Quarterlytics / Industrials / Manufacturing - Metal Fabrication / Mueller Industries, Inc.

Mueller Industries, Inc.

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FY2013 Annual Report · Mueller Industries, Inc.
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2013
ANNUAL REPORT

8285 TOURNAMENT DRIVE, SUITE 150 • MEMPHIS, TN 38125

wwww.muellerindustries.com

5-YEAR REVIEW 

(Dollars in thousands except per share data) 

2013  

2012  

2011  

2010  

2009

SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS
Net sales   
Operating income  
Net income  
Diluted earnings per share  
Dividends per share  

SIGNIFICANT YEAR-END DATA
Cash and cash equivalents  
Ratio of current assets to current liabilities  
Book value per share  

$  2,158,541  
270,937  
$ 
172,600  
$ 
6.11  
$ 
0.50  
$ 

$  2,189,938  
126,705  
$ 
82,395  
$ 
2.31  
$ 
0.425  
$ 

$  2,417,797  
139,802  
$ 
86,321  
$ 
2.26  
$ 
0.40  
$ 

$  2,059,797  
136,147  
$ 
86,171  
$ 
2.28  
$ 
0.40  
$ 

$  1,547,225
32,220 
$ 
4,675 
$ 
0.12 
$ 
0.40 
$ 

$ 

$ 

311,800  
 4.0 to 1  
24.85  

$ 

$ 

198,934  
 2.9 to 1  
18.04  

$ 

$ 

514,162  
 4.8 to 1  
22.38  

$ 

$ 

394,139  
4.7 to 1  
20.84  

$ 

$ 

346,001
4.4 to 1
18.94 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Gary S. Gladstein 
Chairman of the Board,
Mueller Industries, Inc.
Independent Investor & Consultant

Gregory L. Christopher
Chief Executive Officer
Mueller Industries, Inc.

Paul J. Flaherty
Advisory Board Member,
AON Risk Services, Inc.

Gennaro J. Fulvio
Member,
Fulvio & Associates, LLP

Scott J. Goldman
CEO and Co-Founder,
TextPower, Inc.

Terry Hermanson
President,
Mr. Christmas Incorporated

Harvey L. Karp
Chairman Emeritus,
Mueller Industries, Inc.

Gregory L. Christopher
Chief Executive Officer

Daniel R. Corbin
Vice President,
Corporate Manufacturing Engineering

John B. Hansen
Executive Vice President

Jeffrey A. Martin
Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer

Mark Millerchip
Executive Director,
European Operations

Nicholas W. Moss
President,
Retail Business

Douglas J. Murdock
President,
Fabricated Products

Steffen Sigloch
President,
Extruded Products

Gary C. Wilkerson
Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 28, 2013 

Commission file number 1–6770 

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

Delaware 
(State or other jurisdiction 
of incorporation or organization) 

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

25-0790410 
(I.R.S. Employer 
Identification No.) 

38125 
(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    (cid:2)  

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    (cid:3) 

No    (cid:3) 

No    (cid:2) 

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    (cid:2) 

No    (cid:3) 

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    (cid:2) 

No    (cid:3) 

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.    (cid:3) 

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   (cid:2) 
Non-accelerated filer   (cid:3) 

Accelerated filer   (cid:3) 
Smaller reporting company   (cid:3) 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes    (cid:3) 

No    (cid:2) 

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 $1,409,029,613. 

The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding as of February 24, 2014 was 28,334,746 excluding 11,756,756 treasury shares. 

Portions of the following document are incorporated by reference into this Report: Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of 
Stockholders, scheduled to be mailed on or about March 19, 2014 (Part III). 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

 
 
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
    
   
   
   
    
    
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
     
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
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. 

____________________ 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Part I 

Item 1.  Business  
Item 1A.  Risk Factors 
Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments 
Item 2.  Properties 
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings 
Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures 

Part II 

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 

Purchases of Equity Securities 

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data 
Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 

Operations 

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 
Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial 

Disclosure 

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures 
Item 9B.  Other Information 

Part III 

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 
Item 11.  Executive Compensation 
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related 

Stockholder Matters 

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 
Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services 

Part IV 

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 

Signatures 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Page 

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ITEM 1. 

BUSINESS 

Introduction 

PART I 

The Company is a leading manufacturer of copper, brass, aluminum, and plastic 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 Standard Products  (SPD), European 
Operations,  and  Mexican  Operations.  The  OEM  segment  is  composed  of  Industrial  Products  (IPD),  Engineered 
Products  (EPD),  and  Jiangsu  Mueller–Xingrong  Copper  Industries  Limited  (Mueller-Xingrong),  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 28, 2013 in Item 8 of this Report, 
which is incorporated herein by reference. 

The majority of the Company’s manufacturing facilities operated at significantly below capacity during 2012 
and 2013 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.    These  conditions  have  significantly  affected  the  demand  for 
virtually all of the Company’s core products in recent years.     

3 

  
  
   
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
Residential construction activity improved in 2012 and the improvement continued in 2013, but is still at 
levels below long-term historical averages.    Continued recovery in the near-term is expected, but may be tempered by 
continuing high rates of unemployment, tighter lending standards, and rising mortgage rates.    According to the U.S. 
Census Bureau, actual housing starts in the U.S. were 923 thousand in 2013, which compares to 781 thousand in 2012 
and 609 thousand in 2011.  While mortgage rates have risen in 2013, they remain at historically low levels, as the 
average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was approximately 3.98 percent in 2013 and 3.66 percent in 2012.   

The  private  nonresidential  construction  sector,  which  includes  offices,  industrial,  health  care  and  retail 
projects, began showing modest improvement in 2012 after declining each year from 2009 to 2011.    However, the 
pace of the improvement appears to have slowed through the end of 2013.    According to the U.S. Census Bureau, at 
December 2013, the seasonally adjusted annual rate of private nonresidential value of construction put in place was 
$311.3 billion compared to $316.8 billion at December 2012.    The actual private nonresidential value of construction 
put in place was $296.5 billion in 2013, $297.7 billion in 2012, and $257.5 billion in 2011.    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. 

On October 17, 2013, the Company closed on the acquisition of Howell Metal Company (Howell), and on 
October 18, 2013 entered into a definitive agreement to acquire KME Yorkshire Limited (Yorkshire), which received 
regulatory approval in the United Kingdom on February 11, 2014.    Howell manufactures copper tube and line sets for 
U.S. distribution while Yorkshire produces European standard copper distribution tubes. 

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 28, 2013 was not significant. 

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.), and KobeWieland Copper Products LLC, 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 

4 

 
 
  
  
   
   
   
  
   
 
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 28, 2013 was not significant. 

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.    

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.   

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. 

Labor Relations 

At December 28, 2013, the Company employed approximately 3,925 employees, of which approximately 

2,010 were represented by various unions.  Those union contracts will expire as follows: 

Location 
Port Huron, Michigan (Local 218 IAM) 
Port Huron, Michigan (Local 44 UAW) 
Belding, Michigan 
Wynne, Arkansas 
Fulton, Mississippi 
North Wales, Pennsylvania 
Waynesboro, Tennessee 

Expiration Date 
May 1, 2016 
July 20, 2016 
September 12, 2015 
June 28, 2015 
October 31, 2017 
July 31, 2015 
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. 

5 

  
  
   
   
 
    
  
 
   
   
   
 
 
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 2014.  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 $1.0 million for 2013, $3.1 million for 2012, and $0.4 
million for 2011.  The reserve for environmental matters was $23.6 million at December 28, 2013 and $24.6 million at 
December 29, 2012.  Environmental costs related to non-operating properties are classified as a component of other 
income,  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 2014 fiscal year, or for the next two fiscal years. 

Non-operating Properties 

Southeast Kansas Sites 

The  Kansas  Department  of  Health  and  Environment  (KDHE)  has  contacted  the  Company  regarding 
environmental contamination at three former smelter sites in Kansas (Altoona, Iola and East La Harpe).   While the 
Company believes that legally it is not a successor to the companies that operated these smelter sites, it is discussing 
possible settlement with KDHE and other potentially responsible parties (PRP) in order to avoid litigation.   In 2008, 
the Company established a reserve of $9.5 million for this matter.    Another PRP has conducted a site investigation of 
the Altoona site under a consent decree with KDHE.   The Company and two other PRPs have conducted a site study 
evaluation of the East La Harpe site under KDHE supervision, and are now discussing sharing the costs of a possible 
cleanup.   Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in the early stages of study and remediation of the Iola 
site,  which  it  added  to  the  National  Priority  List  (NPL)  in  May,  2013  as  the  “Former  United  Zinc  &  Associated 
Smelters” site. 

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 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 

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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  ten-year permit  will  include  an  order 
requiring continued implementation of BMP through 2025 to address residual discharges of acid rock drainage.   At 
this site, MRRC spent approximately $1.7 million from 2011 through 2013 and estimates that it will spend between 
approximately $10.0 million and $13.6 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  March  2,  2013.   Lead  Refinery  spent 
approximately $0.1 million annually in 2013, 2012, and 2011 with respect to this site.   Approximate costs to comply 
with the post-closure permit, including associated general and administrative costs, are between $2.1 million and $2.9 
million over the next 20 years. 

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 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 $30.0 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 28, 2013, the EPA has not conducted an 
investigation of the Lead Refinery site, proposed remedies for the Lead Refinery site, or informed Lead Refinery that 
it is a PRP at the Lead Refinery site.   Until the extent of 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 

7 

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
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.   Construction and installation of 
the remediation system is under way.    The remediation system was activated in February 2014.    Costs to implement 
the work plans, including associated general and administrative costs, are approximately $1.9 million over the next ten 
years. 

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  2013,  2012,  or  2011.  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. 

ITEM 1A. 

RISK FACTORS 

The Company is exposed to risk as it operates its businesses.  To provide a framework to understand the 
operating environment of the Company, we 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. 

8 

   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
     
   
   
   
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 improved in 2012 and continued to improve in 2013, 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. 

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 

9 

   
   
   
   
   
  
   
   
   
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  28,  2013,  approximately  2,010  of  our  3,925  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. 

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 a significant portion of 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 

10 

 
   
   
   
      
   
   
management(cid:2)s  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. 

ITEM 1B. 

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.   

ITEM 2. 

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 

Fulton, MS 

Wynne, AR 

Fulton, MS 

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.

   103,000 sq. ft.
11.9 acres 

   400,000 sq. ft.
39.2 acres 

   58,500 sq. ft. 
15.53 acres 

   70,000 sq. ft. 
7.68 acres 

   Casting facility.  Facility  includes  casting  equipment  to produce 

copper billets used in the adjoining copper tube mill. 

(1) Copper  tube  mill.  Facility  includes  extrusion  and  finishing 

equipment to produce copper tube and line sets. 

   Packaging and bar coding facility for retail channel sales. 

(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. 

(continued)(cid:2)

11 

(cid:2)

 
 
 
 
 
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
 
ITEM 2. 
(continued) 

PROPERTIES 

Location 

Approximate 
Property Size     

Description 

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. 

New Market, VA 

OEM Segment 

Port Huron, MI 

Belding, MI 

   413,120 sq. ft. 
36.15 acres 

  Copper  Tube  Mill.    Facility  includes  casting,  extruding,  and 

finishing equipment to produce copper tube and line sets. 

   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. 

   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 

Hartsville, TN 

   81,500 sq. ft. 
6.72 acres 

   78,000 sq. ft. 
4.51 acres 

     Aluminum  and  copper  impacts  plant.  Produces  made-to-order 

parts using cold impact processes. 

     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) 

12 

  
    
         
  
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
ITEM 2. 
(continued) 

PROPERTIES 

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. 

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

13 

  
    
         
  
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
ITEM 3. 

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  appealed  the  final  determination  to  the  U.S.  Court  of  International  Trade 
(CIT).   The Company and the United States have reached an agreement to settle the appeal.   As a result, the DOC 
published on March 22, 2013 the amended final results of the review and assigned Mueller Comercial an antidumping 
duty rate of 40.5 percent.   U.S. Customs and Border Protection has assessed antidumping duties on subject imports 
during the period of review.   The Company has established a reserve of approximately $3.1 million for these duties. 

On December 23, 2009, the DOC initiated an antidumping administrative review of the antidumping duty 
order covering circular welded non-alloy steel pipe and tube from Mexico for the November 1, 2008  through October 
31, 2009 period of review.   The DOC selected Mueller Comercial as a respondent in the review.   On June 21, 2011, 
the DOC published the final results of the review and assigned Mueller Comercial an antidumping duty rate of 19.8 
percent.   On August 22, 2011, the Company appealed the final results to the CIT.   On December 21, 2012, the CIT 
issued  a  decision  upholding  the  Department’s  final  results  in  part.   The  CIT  issued  its  final  judgment  on  May  2, 
2013.   On May 6, 2013, the Company appealed the CIT decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit 
(Federal  Circuit). On  January  10,  2014,  the  Federal  Circuit  held  oral  argument  in  the  appeal.   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. 

Subsequent to October 31, 2009, Mueller Comercial did not ship subject merchandise to the United States.   

Therefore, there is zero antidumping duty liability for periods of review after October 31, 2009. 

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 28.16 percent for Mexico (as subsequently amended), 
and from 11.25 percent to 60.85 percent for China.   

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

14 

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

On December 30, 2013, the DOC initiated the third 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,  2012  through  October  31,  2013.    The  reviews  are  expected  to  be  completed 
sometime in 2015.    At this time, the Company is unable to know the final disposition of these administrative reviews. 

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 Metals, Inc. (Extruded) in March 2012 under nuisance, negligence, and gross negligence 
theories.   It is brought on behalf of all persons in the City of Belding, Michigan, whose property rights have allegedly 
been  interfered  with  by  fallout  and/or  dust  and/or  noxious  odors,  allegedly  attributable  to  Extruded’s 
operations.   Plaintiffs allege that they have suffered interference with the use and enjoyment of their properties.   They 
seek  compensatory  and  exemplary  damages  and  injunctive  relief.   The  Company  reached  a  settlement  that  was 
approved by the court on September 26, 2013, and the case has been dismissed. The settlement involves class-wide 
(the  settlement  class  consist  of  all  current  and  former  residents  of  Belding,  Michigan)  release  of  certain  property 
damage claims, certain commitments by Extruded regarding emissions controls, and a payment of certain fees and 
costs.  

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 five 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 five Mueller entities regarding copper tube.   In the Competition Appeal Tribunal (the CAT) in 
the United Kingdom, IMI and Boliden have been served with claims by 21 claimants, all companies within the Travis 
Perkins Group (TP and the TP Claimants).   The TP Claimants are seeking follow-on damages arising out of conduct 
described in the European Commission’s September 3, 2004, decision regarding copper tube.   The claims purport to 
arise from the findings of the European Commission as set forth in that decision.    IMI and Boliden have commenced 
legal  proceedings  against  the  five  Mueller  entities,  and  in  those  proceedings  are  claiming  a  contribution  for  any 

15 

 
   
   
   
   
   
follow-on damages.    IMI and Boliden have formally served their claims on the five Mueller entities. 

Mueller  Industries,  Inc.,  Mueller  Europe,  Limited,  and  WTC  Holding  Company,  Inc.  (the  three  Mueller 
entities) 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.    IMI has commenced legal proceedings against the 
three  Mueller entities,  and  in  those  proceedings  are  claiming  a  contribution  for  any follow-on damages.    IMI has 
formally served its claims on the three Mueller entities. 

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

As to the claims arising from the Copper Tube Decision brought in the CAT, following the CAT’s grant of 
approval, the case has now been transferred to the High Court. Mueller’s defenses in response to the contribution 
claims brought by IMI and Boliden were served on March 15, 2013.   A case management conference is to be held in 
May 2014. 

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 in April 2014.     

At  this  time,  the  Company  does  not  believe  that  this  matter  will  have  a  material  impact  on  its  financial 

position, results of operations, or cash flows. 

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.  Another review process to revise the normal values was initiated on January 15, 2014 and is scheduled to 
conclude  on  May  30,  2014.    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. 

ITEM 4. 

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable. 

16 

   
   
   
 
     
 
 
PART II 

ITEM 5. 

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

As of February 24, 2014, the number of holders of record of Mueller’s common stock was approximately 
910.  On February 24, 2014, the closing price for Mueller’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was 
$61.28. 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 

The Company’s Board of Directors has extended, until October 2014, 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  28,  2013,  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 28, 2013. 

(a) 

(b) 

Total  Number 
of Shares 
Purchased 

Average Price 
Paid per Share   

(c) 
Total Number 
of Shares 
Purchased as 
Part of Publicly 
Announced 
Plans or 
Programs 

(d) 
Maximum 
Number of 
Shares That 
May Yet Be 
Purchased 
Under the Plans 
or Programs    
7,644,530(1)

   September 29 – October 26, 2013 

—(2) $

   October 27 – November 23, 2013 

12,887(2)  

   November 24 – December 28, 2013   

492(2)  

—  

60.17  

60.58  

—        

—        

—        

 (1)  Shares available to be purchased under the Company’s ten million share repurchase authorization until 

October 2014. The extension of the authorization was announced on October 28, 2013. 

 (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 for each fiscal quarter 
of 2013 and in the fourth quarter of 2012, and 10 cents per share on its common stock for the first three quarters of 
2012.  Payment of dividends in the future is dependent upon the Company’s financial condition, cash flows, capital 
requirements, earnings, and other factors. 

17 

   
   
 
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
      
     
       
 
 
  
  
  
   
 
    
       
       
  
 
  
  
  
   
 
    
       
       
  
  
  
  
      
          
       
       
  
 
   
  
 
 
 
The high, low, and closing prices of Mueller’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange for each 

fiscal quarter of 2013 and 2012 were as follows: 

2013 

Fourth quarter 
Third quarter 
Second quarter 
First quarter 

2012 

Fourth quarter 
Third quarter 
Second quarter 
First quarter 

 $

 $

High 

Low 

     Close 

63.28   $
58.15    
54.99    
55.53    

53.96    $
50.33      
48.10      
48.95      

62.74 
55.82 
50.43 
53.29 

51.41   $
48.48    
47.28    
49.86    

42.43    $
39.72      
39.89      
38.16      

49.26 
45.47 
42.59 
45.45 

18 

   
    
 
   
 
    
      
      
 
    
    
      
      
 
  
  
  
    
   
      
       
  
   
      
       
  
    
   
      
       
  
  
  
  
  
PERFORMANCE GRAPH 

The following table compares total stockholder return since December 27, 2008 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. 

