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

Mueller Industries, Inc.

mli · NYSE Industrials
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Ticker mli
Exchange NYSE
Sector Industrials
Industry Manufacturing - Metal Fabrication
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2014 Annual Report · Mueller Industries, Inc.
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www.muellerindustries.com

2014

ANNUAL REPORT

5-YEAR REVIEW

CAPITAL STOCK INFORMATION

(Dollars in thousands except per share data) 

 2014  

2013  

2012  

 2011  

2010 

The Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend on its common stock of 7.5 cents per share  

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 

$  2,364,227 
153,996  
$ 
101,560 
$ 
1.79 
$ 
0.30 
$ 

$  2,158,541 
270,937 
$ 
172,600 
$ 
3.06 
$ 
0.25 
$ 

$  2,189,938  
126,705  
$ 
82,395  
$ 
1.15  
$ 
0.2125  
$ 

$  2,417,797  
139,802  
$ 
86,321 
$ 
1.13  
$ 
0.20  
$ 

$  2,059,797 
136,147 
$ 
86,171 
$ 
1.14 
$ 
0.20 
$ 

$ 

$ 

352,134  
 4.0 to 1  
13.39  

$ 

 $ 

311,800  
 4.0 to 1  
12.43  

$ 

$ 

198,934  
2.9 to 1  
9.02  

$ 

$ 

514,162  
 4.8 to 1  
11.19  

$ 

$ 

394,139 
4.7 to 1 
10.42 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

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

John B. Hansen
Independent Investor and Consultant 

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

Jeffrey A. Martin
Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer

Mark Millerchip
Executive Director,
European Operations

Nicholas W. Moss
President, 
Global and Retail Business

Douglas J. Murdock
President, 
Fabricated Products 

Steffen Sigloch
President,
Extruded Products

Gary C. Wilkerson
Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary

during each quarter of 2014 and 6.25 cents per share during each quarter of 2013. Payment of dividends in the  

future is dependent upon the Company’s financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, earnings, and other factors.

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

2014 and 2013 were as follows:

2014

Fourth quarter 

Third quarter 

Second quarter 

First quarter 

2013 

Fourth quarter  

Third quarter  

Second quarter  

First quarter  

  High 

Low 

$  34.39 

$  27.10 

$ 

30.35 

30.99 

32.13 

29.08 

27.50 

27.77 

27.71 

27.47 

27.38 

25.17 

24.05 

24.48 

$  31.64 

$  26.98 

$ 

Close

34.18

28.91

29.30

29.34

31.37

27.91

25.22

26.65

As of February 20, 2015, the number of holders of record of Mueller’s common stock was approximately 855.  

On February 20, 2015, the closing price for Mueller’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $34.68.

Annual Meeting

Transfer Agent, Registrar and Paying Agent

The annual meeting of stockholders will be held at the 

To notify the Company of address changes, lost  

Company’s headquarters at Suite 150, 8285 Tournament 

certificates, dividend payments or account  

Drive, Memphis, TN 38125, 10:00 a.m. local time,  

consolidations, security holders should contact:

May 7, 2015

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

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)  

Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act as an exhibit to  

the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2014  

and 2013. 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP

Memphis, Tennessee

Market for Mueller Securities

CEO Certification to the NYSE in 2014. The Company filed 

Common stock is traded on the NYSE–Symbol MLI.

with the SEC the CEO/CFO Certifications required under 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
To Our Shareholders: 

As we reflect on this past year we can’t help but be pleased with our performance.  After adjusting for the 
unusual items, our net income for the fiscal year of 2014 was $103.3 million, compared to $86.4 million 
in 2013. [A]  This was our sixth year in a row of double-digit returns; since the Great Recession of 2008 
our average annual return to shareholders has exceeded 21 percent.    

Our 2014 results were bolstered by our continued growth in unit volume and operational improvement.   
In 2014, we achieved 14.9 percent unit volume growth, of which our acquired businesses contributed 
more than half.  

Our already healthy balance sheet grew stronger in 2014 as we maintained moderate leverage and 
increased our cash by $40 million to $352 million.  This was accomplished while we invested almost $40 
million in capital improvements; invested $57 million for a business acquisition in Europe and related 
working capital funding; and increased our dividend 20 percent.  Offsetting these expenditures we also 
received $34 million in proceeds from business and property divestitures.     

In addition to achieving these quantifiable results, our associates also made progress on a number of 
major long-term initiatives that will strengthen our company in the future.  Most notable highlights 
include: 

(cid:190)  After three years of ongoing development and investment, we completed the installation of the 
equipment planned for our Port Huron, Michigan rod mill modernization initiative.  All of the 
equipment is in place; commissioning and debugging are underway. 

(cid:190)  We completed the installation of our first PEX plastic pipe production facility.  This initiative had 
been in the planning and investment process for the past two years, and as of December, the 
facility was production-ready.  We received regulatory approval from the National Sanitation 
Foundation in February of this year which allows us to begin to commercialize the product.  
(cid:190)  We successfully and fully integrated our busbar investment, having connected the drawing and 
finishing equipment we acquired in 2012 with the casting and extruding capabilities of our 
Belding, Michigan mill.  We are now a growing participant in the worldwide markets for power 
connectivity and conductivity infrastructure.    

(cid:190)  We made significant progress in completing the integration and rationalization of the two copper 
mills we acquired in late 2013 and early 2014 – the Howell Copper Tube and Lineset business, 
here in the U.S., and the Yorkshire Copper Tube business in the U.K.  Both have progressed as 
planned, and we expect both businesses to contribute positively in 2015. 

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UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 

Washington, D.C. 20549 

FORM 10-K 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 27, 2014 

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:54)  

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:133) 

No    (cid:133) 

No    (cid:54) 

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:54) 

No    (cid:133) 

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:54) 

No    (cid:133) 

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:54) 

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:54) 
Non-accelerated filer   (cid:133) 

Accelerated filer   (cid:133) 
Smaller reporting company   (cid:133) 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes    (cid:133) 

No    (cid:54) 

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 $1,619,095,888. 

The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding as of February 20, 2015 was 56,924,463 excluding 23,258,541 treasury shares. 

Portions of the following document are incorporated by reference into this Report: Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of 
Stockholders, scheduled to be mailed on or about March 25, 2015 (Part III). 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

 
 
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
    
   
   
   
    
    
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
     
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 

_____________________ 

As used in this report, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “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 

3 
6 
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15 

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16 

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20 
20 

21 

24 

F-1 

2 

   
   
   
   
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   
 
 
ITEM 1. 

BUSINESS 

Introduction 

PART I 

Mueller  Industries,  Inc.  (the  Company)  is  a  leading  manufacturer  of  plumbing,  heating,  ventilation,  and 
air-conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, and industrial 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  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:   

•  Plumbing  &  Refrigeration:    The  Plumbing  &  Refrigeration  segment  is  composed  of  Standard  Products 
(SPD), European Operations, and Mexican Operations.  SPD manufactures and sells copper tube, copper and 
plastic fittings, line sets, and valves in North America and sources products for import distribution in North 
America.  European Operations manufacture copper tube in the United Kingdom, which is sold throughout 
Europe.  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. 

•  Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM):    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.  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, 
fittings,  and  components;  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. 

Certain administrative expenses and expenses related primarily to retiree benefits at inactive operations are combined 
into the Corporate and Eliminations classification.   

Financial information concerning segments and geographic information appears under “Note 15 - Industry Segments” 
in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

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 our 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.   

Mueller was incorporated in Delaware on October 3, 1990.     

Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment 

The  Plumbing  &  Refrigeration  segment  includes  SPD,  which  manufactures  a  broad  line  of  copper  tube  in  sizes 
ranging from 1/8 inch to 8 inch diameter that is sold in various straight lengths and coils.  We are a market leader in the 
air-conditioning and refrigeration service tube markets.  Additionally, we supply a variety of water tube in straight 
lengths  and  coils  used  for  plumbing  applications  in  virtually  every  type  of  construction  project.  Lastly,  SPD 
manufactures copper and plastic fittings, line sets, and related components for the plumbing and heating industry that 

3 

  
  
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
   
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. 

This 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, we expanded our 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. 

We  acquired  Howell  Metal  Company  (Howell)  on  October  17,  2013  and  Yorkshire  Copper  Tube  (Yorkshire)  on 
February 28, 2014.    Howell manufactures copper tube and line sets for U.S. distribution while Yorkshire produces 
European standard copper distribution tubes.    These acquisitions complement our existing copper tube businesses in 
the Plumbing & Refrigeration segment. 

We  disposed  of  Mueller  Primaflow  Limited  (Primaflow),  our  U.K.  based  plumbing  and  heating  systems  import 
distribution business, on November 21, 2014.    This business was part of the European Operations in the Plumbing & 
Refrigeration segment. 

This 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  complement  of  agents,  which,  when  combined  with  our  sales  organization,  provide  the 
Company broad geographic market representation. 

The  total  amount  of  order  backlog  for  the  Plumbing  &  Refrigeration  segment  as  of  December  27,  2014  was  not 
significant. 

We  compete  with  various  companies,  depending  on  the  product  line.  In  the  U.S.  copper  tube  business,  domestic 
competition includes Cerro Flow Products LLC, 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, we compete with several European-based manufacturers of copper tube as well as 
other  foreign-based  manufacturers.  In  the  copper  fittings  market,  domestic  competitors  include  Elkhart  Products 
Company  (a  subsidiary  of  Aalberts  Industries  N.V.)  and  NIBCO,  Inc.,  as  well  as  several  foreign 
manufacturers.  Additionally, our 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 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.  We extrude 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.  Lastly, IPD 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.   

This  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 

4 

   
   
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
   
 
total amount of order backlog for the OEM segment as of December 27, 2014 was not significant. 

On  December  28,  2010,  we  purchased  certain  assets  from  Tube  Forming,  L.P.  (TFI).    TFI  had  operations  in 
Carrolton,  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,  we  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 27, 2014, the Company employed approximately 3,850 employees, of which approximately 2,020 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) 
Port Huron, Michigan (Local 119 SPFPA) 
Belding, Michigan 
Brighton, Michigan 
Wynne, Arkansas 
Fulton, Mississippi 
North Wales, Pennsylvania 
Waynesboro, Tennessee 

Expiration Date 
May 1, 2016 
July 20, 2016 
April 1, 2016 
September 12, 2015 
July 31, 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. 

Raw Material and Energy Availability 

A  substantial  portion  of  our  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 us from primary producers, metal brokers, and 
scrap  dealers.  Sufficient  energy  in  the  form  of  natural  gas,  fuel  oils,  and  electricity  is  available  to  operate  our 
production facilities.  While temporary shortages of raw material and fuels may occur occasionally, to date they have 
not materially hampered our operations. 

