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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012
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)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (901) 753-3200

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
   
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.           Yes  S  No  £

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.           Yes  £  No  S

Indicate by a 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  S  No  £
 
 
 

 
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Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, 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  S   No  £

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. £

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   S
Accelerated filer   £
Non-accelerated filer   £
Smaller reporting company   £

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes  £  No  S

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $1,149,712,854.

The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding as of February 25, 2013 was 28,119,803 excluding 11,971,699 treasury shares.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the following document are incorporated by reference into this Report: Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, scheduled to be mailed on or about March 20, 2013 (Part III).

 
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MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

_____________________

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.

____________________

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PART I
 
BUSINESS
 
Introduction

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.

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 280, Segment Reporting, certain operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments.  The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment is composed of the Standard Products Division (SPD), European Operations, and Mexican Operations.  The OEM segment is composed of the Industrial Products Division (IPD), Engineered Products Division (EPD), and Jiangsu Mueller–Xingrong Copper Industries Limited (Mueller-Xingrong), the Company’s Chinese joint venture.  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 in Europe, 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 OEMs 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.  

Information concerning segments and geographic information appears under “Note 15 - Industry Segments” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 29, 2012 in Item 8 of this Report, which is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
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The majority of the Company’s manufacturing facilities operated at significantly below capacity during 2012, 2011, and 2010 due to the 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 recent years from 2009 through 2012 had the lowest recorded housing starts since recordkeeping began in 1959.  From 1959 through 2007, annual new housing starts averaged 1.5 million units.  Per the U.S. Census Bureau, new housing starts in the U.S. were 780 thousand in 2012, which compares with 609 thousand in 2011 and 587 thousand in 2010, all of which are substantially below average historic levels.  Mortgage rates have remained at low levels during 2012, 2011 and 2010, as the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 3.35 percent in December 2012, 3.96 percent in December 2011, and 4.71 percent in December 2010.  Commercial construction has also declined significantly in recent years and, in fact, most categories remain at levels less than a decade ago.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the actual private nonresidential value of construction put in place was $297.7 billion in 2012, $258.0 billion in 2011, and $263.8 billion in 2010, significantly less than activity levels in 2008 and 2009.  Business conditions in the U.S. automotive industry were also exceptionally difficult in the economic downturn during 2008 and 2009, which affected the demand for various products in the Company’s OEM segment; however, improvements have occurred in 2011 and 2012.  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 but is still at relatively low levels.  Recovery in the near-term is expected, but may be tempered by continuing high rates of unemployment and tighter lending standards.  The private non-residential construction sector, which includes offices, industrial and retail projects, showed improvement in 2012 after declines of two percent in 2011, 23 percent in 2010 and 16 percent in 2009.  The Company expects that most of these conditions will gradually improve, but at an irregular pace.  

The Company is a Delaware corporation incorporated on October 3, 1990.
 
 
Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment

The Company’s Plumbing & Refrigeration segment includes SPD, which manufactures a broad line of copper tube, in sizes ranging from 1/8 inch to 8 inch diameter, which are sold in various straight lengths and coils.  The Company is a market leader in the air-conditioning and refrigeration service tube markets.  Additionally, the Company supplies a variety of water tube in straight lengths and coils used for plumbing applications in virtually every type of construction project.  SPD also manufactures copper and plastic fittings, line sets, and related components for the plumbing and heating industry that are used in water distribution systems, heating systems, air-conditioning, and refrigeration applications, and drainage, waste, and vent systems.  A major portion of SPD’s products are ultimately used in the domestic residential and commercial construction markets.

The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment also fabricates steel pipe nipples and resells imported brass and plastic plumbing valves, malleable iron fittings, faucets, and plumbing specialty products to plumbing wholesalers, distributors to the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industries and building materials retailers.

On August 6, 2010, the Company expanded its existing line sets business by purchasing certain assets from Linesets, Inc., a manufacturer of assembled line sets with operations in Phoenix, Arizona and Atlanta, Georgia.
 
The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment markets primarily through its own sales and distribution organization, which maintains sales offices and distribution centers throughout the United States and in Canada, Mexico, and Europe.  Additionally, products are sold and marketed through a network of agents, which, when combined with the Company’s sales organization, provide the Company broad geographic market representation.

These businesses are highly competitive.  The principal methods of competition for the Company’s products are customer service, availability, and price.  The total amount of order backlog for the Plumbing & Refrigeration segment as of December 29, 2012 was not significant.
 
 
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The Company competes with various companies, depending on the product line.  In the U.S. copper tube business, the domestic competition includes Cerro Flow Products, Inc., Cambridge-Lee Industries LLC (a subsidiary of Industrias Unidas S.A. de C.V.), Wolverine Tube, Inc., KobeWieland Copper Products LLC, and Howell Metal Company (a subsidiary of Commercial Metals Company), as well as many actual and potential foreign competitors.  In the European copper tube business, Mueller competes with several European-based manufacturers of copper tube as well as other foreign-based manufacturers.  In the copper fittings market, domestic competitors include Elkhart Products Company (a subsidiary of Aalberts Industries N.V.) and NIBCO, Inc., as well as several foreign manufacturers.  Additionally, the Company’s copper tube and fittings businesses compete with a large number of manufacturers of substitute products made from other metals and plastic.  The plastic fittings competitors include NIBCO, Inc., Charlotte Pipe & Foundry, and other companies.  Management believes that no single competitor offers such a wide-ranging product line as Mueller and that this is a competitive advantage in some markets.
 
 
OEM Segment

The Company’s OEM segment includes IPD, which manufactures brass rod, nonferrous forgings, and impact extrusions that are sold primarily to OEMs in the plumbing, refrigeration, fluid power, and automotive industries, as well as to other manufacturers and distributors.  The Company extrudes brass, bronze, and copper alloy rod in sizes ranging from 3/8 inches to 4 inches in diameter.  These alloys are used in applications that require a high degree of machinability, wear and corrosion resistance, as well as electrical conductivity.  IPD also manufactures brass and aluminum forgings, which are used in a wide variety of products, including automotive components, brass fittings, industrial machinery, valve bodies, gear blanks, and computer hardware.  IPD also serves the automotive, military ordnance, aerospace, and general manufacturing industries with cold-formed aluminum and copper impact extrusions.  Typical applications for impacts are high strength ordnance, high-conductivity electrical components, builders’ hardware, hydraulic systems, automotive parts, and other uses where toughness must be combined with varying complexities of design and finish.  The OEM segment also includes EPD, which manufactures and fabricates valves and custom OEM products for refrigeration and air-conditioning, gas appliance, and barbecue grill applications.  Additionally EPD manufactures shaped and formed tube, produced to tight tolerances, for baseboard heating, appliances, and medical instruments.  The total amount of order backlog for the OEM segment as of December 29, 2012 was not significant.

On August 16, 2012, the Company acquired 100 percent of the outstanding stock of Westermeyer Industries, Inc. (Westermeyer), located in Bluffs, Illinois. Westermeyer designs, manufactures, and distributes high-pressure components and accessories for the air-conditioning and refrigeration markets.  The acquisition of Westermeyer complements the Company’s existing refrigeration business.  

On December 28, 2010, the Company purchased certain assets from Tube Forming, L.P. (TFI).  TFI had operations in Carrollton, Texas, and Guadalupe, Mexico, where it produced precision copper return bends and crossovers, and custom-made tube components and brazed assemblies, including manifolds and headers.
 
IPD and EPD primarily sell directly to OEM customers.  Competitors, primarily in the brass rod market, include Chase Brass and Copper Company, a subsidiary of Global Brass and Copper Holdings, Inc., and others both domestic and foreign.  Outside of North America, IPD and EPD sell products through various channels.
 
 
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Labor Relations

At December 29, 2012, the Company employed approximately 3,775 employees, of which approximately 1,900 were represented by various unions.  Those union contracts will expire as follows:

Location
Expiration Date
Port Huron, Michigan (Local 218 IAM)
May 1, 2013
Port Huron, Michigan (Local 44 UAW)
July 20, 2013
Belding, Michigan
September 12, 2015
Wynne, Arkansas
June 28, 2015
Fulton, Mississippi
October 31, 2017
North Wales, Pennsylvania
July 31, 2015
Waynesboro, Tennessee
November 7, 2015

The union agreements at the Company’s U.K. and Mexico operations are renewed annually.  The Company expects to renew its union contracts without material disruption of its operations.


Raw Material and Energy Availability

The major portion of Mueller’s base metal requirements (primarily copper) is normally obtained through short-term supply contracts with competitive pricing provisions (for cathode) and the open market (for scrap).  Other raw materials used in the production of brass, including brass scrap, zinc, tin, and lead, are obtained from zinc and lead producers, open-market dealers, and customers with brass process scrap.  Raw materials used in the fabrication of aluminum and plastic products are purchased in the open market from major producers.

Adequate supplies of raw material have historically been available to the Company from primary producers, metal brokers, and scrap dealers.  Sufficient energy in the form of natural gas, fuel oils, and electricity is available to operate the Company’s production facilities.  While temporary shortages of raw material and fuels may occur occasionally, to date they have not materially hampered the Company’s operations.

During recent years, an increasing demand for copper and copper alloy primarily from China had an effect on the global usage of such commodities.  The increased demand for copper (cathode and scrap) and copper alloy products from the export market, from time-to-time may cause a tightening in the domestic raw materials market.  Mueller’s copper tube facilities can accommodate both refined copper and certain grades of copper scrap as the primary feedstock.  The Company has commitments from refined copper producers for a portion of its metal requirements for 2013.  Adequate quantities of copper are currently available.  While the Company will continue to react to market developments, resulting pricing volatility or supply disruptions, if any, could nonetheless adversely affect the Company.


Environmental Proceedings

Compliance with environmental laws and regulations is a matter of high priority for the Company.  Mueller’s provision for environmental matters related to all properties was $3.1 million for 2012, $0.4 million for 2011, and $5.4 million for 2010.  The reserve for environmental matters was $24.6 million at December 29, 2012 and $22.9 million at December 31, 2011.  Environmental costs related to non-operating properties are classified as a component of other income (expense), net and costs related to operating properties are included in cost of goods sold.  The Company does not anticipate that it will need to make material expenditures for compliance activities related to existing environmental matters during the remainder of the 2013 fiscal year, or for the next two fiscal years.
 
