10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 29, 2013 Commission file number 1–6770

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	25-0790410
(State or other jurisdiction	(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)

8285 Tournament Drive, Suite 150
Memphis, Tennessee	38125
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(901) 753-3200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes   x No   o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes   x No   o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer   x	Accelerated filer   o
Non-accelerated filer   o	Smaller reporting company   o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes   o                      No   x

The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding as of July 26, 2013, was 28,129,196.

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

FORM 10-Q

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 29, 2013

__________________________

As used in this report, the terms “Company,” “Mueller,” and “Registrant” mean Mueller Industries, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries taken as a whole, unless the context indicates otherwise.

__________________________

INDEX

		Page Number
Part I.  Financial Information
	Item 1.  – Financial Statements (Unaudited)
	a.)  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income	3
	b.)  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	4
	c.)  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	5
	d.)  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	6
	e.)  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7
	Item 2.  – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	17
	Item 3.  – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	23
	Item 4.  – Controls and Procedures	24
Part II.  Other Information
	Item 1.  – Legal Proceedings	25
	Item 1A. – Risk Factors	28
	Item 2.  – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	28
	Item 6.  – Exhibits	29
Signatures		30

2

PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

	For the Quarter Ended						For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)	June 29, 2013			June 30, 2012			June 29, 2013			June 30, 2012
Net sales	$	582,282		$	594,099		$	1,141,972		$	1,171,767
Cost of goods sold		501,125			522,851			983,975			1,016,026
Depreciation and amortization		8,328			7,919			16,482			15,448
Selling, general, and administrative expense		34,814			33,487			66,157			65,089
Insurance settlements		(106,332	)		—			(106,332	)		(1,500	)
Operating income		144,347			29,842			181,690			76,704
Interest expense		(1,101	)		(2,721	)		(1,697	)		(5,358	)
Other income, net		319			490			3,482			744
Income before income taxes		143,565			27,611			183,475			72,090
Income tax expense		(51,723	)		(9,071	)		(65,199	)		(20,733	)
Consolidated net income		91,842			18,540			118,276			51,357
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		(692	)		(623	)		(924	)		(841	)
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$	91,150		$	17,917		$	117,352		$	50,516
Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share		27,840			38,029			27,831			38,021
Effect of dilutive stock-based awards		370			436			372			440
Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share		28,210			38,465			28,203			38,461
Basic earnings per share	$	3.27		$	0.47		$	4.22		$	1.33
Diluted earnings per share	$	3.23		$	0.47		$	4.16		$	1.31
Dividends per share	$	0.125		$	0.10		$	0.25		$	0.20
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

	For the Quarter Ended								For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)	June 29, 2013				June 30, 2012				June 29, 2013				June 30, 2012
Consolidated net income	$	91,842			$	18,540			$	118,276			$	51,357
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation		(644	)			(4,545	)			(5,968	)			2,199
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities		2,198		1		(658	)	2		474		3		309		4
Net actuarial loss on pension and postretirement obligations		622		5		915		6		2,161		7		1,136		8
Other, net		42				(35	)			83				4
Total other comprehensive income (loss)		2,218				(4,323	)			(3,250	)			3,648
Consolidated comprehensive income		94,060				14,217				115,026				55,005
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest		(1,228	)			(451	)			(1,427	)			(1,030	)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$	92,832			$	13,766			$	113,599			$	53,975
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

1 Net of tax of $(1,308)

2 Net of tax of $415

3 Net of tax of $(328)

4 Net of tax of $(166)

5 Net of tax of $(308)

6 Net of tax of $(433)

7 Net of tax of $(960)

8 Net of tax of $(599)

4

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share data)	June 29, 2013			December 29, 2012
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	261,667		$	198,934
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,481 in 2013 and $1,644 in 2012		305,706			271,093
Inventories		222,825			229,434
Current deferred income taxes		28,430			26,438
Other current assets		29,678			21,295
Total current assets		848,306			747,194
Property, plant, and equipment, net		238,141			233,263
Goodwill		104,579			104,579
Other assets		18,849			19,119
Total assets	$	1,209,875		$	1,104,155
Liabilities
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	$	43,753		$	27,570
Accounts payable		76,713			87,574
Accrued wages and other employee costs		31,516			34,378
Other current liabilities		88,351			109,174
Total current liabilities		240,333			258,696
Long-term debt, less current portion		206,800			207,300
Pension liabilities		32,490			35,187
Postretirement benefits other than pensions		19,716			19,832
Environmental reserves		22,642			22,597
Deferred income taxes		37,147			20,910
Other noncurrent liabilities		1,104			1,667
Total liabilities		560,232			566,189
Equity
Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock - $1.00 par value; shares authorized 5,000,000; none outstanding		—			—
Common stock - $.01 par value; shares authorized 100,000,000; issued 40,091,502; outstanding 28,129,989 in 2013 and 28,099,635 in 2012		401			401
Additional paid-in capital		270,620			267,826
Retained earnings		860,098			749,777
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(46,375	)		(42,623	)
Treasury common stock, at cost		(467,586	)		(468,473	)
Total Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders’ equity		617,158			506,908
Noncontrolling interest		32,485			31,058
Total equity		649,643			537,966
Commitments and contingencies		—			—
Total liabilities and equity	$	1,209,875		$	1,104,155
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

	For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)	June 29, 2013			June 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Consolidated net income	$	118,276		$	51,357
Reconciliation of consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		16,649			15,843
Stock-based compensation expense		3,326			2,061
Insurance settlements		(106,332	)		(1,500	)
Insurance proceeds – noncapital related		32,395			9,000
(Gain) loss on disposal of properties		(2,984	)		106
Deferred income taxes		12,468			(2,930	)
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options		(95	)		(83	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables		(35,095	)		(55,826	)
Inventories		4,705			(9,055	)
Other assets		(306	)		(1,371	)
Current liabilities		6,150			9,121
Other liabilities		(423	)		285
Other, net		420			270
Net cash provided by operating activities		49,154			17,278
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures		(21,687	)		(23,433	)
Insurance proceeds for property and equipment		29,910			32,500
Net (deposits into) withdrawals from restricted cash balances		(4,721	)		4,368
Proceeds from the sales of properties		3,016			175
Net cash provided by investing activities		6,518			13,610
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayments of long-term debt		(500	)		(148,676	)
Dividends paid to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.		(6,960	)		(7,605	)
Debt issuance cost		(50	)		—
Issuance (repayment) of debt by joint venture, net		15,544			(15,842	)
Net cash received to settle stock-based awards		260			187
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options		95			83
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		8,389			(171,853	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		(1,328	)		483
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		62,733			(140,482	)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period		198,934			514,162
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	$	261,667		$	373,680
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

General

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted.  Results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results which may be

The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented.  

expected for any other interim period or for the year as a whole.  This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the annual financial statements incorporated therein.

Note 1 – Earnings per Common Share

Basic per share amounts have been computed based on the average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted per share amounts reflect the increase in average common shares outstanding that would result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards, computed using the treasury stock method.  Approximately 40 thousand stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended June 29, 2013 because they were antidilutive.

Note 2 – Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is involved in certain litigation as a result of claims that arose in the ordinary course of business, which management believes will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.  The Company may also realize the benefit of certain legal claims and litigation in the future; these gain contingencies are not recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

U.K. Actions Relating to the European Commission’s 2004 Copper Tube Decision and 2006 Copper Fittings Decision

Mueller Industries, Inc., WTC Holding Company, Inc., DENO Holding Company, Inc., Mueller Europe, Limited, and DENO Acquisition EURL (the Mueller entities) have received letters from counsel for IMI plc and IMI Kynoch Limited (IMI) and from counsel for Boliden AB (Boliden) concerning contribution proceedings by IMI and Boliden against the Mueller entities regarding copper tube.  In the Competition Appeal Tribunal (the CAT) in the United Kingdom, IMI and Boliden have been served with claims by 21 claimants, all companies within the Travis Perkins Group (TP and the TP Claimants).  The TP Claimants are seeking follow-on damages arising out conduct described in the European Commission’s September 3, 2004, decision regarding copper tube.  The claims purport to arise from the findings of the European Commission as set forth in that decision.

Mueller Industries, Inc., Mueller Europe, Limited, and WTC Holding Company, Inc. also have received a letter from counsel for IMI concerning contribution proceedings by IMI against those three Mueller entities regarding copper fittings.  In the High Court, IMI has been served with claims by 21 TP Claimants.  The TP Claimants are seeking follow-on damages arising out of conduct described in the European Commission’s September 20, 2006, decision regarding copper fittings.  The claims similarly purport to arise from the findings of the European Commission as set forth in that decision.