Our 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 
2015.  Adequate quantities of copper are currently available.  While we will continue to react to market developments, 
resulting pricing volatility or supply disruptions, if any, could nonetheless adversely affect the Company. 

5 

   
 
    
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
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 $1.2 million for 2014, $1.0 million for 2013, and $3.1 
million for 2012.  The reserve for environmental matters was $22.7 million at December 27, 2014 and $23.6 million at 
December 28, 2013.  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.  We do not anticipate that we 
will need to make material expenditures for compliance activities related to existing environmental matters during the 
2015 fiscal year, or for the next two fiscal years. 

For a description of material pending environmental proceedings, see “Note 8 – Commitments and Contingencies” in 
the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

Other Business Factors 

Our 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 2014, 2013, or 
2012.  No material portion of our 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 our operating 
environment,  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 

6 

   
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
     
   
   
margins.  Additionally, if we are for any reason unable to obtain raw materials or energy, our ability to manufacture 
our products would be impacted, which could have a material adverse impact on our operating margins. 

The unplanned departure of key personnel could disrupt our business. 

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

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

Our  business  is  sensitive  to  changes  in  general  economic  conditions,  particularly  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  extent  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 and 2014, 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.  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  manufacture.  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 

7 

 
   
   
   
   
   
  
   
   
   
threats from lower cost producers in other countries such as China.  Lastly, our sales are translated into U.S. dollars for 
reporting  purposes.  The  strengthening  of  the  U.S.  dollar  could  result  in  unfavorable  translation  effects  when  the 
results  of  foreign  operations  are  translated  into  U.S.  dollars.  Accordingly,  significant  changes  in  exchange  rates, 
particularly the British 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 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 27, 2014, approximately 2,020 of our 3,850 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 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has 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 future events is not reasonably estimable at this time, should they 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, 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, 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 

8 

 
   
   
   
      
   
   
material  adverse  effect  on  us  because  of  potential  adverse  outcomes,  defense  costs,  diversion  of  our  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 our major operating facilities is included below.  Except as noted, we own all of the principal 
properties.  Our 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,  line  sets,  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. 

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) 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
 
 
ITEM 2. 

PROPERTIES 

(continued) 

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  and  copper  busbar  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) 

10 

  
    
         
  
    
  
    
  
    
    
  
    
  
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 2. 

PROPERTIES 

(continued) 

Location 

Approximate 
Property Size     

Description 

Jintan City, Jiangsu 
Province, China 

   322,580 sq. ft.
33.0 acres 

(5) Copper  tube  mill.  Facility  includes  casting,  and  finishing 
equipment  to  produce  engineered  copper  tube  primarily  for 
OEMs. 

Xinbei District, 
Changzhou, China 

   33,940 sq. ft.  (3) Refrigeration  products  plant.  Produces  products  used 

in 
refrigeration  applications  such  as  ball  valves,  line  valves,  and 
compressor valves. 

Bluffs, IL 

   70,000 sq. ft. 
10 acres 

     Fabrication  facility.  Produces  products  used  in  refrigeration 
applications  such  as  oil  separators,  accumulators,  and  heat 
exchangers. 

Guadalupe, MX 

   70,782 sq. ft.  (3) Fabrication  facility.  Produces  tubular  components,  assemblies, 

and return bends for refrigeration and HVAC markets. 

Guadalupe, MX 

   59,331 sq. ft.  (3) Gas  valve  plant.  Facility  produces  brass  and  aluminum  valves 
and assemblies for the gas appliance industry. 

Farmers Branch, TX 

   54,000 sq. ft.  (3) Fabrication  facility.  Produces  tubular  components,  assemblies, 

and return bends for refrigeration and HVAC markets. 

In addition, we own and/or lease 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. 

11 

 
 
  
    
         
  
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
    
  
    
         
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
ITEM 3. 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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.     

For a description of material pending legal proceedings, see “Note 8 – Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes 
to Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

ITEM 4. 

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable. 

PART II 

ITEM 5. 

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

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “MLI.”    As of February 20, 
2015, the number of holders of record of Mueller’s common stock was approximately 855.  The following table sets 
forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices as reported by the NYSE and the cash dividends paid per 
share of common stock.   

On February 21, 2014, the Company effected a two-for-one stock split to shareholders of record as of March 14, 2014.   
All share and per share information has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock split. 

2014 

Fourth quarter 
Third quarter 
Second quarter 
First quarter 

2013 

Fourth quarter 
Third quarter 
Second quarter 
First quarter 

Sales Prices 

High 

Low 

     Dividend  

34.39   $
30.35    
30.99    
32.13    

27.10    $
27.71      
27.47      
27.38      

0.0750 
0.0750 
0.0750 
0.0750 

31.64   $
29.08    
27.50    
27.77    

26.98    $
25.17      
24.05      
24.48      

0.0625 
0.0625 
0.0625 
0.0625 

 $

 $

Payment  of  dividends  in  the  future  is  dependent  upon  the  Company’s  financial  condition,  cash  flows,  capital 
requirements, earnings, and other factors. 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 

The Company’s Board of Directors has extended, until October 2015, the authorization to repurchase up to 20 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 

12 

 
 
 
 
     
 
   
   
 
   
 
   
 
    
 
   
    
      
      
 
    
    
      
      
 
  
  
  
    
   
      
       
  
   
      
       
  
    
   
      
       
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
   
through  December  27,  2014,  the  Company  had  repurchased  approximately  4.7  million  shares  under  this 
authorization.  Below is a summary of the Company’s stock repurchases for the quarter ended December 27, 2014. 

(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    
15,287,060(1)

   September 28 – October 25, 2014 

359(2) $

   October 26 – November 22, 2014 

2,384(2)  

   November 23 – December 27, 2014   

579(2)  

29.45  

32.05  

32.92  

—        

—        

—        

 (1)  Shares available to be purchased under the Company’s 20 million share repurchase authorization until 
October 2015.    The extension of the authorization was announced on October 24, 2014. 

 (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. 

13 

   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
      
     
       
 
 
  
  
  
   
 
    
       
       
  
 
  
  
  
   
 
    
       
       
  
  
  
  
      
          
       
       
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Stock Performance 

The following graph compares total stockholder return since December 26, 2009 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.   

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

$300

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0
12/26/09

12/25/10

12/31/11

12/29/12

12/28/13

12/27/14

Mueller Industries, Inc.
Dow Jones US Total Return
Dow Jones US Building Materials & Fixtures

*$100 invested on 12/26/09 in stock or 12/31/09 in index, including 
reinvestment of dividends.

Indexes calculated on month-end basis.

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

Index 

Dow Jones U.S. Building 

2009 

100.00

2010 

131.64

2011 

154.72

2012 

200.26

2013 

2014 

257.35     

283.15 

100.00

116.65

118.22

137.52

182.86     

206.53 

Materials & Fixtures Index 

100.00

116.70

120.39

183.24

234.92     

259.74 

14 

   
 
 
 
 
    
  
   
   
   
   
    
 
    
    
    
  
 
 
ITEM 6. 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(In thousands, except per share data) 

2014 

2013 

2012 

2011 

2010 

For the fiscal year: (1) 

 Net sales 

$2,364,227   $2,158,541   $2,189,938    $2,417,797    $2,059,797    

 Operating income 

  153,996   270,937(3) 

126,705(4)    139,802(5)    136,147(6) 

Net income attributable to Mueller Industries,

Inc. 

  101,560(2)  172,600    

82,395      

86,321      

86,171    

 Diluted earnings per share (8) 

1.79  

3.06  

1.16(7)   

1.13      

1.14    

 Cash dividends per share (8) 

0.30    

0.25    

0.2125      

0.20      

0.20    

At year-end: 

 Total assets 

 Long-term debt 

  1,328,096     1,247,767     1,104,155      1,347,604      1,258,996    

  205,250     206,250    

207,300       156,476       158,226    

(1) Includes activity of acquired businesses from the following purchase dates: Yorkshire Copper Tube, February 28, 

2014, 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 $6.3 million pre-tax gain on sale of assets, reversal of valuation allowance of $5.7 million, and $7.3 

million of pre-tax charges related to severance. 

(3) 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. 

(4)

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. 

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

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

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

 (8) Adjusted retroactively to reflect the two-for-one stock split that occurred on March 14, 2014. 

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. 

15 

 
  
  
    
    
    
  
     
  
     
     
      
        
    
  
     
     
      
        
    
  
     
  
     
     
      
        
    
  
  
     
   
    
         
          
          
    
  
  
     
   
    
         
          
         
    
  
 
  
     
   
    
         
          
          
    
  
 
  
     
   
    
         
          
          
    
  
 
  
     
   
    
         
          
          
    
   
         
  
    
          
          
    
  
     
   
    
         
          
          
    
  
  
     
   
    
         
          
          
    
  
  
     
 
          
    
      
       
     
  
     
 
     
     
      
       
     
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
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-15. 

ITEM 9. 

None. 

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON 
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

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 27, 2014.  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 27, 2014 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, 
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting may vary over time. 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
  
   
  
 
   
The Company acquired Yorkshire Copper Tube (Yorkshire) during February 2014, and has excluded that business 
from management’s assessment of internal controls.    The total value of assets of Yorkshire at year-end was $41.4 
million, which represents three percent of the Company’s consolidated total assets at December 27, 2014.    Net sales 
of Yorkshire from the date of acquisition represent four percent of the consolidated net sales of the Company for 2014, 
and Yorkshire operated at a net loss for the year.    Accordingly, this acquired business is 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 27, 
2014  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  was  effective  as  of 
December 27, 2014. 

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 27, 2014, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s 
internal control over financial reporting. 

17 

 
  
   
  
  
 
 
Report of 

Independent 

Registered Pu

ublic Accounti

ing Firm 

The Board

d of Directors a

and Stockholde

ers of Mueller I

. 
Industries, Inc.

