Inventory Issues Temper 2006 Results

摘要

2006 was a good year for Metals USA Inc., and the first quarter of 2007 was shaping up to be even better, reported executives at the Houston-based metals processor and distributor. "Volumes are good. Prices are trending in the right direction. Our customers are busy. We are having a great first quarter," said Lourenco Goncalves, chairman, president and chief executive officer, during last month's conference call with analysts and investors. Though Metals USA does plan to go public again eventually, it is content to wait for the right time to make this move. "We are very comfortable with our current ownership, so we are not in a hurry to IPO," he said. Metals USA is currently owned by private equity firm Apollo Management LP, Purchase, N.Y.