.  The indenture for these senior notes 
has  restrictions  on  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 $150 million of 5 ¾% senior unsecured notes due October 27, 2025.  The indenture for these senior 
notes contains restrictions on the payment of quarterly dividends in excess of $1.60 per annum.  These notes 
can be redeemed at par on or after October 27, 2024. 

Under our syndicated bank facility, the payment of dividends are 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. 

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

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

2020 
$       24.5 
3.4 
36.7 
33.8 

2019 
$       76.6 
28.8 
40.9 
- 

98.4 
60.6 

146.3 
56.7 

$     159.0 

$     203.0 

RUSSEL METALS122020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
 
 
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 
Capital expenditures were $25 million in 2020 compared to $35 million in 2019.  We continued to invest in value-
added processing with an investment of $5 million in the expansion of our Trenton, Georgia facility and $2 million 
for a structural expansion to include plasma beam coping in our Edmonton, Alberta location. 

We expect capital expenditures to be lower than depreciation of property, plant and equipment in 2021. 

LIQUIDITY 
During  the  cycle,  we  experience  significant  swings  in  working  capital  with  accounts  receivable  and  inventory 
comprising our largest liquidity risks. 

At December 31, 2020, we had net cash, defined as cash less bank indebtedness, of $26 million compared to 
net bank indebtedness of $46 million at December 31, 2019.  We generated cash of $119 million from operations 
during 2020 and $257 million from working capital.  We invested $25 million for capital expenditures, utilized $5 
million for income tax payments and returned $95 million in dividends to our shareholders. 

Total  assets  were  $1.6  billion  at  December  31,  2020,  compared  to  $1.9  billion  at  December  31,  2019.    At 
December 31, 2020, current assets excluding cash represented 70% of our total assets excluding cash, compared 
to 72% at December 31, 2019. 

Accounts  receivable  generated  cash  of  $115  million  in  2020,  due  to  lower  revenues.    Accounts  receivable 
represented 22% of our total assets excluding cash, at December 31, 2020 compared to 24% at December 31, 
2019. 

Inventories  generated  cash  of  $169  million  due  to  reduced  purchases  in  response  to  lower  demand  and  a 
reduction  in  our  line  pipe  and  OCTG  inventories  as  part  of  our  initiative  to  reduce  capital  employed  in  those 
businesses.    Inventories  represented  45%  of  our  total  assets  at  December  31,  2020  compared  to  46%  at 
December 31, 2019. 

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

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

Dec. 31 
2020 
$     279 
373 
64 
$     716 

Dec. 31 
2020 
4.5 
1.7 
3.9 

Sept. 30 
2020 
$     267 
436 
87 
$     790 

Sept. 30 
2020 
4.7 
1.2 
2.5 

June 30 
2020 
$     297 
470 
95 
$     862 

June 30 
2020 
4.0 
1.1 
2.4 

Mar. 31 
2020 
$     320 
487 
100 
$     907 

Mar. 31 
2020 
4.3 
2.2 
2.2 

Dec. 31 
2019 
$     295 
494 
95 
$     884 

Dec. 31 
2019 
4.5 
2.5 
3.3 

Total  

3.0 

2.5 

2.2 

2.9 

3.2 

At December 31, 2020, our metals service centers had lower inventory tons than at December 31, 2019 due to 
reduced purchases in response to the economic downturn.  Inventory levels increased in the fourth quarter due 
to higher steel prices and improved demand.  Inventory levels in our energy products segment decreased from 
2019  due  to  slowing  demand  and  reduced  capital  allocated  to  our  line  pipe  and  OCTG  operations.    In  steel 
distributors,  the  decrease  in  inventory  value  over  2019  was  due  to  a  reduction  in  purchases  due  to  reduced 
demand. 

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 METALS132020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
     
 
 
 
 
    
    
 
 
 
 
FREE CASH FLOW 
(millions) 
Cash from operating activities before non-cash working capital 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

DEBT 
As at December 31 (millions) 
Long-term debt 
   5 ¾% $150 million Senior Notes due October 27, 2025 
   6% $150 million Senior Notes due March 16, 2026 
   6% $300 million Senior Notes due April 19, 2022 

2020 
$     119.2 
(24.9) 
$       94.3 

2019 
$     171.5 
(34.8) 
$     136.7 

2020 

2019 

$     147 
147 
- 
$     294 

$          - 
147 
298 
$     445 

In October 2020, we issued $150  million of 5  ¾% senior unsecured notes due  2025.  In November 2020, we 
redeemed our $300 million 6% senior unsecured notes due in 2022. 

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

Facility 
Borrowings and letters of credit 
Letters of credit 
Facility availability 

Available line based on borrowing base 

2020 
$          - 
26 
26 
(68) 
$     (42) 

$     400 
50 
$     450 

$     450 

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

$     400 
50 
$     450 

$     450 

We have a committed credit facility with a syndicate of Canadian and U.S. banks that provides $50 million for 
letters of credit and $400 million which can be utilized for borrowings or additional letters of credit.  On September 
29, 2020, the facility was amended to provide additional borrowing base flexibility and other improvements and 
extended to expire on September 21, 2023.  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, 2020, we were entitled to borrow and issue letters of credit totaling $450 million under this 
facility.    At  December  31,  2020,  we  had  no  borrowings  and  $68  million  of  letters  of  credit  outstanding.    At 
December 31, 2019 we had $57 million in borrowings and letters of credit of $33 million. 

At December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all of our financial covenants. 

With our cash, cash equivalents and our bank facility we have access to approximately $406 million of cash based 
on our  December 31, 2020 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 METALS142020 ANNUAL REPORT 
      
 
 
 
      
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS 
As at December 31, 2020, we were contractually obligated to make payments as per the following table: 

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

Payments due in 

2022 
and 2023 
$          - 
- 
- 
35 
38 
$       73 

2024 
and 2025 
$          - 
- 
150 
35 
27 
$     212 

2026 and 
thereafter 
$          - 
- 
150 
5 
55 
$     210 

2021 
$          - 
291 
- 
18 
24 
$     333 

Total 
$          - 
291 
300 
93 
144 
$     828 

In addition, we are obligated to pay $68 million in letters of credit when they mature in 2021. 

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 16 of our 2020 
consolidated financial statements.  During 2020 we contributed $3 million to these plans.  We expect to contribute 
approximately $3 million to these plans during 2021.  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.  We do not have additional funding obligations on a solvency basis and no additional 
funding would 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 only short-term and low value leases are 
off-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, litigation and assigned 
values on net assets acquired.  We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions 
that  are  believed  to  be  reasonable  under  the  circumstances,  the  results  of  which  form  the  basis  for  making 
judgements about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  
Actual results may differ from these estimates. 

Our most significant assets are accounts receivable and inventories. 

Accounts Receivable 
An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers 
to make required payments.  Assessments are based on aging of receivables, legal issues (bankruptcy status), 
past collection experience, current financials, credit agency reports and the experience of our credit personnel.  
Accounts receivable which we determine to be uncollectible are reserved in the period in which the determination 
is made.  If the financial condition of our customers was to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability 
to make payments, additional allowances may be required.  Our reserve for bad debts at December 31, 2020 
approximated our reserve level at December 31, 2019.  Bad debt expense for 2020 as a percentage of revenue 
was less than 1%. 

RUSSEL METALS152020 ANNUAL REPORT 
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Inventories 
We review our inventories to ensure that the cost of inventories is not in excess of its estimated net realizable 
value  and  for  obsolete  and  slow-moving  product.    Inventory  reserves  or  write-downs  are  recorded  when  cost 
exceeds  the  estimated  selling  price  less  cost  to  sell  and  when  product  is  determined  to  be  slow  moving  or 
obsolete.    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, 2020 was $7 million 
greater than the level at December 31, 2019. 

Other areas involving significant estimates and judgements include: 

Long-lived Asset Impairment 
The  determination  of  whether  long-lived  assets,  including  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 a discount rate requires significant judgement. 

During 2020, we concluded that the rapid deterioration of the North American economic environment resulted in 
a  triggering  event  and  the  need  to  perform  impairment  testing  of  our  long-lived  assets  including  goodwill  and 
intangibles.    We  forecasted  future  cash  flows  by  considering  the  reduced  activity  to  determine  recoverable 
amounts.  Based on this analysis, we recorded impairments in the 2020 first quarter and the 2020 fourth quarter.  
There is no certainty that there will not be future impairments should the economic markets in which we operate 
continue to deteriorate. 