The letters confirm that IMI and Boliden have commenced legal proceedings against the Mueller entities, and in those proceedings are claiming a contribution for any follow-on damages.  IMI and Boliden have formally served their claims on the Mueller entities.

7

While the TP Claimants have provided their preliminary calculations of aggregate claimed damages for the copper tube claim and the copper fittings claim, Mueller does not believe these matters will have a material affect on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the contribution claims.

As to the claims arising from the Copper Tube Decision brought in the CAT, following the CAT’s grant of approval, the case has now been transferred to the High Court. Mueller’s defenses in response to the contribution claims brought by IMI and Boliden were served on March 15, 2013.  A case management conference is to be held on the first available date after March 25, 2013.  It is estimated that this will be some time in November or December 2013.

As to the claims arising from the Copper Fittings Decision, these proceedings have been stayed until the next case management conference which is to take place on the first available date after May 31, 2013.  It is estimated that this will be some time in November or December 2013, alternatively early 2014.

At this time, the Company does not believe that this matter will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Lead Refinery Site

U.S.S. Lead Refinery, Inc. (Lead Refinery), a non-operating wholly owned subsidiary of Mining Remedial Recovery Company, has conducted corrective action and interim remedial activities and studies (collectively, Site Activities) at Lead Refinery’s East Chicago, Indiana site pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.  Site Activities, which began in December 1996, have been substantially concluded.  Lead Refinery is required to perform monitoring and maintenance activities with respect to Site Activities pursuant to a post-closure permit issued by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management effective as of March 2, 2013.  Lead Refinery spent approximately $0.1 million annually in 2012, 2011 and 2010 with respect to this site.  Approximate costs to comply with the post-closure permit, including associated general and administrative costs, are between $2.4 million and $3.6 million over the next 20 years.

On April 9, 2009, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added the Lead Refinery site, and properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site, to the National Priorities List (NPL).  The NPL is a list of priority sites where the EPA has determined that there has been a release or threatened release of hazardous substances that warrant investigation and, if appropriate, remedial action.  The NPL does not assign liability to any party including the owner or operator of a property placed on the NPL.  The placement of a site on the NPL does not necessarily mean that remedial action must be taken.  On July 17, 2009, Lead Refinery received a written notice from the EPA that the agency is of the view that Lead Refinery may be a potentially responsible party (PRP) under CERCLA in connection with the release or threat of release of hazardous substances including lead into properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site.  The EPA has identified two other PRPs in connection with the release or threat of release of hazardous substances into properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site. PRPs under CERCLA include current and former owners and operators of a site, persons who arranged for disposal or treatment of hazardous substances at a site, or persons who accepted hazardous substances for transport to a site.  In November 2012, the EPA adopted a remedy in connection with properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site.  The EPA has estimated that the cost to implement the November 2012 remedy will be $29.9 million.

The Company monitors EPA releases and periodically communicates with the EPA to inquire of the status of the investigation and cleanup of the Lead Refinery site.  As of June 29, 2013, the EPA has not conducted an investigation of the Lead Refinery site, proposed remedies for the Lead Refinery site, or informed Lead Refinery that it is a PRP at the Lead Refinery site.  Until the extent of any remedial action is determined for the Lead Refinery site, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of a material adverse outcome or the amount or range of a potential loss with respect to placement of the Lead Refinery site and adjacent properties on the NPL.  Lead Refinery lacks the financial resources needed to undertake any investigations or remedial action that may be required by the EPA pursuant to CERCLA.

8

Other

Guarantees, in the form of letters of credit, are issued by the Company generally to assure the payment of insurance deductibles and certain retiree health benefits.  The terms of the Company’s guarantees are generally one year but are renewable annually as required.  These letters are primarily backed by the Company’s revolving credit facility.  The maximum payments that the Company could be required to make under its guarantees at June 29, 2013 were $10.0 million.

Note 3 – Insurance Claims

Wynne, Arkansas Manufacturing Operation

In September 2011, a portion of the Company’s Wynne, Arkansas, manufacturing operation was damaged by fire.  Certain inventories, production equipment, and building structures were extensively damaged.  During the second quarter of 2013, the Company settled the claim with its insurer for total proceeds of $127.3 million, net of the deductible of $0.5 million.  As a result of the settlement with its insurer, all proceeds received and all costs previously deferred (which were recorded as other current liabilities in prior periods) were recognized, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $106.3 million in the second quarter of 2013, or $2.33 per diluted share after tax.

Fulton, Mississippi Copper Tube Facility

In July 2009, there was an explosion at the Company’s copper tube facility in Fulton, Mississippi, resulting in damage to certain production equipment.  In the first quarter of 2012, the Company settled the business interruption portion of this claim and recognized a $1.5 million gain.

Note 4 – Inventories

(In thousands)	June 29, 2013			December 29, 2012
Raw materials and supplies	$	33,382		$	46,114
Work-in-process		45,992			40,951
Finished goods		150,255			148,014
Valuation reserves		(6,804	)		(5,645	)
Inventories	$	222,825		$	229,434

The Company has partially liquidated inventories valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method during the first half of 2013.  The Company expects to replenish these inventories by the end of 2013 and, as such, has not recognized the effects of liquidating LIFO layers.  In the event these inventories are not replenished, due to lack of availability or operational reasons, the Company would recognize a reduction to cost of goods sold of approximately $4.6 million from the liquidation of LIFO layers based on quarter-end quantities. 

During 2011, inventory quantities valued using the LIFO method declined which resulted in liquidation of LIFO inventory layers.  This liquidation resulted from intercompany sales; therefore, the gain from the LIFO liquidation of approximately $8.0 million was deferred.  During the first quarter of 2012, the Company sold this inventory to third parties and recognized the gain.  This recognition resulted in a reduction of approximately $8.0 million to cost of sales, or $0.13 per diluted share benefit after tax.

9

Note 5 – Industry Segments

The Company’s reportable segments are Plumbing & Refrigeration and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM).  For disclosure purposes, as permitted under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 280, Segment Reporting, certain operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments.  The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment is composed of Standard Products (SPD), European Operations, and Mexican Operations.  The OEM segment is composed of Industrial Products (IPD), Engineered Products (EPD), and Jiangsu Mueller–Xingrong Copper Industries Limited (Mueller-Xingrong).  These segments are classified primarily by the markets for their products.  Performance of segments is generally evaluated by their operating income.  Intersegment transactions are generally conducted on an arms-length basis.

SPD manufactures copper tube and fittings, plastic fittings, plastic pipe, and line sets.  These products are manufactured in the U.S.  Outside the U.S., the Company’s European Operations manufacture copper tube, which is sold in Europe and the Middle East.  SPD also imports and resells brass and plastic plumbing valves, malleable iron fittings, faucets, and plumbing specialty products.  Mexican Operations consist of pipe nipple manufacturing and import distribution businesses including product lines of malleable iron fittings and other plumbing specialties.  The European Operations consist of copper tube manufacturing and the import distribution of fittings, valves, and plumbing specialties primarily in the U.K. and Ireland.  The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment’s products are sold primarily to plumbing, refrigeration, and air-conditioning wholesalers, hardware wholesalers and co-ops, and building product retailers.

IPD manufactures brass rod, impact extrusions, and forgings which are used in a wide variety of end products including plumbing brass, automotive components, valves, and fittings.  EPD manufactures and fabricates valves and assemblies primarily for the refrigeration, air-conditioning, and gas appliance markets and specialty copper, copper-alloy, and aluminum tubing.  Mueller-Xingrong manufactures engineered copper tube primarily for air-conditioning applications.  These products are sold primarily to original equipment manufacturers.