We have au
criteria esta
of  the  Tre
responsible
effectivene
Internal  Co
control ove

udited Mueller
ablished in Inte
eadway  Comm
e  for  maintain
ess  of  internal 
ontrol  over  Fin
er financial rep

r Industries, Inc
ernal Control—
mission  (1992  F
ning  effective 
control  over  f
nancial  Report
porting based o

c.’s internal con
—Integrated Fra
Framework)  (t
internal  cont
financial  repor
ting.  Our  resp
on our audit. 

ntrol over finan
amework issue
the  COSO  crit
trol  over  finan
rting  included 
onsibility  is  to

ncial reporting 
ed by the Comm
teria).  Mueller
ncial  reporting
in  the  accomp
o  express  an  o

as of Decembe
mittee of Spon
r  Industries,  In
g,  and  for  its
panying  Mana
opinion  on  the

er 27, 2014, ba
soring Organiz
nc.’s  managem
s  assessment 
agement’s  Rep
e  company’s  in

ased on 
zations 
ment  is 
of  the 
port  on 
nternal 

We conduc
States).  Th
effective in
an understa
and evalua
such  other
reasonable

cted our audit in
hose standards 
nternal control 
anding of intern
ating the design
r  procedures  a
e basis for our o

n accordance w
require  that w
over financial 
nal control ove
n and operating
as  we  consider
opinion. 

with the standar
we plan  and pe
reporting was m
er financial rep
g effectiveness
red  necessary 

rds of the Publi
erform  the  aud
maintained in a
porting, assessin
s of internal co
in  the  circum

ic Company A
dit  to obtain re
all material res
ng the risk that
ontrol based on
mstances.  We 

ccounting Ove
easonable  assur
spects. Our aud
t a material we
n the assessed 
believe  that  o

ersight Board (U
rance  about w
dit included obt
akness exists, t
risk, and perfo
our  audit  prov

United 
whether 
taining 
testing 
orming 
vides  a 

A company
the reliabil
with gener
policies an
reflect  the
transaction
accepted ac
with autho
prevention
a material 

y’s internal con
lity of financia
rally accepted a
nd procedures t
e  transactions 
ns  are  recorded
ccounting prin
orizations of m
n or timely dete
effect on the fi

ntrol over finan
al reporting and
accounting prin
that (1) pertain
and  dispositio
d  as  necessary
ciples, and tha
management an
ection of unauth
inancial statem

ncial reporting 
d the preparati
nciples. A com
n to the mainten
ons  of  the  ass
y  to  permit  pre
t receipts and e
nd directors of 
horized acquisi
ments. 

is a process de
ion of financia
mpany’s interna
nance of record
sets  of  the  co
eparation  of  fin
expenditures of
the company; 
ition, use, or di

esigned to prov
al statements fo
al control over
ds that, in reas
ompany;  (2)  p
nancial  statem
f the company 
and (3) provi
isposition of th

vide reasonable
or external pur
r financial repo
sonable detail, 
provide  reason
ments  in  accord
are being mad
ide reasonable 
he company’s a

e assurance reg
rposes in accor
orting includes
accurately and
nable  assuranc
dance  with  gen
de only in accor
assurance reg
assets that coul

garding 
rdance 
s those 
d fairly 
ce  that 
nerally 
rdance 
garding 
d have 

Because  o
misstateme
controls m
or procedu

of  its  inheren
ents.  Also,  pro
may become ina
ures may deteri

nt  limitations,
ojections  of  an
adequate becau
orate. 

  internal  con
ny  evaluation 
use of changes i

ntrol  over  fin
of  effectivene
in conditions, o

nancial  report
ess  to  future  p
or that the degr

ting  may  not 
periods  are  sub
ree of complia

prevent  or 
bject  to  the  ris
ance with the p

detect 
sk  that 
olicies 

As indicate
assessment
internal  co
Mueller In
December 
Our audit o
the interna

ed in the accom
t  of  and  concl
ontrols  of  York
ndustries, Inc. a
27, 2014, and 
of internal con
al control over f

mpanying Mana
lusion  on  the  e
kshire  Copper
and constituted
$94.4 million a
trol over finan
financial repor

agement’s Rep
effectiveness  o
r  Tube,  which 
d $41.4 million
and $5.9 millio
ncial reporting o
rting of Yorksh

ort on Internal 
of  internal  con
is  included  in
n and $21.1 m
on of net sales a
of Mueller Ind
hire Copper Tu

 Control over F
ntrol  over  finan
n  the  2014  co
million of total 
and net loss, re
dustries, Inc. al
ube.   

Financial Repo
ncial  reporting
onsolidated  fin
and net assets
espectively, for
lso did not incl

orting, managem
g  did  not  inclu
nancial  stateme
s, respectively
r the year then e
lude an evaluat

ment’s 
ude  the 
ents  of 
, as of 
ended.   
tion of 

In our opin
reporting a

nion, Mueller I
as of December

Industries, Inc
r 27, 2014, bas

. maintained, i
sed on the COS

in all material 
SO criteria. 

respects, effec

ctive internal c

ontrol over fin

nancial 

We also ha
States), the
and the rel
of  the  thre
unqualified

ave audited, in 
e consolidated 
ated consolida
ee  years  in  the
d opinion there

accordance wi
balance sheets
ted statements 
e  period  ended
eon. 

ith the standard
s of Mueller Ind
of income, com
d  December  27

ds of the Public
dustries, Inc. a
mprehensive in
7,  2014  and  ou

c Company Ac
as of December
ncome, change
ur  report  dated

ccounting Ove
r 27, 2014 and 
es in equity and
d  February  24

rsight Board (U
December 28,
d cash flows fo
,  2015  express

United 
, 2013, 
or each 
sed  an 

Memphis, 
February 2

Tennessee 
24, 2015 

18 

   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
 
  
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 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC on or about March 
25, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to its chief executive officer, chief 
financial  officer,  and  other  financial  executives.    We  have  also  made  the  Code  of  Business  Conduct  and  Ethics 
available on 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 2014,” “2014 Grants of Plan Based Awards Table,” “Outstanding Equity Awards 
at  Fiscal  2014  Year-End,”  “2014  Option  Exercises  and  Stock  Vested,”  “Potential  Payments  Upon  Termination  of 
Employment  or  Change  in  Control  as  of  the  End  of  2014,”  “2014  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 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC on or about March 
25, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
   
  
   
  
  
 
 
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 27, 2014 (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)) 

1,127   $

17.38     

1,558(1)

—    

—     

—  

Plan category 

Equity compensation plans approved by 

security holders 

Equity compensation plans not approved 

by security holders 

Total 

1,127   $

17.38     

1,558  

(1) Of the 1.6 million securities remaining available for issuance under the equity compensation plans, 1.5 million
are available under the Company’s 2009 and 2014 Stock Incentive Plans 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 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC on or about March 25, 2015, 
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 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC on or about March 25, 2015, 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 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the 
SEC on or about March 25, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

20 

   
   
 
    
  
   
    
    
  
    
    
    
      
      
    
  
    
   
      
       
 
 
  
    
   
      
       
 
 
  
  
 
   
   
   
  
  
        
  
 
 
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). 

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). 

Mueller  Industries,  Inc.  1994  Non-Employee  Director  Stock  Option  Plan,  as  amended 
(Incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.12  of  the  Registrant’s  Annual  Report  on
Form 10-K,  dated  March  24,  2003,  for  the  fiscal  year  ended  December  28,  2002  and
Exhibit 99.6 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 31, 2004). 

10.7 

Mueller Industries, Inc. 2002 Stock Option Plan Amended and Restated as of February 16, 

21 

   
   
     
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
    
 
    
    
    
 
    
 
    
    
    
 
    
 
    
    
    
 
    
 
    
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
    
    
    
 
    
10.8 

10.9 

10.10 

10.11 

10.12 

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). 

Mueller Industries, Inc. 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference from Appendix 
I to the Company’s 2014 Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company’s 2014
Annual Meeting of Stockholders, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 
March 19, 2014). 

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). 

10.13 

Summary description of the Registrant’s 2015 incentive plan for certain key employees. 

10.14 

10.15 

10.16 

10.17 

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 Purchase Agreement by and among Mueller Europe Limited and Travis Perkins PLC, 
dated  November  21,  2014  (Incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  of  the
Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated November 24, 2014). 

21.0 

Subsidiaries of the Registrant. 

23.0 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 

31.1 

31.2 

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. 

22 

  
  
  
 
  
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
32.1 

32.2 

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  

23 

    
    
    
    
 
 
 
    
  
  
  
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
 
 
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 24, 2015. 

SIGNATURES 

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 24, 2015 

/s/ GREGORY L. CHRISTOPHER 
Gregory L. Christopher 

Chief Executive Officer 

February 24, 2015 

(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/ JOHN B. HANSEN 
John B. Hansen 

/s/ TERRY HERMANSON 
Terry Hermanson 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

February 24, 2015 

February 24, 2015 

February 24, 2015 

February 24, 2015 

February 24, 2015 

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 24, 2015 

February 24, 2015 

24 

   
   
   
    
    
    
    
   
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
    
    
    
   
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
 
 
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Financial Review 

Consolidated Statements of Income 
for the years ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
for the years ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012 

Consolidated Balance Sheets 
as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
for the years ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity 
for the years ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

F- 2 

F- 15 

F- 16 

F- 17 

F- 18 

F- 19 

F- 21 

F- 55 

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE 

Schedule for the years ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012 

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Schedule II) 

F- 56 

F-1 

   
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   
   
   
   
   
    
    
    
    
    
  
 
 
FINANCIAL REVIEW 

The  Financial  Review  section  of  our  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  consists  of  the  following:  Management’s 
Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Results  of  Operations  and  Financial  Condition  (MD&A),  the  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements,  and  Other  Financial  Information,  all  of  which  include  information  about  our  significant  accounting 
policies,  practices,  and  the  transactions  that  impact  our  financial  results.    The  following  MD&A  describes  the 
principal factors affecting the results of operations, liquidity and capital resources, contractual cash obligations and the 
critical  accounting  estimates  of  the  Company.    The  discussion  in  the  Financial  Review  section  should  be  read  in 
conjunction  with  the  other  sections  of  this  Annual  Report,  particularly  “Item  1:  Business”  and  our  other  detailed 
discussion of risk factors included in this MD&A. 

OVERVIEW 

We  are  a  leading  manufacturer  of  plumbing,  HVAC,  refrigeration,  and  industrial  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 fittings and valves; refrigeration valves and fittings; fabricated tubular 
products; and steel nipples.  We also resell 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:   

•  Plumbing  &  Refrigeration:    The  Plumbing  &  Refrigeration  segment  is  composed  of  SPD,  European 
Operations, and Mexican Operations.  SPD manufactures and sells copper tube, copper and plastic fittings, 
line  sets,  and  valves  in  North  America  and  sources  products  for  import  distribution  in  North 
America.  European Operations manufacture copper tube in the United Kingdom, which is sold throughout 
Europe.  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. 

•  OEM:    The OEM segment is composed of IPD, EPD, and Mueller-Xingrong, the Company’s Chinese joint 
venture.  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 our 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.   