 
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Non-operating Properties

Southeast Kansas Sites

By letter dated October 10, 2006, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) advised the Company that environmental contamination has been identified at a former smelter site in southeast Kansas.  KDHE asserts that the Company is a corporate successor to an entity that is alleged to have owned and operated the smelter from 1915 to 1918.  The Company has since been advised of a possible connection between that same entity and two other former smelter sites in Kansas.  KDHE has requested that the Company and other potentially responsible parties (PRPs) negotiate a consent order with KDHE to address contamination at these sites.  The Company believes it is not liable for the contamination but as an alternative to litigation, the Company has entered into settlement negotiations with one of the other PRPs.  The negotiations are ongoing.  In 2008, the Company established a reserve of $9.5 million for this matter.  Due to the ongoing nature of negotiations, the timing of potential payment has not yet been determined.  The Company has agreed to share the costs of a preliminary site assessment at one of the former smelter sites with two other PRPs, signed an agreement, and agreed on a work plan with KDHE by which the PRPs would study the East La Harpe site without conceding liability.  The Company also paid $10 thousand toward KDHE’s past costs and received a release for any further claims for past costs at the site.  Discussions with KDHE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other PRPs about the other two smelter sites continue. 

Shasta Area Mine Sites

Mining Remedial Recovery Company (MRRC), a wholly owned subsidiary, owns certain inactive mines in Shasta County, California.  MRRC has continued a program, begun in the late 1980s, of sealing mine portals with concrete plugs in mine adits, which were discharging water.  The sealing program has achieved significant reductions in the metal load in discharges from these adits; however, additional reductions are required pursuant to an order issued by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (QCB).  In response to a 1996 Order issued by the QCB, MRRC completed a feasibility study in 1997 describing measures designed to mitigate the effects of acid rock drainage.  In December 1998, the QCB modified the 1996 order extending MRRC’s time to comply with water quality standards.  In September 2002, the QCB adopted a new order requiring MRRC to adopt Best Management Practices (BMP) to control discharges of acid mine drainage.  That order extended the time to comply with water quality standards until September 2007.  During that time, implementation of BMP further reduced impacts of acid rock drainage; however, full compliance has not been achieved.  The QCB is presently renewing MRRC’s discharge permit and will concurrently issue a new order.  It is expected that the new permit will include an order requiring continued implementation of BMP through 2015 to address residual discharges of acid rock drainage.  At this site, MRRC spent approximately $1.7 million from 2010 through 2012 and estimates that it will spend between approximately $8.4 million and $12.4 million over the next 20 years.

Lead Refinery Site

 U.S.S. Lead Refinery, Inc. (Lead Refinery), a non-operating wholly owned subsidiary of MRRC, 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 (IDEM) effective as of January 22, 2008.  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.
 
 
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On April 9, 2009, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the EPA added the Lead Refinery site, and properties adjacent to 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 PRP under CERCLA in connection with the release or threaten of release of hazardous substances including lead into properties located adjacent to the Lead Refinery site.  There are at least two other PRPs. 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 located adjacent to the Lead Refinery site.  The EPA has estimated that the cost to implement the November 2012 remedy will be $28.9 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 December 29, 2012, 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 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.

Operating Properties

Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc.

In 1999, Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc. (MCTP), a wholly owned subsidiary, commenced a cleanup and remediation of soil and groundwater at its Wynne, Arkansas plant.  MCTP is currently removing trichloroethylene, a cleaning solvent formerly used by MCTP, from the soil and groundwater.  On August 30, 2000, MCTP received approval of its Final Comprehensive Investigation Report and Storm Water Drainage Investigation Report addressing the treatment of soils and groundwater from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).  The Company established a reserve for this project in connection with the acquisition of MCTP in 1998.  Effective November 17, 2008, MCTP entered into a Settlement Agreement and Administrative Order by Consent to submit a Supplemental Investigation Work Plan (SIWP) and subsequent Final Remediation Work Plan for the site.  By letter dated January 20, 2010, ADEQ approved the SIWP as submitted, with changes acceptable to the Company.  On December 16, 2011, MCTP entered into an amended Administrative Order by Consent to prepare and implement a revised Remediation Work Plan regarding final remediation for the Site.  Costs to implement the work plans, including associated general and administrative costs, are approximately $2.6 million over the next ten years.

Belding, Michigan Lead Matters

In October 2010, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) conducted testing of lead levels in soils on properties upwind and downwind of the Belding, Michigan facility of Extruded Metals, Inc. (Extruded), a subsidiary of the Company.  Results of that testing showed exceedances of the Michigan generic residential direct contact cleanup criteria for lead on a number of the downwind properties.  Extruded has investigated the extent of this condition and performed remediation to the extent required by environmental laws and in accordance with a plan approved by the MDEQ in April 2011.  In January 2012, Extruded submitted a final Certification Report to the MDEQ documenting its completion of that remediation.  The Company provided $0.4 million in 2010 for this matter, and is pursuing potential remedies from the previous owner.  The Company does not expect additional material losses associated with these environmental matters.
 
 
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In November 2010, Extruded received a request for information under Section 114(a) of the Clean Air Act from the EPA.  The focus of the EPA’s information request was the Extruded facility’s compliance with the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Secondary Nonferrous Metals Processing Area Sources, 40 C.F.R. § 63.11462 (Subpart TTTTTT).  Extruded responded to the information request and advised the EPA of its position that it was not subject to regulation under Subpart TTTTTT.  The state requested that Extruded request an applicability determination from the EPA.  On March 11, 2011, Mueller Brass Co. (MBCo), a subsidiary of the Company, submitted a request for an applicability determination to Region V of the EPA.

On or about October 24, 2012, MBCo was notified that based on the process description provided in its letter, the EPA agreed that it is not an ingot making facility and, therefore is not subject to Subpart TTTTTT.  This determination relieves the Company of future compliance requirements as well as any risk of civil penalties.

The estimates contained in the environmental reserves are based on assumptions that are highly subjective.  Many of the remedial activities performed by the Company are pursuant to performance-based obligations imposed by various regulatory bodies in which certain standards regarding levels of contaminants must be met.  The most subjective assumption that affects the estimates at these sites is the assumed length of time to comply with the remedial requirements set by the regulatory authorities.  This assumption is subject to change based on the regulatory environment, unanticipated delays and events that could limit access to these sites, unforeseen negative sampling results, and other factors.  Changes in any of these factors could have a material impact on future environmental expense.


Other Business Factors

The Registrant’s business is not materially dependent on patents, trademarks, licenses, franchises, or concessions held.  In addition, expenditures for company-sponsored research and development activities were not material during 2012, 2011, or 2010.  No material portion of the Registrant’s business involves governmental contracts.  Seasonality of the Company’s sales is not significant.


SEC Filings

We make available through our internet website our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  To retrieve any of this information, you may access our internet home page at www.muellerindustries.com, select Investors, and then select SEC Filings.

Reports filed with the SEC may also be viewed or obtained at the SEC Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.  Information on the operation of the SEC Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC; the website address is www.sec.gov.
 
 
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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 are providing a brief explanation of the more significant risks associated with our businesses.  Although we have tried to identify and discuss key risk factors, others could emerge in the future.  These risk factors should be considered carefully when evaluating the Company and its businesses.

Increases in costs and the availability of energy and raw materials used in our products could impact our cost of goods sold and our distribution expenses, which could have a material adverse impact on our operating margins.

Both the costs of raw materials used in our manufactured products (copper, brass, zinc, aluminum, and PVC and ABS resins) and energy costs (electricity, natural gas and fuel) have been volatile during the last several years, which has resulted in changes in production and distribution costs.  For example, recent and pending climate change regulation and initiatives on the state, regional, federal, and international levels that have focused on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the energy and utility sectors may affect energy availability and costs in the near future.  While we typically attempt to pass costs through to our customers or to modify or adapt our activities to mitigate the impact of increases, we may not be able to do so successfully.  Failure to fully pass increases to our customers or to modify or adapt our activities to mitigate the impact could have a material adverse impact on our operating margins.  Additionally, if we are for any reason unable to obtain raw materials or energy, our ability to manufacture our finished goods would be impacted which could have a material adverse impact on our operating margins.

The unplanned departure of key personnel could disrupt our business.

We depend on the continued efforts of our senior management.  The unplanned loss of key personnel, or the inability to hire and retain qualified executives, could negatively impact our ability to manage our business.

Economic conditions in the housing and commercial construction industries as well as changes in interest rates could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our businesses are sensitive to changes in general economic conditions, including, in particular, conditions in the housing and commercial construction industries.  Prices for our products are affected by overall supply and demand in the market for our products and for our competitors’ products.  In particular, market prices of building products historically have been volatile and cyclical, and we may be unable to control the timing and amount of pricing changes for our products.  Prolonged periods of weak demand or excess supply in any of our businesses could negatively affect our revenues and margins and could result in a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The markets that we serve, including, in particular, the housing and commercial construction industries, are significantly affected by movements in interest rates and the availability of credit.  Significantly higher interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.  Our businesses are also affected by a variety of other factors beyond our control, including, but not limited to, employment levels, foreign currency exchange rates, unforeseen inflationary pressures, and consumer confidence.  Since we operate in a variety of geographic areas, our businesses are subject to the economic conditions in each such area.  General economic downturns or localized downturns in the regions where we have operations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Although conditions stabilized during 2011 and continued to improve in 2012, the deterioration of the general economic environment has had a significant negative impact on businesses and consumers around the world since the crisis began in 2008.  The well-publicized downturn in the construction markets, both residential and commercial, including construction lending, may result in protracted decreased demand for our products.  In addition, the impact of the economy on the operations or liquidity of any party with which we conduct our business, including our suppliers and customers, may adversely impact our business.

 
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Competitive conditions including the impact of imports and substitute products and technologies could have a material adverse effect on the demand for our products as well as our margins and profitability.

The markets we serve are competitive across all product lines.  Some consolidation of customers has occurred and may continue, which could shift buying power to customers.  In some cases, customers have moved production to low-cost countries such as China, or sourced components from there, which has reduced demand in North America for some of the products we produce.  These conditions could have a material adverse impact on our ability to maintain margins and profitability.  The potential threat of imports and substitute products is based upon many factors including raw material prices, distribution costs, foreign exchange rates, production costs, and the development of emerging technologies and applications.  The end use of alternative import and/or substitute products could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.  Likewise, the development of new technologies and applications could result in lower demand for our products and have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations on cross border transactions and the translation of local currency results into U.S. dollars could have an adverse impact on our results of operations or financial position.

We conduct our business through subsidiaries in several different countries and export our products to many countries.  Fluctuations in currency exchange rates could have a significant impact on the competitiveness of our products as well as the reported results of our operations, which are presented in U.S. dollars.  A significant and growing portion of our products are manufactured in, or acquired from suppliers located in, lower cost regions.  Cross border transactions, both with external parties and intercompany relationships, result in increased exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations.  The strengthening of the U.S. dollar could expose our U.S. based businesses to competitive threats from lower cost producers in other countries such as China.  Lastly, our sales are translated into U.S. dollars for reporting purposes.  The strengthening of the U.S. dollar could result in unfavorable translation effects when the results of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars.  Accordingly, significant changes in exchange rates, particularly the U.K. pound sterling, Mexican peso, and the Chinese renminbi, could have an adverse impact on our results of operations or financial position.

