The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that although most dividend stocks were hit by the interest rate rise, some of them have increased cash flow and made capital gains. Globe columnist Gordon Pape writes that one of these is Russel Metals, one of the largest metals distribution companies in North America. It carries on business in three segments: metals service centres, energy field stores and steel distributors. Its network of metals service centres offers an extensive line of metal products in a wide range of sizes, shapes and specifications. Its energy field stores carry a specialized product line focused on tubes, valves, fittings and other needs of energy industry customers in Canada and the United States. The steel distributors operations sell steel in large volumes to other steel service centres and large equipment manufacturers. The Ontario company had third-quarter revenue of $1.1-billion and earnings of $61-million (99 cents a share). Both figures were down from 2022 but the business remained strong. The company announced a 5-per-cent dividend increase in May to 40 cents a share ($1.60 annually). At $37.87, Russel yields 4.2 per cent. Its shares are up 30 per cent from $28.78 at the end of 2022.