Residential construction in 2014 and 2013 has shown improvement, but remains at levels below historical averages.   
Continued improvement is expected, but may be tempered by continuing low labor participation rates, the pace of 
household  formations,  higher  interest  rates,  and  tighter  lending  standards.    Per  the  U.S.  Census  Bureau,  actual 
housing starts in the U.S. were 1.0 million in 2014, which compares to 925 thousand in 2013 and 781 thousand in 
2012.  While mortgage rates have risen in 2014 and 2013, they remain at historically low levels, as the average 30-year 
fixed mortgage rate was approximately 4.17 percent in 2014 and 3.98 percent in 2013.   

The private nonresidential construction sector, which includes offices, industrial, health care and retail projects, began 
showing modest improvement in 2014, 2013, and 2012 after declines in previous years.  According to the U.S. Census 
Bureau, at December 2014, the seasonally adjusted annual rate of private nonresidential value of construction put in 
place was $349.0 billion compared to $331.4 billion at December 2013.    The actual private nonresidential value of 

F-2 

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
construction  put  in  place  was  $337.0  billion  in  2014,  $304.9  billion  in  2013,  and  $301.4  billion  in  2012.    The 
Company expects that most of these conditions will continue to gradually improve.   

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. 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Consolidated Results 

The following table compares summary operating results for 2014, 2013, and 2012: 

(In thousands) 

2014 

2013 

2012 

Percent Change 
      2014 vs. 2013           2013 vs. 2012     

Net sales 
Operating income         
Net income 

      $ 2,364,227         $ 2,158,541      $ 2,189,938          
126,705          
82,395          

153,996             270,937        
101,560             172,600        

9.5%          

   (43.2)  
(41.2) 

(1.4)%   

113.8    
109.5    

The increase in net sales in 2014 was primarily due to (i) incremental sales of $91.7 million contributed by Yorkshire, 
acquired  in  February  2014,  (ii)  $109.1  million  of  sales  contributed  by  Howell,  acquired  in  October  2013,  (iii)  an 
increase in unit sales in the Company’s other core product lines of $49.9 million, and (iv) an increase in net sales of 
$20.3 million from the Company’s non-core product lines.    These increases were offset by lower selling prices of 
$65.4 million in the Company’s core products. 

The decrease in net sales in 2013 was primarily due to lower net selling prices in the Company’s core product lines of 
$58.6 million and lower unit sales volume in the OEM segment of $12.7 million.    This was partially offset by an 
increase in unit sales volume due to $14.3 million of sales recorded by Howell, and $11.1 million of sales recorded by 
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 following graph shows the Comex average copper 
price per pound by quarter for the most recent three-year period: 

F-3 

 
   
 
   
 
 
    
        
            
          
     
    
  
    
        
     
  
    
             
            
          
          
             
    
  
        
  
        
        
  
 
 
 
 
Average Copper Price per Pound

$3.90

$3.70

$3.50

$3.30

$3.10

$2.90

Q1
2012

Q2
2012

Q3
2012

Q4
2012

Q1
2013

Q2
2013

Q3
2013

Q4
2013

Q1
2014

Q2
2014

Q3
2014

Q4
2014

Comex

The following tables compare operating expenses as dollar amounts and as a percent of net sales for 2014, 2013, and 
2012: 

(In thousands) 

2014 

2013 

2012 

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

 $2,043,719    
33,735    
131,740    

 $1,862,089    
32,394    
134,914    
(106,332) 
(39,765) 

—        

(6,259) 

—        
—    
7,296    

4,304         
—    
—    

 $1,904,463    
31,495    
    129,456    
(1,500) 
—    
—    
(4,050) 
3,369    

Operating expenses 

 $2,210,231    

 $1,887,604    

 $2,063,233    

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

Percent of Net Sales 
2013 

2014 

2012 

86.4%    
1.4    
5.6    
—        

(0.3) 

—        
—    
0.3    

86.3 %     
1.5     
6.3     
(4.9 ) 
(1.8 ) 
0.2          
—     
—     

87.0% 
1.4    
5.9    
(0.1) 
—    
—    
(0.2) 
0.2    

Operating expenses 

93.4%    

87.6 %     

94.2% 

The increase in cost of goods sold in 2014 was primarily due to the increase in sales volume.    The decrease in 2013 as 
compared to 2012 was largely related to the decrease in the price of copper, the Company’s principal raw material.   
This was 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  in  2014  as  a  result  of depreciation  and 
amortization of businesses acquired.    The increase in 2013 was related to an increase in capital spending in 2012 and 
2013.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased in 2014 primarily as a result of a decrease in legal fees 
of  $4.8  million  and  lower  net  periodic  pension  costs  of  $5.0  million,  offset  by  incremental  costs  associated  with 
Howell and Yorkshire.    The increase in 2013 was related to increased legal fees of $3.0 million, increased bad debt 
expense of $1.0 million, and increased software purchases of $0.7 million. 

F-4 

 
 
 
 
      
       
    
    
        
             
             
    
  
  
   
  
  
   
    
   
   
    
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
    
       
    
       
    
       
    
 
    
 
    
    
 
      
       
    
    
        
             
             
    
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
    
   
   
    
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
    
       
    
       
    
       
    
  
 
 
During 2014, our operating results were positively impacted by a net gain of $6.3 million recorded for the sale of our 
plastic pipe manufacturing assets, the land and building in Portage, Michigan, and our United Kingdom based import 
distribution business.    This was offset by $7.3 million in severance charges related to the reorganization of Yorkshire. 

Operating income increased in 2013 primarily as a result of the $106.3 million gain recognized in the settlement of our 
insurance claim related to the September 2011 fire at the Wynne, Arkansas manufacturing operation.    In addition, we 
sold certain of our plastic fittings manufacturing assets and recognized a pre-tax gain of $39.8 million, or 41 cents per 
diluted share after tax, and recognized fixed asset impairment charges of $4.3 million.   

During 2012, our operating results were positively impacted by a net gain of $4.1 million recorded upon receipt of 
payment related to the October 2012 settlement of a lawsuit against Xiamen Lota International Co., Ltd.    We also 
settled the business interruption portion of our 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. 

Interest expense increased $1.8 million in 2014 due to increased borrowings by MEL and higher borrowing costs at 
Mueller-Xingrong to fund working capital.    The decrease of $2.9 million in 2013 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 expense, net, was $0.2 million in 2014 and other income, 
net,  was  $4.5  million  in  2013.  The  income  in  2013  resulted  primarily  from  a  $3.0  million  gain  on  the  sale  of  a 
non-operating property. 

Income tax expense was $45.5 million in 2014, for an effective tax rate of 31 percent.    This rate was lower than what 
would be computed using the U.S. statutory federal rate primarily due to decreases in valuation allowances of $5.7 
million; the U.S. production activities deduction benefit of $4.0 million; and the effect of lower foreign tax rates and 
other foreign adjustments of $1.1 million.    These decreases were partially offset by state tax expense (net of federal 
benefit) of $3.3 million and $1.2 million of other adjustments. 

Income tax expense was $98.1 million in 2013, 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.    

Income tax expense was $36.7 million in 2012, 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. 

Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment 

The following table compares summary operating results for 2014, 2013, and 2012 for the businesses comprising our 
Plumbing & Refrigeration segment: 

(In thousands) 

2014 

2013 

2012 

Percent Change 
      2014 vs. 2013           2013 vs. 2012     

Net sales 
Operating income         

      $ 1,416,701         $ 1,225,306      $ 1,238,230          
87,014          

93,230             219,146        

15.6%          

   (57.5)  

(1.0)%   

151.9    

The increase in net sales in 2014 was primarily due to (i) incremental sales of $91.7 million contributed by Yorkshire, 
(ii) $109.1 million of sales contributed by Howell, and (iii) an increase in net sales of $23.2 million from the segment’s 
non-core  product  lines.    The  decrease  in  net  sales  in  2013  was  primarily  due  to  lower  net  selling  prices  in  the 
segment’s core product lines of $38.7 million.    This was partially offset by an increase in unit sales volume due to 
$14.3 million of sales recorded by Howell and $12.4 million in the segment’s other core product lines.  

F-5 

     
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
    
        
            
          
     
    
  
    
        
     
  
    
             
            
          
          
             
    
  
        
  
 
The following tables compare operating expenses as dollar amounts and as a percent of net sales for 2014, 2013, and 
2012: 

(In thousands) 

2014 

2013 

2012 

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

19,613    
87,539    

  $1,215,282       $1,043,059       $1,060,755    
16,513    
75,448    
(1,500) 
—    
—    
—    

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

4,173         
—    

(6,259) 

7,296    

—        

—        

Operating expenses 

 $1,323,471    

 $1,006,160    

 $1,151,216    

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

Percent of Net Sales 
2013 

2014 

2012 

85.8%    
1.4    
6.2    
—        

(0.4) 

—        
0.5    

85.1 %     
1.4     
7.0     
(8.5 ) 
(3.2 ) 
0.3          
—     

85.7% 
1.3    
6.1    
(0.1) 
—    
—    
—    

Operating expenses 

93.5%    

82.1 %     

93.0% 

The increase in cost of goods sold in 2014 was primarily due to the increase in net sales, while the decrease in 2013 
was largely related to the decrease in the price of copper, the Company’s principal raw material.    The decrease in 
2013 was 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  in  2014  as  a  result  of depreciation  and 
amortization of businesses acquired.    The increase in 2013 was related to an increase in capital spending in 2012 and 
2013.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased in 2014 primarily as a result of higher employment 
costs, including incentive compensation, of $2.8 million and incremental costs associated with Howell and Yorkshire.   
This was offset by a reduction in expense related to legal matters of $3.0 million.    The increase in 2013 was 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 2014, operating results were positively impacted by a net gain of $6.3 million recorded for the sale of our 
plastic pipe manufacturing assets, the land and building in Portage, Michigan, and our United Kingdom based import 
distribution business.    This was offset by $7.3 million in severance charges related to the reorganization of Yorkshire. 

Operating income increased in 2013 primarily as a result of the $103.9 million gain recognized in the settlement of our 
insurance claim related to the September 2011 fire at the Wynne, Arkansas manufacturing operation.    In addition, we 
sold certain of our 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, we settled the business interruption portion of our insurance claim related to the July 2009 explosion at our 
copper tube facility in Fulton, Mississippi and recorded a $1.5 million gain.   