We are subject to claims, litigation, and regulatory proceedings that could have a material adverse effect on us.

We are, from time–to-time, involved in various claims, litigation matters, and regulatory proceedings.  These matters may include, among other things, contract disputes, personal injury claims, environmental claims, OSHA inspections or proceedings, other tort claims, employment and tax matters and other litigation including class actions that arise in the ordinary course of our business.  Although we intend to defend these matters vigorously, we cannot predict with certainty the outcome or effect of any claim or other litigation matter, and there can be no assurance as to the ultimate outcome of any litigation or regulatory proceeding.  Litigation and regulatory proceedings may have a material adverse effect on us because of potential adverse outcomes, defense costs, the diversion of our management’s resources, availability of insurance coverage and other factors.

A strike, other work stoppage or business interruption, or our inability to renew collective bargaining agreements on favorable terms, could impact our cost structure and our ability to operate our facilities and produce our products, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

As of December 29, 2012, approximately 1,900 of our 3,775 employees were covered by collective bargaining or similar agreements.  If we are unable to negotiate acceptable new agreements with the unions representing our employees upon expiration of existing contracts, we could experience strikes or other work stoppages.  Strikes or other work stoppages could cause a significant disruption of operations at our facilities, which could have an adverse impact on us.  New or renewal agreements with unions representing our employees could call for higher wages or benefits paid to union members, which would increase our operating costs and could adversely affect our profitability.  Higher costs and/or limitations on our ability to operate our facilities and manufacture our products resulting from increased labor costs, strikes or other work stoppages could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
 
 
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In addition, unexpected interruptions in our operations or those of our customers or suppliers due to such causes as weather-related events or acts of God, such as earthquakes, could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.  For example, the EPA has recently found that global climate change would be expected to increase the severity and possibly the frequency of severe weather patterns such as hurricanes.  Although the financial impact of such is not reasonably estimable at this time, should such occur, our operations in certain coastal and flood-prone areas or operations of our customers and suppliers could be adversely affected.  As a result of a fire at our Wynne, Arkansas, location, our copper tube casting operations were destroyed and consequently our redundant casting capacity is no longer available.  If our remaining copper tube casting operations were to become inoperable, for any reason, our domestic copper tube production could be significantly impaired and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

We are subject to environmental and health and safety laws and regulations and future compliance may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

The nature of our operations exposes us to the risk of liabilities and claims with respect to environmental matters and health and safety matters.  While we have established accruals intended to cover the cost of environmental remediation at contaminated sites, the actual cost is difficult to determine and may exceed our estimated reserves.  Further, changes to, or more rigorous enforcement or stringent interpretation of environmental or health and safety laws could require significant incremental costs to maintain compliance.  Recent and pending climate change regulation and initiatives on the state, regional, federal, and international levels may require certain of our facilities to reduce GHG emissions.  While not reasonably estimable at this time, this could require capital expenditures for environmental control facilities and/or the purchase of GHG emissions credits in the coming years.  In addition, with respect to environmental matters, future claims may be asserted against us for, among other things, past acts or omissions at locations operated by predecessor entities, or alleging damage or injury or seeking other relief in connection with environmental matters associated with our operations.  Future liabilities, claims and compliance costs may have a material adverse effect on us because of potential adverse outcomes, defense costs, the diversion of our managementʼs resources, availability of insurance coverage and other factors.  The overall impact of these requirements on our operations could increase our costs and diminish our ability to compete with products that are produced in countries without such rigorous standards; the long run impact could negatively impact our results and have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
 
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.
 
 
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PROPERTIES
  
Information pertaining to the Registrant’s major operating facilities is included below.  Except as noted, the Registrant owns all of its principal properties.  The Registrant’s plants are in satisfactory condition and are suitable for the purpose for which they were designed and are now being used.
         
Location
 
Approximate Property Size
 
Description
         
 Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment
   
         
Fulton, MS
 
418,000 sq. ft.
52.37 acres
 
Copper tube mill.  Facility includes extruding, and finishing equipment to produce copper tube, including tube feedstock for the Company’s copper fittings plants and Precision Tube factory.
         
Fulton, MS
 
103,000 sq. ft.
11.9 acres
 
Casting facility.  Facility includes casting equipment to produce copper billets used in the adjoining copper tube mill.
         
Wynne, AR
 
400,000 sq. ft.
39.2 acres
(1)
Copper tube mill.  Facility includes extrusion and finishing equipment to produce copper tube and line sets.
         
Fulton, MS
 
58,500 sq. ft.
15.53 acres
 
Packaging and bar coding facility for retail channel sales.
         
Fulton, MS
 
70,000 sq. ft.
7.68 acres
(2)
Copper fittings plant.  High-volume facility that produces copper fittings using tube feedstock from the Company’s adjacent copper tube mill.
         
Covington, TN
 
159,500 sq. ft.
40.88 acres
 
Copper fittings plant.  Facility produces copper fittings using tube feedstock from the Company’s copper tube mills.
         
Ontario, CA
 
211,000 sq. ft.
(3)
Plastics manufacturing plant and distribution center.  Produces DWV fittings using injection molding equipment and ABS plastic pipe using pipe extruders.
         
Fort Pierce, FL
 
69,875 sq. ft.
5.60 acres
 
Plastic fittings plant.  Produces DWV and pressure fittings using injection molding equipment.
         
Monterrey, Mexico
 
152,000 sq. ft.
(3)
Pipe nipples plant.  Produces pipe nipples, cut pipe and merchant couplings.
         
Bilston, England, United Kingdom
 
402,500 sq. ft.
14.95 acres
 
Copper tube mill.  Facility includes casting, extruding, and finishing equipment to produce copper tube.
         
Phoenix, AZ
 
61,000 sq. ft.
(3)
Line sets plant.  Produces standard and custom-made line sets for HVAC markets.
         
Atlanta, GA
 
56,000 sq. ft.
(3)
Line sets plant.  Produces standard and custom-made line sets for HVAC markets.
         
(continued)
 
 
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ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
(continued)
       
Location
 
Approximate Property Size
 
Description
         
OEM Segment
       
         
Port Huron, MI
 
322,500 sq. ft.
71.5 acres
 
Brass rod mill.  Facility includes casting, extruding, and finishing equipment to produce brass rods and bars, in various shapes and sizes.
         
Belding, MI
 
293,068 sq. ft.
17.64 acres
 
Brass rod mill.  Facility includes casting, extruding, and finishing equipment to produce brass rods and bars, in various shapes and sizes.
         
Port Huron, MI
 
127,500 sq. ft.
 
Forgings plant.  Produces brass and aluminum forgings.
         
Marysville, MI
 
81,500 sq. ft.
6.72 acres
 
Aluminum and copper impacts plant.  Produces made-to-order parts using cold impact processes.
         
Hartsville, TN
 
78,000 sq. ft.
4.51 acres
 
Refrigeration products plant.  Produces products used in refrigeration applications such as ball valves, line valves, and compressor valves.
         
Carthage, TN
 
67,520 sq. ft.
10.98 acres
 
Fabrication facility.  Produces precision tubular components and assemblies.
         
Gordonsville, TN
 
54,000 sq. ft.
(3)
Fabrication facility.  Produces precision tubular components and assemblies.
         
Waynesboro, TN
 
57,000 sq. ft.
5.0 acres
(4)
Gas valve plant.  Facility produces brass and aluminum valves and assemblies for the gas appliance industry.
         
North Wales, PA
 
174,000 sq. ft.
18.9 acres
 
Precision Tube factory.  Facility fabricates copper tube, copper alloy tube, aluminum tube, and fabricated tubular products.
         
Brighton, MI
 
65,000  sq. ft.
(3)
Machining operation.  Facility machines component parts for supply to automotive industry.
         
Middletown, OH
 
55,000 sq. ft.
2.0 acres
 
Fabricating facility.  Produces burner systems and manifolds for the gas appliance industry.
         
(continued)
 
 
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ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
(continued)
       
Location
 
Approximate Property Size
 
Description
         
Jintan City, Jiangsu Province, China
 
322,580  sq. ft.
33.0 acres
(5)
Copper tube mill.  Facility includes casting, and finishing equipment to produce engineered copper tube primarily for OEMs.
         
Xinbei District, Changzhou, China
 
33,940 sq. ft.
(3)
Refrigeration products plant.  Produces products used in refrigeration applications such as ball valves, line valves, and compressor valves.
         
Bluffs, IL
 
70,000 sq. ft.
10 acres
 
Fabrication facility.  Produces products used in refrigeration applications such as oil separators, accumulators, and heat exchangers.
         
Guadalupe, MX
 
70,782 sq. ft.
(3)
Fabrication facility.  Produces tubular components, assemblies, and return bends for refrigeration and HVAC markets.
         
Guadalupe, MX
 
59,331 sq. ft.
(3)
Gas valve plant.  Facility produces brass and aluminum valves and assemblies for the gas appliance industry.
         
Farmers Branch, TX
 
54,000 sq. ft.
(3)
Fabrication facility.  Produces tubular components, assemblies, and return bends for refrigeration and HVAC markets.
         
 
In addition, the Company owns and/or leases other properties used as distribution centers and corporate offices.
(1)  
Facility, or some portion thereof, is located on land leased from a local municipality, with an option to purchase at nominal cost.
(2)  
Facility is leased under a long-term lease agreement, with an option to purchase at nominal cost.
(3)  
Facility is leased under an operating lease.
(4)  
Facility is leased from a local municipality for a nominal amount.
(5)  
Facility is located on land that is under a long-term land use rights agreement.
 
 
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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 Consolidated Financial Statements.

Environmental Proceedings

Reference is made to “Environmental Matters” in Item 1 of this Report, which is incorporated herein by reference, for a description of environmental proceedings.

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 has appealed the final determination to the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT).  On December 16, 2011, the CIT issued a decision to remand the final results back to DOC to reconsider its decision.  The Department issued its remand determination on May 14, 2012.  In that determination, the DOC again assigned Mueller Comercial an antidumping duty rate of 48.3 percent.  On June 13, 2012, Mueller challenged the DOC’s remand determination.  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 $3.8 million for this matter.

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 for this period of review.  On June 21, 2011, the DOC published the final results of this 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 ruling is not yet final; however, once a determination is made, it may be appealed by the Company.  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-alloy 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 because the request for review was withdrawn.  By the end of 2013, the DOC should issue its final determination to rescind this review.
 