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. 

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. 

RUSSEL METALS162020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We had approximately $159 million in plan assets at December 31, 2020, which is approximately $6 million higher 
than at December 31, 2019.  The discount rate used on the employee benefit plan obligation for December 31, 
2020 was 2.50%, which is 50 basis points lower than the discount rate at December 31, 2019.  The employee 
benefit obligation at December 31, 2020 was approximately $164 million which is approximately $9 million higher 
than at December 31, 2019. 

Leases 
We recognize right-of-use assets and lease obligations which includes our arrangements that contain a lease.  
The determination of the asset and obligation requires an assessment of whether we are reasonably certain that 
an  extension  option  will  be  exercised,  calculation  of  a  discount  rate  inherent  in  the  lease  or  an  incremental 
borrowing  rate  and  whether  the  right-of-use  asset  is  impaired.    These  determinations  require  significant 
judgement. 

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, 2020.  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 mature and cyclical industry.  We believe we enhance returns by managing 
costs and working capital throughout the cycle.  Capital allocation priorities and limits are managed centrally with 
day-to-day decision making delegated to the various operations.  Furthermore, our variable compensation model 
is based on the return on net assets for each business unit, which provides our business managers a basis to 
proactively adjust costs and working capital to local market conditions.  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 
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 further improves our returns. 

RUSSEL METALS172020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We believe that the steel pricing cycle will continue to be highly 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. 

RISK 
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. 

The  pandemic  has  created  uncertainty  in  the  health  and  welfare  of  the  communities  where  we  operate  and 
resulted in temporary business closures including certain of our customers and reduced economic activity.  We 
do not know when the uncertainty caused by the virus will cease and business conditions will return to normal 
levels. 

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,  varying  capacity  utilization  rates  for  North 
American  steel  producers  and  changing  import  levels  and  tariffs.    Future  tariff  changes  to  country  or  product 
exemptions may impact steel prices and product availability. 

A significant percentage of our revenues are dependent on the oil and gas industry whose activity fluctuates with 
oil and gas prices.  The oversupply of oil has resulted in reduced drilling and lower demand for OCTG and line 
pipe.  In addition, certain pipe manufacturers have attempted to bypass distributors which has further exacerbated 
the competitive pricing environment.  Our strategy includes a reduction of the capital allocated to our OCTG and 
line pipe operations.  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. 

The continued impact of the pandemic and prevailing oil price conditions may lead to changes in estimates in our 
financial  statements  and  the  effect  of  such  changes  could  be  material  and  result  in  impairments  of  long-lived 
assets, including goodwill and intangibles, provisions for inventory and credit losses. 

The USMCA replaced NAFTA on July 1, 2020.  It is expected that this agreement will have a positive effect on 
the post pandemic demand for North American sourced metal products such as steel and aluminum. 

On  February  25,  2020,  the  U.S.  International  Trade  Commission  issued  a  final  determination  that  fabricated 
structural steel imports from Canada, China and Mexico do not materially injure the U.S. fabricated steel industry.  
Therefore, no anti-dumping or countervailing duties will be applied on imports from these countries.  This ruling 
should lead to increased steel fabrication in Canada which should benefit our customer base. 

On March 13, 2020, the Canadian Industrial Trade Tribunal (CITT) issued a report concluding that hot rolled plate 
products from Brazil, Denmark, Indonesia, Italy, Japan and Korea would continue to be dumped into the Canadian 
marketplace if current orders were lifted and that such actions would likely result in injury to the industry.  The 
Tribunal continued previous duties for an additional five years in respect to the subject goods. 

On October 9, 2020, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) made a preliminary determination that imports 
of hot rolled plate  products from Taiwan, Germany  and Turkey were harmful to the Canadian  market and set 
provisional duties ranging from 3% to 97%.  On the same date, the CBSA terminated its dumping investigation 
on hot rolled plate imports from South Korea and Malaysia. 

On October 13, 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed additional requirements on the importation of 
steel products.  When applying for an importer license, the importer must identify both the country or origin of the 
steel product as well as where the steel used in the manufacture of the steel product was melted and poured. 

RUSSEL METALS182020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On  November  16,  2020,  the  CITT  issued  its  findings  that  corrosion  resistant  steel  from  Turkey,  the  UAE  and 
Vietnam (excluding specified facilities) have been dumped in the Canadian market and thus are subject to Anti-
Dumping  duties  and  that  the  goods  have  been  subsidized.    Further  analysis  found  that  the  volume  of  goods 
exported from the UAE and Vietnam were negligible and therefore terminated the injury inquiry of these goods.  
The result is that material from Turkey (excluding specified facilities) is now subject to both Anti-Dumping and 
Countervailing duties. 

On February 5, 2021, the CITT issued its findings that hot-rolled carbon steel heavy plate and high-strength low-
alloy  steel  heavy  plate  from  Taiwan,  Chinese  Taipei  and  Germany  that  are  being  dumped  into  the  Canadian 
market have caused injury to the domestic industry.  On the same date the CITT determined that the volume of 
the  above  referenced  goods  being  dumped  from  Turkey  is  negligible  and  terminated  its  inquiry  on  material 
originating in or being exported from Turkey. 

FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS 
Revenues in the fourth quarter of 2020 were 20% lower than the same quarter in 2019.  Operating income was 
$27 million compared to $2 million in 2019.  During the quarter ended December 31, 2020, Adjusted EBITDA was 
$41 million compared to $18 million in 2019. 

Our  net  loss  for  the  quarter  ended  December  31,  2020  was  $9  million  or  $0.14  per  share.    Our  adjusted  net 
earnings for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 were $14 million or $0.22 per share. 

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 asset impairment, interest 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 

2020 

2019 

variance 
as a % 
of 2019 

2% 
(49%) 
(9%) 

(20%) 

$     419.2 
175.9 
73.6 
1.9 
$     670.6 

$       35.6 
(7.0) 
4.9 
(7.5) 
0.5 
$       26.5 

$     411.6 
342.6 
80.6 
2.6 
$     837.4 

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

25.0% 
12.2% 
15.4% 

20.8% 

8.5% 
(4.0%) 
6.7% 

4.0% 

18.8% 
11.4% 
3.6% 

14.6% 

2.1% 
(0.5%) 
(4.0%) 

0.3% 

Metals service centers revenues were 2% higher than the same quarter in 2019 as a result of increased demand 
and selling prices.  Tons shipped in the fourth quarter of 2020 for metals service centers were 2% higher than the 
fourth  quarter  of  2019  and  selling  prices  were  consistent  with  the  fourth  quarter  of  2019.    Gross  margin  as  a 
percentage of revenues increased to 25.0% for the fourth quarter of 2020 from 18.8% for the fourth quarter of 
2019.  At the end of the 2020 fourth quarter, steel prices increased significantly due to raw material input prices 
and tight inventory levels in the supply chain. 

RUSSEL METALS192020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
      
      
 
 
 
      
      
 
 
 
      
      
      
      
      
      
 
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
      
      
      
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
In  the  fourth  quarter  of  2020,  revenues  at  our  energy  products  segment  were  49%  lower  than  2019.    Lower 
demand was experienced in the 2020 fourth quarter due to lower rig counts and resulted in an operating loss in 
this segment in the fourth quarter. 

Our steel distributors reported operating profits in the 2020 fourth quarter of $5 million compared to an operating 
loss of $3 million in the 2019 fourth quarter due to an inventory provision recorded in 2019. 

Corporate expenses were higher than 2019 due to non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $4 million in 
the quarter from our improved share price. 

OUTLOOK 
Through the early stage of 2021, we have experienced continuing improvement in demand levels at our metals 
service centers and steel distributors segments.  In addition, steel prices and margins have remained at levels 
well above the average in the 2020 fourth quarter.  In energy products, inventory shortages have led to gradually 
improved prices and modest demand increases. 

RUSSEL METALS202020 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,  2020  and  2019,  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, 2020 and 2019, 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. 

Key Audit Matters 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit 
of the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020.  These matters were addressed in the context 
of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a 
separate opinion on these matters. 