F-6 

 
 
      
       
    
    
        
             
             
    
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
    
   
   
    
   
  
  
   
    
       
    
       
    
       
    
 
    
 
    
    
 
      
       
    
    
        
             
             
    
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
    
   
   
    
   
  
  
   
    
       
    
       
    
       
    
  
 
   
     
 
 
 
 
OEM Segment 

The following table compares summary operating results for 2014, 2013, and 2012 for the businesses comprising our 
OEM segment: 

(In thousands) 

2014 

2013 

2012 

      2014 vs. 2013     

     2013 vs. 2012     

Percent Change 

Net sales 
Operating income          

      $ 959,914         $ 947,784      $ 974,606          
67,087          

85,714             76,631        

1.3%          

   11.9    

(2.8)%   
14.2    

The increase in net sales in 2014 was primarily due to an increase in unit sales volume of $46.2 million, offset by a 
decrease of $31.4 million due to lower net selling prices in the segment’s core product lines of brass rod, forgings, and 
commercial tube.    The decrease in net sales in 2013 was primarily due to lower net selling prices of $18.6 million and 
a decrease in unit sales volume of $12.7 million in the segment’s core product lines.    This was partially offset by an 
increase in unit sales volume due to $11.1 million of sales recorded by Westermeyer.   

The following tables compare operating expenses as dollar amounts and as a percent of net sales for 2014, 2013, and 
2012: 

(In thousands) 

2014 

2013 

2012 

Cost of goods sold 
Depreciation and amortization 
Selling, general, and administrative expense 
Impairment charges 

  $ 840,823       $ 833,518       $ 866,404    
13,435    
27,680    
—    

13,025    
24,479    
131    

11,919    
21,458    
—    

Operating expenses 

 $ 874,200    

 $ 871,153    

 $ 907,519    

Cost of goods sold 
Depreciation and amortization 
Selling, general, and administrative expense 
Impairment charges 

Percent of Net Sales 
2013 

2014 

2012 

87.6%    
1.2    
2.2    
—    

87.9 %     
1.4     
2.6     
—     

88.9% 
1.4    
2.8    
—    

Operating expenses 

91.0%    

91.9 %     

93.1% 

The increase in cost of goods sold in 2014 and the decrease in 2013 were related to factors consistent with those noted 
regarding changes in net sales.    Depreciation and amortization decreased in 2014 and 2013 as a result of several fixed 
assets becoming fully depreciated.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased in 2014 primarily as  a 
result of lower net periodic pension costs of $3.5 million.    The decrease in 2013 was due to lower employment costs, 
including incentive compensation, of $1.0 million and losses on fixed asset impairments recorded in 2012. 

F-7 

   
 
    
        
            
          
     
    
  
    
        
     
  
    
             
            
          
          
    
        
    
  
        
  
 
 
 
 
      
       
    
    
        
             
             
    
  
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
   
    
       
    
       
    
       
    
 
    
 
    
    
 
      
       
    
    
        
             
             
    
  
  
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
   
    
       
    
       
    
       
    
  
 
 
 
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 

The following table presents selected financial information and statistics for 2014, 2013, and 2012: 

(In thousands) 

2014 

2013 

2012 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Property, plant, and equipment, net 
Total debt 
Working capital, net of cash and current debt 

Cash provided by operating activities 
Cash used in investing activities 
Cash used in financing activities 

 $ 352,134   $ 311,800    $ 198,934 
244,457       233,263 
235,333       234,870 
317,134
372,744 

245,910    
241,444    
387,204

90,605
(38,424)
(10,551)   

128,513 

108,297
(16,376)
(13,643)     (408,648) 

(2,985)   

Management believes that cash provided by operations, funds available under the credit agreement, and cash on hand 
of  $352.1  million  will  be  adequate  to  meet  the  Company’s  normal  future  capital  expenditure  and  operational 
needs.  Our current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) was 4.0 to 1 as of December 27, 2014. 

As of December 27, 2014, $91.6 million of our cash and cash equivalents were held by foreign subsidiaries.   The 
Company expects to repatriate $2.2 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  Company  has  significant  environmental  remediation  obligations  expected  to  occur  over  future  years.   
Approximately  $2.2  million  was  spent  during  2014  for  environmental  matters.  As  of  December  27,  2014,  the 
Company expects to spend $0.7 million in 2015, $0.8 million in 2016, $0.7 million in 2017, $0.7 million in 2018, $0.8 
million in 2019, 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.   

Cash used to fund pension and other postretirement benefit obligations was $4.4 million in 2014 and $2.8 million in 
2013.   

Our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of 7.5 cents per share for each quarter of fiscal 2014 and 
6.25 cents per share on our common stock for each fiscal quarter of 2013.    Payment of dividends in the future is 
dependent upon the Company’s financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, and other factors. 

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 $3.12 in 2014, $3.34 in 2013, and $3.61 in 2012. 

Cash Provided by Operating Activities 

During 2014, cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to consolidated net income of $102.5 
million  and  depreciation  and  amortization  of  $34.1  million.    These  cash  increases  were  offset  by  increased 
receivables of $21.4 million, an increase in other assets of $23.7 million, and a decrease in other liabilities of $2.2 
million.    These changes were primarily due to increased sales volume in certain businesses and additional working 
capital needs of acquired businesses. 

During  2013,  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.    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 

F-8 

 
 
 
   
    
 
    
        
          
          
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

Cash Used in Investing Activities 

The major components of net cash used in investing activities in 2014 included $30.1 million for the acquisition of 
Yorkshire, capital expenditures of $39.2 million, and deposits into restricted cash of $2.9 million.    These decreases 
were partially offset by $33.8 million proceeds from the sales of assets.   

The major components of net cash used in investing activities in 2013 included $55.3 million for the acquisition of 
Howell 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.   

Cash Used in Financing Activities 

For 2014, net cash used in financing activities consisted primarily of $16.8 million for payment of regular quarterly 
dividends  to  stockholders  of  the  Company,  offset  by  $7.3  million  received  for  the  issuance  of  debt  by 
Mueller-Xingrong.   

For 2013, 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.   

Property, Plant, and Equipment, net 

The Company’s capital expenditures were $39.2 million during 2014 and related primarily to upgrading equipment 
and implementing new manufacturing technologies in our copper tube and brass rod mills.    We anticipate investing 
approximately $35 million to $40 million for capital expenditures during 2015. 

Long-Term Debt 

Effective May 29, 2014, the Company elected to modify its credit agreement (the Credit Agreement) entered into on 
March  7,  2011  to  reduce  the  unsecured  $350.0  million  revolving  credit  facility  (the  Revolving  Credit  Facility)  to 
$200.0 million.  The Credit Agreement also provides for a $200.0 million Term Loan Facility, which, together with 
the  Revolving  Credit  Facility,  both  mature  on  December  11,  2017.  The  Revolving  Credit  Facility  backed 
approximately $10.5 million in letters of credit at the end of 2014.   

Additionally, MEL’s  credit agreement  (the  Invoice  Facility,  described  in Note 7 of  the  Notes  to  the  Consolidated 
Financial Statements) has a total borrowing capacity of £40.0 million, or approximately $62.2 million.  The Invoice 
Facility has an initial term of two years.  Borrowings outstanding under the Invoice Facility are secured by MEL’s 
trade account receivables denominated in British pounds.  MEL did not have any borrowings outstanding under the 
Invoice Facility at December 27, 2014. 

On September 23, 2013, Mueller-Xingrong entered into a secured revolving credit facility (the JV Credit Agreement), 
which  matured  on  September  24,  2014.    At  the  maturity  date,  individual  draws  on  the  JV  Credit  Agreement  had 
maturity dates ranging up to nine months.    Borrowings under the JV Credit Agreement bear an interest rate at the 
latest base-lending rate published by the People’s Bank of China, which was 5.6 percent at December 27, 2014.    On 
February 2, 2015, Mueller-Xingrong entered into a new secured revolving credit agreement with a total borrowing 
capacity of RMB 230 million (or approximately $37.1 million).    In addition, Mueller-Xingrong occasionally finances 
working  capital  through  various  accounts  receivable  and  bank  draft  discount  arrangements.    Total  borrowings  at 
Mueller-Xingrong were $35.2 million at December 27, 2014. 

As of December 27, 2014, the Company’s total debt was $241.4 million or 23.3 percent of its total capitalization. 

F-9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 27, 
2014, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants. 

Share Repurchase Program 

The Company’s Board of Directors has extended, until October 2015, its authorization to repurchase up to 20 million 
shares  of  the  Company’s  common  stock  through  open  market  transactions  or  through  privately  negotiated 
transactions.  The Company has no obligation to repurchase any shares and may cancel, suspend, or extend the time 
period for the repurchase of shares at any time.  Any repurchases will be funded primarily through existing cash and 
cash from operations.  The Company may hold any shares repurchased in treasury or use a portion of the repurchased 
shares for stock-based compensation plans, as well as for other corporate purposes.  From its initial authorization in 
1999  through  December  27,  2014,  the  Company  had  repurchased  approximately  4.7  million  shares  under  this 
authorization.   

CONTRACTUAL CASH OBLIGATIONS 

The  following  table  presents  payments  due  by  the  Company  under  contractual  obligations  with  minimum  firm 
commitments as of December 27, 2014: 

 (In millions) 

Total 

2015 

    2016-2017     2018-2019       Thereafter  

Payments Due by Year 

Total debt 
Consulting agreement (1) 
Operating leases 
Heavy machinery and equipment 

commitments 

Purchase commitments (2) 
Interest payments (3) 

$

241.4   $
2.7     
15.3     

1.5     
603.7     
16.6  

36.2    $
1.3     
6.2     

1.5     
603.7     
5.5  

202.0   $
1.4     
6.6     

—     
—     
11.0  

2.0    $ 
—      
2.5      

—      
—      
0.1     

Total contractual cash obligations 

$

881.2    $

654.4    $

221.0    $

4.6    $

1.2 
— 
— 

— 
— 
—

1.2 

(1)   See Note 8 to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

(2)   The Company has contractual supply commitments for raw materials totaling $565.2 million at year-end prices; 
these  contracts  contain  variable  pricing  based  on  Comex  and  the  London  Metals  Exchange.  These 
commitments are for purchases of raw materials that are expected to be consumed in the ordinary course of
business. 

(3)   These payments represent interest on variable rate debt based on rates in effect at December 27, 2014.    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,  funds  available  under  the  credit  agreement,  and  cash 
generated by operations.   The Company has no off-balance sheet financing arrangements except for the operating 
leases identified above. 

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 

F-10 

 
 
 
 
         
    
   
 
   
    
        
        
        
        
 
  
  
  
  
 
         
   
       
       
       
       
 
         
      
          
          
          
          
 
         
 
 
         
 
 
         
 
   
 
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  our 
control.  Significant increases in the cost of metal, to the extent not reflected in prices for our 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.  We  may  utilize 
futures contracts to hedge risks associated with these forward fixed-price arrangements.  We 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 (AOCI) 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  $23.7  million  of  copper  over  the  next  12  months  related  to  fixed-price  sales  orders  and  to  sell 
approximately $1.6 million of copper over the next three months related to copper inventory. 

We 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 AOCI 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 27, 2014. 