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Mueller Industries, Inc., the Dow Jones US Total Return  Index, 
and the Dow Jones US Building Materials & Fixtures  Index

$350

$300

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0
12/27/08

12/26/09

12/25/10

12/31/11

12/29/12

12/28/13

Mueller Industries, Inc.

Dow Jones US Total Return

Dow Jones US Building Materials & Fixtures

*$100 invested on 12/27/08 in stock or 12/31/08 in index, including reinvestment of dividends.
Indexes calculated on month-end basis.

Copyright© 2014 Dow Jones & Co. All rights reserved.

Mueller Industries, Inc. 
Dow Jones U.S. Total Market 

Index 

Dow Jones U.S. Building 

2008 

100.00

2009 

113.83

2010 

149.86

2011 

176.13

2012 

2013 

227.96     

292.96 

100.00

128.79

150.24

152.26

177.11     

235.51 

Materials & Fixtures Index     

100.00

112.54

131.33

135.48

206.22     

264.38 

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

19 

   
 
 
    
  
   
   
   
   
    
 
    
    
  
ITEM 6. 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(In thousands, except per share data) 

2013 

2012 

2011 

2010 

2009 

For the fiscal year: (1) 

 Net sales 

$2,158,541   $2,189,938   $2,417,797   $ 2,059,797    $1,547,225   

 Operating income 

270,937(2)  126,705(3)  139,802(4)   136,147(5)   

32,220(6) 

Net income attributable to Mueller Industries,

Inc. 

172,600    

82,395    

86,321     

86,171      

4,675  

 Diluted earnings per share 

6.11  

2.31(7) 

2.26     

2.28      

0.12    

 Cash dividends per share 

0.50    

0.425    

0.40     

0.40      

0.40    

At year-end: 

 Total assets 

 Long-term debt 

  1,247,767     1,104,155     1,347,604     1,258,996      1,180,141    

206,250     207,300     156,476      158,226       158,226    

(1) Includes activity of acquired businesses from the following purchase dates: Howell Metal Company, October 17, 
2013, Westermeyer Industries, Inc., August 16, 2012, Tube Forming L.P., December 28, 2010, and Linesets, 
Inc., August 6, 2010. 

(2) 

Includes $106.3 million pre-tax gain from settlement of insurance claims, $39.8 million pre-tax gain from the 
sale of the Company’s Schedule 40 pressure plastic fittings business along with the sale of certain other 
plastic fittings manufacturing assets, and pre-tax impairment charges of $4.3 million primarily related to 
real property associated with the aforementioned plastics sale transaction. 

(3) 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. 

(4) Includes $10.5 million gain from settlement of litigation. 

(5) Includes $22.7 million gain from settlement of insurance claims. 

(6) Includes impairment charges of $29.8 million, primarily related to goodwill. 

(7) Includes the impact of 10.4 million shares repurchased from Leucadia National Corporation in September 2012. 

ITEM 7. 

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. 

20 

 
  
  
  
    
    
  
     
  
     
     
     
        
    
  
     
     
     
        
    
  
     
  
     
     
     
        
    
  
  
     
   
         
         
         
          
    
  
 
  
     
   
         
         
         
          
    
  
 
 
  
     
   
         
         
         
      
     
  
 
  
     
   
         
         
         
          
    
  
 
  
     
   
         
         
         
          
    
   
         
         
         
      
     
  
     
   
         
         
         
          
    
  
  
     
   
         
         
         
          
    
  
 
  
     
 
         
    
      
       
     
  
     
 
    
     
      
       
     
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
  
 
 
 
ITEM 7A. 

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. 

ITEM 8. 

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. 

ITEM 9. 

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON 
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None. 

ITEM 9A. 

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  28,  2013.  Based  on  that  evaluation,  the  Company’s  Chief 
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures 
are effective as of December 28, 2013 to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed 
under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the 
SEC rules  and  forms  and  (ii)  accumulated and  communicated  to  management,  including  the  Company’s  principal 
executive  officer  and  principal  financial  officer,  as  appropriate  to  allow  timely  decisions  regarding  required 
disclosure. 

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, 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
  
   
  
 
   
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting may vary over time. 

The  Company  acquired  Howell  Metal  Company  (Howell)  during  October  2013,  and  has  excluded  that 
business from management’s assessment of internal controls.    The total value of assets of Howell at year-end was 
$58.1 million, which represents five percent of the Company’s consolidated total assets at December 28, 2013.    Net 
sales and net income of Howell from the date of acquisition represents less than one percent of the consolidated net 
sales and net income of the Company for 2013.    Accordingly, these acquired businesses are not included in the scope 
of this report. 

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  28,  2013  based  on  the  control  criteria  established  in  a  report  entitled  Internal  Control—Integrated 
Framework, (1992 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 28, 2013. 

Ernst & Young LLP, 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 

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s 
fiscal quarter ended December 28, 2013, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the 
Company’s internal control over financial reporting. 

22 

  
 
  
   
  
  
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 28, 2013, based on 
criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations 
of  the  Treadway  Commission  (1992  Framework)  (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. 

As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management’s 
assessment  of  and  conclusion  on  the  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  did  not  include  the 
internal  controls  of  Howell  Metal  Company,  which  is  included  in  the  2013  consolidated  financial  statements  of 
Mueller Industries, Inc. and constituted $58.1 million and $54.3 million of total and net assets, respectively, as of 
December 28, 2013, and $17.1 million and $1.0 million of net sales and net loss, respectively, for the year then ended.   
Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of Mueller Industries, Inc. also did not include an evaluation of 
the internal control over financial reporting of Howell Metal Company.   

In our opinion, Mueller Industries, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial 
reporting as of December 28, 2013, 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 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, 
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  28,  2013  and  our  report  dated  February  26,  2014  expressed  an 
unqualified opinion thereon. 

Memphis, Tennessee 
February 26, 2014 

23 

   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
 
  
ITEM 9B. 

OTHER INFORMATION

None. 

PART III 

ITEM 10. 

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 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC on or about March 
19, 2014, 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. 

ITEM 11. 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The  information  required  by  Item  11  is  contained  under  the  caption  “Compensation  Discussion  and 
Analysis,”  “Summary  Compensation  Table  for  2013,”  “2013  Grants  of  Plan  Based  Awards  Table,”  “Outstanding 
Equity  Awards  at  Fiscal  2013  Year-End,”  “2013  Option  Exercises  and  Stock  Vested,”  “Potential  Payments  Upon 
Termination of Employment or Change in Control as of the End of 2013,” “2013 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 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC on or about 
March 19, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

24 

 
 
 
 
 
   
  
   
  
ITEM 12. 

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  28,  2013  (shares  in 
thousands): 

(a) 

(b) 

Number of securities 
to be issued upon 
exercise of 
outstanding options, 
warrants, and rights    

Weighted average 
exercise price of 
outstanding options, 
warrants, and rights     

(c) 
Number of securities 
remaining available 
for future issuance 
under equity 
compensation plans 
(excluding securities 
reflected in column 
(a)) 

589   $

29.34     

195(1)

—    

589   $

—     

29.34     

—  

195  

Plan category 

Equity compensation plans approved by 

security holders 

Equity compensation plans not approved 

by security holders 

Total 

(1) Of the 195 thousand securities remaining available for issuance under the equity compensation plans, 177 

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  2014  Annual  Meeting  of  Stockholders  to  be  filed  with  the  SEC  on  or  about 
March 19, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

ITEM 13. 

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 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC on or about March 
19, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

ITEM 14. 

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 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed 
with the SEC on or about March 19, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

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ITEM 15. 

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

PART IV 

(a) 

1. 

2. 

3. 

The following documents are filed as part of this report: 

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. 

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. 

Exhibits: 
3.1 

3.2 

4.1 

10.1 

10.2 

10.3 

10.4 

10.5 

10.6 

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). 

Amended  and  Restated  By-laws  of  the  Registrant,  effective  as  of  November  8,  2013
(Incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  3.1  of  the  Registrant’s  Current  Report  on
Form 8-K, dated November 8, 2013). 

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. 

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). 

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). 

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). 

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). 

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). 

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). 

26 

   
   
     
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
    
 
    
    
    
 
    
 
    
    
    
 
    
 
    
    
    
 
    
 
    
    
    
 
    
 
    
    
    
 
    
 
  
  
  
 
 10.7 

10.8 

10.9 

10.10 

10.11 

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). 

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). 

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). 

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). 

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). 

10.12 

Summary description of the Registrant’s 2014 incentive plan for certain key employees. 

10.13 

10.14 

10.15 

10.16 

10.17 

10.18 

10.19 

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 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 
10.20  of  the  Registrant’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K,  dated  February  27,  2013,  for  the 
fiscal year ended December 29, 2012). 

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). 

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
(Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form
10-K, dated February 27, 2013, for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012). 

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). 

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). 

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). 

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). 

27 

  
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
 
 
10.20 

10.21 

Asset  Purchase  Agreement,  dated  August  9,  2013,  by  and  among  Boat  Equipment,  LLC,
MCTP, LLC, Mueller Plastics Corporation, Inc. and Mueller Industries, Inc. (Incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated 
August 9, 2013). 

Stock  Purchase  Agreement  by  and  among  Commercial  Metals  Company,  Howell  Metal
Company  and  Mueller  Copper  Tube  Products,  Inc.  dated  as  of  October  17,  2013
(Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form
8-K, dated October 17, 2013). 

21.0 

Subsidiaries of the Registrant. 

23.0 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 

31.1 

31.2 

32.1 

32.2 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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  

28 

 
 
 
 
 
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
 
 
    
  
  
  
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
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 26, 2014. 

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 
Gary S. Gladstein 

Chairman of the Board, and Director 

February 26, 2014 

/s/ GREGORY L. CHRISTOPHER 
Gregory L. Christopher 

Chief Executive Officer 

February 26, 2014 

(Principal Executive Officer), and Director      

/s/ PAUL J. FLAHERTY 

Paul J. Flaherty 

/s/ GENNARO J. FULVIO 
Gennaro J. Fulvio 

/s/ SCOTT J. GOLDMAN 
Scott J. Goldman 

/s/ TERRY HERMANSON 
Terry Hermanson 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

February 26, 2014 

February 26, 2014 

February 26, 2014 

February 26, 2014 

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 
Jeffrey A. Martin 
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer 
(Principal Financial and Accounting 
Officer) 

/s/ RICHARD W. CORMAN 
Richard W. Corman 
Vice President – Controller 

February 26, 2014 

February 26, 2014 

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30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Financial Review 

Consolidated Statements of Income 
for the years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
for the years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011 

Consolidated Balance Sheets 
as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
for the years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity 
for the years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

F- 2 

F- 12 

F- 13 

F- 14 

F- 15 

F- 16 

F- 18 

F- 52 

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE 

Schedule for the years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011 

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Schedule II) 

F- 53 

F-1 

   
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   
   
   
   
   
    
    
    
    
    
  
FINANCIAL REVIEW 

Overview 

The Company is a leading manufacturer of copper, brass, aluminum, and plastic 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 OEM segment.  For disclosure purposes, as permitted under ASC 280, Segment Reporting, certain 
operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments.  The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment is composed of 
the  SPD,  European  Operations,  and  Mexican  Operations.  The  OEM  segment  is  composed  of  the  IPD,  EPD,  and 
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  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 
and 2013 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.    These  conditions  have  significantly  affected  the  demand  for 
virtually all of the Company’s core products in recent years.     

Residential construction activity improved in 2012 and the improvement continued in 2013, but is still at 
levels below long-term historical averages.    Continued recovery in the near-term is expected, but may be tempered by 
continuing high rates of unemployment, tighter lending standards, and rising mortgage rates.    According to the U.S. 
Census Bureau, actual housing starts in the U.S. were 923 thousand in 2013, which compares to 781 thousand in 2012 
and 609 thousand in 2011.  While mortgage rates have risen in 2013, they remain at historically low levels, as the 
average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was approximately 3.98 percent in 2013 and 3.66 percent in 2012.   

The  private  non-residential  construction  sector,  which  includes  offices,  industrial,  health  care  and  retail 
projects, began showing modest improvement in 2012 after declining each year from 2009 to 2011.    However, the 
pace of the improvement appears to have slowed through the end of 2013.    According to the U.S. Census Bureau, at 
December 2013, the seasonally adjusted annual rate of private nonresidential value construction was $311.3 billion 
compared to $316.8 billion at December 2012.    The actual private nonresidential value of construction put in place 
was $296.5 billion in 2013, $297.7 billion in 2012, and $257.5 billion in 2011.    The Company expects that most of 

F-2 

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
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  its  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 fiscal years ended December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 contained 52 weeks, while the year ended 

December 31, 2011 contained 53 weeks. 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

2013 Performance Compared with 2012 

Consolidated net sales in 2013 were $2.16 billion, a one percent decrease compared with net sales of $2.19 
billion in 2012.  Of the $31.4 million decrease, approximately $58.6 million was due to lower net selling prices in the 
Company’s  core  product  lines  and  approximately  $12.7  million  was  due  to  lower  unit  sales  volume  in  the  OEM 
segment.    This was partially offset by a $28.0 million increase in unit sales volume in the Plumbing and Refrigeration 
segment, of which $14.3 million was related to the sales recorded for Howell Metal Company (Howell), acquired in 
October  2013,  and  an  $11.1  million  increase  in  the  OEM  segment  related  to  the  sales  recorded  for  Westermeyer, 
acquired in August 2012.    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 2013 was approximately $3.34 per pound, or seven percent lower than the 2012 average of $3.61 per pound. 

Cost  of  goods  sold  was  $1.86  billion  in  2013  compared  with  $1.90  billion  in  2012.  The  year-over-year 
decrease was due primarily to the decrease in the price of copper, the Company’s principal raw material, offset by the 
recognition of a gain from LIFO liquidation that resulted in a reduction of approximately $8.0 million to cost of sales 
in 2012. 

Depreciation  and  amortization  increased  from  $31.5  million  in  2012  to  $32.4  million  in  2013  due  to  an 
increase  in  capital  spending  in  2012  and  2013.  Selling,  general,  and  administrative  expenses  increased  to  $134.9 
million in 2013; this $5.4 million increase was primarily due to increased legal fees of $3.0 million, increased bad debt 
expense of $1.0 million, and increased software purchases of $0.7 million.     

During  2013,  the  Company  settled  the  insurance  claim  related  to  the  September  2011  fire  at  its  Wynne, 
Arkansas  manufacturing  operation  and  recognized  a  $106.3  million  gain.    The  Company  also  sold  certain  of  its 
plastic fittings manufacturing assets and recognized a pre-tax gain of $39.8 million, or 81 cents per diluted share after 
tax, and recognized fixed asset impairment charges of $4.3 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. 

F-3 

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
Interest expense decreased to $4.0 million in 2013 from $6.9 million in 2012. This decrease was related to the 
redemption  of  the  6%  Subordinated  Debentures  during  the  second  quarter  of  2012.  In  addition,  during  2013  the 
Company capitalized interest expense related to certain capital projects.    Other income, net was $4.5 million in 2013 
compared  with  $0.5  million  for  2012.  This  increase  was  primarily  due  to  a  $3.0  million  gain  on  the  sale  of  a 
non-operating property and a $0.3 million decrease in the provision for environmental remediation. 

Income tax expense was $98.1 million, for an effective rate of 36 percent.   This rate was higher than what 
would be computed using the U.S. statutory federal rate primarily due to state tax expense, net of federal benefit, of 
$6.4 million, and the impact of goodwill disposition of $1.8 million.    These increases were partially offset by the U.S. 
production  activities  deduction  benefit  of  $4.4  million  and  the  effect  of  lower  foreign  tax  rates  and  other  foreign 
adjustments of $1.0 million.    

The Company’s employment was approximately 3,925 at the end of 2013 compared with 3,775 at the end of 

2012. 

Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment 

Net sales by the Plumbing & Refrigeration segment decreased one percent to $1.23 billion in 2013 from 
$1.24 billion in 2012.  Of the $12.9 million decrease in net sales, approximately $40.0 million was attributable to 
lower net selling prices in the segment’s core product lines consisting primarily of copper tube, line sets, and fittings, 
which was partially offset by an increase of $28.0 million attributable to higher unit sales volume, of which $14.3 
million was related to the sales recorded for Howell, acquired in October 2013.    Cost of goods sold decreased from 
$1.06 billion in 2012 to $1.04 billion in 2013, which was also due to decreasing raw material prices, primarily copper, 
offset by higher unit 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  in  2012.  Depreciation  and 
amortization increased from $16.5 million in 2012 to $17.1 million in 2013 due to increases in capital spending in 
2012 and 2013.  Selling, general, and administrative expense increased from $75.4 million in 2012 to $85.5 million in 
2013.  The increase is primarily due to higher employment costs, including incentive compensation, of $5.4 million, 
an  increase  in  legal  fees  of  $1.3  million,  and  an  increase  in  bad  debt  expense  of  $1.0  million.  During  2013,  the 
segment recognized a $103.9 million gain related to the settlement of the insurance claim for the September 2011 fire 
at the Wynne, Arkansas manufacturing operation.    It also sold certain of its plastic fittings manufacturing assets and 
recognized a pre-tax gain of $39.8 million, and recognized fixed asset impairment charges of $4.2 million. In 2012, the 
Company  settled  the  business  interruption  portion  of  its  insurance  claim  related  to  the  July  2009  explosion  at  its 
copper tube facility in Fulton, Mississippi and recorded a $1.5 million gain.   