	For the Quarter Ended June 29, 2013
(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM Segment		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	328,673		$	257,044	$	(3,435	)	$	582,282
Cost of goods sold		277,933			226,596		(3,404	)		501,125
Depreciation and amortization		4,443			3,342		543			8,328
Selling, general, and administrative expense		20,382			6,167		8,265			34,814
Insurance settlement		(103,895	)		—		(2,437	)		(106,332	)
Operating income		129,810			20,939		(6,402	)		144,347
Interest expense										(1,101	)
Other income, net										319
Income before income taxes									$	143,565

10

	For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2012
(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment		OEM Segment		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	331,688	$	268,551	$	(6,140	)	$	594,099
Cost of goods sold		285,182		243,646		(5,977	)		522,851
Depreciation and amortization		4,151		3,412		356			7,919
Selling, general, and administrative expense		19,750		6,436		7,301			33,487
Operating income		22,605		15,057		(7,820	)		29,842
Interest expense									(2,721	)
Other income, net									490
Income before income taxes								$	27,611

	For the Six Months Ended June 29, 2013
(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM Segment		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	640,487		$	510,831	$	(9,346	)	$	1,141,972
Cost of goods sold		542,747			450,476		(9,248	)		983,975
Depreciation and amortization		8,689			6,704		1,089			16,482
Selling, general, and administrative expense		40,509			12,389		13,259			66,157
Insurance settlement		(103,895	)		—		(2,437	)		(106,332	)
Operating income		152,437			41,262		(12,009	)		181,690
Interest expense										(1,697	)
Other income, net										3,482
Income before income taxes									$	183,475

	For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
(In thousands)	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM Segment		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	647,042		$	539,527	$	(14,802	)	$	1,171,767
Cost of goods sold		550,653			479,846		(14,473	)		1,016,026
Depreciation and amortization		8,296			6,471		681			15,448
Selling, general, and administrative expense		38,730			13,428		12,931			65,089
Insurance settlement		(1,500	)		—		—			(1,500	)
Operating income		50,863			39,782		(13,941	)		76,704
Interest expense										(5,358	)
Other income, net										744
Income before income taxes									$	72,090

11

Note 6 – Employee Benefits

The Company sponsors several qualified and nonqualified pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for certain of its employees.  The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

	For the Quarter Ended						For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)	June 29, 2013			June 30, 2012			June 29, 2013			June 30, 2012
Pension benefits:
Service cost	$	326		$	317		$	701		$	677
Interest cost		2,017			2,152			4,047			4,371
Expected return on plan assets		(2,892	)		(2,731	)		(5,690	)		(5,444	)
Amortization of net loss		978			991			1,970			1,934
Net periodic benefit cost	$	429		$	729		$	1,028		$	1,538
Other benefits:
Service cost	$	70		$	58		$	138		$	133
Interest cost		32			248			312			557
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		1			(1	)		3			(1	)
Amortization of net gain		(58	)		(16	)		(84	)		(13	)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	45		$	289		$	369		$	676

Note 7 – Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2013 was 36 percent compared with 33 percent for the same period last year.  Factors that explain the difference between the effective tax rate and what would be computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the second quarter of 2013 were decreases related to: (i) the U.S. production activities deduction of $1.7 million; (ii) decreases in valuation allowances of $0.8 million; and (iii) the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates and other foreign adjustments of $1.1 million. These items were offset by the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $5.1 million.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2012 was 33 percent.  Factors that explain the difference between the effective tax rate and what would be computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the second quarter of 2012 were: (i) the U.S. production activities deduction of $0.9 million and (ii) the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates and other foreign items of $1.2 million.  These items were partially offset by the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $1.1 million.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the first half of 2013 was 36 percent compared with 29 percent for the same period last year.  Factors that explain the difference between the effective tax rate and what would be computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the first half were reductions related to: (i) the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates and other foreign items of $1.4 million; (ii) decreases in valuation allowances of $1.3 million; and (iii) the U.S. production activities deduction of $2.9 million.  These items were offset by the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $6.2 million.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the first half of 2012 was 29 percent.  Factors that explain the difference between the effective tax rate and what would be computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the first half of 2012 were reductions related to: (i) the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates and other foreign items of $3.9 million; (ii) decreases in unrecognized tax benefits of $0.8 million; (iii) decreases in valuation allowances of $1.0 million; and (iv) the U.S. production activities deduction of $2.1 million.  These items were partially offset by the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $2.3 million.

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During the second quarter of 2013, the Company recognized a gain of $106.3 million on the settlement of the insurance claim related to the 2011 fire at Wynne, Arkansas.  The tax expense attributable to this gain of $40.7 million was also recorded in the second quarter.

Due to ongoing federal and state income tax audits and potential lapses of the statutes of limitations in various taxing jurisdictions, it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits may decrease in the next twelve months by up to $0.3 million, none of which would impact the effective tax rate.  Total unrecognized tax benefits, including derecognized deferred tax assets, at the end of the second quarter were $3.1 million.

The Company files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return and numerous consolidated and separate-company income tax returns in many state, local, and foreign jurisdictions.  The statute of limitations is open for the Company’s federal tax return and most state income tax returns for 2009 and all subsequent years.  The Internal Revenue Service has audited the Company’s 2009 and 2010 consolidated U.S. federal income tax returns, the results of which were immaterial to the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.  The statutes of limitations for certain state and foreign returns are open for earlier tax years due to ongoing audits and differing statute periods.  While the Company believes that it is adequately reserved for possible future audit adjustments, the final resolution of these examinations cannot be determined with certainty and could result in final settlements that differ from current estimates.

Note 8 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Cash Flow Hedges

Copper and brass represent the largest component of the Company’s variable costs of production.  The cost of these materials is subject to global market fluctuations caused by factors beyond the Company’s control.  The Company occasionally enters into forward fixed-price arrangements with certain customers; the risk of these arrangements is generally managed with commodity futures contracts.  The Company accounts for these futures contracts in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (ASC 815).  These futures contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges.  The fair value of open futures contracts is recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income until the position which corresponds to the period when the related hedged transaction is recognized in earnings.  Should these contracts no longer meet hedge criteria in accordance with ASC 815, either through lack of effectiveness or because the hedged transaction is no longer probable of occurring, all deferred gains and losses related to the hedge would be immediately reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings.  In the next twelve months, the Company will reclassify into earnings realized gains or losses of cash flow hedges; at June 29, 2013, the net value included in other comprehensive income (OCI) was approximately a $1.6 million loss.

At June 29, 2013, the Company held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $24.5 million of copper over the next 21 months related to fixed price sales orders.  The fair value of those futures contracts was a $1.6 million loss position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (Level 1 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820)).

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Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges under ASC 815 are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as follows:

	June 29, 2013
(In thousands)	Location		Fair value
Commodity contracts	Other current liabilities:	Loss positions	$	(1,636	)

	December 29, 2012
(In thousands)	Location		Fair value
Commodity contracts	Other current liabilities:	Gain positions	$	172
		Loss positions		(420	)

The following tables summarize activities related to the Company’s commodity contract derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges:

	Loss Recognized in Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
	For the Quarter Ended						For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)	June 29, 2013			June 30, 2012			June 29, 2013			June 30, 2012
Commodity contracts	$	(2,876	)	$	(1,394	)	$	(3,530	)	$	(107	)

	Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
	For the Quarter Ended				For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)	June 29, 2013		June 30, 2012		June 29, 2013		June 30, 2012
Commodity contracts:
Cost of goods sold	$	2,596	$	804	$	2,521	$	430

Fair Value Hedges

The Company enters into futures contracts to protect the value of copper inventory against market fluctuations.   These futures contracts have been designated as fair value hedges in accordance with ASC 815.  For fair value hedges, the changes in fair value of the hedging instrument, as well as the changes in fair value of the related hedged item, are reflected in current earnings.  Hedge ineffectiveness is reflected in current earnings in the period in which it occurs.  At June 29, 2013, the Company held open futures contracts to sell approximately $43.7 million of copper over the next six months related to copper inventory. The fair value of those futures contracts was a $3.6 million gain position and is recorded in other current assets. The fair value was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (Level 1 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820).

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The following tables summarize the gains (losses) on the Company’s inventory fair value hedges:

	Gains (Losses) on Fair Value Hedges for the Quarter Ended June 29, 2013
(In thousands)	Location	Amount
Gain on the derivatives designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Commodity Contracts	Cost of goods sold	$	1,857
(Loss) on the hedged item designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Inventory	Cost of goods sold	$	(1,928	)

	Gains (Losses) on Fair Value Hedges for the Six Months Ended June 29, 2013
(In thousands)	Location	Amount
Gain on the derivatives designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Commodity Contracts	Cost of goods sold	$	5,190
(Loss) on the hedged item designated and qualifying fair value hedges:
Inventory	Cost of goods sold	$	(4,813	)

Foreign Currency Hedges

During 2012 and 2013, the Company entered into contracts to purchase heavy machinery and equipment. These contracts are denominated in euros.  In anticipation of entering into these contracts, the Company has entered into forward contracts to purchase euros to protect itself against adverse exchange rate fluctuations.  At June 29, 2013, the Company held open forward contracts to purchase approximately $17.8 million euros over the next 19 months.  The fair value of these contracts, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (Level 1 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820), was not material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows at June 29, 2013.