Interest Rates 

The  Company  had  variable-rate  debt  outstanding  of  $241.4  million  at  December  27,  2014  and  $235.3  million  at 
December 28, 2013.  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, the base-lending rate published by the People’s Bank of China, 
and the base-lending rate published by HSBC.    There was no fixed-rate debt outstanding as of December 27, 2014 or 
December 28, 2013. 

We have reduced our 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 Consolidated 
Balance Sheets, and the related gains and losses on the contracts are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component 
of AOCI.  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.  We  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 AOCI and reflected in earnings upon collection of 
receivables or payment of commitments.  At December 27, 2014, the Company had open forward contracts with a 
financial  institution  to  sell  approximately  0.6  million  Canadian  dollars,  5.1  million  euros,  25.8  million  Swedish 
kronor,  and  6.8  million  Norwegian  kroner  through  December  2015.    It  also  held  open  futures  contracts  to  buy 
approximately 1.5 million euros through March 2015. 

F-11 

   
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
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 we are 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, we generally do 
not  hedge  these  net  investments.  The  net  investment  in  foreign  subsidiaries  translated  into  U.S.  dollars  using  the 
year-end exchange rates was $185.6 million at December 27, 2014 and $174.8 million at December 28, 2013.  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 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 
amounted to $18.6 million and $17.5 million, respectively.  This change would be reflected in the foreign currency 
translation component of AOCI in the equity section of our 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 2014, the value of the Mexican peso decreased approximately 11 percent and 
the British pound decreased approximately six percent relative to the U.S. dollar, respectively.  The resulting foreign 
currency translation losses were recorded as a component of AOCI. 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES 

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

Inventory Valuation 

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

The  market  price  of  copper  cathode  and  scrap  are  subject  to  volatility.  During  periods  when  open  market  prices 
decline below net realizable 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 our 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 

F-12 

   
   
   
   
   
   
  
   
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 three reporting units with goodwill.    Two of these reporting units are included in the Plumbing & 
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, its effective tax rate in a given financial statement 
period may be affected. 

Environmental Reserves 

The  Company  recognizes  an  environmental  liability  when  it  is  probable  the  liability  exists  and  the  amount  is 
reasonably  estimable.  We  estimate  the  duration  and  extent  of  our  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 we were to determine that our estimates of the duration or 
extent  of  our  environmental  obligations  were  no  longer  accurate,  we  would  adjust  our  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 we are 
aware of a customer’s inability to meet their financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filings or substantial downgrading 
of credit ratings), we record an allowance for doubtful accounts against amounts due to reduce the net recognized 
receivable to the amount we believe most likely will be collected.  For all other customers, we recognize an allowance 
for  doubtful  accounts  based  on  our  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 their financial obligations), 
our estimate of the recoverability of amounts due could be changed by a material amount. 

F-13 

 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
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) availability and price fluctuations in 
commodities (including copper, natural gas, and other raw materials, including crude oil that indirectly affects plastic 
resins); (iv) competitive factors and competitor responses to the Company’s initiatives; (v) stability of government 
laws and regulations, including taxes; (vi) availability of financing; and (vii) continuation of the environment to make 
acquisitions, domestic and foreign, including regulatory requirements and market values of candidates. 

F-14 

   
   
  
 
 
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
Years Ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012 

(In thousands, except per share data) 

2014 

2013 

2012 

Net sales 

 $2,364,227   $2,158,541    $2,189,938 

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

Operating income 

Interest expense 
Other (expense) income, net 

Income before income taxes 

Income tax expense 

Consolidated net income 

32,394      

33,735    
131,740    

   2,043,719     1,862,089      1,904,463 
31,495 
134,914       129,456 
(1,500)
—
—
(4,050) 
3,369 

— (106,332)   
(39,765)   
4,304 

(6,259)
—
—   
7,296    

—     
—      

153,996    

270,937       126,705 

(5,740)   
(243)   

(3,990)    
4,451      

(6,890)
539

148,013    

271,398       120,354 

(45,479)    

(98,109)     

(36,681)

102,534    

173,289      

83,673 

Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 

(974)    

(689)     

(1,278)

Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. 

  $ 101,560    $ 172,600    $

82,395 

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

56,042    
726    

55,742      
742      

70,664 
828 

Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share 

56,768    

56,484      

71,492 

Basic earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share 

Dividends per share 

  $

 $

1.81    $

3.10    $

1.17 

1.79   $

3.06    $

1.15 

  $

0.3000    $

0.2500    $

0.2125 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

F-15 

 
 
   
    
 
    
        
          
          
 
    
     
       
          
 
  
  
 
  
  
    
    
      
          
 
  
    
    
      
          
 
  
  
    
    
      
          
 
  
    
    
      
          
 
   
    
    
      
          
 
  
    
     
       
          
 
   
    
     
       
          
 
    
    
      
          
 
  
  
    
    
      
          
 
  
    
     
       
          
 
    
    
      
       
 
    
    
      
       
 
    
        
          
          
 
 
  
 
 
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
Years Ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012 

(In thousands) 

2014 

2013 

       2012 

Consolidated net income 

  $ 102,534    $ 173,289    $

83,673 

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: 

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

activities(1) 

Net actuarial (loss) gain on pension and postretirement 

obligations(2) 

Other, net 

(6,766)    

3,285      

8,070

(2,499)    

1,713      

255

(23,006)    
15     

27,369      
151      

(847)
14 

Total other comprehensive (loss) income 

(32,256)    

32,518      

7,492

Comprehensive income 
Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest 

70,278     
(822)    

205,807      
(1,404)     

91,165 
(1,984)

Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. 

  $

69,456    $ 204,403    $

89,181 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.    

(1) Net of taxes of $1,362 in 2014, $(962) in 2013, and $(162) in 2012 

(2) Net of taxes of $10,180 in 2014, $(15,015) in 2013, and $94 in 2012

F-16 

 
 
 
   
 
  
    
      
        
 
    
     
       
          
 
     
       
          
 
   
   
   
   
    
     
       
          
 
   
    
     
       
          
 
   
   
    
     
       
          
 
    
        
     
       
   
 
 
 
  
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 

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

2014 

2013 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of  $666 in 2014 and 

 $ 352,134     $ 311,800 

$2,391 in 2013 

Inventories 
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: 

275,065        271,847 
256,585        251,716 
39,354 

57,429       

941,213        874,717 

245,910        244,457 
94,357 
102,909       
34,236 
38,064       

 $1,328,096     $1,247,767 

 $

36,194     $
100,735       
41,595       
59,545       

29,083 
80,897 
37,109 
72,167 

238,069        219,256 

205,250        206,250 
10,645 
20,070       
16,781 
21,486       
22,144 
21,842       
35,975 
24,556       
849 
1,389       

532,662        511,900 

Preferred stock - $1.00 par value; shares authorized 5,000,000; none outstanding    
Common stock - $.01 par value; shares authorized 100,000,000; issued 
80,183,004; outstanding 56,901,445 in 2014 and 56,604,674 in 2013 

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

Total Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders’ equity 

—       

— 

802       

401 
268,575        267,142 
992,798        908,274 
(10,819)
(42,923 )     
(457,102 )      (461,593)

762,150        703,405 
32,462 
33,284       

795,434        735,867 

—       

— 

 $1,328,096     $1,247,767 

Noncontrolling interest 

Total equity 

Commitments and contingencies 

Total Liabilities and Equity 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

F-17 

 
 
    
 
    
      
 
    
      
 
  
  
  
  
    
     
       
 
  
  
  
    
        
          
 
    
      
 
    
      
 
   
   
   
  
    
     
       
 
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
    
        
          
 
       
          
 
        
          
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
     
       
 
  
    
   
        
  
 
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
Years Ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012 

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

2014 

2013 

2012 

 $ 102,534   $ 173,289    $

Depreciation 
Amortization of intangibles 
Amortization of debt issuance costs 
Stock-based compensation expense 
Insurance settlements 
(Gain) loss on disposal of 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 
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired and sold:     

30,205    
3,530    
341    
6,265    
—    

(5,405)

—    
—
(837)   
(6,495)   
(500)   

30,946      
1,448      
299      
5,704      
(106,332)     
(42,300)    
32,395      
4,304 
(719)    
19,213     
(273)    

83,673 

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

Receivables 
Inventories 
Other assets 
Current liabilities 
Other liabilities 
Other, net 

Net cash provided by operating activities 

Investing activities: 
Proceeds from sale of assets, net of cash transferred 
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired 
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 
Issuance (repayment) of debt by joint venture, net 
Issuance of long-term debt 
Net cash used 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 

(21,432)   
1,381   
(23,652)   
5,849     
(2,223)   
1,044    

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

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

90,605    

128,513       108,297 

33,788   
(30,137)   
(39,173)   
—   
(2,902)   

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

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

(38,424)   

(2,985)    

(16,376)

(16,819)   
—    
(1,050)   
7,258   
—    
(777)   
837    
—   

(13,941)    

(14,891) 
—        (427,446)
(1,000)     (149,176)
(14,429)
857      
—       200,000 
(4,181)
2,528 
(1,053) 

(228)    
719      
(50)    

(10,551)   

(13,643)     (408,648)

(1,296)   

981     

1,499 

40,334   
311,800    

112,866       (315,228)
198,934       514,162 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

 $ 352,134   $ 311,800    $ 198,934 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

F-18 

 
 
 
   
    
 
    
      
      
 
       
          
 
  
  
  
  
   
   
 
  
  
  
     
          
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
        
          
          
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
     
          
 
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
Years Ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012 

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

two-for-one stock split 

2014 

2013 

2012 

   Shares 

    Amount     

Shares 

    Amount     

Shares 

     Amount   

80,183   $

401    

80,183   $

401    

80,183    $

401 

—

401

—

—

— 

—

Balance at end of year 

80,183   $

802    

80,183   $

401    

80,183    $

401 

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 shares under 

two-for-one stock split 
Issuance of restricted stock 

    $ 267,142     

   $ 267,826     

     $ 266,936 

(1,646)    

6,265    

837    

(401)

(3,622)         

(1,205)    

5,704     

719     

—
(5,902)         

(4,303)

6,136 

2,528 

—
(3,471)

Balance at end of year 

    $ 268,575    

   $ 267,142     

     $ 267,826 

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

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

    $ 908,274     

   $ 749,777     

     $ 682,380 

101,560    

172,600     

82,395 

(17,036)    

(14,103)    

(14,998)

Balance at end of year 

    $ 992,798    

   $ 908,274     

     $ 749,777 

Accumulated other 
comprehensive (loss) income:     
Balance at beginning of year 
Total other comprehensive 

(loss) income attributable 
to Mueller Industries, Inc.      