 
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United States Department of Commerce and United States International Trade Commission Antidumping Investigations

On September 30, 2009, two subsidiaries of the Company, along with Cerro Flow Products, Inc. and KobeWieland Copper Products LLC (collectively, Petitioners), jointly filed antidumping petitions with the DOC and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) alleging that imports of seamless refined copper pipe and tube from China and Mexico (subject imports) were being sold at less than fair value and were causing material injury (and threatening material injury) to the domestic industry.  On October 1, 2010, the DOC published its final affirmative determinations, finding antidumping rates from 24.89 percent to 27.16 percent for Mexico (as subsequently amended), and from 11.25 percent to 60.85 percent for China.

On November 22, 2010, the DOC published antidumping orders, with the effect that importers were required to post antidumping cash deposits at rates ranging from 24.89 percent to 27.16 percent (for subject imports from Mexico) and from 11.25 percent to 60.85 percent (for subject imports from China) for imports occurring on or after November 22, 2010.

On December 22, 2010, certain Mexican parties requested panel reviews under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in order to appeal the ITC final determination as to Mexico.  Following a period of litigation, on December 8, 2011, the last of the Mexican parties voluntarily terminated its NAFTA panel review request, with the effect that the ITC’s final threat of material injury determination as to Mexico  is final.

On July 7, 2011, the DOC initiated a new shipper review of certain entries from a Mexican processor of copper tube, GD Affiliates S.de R.L. de C.V., based on that company’s request for a company-specific dumping rate.  DOC examined GD Affiliates S. de R.L. de C.V. sales for the period November 22, 2010 through April 30, 2011.  On September 26, 2012, DOC determined that GD Affiliates S. de R.L. de C.V. sold subject merchandise for less than fair value and calculated a weighted average dumping margin of 5.53 percent ad valorem.  DOC instructed U.S. Customs and Border Protection to require the posting of cash deposits on all entries of subject merchandise exported by GD Affiliates S. de R.L. de C.V. entered into the United States on or after September 26, 2012.  On October 24, 2012, GD Affiliates S. de R.L. de C.V. requested a panel review under the NAFTA to appeal DOC’s determination.  Briefing is expected to be completed in mid-2013 and, at this time, the Company is unable to know the final disposition of the Panel review.  In the interim, Customs will require cash deposits for subject merchandise exported by GD Affiliates S. de R.L. de C.V. from Mexico and entered into the United States.

On August 7, 2012, the DOC published its preliminary results of the first administrative review of exports from China from Hong Kong Hailiang Metal Trading Limited, Zhejiang Hailiang Co., Ltd., and Shanghai Hailiang Copper Co., Ltd. (collectively Hailiang) and Golden Dragon Precise Copper Tube Group, Inc. (Golden Dragon) finding a dumping margin for Hailiang of 60.58 percent ad valorem and 0.00 percent for Golden Dragon.  DOC examined sales during the period November 22, 2010 through October 31, 2011.  DOC is scheduled to issue its final results on May 6, 2013.  At this time, the Company is unable to know the final disposition of the administrative review.

On December 10, 2012, the DOC published its preliminary results of the first administrative review of exports from Mexico from GD Affiliates S. de R.L. de C.V. and its affiliate Hong Kong GD Trading Co., Ltd. (collectively, Golden Dragon) and Nacional de Cobre, S.A. de C.V. (Nacobre) finding that neither company sold subject merchandise at dumped prices.  DOC examined sales made by Golden Dragon for the period May 1, 2011 through October 31, 2011 and by Nacobre for the period November 22, 2010 through October 31, 2011.  DOC is scheduled to issue its final results on April 9, 2013.  At this time, the Company is unable to know the final disposition of the administrative review.
        
On December 31, 2012, the DOC initiated the second administrative review of several Chinese and Mexican copper tube producers and/or exporters to the United States in order to establish company-specific dumping rates based on the period November 1, 2011 through October 31, 2012.  The reviews are expected to be completed sometime in 2014.  At this time, the Company is unable to know the final disposition of these second administrative reviews.
 
 
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Supplier Litigation

On May 6, 2011, the Company and two of its subsidiaries, Mueller Streamline Co. and B&K Industries, Inc. (B&K)(Plaintiffs), filed a civil lawsuit in federal district court in Los Angeles, California against a former supplier, Xiamen Lota International Co., Ltd (Xiamen Lota), its U.S. sales representative (Lota USA), and certain other persons (Defendants).  The lawsuit alleged, among other things, that the Defendants gave Peter D. Berkman, a former executive of the Company and B&K, an undisclosed interest in Lota USA, and made payments and promises of payments to him, in return for Peter Berkman maintaining the Company as a customer, increasing purchasing levels, and acquiescing to non-competitive and excessive pricing for Xiamen Lota products.  The lawsuit alleged violations of federal statutes 18 U.S.C. Sections 1962(c) and (d) (RICO claims) and California state law unfair competition.  The lawsuit sought compensatory, treble and punitive damages, and other appropriate relief including an award of reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs of suit.  In October 2012, the lawsuit, together with certain related proceedings in Illinois and Tennessee, were settled on mutually agreeable terms and, in connection therewith, the Company received a $5.8 million cash payment.

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 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 Company intends to vigorously defend this matter.  At this time, the Company is unable to determine the impact, if any, that this matter will have on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.  A mediation between the parties was held on November 8, 2012.  The parties did not reach a settlement.  Discovery is proceeding in the matter, and Plaintiff’s motion for class certification will be heard in early April 2013.  The Company plans to have a motion for summary disposition heard on or before that date.

U.K. Actions Relating to the European Commission’s 2004 Copper Tubes 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 tubes.  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 of conduct described in the European Commission’s September 3, 2004, decision regarding copper tubes.  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 tubes claim and the copper fittings claim, Mueller does not believe this matter will have a material affect on the Consolidated Financial Statements for the contribution claims.
 
 
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As to the claims arising from the Copper Tubes 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 are due by March 15, 2013.  There is then to be a case management conference on the first available date after March 25, 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.

Canadian Dumping and Countervail Investigation

In 2007, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) determined that the Company and certain affiliated companies, as exporters and importers of copper fittings (subject goods) from the U.S. to Canada, had dumped the subject goods during the investigation period.  In 2007, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal concluded that the dumping had caused injury to the Canadian industry.  As a result of these findings, exports of subject goods to Canada made on or after October 20, 2006 have been subject to antidumping measures.  Antidumping duties will be imposed on the Company only to the extent that the Company’s future exports of copper pipe fittings are made at net export prices that are below normal values set by the CBSA.  The measures remain in place for five years at which time Canadian authorities determine whether to maintain the measures for an additional five years or allow them to expire.  Canadian authorities conducted such a sunset review and on February 17, 2012 found that the dumping order should be maintained for another five years.
 
On February 8, 2013, the CBSA completed a review process to revise the normal values issued to the Company.  Given the small percentage of its products that are sold for export to Canada, the Company does not anticipate any material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of the antidumping case in Canada.


MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.
 
 
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PART II

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

As of February 25, 2013, the number of holders of record of Mueller’s common stock was approximately 1,020.  On February 25, 2013, the closing price for Mueller’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $51.98.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company’s Board of Directors has extended, until October 2013, the 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 purchase any shares and may cancel, suspend, or extend the time period for the purchase of shares at any time.  Any purchases will be funded primarily through existing cash and cash from operations.  The Company may hold any shares purchased in treasury or use a portion of the repurchased shares for its stock-based compensation plans, as well as for other corporate purposes.  From its initial authorization in 1999 through December 29, 2012, the Company had repurchased approximately 2.4 million shares under this authorization.  The Company’s repurchase transaction with Leucadia National Corporation in September 2012 was completed outside of this authorization.  Below is a summary of the Company’s stock repurchases for the quarter ended December 29, 2012.

     
(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
 
                 
7,644,530
 
(1)
  September 30 – October 27, 2012  
315,353
(2)
$
49.78
 
     
                       
  October 28 – November 24, 2012  
4,251
(2)
 
43.67
 
     
                       
  November 25 – December 29, 2012  
20,621
(2)
 
49.49
 
     
                       
 (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 purchase price and/or withholding taxes upon exercise. In addition, includes restricted stock forfeitures.

The Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of 12.5 cents in the fourth quarter of 2012 and 10 cents per share on its common stock for the first three quarters of 2012 and each quarter of 2011.  Payment of dividends in the future is dependent upon the Company’s financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, earnings, and other factors.
 
 
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The high, low, and closing prices of Mueller’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange for each fiscal quarter of 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

   
High
   
Low
   
Close
 
2012
                 
                   
Fourth quarter
  $ 51.41     $ 42.43     $ 49.26  
Third quarter
    48.48       39.72       45.47  
Second quarter
    47.28       39.89       42.59  
First quarter
    49.86       38.16       45.45  
                         
2011
                       
                         
Fourth quarter
  $ 46.33     $ 35.51     $ 38.42  
Third quarter
    47.72       36.14       38.59  
Second quarter
    40.13       34.60       38.47  
First quarter
    37.32       31.08       36.95  
 
 
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PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following table compares total stockholder return since December 29, 2007 to the Dow Jones U.S. Total Market Index (Total Market Index) and the Dow Jones U.S. Building Materials & Fixtures Index (Building Materials Index).  Total return values for the Total Market Index, the Building Materials Index and the Company were calculated based on cumulative total return values assuming reinvestment of dividends.  The common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol MLI.
 
Mueller Industries, Inc. 2012 stock graph
   
2007
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
 
Mueller Industries, Inc.
    100       78.24       89.06       117.24       137.79       178.35  
Dow Jones U.S. Total Market Index
    100       60.21       81.28       93.72       95.05       108.72  
Dow Jones U.S. Building Materials & Fixtures Index
    100       66.14       79.00       90.22       92.81       138.32  
 
 
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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(In thousands, except per share data)
 
2012
     
2011
     
2010
     
2009
   
2008
   
                                           
For the fiscal year: (1)
                                     
                                           
   
Net sales
 
$
2,189,938
     
$
2,417,797
     
$
2,059,797
     
$
1,547,225
   
$
2,558,448
   
                                                     
   
Operating income
   
126,705
 
(2)
   
139,802
 
(3)
   
136,147
 
(4)
   
32,220
 
(5)
 
126,096
(6)
 
                                 
  
                 
   
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.
   
82,395
       
86,321
       
86,171
       
4,675
     
80,814
(6)
 
                                                     
   
Diluted earnings per share
   
2.31
 
(8)
   
2.26
       
2.28
       
0.12
     
2.17
   
                                                     
   
Cash dividends per share
   
0.425
       
0.40
       
0.40
       
0.40
     
0.40
   
                                                     
At year-end:
                                               
                                                     
   
Total assets
   
1,104,155
       
1,347,604
       
1,258,996
       
1,180,141
     
1,182,913
   
                                                     
   
Long-term debt
   
207,300
       
156,476
       
158,226
       
158,226
     
158,726
   
                                                     
                                                     
  (1)  
Includes activity of acquired businesses from the following purchase dates: Westermeyer Industries, Inc., August 16, 2012, Tube Forming L.P., December 28, 2010, and Linesets, Inc., August 6, 2010.
 