Interest Rate Swap

On February 20, 2013, the Company entered into a two-year forward-starting interest rate swap agreement with an effective date of January 12, 2015, and an underlying notional amount of $200.0 million, pursuant to which the Company receives variable interest payments based on one-month LIBOR and pays fixed interest at a rate of 1.4 percent.  Based on the Company’s current variable premium pricing on its Term Loan Facility, the all-in fixed rate on the effective date is 2.7 percent.  The interest rate swap will mature on December 11, 2017, and is structured to fix the interest rate risk associated with the Company’s floating-rate, LIBOR-based Term Loan Facility Agreement.  The swap was designated and accounted for as a cash flow hedge from inception.

The fair value of the interest rate swap is estimated based on the present value of the difference between expected cash flows calculated at the contracted interest rate and the expected cash flows at the current market interest rate using observable benchmarks for LIBOR forward rates at the end of the period (Level 2 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820).  The effective portion of the mark-to-market gain or loss is reported as a component of accumulated OCI and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transactions occur and affect earnings.  Interest payable and receivable under the swap agreement will be accrued and recorded as an adjustment to interest expense.  The fair value of the interest rate swap was a $2.2 million gain position at June 29, 2013.

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The following tables summarize the activity related to the interest rate swap:

	Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
	For the Quarter Ended				For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)	June 29, 2013		June 30, 2012		June 29, 2013		June 30, 2012
Interest rate swap	$	2,395	$	—	$	1,396	$	—

The Company enters into futures and forward contracts that closely match the terms of the underlying transactions.  As a result, the ineffective portion of the open hedge contracts through June 29, 2013 was not material to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company does not offset fair value of amounts for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral.  At June 29, 2013, the Company had recorded restricted cash of $3.2 million related to open futures contracts.

Note 9 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

During the first quarter of 2013, the Company adopted ASU No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2013-02). Under ASU 2013-02, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated OCI by component. In addition, an entity is required to present significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated OCI by the respective line items of net income.

Changes in accumulated OCI by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interest, were as follows:

(In thousands)	Cumulative translation adjustment			Unrealized (losses)/gains on derivatives			Minimum pension/OPEB liability adjustment			Unrealized gains on equity investments		Total
December 29, 2012	$	(3,033	)	$	(166	)	$	(39,527	)	$	103	$	(42,623	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		(6,470	)		2,995			893			83		(2,499	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI		—			(2,521	)		1,268			—		(1,253	)
Net current-period other comprehensive income		(6,470	)		474			2,161			83		(3,752	)
June 29, 2013	$	(9,503	)	$	308		$	(37,366	)	$	186	$	(46,375	)

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Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated OCI were as follows:

	Amount reclassified from Accumulated OCI
(In thousands)	For the Quarter Ended June 29, 2013			For the Six Months Ended June 29, 2013			Affected line item
Unrealized gains on derivatives:
Closed positions, commodity contracts	$	3,967		$	3,876		Cost of goods sold
		(1,371	)		(1,355	)	Income tax expense
		2,596			2,521		Net of tax
		—			—		Noncontrolling interest
	$	2,596		$	2,521		Net of tax and noncontrolling interest
Amortization of employee benefit items:
Amortization of net loss	$	921		$	1,889		Selling, general, and administrative expense
		(302	)		(621	)	Income tax expense
		619			1,268		Net of tax
		—			—		Noncontrolling interest
	$	619		$	1,268		Net of tax and noncontrolling interest

Note 10 – Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued amendments to ASU 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210), Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.  The amendments in this update are designed to enhance disclosures by requiring improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either (a) offset in accordance with certain right to set-off conditions prescribed by current accounting guidance or (b) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset in accordance with current accounting guidance. The amendments to ASU 2011-11 were effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2011-11 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General Overview

The Company is a leading manufacturer of copper, brass, plastic, and aluminum products.  The range of these products is broad:  copper tube and fittings; brass and copper alloy rod, bar, and shapes; aluminum and brass forgings; aluminum and copper impact extrusions; plastic pipe, fittings and valves; refrigeration valves and fittings; fabricated tubular products; and steel nipples.  The Company also resells imported brass and plastic plumbing valves, malleable iron fittings, faucets and plumbing specialty products.  Mueller’s operations are located throughout the United States and in Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, and China.

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The Company’s businesses are aggregated into two reportable segments: the Plumbing & Refrigeration segment and the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) segment.  For disclosure purposes, as permitted under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 280, Segment Reporting, certain operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments.  The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment is composed of Standard Products (SPD), European Operations, and Mexican Operations.  The OEM segment is composed of Industrial Products (IPD), Engineered Products (EPD), and Mueller-Xingrong.  Certain administrative expenses and expenses related primarily to retiree benefits at inactive operations are combined into the Corporate and Eliminations classification.  These reportable segments are described in more detail below.

SPD manufactures and sells copper tube, copper and plastic fittings, line sets, plastic pipe, and valves in North America and sources products for import distribution in North America.  European Operations manufacture copper tube, which is sold in Europe and the Middle East; activities also include import distribution in the U.K. and Ireland.  Mexican Operations consist of pipe nipple manufacturing and import distribution businesses including product lines of malleable iron fittings and other plumbing specialties.  The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment sells products to wholesalers in the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and refrigeration markets, to distributors to the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industries, and to building material retailers.

The OEM segment manufactures and sells brass and copper alloy rod, bar, and shapes; aluminum and brass forgings; aluminum and copper impact extrusions; refrigeration valves and fittings; fabricated tubular products; and gas valves and assemblies.  Mueller–Xingrong manufactures engineered copper tube primarily for air-conditioning applications; these products are sold primarily to original equipment manufacturers located in China.  The OEM segment sells its products primarily to original equipment manufacturers, many of which are in the HVAC, plumbing, and refrigeration markets.

New housing starts and commercial construction are important determinants of the Company’s sales to the HVAC, refrigeration, and plumbing markets because the principal end use of a significant portion of the Company’s products is in the construction of single and multi-family housing and commercial buildings.  Repairs and remodeling projects are also important drivers of underlying demand for these products.

The majority of the Company’s manufacturing facilities operated below capacity during 2012 and the first half of 2013 due to reduced demand for the Company’s products arising from the general economic conditions in the U.S. and foreign markets that the Company serves.  The U.S. housing and residential construction market has not fully recovered from the economic downturn during 2008 and 2009.  The years from 2009 through 2011 had the lowest recorded housing starts since recordkeeping began in 1959.  From 1959 through 2007, annual housing starts averaged over 1.5 million units.  Commercial construction has also declined significantly in recent years.  These conditions have significantly affected the demand for virtually all of the Company’s core products in recent years.

Residential construction activity improved in 2012 and the improvement continued in the first half of 2013, but is still at levels below historical averages. Continued recovery in the near-term is expected, but may be tempered by continuing high rates of unemployment, tighter lending standards, and rising mortgage rates.  Per the U.S. Census Bureau, actual housing starts in the U.S. were 453 thousand for the first half of 2013, up from 364 thousand for the first half of 2012.  The June 2013 seasonally adjusted annual rate of new housing starts was 836 thousand compared with the June 2012 rate of 781 thousand.  While mortgage rates have risen in the first half 2013 they remain at historically low levels, as the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 3.60 percent for the first six months of 2013 and 2.66 percent for the twelve months ended December 2012. 

 

The private non-residential construction sector, which includes offices, industrial and retail projects, began showing modest improvement in 2012 after declining each year from 2009 to 2011.  However, the pace of improvement appears to have slowed through May 2013.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the seasonally adjusted annual value of private nonresidential construction put in place was $283.1 billion in May 2013 compared to actual private non-residential value of construction put in place of $297.7 billion for 2012.  The Company expects that most of these conditions will gradually improve, but at an irregular pace.

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Profitability of certain of the Company’s product lines depends upon the “spreads” between the cost of raw material and the selling prices of its products.  The open market prices for copper cathode and scrap, for example, influence the selling price of copper tube, a principal product manufactured by the Company.  The Company attempts to minimize the effects on profitability from fluctuations in material costs by passing through these costs to its customers.  The Company’s earnings and cash flow are dependent upon these spreads that fluctuate based upon market conditions.

Earnings and profitability are also impacted by unit volumes that are subject to market trends, such as substitute products, imports, technologies, and market share.  In core product lines, the Company intensively manages its pricing structure while attempting to maximize its profitability.  From time-to-time, this practice results in lost sales opportunities and lower volume.  For plumbing systems, plastics are the primary substitute product; these products represent an increasing share of consumption.  U.S. consumption of copper tube is still predominantly supplied by U.S. manufacturers.  For certain air-conditioning and refrigeration applications, aluminum based systems are the primary substitution threat.  The Company cannot predict the acceptance or the rate of switching that may occur.  In recent years, brass rod consumption in the U.S. has declined due to the outsourcing of many manufactured products from offshore regions.