OEM Segment 

The OEM segment’s net sales were $947.8 million in 2013 compared with $974.6 million in 2012.  Of the 
$26.8 million decrease in net sales, approximately $18.6 million was due to lower net selling prices in the segment’s 
core product lines of brass rod, forgings, and commercial tube and approximately $12.7 million was due to lower unit 
sales volume.  This was partially offset by an $11.1 million increase related to the sales recorded for Westermeyer, 
acquired in August 2012.    Cost of goods sold decreased to $833.5 million in 2013 from $866.4 million in 2012, which 
was also due to the decrease in the average costs of raw materials and lower unit sales volume.  Depreciation and 
amortization remained relatively consistent.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $24.5 million in 2013 
compared  with  $27.7  million  in  2012.  The  decrease  is  due  primarily  to  decreased  employment  costs,  including 
incentive compensation, of $1.0 million, and losses on fixed asset impairments recorded in 2012.  Operating income 
increased from $67.1 million in 2012 to $76.6 million in 2013 primarily as a result of higher margins. 

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. 

F-4 

   
   
   
   
 
   
   
 
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. 

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.   

F-5 

   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
  
   
 
 
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. 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 

Cash  and  cash  equivalents  increased  to  $311.8  million  at  December  28,  2013,  from  $198.9  million  at 
December 29, 2012, a net increase of $112.9 million.  Major components of the change included $128.5 million of 
cash provided by operating activities, $3.0 million of cash used in investing activities and $13.6 million of cash used in 
financing activities. 

Of  the  cash  and  cash  equivalents  held  at  December  28,  2013,  $123.8  million  was  held  by  foreign 
subsidiaries.   The  Company  expects  to  repatriate  $1.5  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 $173.3 
million, partially offset by the gain related to the settlement of the insurance claim for the September 2011 fire in 
Wynne, Arkansas of $106.3 million and the $39.8 million gain on the sale of the plastic fittings manufacturing assets.(cid:2) (cid:2)
There  were  also  increases due  to  the non-capital  related  insurance proceeds of $32.4 million,  changes  in  working 
capital, and non-cash adjustments primarily consisting of depreciation and amortization of $30.9 million and deferred 
income taxes of $19.2 million.  Major changes in working capital included a $19.4 million decrease in trade accounts 
receivable  and  a  $14.1  million  decrease  in  current  liabilities.  Changes  in  the  components  of  working  capital  are 
heavily driven by the changes in raw material prices, primarily copper. 

The  major  components  of  net  cash  used  in  investing  activities  in  2013  included  $55.3  million  for  the 
acquisition of Howell Metal Company and $41.3 million used for capital expenditures. These decreases were partially 
offset by $65.1 million for proceeds from the sale of assets, including certain plastic fittings manufacturing assets, and 
$29.9  million  for  insurance  proceeds  for  property  and  equipment  related  to  the  fire  at  our  Wynne,  Arkansas 
manufacturing operation.   

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $13.6 million, which consisted primarily of $13.9 million for 

payment of regular quarterly dividends to stockholders of the Company.   

The Company spent approximately $2.0 million during 2013 for environmental matters.  As of December 28, 
2013, the Company expects to spend $1.4 million in 2014, $0.9 million in 2015, $0.8 million in 2016, $0.8 million in 
2017, $0.8 million in 2018, and $9.4 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 Company’s Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured $350.0 million revolving credit facility (the 
Revolving  Credit  Facility)  and  a  $200.0  million  Term  Loan  Facility,  both  maturing  on  December  11,  2017.  The 
Revolving Credit Facility backed approximately $10.0 million in letters of credit at the end of 2013.  As of December 
28, 2013, the Company’s total debt was $235.3 million or 24.2 percent of its total capitalization. 

F-6 

   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 28, 
2013, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants. 

Contractual cash obligations of the Company as of December 28, 2013 included the following: 

 (In millions) 

Total 

2014 

    2015-2016     2017-2018       Thereafter  

Payments Due by Year 

Debt 
Consulting agreement (1) 
Operating leases 
Heavy machinery and equipment 

commitments 

Purchase commitments (2) 
Interest payments (3) 

$

235.3   $
4.0     
24.0     

13.1     
524.5     
19.8  

29.1    $
1.3     
6.7     

11.7     
524.5     
3.2  

2.0   $
2.0     
10.3     

1.4     
—     
11.1  

202.0    $ 
0.7      
5.6      

—      
—      
5.5     

Total contractual cash obligations 

$

820.7    $

576.5    $

26.8    $

213.8    $

2.2 
— 
1.4 

— 
— 
—

3.6 

(1)   See Note 10 to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

(2)   The Company has contractual supply commitments for raw materials totaling $491.3 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. 

(3)   These payments represent interest on variable rate debt based on rates in effect at December 28, 2013.    The 
Company has entered into an interest rate swap, effective January 12, 2015, which will fix the interest rate 
associated with the majority of its variable rate debt. 

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 $2.8 million in 2013 and $4.3 
million  in  2012.  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 $3.34 in 2013, $3.61 in 2012, and $4.01 in 
2011. 

The Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of 12.5 cents for each fiscal quarter 
of 2013 and in the fourth quarter of 2012, and 10 cents per share on its common stock for the first three quarters of 
2012.  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 
$311.8 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 4.0 to 1 as of December 28, 2013. 

The Company’s Board of Directors has extended, until October 2014, 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 

F-7 

 
         
    
   
 
   
    
        
        
        
        
 
  
  
  
  
 
         
   
       
       
       
       
 
         
      
          
          
          
          
 
         
 
 
         
 
 
         
 
   
   
 
  
shares for stock-based compensation plans, as well as for other corporate purposes.  From its initial authorization in 
1999  through  December  28,  2013,  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. 

On  October 17,  2013,  the  Company  announced  the  acquisition  of  Howell.  The  purchase  price  of  $55.3 

million was funded by cash on-hand.     

On October 18, 2013, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with KME Yorksire Limited (KME) 
to acquire certain assets and assume certain liabilities of KME for purposes of acquiring KME’s Yorkshire Copper 
Tube business.    This transaction received regulatory approval in the United Kingdom on February 11, 2014.    The 
Company  expects  to  fund  the  £18.0  million,  or  approximately  $29.7  million,  acquisition  of  Yorkshire  with  cash 
on-hand. 

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 these 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  $15.9  million  of  copper  over  the  next  15  months  related  to  fixed-price  sales 
orders and to sell approximately $70.6 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 28, 2013. 

Interest Rates 

The Company had variable-rate debt outstanding of $235.3 million at December 28, 2013 and $234.9 million 
at December 29, 2012.  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 28, 2013 or December 29, 2012. 

F-8 

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

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates 

Foreign currency exposures arising from transactions include firm commitments and anticipated transactions 
denominated in a currency other than an entity’s functional currency.  The Company and its subsidiaries generally 
enter  into  transactions  denominated  in  their  respective  functional  currencies.  The  Company  may  utilize  certain 
futures or forward contracts with financial institutions to hedge foreign currency transactional exposures.  Gains and 
losses  with  respect  to  these  positions  are  deferred  in  equity  as  a  component  of  accumulated  OCI  and  reflected  in 
earnings upon collection of receivables or payment of commitments.  At December 28, 2013, the Company had open 
forward contracts with a financial institution to sell approximately 1.5 million Canadian dollars and 0.7 million euros 
through March 2014. It also held open futures contracts to buy approximately 10.5 million euros through March 2015. 

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 $174.8 million at December 28, 2013 and $168.0 
million at December 29, 2012.  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 28, 
2013  and  December  29,  2012  amounted  to  $17.5  million  and  $16.8  million,  respectively.  This  change  would  be 
reflected in the foreign currency translation component of accumulated OCI in the equity section of the Company’s 
Consolidated Balance Sheets, until the foreign subsidiaries are sold or otherwise disposed. 

The  Company  has  significant  investments  in  foreign  operations  whose  functional  currency  is  the  British 
pound  sterling  and  the  Mexican  peso.  During  2013,  the  value  of  the  Mexican  peso  decreased  approximately  one 
percent  and  the  British  pound  increased  approximately  two  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. 

F-9 

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
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. 

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. 

The Company has two reporting units with goodwill. One of these reporting units is included in the Plumbing 

and Refrigeration segment, and one is included in the OEM segment.   

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. 

F-10 

  
   
 
   
   
   
   
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,  net  in  the 
Consolidated Statements of Income. 

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. 

F-11 

   
   
  
   
 
   
   
  
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
Years Ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011 

(In thousands, except per share data) 

2013 

2012 

2011 

Net sales 

 $2,158,541   $2,189,938    $2,417,797 

Cost of goods sold 
Depreciation and amortization 
Selling, general, and administrative expense 
Insurance settlements 
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets 
Impairment charges 
Litigation settlements 
Severance 

Operating income 

Interest expense 
Other income, net 

Income before income taxes 

Income tax expense 

Consolidated net income 

   1,862,089     1,904,463      2,115,677 
36,865 
31,495      
129,456       135,953 
—
—
—

32,394    
134,914    
(106,332)
(39,765)
4,304

(1,500)   
— 
— 
(4,050)    
3,369      

(10,500) 
— 

—   
—    

270,937    

126,705       139,802 

(3,990)   
4,451    

(6,890)    
539      

(11,553)
1,912

271,398    

120,354       130,161 

(98,109)    

(36,681)     

(43,075)

173,289    

83,673      

87,086 

Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 

(689)    

(1,278)     

(765)

Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. 

  $ 172,600    $

82,395    $

86,321 

Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share 
Effect of dilutive stock-based awards 

27,871    
371    

35,332      
414      

37,835 
361 

Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share 

28,242    

35,746      

38,196 

Basic earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share 

Dividends per share 

  $

 $

  $

6.19    $

2.33    $

2.28 

6.11   $

2.31    $

2.26 

0.50    $

0.425    $

0.40 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

F-12 

 
 
   
    
 
    
        
          
          
 
    
     
          
          
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
    
    
         
          
 
  
    
    
         
          
 
  
  
    
    
         
          
 
  
    
    
         
          
 
   
    
    
         
          
 
  
    
     
          
          
 
   
    
     
          
          
 
    
    
         
          
 
  
  
    
    
         
          
 
  
    
     
          
          
 
    
    
         
          
 
    
    
         
          
 
    
        
          
          
 
 
  
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
Years Ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011 

(In thousands) 

2013 

2012 

       2011 

Consolidated net income 

  $ 173,289    $

83,673    $

87,086 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: 

Foreign currency translation 
Net  change  with  respect  to  derivative  instruments  and  hedging

activities (1) 

Net actuarial gain (loss) on pension and postretirement 

obligations (2) 

Other, net 

3,285     

8,070      

232

1,713     

255      

(988)

27,369    
151     

(847)     
14      

(10,378)
(81) 

Total other comprehensive income (loss) 

32,518     

7,492      

(11,215)

Comprehensive income 

Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest     

205,807     
(1,404)    

91,165      
(1,984)     

75,871 
(1,913)

Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. 

  $ 204,403    $

89,181    $

73,958 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.    

(1) Net of taxes of $(962) in 2013, $(162) in 2012, and $559 in 2011 

(2) Net of taxes of $(15,015) in 2013, $94 in 2012, and $4,786 in 2011 

F-13 

 
 
 
   
 
  
    
      
        
 
    
     
          
      
  
     
          
      
  
   
   
   
   
    
     
          
          
 
   
    
     
          
          
 
   
    
     
          
          
 
    
        
     
       
   
 
   
  
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 

(In thousands, except share data) 
Assets 
Current assets: 

2013 

2012 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of  $2,391 in 2013 and 

 $ 311,800     $ 198,934 

$1,644 in 2012 

Inventories 
Current deferred income taxes 
Other current assets 

Total current assets 

Property, plant, and equipment, net 
Goodwill, net 
Other assets 

Total Assets 

Liabilities 
Current liabilities: 

Current portion of debt 
Accounts payable 
Accrued wages and other employee costs 
Other current liabilities 

Total current liabilities 

Long-term debt, less current portion 
Pension liabilities 
Postretirement benefits other than pensions 
Environmental reserves 
Deferred income taxes 
Other noncurrent liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Equity 
Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders’ equity: 

271,847        271,093 
251,716        229,434 
26,438 
21,295 

8,106       
31,248       

874,717        747,194 

244,457        233,263 
94,357        104,579 
19,119 
34,236       

 $1,247,767     $1,104,155 

 $

27,570 
29,083     $
87,574 
80,897       
37,109       
34,378 
72,167        109,174 

219,256        258,696 

206,250        207,300 
35,187 
10,645       
19,832 
16,781       
22,597 
22,144       
20,910 
35,975       
1,667 
849       

511,900        566,189 

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 28,302,337 in 2013 and 28,099,635 in 2012 

Additional paid-in capital 
Retained earnings 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss 
Treasury common stock, at cost 

Total Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders’ equity 

—       

— 

401       

401 
267,142        267,826 
908,274        749,777 
(42,623)
(10,819 )     
(461,593 )      (468,473)

703,405        506,908 
31,058 
32,462       

735,867        537,966 

—       

— 

 $1,247,767     $1,104,155 

Noncontrolling interest 

Total equity 

Commitments and contingencies 

Total Liabilities and Equity 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

F-14 

 
 
    
 
    
      
 
    
      
 
  
  
  
  
  
    
     
          
 
  
  
  
    
        
          
 
    
      
 
    
      
 
   
   
   
  
    
     
          
 
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
    
        
          
 
       
          
 
        
          
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
     
          
 
  
    
   
        
  
 
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
Years Ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011 

(In thousands) 
Operating activities: 
Consolidated net income 
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:     

 $ 173,289   $

2013 

2012 

2011 

Depreciation 
Amortization of intangibles 
Amortization of debt issuance costs 
Stock-based compensation expense 
Insurance settlements 
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets 
Insurance proceeds – noncapital related 
Impairment charges 
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options 
Deferred income taxes 
(Recovery of) provision for doubtful accounts receivable 
(Gain) loss on disposal of properties 
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired: 

30,946    
1,448    
299    
5,704    
(106,332)    
(39,765)
32,395    
4,304
(719)   
19,213   
(273)   
(2,535)   

83,673    $

87,086 

30,326      
1,169      
438      
6,136      
(1,500)     
—     
14,250      
— 
(2,528)    
(1,284)    
837     
1,411     

35,966 
899 
397 
3,482 
—
—
10,000 
—
(853)
(4,190)
(229) 
(202) 

Receivables 
Inventories 
Other assets 
Current liabilities 
Other liabilities 
Other, net 

19,383   
5,963   
562   
(14,139)    
(1,935)   
705    

(23,690)    
(4,834)    
(14,985)    
8,368      
9,345     
1,165      

28,716
(15,678)
460 
7,966 
(1,593)
1,522 

Net cash provided by operating activities 

128,513    

108,297       153,749 

Investing activities: 
Proceeds from sales of assets   
Acquisition of businesses 
Capital expenditures 
Insurance proceeds   
Net (deposits into) withdrawals from restricted cash balances 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Financing activities: 
Dividends paid to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.   
Repurchase of common stock 
Repayments of long-term debt 
(Repayment) issuance of debt by joint venture, net 
Issuance of long-term debt 
Net cash (used) received to settle stock-based awards 
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options 
Debt issuance costs 

Net cash used in financing activities 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 

65,147   
(55,276)   
(41,349)   
29,910   
(1,417)   

517     
(11,561)    
(56,825)    
42,250     
9,243      

1,984
(6,882)
(18,751)
—
(3,055)

(2,985)   

(16,376)    

(26,704)

(13,941)   
—    
(1,000)   
857   
—    
(228)   
719    
(50)   

(14,891)    
(427,446)     
(149,176)    
(14,429)    
200,000      
(4,181)    
2,528      
(1,053)    

(15,146) 
— 
(750)
6,162 
— 
3,879 
853 
(1,942) 

(13,643)   

(408,648)    

(6,944)

981   

1,499     

(78) 

112,866   
198,934    

(315,228)     120,023 
514,162       394,139 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

 $ 311,800   $ 198,934    $ 514,162 

For supplemental disclosures of cash flow information, see Notes 1, 5, 7, and 14. 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

F-15 

 
 
 
   
    
 
    
      
      
 
          
          
 
  
  
  
  
   
   
 
  
  
  
  
     
        
          
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
        
          
          
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
        
          
 
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
Years Ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011 

(In thousands)  
Common stock: 
Balance at beginning of year 
Balance at end of year 

Additional paid-in capital: 
Balance at beginning of year 
Issuance of shares under 

incentive stock option 
plans 

Stock-based compensation 

expense 

Income tax benefit from 

exercise of stock options 

Issuance of restricted stock 

2013 

2012 

2011 

   Shares 

    Amount     

Shares 

    Amount     

Shares 

     Amount   

40,092   $
40,092   $

401    
401    

40,092   $
40,092   $

401    
401    

40,092    $
40,092    $

401 
401 

    $ 267,826     

   $ 266,936     

     $ 263,233 

(1,205)    

5,704    

719    
(5,902)         

(4,303)    

6,136     

2,528     
(3,471)         

2,340

3,482 

853 
(2,972)

Balance at end of year 

    $ 267,142    

   $ 267,826     

     $ 266,936 

Retained earnings:  
Balance at beginning of year 
Net income attributable to 

Mueller Industries, Inc. 
Dividends paid or payable to 
stockholders of Mueller 
Industries, Inc. 

    $ 749,777     

   $ 682,380     

     $ 611,279 

172,600    

82,395     

86,321 

(14,103)    

(14,998)    

(15,220)

Balance at end of year 

    $ 908,274    

   $ 749,777     

     $ 682,380 

Accumulated other 
comprehensive (loss) income:     

Balance at beginning of year 
Total other comprehensive 

income (loss) attributable 
to Mueller Industries, Inc.      