Impairment of Assets - Refer to Notes 2, 8 and 12 to the Financial Statements 

Key Audit Matter Description 
The  Company's  evaluation  of  goodwill  for  impairment  involves  the  comparison  of  the  recoverable  amount  of 
each cash generating unit ("CGU") to its carrying value.  An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying values 
of a CGU exceeds its recoverable amount.  The recoverable amount is determined based on the higher of fair 
value  less  cost  of  disposal  and  value  in  use,  using  a  discounted  cash  flow  model.    Prior  to  impairment,  the 
Company had goodwill associated with the Elite Supply Partners ("Elite") CGU.  The carrying value of the Elite 
CGU  exceeded  its  recoverable  amount  as  of  the  measurement  date  and,  therefore,  an  impairment  loss  was 
recognized.  This required management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to the projected 
revenues and associated gross profit ("GP") margins and discount rate.  Changes in these assumptions could 
have a significant impact on the recoverable amount and thus, the amount of the goodwill impairment loss. 

Given the significant judgements made by management to estimate the recoverable amount of the Elite CGU, 
performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of the estimates and assumptions related to the 
projected revenues and associated GP margins and discount rate required a high degree of auditor judgement 
and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve fair value specialists. 

How the Key Audit Matter was Addressed in the Audit 
Our audit procedures related to the projected revenues and associated GP margins and discount rate used by 
management to estimate the recoverable amount of goodwill for the Elite CGU included the following, among 
others: 

  Evaluated  management's  ability  to  accurately  forecast  projected  revenues  and  GP  margins  by 

comparing actual results to management's historical forecasts. 

  Evaluated the reasonableness of management's forecasts of projected revenues and GP margins by 

comparing forecasts to: 

•  Historical revenues and operating margins. 
• 
Internal communications to management and the Board of Directors. 
•  Underlying analyses detailing business strategies and growth plans. 
•  Third party economic research and projected and historical growth of Elite's peer group. 

RUSSEL METALS212020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  With the assistance of our fair value specialists, evaluated the reasonableness of: 

•  Revenue  growth  rates  using  models  linked  to  third  party  data  sources  that  benchmarks  the 
Company's performance against its peer group and industry trends and evaluates the impact of 
current economic conditions on the forecasted projections and assumptions. 

•  The discount rate by testing the source information underlying the determination of the discount 
rate and developing a range of independent estimates and comparing those to the discount rate 
selected by management. 

Valuation of Inventory - Refer to Note 7 to the Financial Statements 

Key Audit Matter Description 
The Company records inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, where net realizable value is the 
estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs necessary to make the sale.  
Management evaluates the need for inventory impairment charges at a segment level and records these charges 
based on certain factors, which include the age of the inventory, the market conditions in the geographies in 
which  products are sold  and the  physical condition of the products.  The process of determining  whether  an 
inventory impairment charge is required involves estimating selling prices in markets where recent transaction 
activity may not have occurred and where standard pricing does not exist. 

We identified inventory impairment charges related to the energy products segment (hereinafter, "inventory") as 
a key audit matter because the estimation of inventory impairment charges involves complex judgements related 
to future selling prices and product demand.  This required a high degree of auditor judgement as these estimates 
are subject to a high degree of estimation uncertainty. 

How the Key Audit Matter was Addressed in the Audit 
Our  audit  procedures  related  to  future  selling  prices  and  product  demand  used  in  determining  the  inventory 
impairment charges included the following, among others: 

  Performed a retrospective review on the prior year inventory impairment charge, including the prior year 
expected  demand,  and  compared  it  to  current  year  activity  to  evaluate  management's  ability  to 
accurately estimate the reserve. 

  Evaluated the reasonableness of future selling prices and product demand by: 

•  Comparing  selling  price  assumptions  to  a  combination  of  external  market  sources,  recent 

transactions (including both sales and purchases of inventory) and historical data. 

•  Evaluating management's consideration of the age of inventory items, historic inventory trends, 
historic write-off activity and the impact of market events related to commodity pricing (for steel 
and oil). 

•  Evaluating write-off activity of inventory subsequent to year end. 

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. 

RUSSEL METALS222020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Responsibilities 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. 

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. 

RUSSEL METALS232020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that were of 
most significance in the audit of the financial statements of the current period and are therefore the key audit 
matters.  We describe these matters in our auditor's report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure 
about  the  matter  of  when,  in  extremely  rare  circumstances,  we  determine  that  a  matter  should  not  be 
communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to 
outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication. 

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

Deloitte LLP 
Chartered Professional Accountants 
Licensed Public Accountants 

Toronto, Ontario 
February 10, 2021 

RUSSEL METALS242020 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 20) 
Other operating expenses (Note 20) 
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets (Note 8) 
Earnings before interest and provision for income taxes 
Interest expense (Note 21) 
Earnings before provision for income taxes 
Provision for income taxes (Note 22) 
Net earnings for the year 

Basic earnings per common share (Note 19) 

Diluted earnings per common share (Note 19) 

2020 
$  2,688.3 
2,169.6 
231.3 
189.0 
33.8 
64.6 
36.7 
27.9 
3.4 
$       24.5 

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

$       0.39 

$       1.23 

$       0.39 

$       1.23 

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 on translation of foreign operations 
Items that may not be reclassified to earnings 
   Actuarial losses on pension and similar obligations, 
   net of taxes of $0.7 million (2019: $nil) 
Other comprehensive loss 
Total comprehensive income 

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

2020 
$       24.5 

2019 
$       76.6 

(10.4) 

(27.8) 

(2.0) 
(12.4) 
$       12.1 

(0.1) 
(27.9) 
$       48.7 

RUSSEL METALS252020 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 9) 
Right-of-Use Assets (Note 10) 
Deferred Income Tax Assets (Note 22) 
Pension and Benefits (Note 16) 
Financial and Other Assets (Note 11) 
Goodwill and Intangibles (Note 12) 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 
Current 
   Bank indebtedness (Note 13) 
   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 14) 
   Short-term lease obligations (Note 10) 
   Income taxes payable 

Long-Term Debt (Note 15) 
Pensions and Benefits (Note 16) 
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities (Note 22) 
Long-term Lease Obligations (Note 10) 
Provisions and Other Non-Current Liabilities (Note 23) 

Shareholders' Equity (Note 17) 
   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. Laberge 
   Director 

2020 

2019 

$       26.3 
344.0 
716.4 
13.6 
19.8 
1,120.1 

269.5 
81.4 
5.9 
5.1 
4.7 
109.6 
$  1,596.3 

$       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 

$             - 
294.6 
16.9 
3.7 
315.2 

$       62.1 
326.4 
17.1 
0.3 
405.9 

293.7 
13.0 
9.5 
88.8 
11.4 
731.6 

444.8 
10.4 
13.2 
94.4 
11.6 
980.3 

546.2 
212.5 
15.7 
90.3 
864.7 
$  1,596.3 

543.7 
284.5 
15.7 
100.7 
944.6 
$  1,924.9 

RUSSEL METALS262020 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 
   Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets 
   Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment 
   Share-based compensation 
   Difference between pension expense and amount funded 
   Debt accretion, amortization and other 
   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 refund (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 
   Repayment of long-term debt 
   Deferred financing 
   Lease obligations 
Cash used in financing activities 
Investing activities 
   Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
   Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment 
   Purchase of business 
Cash used in investing activities 
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents 
Increase (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. 

2020 

2019 

$       24.5 
60.6 
3.4 
36.7 
33.8 
(6.5) 
0.3 
0.3 
2.5 
(36.4) 
119.2 

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

114.8 
169.0 
(31.3) 
4.6 
257.1 
(5.3) 
371.0 

(62.1) 
2.2 
(94.5) 
146.4 
(300.0) 
(1.2) 
(17.9) 
(327.1) 

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

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

(24.9) 
14.4 
(16.8) 
(27.3) 
(6.3) 
10.3 
16.0 
$       26.3 

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

RUSSEL METALS272020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
     
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

(in millions of Canadian dollars) 

Balance, January 1, 2020 
Payment of dividends 
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, 2020 

Common 
Shares 
$   543.7 
- 
- 
- 
- 
2.5 
- 
$   546.2 

Retained 
Earnings 
$   284.5 
(94.5) 
24.5 
- 
- 
- 
(2.0) 
$   212.5 

Accumulated 
Other 
Contributed  Comprehensive 
Income 
$   100.7 
- 
- 
(12.4) 
- 
- 
2.0 
$     90.3 

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

Total 
$   944.6 
(94.5) 
24.5 
(12.4) 
0.3 
2.2 
- 
$   864.7 

(in millions of Canadian dollars) 

Balance, January 1, 2019 
Payment of dividends 
Change in accounting policy  
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 

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 

RUSSEL METALS282020 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 processes, 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 10, 2021. 