  $ (10,819)

$ (42,623)

  $ (49,409)

(32,104)    

31,804    

6,786

Balance at end of year 

    $ (42,923)    

   $ (10,819)    

     $ (42,623)

F-19 

 
    
  
   
   
 
    
      
      
      
      
      
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
    
    
           
     
          
     
       
 
    
           
     
          
     
       
 
    
    
     
    
       
    
     
    
       
    
     
    
       
   
 
 
        
     
     
      
    
        
       
        
       
          
          
 
    
    
    
           
     
          
     
       
 
    
           
     
          
     
       
 
    
    
     
    
       
    
     
    
       
    
        
       
        
       
          
          
 
    
    
    
      
      
     
      
       
 
      
      
     
      
       
 
   
     
    
       
    
        
       
        
       
          
          
 
    
   
    
      
      
     
      
       
 
  
 
 
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
(continued) 
Years Ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012 

(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 

2014 

2013 

2012 

   Shares 

    Amount     

Shares 

    Amount     

Shares 

     Amount   

23,578   $ (461,593)   

23,984   $ (468,473)   

3,710    $ (44,620)

(208)
107
(195)

4,504   
(3,832)   
3,819    

(244)   
140    
(302)    

4,716    
(3,738)   
5,902     

(1,152)    
20,881 
21,710       (448,205)
3,471 

(284)     

Balance at end of year 

23,282 $ (457,102)   

23,578   $ (461,593)   

23,984    $ (468,473)

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

    $

32,462          

    $

31,058          

    $

29,074 

974          
(152)         

689          
715          

1,278 
706 

Balance at end of year 

    $

33,284          

    $

32,462          

    $

31,058 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

F-20 

 
    
  
   
   
 
        
          
          
          
          
          
 
   
   
   
    
    
     
 
     
       
          
          
 
   
   
    
           
     
          
     
           
 
        
          
          
          
          
          
 
        
        
     
     
      
        
     
     
      
    
        
       
          
       
          
          
 
        
    
        
          
          
          
          
          
 
 
  
 
 
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  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. 

Fiscal Years 

The  Company’s  fiscal  year  consists  of  52  weeks  ending  on  the  last  Saturday  of  December.    These  dates  were 
December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012. 

Principles of Consolidation 

The  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  include  the  accounts  of  Mueller  Industries,  Inc.  and  its  majority  owned 
subsidiaries.  All  significant  intercompany  accounts  and  transactions  have  been  eliminated  in  consolidation.  The 
noncontrolling interest represents a separate private ownership of 49.5 percent of Mueller-Xingrong.    

Common Stock Split   

On February 21, 2014, the Company announced a two-for-one stock split of its common stock effected in the form of 
a stock dividend of one share for each outstanding share.  The record date for the stock split was March 14, 2014, and 
the additional shares were distributed on March 28, 2014.  Accordingly, all references to share and per share amounts 
presented  in  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  and  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  have  been  adjusted 
retroactively to reflect the stock split. 

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 in 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 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, temporary investments consisted of 
money  market  mutual  funds,  commercial  paper,  bank  repurchase  agreements,  and  U.S.  and  foreign  government 
securities totaling $144.9 million and $179.2 million, respectively.  Included in other current assets is restricted cash 
of  $8.1  million  and  $5.2  million  at  December  27,  2014  and  December  28,  2013,  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 their 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 

F-21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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  their 
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  LIFO  basis.  Other  manufactured  inventories,  including  the 
non-material components of U.S. copper tube and copper fittings, are valued on a 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, 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.    See “Note 3 – Inventories” for additional information. 

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.    See  “Note  5  –  Property,  Plant,  and 
Equipment, Net” for additional information. 

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.    The reporting units with significant recorded goodwill include Standard 
Products (SPD), Mueller Europe, Limited (MEL), and Westermeyer.    SPD and MEL are included in the Plumbing & 
Refrigeration segment, and Westermeyer 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 Accounting Standards 
Codification (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 

F-22 

 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
directly impacted by the condition of the markets in which the Company’s businesses participate.   The discount rate 
selected for the reporting units is generally based on rates of return available for comparable companies at the date of 
valuation.    See “Note 6 – Goodwill, Net” for additional information. 

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. 

Benefit Plans 

The Company sponsors several qualified and nonqualified pension and other postretirement benefit plans in the U.S. 
and certain foreign locations.    The Company recognizes 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 2014, the average remaining service period for the pension 
plans was nine years.    See “Note 13 –Benefit Plans” for additional information. 

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, it would adjust 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.    See “Note 8 – Commitments and Contingencies” for additional information. 

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.  Approximately  180  thousand  stock-based  awards  were  excluded  from  the  computation  of  diluted 
earnings per share for the year ended December 27, 2014 because they were antidilutive. 

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 

F-23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 was to determine that it would 
not  be  able  to  realize  all  or  a  portion  of  the  net  deferred  tax  assets  in  the  future,  it  would  increase  the  valuation 
allowance through a charge to income tax expense in the period that such determination is made.  Conversely, if it 
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.    See “Note 9 – 
Income Taxes” for additional information. 

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. 

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.    See “Note 11 – Stock-Based Compensation” for additional information. 

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 may utilize futures contracts to manage the volatility related to purchases of copper through cash flow 
hedges.  It  may  also  utilize  futures  contracts  to  protect  the  value  of  the  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 use foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the risk from exchange 
rate fluctuations on future purchases and intercompany transactions denominated in foreign currencies.  

All  derivatives  are  recognized  in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  at  their  fair  value.    On  the  date  the  derivative 
contract is entered into, it is designated as (i) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flow to be 

F-24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
paid (cash flow hedge), or (ii) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability (fair value hedge).    Changes in 
the fair value of a derivative that is qualified, designated and highly effective as a cash flow hedge are recorded in 
accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), to the extent effective, until they are reclassified to earnings in the 
same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.    Changes in the fair value of a derivative 
that  is  qualified,  designated  and  highly  effective  as  a  fair  value  hedge,  along  with  the  gain  or  loss  on  the  hedged 
recognized asset or liability that is attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in current earnings.    Changes in the 
fair value of undesignated derivative instruments and the ineffective portion of designated derivative instruments are 
reported in current earnings. 

The  Company  documents  all  relationships  between  hedging  instruments  and  hedged  items,  as  well  as  the 
risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions.    This process includes linking all 
derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges to specific assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets 
and linking cash flow hedges to specific forecasted transactions or variability of cash flow. 

The Company also assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the designated derivatives 
that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flow or fair values of hedged 
items.    When a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge or the underlying hedged transaction is 
no longer probable, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively, in accordance with the derecognition criteria for 
hedge accounting. 

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.    See  “Note  14  –  Derivative 
Instruments and Hedging Activities” for additional information. 

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 27, 2014 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  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.    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 gains of $0.1 million in 2014, losses of $0.1 million in 2013, 
and losses of $0.3 million in 2012. 

Use of Estimates 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United 
States (U.S. GAAP) 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. 

F-25 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards 

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No, 
2014-08,  Reporting  Discontinued  Operations  and  Disclosures  of  Disposals  of  Components  of  an  Entity  (ASU 
2014-08).    The ASU significantly changed the criteria for reporting a discontinued operation and added disclosure 
requirements for discontinued operations and other disposal transactions.    It is effective for annual reporting periods 
beginning after December 15, 2014 and is applied prospectively.    The Company has elected early adoption of ASU 
2014-08  effective  September  28,  2014.    The  new  guidance  did  not  have  a  significant  impact  on  the  Company’s 
Consolidated Financial Statements or related disclosures. 

In  May  2014,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  No.  2014-09,  Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers  (Topic  606)  (ASU 
2014-09).    The ASU will supersede virtually all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP and will be 
effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.    The fundamental principles of the new 
guidance are that companies should recognize revenue in a manner that reflects the timing of the transfer of services to 
customers and the amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration that a company expects to receive for the 
goods and services provided.    The new guidance establishes a five-step approach for the recognition of revenue.    The 
Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on its Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Note 2 – Acquisitions and Dispositions 

Acquisitions 

On  October  18,  2013,  the  Company  entered  into  a  definitive  agreement  with  KME  Yorkshire  Limited  to  acquire 
certain assets and assume certain liabilities of its copper tube business.  Yorkshire Copper Tube (Yorkshire) produces 
European standard copper distribution tubes.  This transaction received regulatory approval in the United Kingdom on 
February 11, 2014 and closed on February 28, 2014.  The purchase price was approximately $30.1 million, paid in 
cash.  The acquisition of Yorkshire complements the Company’s existing copper tube businesses in the Plumbing & 
Refrigeration segment.  In 2012, Yorkshire had annual revenue of approximately $196.1 million.   During the third 
quarter of 2014, the purchase price allocation, including all fair value measurements, was finalized.  The fair value of 
the assets acquired totaled $20.7 million, consisting primarily of inventories of $17.6 million, property, plant, and 
equipment of $2.1 million, and other current assets of $1.0 million.  The fair value of the liabilities assumed totaled 
$15.6  million,  consisting  primarily  of  accounts  payable  and  accrued  expenses  of  $15.2  million  and  other  current 
liabilities of $0.4 million.  Of the remaining purchase price, $8.1 million was allocated to tax-deductible goodwill and 
$16.9 million was allocated to other intangible assets.     

The Company recognized approximately $7.3 million of severance costs related to the reorganization of Yorkshire 
during 2014 and expects to recognize an additional $2.7 million of expense in 2015. 

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 & Refrigeration segment.    For the twelve months ended August 31, 
2013, Howell’s net sales for copper tube and line sets totaled $156.3 million.  During the first quarter of 2014, the 
purchase price allocation, including all fair value measurements, was finalized.  The fair value of the assets acquired 
totaled  $63.0  million,  consisting  primarily  of  receivables  of  $14.6  million,  inventories  of  $27.6  million,  property, 
plant,  and  equipment  of  $20.3  million,  and  other  current  assets  of  $0.5  million.  The  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,  $2.3  million  was  allocated  to  other 
intangible assets and $1.3 million to tax-deductible goodwill.   

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 

F-26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of the OEM segment.  The fair value 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. 

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. 