         
  (2)  
Includes deferred recognition of $8.0 million gain from liquidation of LIFO inventory layers, $4.1 million net gain from settlement of litigation, $1.5 million gain from settlement of insurance claims, and severance charges of $3.4 million.
 
         
  (3)  
Includes $10.5 million gain from settlement of litigation.
 
         
  (4)  
Includes $22.7 million gain from settlement of insurance claims.
 
         
  (5)  
Includes impairment charges of $29.8 million, primarily related to goodwill.
 
         
  (6)  
Includes $14.9 million pre-tax gain from liquidation of LIFO layers less a pre-tax charge of $4.9 million to write down inventories to the lower-of-cost-or-market and a goodwill impairment charge of $18.0 million.
 
         
  (7)  
Includes the net-of-tax effect of all of the items described in (6) above, plus a provision of $15.4 million ($9.6 million after tax) related to environmental settlements and obligations and a gain of $21.6 million related to the early extinguishment of debt.
 
         
  (8)  
Includes the impact of 10.4 million shares repurchased from Leucadia National Corporation in September 2012.
 
 
 
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is contained under the caption “Financial Review” submitted as a separate section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K commencing on page F-2.
 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
                             
Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk are contained under the caption “Financial Review” submitted as a separate section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K commencing on page F-2.
 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
                     
Financial Statements required by this item are contained in a separate section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K commencing on page F-1.


CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.
 
 
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 December 29, 2012.  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 December 29, 2012 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.
 
 
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Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, and effected by the Company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the  Company’s assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the issuer are being made only in accordance with authorizations of the Company’s management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.  Due to inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Further, because of changes in conditions, effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting may vary over time.
 
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 internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2012 based on the control criteria established in a report entitled Internal Control—Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  Based on such evaluation management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 29, 2012.
 
Ernst & Young LLP (E&Y), the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Company’s financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which is included herein.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company determined that control deficiencies in its internal control over financial reporting at one of its divisions, the Standard Products Division (SPD), existed as of December 31, 2011.  These control deficiencies related to a combination of appropriate review of significant manual journal entries as well as financial review monitoring controls. The Company and E&Y have concluded that, had it and they been aware of the combination of these control deficiencies in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting at February 28, 2012, the date of its and their reports on internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, both would have concluded that a material weakness existed and that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was ineffective at that date.

The material weakness did not result in a material misstatement in the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows as of and for the period ended December 31, 2011.  Furthermore, during the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company designed and implemented remediation measures to address the material weakness described above and enhance the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The following actions which the Company believes have remediated the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting were completed as of the date of this filing:

·  
The Company reorganized the accounting function of SPD that was in place when the control deficiencies occurred and supplemented that function with a finance team that has more public company accounting and finance experience; and

·  
The finance team effectively added monitoring practices concerning the review of manual journal entries and reported financial results.
 
 
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.

We have audited Mueller Industries, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Mueller Industries, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Mueller Industries, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2012, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Mueller Industries, Inc. as of December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 29, 2012 and our report dated February 27, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 

   /s/Ernst & Young LLP
Memphis, Tennessee
 
February 27, 2013
 
 
 
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OTHER INFORMATION
                             
None.


PART III
 
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
                
The information required by Item 10 is contained under the captions “Ownership of Common Stock by Directors and Executive Officers and Information about Director Nominees,” “Corporate Governance,” “Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors,” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Compliance Reporting” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC on or about March 20, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The Company intends to disclose any amendments to its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics by posting such information to the Company’s website at www.muellerindustries.com.
 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
The information required by Item 11 is contained under the caption “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Summary Compensation Table for 2012,” “2012 Grants of Plan Based Awards Table,” “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 2012 Year-End,” “2012 Option Exercises and Stock Vested,” “Employment and Consulting Agreements,” “Potential Payments Under Employment and Consulting Agreements as of the End of 2012,” “2012 Director Compensation,” “Report of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on Executive Compensation” and “Corporate Governance” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC on or about March 20, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table discloses information regarding the securities to be issued and the securities remaining available for issuance under the Registrant’s stock-based incentive plans as of December 29, 2012 (shares in thousands):

       
(a)
   
(b)
   
(c)
 
 
Plan category
   
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants, and rights
   
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants, and rights
   
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
 
                       
  Equity compensation plans approved by security holders       694     $ 28.93       329 (1)
                             
  Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders                    
                             
  Total       694     $ 28.93       329  
                             
 (1)
 Of the 329 thousand securities remaining available for issuance under the equity compensation plans, 317 thousand are available under the Company’s 2009 Stock Incentive Plan for issuance of restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, or stock options. The remaining securities are available for issuance of stock options to the Board of Directors only.

Other information required by Item 12 is contained under the captions “Principal Stockholders” and “Ownership of Common Stock by Directors and Executive Officers and Information about Director Nominees” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC on or about March 20, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.


CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by Item 13 is contained under the caption “Corporate Governance” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC on or about March 20, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
       
The information required by Item 14 is contained under the caption “Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC on or about March 20, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
29

 
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PART IV


EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)
The following documents are filed as part of this report:
   
1.
Financial Statements: the financial statements, notes, and report of independent registered public accounting firm described in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are contained in a separate section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K commencing on page F-1.
   
2.
Financial Statement Schedule: the financial statement schedule described in Item 8 of this report is contained in a separate section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K commencing on page F-1.
   
3.
Exhibits:
 
 
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant dated February 8, 2007 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 28, 2007, for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006).
     
 
3.2
Amended and Restated By-laws of the Registrant, effective as of January 1, 2012 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated November 3, 2011).
     
 
4.1
Indenture, dated as of October 26, 2004, by and between Mueller Industries, Inc., and SunTrust Bank, as trustee (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated October 26, 2004).
     
 
4.2
Certain instruments with respect to long-term debt of the Registrant have not been filed as Exhibits to this Report since the total amount of securities authorized under any such instruments does not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of the Registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.  The Registrant agrees to furnish a copy of each such instrument upon request of the SEC.
     
 
10.1
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective as of September 17, 1997, by and between the Registrant and Harvey L. Karp (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 24, 2003, for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2002).
     
 
10.2
Amendment, dated June 21, 2004, to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of September 17, 1997, by and between the Registrant and Harvey Karp (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended June 26, 2004, dated July 16, 2004).
     
 
10.3
Second Amendment, dated February 17, 2005, to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of September 17, 1997, between the Registrant and Harvey Karp (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 5, 2005).
 
       
 
10.4
Third Amendment, dated October 25, 2007, to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of September 17, 1997, by and between the Registrant and Harvey Karp (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated October 25, 2007).
 
 
 
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10.5
Fourth Amendment, dated December 2, 2008, to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of September 17, 1997, by and between the Registrant and Harvey Karp (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 24, 2009, for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2008).
 
       
 
10.6
Amended and Restated Consulting Agreement, dated October 25, 2007, by and between the Registrant and Harvey Karp (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated October 25, 2007).
 
       
 
10.7
Amendment No. 1, dated December 2, 2008, to the Amended and Restated Consulting Agreement, dated October 25, 2007, by and between the Registrant and Harvey Karp (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 24, 2009, for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2008).
 
       
 
10.8
Letter Agreement with Harvey Karp, dated as of May 11, 2011 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 16, 2011).
 
       
 
10.9
Employment Agreement, effective October 17, 2002, by and between the Registrant and Kent A. McKee (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 24, 2003, for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2002).
 
       
 
10.10
Amendment No. 1, dated December 10, 2008, to the Employment Agreement, effective October 17, 2002, by and between the Registrant and Kent A. McKee (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 24, 2009, for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2008).
 
       
 
10.11
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective October 30, 2008, by and between the Registrant and Gregory L. Christopher (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 26, 2008).
 
       
 
10.12
Mueller Industries, Inc. 1994 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, as amended (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 24, 2003, for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2002 and Exhibit 99.6 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 31, 2004).
 
       
 
10.13
Mueller Industries, Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan, as amended (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 24, 2003, for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2002 and Exhibit 99.4 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 31, 2004).
 
       
   10.14 Mueller Industries, Inc. 2002 Stock Option Plan Amended and Restated as of February 16, 2006 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 28, 2007, for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006).  
     
 
10.15
Mueller Industries, Inc. 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference from Appendix I to the Company’s 2009 Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company’s 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 2009).
     
 
10.16
Amendment to the Mueller Industries, Inc. 2002 Stock Option Plan, dated July 11, 2011 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 28, 2012, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011).
 
 
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10.17
Amendment to the Mueller Industries, Inc. 2009 Stock Incentive Plan, dated July 11, 2011 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 28, 2012, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011).
     
 
10.18
Mueller Industries, Inc. 2011 Annual Bonus Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 28, 2012, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011).
     
 
10.19
Summary description of the Registrant’s 2013 incentive plan for certain key employees.
     
 
10.20
Amended Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011, among the Registrant (as Borrower) and Bank of America, N.A. (as agent), and certain lenders named therein, following adoption of Amendment No. 2 dated December 11, 2012.
     
 
10.21
Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement among the Registrant (as borrower), Bank of America, N.A. (as agent), and certain lenders named therein dated August 12, 2011 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the Quarterly period ended October 1, 2011, dated October 27, 2011).
     
 
10.22
Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement among the Registrant (as borrower), Bank of America, N.A. (as agent), and certain lenders named therein dated December 11, 2012.
     
 
10.23
Employment Agreement by and between the Registrant and James H. Rourke, dated March 23, 2012 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March 26, 2012).
     
 
10.24
Share Repurchase Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2012, by and among Mueller Industries, Inc., Leucadia National Corporation and BEI-Longhorn, LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 24, 2012).
     
 
10.25
Amended and Restated Letter Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2012, by and between Mueller Industries, Inc. and Leucadia National Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 24, 2012).
     
 
10.26
Separation Agreement by and between the Registrant and Kent A. McKee, dated November 7, 2012 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated November 9, 2012).
     
 
10.27
Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between the Registrant and Gregory L. Christopher, dated February 14, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 14, 2013).
     
 
21.0
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
     
 
23.0
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
     
 
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     
 
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     
 
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
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32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 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 
 
 
33

 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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, on February 27, 2013.