    $ (42,623)    

   $ (49,409)    

$ (37,046)

31,804    

6,786    

(12,363)

Balance at end of year 

    $ (10,819)    

   $ (42,623)    

     $ (49,409)

F-16 

 
    
  
   
   
 
    
      
      
      
      
      
 
   
   
    
    
           
     
          
     
       
 
    
           
     
          
     
       
 
    
    
     
    
       
    
     
    
       
    
     
    
       
        
     
     
      
    
        
       
        
          
          
          
 
    
    
    
           
     
          
     
       
 
    
           
     
          
     
       
 
    
    
     
    
       
    
     
    
       
    
        
       
        
          
          
          
 
    
    
    
      
      
     
      
       
 
      
      
     
      
       
 
    
     
 
     
    
       
    
        
       
        
          
          
          
 
    
        
       
        
          
          
          
 
    
   
    
      
      
     
      
       
 
  
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
(continued) 
Years Ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011 

(In thousands) 
Treasury stock: 
Balance at beginning of year 
Issuance of shares under 

incentive stock option 
plans 

Repurchase of common stock 
Issuance of restricted stock 

2013 

2012 

2011 

   Shares 

    Amount     

Shares 

    Amount     

Shares 

     Amount   

11,992   $ (468,473)   

1,855   $ (44,620)   

2,237    $ (49,131)

(122)
70
(151)

4,716   
(3,738)   
5,902    

(576)   
10,855    
(142)    

20,881    
(448,205)   
3,471     

(464)    
214      
(132)     

10,637 
(9,098)
2,972 

Balance at end of year 

11,789 $ (461,593)   

11,992   $ (468,473)   

1,855    $ (44,620)

Noncontrolling interest: 
Balance at beginning of year 
Net income attributable to 
noncontrolling interest 
Foreign currency translation 

    $

31,058          

    $

29,074          

    $

27,161 

689          
715          

1,278          
706          

765 
1,148 

Balance at end of year 

    $

32,462          

    $

31,058          

    $

29,074 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

F-17 

 
    
  
   
   
 
        
          
          
          
          
          
 
   
   
   
    
    
     
 
        
          
          
          
 
   
   
    
           
     
          
     
           
 
        
          
          
          
          
          
 
        
        
     
     
      
        
     
     
      
    
        
       
          
          
          
          
 
        
    
        
          
          
          
          
          
 
 
  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

Nature of Operations 

The principal business of Mueller Industries, Inc. is the manufacture and sale of copper tube and fittings; line 
sets;  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.  The Company markets its products to the HVAC, plumbing, refrigeration, hardware, 
and other industries.  Mueller’s operations are located throughout the United States and in Canada, Mexico, Great 
Britain, and China. 

Principles of Consolidation 

The  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  include  the  accounts  of  Mueller  Industries,  Inc.  and  its  majority 
owned  subsidiaries.  All  significant 
in 
interest  represents  a  separate  private  ownership  of  49.5  percent  of 
consolidation.  The  noncontrolling 
Mueller-Xingrong.   The years ended December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 contained 52 weeks, while the year 
ended December 31, 2011 contained 53 weeks. 

transactions  have  been  eliminated 

intercompany  accounts  and 

Revenue Recognition 

Revenue is recognized when title and risk of loss pass to the customer, provided collection is determined to 
be probable and no significant obligations remain for the Company.  Estimates for future rebates on certain product 
lines and product returns are recognized in the period which the revenue is recorded.  The cost of shipping product to 
customers is expensed as incurred as a component of cost of goods sold. 

Cash Equivalents 

Temporary  investments  with  original  maturities  of  three  months  or  less  are  considered  to  be  cash 
equivalents.  These  investments  are  stated  at  cost.  At  December  28,  2013  and  December  29,  2012,  temporary 
investments consisted of money market mutual funds, commercial paper, bank repurchase agreements, and U.S. and 
foreign government securities totaling $179.2 million and $86.0 million, respectively.  Included in other current assets 
is restricted cash of $5.2 million and $3.7 million at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively.  These 
amounts  represent  required  deposits  into  brokerage  accounts  that  facilitate  the  Company’s  hedging  activities  and 
deposits that secure certain short-term notes issued under Mueller-Xingrong’s credit facility. 

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  could  change  its  estimate  of  the  recoverability  of  amounts  due  by  a  material 
amount. 

Inventories 

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 

F-18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
in  finished  goods  inventory  in  addition  to  the  cost  of  material  include  depreciation,  amortization,  utilities, 
maintenance, production wages, and transportation costs. 

The  market  price  of  copper  cathode  and  scrap  is  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. 

Property, Plant, and Equipment 

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost.  Depreciation of buildings, machinery, and equipment is 
provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives ranging from 20 to 40 years for buildings and five 
to 20 years for machinery and equipment.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of their useful life or 
the remaining lease term.  Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. 

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 defines reporting units as 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.  As discussed in Note 14, goodwill was disposed of in 2013 in conjunction 
with the sale of a business.    The Company has two reporting units with goodwill. One of these reporting units is 
included in the Plumbing and Refrigeration segment, and one is included in the OEM segment.    There can be no 
assurance that additional goodwill impairment will not occur in the future. 

Because there are no observable inputs available, the Company estimates fair value of reporting units based 
on a combination of the market approach and income approach (Level 3 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820 Fair Value 
Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820)).  The market approach measures the fair value of a business through the 
analysis of publicly traded companies or recent sales of similar businesses.  The income approach uses a discounted 
cash  flow  model  to  estimate  the  fair  value  of  reporting  units  based  on  expected  cash  flows  (adjusted  for  capital 
investment required to support operations) and a terminal value.  This cash flow stream is discounted to its present 
value to arrive at a fair value for each reporting unit.  Future earnings are estimated using the Company’s most recent 
annual projections, applying a growth rate to future periods.  Those projections are directly impacted by the condition 
of the markets in which the Company’s businesses participate.  For the reporting units included in the Plumbing & 
Refrigeration segment, the projections reflect, among other things, the decline of the residential and non-residential 
construction  markets  over  the  past  several  years.  The  OEM  segment  is  also  impacted  by  the  residential  and 
non-residential construction markets.    The discount rate selected for the reporting units is generally based on rates of 
return available from alternative investments of similar type and quality at the date of valuation. 

Self-Insurance Accruals 

The Company is primarily self-insured for workers’ compensation claims and benefits paid under certain 
employee  health  care  programs.  Accruals  are  primarily  based  on  estimated  undiscounted  cost  of  claims,  which 
includes incurred but not reported claims, and are classified as accrued wages and other employee costs. 

F-19 

  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Environmental Reserves and Environmental Expenses 

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,  net  on  the 
Consolidated Statements of Income. 

Earnings Per Share 

Basic  earnings  per  share  is  computed  based  on  the  weighted  average  number  of  common  shares 
outstanding.  Diluted earnings per share reflects the increase in weighted average common shares outstanding that 
would result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards calculated 
using the treasury stock method.   

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 regarding those future events.  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. 

These  estimates  are  highly  subjective  and  could  be  affected  by  changes  in  business  conditions  and  other 

factors.  Changes in any of these factors could have a material impact on future income tax expense. 

Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities 

Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are directly imposed on a revenue producing transaction 
between the Company and its customers, primarily value added taxes in foreign jurisdictions, are accounted for on a 
net (excluded from revenues and costs) basis. 

F-20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee Benefits 

The Company sponsors several qualified and nonqualified pension and other postretirement benefit plans in 
the U.S. and certain foreign locations.    We recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of the plans as an asset or 
liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet with changes in the funded status recorded through comprehensive income 
in the year in which those changes occur.    The obligations for these plans are actuarially determined and affected by 
assumptions, including discount rates, expected long-term return on plan assets for defined benefit pension plans, and 
certain  employee-related  factors,  such  as  retirement  age  and  mortality.    The  Company  evaluates  its  assumptions 
periodically and makes adjustments as necessary.     

The expected return on plan assets is determined using the market value of plan assets.    Differences between 
assumed  and  actual  returns  are  amortized  to  the  market  value  of  assets  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  average 
remaining  service  period  of  the  plan  participants  using  the  corridor  approach.    The  corridor  approach  defers  all 
actuarial  gains  and  losses  resulting  from  variances  between  actual  results  and  actuarial  assumptions.    These 
unrecognized gains and losses are amortized when the net gains and losses exceed 10 percent of the greater of the 
market value of the plan assets or the projected benefit obligation.    The amount in excess of the corridor is amortized 
over the average remaining service period of the plan participants.    For 2013, the average remaining service period 
for the pension plans was 10 years. 

Stock-Based Compensation 

The  Company  has  in  effect  stock  incentive  plans  under  which  stock-based  awards  have  been  granted  to 
certain employees and members of its board of directors.  Stock-based compensation expense is recognized in the 
Consolidated Statements of Income as a component of selling, general, and administrative expense based on the grant 
date fair value of the awards. 

Concentrations of Credit and Market Risk 

Concentrations  of  credit  risk  with  respect  to  accounts  receivable  are  limited  due  to  the  large  number  of 
customers  comprising  the  Company’s  customer  base,  and  their  dispersion  across  different  geographic  areas  and 
different industries, including HVAC, plumbing, refrigeration, hardware, automotive, OEMs, and others. 

The Company minimizes its exposure to base metal price fluctuations through various strategies.  Generally, 
it  prices  an  equivalent  amount  of  copper  raw  material,  under  flexible  pricing  arrangements  it  maintains  with  its 
suppliers, at the time it determines the selling price of finished products to its customers. 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities 

The Company utilizes futures contracts to manage the volatility related to purchases of copper through cash 
flow hedges.  The Company also utilizes futures contracts to protect the value of its copper inventory on hand and firm 
commitments to purchase copper through fair value hedges. The Company may elect to utilize futures contracts as 
economic hedges that do not qualify for hedge accounting in accordance with ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging 
(ASC 815).    In addition, the Company may elect to use foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the risk from 
exchange rate fluctuations on future purchases and intercompany transactions denominated in foreign currencies. The 
Company accounts for financial derivative instruments by applying hedge accounting rules.  These rules require the 
Company to recognize all derivatives, as defined, as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value.  If the derivative 
is designated as a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative will either be 
offset  against  the  change  in  fair  value  of  the  hedged  assets,  liabilities,  or  firm  commitments  through  earnings  or 
recognized  as  a  component  of  OCI  until  the  hedged  item  is  recognized  in  earnings.  The  ineffective  portion  of  a 
derivative’s  change  in  fair  value  will  be  immediately  recognized  in  earnings.  Gains  and  losses  recognized  by  the 
Company related to the ineffective portion of its hedging instruments, as well as gains and losses related to the portion 
of the hedging instruments excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, were not material to the Company’s 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  Should  these  contracts  no  longer  meet  hedge  criteria  either  through  lack  of 
effectiveness or because the hedged transaction is not probable of occurring, all deferred gains and losses related to the 
hedge will be immediately reclassified from OCI into earnings.  Depending on position, the unrealized gain or loss on 
futures contracts are classified as other current assets or other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, 

F-21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and any changes thereto are recorded in changes in assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. 

The Company primarily executes derivative contracts with major financial institutions.  These counterparties 
expose the Company to credit risk in the event of non-performance.  The amount of such exposure is limited to the fair 
value  of  the  contract  plus  the  unpaid  portion  of  amounts  due  to  the  Company  pursuant  to  terms  of  the  derivative 
instruments, if any.  If a downgrade in the credit rating of these counterparties occurs, management believes that this 
exposure is mitigated by provisions in the derivative arrangements which allow for the legal right of offset of any 
amounts  due  to  the  Company  from  the  counterparties  with  any  amounts  payable  to  the  counterparties  by  the 
Company.  As a result, management considers the risk of loss from counterparty default to be minimal. 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate 

fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. 

The fair value of long-term debt at December 28, 2013 approximates the carrying value on that date.  The 
estimated fair values were determined based on quoted market prices and the current rates offered for debt with similar 
terms and maturities. The fair value of our long-term debt is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. This 
classification  is  defined  as  a  fair  value  determined  using  market-based  inputs  other  than  quoted  prices  that  are 
observable  for  the  liability,  either directly or  indirectly.(cid:2) (cid:2) Outstanding borrowings have  variable  interest rates  that 
re-price frequently at current market rates.   

Foreign Currency Translation 

For foreign subsidiaries in which the functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, balance sheet accounts 
are translated at exchange rates in effect at the end of the year and income statement accounts are translated at average 
exchange rates for the year.  Translation gains and losses are included in equity as a component of OCI.  Included in 
the Consolidated Statements of Income were transaction losses of $0.1 million in 2013, gains of $0.3 million in 2012, 
and losses of $0.7 million in 2011. 

Use of Estimates 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the 
United States requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in 
the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates. 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards 

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 
No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2013-02). 
Under ASU 2013-02, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated 
OCI by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the 
notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated OCI by the respective line items of net income, but only if 
the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are 
not  required  to  be  reclassified  in  their  entirety  to  net  income,  an  entity  is  required  to  cross-reference  to  other 
disclosures  that  provide  additional  details  about  those  amounts.  ASU  2013-02  does  not  change  the  current 
requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements. ASU 2013-02 was 
effective for the Company in the reporting period beginning December 30, 2012. 

F-22 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 2 – Inventories 

(In thousands) 

Raw materials and supplies 
Work-in-process 
Finished goods 
Valuation reserves 

Inventories 

2013 

2012 

 $

46,114 
54,613    $
43,796      
40,951 
159,422       148,014 
(5,645)

(6,115)     

  $ 251,716    $ 229,434 

Inventories valued using the LIFO method totaled $34.9 million at December 28, 2013 and $19.9 million at 
December 29, 2012.  At December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the approximate FIFO cost of such inventories 
was  $117.9  million  and  $109.8  million,  respectively.  Additionally,  the  Company  valued  certain  inventories 
purchased for resale on an average cost basis.  The value of those inventories was $54.7 million at December 28, 2013 
and $51.4 million at December 29, 2012. 

During 2011, inventory quantities valued using the LIFO method declined which resulted in liquidation of 
LIFO  inventory  layers.   This  liquidation  resulted  from  intercompany  sales;  therefore,  the  gain  from  the  LIFO 
liquidation  of approximately  $8.0  million was deferred.(cid:2) (cid:2) During  the  first  quarter of 2012,  the  Company  sold  this 
inventory  to  third  parties  and  recognized  the  gain.  This  recognition  resulted  in  a  reduction  of  approximately  $8.0 
million to cost of sales, or $0.13 per diluted share after tax. 

At December 28, 2013, the FIFO value of inventory consigned to others was $4.3 million compared with $4.5 

million at the end of 2012. 

Note 3 – Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net 

(In thousands) 

Land and land improvements 
Buildings 
Machinery and equipment 
Construction in progress 

Less accumulated depreciation 

Property, plant, and equipment, net 

2013 

2012 

 $

13,153    $

11,066 
132,331       113,854 
561,005       571,435 
24,527 
25,691      

732,180       720,882 
(487,723)      (487,619)

 $ 244,457    $ 233,263 

F-23 

 
 
    
 
    
        
          
 
   
  
   
    
     
          
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
    
    
      
 
   
   
   
    
     
          
 
    
   
   
    
        
          
 
    
        
          
 
 
 
Note 4 – Goodwill, Net 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows: 

(In thousands) 

Balance at December 31, 2011: 
      Goodwill 
      Accumulated impairment and amortization 

Additions 
Balance at December 29, 2012: 
      Goodwill 
      Accumulated impairment and amortization 

Additions 
Disposition 
Balance at December 28, 2013: 
      Goodwill 
      Accumulated impairment and amortization 

Plumbing & 
Refrigeration 
Segment 

OEM 
Segment 

Total 

  $

141,684    $
(39,434)    

9,971      $
(9,971)       

151,655 
(49,405)

102,250     

—         

102,250 

—     

2,329         

2,329 

141,684     
(39,434)    

12,300         
(9,971)       

153,984 
(49,405)

102,250     

2,329         

104,579 

310     
(10,532)    

—         
—         

310 
(10,532)

131,462     
(39,434)    

12,300         
(9,971)       

143,762 
(49,405)

Goodwill, net 

  $

92,028    $

2,329      $

94,357 

In  2012,  the  Company  acquired  Westermeyer  Industries,  Inc.  Of  the  $11.6  million  purchase  price,  $2.3 
million was allocated to goodwill. In 2013, the Company acquired Howell Metal Company (Howell). Of the $55.3 
million purchase price, $0.3 million was allocated to goodwill based on a preliminary allocation of the purchase price.   

(cid:2)
in conjunction with the sale of a business. 

As discussed in Note 14, $10.5 million of goodwill relating to the SPD reporting unit was disposed of in 2013 

There  were  no  impairment  charges  resulting  from  the  2013,  2012,  or  2011  impairment  tests  since  the 

estimated fair value of the reporting units substantially exceeded their carrying value.   

Note 5 – Debt     

(In thousands) 

Term Loan Facility with interest at 1.54%, due 2017 
Mueller-Xingrong credit facility with interest at 5.88%, due 2014 
2001 Series IRB’s with interest at 1.16%, due through 2021 
Other 

Less current portion of debt 

Long-term debt 

2013 

2012 

  $ 200,000    $ 200,000 
26,570 
8,250
50 

28,033      
7,250     
50      

235,333       234,870 
(27,570)
(29,083)     

 $ 206,250    $ 207,300 

F-24 

 
 
   
      
 
   
       
         
            
 
       
         
            
 
   
   
       
         
            
 
   
   
   
       
         
            
 
   
       
         
            
 
   
   
   
       
         
            
 
   
   
   
       
         
            
 
   
   
       
         
            
 
   
   
   
       
         
            
 
 
  
 
 
 
    
 
    
    
      
 
   
   
    
     
          
 
    
   
   
    
     
          
 
    
        
          
 
On  September  24,  2012,  the  Company  entered  into  an  agreement  with  Leucadia  National  Corporation 
(Leucadia) to repurchase 10.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock at a total cost of $427.3 million.  The 
Company funded the purchase price with available cash on hand and borrowings of $200.0 million under its $350.0 
revolving credit facility (the Revolving Credit Facility) provided by its credit agreement (the Agreement) dated March 
7, 2011.  On December 11, 2012, the Company amended the Agreement to add a $200.0 million term loan facility (the 
Term  Loan  Facility),  after  which  the  total  borrowing  capacity  under  the  Agreement  was  increased  to  $550.0 
million.  The Company used the borrowings under the Term Loan Facility to replace the amounts previously advanced 
under  the  Revolving  Credit  Facility.  The  amendment  also  adjusted  the  pricing  and  extended  the  maturity  date  to 
December 11, 2017 for all borrowings under the Agreement.  Borrowings under the Agreement bear interest, at the 
Company’s option, at LIBOR or Base Rate as defined by the Agreement, plus a variable premium.  LIBOR advances 
may be based upon the one, three, or six-month LIBOR.  The variable premium is based upon the Company’s debt to 
total capitalization ratio, and can range from 112.5 to 162.5 basis points for LIBOR based loans and 12.5 to 62.5 basis 
points for Base Rate loans.  At December 28, 2013, the premium was 137.5 basis points for LIBOR loans and 37.5 
basis points for Base Rate loans.  Additionally, a facility fee is payable quarterly on the total commitment and varies 
from 25.0 to 37.5 basis points based upon the Company’s debt to total capitalization ratio.  Availability of funds under 
the Revolving Credit Facility is reduced by the amount of certain outstanding letters of credit, which are used to secure 
the  Company’s  payment  of  insurance  deductibles  and  certain  retiree  health  benefits,  totaling  approximately  $10.0 
million at December 28, 2013.  Terms of the letters of credit are generally one year but are renewable annually.   

