Canadian dividend stocks: Russel Metals’ earnings soar in latest quarter

Russel Metals, symbol RUS on Toronto, is one of North America’s largest metal distribution companies. Russel has three divisions: metals service centres (55% of sales) sells carbon steel and non-ferrous metals; energy tubular products (34%) sells tubular products to the energy industry in Western Canada and the U.S.; and steel distributors (11%) sells steel in large volumes, mainly to other metals distributors and original equipment manufacturers in Canada and the U.S. The Canadian dividend stock’s quarterly payout is $0.274 a share. That gives the shares a 4.5% yield on an annualized basis. In the three months ended March 31, 2011, Russel earned $33 million, or $0.55 a share. That’s up sharply from $9.1 million, or $0.15 a share, a year earlier. The Canadian dividend stock’s revenue rose 24.8% to $657.7 million from $526.8 million. The company benefited from higher sales volumes and metals prices, and improved profit margins. Russel saw revenue gains from all three of its divisions: The steel distribution division’s revenue rose 40%, due to higher flat-rolled steel prices. Metal services revenue rose 30% on higher sales volumes and steel prices. The energy tubular products division, which supplies pipes for oil and gas exploration and development, saw its revenue rise 14% on higher demand for oil and gas rigs. Russel holds cash of $286.1 million, or $4.77 a share. The Canadian dividend stock’s long term debt of $314.9 million is 21.4% of its market cap. You can get our full analysis and clear buy/sell/hold advice on Russel and dozens of other stocks that may be appropriate for your aggressive portfolio in our Stock Pickers Digest newsletter. What’s more, you can get the latest issue absolutely free. Click here to learn how.

Scott is an associate editor at TSI Network. He is the lead reporter and analyst for Dividend Advisor, Power Growth Investor and Canadian Wealth Advisor and a member of the Investment Planning Committee. Scott began his investment and financial career working with Pat McKeough at The Investment Reporter in the 1980s. Subsequently, he worked at the Financial Post Corporation Service for 10 years. He joined TSI Network in 1998. He is a Bachelor of Economics graduate of York University, and he also has an M.B.A. from the Schulich School of Business.