Results of Operations

Second Quarter 2013 compared with Second Quarter 2012

During the second quarter of 2013, the Company’s net sales were $582.3 million, which compares with net sales of $594.1 million over the same period of 2012.  The decrease was mostly attributable to the decrease in base metal prices, primarily copper, and lower unit sales volume in the OEM segment.  Of the decrease, $23.8 million was attributable to lower net selling prices in the Company’s core product lines and $7.4 million was attributable to lower unit volume in the OEM segment, partially offset by a $16.9 million increase in volume in the Plumbing and Refrigeration segment.  Net selling prices generally fluctuate with changes in raw material costs.  Changes in raw material costs are generally passed through to customers by adjustments to selling prices.  The Comex average copper price in the second quarter of 2013 was approximately $3.25 per pound, or eight percent less than the second quarter of 2012 average of $3.54 per pound.

Cost of goods sold was $501.1 million in the second quarter of 2013 compared with $522.9 million in the same period of 2012.  Consistent with the factors noted above regarding net sales, the year-over-year decrease was due primarily to the decrease in the price of copper, the Company’s principal raw material.

Depreciation and amortization increased from $7.9 million in the second quarter of 2012 to $8.3 million in the second quarter of 2013.  This is due to an increase in capital spending in 2012.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased to $34.8 million in the second quarter of 2013; this $1.3 million increase was primarily due to increased compensation expense, including incentive compensation.

During the second quarter of 2013, the Company settled the insurance claim related to the September 2011 fire at its Wynne, Arkansas manufacturing operation and recognized a one-time $106.3 million pre-tax gain, or $65.6 million after tax, equal to $2.33 per diluted share.

Interest expense decreased to $1.1 million in the second quarter of 2013 from $2.7 million for the same period in 2012.  This decrease was primarily related to the redemption of the Company’s 6% Subordinated Debentures on June 25, 2012.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2013 was 36 percent compared with 33 percent for the same period last year.  Factors that explain the difference between the effective tax rate and what would be computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the second quarter of 2013 were decreases related to: (i) the U.S. production activities deduction of $1.7 million; (ii) decreases in valuation allowances of $0.8 million; and (iii) the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates and other foreign adjustments of $1.1 million. These items were offset by the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $5.1 million.

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Based on the items described above, operating income increased to $144.3 million in the second quarter of 2013 from $29.8 million in the second quarter of 2012.

The Company’s earnings per share were favorably affected by the repurchase of 10.4 million shares from Leucadia National Corporation in September of 2012.  After giving effect to this purchase, the outstanding shares were reduced from 38.5 million shares to 28.1 million shares.

Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment

Second quarter net sales of $328.7 million by the Plumbing & Refrigeration segment were consistent with the net sales of $331.7 million for the second quarter of 2012.   There was a $17.4 million decrease due to lower net selling prices, which was offset by an increase of $16.9 million attributable to higher unit volume in the segment’s core product lines consisting primarily of copper tube, line sets, and fittings.   Cost of goods sold decreased from $285.2 million in the second quarter of 2012 to $277.9 million in the same period of 2013, which was also due to decreasing raw material prices, primarily copper, offset by higher volume.    Operating income for the segment increased to $129.8 million in the second quarter of 2013 from $22.6 million in the second quarter of 2012.  This increase was primarily due to the recognition of a $103.9 million gain related to the settlement of the insurance claim for the September 2011 fire at the Wynne, Arkansas manufacturing operation during the second quarter of 2013.

OEM Segment

The OEM segment’s second quarter net sales were $257.0 million in 2013 compared with $268.6 million in 2012.   Of the $11.6 million decrease in net sales, approximately $7.5 million was attributable to lower sales volume and approximately $6.3 million was due to lower net selling prices in the segment’s core product lines of brass rod, forgings, impacts, and commercial tube resulting from lower average costs of raw materials.  Cost of goods sold decreased to $226.6 million in the second quarter of 2013 from $243.6 million in the same period of 2012, which was also due to the decrease in sales volume and average costs of raw materials.  Depreciation and amortization expenses and selling, general, and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2013 remained consistent with those recorded in the same period of 2012.  Operating income increased from $15.1 million in the second quarter of 2012 to $20.9 million in the same period of 2013 primarily as a result of higher margins in 2013.

Six Months Ended June 29, 2013, compared with Six Months Ended June 30, 2012

During the six months ended June 29, 2013, the Company’s net sales were $1.14 billion, which compares with net sales of $1.17 billion over the same period of 2012.   Of the $29.8 million decrease in net sales, approximately $26.3 million was due to lower net selling prices and approximately $22.4 million was attributable to lower unit volume in the OEM segment.  This was partially offset by a $13.4 million increase in volume in the Plumbing and Refrigeration segment.  The Comex average copper price in the first half of 2013 was approximately $3.43 per pound, or seven percent less than the average of $3.67 per pound in the first half of 2012.

Cost of goods sold was $0.98 billion in the first half of 2013 compared with $1.02 billion in the same period of 2012.  The year-over-year decrease was due primarily to the decrease in the price of copper, the Company’s principal raw material.  Additionally, during the first half of 2012, the Company recognized a gain from liquidation of a LIFO inventory layer that resulted in a reduction of approximately $8.0 million to cost of sales, or $0.13 per diluted share after tax.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased from $15.4 million in the first half of 2012 to $16.5 million in the first half of 2013. This is due to an increase in capital spending during 2012 and 2013.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased to $66.2 million in the first half of 2013 from $65.1 million in 2012; this $1.1 million increase was primarily due to increased compensation expense, including incentive compensation.

During the six months ended June 29, 2013, the Company settled the insurance claim related to the September 2011 fire at its Wynne, Arkansas manufacturing operation and recognized a $106.3 million gain.  During the six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company settled the business interruption portion of its insurance claim related to the July 2009 explosion at the copper tube facility in Fulton, Mississippi and recognized a $1.5 million gain. 

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Interest expense decreased to $1.7 million for the six months ended June 29, 2013, from $5.4 million for the same period in 2012.  This decrease was primarily related to the redemption of the Company’s 6% Subordinated Debentures on June 25, 2012.  Other income, net totaled $3.5 million in the first half of 2013 compared with $0.7 million for the same period in 2012.  This increase was primarily related to a $3.0 million gain on the sale of non-operating property during 2013.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the first half of 2013 was 36 percent compared with 29 percent for the same period last year.  The difference between the effective tax rate in the first half of 2013 and the rate in the first half of 2012 is primarily attributable to reductions to the rate in the first half of 2012 related to the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory rates and other foreign items.  Factors that explain the difference between the effective tax rate and what would be computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the first half were reductions related to: (i) the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates and other foreign items of $1.4 million; (ii) decreases in valuation allowances of $1.3 million; and (iii) the U.S. production activities deduction of $2.9 million.  These items were offset by the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $6.2 million.

The Company’s earnings per share were favorably affected by the repurchase of 10.4 million shares from Leucadia National Corporation in September of 2012.  After giving effect to this purchase, the outstanding shares were reduced from 38.5 million shares to 28.1 million shares.

Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment

Net sales by the Plumbing & Refrigeration segment were $640.5 million in the six months ended June 29, 2013, consistent with net sales of $647.0 million in the same period of 2012.   There was a decrease of $16.2 million due to lower net selling prices, which was partially offset by an increase of $13.4 million attributable to higher unit volume in the segment’s core product lines consisting primarily of copper tube, line sets, and fittings.  Cost of goods sold decreased from $550.7 million in the first half of 2012 to $542.7 million in the same period of 2013, which was also due to decreasing raw material prices, primarily copper, partially offset by higher sales volume.   Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased from $38.7 million in the first half of 2012 to $40.5 million in the first half of 2013.  The $1.8 million increase was primarily due to increased compensation expense, including incentive compensation.  Operating income for the segment increased to $152.4 million in the first half of 2013 from $50.9 million in the first half of 2012.  This increase was primarily due to the recognition of a $103.9 million gain related to the settlement of the insurance claim for the September 2011 fire at the Wynne, Arkansas manufacturing operation during the first half of 2013.