On September 24, 2013, Mueller-Xingrong entered into a credit agreement (the JV Credit Agreement) with a 
syndicate of four banks establishing a secured RMB 450 million, or approximately $74.0 million, revolving credit 
facility with a maturity date of September 24, 2014.   The JV Credit Agreement replaced the previous secured RMB 
350  million  financing  agreement  that  matured  during  the  year.   Borrowings  outstanding  under  the  JV  Credit 
Agreement  are  secured  by  the  real  property  and  equipment  of  Mueller-Xingrong  and  bear  interest  at  the  latest 
base-lending rate published by the People’s Bank of China, which was 5.88 percent at December 28, 2013.   The JV 
Credit Agreement requires lender consent for the payment of dividends. 

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.  At December 28, 
2013, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants. 

Aggregate annual maturities of the Company’s debt are $29.1 million in 2014, $1.0 million in 2015, $1.0 
million in 2016, $201.0 million in 2017, $1.0 million in 2018, and $2.2 million thereafter.  Interest paid in 2013, 2012, 
and  2011  was  $4.9  million,  $8.4  million,  and  $10.8  million,  respectively.  In  2013,  $1.2  million  of  interest  was 
capitalized.    No interest was capitalized in 2012 or 2011. 

Note 6 –Equity 

The Company’s Board of Directors has extended, until October 2014, 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 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 28, 2013, the Company had repurchased approximately 2.4 million shares under this authorization. 

The Company entered into an agreement with Leucadia pursuant to which the Company repurchased from 
Leucadia 10.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock on September 24, 2012 at a total cost of $427.3 million. 
The  Company’s  repurchase  transaction  with  Leucadia  was  completed  outside  of  the  repurchase  authorization 
previously approved by the Board of Directors. 

F-25 

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

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

(In thousands) 

Cumulative 
Translation 
Adjustment 

Unrealized 
(Losses)/ Gains 
on Derivatives     

Minimum 
Pension/OPEB 
Liability Adjustment  

Unrealized Gains 
on Equity 
Investments 

   Total   

December 29, 2012 

 $

 (3,032)    $

(167)   $

(39,527) 

$ 

103  $(42,623)

Other comprehensive 
income before 
reclassifications 
Amounts reclassified 
from accumulated 
OCI 

Net current-period 

other comprehensive 
income 

2,570    

(2,102)  

24,851 

152

25,471 

—    

3,815 

2,518 

— 6,333

2,570    

1,713 

27,369 

152

31,804 

December 28, 2013 

 $

(462)   $

1,546    $

(12,158)

$ 

255  $(10,819)

Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated OCI were as follows: 
(cid:2)

(In thousands) 

Amount reclassified from Accumulated OCI 

For the Year Ended 
December 28, 2013  

Affected Line Item 

Unrealized losses on derivatives:  

Closed positions, commodity contracts $ 

Amortization of employee benefit items: 

Amortization of net loss 

 $ 

 $ 

5,672   Cost of goods sold 
(1,857)  Income tax expense 
3,815   Net of tax 

—   Noncontrolling interest 

3,815   Net of tax and noncontrolling interest 

3,844   Selling, general, and administrative expense
(1,326)  Income tax expense 
2,518   Net of tax 

—   Noncontrolling interest 

 $ 

2,518   Net of tax and noncontrolling interest 

The  change  in  cumulative  foreign  currency  translation  adjustment  primarily  relates  to  the  Company’s 
investment  in  foreign  subsidiaries  and  fluctuations  in  exchange  rates  between  their  local  currencies  and  the  U.S. 
dollar.  During  2013,  the  value  of  the Mexican  peso  decreased  approximately  one  percent  and  the  British  pound 
increased two percent relative to the U.S. dollar, respectively. 

F-26 

 
 
 
   
    
     
    
     
     
 
  
    
 
 
    
     
    
            
            
 
    
    
        
 
     
 
     
 
 
    
     
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
    
     
    
            
            
 
    
    
        
 
 
 
    
 
 
    
   
   
   
       
    
   
    
   
    
   
    
   
       
    
    
   
       
   
       
    
   
    
   
    
   
    
   
       
    
    
   
       
 
Note 7 – Income Taxes 

The components of income before income taxes were taxed under the following jurisdictions: 

(In thousands) 

Domestic 
Foreign 

2013 

2012 

2011 

  $ 262,220    $ 105,945    $ 118,208 
11,953 

14,409      

9,178     

Income before income taxes 

  $ 271,398    $ 120,354    $ 130,161 

Income tax expense consists of the following: 

(In thousands) 

Current tax expense: 

Federal 
Foreign 
State and local 

Current tax expense 

Deferred tax expense (benefit): 

Federal 
Foreign 
State and local 

2013 

2012 

2011 

  $

69,565    $
2,608     
6,723     

33,152    $
1,764      
3,049      

43,127 
1,740 
2,398 

78,896     

37,965      

47,265 

17,694     
(376)    
1,895     

570      
(2,015)     
161      

(6,480)
344
1,946

Deferred tax expense (benefit) 

19,213    

(1,284)     

(4,190)

Income tax expense 

  $

98,109    $

36,681    $

43,075 

No provision is made for U.S. income taxes applicable to undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that 
are indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations.  It is not practicable to compute the potential deferred tax liability 
associated with these undistributed foreign earnings.    The Company has approximately $100 million of undistributed 
foreign earnings for which it has not recorded deferred tax liabilities. 

The difference between the reported income tax expense and a tax determined by applying the applicable 

U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to income before income taxes is reconciled as follows: 

(In thousands) 

2013 

2012 

2011 

Expected income tax expense 
State and local income tax, net of federal benefit 
Effect of foreign statutory rate different from U.S. and other foreign 

  $

94,989    $
6,405     

42,124    $
3,178      

45,556 
4,267 

adjustments 

Valuation allowance changes 
U.S. production activities deduction 
Goodwill disposition 
Tax contingency changes 
Other, net 

(1,026)    
—    
(4,445)    
1,790
(140)    
536     

(2,637)     
(1,224)     
(2,975)     
—     
(3,224)     
1,439      

(560)
(443)
(3,850)
—
(1,934)
39 

Income tax expense 

  $

98,109    $

36,681    $

43,075 

F-27 

 
 
 
   
    
 
    
        
          
          
 
   
    
     
          
          
 
    
        
          
          
 
 
 
 
   
    
 
    
        
          
          
 
        
          
          
 
   
   
    
     
          
          
 
   
    
     
          
          
 
     
          
          
 
   
   
   
    
     
          
          
 
   
    
     
          
          
 
    
        
          
          
 
  
 
 
   
    
 
    
        
          
          
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
     
          
          
 
    
        
          
          
 
During  2012  and  2011,  the  Company  released  a  valuation  allowance  of  $1.2  million,  or  three  cents  per 
diluted share, and $0.4 million, or one cent per diluted share, respectively, due to the expectation that certain state tax 
attributes will be utilized. 

The following summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits: 

(In thousands) 

Beginning balance 
Increases related to prior year tax positions 
Increases related to current year tax positions 
Decreases related to prior year tax positions 
Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities 
Decreases due to lapses in the statute of limitations 

Ending balance 

2013 

2012 

  $

3,259    $
—      
—      
—      
(431)     
—      

6,572 
— 
— 
—
— 
(3,313)

  $

2,828    $

3,259 

It is reasonably possible that the $2.8 million of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by the full amount 

over the next twelve months, none of which will impact the effective tax rate, if recognized. 

The Company includes interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax 
expense.    The net reduction to income tax expense related to penalties and interest was immaterial in 2013 and in 
2012, and $0.5 million in 2011. 

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) concluded its audit of the Company’s 2009 and 2010 federal income tax 
returns  during  2012,  the  results  of  which  were  immaterial  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements.    The  IRS  is 
currently auditing the 2012 federal income tax return, and the Company is currently under audit in various state and 
foreign jurisdictions. 

The statute of limitations is still open for the Company’s federal tax return and most state income tax returns 
for 2010 and all subsequent years.  The statutes of limitations for certain state and foreign returns are also open for 
some  earlier  tax  years  due  to  ongoing  audits  and  differing  statute  periods.  While  the  Company  believes  that  it  is 
adequately reserved for possible audit adjustments, the final resolution of these examinations cannot be determined 
with certainty and could result in final settlements that differ from current estimates. 

F-28 

  
 
 
    
 
    
    
      
 
   
   
   
   
   
    
     
          
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and 

deferred tax liabilities are presented below: 

(In thousands) 

Deferred tax assets: 

Accounts receivable 
Inventories 
Other postretirement benefits and accrued items 
Pension 
Other reserves 
Federal and foreign tax attributes 
State tax attributes, net of federal benefit 
Insurance Claim Receivable 
Share-based Compensation 

Total deferred tax assets 
Less valuation allowance 

Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 

Deferred tax liabilities: 

Property, plant, and equipment 
Pension 
Other 

Total deferred tax liabilities 

Net deferred tax (liability) asset 

  $

2013 

2012 

490    $
11,136      
13,548      
—      
12,441      
5,913      
24,663      
—      
2,486      

447 
7,829 
14,767 
10,489 
14,905 
9,829 
29,880 
8,048 
1,493 

70,677      
(22,544)     

97,687 
(30,394)

48,133      

67,293 

60,425      
4,507     
2,209      

49,531 
—
983 

67,141      

50,514 

  $ (19,008)   $

16,779 

As of December 28, 2013, after consideration of the federal impact, the Company had state income tax credit 
carryforwards of $2.0 million, all of which expire by 2016, and other state income tax credit carryforwards of $11.9 
million  with  unlimited  lives.  The  Company  had  state  net  operating  loss  (NOL)  carryforwards  with  potential  tax 
benefits of $10.7 million expiring between 2014 and 2028.  The state tax credit and NOL carryforwards are offset by 
valuation allowances totaling $19.4 million. 

As of December 28, 2013, the Company had federal and foreign tax attributes with potential tax benefits of 
$5.9 million, of which $4.5 million has an unlimited life and $1.4 million expire from 2014 to 2018.  These attributes 
were offset by valuation allowances of $3.2 million.   

The change in the valuation allowance was primarily related to deferred assets that are fully reserved, such 

that the change had no material impact on the effective tax rate. 

Income taxes paid were approximately $80.1 million in 2013, $38.4 million in 2012, and $45.9 million in 

2011. 

Note 8 – Other Current Liabilities 

Included in other current liabilities were accrued discounts and allowances of $43.2 million at December 28, 
2013 and $41.7 million at December 29, 2012, taxes payable of $7.3 million at December 28, 2013 and $6.2 million at 
December 29, 2012, and deferred costs related to the fire at the Wynne, Arkansas facility of $44.6 million at December 
29, 2012. 

F-29 

 
 
    
 
    
    
      
 
    
      
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
     
          
 
   
   
    
     
          
 
   
    
     
          
 
     
          
 
   
   
    
     
          
 
   
    
     
          
 
    
        
          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Note 9 – Employee Benefits 

The Company sponsors several qualified and nonqualified pension plans and other postretirement benefit 
plans for certain of its employees.  The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit 
obligations and the fair value of the plans’ assets for 2013 and 2012, and a statement of the plans’ aggregate funded 
status as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012: 

(In thousands) 
Change in benefit obligation: 

Obligation at beginning of year 
Service cost 
Interest cost 
Actuarial (gain) loss 
Benefit payments 
Foreign currency translation adjustment 

Pension Benefits 
2012 
2013 

Other Benefits 

2013 

2012 

  $ 196,167    $ 180,341    $
884     
8,472     
14,458     
(10,583)    
2,595     

948     
7,774     
(11,635)    
(10,668)    
1,472     

18,096    $
413      
647      
(2,554)     
(1,211)     
(10)     

19,945 
380 
635 
(1,838)
(1,131)
105

Obligation at end of year 

184,058     

196,167     

15,381      

18,096 

Change in fair value of plan assets: 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 
Actual return on plan assets 
Employer contributions 
Benefit payments 
Foreign currency translation adjustment 

160,980     
35,578     
1,551     
(10,668)    
1,429     

147,502     
18,964    
3,216     
(10,583)    
1,881     

—      
—      
1,211      
(1,211)     
—      

— 
— 
1,131 
(1,131)
— 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year 

188,870     

160,980     

—      

— 

Funded (underfunded) status at end of year 

  $

4,812   $ (35,187)   $ (15,381)   $ (18,096)

The  following  represents  amounts  recognized  in  accumulated  OCI  (before  the  effect  of  income  taxes)  at 

December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012: 

(In thousands) 

Pension Benefits 
2012 
2013 

Other Benefits 

2013 

2012 

Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain) 
Unrecognized prior service cost 

  $

21,128    $
1     

61,125    $
2     

(4,016)   $
20      

(1,630) 
19 

The Company sponsors one pension plan in the U.K. which comprised 40 percent and 36 percent of the above 
benefit obligation at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, and 34 percent and 35 percent of the above plan 
assets at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively. 

As of December 28, 2013, $0.5 million of the actuarial net loss will, through amortization, be recognized as 

components of net periodic benefit cost in 2014. 

The  aggregate  status  of  all  overfunded  plans  is  recognized  as  an  asset  and  the  aggregate  status  of  all 
underfunded  plans  is  recognized  as  a  liability  in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets.  The  amounts  recognized  as  a 
liability are classified as current or long-term on a plan-by-plan basis.  Liabilities are classified as current to the extent 
the actuarial present value of benefits payable within the next 12 months exceeds the fair value of plan assets, with all 
remaining amounts being classified as long-term.  As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the total funded 
status of the plans recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets was as follows: 

F-30 

 
 
    
 
   
 
 
   
   
    
 
        
          
          
          
 
   
   
   
   
   
    
     
          
       
          
 
   
    
     
          
       
          
 
     
          
       
          
 
   
   
   
   
   
    
     
          
       
          
 
   
    
     
          
       
          
 
    
        
          
          
          
 
 
    
 
   
 
 
   
   
    
 
    
        
          
          
          
 
   
    
        
          
          
          
 
 
  
 
 
 
 (In thousands) 

Long-term asset 
Current liability 
Long-term liability 

Pension Benefits 
2012 
2013 

Other Benefits 

2013 

2012 

  $

15,457    $
—
(10,645)    

—    $
—
(35,187)    

—    $
(1,033)    
(14,348)     

—
(1,187)
(16,909)

Total funded (underfunded) status 

  $

4,812   $ (35,187)  $ (15,381)  $ (18,096)

The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows: 

(In thousands) 
Pension benefits: 
Service cost 
Interest cost 
Expected return on plan assets 
Amortization of prior service cost 
Amortization of net loss 

2013 

2012 

2011 

  $

948   $
7,774    
(11,059)    
1    
4,005    

884    $
8,472      
(10,263)     
1      
3,883      

1,394 
9,051 
(11,569)
2 
2,346 

Net periodic benefit cost 

  $

1,669   $

2,977    $

1,224 

Other benefits: 

Service cost 
Interest cost 
Amortization of prior service credit 
Amortization of net gain 

  $

413   $
647    
(2)    
(160)    

380    $
635      
(2)     
(73)     

344 
993 
(3) 
(2) 

Net periodic benefit cost 

  $

898   $

940    $

1,332 

The weighted average assumptions used in the measurement of the Company’s benefit obligations are as 

follows: 

Discount rate 
Expected long-term return on plan assets 
Rate of compensation increases 
Rate of inflation 

Pension Benefits 
2012 
2013 

Other Benefits 

2013 

        2012 

4.82% 
7.40% 
N/A     
3.40% 

4.13% 
7.15% 
N/A 
2.70% 

4.89%    
N/A       
5.50%    
N/A       

4.06%
N/A 
5.04%
N/A 

The weighted average assumptions used in the measurement of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost are 

as follows: 

    2013 

Pension Benefits 
2012 

2011 

2013 

Other Benefits 
2012 

        2011 

Discount rate 
Expected long-term return on 

plan assets 

Rate of compensation increases
Rate of inflation 

4.13%

4.80%

5.25%

4.06%

4.97% 

5.39%

7.15%
N/A   
2.70% 

7.11%
N/A 
3.00% 

7.51%
N/A 
3.40% 

N/A   
5.04%
N/A     

N/A   
5.04% 
N/A       

N/A 
5.04%
N/A 

F-31 

    
 
   
 
 
   
   
    
 
    
        
          
          
          
 
   
    
     
          
       
          
 
    
        
          
          
          
 
 
 
   
    
 
        
          
          
 
   
   
   
   
    
     
        
          
 
    
    
       
          
 
     
        
          
 
   
   
   
    
     
        
          
 
    
        
          
          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
   
     
         
 
     
          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
   
     
 
 
 
 
     
 
   
    
       
 
   
 
   
       
        
 
   
 
 
 
The Company’s Mexican postretirement plans use the rate of compensation increase in the benefit formulas.   
Past  service  on  the  U.K.  pension  plan  will  be  adjusted  for  the  effects  of  inflation.    All  other  pension  and 
postretirement plans use benefit formulas based on length of service. 

The annual assumed rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered benefits (i.e., health care cost trend rate) 
is assumed to range from 5.4 to 9.3 percent for 2014, gradually decrease to 4.5 percent through 2022, and remain at 
that  level  thereafter.    The  health  care  cost  trend  rate  assumption  could  have  a  significant  effect  on  the  amounts 
reported.    For example, increasing the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point would increase 
the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by $1.3 million and the service and interest cost components of net 
periodic postretirement benefit costs by $0.1 million for 2014.    Decreasing the assumed health care cost trend rates by 
one percentage point in each year would decrease the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and the service 
and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit costs for 2014 by $1.1 million and $0.1 million, 
respectively. 