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 METALS292020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue from contracts with customers 

b) 
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 

c) 
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 $1.2732 
per  US$1  at  December  31,  2020  (December  31,  2019:  $1.2988  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,  2020,  the  average  U.S.  dollar  Bank  of  Canada  closing 
exchange  rate  was  $1.3412  per  US$1  (2019:  $1.3268  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. 

Government grants 

d) 
Government assistance is recognized when there is reasonable assurance that the Company will comply with 
all the conditions associated with the assistance and where there is reasonable assurance that it will be received.  
Government  grants  related  to  an  expense  or  waiver  of  expenses  are  recognized  as  a  reduction  of  related 
expenses.  Government grants receivable are recorded in accounts receivable on the consolidated statements 
of financial position. 

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. 

RISKS AND UNCERTANTIES 
On  March  11,  2020,  the  World  Health  Organization  declared  the  global  outbreak  of  COVID-19  a  pandemic.  
Several jurisdictions where the Company operates announced restrictions for all but essential business.  Our 
operations have been deemed essential and have remained open but with reduced activity.  No assurance can 
be made that this will continue to be the case. 

RUSSEL METALS302020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
While the precise impact of the pandemic remains unknown, it could have an adverse effect on the communities 
in  which  the  Company  operates,  its  financial  results  and  its  ability  to  raise  capital.    Due  to  the  Company's 
business outlook being impacted by the pandemic and other economic factors, it is possible that estimates in 
the Company's financial statements will change and the effect of any such changes could be material.  This 
could result in, among other things, further impairment of long-lived assets, additional inventory provisions or a 
change in the estimated credit loss provisions. 

The Canadian and U.S. governments have introduced measures to support companies experiencing financial 
challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and to support employment.  As at December 31, 2020, the 
Company  assessed  its  eligibility  related  to  the  Canada  Emergency  Wage  Subsidy  program  and  the  U.S. 
Employee Retention Credit and recorded the expected recoverable amount as a reduction of employee wages 
and salaries (Note 20). 

NOTE 3 

FUTURE ACCOUNTING CHANGES 

IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements 
The  amendments  to  IAS  1  provide  a  more  general  approach  to  the  classification  of  liabilities  based  on  the 
contractual arrangements in place at the reporting date and clarify that the classification of liabilities as current 
or  non-current  should  be  based  on  rights  that  are  in  existence  at  the  end  of  the  reporting  period.    The 
amendments are to  be  applied retrospectively and are effective for annual reporting  periods beginning  on  or 
after January 1, 2022. 

IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment 
The amendments to IAS 16 prohibit deducting from the cost of an item of property, plant and equipment any 
proceeds from selling items produced while bringing that asset to the location and condition necessary for it to 
be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.  Instead, an entity recognizes the proceeds 
from selling such items, and the cost of producing those items.  The amendments are effective for annual periods 
beginning on or after January 1, 2022 and are to be applied retrospectively. 

IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets 
The  amendments  to  IAS  37  provide  guidance  regarding  the  costs  a  company  should  include  as  the  cost  of 
fulfilling a contract when assessing whether a contract is onerous.  The amendments are effective for annual 
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022 with comparative figures not restated. 

The Company is still assessing the impact of adopting these amendments on its future financial statements. 

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. 

RUSSEL METALS312020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
2020 Acquisition 
On December 30, 2020, the Company completed its acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares 
of  Sanborn  Tube  Sale  of  Wisconsin,  Inc.  ("Sanborn").    Sanborn  is  a  metal  service  center  with  value-added 
processing  capabilities  that  will  augment  the  Company's  existing  operations  in  that  region.    The  Sanborn 
operation  is  based  in  Pewaukee,  Wisconsin.    The  following  summarizes  the  preliminary  allocation  of  the 
consideration for this acquisition: 

(millions) 

Inventories 
Accounts receivable 
Prepaid and other 
Right-of-use assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Intangibles 
Goodwill 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Lease obligations 
Net identifiable assets acquired 

Consideration: 
Cash 

$       2.8 
2.6 
0.2 
2.8 
3.8 
5.6 
2.7 
(0.9) 
(2.8) 
$     16.8 

$     16.8 

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 $2.6 million represented gross contractual accounts 
receivable of which none was considered uncollectible at the time of acquisition. 

Goodwill represents the expansion and additional value-added processing capabilities of the Company's existing 
service centers in the Wisconsin region.  The goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. 

If  the  acquisition  had  taken  place  at  the  beginning  of  the  2020  fiscal  year,  management  estimates  that  the 
acquired  business  would  have  provided  revenues  of  $22  million  and  earnings  before  interest,  provision  for 
income taxes depreciation and amortization of $2 million. 

RUSSEL METALS322020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
      
     
 
 
 
 
 
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) 

Inventories 
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 

Accounts  receivable  of  $16.9  million  represented  gross  contractual  accounts  receivable  of  which  none  was 
considered uncollectible at the time of acquisition. 

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 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 
and provision for income taxes of $19.9 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 

2020 
$       19.9 
6.4 
$       26.3 

2019 
$       11.4 
4.6 
$       16.0 

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. 

RUSSEL METALS332020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
      
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
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 

2020 
$     333.7 
10.3 
$     344.0 

2019 
$     449.7 
8.4 
$     458.1 

2020 

2019 

$       5.1 
0.6 
(1.6) 
0.4 
$       4.5 

$       4.9 
2.1 
(2.1) 
0.2 
$       5.1 

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, 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 
$3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 (2019: $4.5 million). 

As at December 31, 2020  (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, 2019  (millions) 
Trade Receivables 
Gross trade receivables 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 
Total net trade receivables 

NOTE 7 

INVENTORIES 

$     209.3 
(0.1) 
$     209.2 

$     89.7 
(0.1) 
$     89.6 

$       25.1 
- 
$       25.1 

$       14.1 
(4.3) 
$         9.8 

$     338.2 
(4.5) 
$     333.7 

Current 

Past Due 
1-30 Days 

Past Due 

Past Due 
31-60 Days  Over 60 Days 

Total 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 

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. 

RUSSEL METALS342020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 their 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 impairments (before reversals) 
   Metals service centers 
   Energy products 
   Steel distributors 

2020 
$  2,169.6 

2019 
$  3,035.9 

$         0.9 
24.0 
0.2 
$       25.1 

$         2.3 
28.0 
4.8 
$       35.1 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded reversals of inventory impairment charges of $12.4 
million (2019: $9.0 million) resulting in a net charge $12.7 million (2019: $26.1 million). 

NOTE 8 

ASSET IMPAIRMENT 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
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. 

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS 
During each reporting period in 2020, the Company concluded that the rapid deterioration of the North American 
economy  due  to  the  pandemic  and  excess  oil  supply  resulted  in  a  triggering  event  and  the  need  to  perform 
impairment testing of our long-lived assets including goodwill and intangibles within CGUs.  During 2019, the 
Company did not have a triggering event and performed its annual goodwill impairment tests in the 2019 fourth 
quarter to determine recoverable amounts. 

RUSSEL METALS352020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In determining whether long-lived assets are impaired, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of each 
CGU  or  groups  of  CGUs  by  utilizing  discounted  cash  flow  techniques  to  determine  the  value  in  use.    Key 
assumptions  used  by  management  include  forecasted  cash  flows  based  on  financial  plans  approved  by 
management covering a five year period and expected growth of 2% in future years 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, debt and a risk premium based on an assessment of risks related to each unit. 

In the quarter ending March 31, 2020, the recoverable amounts for one of the U.S. line pipe CGU in the energy 
product segment was less than the carrying amount of the CGU which resulted in an impairment of $3.7 million 
of the right-of-use assets of the CGU.  The impairment was a result of continued operating losses in the CGU. 

In the quarter ending December 31, 2020, the recoverable amount of $104.8 million for the Company's U.S. field 
store  operations,  Elite  Supply  Partners,  did  not  exceed  the  CGU's  carrying  amount  which  resulted  in  the 
recognition of a pre-tax impairment charge of $30.1 million.  The impairment was due to the continued difficult 
economic conditions caused by the pandemic and uncertainty of the timing and extent of the recovery.  In 2019, 
the Company did not record a long-lived asset impairment since the estimated recoverable amount of all CGUs 
exceeded their carrying values. 