OEM Segment

The OEM segment’s net sales were $510.8 million in the six months ended June 29, 2013, compared with $539.5 million in 2012.   Of the $28.7 million decrease in net sales, approximately $22.4 million was attributable to lower unit volume and approximately $10.1 million was due to lower net selling prices in the segment’s core product lines of brass rod, forgings, impacts, and commercial tube.  Cost of goods sold decreased to $450.5 million in the first half of 2013 from $479.8 million in the same period of 2012, which was also due to decreases in sales volume and a decrease in the average costs of raw materials.   Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased from $13.4 million in the first half of 2012 to $12.4 million in the first half of 2013, which was mostly due to lower employment costs.  Operating income increased from $39.8 million in the first half of 2012 to $41.3 million in the same period of 2013 primarily as a result of higher margins in 2013.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended June 29, 2013 totaled $49.2 million, which was primarily attributable to consolidated net income of $118.3 million plus non-capital related insurance proceeds of $32.4 million and depreciation and amortization of $16.6 million, partially offset by the gain related to the settlement of the insurance claim for the September 2011 fire in Wynne, Arkansas of $106.3 million and increased receivables of $35.1 million.

21

During the first six months of 2013, cash provided by investing activities totaled $6.5 million.  The major components of net cash provided by investing activities included insurance proceeds for property and equipment of $29.9 million related to the September 2011 fire at our Wynne, Arkansas manufacturing operation, partially offset by $21.7 million used for capital expenditures.

Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $8.4 million, which consists primarily of $15.5 million received from the issuance of debt by Mueller-Xingrong, offset by $7.0 million used for payment of regular quarterly dividends to stockholders of the Company.

The Company has significant environmental remediation obligations.  The performance of these obligations is expected to occur over a minimum of 20 years.  Cash used for environmental remediation activities was approximately $562 thousand during the first half of 2013.  The Company expects to spend approximately $1.4 million for the remainder of 2013 for ongoing environmental remediation activities.  The timing of a potential payment for a $9.5 million settlement offer has not yet been determined.

The Company’s Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured $350.0 million revolving credit facility (the Revolving Credit Facility) and a $200.0 million Term Loan Facility, both maturing on December 11, 2017.  The Revolving Credit Facility backed approximately $10.0 million in letters of credit at the end of the quarter.  As of June 29, 2013, the Company’s total debt was $250.6 million or 27.8 percent of its total capitalization.

Covenants contained in the Company’s financing obligations require, among other things, the maintenance of minimum levels of tangible net worth and the satisfaction of certain minimum financial ratios.  As of June 29, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants.

The Company declared and paid a regular quarterly cash dividend of 12.5 cents per common share in the second quarter of 2013.  Payment of dividends in the future is dependent upon the Company’s financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, earnings, and other factors.

The Company has initiated capital expenditure programs in its copper tube and brass rod mills to upgrade equipment and implement new manufacturing technologies with the primary objective of reducing costs.  These programs will be completed in phases over several years.  In 2013, the Company expects capital expenditures to total approximately $40.0 million, which will be funded by existing cash and cash from operations.  

Management believes that the Credit Facility, cash generated by operations, and currently available cash of $261.7 million will be adequate to meet the Company’s normal future capital expenditures and operational needs.  The Company’s current ratio was 3.5 to 1 at June 29, 2013.

The Company’s Board of Directors has extended, until October 2013, its authorization to repurchase up to ten million shares of the Company’s common stock through open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions.  The Company has no obligation to repurchase any shares and may cancel, suspend, or extend the time period for the repurchase of shares at any time.  Any repurchases will be funded primarily through existing cash and cash from operations.  The Company may hold any shares repurchased in treasury or use a portion of the repurchased shares for employee benefit plans, as well as for other corporate purposes.  From its initial authorization in 1999 through June 29, 2013, the Company had repurchased approximately 2.4 million shares under this authorization.  

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s contractual cash obligations reported at December 29, 2012.

22

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in raw material and energy costs, interest rates, and foreign currency exchange rates.  To reduce such risks, the Company may periodically use financial instruments.  All hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to policies and procedures.  Further, the Company does not buy or sell financial instruments for trading purposes.

Cost and Availability of Raw Materials and Energy

Copper and brass represent the largest component of the Company’s variable costs of production.  The cost of these materials is subject to global market fluctuations caused by factors beyond the Company’s control.  Significant increases in the cost of metal, to the extent not reflected in prices for the Company’s finished products, or the lack of availability could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations, and financial condition.

The Company occasionally enters into forward fixed-price arrangements with certain customers.  The Company may utilize futures contracts to hedge risks associated with these fixed-price arrangements.  The Company may also utilize futures contracts to manage price risk associated with inventory.  Depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the futures contracts will either be offset against the change in fair value of the inventory through earnings or recognized as a component of other comprehensive income and reflected in earnings upon the sale of inventory.  Periodic value fluctuations of the contracts generally offset the value fluctuations of the underlying fixed-price transactions or inventory.  At June 29, 2013, the Company held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $24.5 million of copper over the next 21 months related to fixed-price sales orders and to sell approximately $43.7 million of copper over the next six months related to copper inventory.

The Company may enter into futures contracts or forward fixed-price arrangements with certain vendors to manage price risk associated with natural gas purchases.  The effective portion of gains and losses with respect to these positions are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and reflected in earnings upon consumption of natural gas.  Periodic value fluctuations of the contracts generally offset the value fluctuations of the underlying natural gas prices.  At June 29, 2013, the Company held no open futures contracts to purchase natural gas.

Interest Rates

At June 29, 2013, the Company had variable-rate debt outstanding of $250.6 million.  At this borrowing level, a hypothetical 10 percent increase in interest rates would have had an insignificant unfavorable impact on the Company’s pretax earnings and cash flows.  The primary interest rate exposures on floating-rate debt are based on LIBOR and on the base-lending rate published by the People’s Bank of China.  There was no fixed rate debt outstanding as of June 29, 2013.

The Company has reduced its exposure to increases in LIBOR by entering into interest rate swap contracts. These contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges.  The fair value of these contracts have been recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the related gains and losses on the contracts are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of other comprehensive income.  Deferred gains or losses on the contracts will be recognized in interest expense in the period in which the related interest payment being hedged is expensed.  The interest rate swap agreement has an effective date of January 12, 2015.

23

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

Foreign currency exposures arising from transactions include firm commitments and anticipated transactions denominated in a currency other than an entity’s functional currency.  The Company and its subsidiaries generally enter into transactions denominated in their respective functional currencies.  The Company may utilize certain futures or forward contracts with financial institutions to hedge foreign currency transactional exposures.  Gains and losses with respect to these positions are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and reflected in earnings upon collection of receivables.  At June 29, 2013, the Company had open futures contracts with a financial institution to sell approximately $2.3 million Canadian dollars and $1.2 million euros through September 2013.  It also held open futures contracts to buy approximately $17.8 million euros over the next 19 months.

The Company’s primary foreign currency exposure arises from foreign-denominated revenues and profits and their translation into U.S. dollars.  The primary currencies to which the Company is exposed include the Canadian dollar, the British pound sterling, the euro, the Mexican peso, and the Chinese renminbi.  The Company generally views as long-term its investments in foreign subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar.  As a result, the Company generally does not hedge these net investments.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information

Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not strictly historical may be “forward-looking” statements, which involve risks and uncertainties.  These include economic and currency conditions, continued availability of raw materials and energy, market demand, pricing, competitive and technological factors, and the availability of financing, among others, as set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  The words “outlook,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe,” “target,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  The reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.  The Company has no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this report.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act as of June 29, 2013.  Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of June 29, 2013 to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s fiscal quarter ending June 29, 2013, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

24

PART II	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings

General

The Company is involved in certain litigation as a result of claims that arose in the ordinary course of business.  Additionally, the Company may realize the benefit of certain legal claims and litigation in the future; these gain contingencies are not recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Extruded Metals Class Action

A purported class action was filed in Michigan Circuit Court by Gaylord L. Miller, and all others similarly situated, against Extruded Metals, Inc. (Extruded) in March 2012 under nuisance, negligence, and gross negligence theories.  It is brought on behalf of all persons in the City of Belding, Michigan, whose property rights have allegedly been interfered with by fallout and/or dust and/or noxious odors, allegedly attributable to Extruded’s operations.  Plaintiffs allege that they have suffered interference with the use and enjoyment of their properties.  They seek compensatory and exemplary damages and injunctive relief.  The court has not yet been asked to certify a class.  The Company has reached a settlement in principle that, if approved by the court, will result in the dismissal of the action.  The Company and Plaintiffs are preparing documents that will embody the settlement.  It is expected that Plaintiffs will file a motion for court approval of the settlement in the near future.  Should the settlement not be consummated or approved, the Company will complete its discovery, oppose Plaintiffs’ expected class certification motion, and seek dismissal of Plaintiffs’ claims.  Until the settlement is consummated and approved, or until the court rules on key motions (should the settlement not be consummated or approved), the Company is does not believe that this matter will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

U.K. Actions Relating to the European Commission’s 2004 Copper Tube Decision and 2006 Copper Fittings Decision

Mueller Industries, Inc., WTC Holding Company, Inc., DENO Holding Company, Inc., Mueller Europe, Limited, and DENO Acquisition EURL (the Mueller entities) have received letters from counsel for IMI plc and IMI Kynoch Limited (IMI) and from counsel for Boliden AB (Boliden) concerning contribution proceedings by IMI and Boliden against the Mueller entities regarding copper tube.  In the Competition Appeal Tribunal (the CAT) in the United Kingdom, IMI and Boliden have been served with claims by 21 claimants, all companies within the Travis Perkins Group (TP and the TP Claimants).  The TP Claimants are seeking follow-on damages arising out conduct described in the European Commission’s September 3, 2004, decision regarding copper tube.  The claims purport to arise from the findings of the European Commission as set forth in that decision.