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

 
/s/ Gregory L. Christopher
 
 
Gregory L. Christopher, Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer), and Director
 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

Signature
Title
Date
     
/s/Gary S. Gladstein
Chairman of the Board, and Director
February 27, 2013
Gary S. Gladstein
   
     
/s/ Gregory L. Christopher
Chief Executive Officer
February 27, 2013
Gregory L. Christopher
(Principal Executive Officer), and Director
 
     
/s/ Alexander P. Federbush
Director
February 27, 2013
Alexander P. Federbush
   
     
/s/ Paul J. Flaherty
Director
February 27, 2013
Paul J. Flaherty
   
     
/s/ Gennaro J. Fulvio
Director
February 27, 2013
Gennaro J. Fulvio
   
     
/s/ Scott J. Goldman
Director
February 27, 2013
Scott J. Goldman
   
     
/s/ Terry Hermanson
Director
February 27, 2013
Terry Hermanson
   
     

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 
Signature and Title
Date
     
 
/s/ Jeffrey A. Martin
February 27, 2013
 
Jeffrey A. Martin
 
 
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
     
 
/s/ Richard W. Corman
February 27, 2013
 
Richard W. Corman
 
 
Vice President – Controller
 
 
 
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MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   
F- 2
   
 
for the years ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011, and December 25, 2010
F- 12
   
 
for the years ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011, and December 25, 2010
F- 13
   
 
as of December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011
F- 14
   
 
for the years ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011, and December 25, 2010
F- 15
   
 
for the years ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011, and December 25, 2010
F- 16
   
F- 18
   
F- 49
   




FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

 
Schedule for the years ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011, and December 25, 2010
   
F- 50
   
 
 
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Table of Contents
 
FINANCIAL REVIEW

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.

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 the Standard Products Division (SPD), European Operations, and Mexican Operations.  The OEM segment is composed of the Industrial Products Division (IPD), Engineered Products Division (EPD), and Jiangsu Mueller–Xingrong Copper Industries Limited (Mueller-Xingrong), the Company’s Chinese joint venture.  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 in Europe, 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 OEM’s 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 at significantly below capacity during 2012, 2011, and 2010 due to the 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 recent years from 2009 through 2012 had the lowest recorded housing starts since recordkeeping began in 1959.  From 1959 through 2007, annual new housing starts averaged 1.5 million units.  Per the U.S. Census Bureau, new housing starts in the U.S. were 780 thousand in 2012, which compares with 609 thousand in 2011 and 587 thousand in 2010, all of which are substantially below average historic levels.  Mortgage rates have remained at low levels during 2012, 2011 and 2010, as the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 3.35 percent in December 2012, 3.96 percent in December 2011, and 4.71 percent in December 2010.  Commercial construction has also declined significantly in recent years and, in fact, most categories remain at levels less than a decade ago.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the actual private nonresidential value of construction put in place was $297.7 billion in 2012, $258.0 billion in 2011, and $263.8 billion in 2010, significantly less than activity levels in 2008 and 2009.  Business conditions in the U.S. automotive industry were also exceptionally difficult in the economic downturn during 2008 and 2009, which affected the demand for various products in the Company’s OEM segment; however, improvements have occurred in 2011 and 2012.  These conditions have significantly affected the demand for virtually all of the Company’s core products in recent years.

 
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Table of Contents
 
Residential construction activity improved in 2012 but is still at historical lows.  Recovery in the near-term is expected but may be tempered by continuing high rates of unemployment and tighter lending standards.  The private non-residential construction sector, which includes offices, industrial and retail projects, showed improvement in 2012 after declines of two percent in 2011, 23 percent in 2010 and 16 percent in 2009.  The Company expects that most of these conditions will gradually improve, but at an irregular pace.

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.

The years ended December 29, 2012 and December 25, 2010 contained 52 weeks, while the year ended December 31, 2011 contained 53 weeks.

Results of Operations

2012 Performance Compared with 2011

Consolidated net sales in 2012 were $2.19 billion, a 10 percent decrease compared with net sales of $2.42 billion in 2011.  The decrease was largely attributable to the decrease in base metal prices, primarily copper, and slightly lower unit volumes in many of the Company’s core products.  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 2012 was approximately $3.61 per pound, or 10 percent lower than the 2011 average of $4.01 per pound.

Cost of goods sold was $1.90 billion in 2012 compared with $2.12 billion in 2011.  The year-over-year decrease was due primarily to the decrease in the price of copper, the Company’s principal raw material, and slightly lower sales volume in its core product lines.  In addition, the Company recognized a deferred gain from LIFO liquidation that resulted in a reduction of approximately $8.0 million to cost of sales.

Depreciation and amortization decreased from $36.9 million in 2011 to $31.5 million in 2012 due to certain assets becoming fully depreciated.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased to $129.5 million in 2012; this $6.5 million decrease was primarily due to decreased employment costs, including incentive compensation, of $5.9 million.  These decreases were partially offset by increased professional fees of $2.5 million.

During 2012, the Company recorded a net gain of $4.1 million upon receipt of payment related to the October 2012 settlement of a lawsuit against Xiamen Lota International Co., Ltd. The Company also settled the business interruption portion of its insurance claim related to the July 2009 explosion at the copper tube facility in Fulton, Mississippi and recorded a $1.5 million gain. The gain was offset by $3.4 million in severance charges.
 
 
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Table of Contents

During 2011, the Company recorded a gain of $10.5 million upon receipt of payment related to the December 10, 2010, settlement of a lawsuit against Peter D. Berkman, Jeffrey A. Berkman, and Homewerks Worldwide LLC.  

Interest expense decreased to $6.9 million in 2012 from $11.6 million in 2011. This decrease was related to the redemption of the 6% Subordinated Debentures during the second quarter of 2012 and decreased borrowings by Mueller Xingrong. Other income, net was $0.5 million in 2012 compared with $1.9 million for 2011.  This decrease was primarily due to a $0.8 million increase in the provision for environmental remediation and a loss on the disposal of certain long-lived assets.

Income tax expense was $36.7 million, for an effective rate of 30 percent.  This rate was lower than what would be computed using the U.S. statutory federal rate primarily due to the U.S. production activities deduction benefit of $3.0 million, effect of lower foreign tax rates and other foreign adjustments of $2.6 million, and reductions in tax contingencies of $3.2 million.  These decreases were partially offset by state tax expense, net of federal benefit, of $3.2 million.

The Company’s employment was approximately 3,775 at the end of 2012 compared with 3,750 at the end of 2011.

Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment

Net sales by the Plumbing & Refrigeration segment decreased seven percent to $1.24 billion in 2012 from $1.33 billion in 2011.  Of the $92.2 million decrease in net sales, approximately $86.2 million was attributable to lower net selling prices and approximately $12.2 million was due to lower volume in Europe.  Cost of goods sold decreased from $1.14 billion in 2011 to $1.06 billion in 2012, which was also due to decreasing raw material prices, primarily copper, and lower sales volume.  In addition, the Company recognized a deferred gain from LIFO liquidation that resulted in a reduction of approximately $8.0 million to cost of sales for the segment.  Depreciation and amortization decreased from $20.9 million in 2011 to $16.5 million in 2012 due to reduced depreciation expense resulting from certain assets becoming fully depreciated.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased from $84.8 million in 2011 to $75.4 million in 2012.  The decrease is primarily due to lower employment costs, including incentive compensation, of $5.7 million.  The Company also settled the business interruption portion of its insurance claim related to the July 2009 explosion at the copper tube facility in Fulton, Mississippi and recorded a $1.5 million gain. Operating income for the segment increased from $84.8 million in 2011 to $87.0 million in 2012.
 
During 2011, a portion of the Wynne, Arkansas manufacturing operation was extensively damaged by fire, which impacted a portion of the segment’s copper tube, line sets, and DWV plastic fittings operations.  Direct, incremental property damage and cleanup costs have been deferred as a receivable, while the impact of lost sales and other extra expenses associated with business interruption have been recognized as incurred in the Consolidated Statement of Income for 2011 and 2012.  These amounts are expected to be covered by business interruption insurance; however, the expected gain will not be recognized until final settlement of the claim.

OEM Segment

The OEM segment’s net sales were $974.6 million in 2012 compared with $1.12 billion in 2011.  Of the $145.2 million decrease in net sales, approximately $66.0 million was due to lower net selling prices and approximately $66.1 million was due to lower unit volume in the segment’s core product lines of brass rod, forgings, and commercial tube.  Cost of goods sold decreased to $866.4 million in 2012 from $1.01 billion in 2011, which was also due to the decrease in the average costs of raw materials and lower sales volume.  Depreciation and amortization remained relatively consistent.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $27.7 million in 2012 compared with $24.8 million in 2011.  The increase is due primarily to losses on fixed asset impairments of $1.5 million, increased bad debt expense of $0.8 million, and increased selling and distribution expenses of $0.5 million.  Operating income decreased from $72.7 million in 2011 to $67.1 million in 2012, due primarily to lower unit volume and net spreads and increased per-unit conversion costs in core products.
 
 
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Table of Contents

2011 Performance Compared with 2010

Consolidated net sales in 2011 were $2.42 billion, a 17 percent increase compared with net sales of $2.06 billion in 2010.  The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in base metal prices, primarily copper, and slightly higher unit volumes in many of the Company’s core products.  The Comex average copper price in 2011 was approximately $4.01 per pound, or 17 percent higher than the 2010 average of $3.43 per pound.

Cost of goods sold was $2.12 billion in 2011 compared with $1.77 billion in 2010.  The year-over-year increase was due primarily to the increase in the price of copper, the Company’s principal raw material, and slightly higher sales volume in core product lines.

Depreciation and amortization decreased from $40.4 million in 2010 to $36.9 million in 2011 due to certain assets becoming fully depreciated.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased to $136.0 million in 2011; this $4.8 million increase was primarily due to increased employment costs, including incentive compensation of $9.9 million.  These increases were partially offset by reduced bad debt expense of $5.0 million.

During 2011, the Company recorded a gain of $10.5 million upon receipt of payment related to the December 10, 2010, settlement of a lawsuit against Peter D. Berkman, Jeffrey A. Berkman, and Homewerks Worldwide LLC.  

During 2010, the Company recognized insurance settlements of $22.7 million related to the reimbursement for losses claimed as a result of a fire at the U.K. copper tube mill in November 2008, and an explosion at the Fulton, Mississippi copper tube mill in July 2009.

Interest expense remained consistent with the prior year at $11.6 million.  Other income (expense), net was $1.9 million income in 2011 compared with expense of $2.7 million for 2010.  This fluctuation was primarily due to an environmental provision of $2.5 million in 2010.

Income tax expense was $43.1 million, for an effective rate of 33 percent.  This rate was lower than what would be computed using the U.S. statutory federal rate primarily due to the U.S. production activities deduction benefit of $3.9 million and reductions in tax contingencies of $1.9 million.  These decreases were partially offset by state tax expense, net of federal benefit, of $4.3 million.

The Company’s employment was approximately 3,750 at the end of 2011 compared with 3,600 at the end of 2010.

Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment

Net sales by the Plumbing & Refrigeration segment increased 19 percent to $1.33 billion in 2011 from $1.12 billion in 2010.  The increase in net sales was due to higher selling prices resulting from higher average prices of raw materials and slightly higher unit volumes.  Of the $214.8 million increase in net sales, approximately $34.1 million was attributable to higher unit volume and approximately $148.9 million was due to higher net selling prices in the segment’s core product lines consisting primarily of copper tube, line sets, and fittings.  Cost of goods sold increased from $951.2 million in 2010 to $1.14 billion in 2011, which was also due to higher sales volume and increasing raw material prices, primarily copper.  Depreciation and amortization decreased from $24.9 million in 2010 to $20.9 million in 2011 due to reduced depreciation expense resulting from certain assets becoming fully depreciated in 2010.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased from $78.6 million in 2010 to $84.8 million in 2011.  The increase is primarily due to increased sales and distribution expenses resulting from higher sales volume and increased employment costs, including incentive compensation of $5.1 million.  Operating income for the segment increased from $83.7 million in 2010 to $84.8 million in 2011.  This was due to higher sales volume and increased spreads in the segment’s core products especially in copper tube and fittings.  This increase was offset by $22.7 million of insurance settlement gains recognized in 2010, primarily resulting from the fire at the U.K. tube operation.
 
 
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Table of Contents

OEM Segment

The OEM segment’s net sales were $1.12 billion in 2011 compared with $958.9 million in 2010.  The increase was due primarily to higher net selling prices resulting from higher average costs of raw materials, partially offset by slightly lower unit volume.  Of the $161.1 million increase in net sales, approximately $121.0 million was due to higher net selling prices in the segment’s core product lines of brass rod, forgings, and commercial tube.  Cost of goods sold increased to $1.01 billion in 2011 from $837.6 million in 2010, which was also due to the increase in the average costs of raw materials.  Depreciation and amortization remained relatively consistent.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $24.8 million in 2011 compared with $26.8 million in 2010.  The decrease is due primarily to decreased bad debt expense of $4.5 million, partially offset by increased employment costs of $2.3 million.  Operating income decreased from $80.1 million in 2010 to $72.7 million in 2011, due primarily to slightly lower unit volume and net spreads and increased per-unit conversion costs in core products, partially offset by decreased bad debt expense.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $198.9 million at December 29, 2012, from $514.2 million at December 31, 2011, a net decrease of $315.3 million.  Major components of the 2012 change included $108.3 million of cash provided by operating activities, $16.4 million of cash used in investing activities and $408.6 million of cash used in financing activities.

Of the cash and cash equivalents held at December 29, 2012, $95.2 million was held by foreign subsidiaries.  The Company expects to repatriate $1.4 million of this cash and has accrued deferred tax on these earnings.  All other earnings of the foreign subsidiaries are considered to be permanently reinvested, and it is not practicable to compute the potential deferred tax liability associated with these undistributed foreign earnings.  The Company believes that cash held domestically, funds available through the credit agreement, and cash generated from U.S. based operations will be adequate to meet the future needs of the U.S. based operations.

The primary components of cash provided by operating activities were consolidated net income of $83.7 million, insurance proceeds of $14.3 million resulting from an advance on the Wynne, Arkansas fire claim, changes in working capital, and non-cash adjustments primarily consisting of depreciation and amortization of $31.9 million.  Major changes in working capital included a $23.7 million increase in trade accounts receivable and an $8.4 million increase in current liabilities.  Changes in the components of working capital are heavily driven by the changes in raw material prices, primarily copper.

The Company spent approximately $1.3 million during 2012 for environmental matters.  As of December 29, 2012, the Company expects to spend $1.9 million in 2013, $0.9 million in 2014, $0.8 million in 2015, $0.9 million in 2016, $0.9 million in 2017, and $9.7 million thereafter for ongoing projects.  The timing of a potential payment for a $9.5 million settlement offer related to the Southeast Kansas Sites has not yet been determined.  

The major components of net cash used in investing activities during 2012 included $56.8 million used for capital expenditures and $11.6 million used for the acquisition of Westermeyer Industries, Inc.  These were partially offset by insurance proceeds of $42.3 million related to the 2011 fire at our Wynne, Arkansas facility and withdrawals of $9.2 million from restricted cash balances.

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $408.6 million, which consisted primarily of $427.4 million used to repurchase common stock, $148.9 million used to redeem the 6% Subordinated Debentures, $14.4 million used for the repayment of debt by Mueller-Xingrong, and $14.9 million for payment of regular quarterly dividends to stockholders of the Company.  These were partially offset by the issuance of $200.0 million of debt under the credit agreement (the Agreement) for the repurchase of common stock.
 
 
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On December 11, 2012, the Company amended its credit agreement entered into on March 7, 2011 to adjust the pricing applicable to the $350.0 million revolving credit facility (the Revolving Credit Facility) and extend the maturity to December 11, 2017.  The amendment also provided for a $200.0 million Term Loan Facility which has the same pricing and maturity as the Revolving Credit Facility.  At year-end, the Company had no borrowings against the Revolving Credit Facility and $200.0 million borrowed against the Term Loan Facility.  Approximately $10.9 million in letters of credit were backed by the Revolving Credit Facility at the end of 2012.  As of December 29, 2012, the Company’s total debt was $234.9 million or 30.4 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 December 29, 2012, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants.

Contractual cash obligations of the Company as of December 29, 2012 included the following:

         
Payments Due by Year
 
 (In millions)
 
Total
   
2013
   
2014-2015
   
2016-2017
   
Thereafter
 
                               
Debt
 
$
234.9
   
$
27.6
   
$
2.1
   
$
202.0
   
$
3.2
 
Consulting agreement (1)
   
5.3
     
1.3
     
2.7
     
1.3
     
­­
 
Operating leases
   
29.3
     
7.3
     
11.0
     
7.4
     
3.6
 
Heavy machinery and equipment commitments
   
10.7
     
8.6
     
2.1
     
     
 
Purchase commitments (2)
   
554.2
     
554.2
     
     
     
 
                                         
Total contractual cash obligations
 
$
834.4
   
$
599.0
   
$
17.9
   
$
210.7
   
$
6.8
 
                                         
     
(1)
See Note 10 to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
     
(2)
The Company has contractual supply commitments for raw materials totaling $554.2 million at year-end prices; these contracts contain variable pricing based on Comex and the London Metals Exchange.  These commitments are for purchases of raw materials that are expected to be consumed in the ordinary course of business.
 
     

The above obligations will be satisfied with existing cash, the credit agreement, and cash generated by operations.  Cash used to fund pension and other postretirement benefit obligations was $4.3 million in 2012 and $4.0 million in 2011.  The Company has no off-balance sheet financing arrangements except for the operating leases identified above.

Fluctuations in the cost of copper and other raw materials affect the Company’s liquidity.  Changes in material costs directly impact components of working capital, primarily inventories and accounts receivable.  The price of copper has fluctuated significantly and averaged approximately $3.61 in 2012, $4.01 in 2011, and $3.43 in 2010.

The Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of 12.5 cents in the fourth quarter of 2012 and 10 cents per share on its common stock for each of the first three quarters of 2012 and each quarter of 2011.  Payment of dividends in the future is dependent upon the Company’s financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, earnings, and other factors.

Management believes that cash provided by operations, the credit agreement, and currently available cash of $198.9 million will be adequate to meet the Company’s normal future capital expenditure and operational needs.  The Company’s current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) was 2.9 to 1 as of December 29, 2012.
 
 
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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 stock-based compensation plans, as well as for other corporate purposes.  From its initial authorization in 1999 through December 29, 2012, the Company had repurchased approximately 2.4 million shares under this authorization.  The Company’s repurchase transaction with Leucadia National Corporation in September 2012 was completed outside of this authorization.


Market Risks

The Company is exposed to market risks 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.  Hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to policies and procedures.  Further, the Company does not buy or sell financial instruments for trading purposes.  A discussion of the Company’s accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities is included in “Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Cost and Availability of Raw Materials and Energy

Raw materials, primarily 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 forward 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 accumulated other comprehensive income (OCI) 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 year-end, the Company held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $21.5 million of copper over the next twelve months related to fixed-price sales orders and to sell approximately $65.9 million of copper over the next five 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 futures positions are deferred in equity as a component of OCI and reflected in earnings upon consumption of natural gas.  Periodic value fluctuations of the futures contracts generally offset the value fluctuations of the underlying natural gas prices.  There were no open futures contracts to purchase natural gas at December 29, 2012.

Interest Rates

The Company had variable-rate debt outstanding of $234.9 million at December 29, 2012 and $49.5 million at December 31, 2011.  At these borrowing levels, a hypothetical 10 percent increase in interest rates would have had an insignificant unfavorable impact on the Company’s pre-tax earnings and cash flows.  The primary interest rate exposures on floating-rate debt are based on LIBOR and the base-lending rate published by the People’s Bank of China.

There was no fixed-rate debt outstanding as of December 29, 2012, and $148.2 million at December 31, 2011.
 
 
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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 contracts or forward contracts with financial institutions to hedge foreign currency transactional exposures.  Gains and losses with respect to these positions are deferred in equity as a component of OCI and reflected in earnings upon collection of receivables.  At December 29, 2012, the Company had open forward contracts with a financial institution to sell approximately 1.6 million Canadian dollars and 0.9 million euros through March 2013. It also held open futures contracts to buy approximately 8.4 million euros over the next 17 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.  The net investment in foreign subsidiaries translated into U.S. dollars using the year-end exchange rates was $168.0 million at December 29, 2012 and $180.8 million at December 31, 2011.  The potential loss in value of the Company’s net investment in foreign subsidiaries resulting from a hypothetical 10 percent adverse change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates at December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 amounted to $16.8 million and $18.1 million, respectively.  This change would be reflected in the foreign currency translation component of OCI in the equity section of the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, until the foreign subsidiaries are sold or otherwise disposed.

During 2012, exchange rates with respect to many foreign currencies fluctuated significantly with respect to the U.S. dollar.  The Company has significant investments in foreign operations whose functional currency is the British pound sterling and the Mexican peso.  During 2012, the value of the Mexican peso and the British pound increased approximately 7.6 percent and 3.9 percent relative to the U.S. dollar, respectively.  The resulting foreign currency translation gains were recorded as a component of OCI.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  Application of these principles requires the Company to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements.  Management believes the most complex and sensitive judgments, because of their significance to the Consolidated Financial Statements, result primarily from the need to make estimates about the effects of matters which are inherently uncertain.  The accounting policies and estimates that are most critical to aid in understanding and evaluating the results of operations and financial position of the Company include the following:

Inventory Valuation

The Company’s inventories are valued at the lower-of-cost-or-market.  The material component of its U.S. copper tube and copper fittings inventories is valued on a last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis.  Other manufactured inventories, including the non-material components of U.S. copper tube and copper fittings, are valued on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis.  Certain inventories purchased for resale are valued on an average cost basis.  Elements of cost in finished goods inventory in addition to the cost of material include depreciation, amortization, utilities, consumable production supplies, maintenance, production wages, and transportation costs.