For 2020, the pre-tax WACC used was 12.2% (2019: 15.1%).  To monitor potential impairment exposure, the 
Company performs a sensitivity analysis.  For 2020, a 1% increase in the discount rate would trigger a further 
long-lived  asset  impairment  charge  for  Elite  Supply  Partners  of  $14.6  million  whereas  a  1%  decrease  would 
reduce  the  impairment  charge  by  $9.6  million.    The  Company's  management  believes  that  its  estimates  are 
reasonable  but there is no certainty that there will not be impairments in future  periods should the  economic 
conditions in which the Company operates continue to deteriorate. 

SUPPORTING INFORMATION 
The asset impairment charges within each CGU were included in the consolidated statements of earnings and 
reduced the carrying value of the associated assets on a pro-rata basis. 

Asset Impairment Allocation  (millions) 
Property, plant and equipment 
Right-of-use assets 
Intangibles 
Goodwill 

2020 
$         5.5 
3.7 
11.0 
13.6 
$       33.8 

NOTE 9 

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. 

RUSSEL METALS362020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowing  costs  directly  attributable  to  the  acquisition,  construction  or  production  of  a  qualifying  asset  are 
capitalized as part of the cost of that asset.  Other borrowing costs not directly attributable to a qualifying asset 
are expensed in the period incurred. 

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

SUPPORTING INFORMATION 

Cost  (millions) 
Balance, December 31, 2018 
Business acquisition (Note 4) 
Additions 
Disposals 
Foreign exchange 
Balance, December 31, 2019 
Business acquisition (Note 4) 
Additions 
Asset impairment (Note 8) 
Disposals 
Foreign exchange 
Balance, December 31, 2020 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization 
(millions) 

Balance, December 31, 2018 
Depreciation and amortization 
Disposals 
Foreign exchange 
Balance, December 31, 2019 
Depreciation and amortization 
Disposals 
Foreign exchange 
Balance, December 31, 2020 

Net Book Value  (millions) 
December 31, 2019 
December 31, 2020 

Land and 
Machinery 
Buildings  and Equipment 
$     393.0 
4.4 
27.9 
(20.3) 
(5.3) 
$     399.7 
3.8 
18.8 
- 
(16.6) 
(2.5) 
$     403.2 

$     259.1 
17.8 
5.7 
(0.3) 
(2.4) 
$     279.9 
- 
5.0 
(5.5) 
(7.2) 
(1.8) 
$     270.4 

Machinery 
Land and 
Buildings  and Equipment 
$     270.9 
23.1 
(19.4) 
(3.1) 
$     271.5 
23.0 
(13.7) 
(1.3) 
$     279.5 

$       117.2 
8.4 
(0.3) 
(0.8) 
$       124.5 
8.9 
(2.2) 
(0.6) 
$       130.6 

Leasehold 
Improvements 
$       21.2 
- 
1.2 
(0.1) 
(0.2) 
$       22.1 
- 
1.1 
- 
(0.3) 
0.3 
$       23.2 

Leasehold 
Improvements 
$       16.3 
0.7 
(0.1) 
(0.1) 
$       16.8 
0.8 
(0.3) 
(0.1) 
$       17.2 

Total 
$     673.3 
22.2 
34.8 
(20.7) 
(7.9) 
$     701.7 
3.8 
24.9 
(5.5) 
(24.1) 
(4.0) 
$     696.8 

Total 
$     404.4 
32.2 
(19.8) 
(4.0) 
$     412.8 
32.7 
(16.2) 
(2.0) 
$     427.3 

$     288.9 
$     269.5 

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

At December 31, 2020, land, included in land and buildings, was $42.9 million (2019: $46.8 million). 

Depreciation expense  (millions) 
Depreciation - cost of materials 
Depreciation - other operating expenses 

2020 
$         7.4 
25.3 
$       32.7 

2019 
$         7.8 
24.4 
$       32.2 

RUSSEL METALS372020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
     
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
NOTE 10 

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. 

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 
Additions 
Business acquisitions (Note 4) 
Disposals and modifications 
Depreciation and amortization 
Asset impairment (Note 8) 
Lease payments 
Foreign exchange 
Balance December 31, 2020 

Current portion 
Long-term portion 

Right-of-use 
Assets 
$       90.8 
15.9 
1.5 
(17.0) 
- 
(1.1) 
$       90.1 
11.0 
2.8 
(0.9) 
(17.6) 
(3.7) 
- 
(0.3) 
$       81.4 

Lease 
Obligations 
$     112.7 
15.9 
1.5 
- 
(17.2) 
(1.4) 
$     111.5 
11.0 
2.8 
(2.3) 
- 
- 
(17.9) 
0.6 
$     105.7 

$       16.9 
$       88.8 

RUSSEL METALS382020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
The carrying value of right-of-use assets and depreciation by class of underlying assets are as follows: 

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

Depreciation Expense  (millions) 
Land and buildings 
Machinery and equipment 

2020 
$       66.8 
14.6 
$       81.4 

2020 
$       11.1 
6.5 
$       17.6 

2019 
$       72.3 
17.8 
$       90.1 

2019 
$       11.3 
5.7 
$       17.0 

For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company expensed $0.5 million (2019: $0.4 million) for short-term 
and low value leases. 

NOTE 11 

FINANCIAL AND OTHER ASSETS 

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

SUPPORTING INFORMATION 

(millions) 

Deferred charges on revolving credit facility 
Other assets 

2020 
$         1.3 
3.4 
$         4.7 

2019 
$         0.5 
3.5 
$         4.0 

For the year ended December 31, 2020, the amortization of deferred financing charges was $0.4 million (2019: 
$0.6 million). 

NOTE 12 

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
Goodwill  represents  the  excess  of  the  cost  of  an  acquisition  over  the  fair  value  of  the  net  identifiable  assets 
acquired  at  the  date  of  acquisition.    Goodwill  is  carried  at  cost  less  accumulated  impairment  losses.    The 
Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the assets might be impaired.  When testing goodwill, the carrying values of the CGUs or group of 
CGUs including goodwill are compared with their respective recoverable amounts (higher of fair value less costs 
to sell  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. 

RUSSEL METALS392020 ANNUAL REPORT 
      
 
      
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

Goodwill 

a) 
The continuity of goodwill is as follows: 

Goodwill  (millions) 
Balance, beginning of the year 
Business acquisition (Note 4) 
Impairment of goodwill (Note 8) 
Foreign exchange 
Balance, end of the year 

2020 
$       39.2 
70.4 
$     109.6 

2019 
$       50.6 
86.4 
$     137.0 

2020 
$       50.6 
2.7 
(13.6) 
(0.5) 
$       39.2 

2019 
$       37.4 
14.2 
- 
(1.0) 
$       50.6 

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. 
  Canadian 
     Alberta 
     Ontario 
     Atlantic 
Energy products 
  U.S. 

2020 

2019 

$       16.0 

$       13.5 

11.0 
10.2 
2.0 

11.0 
10.2 
2.0 

- 
$       39.2 

13.9 
$       50.6 

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) 
Impairment of intangible assets (Note 8) 
Foreign exchange 
Balance, end of the year 

Metals 
Service Centers 
$       20.0 
5.6 
- 
- 
$       25.6 

Energy 
Products 
$     115.3 
- 
(11.0) 
(0.7) 
$     103.6 

Total 
2020 
$     135.3 
5.6 
(11.0) 
(0.7) 
$     129.2 

Total 
2019 
$       90.8 
45.5 

(1.0) 
$     135.3 

RUSSEL METALS402020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
      
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
      
 
      
 
 
 
 
Accumulated amortization  (millions) 
Balance, beginning of the year 
Amortization 
Balance, end of the year 

Metals 
Service Centers 
$      (13.3) 
(1.3) 
$      (14.6) 

Energy 
Products 
$      (35.6) 
(8.6) 
$      (44.2) 

Total 
2020 
$      (48.9) 
(9.9) 
$      (58.8) 

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

Carrying amount 
December 31, 2019 
December 31, 2020 

$       86.4 
$       70.4 

The carrying amount of intangible assets as at December 31, 2020 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 Sanborn.  The remaining amortization period for customer 
relationships is 4 to 15 years. 

NOTE 13 

REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY 

The Company has a credit agreement which 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 September 29, 
2020,  this  facility  was  extended  to  September  21,  2023  and  amended  to  provide  additional  borrowing  base 
flexibility. 