Mueller Industries, Inc., Mueller Europe, Limited, and WTC Holding Company, Inc. also have received a letter from counsel for IMI concerning contribution proceedings by IMI against those three Mueller entities regarding copper fittings.  In the High Court, IMI has been served with claims by 21 TP Claimants.  The TP Claimants are seeking follow-on damages arising out of conduct described in the European Commission’s September 20, 2006, decision regarding copper fittings.  The claims similarly purport to arise from the findings of the European Commission as set forth in that decision.

The letters confirm that IMI and Boliden have commenced legal proceedings against the Mueller entities, and in those proceedings are claiming a contribution for any follow-on damages.  IMI and Boliden have formally served their claims on the Mueller entities.

While the TP Claimants have provided their preliminary calculations of aggregate claimed damages for the copper tube claim and the copper fittings claim, Mueller does not believe these matters will have a material affect on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the contribution claims.

25

 As to the claims arising from the Copper Tube Decision brought in the CAT, following the CAT’s grant of approval, the case has now been transferred to the High Court. Mueller’s defenses in response to the contribution claims brought by IMI and Boliden were served on March 15, 2013.  A case management conference is to be held on the first available date after March 25, 2013.  It is estimated that this will be some time in November or December 2013.

As to the claims arising from the Copper Fittings Decision, these proceedings have been stayed until the next case management conference which is to take place on the first available date after May 31, 2013.  It is estimated that this will be some time in November or December 2013, alternatively early 2014.

At this time, the Company does not believe that this matter will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 United States Department of Commerce Antidumping Review

On December 24, 2008, the United States Department of Commerce (DOC) initiated an antidumping administrative review of the antidumping duty order covering circular welded non-alloy steel pipe and tube from Mexico to determine the final antidumping duties owed on U.S. imports during the period November 1, 2007 through October 31, 2008, by certain subsidiaries of the Company.  On April 19, 2010, the DOC published the final results of this review and assigned Mueller Comercial de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mueller Comercial) an antidumping duty rate of 48.3 percent.  The Company appealed the final determination to the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT).  The Company and the United States have reached an agreement to settle the appeal.  As a result, the DOC published on March 22, 2013 the amended final results of the review and assigned Mueller Comercial an antidumping duty rate of 40.5 percent.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection will now assess final antidumping duties on subject imports during the period of review.  The Company has established a reserve of approximately $3.8 million for these duties.

On December 23, 2009, the DOC initiated an antidumping administrative review of the antidumping duty order covering circular welded non-alloy steel pipe and tube from Mexico for the November 1, 2008  through October 31, 2009 period of review.  The DOC selected Mueller Comercial as a respondent in the review.  On June 21, 2011, the DOC published the final results of the review and assigned Mueller Comercial an antidumping duty rate of 19.8 percent.  On August 22, 2011, the Company appealed the final results to the CIT.  On December 21, 2012, the CIT issued a decision upholding the Department’s final results in part.  The CIT issued its final judgment on May 2, 2013.  On May 6, 2013, the Company appealed the CIT decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The Company anticipates that certain of its subsidiaries will incur antidumping duties on subject imports made during the period of review and, as such, established a reserve of approximately $1.1 million for this matter.

On December 28, 2010, the DOC initiated an antidumping administrative review of the antidumping duty order covering circular welded non-allow steel pipe and tube from Mexico for the November 1, 2009 through October 31, 2010 period of review.  The DOC selected Mueller Comercial as a respondent for this period of review.  On December 14, 2011, the DOC issued a final determination that Mueller Comercial did not ship subject merchandise to the United States during the relevant period of review.  Therefore, there is zero antidumping duty liability for the Company and its subsidiaries for imports made during the November 1, 2009 through October 31, 2010 period of review.

On December 30, 2011, the DOC initiated an antidumping administrative review of the antidumping duty order covering circular welded non-alloy steel pipe and tube from Mexico for the November 1, 2010, through October 31, 2011 period of review.  The DOC selected Mueller Comercial as a respondent for this period of review.  On December 11, 2012, the DOC issued a preliminary determination to rescind the review with regard to Mueller Comercial.  Following the preliminary determination, Mueller Comercial certified to the DOC that it did not have any shipments of the subject merchandise during the period of review.  On May 30, 2013, the DOC issued its final determination that Mueller Comercial did not ship subject merchandise to the United States during the relevant period of review.  Therefore, there is zero antidumping duty liability for the Company and its subsidiaries for imports made during the November 1, 2010 through October 31, 2011 period of review.

26

On December 31, 2012, the DOC initiated an antidumping administrative review of the antidumping duty order covering circular welded non-alloy steel pipe and tube from Mexico for the November 1, 2011, through October 31, 2012, period of review.  The DOC selected Mueller Comercial as a respondent for this period of review.  On April 3, 2013, Mueller Comercial certified that it had no shipments of the subject merchandise to the United States during the period of review.  By the end of 2013, the DOC should issue its preliminary determination to rescind the review with regard to Mueller Comercial, finding that Mueller Comercial did not have any shipments of the subject merchandise. 

United States Department of Commerce and United States International Trade Commission Antidumping Investigations

Since November 22, 2010, as a result of the imposition of the antidumping duty orders on seamless refined copper pipe and tube from Mexico and China, importers have been required to post cash deposits at rates up to 28.16 percent (for Mexico) and up to 60.85 percent (for China). 

Over the last two years, the Department of Commerce (DOC) conducted a “new shipper review” of a new Golden Dragon plant in Mexico, followed by the first administrative reviews of imports from Mexico and China (for the period November 22, 2010 through October 31, 2011).  Although Golden Dragon was found to be dumping in the “new shipper review,” the impact of the more recent administrative reviews is that imports from certain companies (i.e., Golden Dragon in China, and Golden Dragon and Nacobre in Mexico) will not be subject to cash deposits requirements until completion of the ongoing second administrative reviews in 2014.  These decisions are currently on appeal, during which time no importers may receive any duty refunds.  Furthermore, all companies in China and Mexico remain subject to the disciplines of the antidumping duty orders and future administrative reviews, and imports from other companies remain subject to cash deposit requirements, including IUSA (24.89 percent) and Luvata (28.16 percent) in Mexico, as well as Haliang (60.85 percent) and Luvata (36.05 percent) in China.

Environmental Matters

Non-Operating properties:

East Chicago, Indiana USS Lead Superfund site

U.S.S. Lead Refinery, Inc. (Lead Refinery), a non-operating wholly owned subsidiary of Mining Remedial Recovery Company, has conducted corrective action and interim remedial activities and studies (collectively, Site Activities) at Lead Refinery’s East Chicago, Indiana site pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.  Site Activities, which began in December 1996, have been substantially concluded.  Lead Refinery is required to perform monitoring and maintenance activities with respect to Site Activities pursuant to a post-closure permit issued by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management effective as of March 2, 2013.  Lead Refinery spent approximately $0.1 million annually in 2012, 2011 and 2010 with respect to this site.  Approximate costs to comply with the post-closure permit, including associated general and administrative costs, are between $2.4 million and $3.6 million over the next 20 years.