The weighted average asset allocation of the Company’s pension fund assets are as follows: 

Asset category 

Equity securities (includes equity mutual funds) 
Fixed income securities (includes fixed income mutual funds) 
Cash and equivalents (includes money market funds) 
Alternative investments 

Total 

  Pension Plan Assets   

2013 

        2012 

86% 
4   
7   
3   

84%
5 
9 
2 

100% 

100%

At December 28, 2013, the Company’s target allocation, by asset category, of assets of its defined benefit 
pension  plans  was:  (i)  equity  securities,  including  equity  index  funds  –  at  least  60  percent;  (ii)  fixed  income 
securities – not more than 25 percent; and (iii) alternative investments – not more than 20 percent. 

The Company’s pension plan obligations are long-term and, accordingly, the plan assets are invested for the 
long-term.  The Company believes that a diversified portfolio of equity securities (both actively managed and index 
funds) and private equity funds have an acceptable risk-return profile that, over the long-term, is better than fixed 
income securities.  Consequently, the pension plan assets are heavily weighted to equity investments.  Plan assets are 
monitored  periodically.  Based  upon  results,  investment  managers  and/or  asset  classes  are  redeployed  when 
considered necessary.  Expected  rates of return on plan  assets  were determined  based on historical  market  returns 
giving consideration to the targeted composition of each plan’s portfolio.  None of the plans’ assets are expected to be 
returned to the Company during the next fiscal year. 

The  Company’s  investments  for  its  pension  plans  are  reported  at  fair  value.  The  following  methods  and 

assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the Company’s plan asset investments: 

Cash and money market funds – Valued at cost, which approximates fair value. 

Common  stock  –  Valued  at  the  closing  price  reported  on  the  active  market  on  which  the individual  securities  are 
traded. 

Mutual funds – Valued at the net asset value of shares held by the plans at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, 
respectively, based upon quoted market prices. 

F-32 

 
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
        
 
   
     
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Limited  partnerships  –  Limited  partnerships  include  investments  in  various  Cayman  Island  multi-strategy  hedge 
funds.  The plans’ investments in limited partnerships are valued at the estimated fair value of the class shares owned 
by the plans based upon the equity in the estimated fair value of those shares.  The estimated fair values of the limited 
partnerships are determined by the investment managers.  In determining fair value, the investment managers of the 
limited  partnerships  utilize  the estimated  net  asset  valuations  of  the  underlying  investment  entities.  The 
underlying investment entities value securities and other financial instruments on a mark-to-market or estimated fair 
value basis.  The estimated fair value is determined by the investment managers based upon, among other things, the 
type  of  investments,  purchase  price,  marketability,  current  financial  condition,  operating  results,  and  other 
information.  The estimated fair values of substantially all of the investments of the underlying investment entities, 
which may include securities for which prices are not readily available, are determined by the investment managers or 
management of the respective underlying investment entities and may not reflect amounts that could be realized upon 
immediate sale.  Accordingly, the estimated fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been 
used had a ready market existed for these investments. 

The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the assets of the plans at fair value as 

of December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, respectively: 

 (In thousands) 

Cash and money market funds 
Common stock (1) 
Mutual funds (2) 
Limited partnerships 

  Fair Value Measurements at December 28, 2013   
  Level 1      Level 2      Level 3       Total 

 $

13,992    $
79,497     
27,166     
—     

—   $
—     
63,435     
—     

—    $
—      
—      
4,780      

13,992 
79,497 
90,601 
4,780 

Total 

  $ 120,655    $

63,435    $

4,780    $ 188,870 

 (In thousands) 

Cash and money market funds 
Common stock (3) 
Mutual funds (4) 
Limited partnerships 

  Fair Value Measurements at December 29, 2012   
  Level 1      Level 2      Level 3       Total 

 $

13,691    $
65,604     
21,497     
—     

—   $
—     
55,695     
—     

—    $
—      
—      
4,493      

13,691 
65,604 
77,192 
4,493 

Total 

  $ 100,792    $

55,695    $

4,493    $ 160,980 

(1)  Approximately 84 percent of common stock represents investments in U.S. companies primarily in the
health  care,  utilities,  financials,  consumer  staples,  industrials,  and  information  technology
sectors.  All investments in common stock are listed on U.S. stock exchanges. 

(2)  Approximately 32 percent of mutual funds are actively managed funds and approximately 68 percent of
mutual funds are index funds.  Additionally, 33 percent of the mutual funds’ assets are invested in U.S. 
equities, 58 percent in non-U.S. equities, and 9 percent in non-U.S. fixed income securities. 

(3)  Approximately 90 percent of common stock represents investments in U.S. companies primarily in the
health  care,  utilities,  financials,  consumer  staples,  industrials,  and  information  technology
sectors.  All investments in common stock are listed on U.S. stock exchanges. 

(4)  Approximately 32 percent of mutual funds are actively managed funds and approximately 68 percent of
mutual funds are index funds.  Additionally, 31 percent of the mutual funds’ assets are invested in U.S. 
equities, 59 percent in non-U.S. equities, and 10 percent in non-U.S. fixed income securities. 

F-33 

 
 
    
 
    
    
      
      
      
 
   
   
   
    
     
       
       
       
 
    
        
          
          
          
 
    
 
    
    
      
      
      
 
   
   
   
    
        
          
          
          
 
    
        
          
          
          
 
 
  
    
    
  
  
    
    
  
  
    
    
  
  
 
 
 
The table below reflects the changes in the assets of the plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis using 
significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820) during the year ended December 28, 2013: 

 (In thousands) 

Balance, December 29, 2012 
Redemptions 
Subscriptions 
Net appreciation in fair value 

Balance, December 28, 2013 

Limited 
Partnerships 

  $ 

4,493 
(1,133)
900 
520 

  $ 

4,780 

The  assets  of  the  plans  do  not  include  investments  in  securities  issued  by  the  Company.  The  Company 
expects  to  contribute  approximately  $1.6  million  to  its  pension  plans  and  $1.0  million  to  its  other  postretirement 
benefit plans in 2014.  The Company expects future benefits to be paid from the plans as follows: 

(In thousands) 

2014 
2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019-2023 

Total 

Pension 
Benefits      

Other 
Benefits   

  $

11,187    $
11,382      
11,524      
11,651      
11,780      
61,040      

1,033 
1,022 
1,005 
985 
973 
4,864 

  $ 118,564    $

9,882 

The  Company  contributes  to  the  IAM  National  Pension  Fund,  National  Pension  Plan  (IAM  Plan),  a 
multiemployer defined benefit plan.  Participation in the IAM Plan was negotiated under the terms of two collective 
bargaining agreements in Port Huron, Michigan, the Local 218 IAM and Local 44 UAW that expire on May 1, 2016 
and July 20, 2016, respectively.  The Employer Identification Number for this plan is 51-6031295. 

The risks of participating in multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following 
aspects:  (i)  Assets  contributed  to  the  multiemployer  plan  by  one  employer  may  be  used  to  provide  benefits  to 
employees  of  other  participating  employers;  (ii)  if  a  participating  employer  stops  contributing  to  the  plan,  the 
underfunded  obligations of  the plan  may  be  borne by  the  remaining participating  employers; (iii)  if  the  Company 
chooses  to  stop  participating  in  the  plan,  the  Company  may  be  required  to  pay  the  plan  an  amount  based  on  the 
underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability. 

The Company makes contributions to the IAM Plan trusts that cover certain union employees; contributions 
by employees are not required nor are they permitted.  Contributions to the IAM Plan were $0.9 million in 2013, $1.0 
million in 2012, and $0.9 million in 2011.  The Company’s contributions are less than five percent of total employer 
contributions made to the IAM Plan indicated in the most recently filed Form 5500. 

Under  the  Pension  Protection  Act  of  2006,  the  IAM  Plan’s  actuary  must  certify  the  plan’s  zone  status 
annually.  Plans in the red zone are generally less than 65 percent funded, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80 
percent funded, and plans in the green zone are at least 80 percent funded.  If a plan is determined to be in endangered 
status,  red  zone  or  yellow  zone,  the  plan’s  trustees  must  develop  a  formal  plan  of  corrective  action,  a  Financial 
Improvement Plan and/or a Rehabilitation Plan.  For 2013 and 2012 the IAM Plan was determined to have green zone 
status; therefore, no formal plan of corrective action is either pending or has been implemented. 

The Company sponsors voluntary employee savings plans that qualify under Section 401(k) of the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986.  Compensation expense for the Company’s matching contribution to the 401(k) plans was 

F-34 

 
  
    
    
 
   
      
      
    
        
 
    
           
 
 
 
  
    
      
 
   
   
   
   
   
  
     
       
 
  
        
          
 
 
 
 
  
$3.2  million  in  2013,  $2.9  million  in  2012,  and  $3.0  million  in  2011.  The  Company’s  match  is  a  cash 
contribution.  Participants direct the investment of their account balances by allocating among a range of asset classes 
including mutual funds (equity, fixed income, and balanced funds), and money market funds.  The plans do not allow 
direct investment in securities issued by the Company. 

In  October  1992,  the  Coal  Industry  Retiree  Health  Benefit  Act  of  1992  (the  Act)  was  enacted.  The  Act 
mandates a method of providing for postretirement benefits to the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) current 
and  retired  employees,  including  some  retirees  who  were  never  employed  by  the  Company.  In  October  1993, 
beneficiaries  were  assigned  to  the  Company  and  the  Company  began  its  mandated  contributions  to  the  UMWA 
Combined Benefit Fund, a multiemployer trust.  Beginning in 1994, the Company was required to make contributions 
for  assigned  beneficiaries  under  an  additional  multiemployer  trust  created  by  the  Act,  the  UMWA  1992  Benefit 
Plan.  The ultimate amount of the Company’s liability under the Act will vary due to factors which include, among 
other things, the validity, interpretation, and regulation of the Act, its joint and several obligation, the number of valid 
beneficiaries assigned, and the extent to which funding for this obligation will be satisfied by transfers of excess assets 
from the 1950 UMWA pension plan and transfers from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund.  Contributions to the 
plan were $290 thousand, $315 thousand, and $338 thousand for the years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 
2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively. 

Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies 

Environmental 

The  Company  is  subject  to  environmental  standards  imposed  by  federal,  state,  local,  and  foreign 
environmental  laws  and  regulations.  For  all  properties,  the  Company  has  provided  and  charged  to  expense  $1.0 
million in 2013, $3.1 million in 2012, and $0.4 million in 2011 for pending environmental matters.  Environmental 
costs  related  to  non-operating  properties  are  classified  as  a  component  of  other  income,  net  and  costs  related  to 
operating properties are classified as cost of goods sold.  Environmental reserves totaled $23.6 million at December 
28,  2013  and $24.6  million at  December  29, 2012.  As  of  December 28, 2013,  the  Company  expects  to  spend  on 
existing environmental matters $1.4 million in 2014, $0.9 million in 2015, $0.8 million in 2016, $0.8 million in 2017, 
$0.8 million in 2018, and $9.4 million thereafter.  The timing of a potential payment for a $9.5 million settlement offer 
has not yet been determined. 

Non-operating Properties 

Southeast Kansas Sites 

The  Kansas  Department  of  Health  and  Environment  (KDHE)  has  contacted  the  Company  regarding 
environmental contamination at three former smelter sites in Kansas (Altoona, Iola and East La Harpe).   While the 
Company believes that legally it is not a successor to the companies that operated these smelter sites, it is discussing 
possible settlement with KDHE and other potentially responsible parties (PRP) in order to avoid litigation.   In 2008, 
the Company established a reserve of $9.5 million for this matter.    Another PRP has conducted a site investigation of 
the Altoona site under a consent decree with KDHE.   The Company and two other PRPs have conducted a site study 
evaluation of the East La Harpe site under KDHE supervision, and are now discussing sharing the costs of a possible 
cleanup.   Federal EPA is in the early stages of study and remediation of the Iola site, which it added to the National 
Priority List (NPL) in May, 2013 as the “Former United Zinc & Associated Smelters” site. 

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 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 

F-35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
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  ten-year permit  will  include  an  order 
requiring continued implementation of BMP through 2025 to address residual discharges of acid rock drainage.   At 
this site, MRRC spent approximately $1.7 million from 2011 through 2013 and estimates that it will spend between 
approximately $10.0 million and $13.6 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  March  2,  2013.   Lead  Refinery  spent 
approximately $0.1 million annually in 2013, 2012, and 2011 with respect to this site.   Approximate costs to comply 
with the post-closure permit, including associated general and administrative costs, are between $2.1 million and $2.9 
million over the next 20 years. 

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 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 $30.0 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 28, 2013, the EPA has not conducted an 
investigation of the Lead Refinery site, proposed remedies for the Lead Refinery site, or informed Lead Refinery that 
it is a PRP at the Lead Refinery site.   Until the extent of 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 

F-36 

 
   
   
   
 
 
   
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.   Construction and installation of 
the remediation system is under way.    The remediation system was activated in February 2014.    Costs to implement 
the work plans, including associated general and administrative costs, are approximately $1.9 million over the next ten 
years. 

United States Department of Commerce Antidumping Review 

On  December  24,  2008,  the  United  States  Department  of  Commerce  (DOC)  initiated  an  antidumping 
administrative  review  of  the  antidumping  duty  order  covering  circular  welded  non-alloy  steel  pipe  and  tube  from 
Mexico to determine the final antidumping duties owed on U.S. imports during the period November 1, 2007 through 
October 31, 2008, by certain subsidiaries of the Company.   On April 19, 2010, the DOC published the final results of 
this review and assigned Mueller Comercial de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mueller Comercial) an antidumping duty 
rate  of  48.3  percent.   The  Company  appealed  the  final  determination  to  the  U.S.  Court  of  International  Trade 
(CIT).   The Company and the United States have reached an agreement to settle the appeal.   As a result, the DOC 
published on March 22, 2013 the amended final results of the review and assigned Mueller Comercial an antidumping 
duty rate of 40.5 percent.   U.S. Customs and Border Protection has assessed antidumping duties on subject imports 
during the period of review.   The Company has established a reserve of approximately $3.1 million for these duties. 

On December 23, 2009, the DOC initiated an antidumping administrative review of the antidumping duty 
order covering circular welded non-alloy steel pipe and tube from Mexico for the November 1, 2008  through October 
31, 2009 period of review.   The DOC selected Mueller Comercial as a respondent in the review.   On June 21, 2011, 
the DOC published the final results of the review and assigned Mueller Comercial an antidumping duty rate of 19.8 
percent.   On August 22, 2011, the Company appealed the final results to the CIT.   On December 21, 2012, the CIT 
issued  a  decision  upholding  the  Department’s  final  results  in  part.   The  CIT  issued  its  final  judgment  on  May  2, 
2013.   On May 6, 2013, the Company appealed the CIT decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit 
(Federal  Circuit). On  January  10,  2014,  the  Federal  Circuit  held  oral  argument  in  the  appeal.   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. 

Subsequent to October 31, 2009, Mueller Comercial did not ship subject merchandise to the United States.   

Therefore, there is no antidumping duty liability for periods of review after October 31, 2009. 

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 28.16 percent for Mexico (as subsequently amended), 
and from 11.25 percent to 60.85 percent for China.   

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

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

F-37 

 
 
  
    
 
disciplines  of  the  antidumping  duty  orders  and  future  administrative  reviews,  and  imports  from  other  companies 
remain subject to cash deposit requirements, including IUSA (24.89 percent) and Luvata (28.16 percent) in Mexico, as 
well as Hailiang (60.85 percent) and Luvata (36.05 percent) in China. 

On December 30, 2013, the DOC initiated the third 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,  2012  through  October  31,  2013.    The  reviews  are  expected  to  be  completed 
sometime in 2015.    At this time, the Company is unable to know the final disposition of these administrative reviews. 

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.  The amount recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income is net of legal costs. 

Litigation Settlement 

The Company negotiated a settlement with Peter D. Berkman and Jeffrey A. Berkman, former executives of 
the Company and B&K Industries, Inc. (B&K), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, that required the payment 
of  $10.5  million  in  cash  by  Peter  Berkman,  Jeffrey  Berkman,  and  Homewerks  Worldwide  LLC  to  the 
Company.  During 2011, the Company recorded a gain of $10.5 million upon receipt of the settlement proceeds. 

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 five 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 five Mueller entities regarding copper tube.   In the Competition Appeal Tribunal (the CAT) in 
the United Kingdom, IMI and Boliden have been served with claims by 21 claimants, all companies within the Travis 
Perkins Group (TP and the TP Claimants).   The TP Claimants are seeking follow-on damages arising out of conduct 
described in the European Commission’s September 3, 2004, decision regarding copper tube.   The claims purport to 
arise from the findings of the European Commission as set forth in that decision.    IMI and Boliden have commenced 
legal  proceedings  against  the  five  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 five Mueller entities. 

Mueller  Industries,  Inc.,  Mueller  Europe,  Limited,  and  WTC  Holding  Company,  Inc.  (the  three  Mueller 
entities) 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.    IMI has commenced legal proceedings against the 
three  Mueller entities,  and  in  those  proceedings  are  claiming  a  contribution  for  any follow-on damages.    IMI has 
formally served its claims on the three Mueller entities. 

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

F-38 

  
 
 
 
 
 
the Consolidated Financial Statements for the contribution claims. 

As to the claims arising from the Copper Tube Decision brought in the CAT, following the CAT’s grant of 
approval, the case has now been transferred to the High Court. Mueller’s defenses in response to the contribution 
claims brought by IMI and Boliden were served on March 15, 2013.   A case management conference is to be held in 
May 2014. 

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 in April 2014.     

At  this  time,  the  Company  does  not  believe  that  this  matter  will  have  a  material  impact  on  its  financial 

position, results of operations, or cash flows. 

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.  Another review process to revise the normal values was initiated on January 15, 2014 and is scheduled to 
conclude  on  May  30,  2014.    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. 