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, 2020.  At December 31, 2020, 
the Company had no borrowings (2019: $57.0 million) and letters of credit of $68.0 million (2019: $32.5 million) 
under this facility. 

NOTE 14 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES 

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

SUPPORTING INFORMATION 

(millions) 

Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses 
Accrued interest 

NOTE 15 

LONG-TERM DEBT 

2020 
$     290.4 
4.2 
$     294.6 

2019 
$     319.9 
6.5 
$     326.4 

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 METALS412020 ANNUAL REPORT 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
SUPPORTING INFORMATION 

(millions) 

5 ¾% $150 million Senior Notes due October 27, 2025 
6% $150 million Senior Notes due March 16, 2026 
6% $300 million Senior Notes due April 19, 2022 

2020 
$     146.5 
147.2 
- 
$     293.7 

2019 
$             - 
146.8 
298.0 
$     444.8 

Fees associated with the issue of the debt are included in the carrying amount of debt and are amortized using 
the effective interest method. 

On  March  16,  2018,  the  Company  issued,  through  a  private  placement,  $150  million  6%  Unsecured 
a) 
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, 2020. 

b) 
On October 27, 2020, the Company issued $150 million 5 ¾% senior unsecured notes due October 27, 
2025, for total net proceeds of $147 million.  Interest on these senior notes is due semi-annually on April 27 and 
October 27 of each year. 

The Company may redeem up to 40% of these notes prior to October 27, 2022, with the net proceeds of certain 
equity offerings at the redemption price of 105.8% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.  
Prior to October 27, 2022, 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 October 27, 2022 at 
102.9% of the principal amount declining rateably to 100% of the principal amount on or after October 27, 2024. 

These notes contain certain restrictions on the payment of common share dividends in excess of $1.60 per share 
in any fiscal year.  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, 2020. 

c) 
In November, the Company redeemed its $300 million 6% U.S Senior Notes at par.  The total payment 
of $301.0 million included $300.0 million principal plus accrued interest.  The after-tax charge to net earnings 
relating to the redemption was $0.9 million due to the write-off of deferred financing charges. 

NOTE 16 

PENSIONS AND BENEFITS 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
For  defined  benefit  pension  plans  and  other  post-employment  benefits,  the  net  periodic  pension  and  benefit 
expense  is  actuarially  determined  on  an  annual  basis  by  independent  actuaries  using  the  projected  benefit 
method, prorated on service and is charged to expense as services are rendered.  The determination of a benefit 
expense  requires  assumptions  such  as  the  discount  rate  to  measure  obligations,  the  expected  mortality,  the 
expected rate of future compensation increases and the expected healthcare cost trend rate. 

RUSSEL METALS422020 ANNUAL REPORT 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

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 a 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, 2020 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 
   Plan administration cost 

Post-retirement benefits 
Defined contribution plans 
Pension and benefit expense 

2020 

2019 

$         3.6 
0.2 
3.8 
0.1 
5.9 
$         9.8 

$         3.0 
0.2 
3.2 
0.1 
6.3 
$         9.6 

RUSSEL METALS432020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
      
 
 
 
The  components  of  the  Company's  pension  and  benefit  changes  recorded  in  other  comprehensive  income 
included the following: 

(millions) 

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability 
   Actuarial gains (losses) due to actuarial experience 
   Actuarial losses due to financial assumption changes 
   Actuarial loss due to demographic assumption changes 
   Return on plan assets greater 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 losses recognized in the year 
Balance of actuarial losses at December 31 

2020 

2019 

$         4.2 
(12.3) 
(0.6) 
6.0 
$        (2.7) 

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

$      (10.2) 
(2.7) 
$      (12.9) 

$      (10.1) 
(0.1) 
$      (10.2) 

There were no adjustments related to asset ceiling limits in other comprehensive income for the years ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019. 

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 

2020 
2.50% 
2.75% 
2.50% 

2019 
3.00% 
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  $6.0  million  as  of 
December 31, 2020 (2019: $5.7 million). 

The mortality assumptions used to assess the defined benefit obligation are based on the 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 
Balance, end of the year 

Pension Plans 
2019 

2020 

Other Benefit Plans 
2019 

2020 

$     154.9 
3.6 
0.1 
4.5 
(8.1) 
8.8 
$     163.8 

$     137.9 
3.0 
0.2 
5.1 
(6.9) 
15.6 
$     154.9 

$         2.9 
- 
- 
0.1 
(0.2) 
- 
$         2.8 

$         2.9 
- 
- 
0.1 
(0.2) 
0.1 
$         2.9 

RUSSEL METALS442020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
     
     
     
     
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
(millions) 

Reconciliation of present value of the plan assets 
Balance, beginning of the year 
Interest income 
Employer contributions 
Employee contributions 
Benefits paid 
Plan administration costs 
Return on plan assets greater than discount rate 
Balance, end of the year 

Pension Plans 
2019 

2020 

Other Benefit Plans 
2019 

2020 

$     152.8 
4.5 
3.5 
0.1 
(8.1) 
(0.2) 
6.1 
$     158.7 

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

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

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

Defined benefit obligation, net 

$         5.1 

$         2.1 

$         2.8 

$         2.9 

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 

2020 
$         1.2 

2019 
$         1.8 

69.0 
50.3 
119.3 

68.8 
45.5 
114.3 

7.8 
15.7 
14.7 
38.2 
$     158.7 

13.7 
12.6 
10.4 
36.7 
$     152.8 

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 
2019 

2020 

Other Benefit Plans 
2019 
2020 

$      (5.1) 
10.2 
- 
$       5.1 

$      (5.4) 
7.5 
- 
$       2.1 

$           - 
- 
2.8 
$       2.8 

$           - 
- 
2.9 
$       2.9 

c) 
As at December 31, 2020 approximately 76% (2019: 76%) of the fair value of all pension plan assets 
was  invested  in  equities,  23%  (2019:  23%)  in  fixed  income  securities,  and  1%  (2019:  1%)  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. 

The weighted average duration of defined benefit obligations is 16.2 years (2019: 15.9 years) for defined 
d) 
benefit pension plans, 10.2 years (2019: 10.1 years) for executive pension arrangements and 7.1 years (2019: 
7.1 years) for other post retirement benefit plans.  The Company expects to make contributions of $3.1 million 
to  its  defined  benefit  pension  plans  and  $0.3  million  to  its  post  retirement  benefits  medical  plans  in  the  next 
financial year. 

RUSSEL METALS452020 ANNUAL REPORT      
     
     
     
     
 
 
     
     
      
     
     
      
      
 
 
      
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
NOTE 17 

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 

a) 

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, 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. 

b) 

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

Balance, December 31, 2018 
Share options exercised 
Balance, December 31, 2019 
Share options exercised 
Balance, December 31, 2020 

The continuity of contributed surplus is as follows: 

(millions) 
Balance, December 31, 2018 
Share-based compensation expense 
Exercise of options 
Balance, December 31, 2019 
Share-based compensation expense 
Exercise of options 
Balance, December 31, 2020 

Number 
of Shares 
62,106,895 
66,535 
62,173,430 
122,011 
62,295,441 

Amount 
(millions) 

$     542.1 
1.6 
$     543.7 
2.5 
$     546.2 

$       15.7 
0.3 
(0.3) 
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 10, 2021 (February 11, 2020) 

2020 
$       94.5 
$       1.52 
$       0.38 

2019 
$       94.5 
$       1.52 
$       0.38 

NOTE 18 

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. 

RUSSEL METALS462020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

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 the 
options 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 

2020 
1,666,534 
109,615 
(122,011) 
(70,345) 
1,583,793 

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

Weighted Average 
Exercise Price 
2020 
$    26.00 
18.94 
18.27 
23.87 
$    26.20 

2019 
$    25.75 
23.69 
19.09 
18.17 
$    26.00 

1,366,046 

1,399,579 

$    26.66 

$    26.28 

The outstanding options have exercise price ranges as follows: 

(number of options) 

$ 29.00 - $ 31.46 
$ 25.37 - $ 28.99 
$ 14.61 - $ 25.36 
Options outstanding 

2020 
213,987 
810,890 
558,916 
1,583,793 

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

The options expire in the years 2021 to 2030 and have a weighted average remaining contractual  life of  3.0 
years (2019: 3.4 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 

2020 
5% 
32% 
5 yrs 
0.72% 
$   2.86 

2019 
5% 
30% 
5 yrs 
1.94% 
$   3.91 

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. 

