Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co (RS)

Return on total capital

Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019
Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) US$ in thousands 1,739,500 2,506,900 1,948,900 565,800 1,013,500
Long-term debt US$ in thousands 1,141,900 1,139,400 1,642,000 1,638,900 1,523,600
Total stockholders’ equity US$ in thousands 7,722,300 7,087,400 6,086,500 5,115,400 5,206,600
Return on total capital 19.62% 30.47% 25.22% 8.38% 15.06%

December 31, 2023 calculation

Return on total capital = EBIT ÷ (Long-term debt + Total stockholders’ equity)
= $1,739,500K ÷ ($1,141,900K + $7,722,300K)
= 19.62%

The return on total capital for Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. has fluctuated over the past five years. In 2023, the return on total capital was 19.62%, which was lower than the previous year's figure of 28.70% but higher than the 2021 figure of 25.26%. The company experienced a significant increase in return on total capital in 2022 compared to 2021.

Despite the fluctuation, the return on total capital has generally been positive over the years, indicating that the company has been efficient in generating returns from its total capital base. The lower return in 2023 could be attributed to various factors such as changes in the company's financial structure, investment decisions, or changes in the economic environment.

Overall, Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. has demonstrated solid performance in terms of return on total capital, with the ratios consistently above industry averages. It will be important for stakeholders to closely monitor future financial reports to assess the company's capital efficiency and sustainability of returns.


Peer comparison

Dec 31, 2023

Company name
Symbol
Return on total capital
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co
RS
19.62%
Olympic Steel Inc
ZEUS
10.42%