The market price of copper cathode and scrap are subject to volatility.  During periods when open market prices decline below net book value, the Company may need to provide an allowance to reduce the carrying value of its inventory.  In addition, certain items in inventory may be considered obsolete and, as such, the Company may establish an allowance to reduce the carrying value of those items to their net realizable value.  Changes in these estimates related to the value of inventory, if any, may result in a materially adverse impact on the Company’s reported financial position or results of operations.  The Company recognizes the impact of any changes in estimates, assumptions, and judgments in income in the period in which it is determined.
 
 
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Goodwill

Goodwill represents cost in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired businesses.  Goodwill is subject to impairment testing, which is performed by the Company as of the first day of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, unless circumstances dictate more frequent testing.  For testing purposes, the Company uses components of its operating segments; components of a segment having similar economic characteristics are combined.  The annual impairment test is a two-step process.  The first step is the estimation of fair value of reporting units that have goodwill.  If this estimate indicates that impairment potentially exists, the second step is performed.  Step two, used to measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss, compares the implied fair value of goodwill to the carrying value.  In step two the Company is required to allocate the fair value of each reporting unit, as determined in step one, to the fair value of the reporting unit’s assets and liabilities, including unrecognized intangible assets and corporate allocation where applicable, in a hypothetical purchase price allocation as if the reporting unit had been purchased on that date.  If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded.  Inputs to that model include various estimates, including cash flow projections and assumptions.  Some of the inputs are highly subjective and are affected by changes in business conditions and other factors.  Changes in any of the inputs could have an effect on future tests and result in material impairment charges.

Income Taxes

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized when differences arise between the treatment of certain items for financial statement and tax purposes.  Realization of certain components of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the occurrence of future events.  The Company records valuation allowances to reduce its deferred tax assets to the amount it believes is more likely than not to be realized.  These valuation allowances can be impacted by changes in tax laws, changes to statutory tax rates, and future taxable income levels and are based on the Company’s judgment, estimates, and assumptions.  In the event the Company were to determine that it would not be able to realize all or a portion of the net deferred tax assets in the future, the Company would increase the valuation allowance through a charge to income tax expense in the period that such determination is made.  Conversely, if the Company were to determine that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future, in excess of the net carrying amounts, the Company would decrease the recorded valuation allowance through a decrease to income tax expense in the period that such determination is made.

The Company provides for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties, if any, based upon management’s assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities.  Tax benefits for uncertain tax positions that are recognized in the financial statements are measured as the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis, that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement.  To the extent the Company prevails in matters for which a liability for an uncertain tax position is established or is required to pay amounts in excess of the liability, the Company’s effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be affected.

Environmental Reserves

The Company recognizes an environmental liability when it is probable the liability exists and the amount is reasonably estimable.  The Company estimates the duration and extent of its remediation obligations based upon reports of outside consultants; internal analyses of cleanup costs, and ongoing monitoring costs; communications with regulatory agencies; and changes in environmental law.  If the Company were to determine that its estimates of the duration or extent of its environmental obligations were no longer accurate, the Company would adjust its environmental liabilities accordingly in the period that such determination is made.  Estimated future expenditures for environmental remediation are not discounted to their present value.  Accrued environmental liabilities are not reduced by potential insurance reimbursements.

Environmental expenses that relate to ongoing operations are included as a component of cost of goods sold.  Environmental expenses related to non-operating properties are included in other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
 
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Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company provides an allowance for receivables that may not be fully collected.  In circumstances where the Company is aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filings or substantial downgrading of credit ratings), it records an allowance for doubtful accounts against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount it believes most likely will be collected.  For all other customers, the Company recognizes an allowance for doubtful accounts based on its historical collection experience.  If circumstances change (e.g., greater than expected defaults or an unexpected material change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations), the Company’s estimate of the recoverability of amounts due could be changed by a material amount.


Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This Annual Report contains various forward-looking statements and includes assumptions concerning the Company’s operations, future results, and prospects.  These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risk and uncertainties.  In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company provides the following cautionary statement identifying important economic, political, and technological factors, among others, which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions.

In addition to those factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, such factors include: (i) the current and projected future business environment, including interest rates and capital and consumer spending; (ii) the domestic housing and commercial construction industry environment; (iii) the extent and duration of the recovery from the 2008 through 2010 economic decline; (iv) availability and price fluctuations in commodities (including copper, natural gas, and other raw materials, including crude oil that indirectly affects plastic resins); (v) competitive factors and competitor responses to the Company’s initiatives; (vi) stability of government laws and regulations, including taxes; (vii) availability of financing; and (viii) continuation of the environment to make acquisitions, domestic and foreign, including regulatory requirements and market values of candidates.
 
 
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MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years Ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011, and December 25, 2010

(In thousands, except per share data)
 
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Net sales
 
$
2,189,938
   
$
2,417,797
   
$
2,059,797
 
                         
Cost of goods sold
   
1,904,463
     
2,115,677
     
1,774,811
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
31,495
     
36,865
     
40,364
 
Selling, general, and administrative expense
   
129,456
     
135,953
     
131,211
 
Litigation settlements
   
(4,050
)
   
(10,500
)
   
 
Insurance settlements
   
(1,500
)
   
     
(22,736
)
Severance
   
3,369
     
     
 
                         
Operating income
   
126,705
     
139,802
     
136,147
 
                         
Interest expense
   
(6,890
)
   
(11,553
)
   
(11,647
)
Other income (expense), net
   
539
     
1,912
     
(2,650
)
                         
Income before income taxes
   
120,354
     
130,161
     
121,850
 
                         
Income tax expense
   
(36,681
)
   
(43,075
)
   
(34,315
)
                         
Consolidated net income
   
83,673
     
87,086
     
87,535
 
                         
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
(1,278
)
   
(765
)
   
(1,364
)
                         
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.
 
$
82,395
   
$
86,321
   
$
86,171
 
                         
Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share
   
35,332
     
37,835
     
37,672
 
Effect of dilutive stock-based awards
   
414
     
361
     
97
 
                         
Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share
   
35,746
     
38,196
     
37,769
 
                         
Basic earnings per share
 
$
2.33
   
$
2.28
   
$
2.29
 
                         
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
2.31
   
$
2.26
   
$
2.28
 
                         
Dividends per share
 
$
0.425
   
$
0.40
   
$
0.40
 
                         
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
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MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years Ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011, and December 25, 2010


(In thousands)   2012     2011      
2010
 
                     
Consolidated net income
 
$
83,673
   
$
87,086
 
 
$
 87,535
 
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                       
Foreign currency translation
   
8,070
     
232
       (215
)
       Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net (1)
   
255
     
(988
)
     376  
       Net actuarial loss on pension and postretirement obligations, net (2)
   
(847
)
   
(10,378
)
 
 
 (402
)
Other, net
   
14
     
(81
)
 
 
 61  
                         
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
   
7,492
     
(11,215
)
 
 
 (180
)
                         
Comprehensive income
   
91,165
     
75,871
   
 
 87,355  
Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
(1,984
)
   
(1,913
)
 
 
 (2,127
)
                         
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.
 
$
89,181
   
$
73,958
   
$
 85,228  
                         
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
         

 
(1) Net of taxes of $(162) in 2012, $559 in 2011, and $(191) in 2010
 
(2) Net of taxes of $94 in 2012, $4,786 in 2011, and $1,631 in 2010
 
 
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MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)
 
2012
   
2011
 
Assets
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
198,934
   
$
514,162
 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of  $1,644 in 2012 and $1,564 in 2011
   
271,093
     
250,027
 
Inventories
   
229,434
     
219,193
 
Current deferred income taxes
   
26,438
     
21,104
 
Other current assets
   
21,295
     
22,213
 
                 
Total current assets
   
747,194
     
1,026,699
 
                 
Property, plant, and equipment, net
   
233,263
     
203,744
 
Goodwill, net
   
104,579
     
102,250
 
Other assets
   
19,119
     
14,911
 
                 
Total Assets
 
$
1,104,155
   
$
1,347,604
 
                 
Liabilities
           
Current liabilities:
           
Current portion of debt
 
$
27,570
   
$
41,265
 
Accounts payable
   
87,574
     
65,545
 
Accrued wages and other employee costs
   
34,378
     
39,319
 
Other current liabilities
   
109,174
     
67,115
 
                 
Total current liabilities
   
258,696
     
213,244
 
                 
Long-term debt, less current portion
   
207,300
     
156,476
 
Pension liabilities
   
35,187
     
32,839
 
Postretirement benefits other than pensions
   
19,832
     
21,405
 
Environmental reserves
   
22,597
     
22,892
 
Deferred income taxes
   
20,910
     
14,856
 
Other noncurrent liabilities
   
1,667
     
1,130
 
                 
Total liabilities
   
566,189
     
462,842
 
                 
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 28,099,635 in 2012 and 38,236,568 in 2011
   
401
     
401
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
267,826
     
266,936
 
Retained earnings
   
749,777
     
682,380
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(42,623
)
   
(49,409
)
Treasury common stock, at cost
   
(468,473
)
   
(44,620
)
                 
Total Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders’ equity
   
506,908
     
855,688
 
Noncontrolling interest
   
31,058
     
29,074
 
                 
Total equity
   
537,966
     
884,762
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies
   
     
 
                 
Total Liabilities and Equity
 
$
1,104,155
   
$
1,347,604
 
                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
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MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011, and December 25, 2010

(In thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
Operating activities:
                 
Consolidated net income
 
$
83,673
   
$
87,086
   
$
87,535
 
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation
   
30,326
     
35,966
     
39,656
 
Amortization of intangibles
   
1,169
     
899
     
708
 
Amortization of debt issuance costs
   
438
     
397
     
288
 
Stock-based compensation expense
   
6,136
     
3,482
     
2,877
 
Insurance settlements
   
(1,500
)
   
     
(22,736
)
Insurance proceeds – noncapital related
   
14,250
     
10,000
     
5,561
 
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options
   
(2,528
)
   
(853
)
   
(145
)
Deferred income taxes
   
(1,284
)
   
(4,190
)
   
(6,627
)
Doubtful accounts receivable
   
837
     
(229
)
   
4,763
 
Loss (gain) on disposal of properties
   
1,411
     
(202
)
   
756
 
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired:
                       
Receivables
   
(23,690
)
   
28,716
     
(46,494
)
Inventories
   
(4,834
)
   
(15,678
)