Leases 

The Company leases certain facilities, vehicles, and equipment under operating leases expiring on various 
dates through 2024.  The lease payments under these agreements aggregate to approximately $6.7 million in 2014, 
$5.7  million  in  2015,  $4.5  million  in  2016,  $3.3  million  in  2017,  $2.3  million  in  2018,  and  $1.5  million 
thereafter.  Total lease expense amounted to $9.1 million in 2013, $8.5 million in 2012, and $8.8 million in 2011. 

Consulting Agreement 

During  2004,  the  Company  entered  into  a  consulting  and  non-compete  agreement  (the  Consulting 
Agreement) with Mr. Harvey L. Karp, at that time Chairman of the Board.  The Consulting Agreement provides for 
post-employment  services  to  be  provided  by  Mr.  Karp  for  a  six-year  period.  During  the  first  four  years  of  the 
Consulting Agreement, an annual fee equal to two-thirds of the executive’s Final Base Compensation (as defined in 
the Consulting Agreement) is payable.  During the final two years, the annual fee is set at one-third of the executive’s 
Final  Base  Compensation.  During  the  term  of  the  Consulting  Agreement,  Mr.  Karp  agrees  not  to  engage  in 
Competitive Activity (as defined in the Consulting Agreement) and is entitled to receive certain other benefits from 
the Company.   

On November 3, 2011, Mr. Karp notified the Company that he would resign as Chairman of the Company 
and  as  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Company  effective  as  of  December  31,  2011.  Following  his 
resignation, on January 1, 2012, the Consulting Agreement commenced.  Based upon the value of the non-compete 
provisions of the Consulting Agreement, the Company will expense the value of the Consulting Agreement over its 
term.   The maximum amount payable under the remaining term of the Consulting Agreement is $4.0 million. 

F-39 

  
   
  
 
 
 
  
 
Other 

In July 2009, there was an explosion at the Company’s copper tube facility in Fulton, Mississippi, resulting in 
damage to certain production equipment.  In 2010, the Company recorded a gain of $1.5 million related to the property 
damage claim.  In the first quarter of 2012, the Company settled the business interruption portion of this claim and 
recognized a $1.5 million gain. 

In September 2011, a portion of the Company’s Wynne, Arkansas manufacturing operation was damaged by 
fire.  Certain  inventories,  production  equipment,  and  building  structures  were  extensively  damaged.  During  the 
second quarter of 2013, the Company settled the claim with its insurer for total proceeds of $127.3 million, net of the 
deductible of $0.5 million.  As a result of the settlement with its insurer, all proceeds received and all costs previously 
deferred (which were recorded as other current liabilities in prior periods) were recognized, resulting in a pre-tax gain 
of $106.3 million in the second quarter of 2013, or $2.33 per diluted share after tax.    The Company received proceeds 
of $62.3 million, $55.0 million, and $10.0 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.   

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

Note 11 – Other Income, Net 

(In thousands) 

Gain on the sale of non-operating property 
Interest income 
Environmental expense, non-operating properties 
Other 

2013 

2012 

2011 

$

3,000 $
906   
(823)    
1,368     

—    $
847     
(1,128)     
820      

—
711 
(330)
1,531

Other income, net 

  $

4,451    $

539    $

1,912

Note 12 – Stock-Based Compensation 

During  the  years  ended  December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012,  and December  31, 2011,  the  Company 
recognized  stock-based  compensation,  as  a  component  of  selling,  general,  and  administrative  expense,  in  its 
Consolidated Statements of Income of $5.7 million, $4.0 million, and $3.5 million, respectively.  The tax benefit from 
exercise of share-based awards was $0.7 million in 2013, $2.6 million in 2012, and $0.9 million in 2011. 

On  October  26,  2012,  the  Company’s  Chief  Financial  Officer  (CFO)  resigned.    In  connection  with  the 
resignation, on November 7, 2012, the Company entered into a separation agreement with its former CFO.    Included 
in  the  separation  agreement,  were  provisions  to  allow  (i)  continued  vesting  of  options  to  purchase  shares  of  the 
Company’s common stock and unvested shares of restricted stock previously granted and (ii) continued exercisability 
of vested options through the later of the original expiration date or October 30, 2015 without regard to service.    This 
modification  to  remove  the  service  condition  resulted  in  recognition  of  $2.1  million  of  compensation  cost  on  the 
modification date.    This is included in severance expense. 

Under existing plans, the Company may grant options to purchase shares of common stock at prices not less 
than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant, as well as restricted stock awards.  Generally, the awards 
vest annually over a five-year period beginning one year from the date of grant.  Any unexercised options expire after 
not more than ten years.   

F-40 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
    
 
    
        
          
          
 
 
   
   
    
     
          
          
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Stock Options 

The fair value of each option is estimated as a single award and amortized into compensation expense on a 
straight-line or accrual basis over its vesting period based on its vesting schedule.  The weighted average grant-date 
fair value of options granted during 2013, 2012, and 2011 were $17.54, $14.89, and $12.53, respectively. 

The  Company  estimates  the  fair  value  of  all  stock  option  awards  as  of  the  grant  date  by  applying  the 
Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model.  The use of this valuation model in the determination of compensation 
expense involves certain assumptions that are judgmental and/or highly sensitive including the expected life of the 
option, stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate, and dividend yield.  Additionally, forfeitures are estimated at the 
time of valuation and reduce expense ratably over the vesting period.  Due to the nature of the awards granted in 2013, 
a forfeiture rate was not considered necessary.    The forfeiture rate was 16.5 percent and 17.0 percent for 2012 and 
2011, respectively, and is adjusted periodically based on actual forfeitures.  The weighted average of key assumptions 
used  in  determining  the  fair  value  of  options  granted  and  a  discussion  of  the  methodology  used  to  develop  each 
assumption are as follows: 

2013 

2012 

2011 

Expected term 
Expected price volatility 
Risk-free interest rate 
Dividend yield 

  5.9 years    6.5 years     6.3 years 
0.358 
1.7%
1.1%

0.375      
0.7%     
0.9%     

0.397    
0.7%   
0.9%   

Expected term – This is the period of time estimated based on historical experience over which the options granted are 
expected to remain outstanding.  An increase in the expected term will increase compensation expense. 

Expected  price  volatility  –  This  is  a  measure  of  the  amount  by  which  a  price  has  fluctuated  or  is  expected  to 
fluctuate.  The  Company  uses  actual  historical  changes  in  the  market  value  of  its  stock  to  calculate  the  volatility 
assumption.  Daily market value changes from the date of grant over a past period representative of the expected term 
of the options are used.  An increase in the expected price volatility rate will increase compensation expense. 

Risk-free interest rate – This is the U.S. Treasury rate for the week of the grant, having a term representative of the 
expected term of the options.  An increase in the risk-free rate will increase compensation expense. 

Dividend yield – This rate is the annual dividends per share as a percentage of the Company’s stock price.  An increase 
in the dividend yield will decrease compensation expense. 

The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $2.9 million, $12.1 million, and $6.6 million in 2013, 2012, 
and 2011, respectively.    The total fair value of options that vested was $1.1 million, $1.7 million, and $2.1 million in 
2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. 

At  December  28,  2013,  the  aggregate  intrinsic  value  of  all  outstanding  options  was  $18.7  million  with  a 
weighted average remaining contractual term of 4.9 years.  Of the outstanding options, 419 thousand are currently 
exercisable with an aggregate intrinsic value of $13.8 million, a weighted average exercise price of $29.74, and a 
weighted average remaining contractual term of 4.3 years.   

The total compensation expense not yet recognized related to unvested options at December 28, 2013 was 

$0.7 million with an average expense recognition period of 1.9 years. 

Restricted Stock Awards 

The fair value of the each restricted stock award equals the fair value of the Company’s stock on the grant 
date and is amortized into compensation expense on a straight-line or accrual basis over its vesting period based on its 
vesting schedule.  The weighted average grant-date fair value of awards granted during 2013, 2012, and 2011 were 
$56.63, $42.83, and $37.87, respectively.     

F-41 

 
 
  
    
 
   
    
 
    
    
      
      
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
The  aggregate  intrinsic  value  of  outstanding  and  unvested  awards  was  $22.9  million  at  December  28, 
2013.  Total compensation expense for restricted stock awards not yet recognized was $12.8 million with an average 
expense recognition period of 3.7 years.    The total fair value of awards that vested was $1.8 million, $1.7 million, and 
$0.7 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. 

The  Company  generally  issues  treasury  shares  when  options  are  exercised  or  restricted  stock  awards  are 

granted.  A summary of the activity and related information follows: 

Stock Options 

Restricted Stock 
Awards 

(Shares in thousands) 

Shares 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price 

Weighted 
Average 
Grant 
Date Fair 
Value 

Shares       

Outstanding at December 29, 2012 

Granted 
Exercised 

694 $
10
(115)

28.93
50.21
28.69

285    $
151     
(70)    

32.36
56.63
26.42

Outstanding at December 28, 2013 

589

29.34

366     

43.49

Approximately 195 thousand shares were available for future stock incentive awards at December 28, 2013. 

Note 13 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities 

Cash Flow Hedges 

Copper and brass represent the largest component of the Company’s variable costs of production.  The cost 
of  these  materials  is  subject  to  global  market  fluctuations  caused  by  factors  beyond  the  Company’s  control.  The 
Company  occasionally  enters  into  forward  fixed-price  arrangements  with  certain  customers;  the  risk  of  these 
arrangements  is  generally  managed  with  commodity  futures  contracts.  The  Company  accounts  for  these  futures 
contracts in accordance with ASC 815.  These futures contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges.  The fair 
value of open futures contracts are recognized as a component of OCI until the position is closed which corresponds to 
the period when the related hedged transaction is recognized in earnings.  Should these contracts no longer meet hedge 
criteria  in  accordance  with  ASC  815,  either  through  lack of  effectiveness  or  because  the hedged  transaction  is no 
longer probable of occurring, all deferred gains and losses related to the hedge would be immediately reclassified from 
accumulated OCI into earnings.  In the next twelve months, the Company will reclassify into earnings realized gains 
or losses of cash flow hedges; at December 28, 2013, this amount was a $408 thousand gain position.   

At December 28, 2013, the Company held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $15.9 million of 
copper over the next 15 months related to fixed price sales orders.  The fair value of those futures contracts was a $438 
thousand gain position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (Level 1 hierarchy as defined by 
ASC 820).   

Derivative  instruments  designated  as  cash  flow  hedges  under  ASC  815  are  reflected  in  the  Consolidated 

Financial Statements as follows: 

(In thousands) 

Commodity contracts 

Other current assets: 

December 28, 2013 
Location 

Gain positions   
Loss positions 

   Fair value  

 $

448 
(10)

F-42 

 
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
    
 
    
    
    
 
    
    
   
  
  
 
 
 
(In thousands) 

Commodity contracts 

December 29, 2012 
Location 

Other current liabilities:  Gain positions   
Loss positions 

   Fair value  

 $

172 
(420 )

The following tables summarize activities related to the Company’s derivative instruments classified as cash 

flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815: 

(In thousands) 

Commodity contracts 

Loss Recognized in Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion), Net 
of Tax   

For the Year Ended 

December 28, 
2013 

December 29,
2012 

  $ 

(3,904)   $ 

(214)

Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective 
Portion), Net of Tax 

(In thousands) 

Location 

For the Year Ended 

December 28, 
2013 

December 29,
2012 

Commodity contracts 

Cost of goods sold 

  $ 

3,781    $ 

469

Inventory Fair Value Hedges 

The  Company  enters  into  futures  contracts  in  order  to  protect  the  value  of  inventory  against  market 
fluctuations.    These futures contracts are assessed and designated as fair value hedges in accordance with ASC 815.   

At  December  28,  2013,  the  Company  held  open  futures  contracts  to  sell  approximately  $70.6  million  of 
copper over the next five months related to copper inventory. The fair value of those futures contracts was a $1.8 
million loss position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (Level 1 hierarchy as defined by ASC 
820).    During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company dedesignated previous hedges on its inventory because the 
hedging  relationship  was  no  longer  deemed  to  be  highly  effective.    These  contracts  no  longer  qualify  as  hedging 
instruments. 

Derivative commodity instruments are reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements as follows: 

(In thousands) 

Commodity contracts - Nonqualifying  Other current liabilities: 

Commodity contracts - Qualifying 

Other current liabilities: 

(In thousands) 

Commodity contracts - Qualifying 

Other current assets: 

December 28, 2013 
Location 

Gain positions 
Loss positions 
Gain positions 
Loss positions 

December 29, 2012 
Location 

Gain positions 
Loss positions 

  Fair Value  

  $

318
(2,057)
22 
(50)

  Fair Value  

 $

1,047 
(548 )

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Gains and losses related to the change in the value of the commodity contracts, the change in the value of the 
inventory being hedged, and hedge ineffectiveness are recorded in cost of goods sold. During 2013 and 2012, gains of 
$0.3 million and losses of $0.1 million, respectively, were recorded. Also, as a result of the Company’s dedesignation 
of previous hedges on its inventory during the fourth quarter of 2013, a net loss of $0.6 million was recorded in current 
earnings to record these contracts at fair value at the end of 2013. 

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

(In thousands) 

Gains (Losses) on Fair Value Hedges for 
the Year Ended December 28, 2013 

Location 

   Amount   

Gain on the derivatives designated and qualifying as fair value 
hedges:   

Commodity Contracts 

Cost of goods sold 

 $

5,115

(Loss) on the hedged items designated and qualifying as fair value 
hedges: 

Inventory 

Cost of goods sold 

(4,827)

(In thousands) 

(Losses) Gains on Fair Value Hedges for 
the Year Ended December 29, 2012 

Location 

   Amount   

(Loss) on the derivatives in designated and qualifying fair value 
hedges:   

Commodity Contracts 

Cost of goods sold 

 $

(301)

Gain on the hedged item in designated and qualifying fair value 
hedges: 

Inventory 

Foreign Currency Hedges 

Cost of goods sold 

182

During 2012 and 2013, the Company entered into contracts to purchase heavy machinery and equipment. 
These contracts are denominated in euros. In anticipation of entering into these contracts, the Company has entered 
into forward contracts to purchase euros to protect itself against adverse exchange rate fluctuations.  The fair value of 
open contracts are recognized as a component of OCI until the position is closed which corresponds to the period when 
the  related  hedged  transaction  is  recognized  in  earnings.  Should  these  contracts  no  longer  meet  hedge  criteria  in 
accordance with ASC 815, either through lack of effectiveness or because the hedged transaction is no longer probable 
of occurring, all deferred gains and losses related to the hedge would be immediately reclassified from accumulated 
OCI into earnings.   

At December 28, 2013, the Company held open forward contracts to purchase approximately 10.5 million 
euros over the next 15 months.   The fair value of these contracts, which was determined by obtaining quoted market 
prices (Level 1 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820), was an $836 thousand gain position recorded in other current assets 
at December 28, 2013.   

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The  following  tables  summarize  activities  related  to  the  Company’s  derivative  instruments  classified  as 

foreign currency hedges in accordance with ASC 815: 

(In thousands) 

Loss Recognized in Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion), Net 
of Tax   

For the Year Ended 

December 28, 
2013 

December 29,
2012 

Foreign currency contracts 

  $ 

(484)   $ 

—

(In thousands) 

Location 

For the Year Ended 

December 28, 
2013 

December 29,
2012 

Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective
Portion), Net of Tax 

Commodity contracts 

Cost of goods sold 

  $ 

34    $ 

—

Interest Rate Swap 

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

The fair value of the interest rate swap is estimated based on the present value of the difference between 
expected cash flows calculated at the contracted interest rate and the expected cash flows at the current market interest 
rate using observable benchmarks for LIBOR forward rates at the end of the period (Level 2 hierarchy as defined by 
ASC 820).  The effective portion of the mark-to-market gain or loss is reported as a component of accumulated OCI 
and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transactions occur and affect earnings.  Interest payable 
and receivable under the swap agreement will be accrued and recorded as an adjustment to interest expense.  The fair 
value of the interest rate swap was a $1.3 million gain position and was recorded in other assets at December 28, 2013. 

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

(In thousands) 

Interest rate swap 

Gain Recognized in Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion), Net 
of Tax   

For the Year Ended 

December 28, 
2013 

December 29,
2012 

  $ 

834    $ 

—

The  Company  enters  into  futures  and  forward  contracts  that  generally  closely  match  the  terms  of  the 
underlying  transactions.  As  a  result,  the  ineffective  portion  of  the  open  cash  flow  and  fair  value  hedge  contracts 
through December 28, 2013 was not material to the Consolidated Statements of Income. 

The Company does not offset the fair value of amounts for derivative instruments and the fair value amounts 
recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral.  At December 28, 2013, the Company had recorded restricted cash 
of $2.1 million related to open futures contracts. 

F-45 

 
    
 
    
    
 
 
  
 
    
 
    
    
    
      
 
  
 
 
 
     
    
 
    
    
 
 
 
    
 
    
    
    
      
 
  
 
 
 
 
    
 
    
    
 
 
  
 
    
 
    
    
    
      
 
  
 
 
 
Note 14 – Acquisitions and Dispositions 

On  October  18,  2013,  the  Company  entered  into  a  definitive  agreement  with  KME  Yorkshire  Limited 
(Yorkshire) to acquire certain assets and assume certain liabilities of Yorkshire for purposes of acquiring its copper 
tube  business.    This  transaction  received  regulatory  approval  in  the  United  Kingdom  on  February  11,  2014.   
Yorkshire produces European standard copper distribution tubes.    The purchase price will be approximately $29.7 
million.    In 2012, Yorkshire had annual revenue of approximately $196.1 million. 