RUSSEL METALS472020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
      
 
      
      
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
The continuity of SARs is as follows: 

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

Number of SARs 

2020 
232,871 
120,000 
352,871 

2019 
131,147 
101,724 
232,871 

Weighted Average 
Exercise Price 
2020 
$    27.31 
21.94 
$    25.48 

2019 
$    30.12 
23.69 
$    27.31 

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 

2020 
288,030 
80,432 
(15,404) 
353,058 

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

The  liability  and  fair  value  of  DSUs  was  $8.0  million  at  December  31,  2020  (2019:  $6.4  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 

2020 
389,429 
166,911 
(146,561) 
409,779 

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

The RSU liability at December 31, 2020 was $7.1 million (2019: $5.8 million).  The fair value of RSUs was $9.3 
million at December 31, 2020 (2019: $8.6 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. 

RUSSEL METALS482020 ANNUAL REPORT 
      
 
      
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Components of share-based compensation expense are as follows: 

(millions) 

Share options 
DSUs, SARs and RSUs 
Employee Share Purchase Plan 

2020 
$         0.3 
5.7 
0.7 
$         6.7 

2019 
$         0.3 
5.3 
0.7 
$         6.3 

NOTE 19 

EARNINGS PER SHARE 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
Basic  earnings  per  common  share  is  calculated  using  the  weighted  average  number  of  common  shares 
outstanding.  Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the treasury 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 20 

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 gains 

2020 
$       24.5 

2019 
$       76.6 

2020 
62,191,208 
- 
62,191,208 

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

2020 

2019 

$     188.7 
42.6 
$     231.3 

$     250.5 
45.4 
$     295.9 

$     116.8 
50.5 
13.2 
7.6 
8.0 
(6.5) 
(0.6) 
$     189.0 

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

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada announced the Canadian Emergency Wage 
Subsidy program ("CEWS") effective for the period of March 15, 2020 to December 19, 2020.  For the period up 
to August 29, 2020, CEWS provided a 75% wage subsidy to a maximum of $847 per employee per week to 
eligible  businesses.    Subsequent  to  August  29,  2020,  the  maximum  wage  subsidy  available  declined.    The 
Government of Canada has announced plans for an additional extension to June 2021.  The U.S. Employee 
Retention Credit provides an employment tax credit under certain conditions to eligible employers.  During the 
year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized government grants of $47.3 million from CEWS and 
the U.S. Employee Retention Credit as a reduction of wages and salaries. 

RUSSEL METALS492020 ANNUAL REPORT 
     
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
NOTE 21 

INTEREST EXPENSE 

(millions) 

Interest on 6% $300 million Senior Notes 
Interest on 6% $150 million Senior Notes 
Interest on 5 ¾% $150 million Senior Notes 
Interest on lease obligations 
Other interest expense 
Interest expense 

2020 
$       17.3 
9.4 
1.6 
7.4 
1.0 
$       36.7 

2019 
$       18.8 
9.4 
- 
7.7 
5.0 
$       40.9 

Interest  expense  on  long-term  debt  and  lease  obligations  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, 2020 was $1.2 million (2019: $1.2 million) and $1.3 million from 
the write-off of issue costs relating to the $300 million 6% senior notes redeemed in 2020. 

NOTE 22 

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. 

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. 

RUSSEL METALS502020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS 
The Company computes an income tax provision in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates.  Actual amounts 
of income tax expense are finalized upon filing and acceptance of the tax return by the relevant authorities, which 
occurs  subsequent  to  the  issuance  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements.    Additionally,  the  estimation  of 
income taxes includes evaluating the recoverability of deferred tax assets based on an assessment of the ability 
to use the underlying future tax deductions before they expire against future taxable income.  The assessment 
is based upon existing tax laws and estimates of future taxable income.  To the extent estimates differ from the 
final tax return, earnings would be affected in a subsequent period.  In interim periods, the income tax provision 
is based on an estimate of earnings 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 recovery 
Statutory rate adjustment 

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 – CARES Act 
Other includes utilization of capital losses 
Average effective tax rate 

2020 
$         7.5 
(4.1) 
- 
$         3.4 

2019 
$       30.8 
(1.0) 
(1.0) 

$       28.8 

2020 
26.2% 
8.9% 
2.9% 
(21.2%) 
(4.6%) 
12.2% 

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

The combined Canadian statutory rate is the aggregate of the federal income tax rate of 15.0% for both 2020 
and 2019 and the average provincial rates of 11.2% (2019: 11.8%).  The 2020 and 2019 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 March 27, 2020, the U.S. CARES Act allowed for losses to be carried back to years when the statutory rate 
was 14% higher.  During 2020, the Company recorded a reduction in the provision for income taxes of $5 million 
relating to our 2019 and 2020 tax losses.  On October 1, 2020, the province of Alberta expedited the reduction 
of its general corporate tax rate to July 1, 2020 to 8% instead of July 1, 2021.  There was no significant impact 
on our tax provision by this change. 

RUSSEL METALS512020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
      
 
     
 
 
 
 
c) 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows: 

Deferred Income Tax Assets 
(millions) 

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 
Benefit (expense) to consolidated 
   statement of earnings 
Reclass assets/liabilities and other 
Balance December 31, 2020 

Property 
Plant and 
Equipment 
$        0.7 

Pension 
And 
Benefits 
$        0.2 

Goodwill 
And 
Intangibles 
$        2.8 

Other 
Timing 

Total 
$       0.5  $        4.2 

(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 

Losses 
$            - 

4.9 
0.9 
- 
$        5.8 

(4.6) 
0.1 
$        1.3 

(0.3) 
0.2 
$       (6.4) 

- 
- 
$        0.1 

6.8 
(0.3) 
$        7.6 

(0.8) 
- 

1.1 
- 
$       3.3  $        5.9 

Deferred Income Tax Liabilities 
(millions) 

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 
(Benefit) expense to consolidated 
   statement of earnings 
Benefits to other comprehensive income 
Balance December 31, 2020 

Property 
Plant and 
Equipment 
$      17.8 

2.4 
(7.3) 
- 
(3.6) 
$        9.3 

Pension 
And 
Benefits 
$       (1.1) 

0.2 
- 
0.1 
- 
$       (0.8) 

(0.6) 
- 
$        8.7 

(0.2) 
(0.7) 
$       (1.7) 

Losses 
$       (0.9) 

- 
0.9 
- 
- 
$            - 

- 
- 
$            - 

Goodwill 
And 
Intangibles 

Other 
Timing 

Total 
$      10.5  $       (6.2)  $      20.1 

(2.0) 
(0.2) 
- 
- 

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

(0.5) 
3.1 
- 
- 

(1.2) 
- 

(3.0) 
(0.7) 
$        7.1  $       (4.6)  $      9.5 

(1.0) 
- 

Net deferred liability at December 31, 2019 
Net deferred liability at December 31, 2020 

$         8.4 
$         3.6 

d) 
At December 31, 2020, 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 (2019: $1.3 million).  The majority of the state tax losses carried 
forward will expire between 2031 and 2036, if not utilized.  Deferred tax assets are recognized for tax loss carry-
forwards to the extent that the realization of the related tax benefit through future taxable profits is probable.  The 
ability to realize the tax benefits of these losses is dependent upon a number of factors, including the probability 
of generating taxable income from operations in the future in the jurisdictions in which the tax losses arose. 

At December 31, 2020, the Company had $0.9 million (2019: $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 $0.2 million (2019: $0.8 million) has not been recognized. 

e) 
At December 31, 2020, the aggregate amount of temporary differences associated with undistributed 
earnings of non-Canadian subsidiaries was $353 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 23 

PROVISIONS AND OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 

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

RUSSEL METALS522020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 18) 

Less: current portion 

2020 
$         1.7 
15.1 
16.8 
(5.4) 
$       11.4 

2019 
$         1.8 
12.2 
14.0 
(2.4) 
$       11.6 

Deferred compensation includes the RSU and DSU liabilities.  RSU and DSU liabilities of $5.4 million will be 
paid within the current year and have been classified as current liabilities. 

