Abstract: A method for forming a metal product includes providing a counter stress feature in the metal product that is positioned to balance the stress in the metal product. The method includes providing a metal product having a neutral axis; providing a cutout in the metal product on a first side of the neutral axis; and providing a counter stress feature on a second side of the neutral axis. The position and size of the counter stress feature is predetermined such that the counter stress feature balances the stress introduced by the cutout. An extruded metal product includes a web having a neutral axis, at least one cutout in the web on a first side of the neutral axis, and at least one indentation in the web on a second side of the neutral axis. The at least one indentation is positioned to balance the stress introduced by the at least one cutout.