On  October 17,  2013,  the  Company  entered  into  a  Stock  Purchase  Agreement  with  Commercial  Metals 
Company and Howell Metal Company (Howell) providing for the purchase of all of the outstanding capital stock of 
Howell for approximately $55.3 million in cash, net of working capital adjustments.    Howell manufactures copper 
tube and line sets for U.S. distribution.    The acquisition of Howell complements the Company’s copper tube and line 
sets businesses, both components of the Plumbing and Refrigeration segment.    For the twelve months ended August 
31, 2013, Howell’s net sales for copper tube and line sets were $156.3 million.    The total estimated fair value of the 
assets  acquired  totaled  $64.4  million,  consisting  primarily  of  receivables  of  $14.6  million,  inventories  of  $27.6 
million, property, plant, and equipment of $21.6 million, and other current assets of $0.6 million.    The total estimated 
fair  value  of  the  liabilities  assumed  totaled  $11.4  million,  consisting  primarily  of  accounts  payable  and  accrued 
expenses of $9.9 million and other current liabilities of $1.5 million.    Of the remaining purchase price, $2.0 million 
was allocated to other intangible assets and $0.3 million to tax-deductible goodwill.    The allocation of the purchase 
price to long-lived assets is provisional as of December 28, 2013 and subject to change upon completion of the final 
valuation of these assets.    The results of operations for Howell have been included in the accompanying Consolidated 
Financial Statements from the acquisition date.(cid:2) (cid:2)  

On August 16, 2012, the Company acquired 100 percent of the outstanding stock of Westermeyer Industries, 
Inc.  (Westermeyer)  for  approximately  $11.6  million  in  cash.  Westermeyer,  located  in  Bluffs,  Illinois,  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, a component 
of the OEM segment.  The fair values of the assets acquired totaled $7.5 million, consisting of receivables of $2.0 
million, inventories of $1.9 million, and property, plant, and equipment of $3.6 million.  These assets were partially 
offset by current liabilities of approximately $1.0 million.  Of the remaining purchase price, $2.3 million was allocated 
to tax-deductible goodwill and $2.7 million to other intangible assets. 

On December 28, 2010, the Company purchased certain assets of Tube Forming, L.P. (TFI).   TFI primarily 
serves the HVAC market in North America.   The acquired assets include inventories, production equipment as well as 
factory leaseholds.   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.   TFI’s  estimated  net  sales  for  2010  were  approximately  $35.0  million.   The  Company  paid 
approximately  $6.9  million  for  the  assets  subject  to  certain  adjustments,  which  was  funded  with  existing  cash  on 
hand.  The acquisition of TFI extends the Company’s product offering within the OEM segment.   

These acquisitions were accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting.    Therefore, the results of 
operations of the acquired businesses were included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements from their 
respective  acquisition  dates.    The  purchase  price  for  these  acquisitions,  which  was  financed  by  available  cash 
balances, has been allocated to the assets and liabilities of the acquired businesses based on their respective fair market 
values. 

On August 9, 2013, the Company sold certain of its plastic fittings manufacturing assets located in Portage, 
Michigan and Ft. Pierce, Florida.    Simultaneously, the Company entered into a lease agreement with the purchaser of 
the assets to continue to manufacture and distribute Schedule 40 plastic fittings utilizing the Ft. Pierce assets for a 
period of approximately eight to 14 months (Transition Period).    The total sales price was $66.2 million, of which 
$61.2 million was received on August 9, 2013; the remaining $5.0 million will be received at the end of the Transition 
Period.    This transaction resulted in a pre-tax gain of $39.8 million in the third quarter of 2013, or 81 cents per diluted 
share after tax.   

The net book value of assets disposed was $15.9 million.    For goodwill testing purposes, these assets were 
part of the SPD reporting unit which is a component of the Company’s Plumbing & Refrigeration operating segment.   

F-46 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Because  these  assets  met  the  definition  of  a  business  in  accordance  with  ASC  805  Business  Combinations,  $10.5 
million of the SPD reporting unit’s goodwill balance was allocated to the disposal group.    The amount of goodwill 
allocated was based on the relative fair values of the asset group which was disposed and the portion of the SPD 
reporting unit which was retained. 

The Company will continue to manufacture and supply plastic drain, waste, and vent (DWV) fittings.    The 
Company extended its third party supply agreement to complement its product offering with purchased products the 
Company  does  not  competitively  manufacture  with  its  remaining  assets.    This  supply  agreement  was  originally 
entered into after the majority of the Company’s plastic manufacturing assets were destroyed in the 2011 fire at its 
Wynne, Arkansas facility.    The extended supply agreement has an initial five-year term. 

With the decision to cease the Company’s manufacturing operations in Portage, there was an evaluation of 
the remaining long-lived assets for impairment, and it was determined that the carrying value of the land and building 
were no longer recoverable.    An impairment charge of $3.2 million was recognized during the third quarter of 2013 to 
adjust  the  carrying  value  of  the  land  and  building  to  their  estimated  fair  value.    The  fair  value  estimate  was 
determined by obtaining and evaluating recent sales data for similar assets (Level 2 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820). 

Note 15 – Industry Segments 

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

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

IPD manufactures brass rod, impact extrusions, and forgings as well as a variety of end products including 
plumbing  brass,  automotive  components,  valves,  and  fittings.  EPD  manufactures  and  fabricates  valves  and 
assemblies  for  the  refrigeration,  air-conditioning,  gas  appliance,  and  barbecue  grill  markets  and  specialty  copper, 
copper-alloy,  and  aluminum  tube.  Mueller-Xingrong  manufactures  engineered  copper  tube  primarily  for 
air-conditioning applications.  These products are sold primarily to OEM customers. 

Summarized  product 

the  following 
tables.  Geographic sales data indicates the location from which products are shipped.  Unallocated expenses include 
general corporate expenses, plus certain charges or credits not included in segment activity. 

line,  geographic,  and  segment 

information 

is  shown 

in 

During 2013, 2012, and 2011, no single customer exceeded 10 percent of worldwide sales. 

F-47 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales by Major Product Line: 

(In thousands) 

2013 

2012 

2011 

Tube and fittings 
Brass rod and forgings 
OEM components, tube & assemblies 
Valves and plumbing specialties 
Other 

Geographic Information: 

(In thousands) 

Net sales: 

United States 
United Kingdom 
Other 

(In thousands) 

Long-lived assets: 
United States 
United Kingdom 
Other 

  $ 972,107    $ 986,825    $1,082,150 
583,940       662,369 
335,461       401,623 
231,278       217,985 
53,670 

553,896     
337,772     
239,822     
54,944     

52,434      

  $2,158,541    $2,189,938    $2,417,797 

2013 

2012 

2011 

  $1,676,385    $1,696,589    $1,830,001 
234,684       272,809 
258,665       314,987 

229,659     
252,497     

  $2,158,541    $2,189,938    $2,417,797 

2013 

2012 

2011 

  $ 325,667    $ 306,023    $ 267,060 
23,962 
29,883 

23,496      
27,442      

22,159     
25,224     

Net assets of foreign operations at December 28, 2013 included $108.2 million in the United Kingdom, $45.5 

million in Mexico, $59.5 million in Luxembourg, and $22.7 million in China. 

  $ 373,050    $ 356,961    $ 320,905 

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Segment Information: 

 (In thousands) 

Net sales 

For the Year Ended December 28, 2013 

Plumbing & 
Refrigeration 
Segment 

OEM 
Segment     

Corporate 
and 

Eliminations      Total 

 $

1,225,306    $ 947,784    $

(14,549)   $2,158,541 

Cost of goods sold 
Depreciation and amortization 
Selling, general, and administrative expense 
Insurance settlement 
Gain on sale of plastic fittings manufacturing assets    
Impairment charges 

1,043,059      833,518     
13,025     
24,479     
—     
—     
131     

17,117     
85,471     
(103,895)    
(39,765)    
4,173     

(14,488)     1,862,089 
2,252      
32,394 
24,964       134,914 
(2,437)      (106,332)
(39,765)
4,304 

—      
—      

Operating income 

219,146     

76,631     

(24,840)      270,937 

Interest expense 
Other expense, net 

Income before income taxes 

 (In thousands) 

Net sales 

(3,990)
4,451 

    $ 271,398 

For the Year Ended December 29, 2012 

Plumbing & 
Refrigeration 
Segment 

OEM 
Segment     

Corporate 
and 

Eliminations      Total 

 $

1,238,230    $ 974,606    $

(22,898)   $2,189,938 

Cost of goods sold 
Depreciation and amortization 
Selling, general, and administrative expense 
Litigation settlement 
Insurance settlement 
Severance 

1,060,755      866,404     
13,435     
27,680     
—     
—     
—     

16,513     
75,448     
—     
(1,500)    
—     

(22,696)     1,904,463 
1,547      
31,495 
26,328       129,456 
(4,050)
(4,050)     
(1,500)
—      
3,369 
3,369      

Operating income 

87,014     

67,087     

(27,396)      126,705 

Interest expense 
Other expense, net 

Income before income taxes 

(6,890)
539 

    $ 120,354 

F-49 

 
    
 
 
 
   
 
    
    
      
      
      
 
    
     
       
       
       
 
   
   
   
   
   
    
     
       
       
       
 
   
    
        
          
          
       
 
        
          
          
      
        
          
          
      
    
        
          
          
       
 
        
          
          
  
      
        
        
      
 
  
    
 
 
 
   
 
    
    
      
      
      
 
    
        
          
          
          
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
        
          
          
          
 
   
    
        
          
          
          
 
        
          
          
      
        
          
          
      
    
        
          
          
          
 
        
          
          
 
 
 
(In thousands)

Net sales 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 

Plumbing & 
Refrigeration 
Segment 

OEM 
Segment     

Corporate
and

Eliminations      Total 

 $

1,330,435    $1,119,796    $

(32,434)   $2,417,797 

Cost of goods sold 
Depreciation and amortization 
Selling, general, and administrative expense 
Litigation settlement 

1,139,932      1,007,654     
14,634     
24,838     
—     

20,947     
84,795     
—

(31,909)     2,115,677 
1,284      
36,865 
26,320       135,953 
(10,500)
(10,500)     

Operating income 

84,761     

72,670     

(17,629)      139,802 

Interest expense 
Other expense, net 

Income before income taxes 

(11,553)
1,912 

    $ 130,161 

(In thousands) 

2013 

2012 

2011 

Expenditures for long-lived assets (including business acquisitions): 

Plumbing & Refrigeration 
OEM 
General corporate 

Segment assets: 

Plumbing & Refrigeration 
OEM 
General corporate 

  $

47,222    $
14,845     
3,253     

24,030   $ 
24,137     
17,290     

12,686  
12,586  
361  

  $

65,320  $

65,457  $ 

25,633 

  $ 625,371    $ 531,429   $  532,458  
290,058      296,997  
282,668      518,149  

305,052     
317,344     

  $1,247,767     $1,104,155  $1,347,604 

F-50 

    
 
 
   
 
    
    
      
      
      
 
    
        
          
          
          
 
   
   
   
   
    
        
          
          
          
 
   
    
        
          
          
          
 
        
          
          
      
        
          
          
      
    
        
          
          
          
 
        
          
          
 
   
  
 
    
        
          
        
 
        
          
        
 
   
   
    
     
          
        
 
    
    
    
 
       
        
 
     
          
        
 
   
   
    
     
          
        
 
    
Note 16 – Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) 

 (In thousands, except per share data) 

 2013 
 Net sales 
 Gross profit (1) 
 Consolidated net income 
 Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. 
 Basic earnings per share (2) 
 Diluted earnings per share (2) 
 Dividends per share 

 2012 
 Net sales 
 Gross profit (1) 
 Consolidated net income 
 Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. 
 Basic earnings per share 
 Diluted earnings per share 
 Dividends per share 

First 
Quarter 

Second 
  Quarter 

Third 
   Quarter 

Fourth 
   Quarter 

$ 559,690     $ 582,282   $ 528,854  
  72,552  

76,840      
26,434   
26,202 
0.94
0.93
0.125

81,157  
91,842(4)   39,993(5)     
91,150  
3.27 
3.23 
0.125  

  39,864  
1.43 
1.41 
0.125  

 $ 487,715   
65,903   
15,020   
15,384   
0.55  
0.54  
0.125   

$ 577,668     $ 594,099   $ 514,165  
  64,447  
  15,570  
  15,511  
0.41  
0.41  
0.10  

84,493      
32,817  (3) 
32,599 
0.86 
0.85 
0.10 

71,248  
18,540  
17,917  
0.47  
0.47  
0.10  

 $ 504,006   
65,287   
16,746 (6)
16,368   
0.59 (2)
0.58 (2)
0.125   

(1) Gross profit is net sales less cost of goods sold, which excludes depreciation and amortization. 

(2) Includes the repurchase of 10.4 million shares from Leucadia in September 2012 

(3) Includes pre-tax gain of $8.0 million from liquidation of LIFO inventory layers and $1.5 million from 

settlement of insurance claims. 

(4) Includes $106.3 million pre-tax gain from settlement of insurance claims. 

(5) Includes $39.8 million pre-tax gain on sale of manufacturing assets and pre-tax impairment charges of $4.3 
million primarily related to real property associated with the aforementioned plastics sale transaction. 

(6) Includes $4.1 million net gain from settlement of litigation. 

F-51 

 
    
 
  
  
    
  
    
  
  
    
   
  
    
  
  
    
   
 
   
 
 
 
  
   
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
   
    
 
  
     
   
   
    
    
 
  
     
   
   
    
    
 
   
 
   
 
  
   
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
   
    
 
  
     
   
   
    
    
  
  
  
 
  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

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

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Mueller Industries, Inc. as of December 28, 2013 
and December 29, 2012, 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  28,  2013.  Our  audits  also  included  the 
financial  statement  schedule  listed  in  the  Index  at  Item  15(a).  These  financial  statements  and  schedule  are  the 
responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 
and schedule based on our audits. 

We  conducted  our  audits  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  the  financial  statements  are  free  of  material  misstatement.  An  audit  includes  examining,  on  a  test  basis, 
evidence  supporting  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  financial  statements.  An  audit  also  includes  assessing  the 
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial 
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In  our  opinion,  the  financial  statements  referred  to  above  present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the  consolidated 
financial position of Mueller Industries, Inc. at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, and the consolidated 
results of  its operations  and  its  cash  flows  for  each of  the three  years  in the period  ended December 28, 2013,  in 
conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement 
schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material 
respects the information set forth therein. 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States), Mueller Industries, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2013, based on criteria 
established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the 
Treadway Commission (1992 Framework) and our report dated February 26, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion 
thereon. 

Memphis, Tennessee 
February 26, 2014 

F-52 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS 
Years Ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011 

Additions 

(In thousands) 

of year 

Balance at     Charged to        
beginning     costs and     Other 

     Balance   
at end 
    expenses     additions        Deductions      of year 

2013 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 

Environmental reserves 

$

$

1,644    $

273    $

812   

  $

338    $

2,391 

24,635    $

986    $

—       $

1,984    $

23,637 

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets  $

30,394    $

332   $

—       $

8,182    $

22,544 

2012 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 

Environmental reserves 

$

$

1,564    $

867    $

109  (1)  $

896    $

1,644 

22,892    $

3,056    $

—       $

1,313    $

24,635 

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets  $

29,705    $

(1,224)   $

1,913       $

—    $

30,394 

2011 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 

Environmental reserves 

$

$

5,447    $

(229)   $

(2) (1)  $

3,652    $

1,564 

23,902    $

392    $

—       $

1,402    $

22,892 

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets  $

28,714    $

(443)   $

1,434  (2)  $

—    $

29,705 

(1) Other consists primarily of bad debt recoveries as well as the effect of fluctuating foreign currency exchange

rates in all years presented. 

(2) Other includes the additions to valuation allowances in which previously unrecorded gross deferred tax 

assets and valuation allowances were recognized. 

F-53 

  
 
  
    
  
   
         
      
 
    
         
    
         
    
 
 
    
  
      
        
         
      
 
  
      
        
         
      
 
    
   
       
       
          
       
 
    
   
       
       
          
       
 
    
 
      
      
         
       
  
  
      
        
         
      
 
    
      
          
          
             
          
 
    
      
          
          
             
          
 
    
 
      
      
         
       
  
      
          
          
             
      
  
    
      
          
          
             
          
 
    
      
          
          
             
          
 
    
 
      
      
         
       
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
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F-54 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CAPITAL STOCK INFORMATION

The Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend on its common stock of 12.5 cents 
per share during each quarter of 2013 and the fourth quarter of 2012, and 10 cents per share for each of 
the first three quarters of 2012. Payment of dividends in the future is dependent upon the Company’s financial 
condition, cash flows, capital requirements, earnings, and other factors.

The high, low, and closing prices of Mueller Industries’ common stock on the New York Stock Exchange for each 
fiscal quarter of 2013 and 2012 were as follows:

2013   
Fourth quarter 
Third quarter 
Second quarter 
First quarter 

2012   
Fourth quarter  
Third quarter  
Second quarter  
First quarter  

  High 

Low 

Close

$  63.28 
58.15 
54.99 
55.53 

$  53.96 
50.33 
48.10 
48.95 

$  62.74
55.82
50.43
53.29

$  51.41 
48.48 
47.28 
49.86 

$  42.43 
39.72 
39.89 
38.16 

$  49.26
45.47
42.59
45.45

As of February 24, 2014, the number  
of holders of record of Mueller Industries’ 
common stock was approximately 910.  
On February 24, 2014, the closing  
price for Mueller Industries’ common  
stock on the New York Stock Exchange 
was $61.28.

SECURITY HOLDER INFORMATION 

Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of stockholders will be held at 
the Company’s headquarters at Suite 150, 8285 
Tournament Drive, Memphis, TN 38125, 10:00 a.m.  
local time, May 1, 2014.

Form 10-K
The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K is available 
on the Company’s website at www.muellerindustries.com 
or upon written request:

c/o Mueller Industries, Inc.
Attention: Investor Relations
Suite 150
8285 Tournament Drive 
Memphis, TN 38125

Market for Mueller Securities
Common stock is traded on the NYSE–Symbol MLI.

Transfer Agent, Registrar and Paying Agent
To notify the Company of address changes, lost 
certificates, dividend payments, or account 
consolidations, security holders should contact:

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC
Shareholder Services Department
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11219

Toll Free: (800) 937-5449
Local & International: (718) 921-8124
Email: info@amstock.com
Web site: www.amstock.com

NYSE Certifications
The Company submitted an unqualified Section 12(a)  
CEO Certification to the NYSE in 2013. The Company  
filed with the SEC the CEO/CFO Certifications  
required under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley  
Act as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on  
Form 10-K for 2013 and 2012. 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
Memphis, Tennessee

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8285 TOURNAMENT DRIVE, SUITE 150 • MEMPHIS, TN 38125
wwww.muellerindustries.com