NOTE 24 

SEGMENTED INFORMATION 

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

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

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

 
  whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Company's Chief Executive Officer to make 

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

 

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

Metals service centers 

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

Energy products 

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

Steel distributors 

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

RUSSEL METALS532020 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 $30.0 million 
(2019: $58.0 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 
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment 
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets 
Other income 
Earnings before interest and provision for income taxes 
Interest expense 
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 

2020 

2019 

$  1,621.8 
797.5 
261.9 
2,681.2 
7.1 
$  2,688.3 

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

$       103.9 
(3.3) 
9.2 
109.8 
(19.4) 
6.1 
(33.8) 
1.9 
64.6 
(36.7) 
(3.4) 
$       24.5 

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

$       21.4 
2.5 
0.6 
0.4 
$       24.9 

$       27.9 
5.4 
0.8 
0.7 
$       34.8 

$       35.7 
22.6 
1.6 
0.7 
$       60.6 

$       34.5 
19.8 
1.6 
0.8 
$       56.7 

RUSSEL METALS542020 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 

2020 

2019 

$     473.6 
506.8 
97.4 
1,077.8 

$     482.9 
747.6 
131.3 
1,361.8 

322.3 
128.9 
6.4 
1,535.4 

318.3 
187.3 
7.5 
1,874.9 

26.3 
25.7 
3.7 
5.1 
0.1 
$  1,596.3 

16.0 
23.7 
4.0 
5.4 
0.9 
$  1,924.9 

$     243.3 
116.8 
17.0 
377.1 

$     220.1 
181.0 
18.3 
419.4 

- 
13.2 
293.7 
13.0 
34.6 
$     731.6 

62.1 
13.5 
444.8 
10.4 
30.1 
$     980.3 

2020 

2019 

$  1,815.8 
865.4 
$  2,681.2 

$  2,561.2 
1,103.4 
$  3,664.6 

$     118.9 
(9.1) 
$     109.8 

$     166.8 
(8.5) 
$     158.3 

$  1,070.8 
464.6 
$  1,535.4 

$  1,248.7 
626.2 
$  1,874.9 

RUSSEL METALS552020 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 

2020 

2019 

$     735.1 
463.2 
416.5 
418.5 
159.1 
235.9 
28.9 
2,457.2 
116.8 
114.3 
$  2,688.3 

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

NOTE 25 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

During  the  years  ended  December  31,  2020  and  2019  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, 2020, 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 

2020 
$         5.0 
2.0 
0.3 
$         7.3 

2019 
$         5.5 
3.0 
0.3 
$         8.8 

NOTE 26 

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 METALS562020 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 and long-term debt. 

  Recognition and measurement 

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

Derivative financial instruments 

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 METALS572020 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 
Financial assets and liabilities 
a) 
Financial assets and liabilities were as follows: 

December 31, 2020  (millions) 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable 
Financial assets 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Lease obligations 
Long-term debt 
Total 

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 

Loans and 
Receivables 
$       26.3 
344.0 
3.4 
- 
- 
- 
$     373.7 

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

Other 
Financial 
Liabilities 
$             - 
- 
- 
(294.6) 
(105.7) 
(293.7) 
$    (694.0) 

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

Total 
$       26.3 
344.0 
3.4 
(294.6) 
(105.7) 
(293.7) 
$    (320.3) 

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

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2020,  the  fair  value  loss  from  derivative  financial  instruments  on  the 
consolidated statements of earnings was $1.0 million (2019: loss of $3.7 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". 

RUSSEL METALS582020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
     
      
      
     
      
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2020 and 2019 was estimated based on the last quoted trade price, where it exists, or 
based on current rates available to the Company for similar debt with the same period to maturity. 

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

December 31, 2020  (millions) 
5 ¾% $150 million Senior Notes due October 27, 2025 
6% $150 million Senior Notes due March 16, 2026 
Total 

Current portion 
Long-term portion 

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 

Carrying 
Amount 

Fair Value 
Level 2 

$     157.3 
152.6 
$     309.9 

$     146.5 
147.2 
$     293.7 

$             - 
$     293.7 

Carrying 
Amount 

Fair Value 
Level 2 

$     303.9 
157.2 
$     461.1 

$     298.0 
146.8 
$     444.8 

$             - 
$     444.8 

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, 2020, 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 13);  

  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, 2020 and 2019, other than 
the allowance for doubtful accounts (Note 6).  As at December 31, 2020, trade accounts receivable greater than 
90 days represented less than 5% of trade accounts receivable (2019: 5%). 

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, 2020, the Company had outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts in the amount of US$134.0 million, 
maturing in 2021 (2019: US$9.4 million).  A 1% change in foreign exchange rates would not result in a significant 
increase or decrease in accounts payable or net earnings. 

RUSSEL METALS592020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
      
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liquidity risk 

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

As  at  December  31,  2020,  the  Company  was  contractually  obligated  to  make  payments  under  its  financial 
liabilities that come due during the following periods: 

(millions) 

2021 
2022 
2023 
2024 
2025 
2026 and beyond 
Total 

Accounts 
Payable 
$     294.6 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
$     294.6 

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

Long-Term 
Debt Interest 
$       17.7 
17.6 
17.6 
17.6 
17.5 
5.0 
$       93.0 

Lease 
Obligations 
$       23.8 
19.7 
17.8 
15.0 
12.0 
55.3 
$     143.6 

Total 
$     336.1 
37.3 
35.4 
32.6 
179.5 
210.3 
$     831.2 

At December 31, 2020, the Company was contractually obligated to repay its bank borrowings and letters of 
credit under its bank facilities (Note 13). 

Capital management 

g) 
The Company manages capital in order to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, provide returns 
to  shareholders  through  its  dividend  policy  and  provide  the  ability  to  finance  future  growth.    Capital  includes 
shareholders' equity, bank indebtedness and long-term debt, net of cash.  The Company manages its capital 
structure  and  may  make  adjustments  to  the  amount  of  dividends  paid  to  shareholders,  purchase  shares  for 
cancellation pursuant to issuer bids, issue new shares, issue new debt, repurchase existing debt and extend or 
amend its banking facilities. 

NOTE 27 

CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES 

Lawsuits and legal claims 

a) 
The Company recognizes contingent loss provisions for losses that are probable when management is able to 
reasonably estimate the loss.  When the estimated loss lies within a range, the Company records a contingent 
loss provision based  on its best estimate of the probable loss.  If no particular  amount within that range is a 
better estimate than any other amount, the minimum amount is recorded.  Estimates of losses may be developed 
significantly before the ultimate loss is known, and are revalued each accounting period as additional information 
becomes  known.    In  instances  where  the  Company  is  unable  to  develop  a  reasonable  loss  estimate,  no 
contingent loss provision is recorded at that time.  A contingent loss provision is recorded when a reasonable 
estimate can be made.  Estimates are reviewed quarterly and revised when expectations change. 

An outcome that deviates from the Company’s estimate may result in an additional expense or income in a future 
accounting period. 

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

The Company 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. 

RUSSEL METALS602020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
      
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 METALS612020 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

JOHN M. CLARK
President
Investment and Technical
Management Corp.

JAMES F. DINNING
Chair of the Board

BRIAN R. HEDGES
Corporate Director

ALICE D. LABERGE
Corporate Director

WILLIAM M. O’REILLY
Corporate Director

ROGER PAIVA
Corporate Director

JOHN G. REID
President & 
Chief Executive Officer

ANNIE THABET
Corporate Director &
Partner at Celtis Capital

JOHN R. TULLOCH
Corporate Director

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 
Wednesday, May 5, 2021 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

JAMES F. DINNING
Chair of the Board

JOHN G. REID
President & 
Chief Executive Officer

MARTIN L. JURAVSKY
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

CORPORATE & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Our decentralized and entrepreneurial culture in our local operations 
lends itself to community-based initiatives.  We invite you to our 
Community Initiatives 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.

GLOSSARY
Book Value Per Share - Shareholders’ equity divided common shares outstanding at December 31
Adjusted EBIT - Earnings before deduction of long-lived asset impairment, interest, provision for income taxes
Adjusted EBITDA - Earnings before deduction of long-lived asset impairment, interest, provision for income taxes, 
   depreciation and amortization
Free Cash Flow - Cash from operating activities before change in working capital less capital expenditures
Interest Bearing Debt to Adjusted EBITDA - Total interest bearing debt divided by Adjusted EBITDA
Invested Capital - Net debt plus shareholders’ equity 
Net Debt - Total interest bearing debt, net of cash on hand
Return on Invested Capital - Adjusted EBIT divided by invested capital 
Return on Equity - Adjusted EBIT divided by shareholders’ equity

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