On April 9, 2009, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added the Lead Refinery site, and properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site, to the National Priorities List (NPL).  The NPL is a list of priority sites where the EPA has determined that there has been a release or threatened release of hazardous substances that warrant investigation and, if appropriate, remedial action.  The NPL does not assign liability to any party including the owner or operator of a property placed on the NPL.  The placement of a site on the NPL does not necessarily mean that remedial action must be taken.  On July 17, 2009, Lead Refinery received a written notice from the EPA that the agency is of the view that Lead Refinery may be a potentially responsible party (PRP) under CERCLA in connection with the release or threat of release of hazardous substances including lead into properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site.  The EPA has identified two other PRPs in connection with the release or threat of release of hazardous substances into properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site. PRPs under CERCLA include current and former owners and operators of a site, persons who arranged for disposal or treatment of hazardous substances at a site, or persons who accepted hazardous substances for transport to a site.  In November 2012, the EPA adopted a remedy in connection with properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site.  The EPA has estimated that the cost to implement the November 2012 remedy will be $29.9 million.

27

The Company monitors EPA releases and periodically communicates with the EPA to inquire of the status of the investigation and cleanup of the Lead Refinery site.  As of June 29, 2013, the EPA has not conducted an investigation of the Lead Refinery site, proposed remedies for the Lead Refinery site, or informed Lead Refinery that it is a PRP at the Lead Refinery site.  Until the extent of any remedial action is determined for the Lead Refinery site, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of a material adverse outcome or the amount or range of a potential loss with respect to placement of the Lead Refinery site and adjacent properties on the NPL.  Lead Refinery lacks the financial resources needed to undertake any investigations or remedial action that may be required by the EPA pursuant to CERCLA.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The Company is exposed to risk as it operates its businesses.  To provide a framework to understand the operating environment of the Company, we have provided a brief explanation of the more significant risks associated with our businesses in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  There have been no material changes in risk factors that were previously disclosed in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company’s Board of Directors has extended, until October 2013, its authorization to repurchase up to ten million shares of the Company’s common stock through open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions.  The Company has no obligation to repurchase any shares and may cancel, suspend, or extend the time period for the repurchase of shares at any time.  Any repurchases will be funded primarily through existing cash and cash from operations.  The Company may hold any shares repurchased in treasury or use a portion of the repurchased shares for employee benefit plans, as well as for other corporate purposes.  From its initial authorization in 1999 through June 29, 2013, the Company had repurchased approximately 2.4 million shares under this authorization.   Below is a summary of the Company’s stock repurchases for the period ended June 29, 2013.

	(a)		(b)		(c)	(d)
	Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
							7,647,030	(1)
March 31 – April 27, 2013	976	(2)	$	50.85	—
April 28 – May 25, 2013	5,242	(2)		51.73	—
May 26 – June 29, 2013	272	(2)		54.09	—
(1) Shares available to be purchased under the Company’s ten million share repurchase authorization until October 2013.  The extension of the authorization was announced on October 26, 2012.
(2) Shares tendered to the Company by holders of stock-based awards in payment of the purchase price and/or withholding taxes upon exercise and/or vesting.

28

Item 6. Exhibits

31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE	XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

Items 3, 4, and 5 are not applicable and have been omitted.

29

SIGNATURES

  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
	/s/ Jeffrey A. Martin
	Jeffrey A. Martin
July 26, 2013	Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Date	(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
	/s/ Richard W. Corman
July 26, 2013	Richard W. Corman
Date	Vice President – Controller

30

EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibits	Description
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE	XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Gregory L. Christopher, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Mueller Industries, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: July 26, 2013

/s/ Gregory L. Christopher

Gregory L. Christopher

Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Jeffrey A. Martin, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Mueller Industries, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: July 26, 2013
	/s/ Jeffrey A. Martin
	Jeffrey A. Martin
	Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Mueller Industries, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 29, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Gregory L. Christopher, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Gregory L Christopher

Gregory L. Christopher

Chief Executive Officer

July 26, 2013

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Mueller Industries, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 29, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Jeffrey A. Martin, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Jeffrey A. Martin

Jeffrey A. Martin

Chief Financial Officer

July 26, 2013

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Recently Issued Accounting Standards

6 Months Ended

Jun. 29, 2013

Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Abstract]

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Note 10 – Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued amendments to ASU 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210), Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.  The amendments in this update are designed to enhance disclosures by requiring improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either (a) offset in accordance with certain right to set-off conditions prescribed by current accounting guidance or (b) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset in accordance with current accounting guidance. The amendments to ASU 2011-11 were effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2011-11 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, tax	$ (1,308)	$ 415	$ (328)	$ (166)
Net actuarial loss on pension and postretirement obligations, tax	$ (308)	$ (433)	$ (960)	$ (599)

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Insurance Claims

6 Months Ended

Jun. 29, 2013

Insurance Claims [Abstract]

Insurance Claims

Note 3 – Insurance Claims

Wynne, Arkansas Manufacturing Operation

In September 2011, a portion of the Company’s Wynne, Arkansas, manufacturing operation was damaged by fire.  Certain inventories, production equipment, and building structures were extensively damaged.  During the second quarter of 2013, the Company settled the claim with its insurer for total proceeds of $127.3 million, net of the deductible of $0.5 million.  As a result of the settlement with its insurer, all proceeds received and all costs previously deferred (which were recorded as other current liabilities in prior periods) were recognized, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $106.3 million in the second quarter of 2013, or $2.33 per diluted share after tax.

Fulton, Mississippi Copper Tube Facility

In July 2009, there was an explosion at the Company’s copper tube facility in Fulton, Mississippi, resulting in damage to certain production equipment.  In the first quarter of 2012, the Company settled the business interruption portion of this claim and recognized a $1.5 million gain.

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Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 25, 2010
Other [Abstract]
Payments required to be made under guarantees, maximum	$ 10.0
Non-Operating Properties [Member] | Lead Refinery Site [Member]
Lead Refinery Site [Abstract]
Environmental spending		0.1	0.1	0.1
Mitigation estimates minimum	2.4
Mitigation estimates maximum	3.6
Estimated number of years until mitigation resolution	P20Y
EPA's estimated cost of site remediation	$ 29.9

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Inventories (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 29, 2013

Inventories [Abstract]

Inventories

Note 4 – Inventories

(In thousands)	June 29, 2013			December 29, 2012
Raw materials and supplies	$	33,382		$	46,114
Work-in-process		45,992			40,951
Finished goods		150,255			148,014
Valuation reserves		(6,804	)		(5,645	)
Inventories	$	222,825		$	229,434

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Industry Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 582,282	$ 594,099	$ 1,141,972	$ 1,171,767
Cost of goods sold	501,125	522,851	983,975	1,016,026
Depreciation and amortization	8,328	7,919	16,482	15,448
Selling, general, and administrative expense	34,814	33,487	66,157	65,089
Insurance settlement	(106,332)	0	(106,332)	(1,500)
Operating income	144,347	29,842	181,690	76,704
Interest expense	(1,101)	(2,721)	(1,697)	(5,358)
Other income, net	319	490	3,482	744
Income before income taxes	143,565	27,611	183,475	72,090
Plumbing and Refrigeration Segment [Member]
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	328,673	331,688	640,487	647,042
Cost of goods sold	277,933	285,182	542,747	550,653
Depreciation and amortization	4,443	4,151	8,689	8,296
Selling, general, and administrative expense	20,382	19,750	40,509	38,730
Insurance settlement	(103,895)		(103,895)	(1,500)
Operating income	129,810	22,605	152,437	50,863
OEM Segment [Member]
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	257,044	268,551	510,831	539,527
Cost of goods sold	226,596	243,646	450,476	479,846
Depreciation and amortization	3,342	3,412	6,704	6,471
Selling, general, and administrative expense	6,167	6,436	12,389	13,428
Insurance settlement	0		0	0
Operating income	20,939	15,057	41,262	39,782
Corporate and Eliminations [Member]
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	(3,435)	(6,140)	(9,346)	(14,802)
Cost of goods sold	(3,404)	(5,977)	(9,248)	(14,473)
Depreciation and amortization	543	356	1,089	681
Selling, general, and administrative expense	8,265	7,301	13,259	12,931
Insurance settlement	(2,437)		(2,437)	0
Operating income	$ (6,402)	$ (7,820)	$ (12,009)	$ (13,941)

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Inventories (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Jun. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 29, 2012
Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials and supplies		$ 33,382,000		$ 46,114,000
Work-in-process		45,992,000		40,951,000
Finished goods		150,255,000		148,014,000
Valuation reserves		(6,804,000)		(5,645,000)
Inventories		222,825,000		229,434,000
Possible effect of liquidation of LIFO layers on cost of goods sold		4,600,000
Deferred LIFO Gain			8,000,000
Effect of liquidation of LIFO layers on cost of sales	$ 8,000,000
Effect of liquidation of LIFO layers per diluted share after tax (in dollars per share)	$ 0.13