Dispositions 

On November 21, 2014, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Travis Perkins PLC to sell all of 
the  outstanding  capital  stock  of  Mueller  Primaflow  Limited  (Primaflow),  the  Company’s  United  Kingdom  based 
plumbing  and  heating  systems  import  distribution  business,  for  approximately  $24.9  million.    Primaflow,  which 
serves  markets  in  the  United  Kingdom  and  Ireland,  was  included  in  the  Plumbing  &  Refrigeration  segment  and 
reported net sales of $57.5 million and after-tax net income of $4.4 million for the 2014 fiscal year.    The carrying 
value of the assets disposed totaled $25.3 million, consisting primarily of accounts receivable and inventories.  The 
carrying  value  of  the  liabilities  disposed  totaled  $7.1  million,  consisting  primarily  of  accounts  payable  and  other 
current liabilities.  In addition, the Company recognized a cumulative translation loss of $6.0 million.    The net gain 
on the sale of this business was immaterial to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

During November 2014, the Company sold its ABS plastic pipe manufacturing assets.    These assets had a carrying 
value of approximately $1.9 million and were part of the SPD reporting unit, which is a component of the Plumbing & 
Refrigeration segment.    The sales price was $6.0 million, which resulted in a pre-tax gain of $4.1 million. 

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 was received during the second quarter of 2014.    This 
transaction resulted in a pre-tax gain of $39.8 million in the third quarter of 2013, or 41 cents per diluted share after 
tax.   

The  net  book  value  of  the  plastic  fittings  manufacturing  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 segment.    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 has continued to manufacture and supply plastic drain, waste, and vent (DWV) fittings, and extended its 
third party supply agreement to complement its product offering with purchased products it does not manufacture with 
the 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.     

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 values 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  values  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).   
During March 2014, the land and building in Portage were sold for $4.7 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $1.4 
million. 

F-27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 3 – Inventories 

(In thousands) 

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

Inventories 

2014 

2013 

 $

53,586    $
39,707      

54,613 
43,796 
168,481       159,422 
(6,115)

(5,189)     

  $ 256,585    $ 251,716 

Inventories valued using the LIFO method totaled $25.9 million at December 27, 2014 and $34.9 million at December 
28, 2013.  At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the approximate FIFO cost of such inventories was $104.8 
million and $117.9 million, respectively.  Additionally, the Company valued certain inventories purchased for resale 
on an average cost basis.  The value of those inventories was $47.7 million at December 27, 2014 and $54.7 million at 
December 28, 2013. 

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

At the end of 2014 and 2013, the FIFO value of inventory consigned to others was $4.3 million. 

Note 4 – Consolidated Financial Statement Details   

Other Current Liabilities 

Included in other current liabilities were accrued discounts and allowances of $45.3 million at December 27, 2014 and 
$43.2 million at December 28, 2013. 

Other (Expense) Income, Net 

(In thousands) 

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

2014 

2013 

2012 

$

— $
573   
(822)    
6     

3,000    $
906     
(823)     
1,368      

—
847 
(1,128)
820

Other (expense) income, net 

  $

(243)   $

4,451    $

539

F-28 

 
 
    
 
    
        
          
 
   
  
   
    
     
       
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
    
 
    
        
          
          
 
 
   
   
    
     
       
          
 
 
 
 
Note 5 – 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 

Note 6 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 

Goodwill 

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

2014 

2013 

 $

12,198    $

13,153 
120,035       132,331 
561,093       561,005 
25,691 
44,787      

738,113       732,180 
(492,203)      (487,723)

 $ 245,910    $ 244,457 

(In thousands) 

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

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

Additions(1) 
Currency translation 
Balance at December 27, 2014: 
   Goodwill 
   Accumulated impairment and amortization 

Plumbing & 
Refrigeration 
Segment 

    OEM Segment     

Total 

  $

141,684    $
(39,434)    

12,300    $
(9,971)     

153,984
(49,405)

102,250     

2,329      

104,579

310     
(10,532)    

131,462     
(39,434)    

—      
—      

310
(10,532)

12,300      
(9,971)     

143,762
(49,405)

92,028     

2,329      

94,357

9,123     
(571)    

—      
—      

9,123
(571)

140,014     
(39,434)    

12,300      
(9,971)     

152,314
(49,405)

Goodwill, net 

$

100,580 $

2,329    $

102,909

(1) Includes finalization of the purchase price allocation adjustment for Howell of $1.0 million 

In 2013, the Company acquired Howell.    Of the $55.3 million purchase price, $1.3 million was allocated to goodwill.   
In  2014,  the  Company  acquired  Yorkshire.    Of  the  $30.1  million  purchase  price,  $8.1  million  was  allocated  to 
goodwill.  

F-29 

 
 
    
 
    
    
      
 
   
   
   
    
     
       
 
    
   
   
    
     
          
 
    
        
          
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
      
        
        
      
        
        
   
  
      
        
        
  
   
  
      
        
        
   
   
      
        
        
   
   
  
      
        
        
  
   
  
      
        
        
   
   
        
        
          
   
   
  
        
          
          
    
        
          
          
 
 
As  discussed  in  Note  2,  $10.5  million  of  goodwill  relating  to  the  SPD  reporting  unit  was  disposed  of  in  2013  in 
conjunction with the sale of a business. 

There were no impairment charges resulting from the 2014, 2013, or 2012 impairment tests, as the estimated fair value 
of the reporting units exceeded the carrying value.   

Other Intangible Assets 

The gross and net book value of other intangible assets included in other assets was $7.8 million and $5.5 million, 
respectively, at December 28, 2013.    The carrying amount of intangible assets at December 27, 2014 was as follows: 

(In thousands) 

Customer relationships 
Non-compete agreements 
Patents and technology 
Trade names and licenses 
Other 

Estimated 
Useful Life 

Gross Carrying 
Amount 

Accumulated 
Amortization      

Net Carrying 
Amount 

20 years  $
3-5 years   
10 years   
3 years   
2-5 years   

11,852   $
4,495    
6,852    
1,670    
877    

(526)    $
(1,307 )      
(4,744 )      
(252 )      
(453 )      

11,326 
3,188 
2,108 
1,418 
424 

Other intangible assets 

 $

25,746   $

(7,282)    $

18,464 

With the acquisition of Howell in 2013, $2.3 million of the purchase price was allocated to other intangible assets 
relating to trade names and customer relationships.    During 2014, the purchase price allocation, including fair value 
adjustments,  was  finalized.    With  the  acquisition  of  Yorkshire  in  2014,  $16.9  million  of  the  purchase  price  was 
allocated to other intangible assets.    This included customer relationships, non-compete agreements, and trade names 
and licenses.    The remaining change was related to currency translation. 

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $3.2 million in 2014, $0.9 million in 2013, and $0.7 million in 2012.   
Future amortization expense is estimated as follows: 

(In thousands) 

2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019 
Thereafter 

Expected amortization expense 

   Amount   

  $

3,412 
2,519 
1,334 
1,079 
1,011 
9,109 

 $

18,464 

F-30 

 
  
 
 
  
 
   
 
    
    
    
      
      
 
    
    
   
      
       
  
    
    
    
   
      
       
  
 
 
    
    
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
        
 
    
        
 
 
 
 
Note 7 – Debt     

(In thousands) 

Term Loan Facility with interest at 1.53%, due 2017 
Mueller-Xingrong credit facility with interest at 5.60%, due 2015 
2001 Series IRB’s with interest at 1.13%, due through 2021 
Other 

Less current portion of debt 

Long-term debt 

2014 

2013 

  $ 200,000    $ 200,000 
28,033 
7,250
50 

29,968      
6,250     
5,226      

241,444       235,333 
(29,083)
(36,194)     

 $ 205,250    $ 206,250 

Effective May 29, 2014, the Company elected to modify its credit agreement (the Credit Agreement) entered into on 
March  7,  2011  to  reduce  the  unsecured  $350.0  million  revolving  credit  facility  to  $200.0  million.  The  Credit 
Agreement also provides for a $200.0 million Term Loan Facility, which, together with the Revolving Loan Facility, 
mature on December 11, 2017.  Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest, at the Company’s option, at 
LIBOR or Base Rate as defined by the Credit 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 27, 2014, 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  $10.5 
million at December 27, 2014.  Terms of the letters of credit are generally one year but are renewable annually.  There 
were no borrowings outstanding on the Revolving Credit Facility at the end of 2014. 

On  March  21,  2014,  Mueller  Europe,  Limited  (MEL)  entered  into  a  credit  agreement  (the  Invoice  Facility) 
establishing a total borrowing capacity of £40.0 million, or approximately $62.2 million.  The Invoice Facility has an 
initial  term  of two  years.  Borrowings  outstanding  under  the  Invoice  Facility  are  secured by  MEL’s  trade  account 
receivables  denominated  in  British  pounds  which  totaled  $57.9  million  at  December  27,  2014.  There  were  no 
borrowings outstanding at the end of 2014. 

On September 23, 2013, Mueller-Xingrong entered into a secured revolving credit facility (the JV Credit Agreement), 
which  matured  on  September  24,  2014.    At  the  maturity  date,  individual  draws  on  the  JV  Credit  Agreement  had 
maturity dates ranging up to nine months.    Borrowings under the JV Credit Agreement bear an interest rate at the 
latest base-lending rate published by the People’s Bank of China, which was 5.6 percent at December 27, 2014.    On 
February 2, 2015, Mueller-Xingrong entered into a new secured revolving credit agreement with a total borrowing 
capacity of RMB 230 million (or approximately $37.1 million).    In addition, Mueller-Xingrong occasionally finances 
working  capital  through  various  accounts  receivable  and  bank  draft  discount  arrangements.    Total  borrowings  at 
Mueller-Xingrong were $35.2 million at December 27, 2014. 

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 27, 2014, 
the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants. 

F-31 

  
 
    
 
    
    
      
 
   
   
    
     
       
 
    
   
   
    
     
       
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Aggregate annual maturities of the Company’s debt are as follows:   

(In thousands) 

2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019 
Thereafter 

Long-term debt 

   Amount   

  $

36,194 
1,000 
     201,000 
1,000 
1,000 
1,250 

 $ 241,444 

Net interest expense consisted of the following: 

(In thousands) 

Interest expense 
Capitalized interest 

2014 

2013 

2012 

  $

 6,393    $
(653)    

 5,147    $
(1,157)     

 6,890 
— 

  $

5,740    $

3,990    $

6,890 

Interest paid in 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $5.7 million, $4.9 million, and $8.4 million, respectively.   

Note 8 – 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 $1.2 million in 2014, $1.0 
million  in  2013,  and  $3.1  million  in  2012  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 $22.7 million at December 27, 2014 and $23.6 
million at December 28, 2013.  As of December 27, 2014, the Company expects to spend $0.7 million in 2015, $0.8 
million  in  2016,  $0.7  million  in  2017,  $0.7  million  in  2018,  $0.8  million  in  2019,  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.   

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.   The EPA is in the early stages of study and remediation in the vicinity of the Iola site, which it added to the 
National Priority List (NPL) in May, 2013 as the “Former United Zinc & Associated Smelters” site.    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.  

F-32 

 
    
    
 
    
    
    
    
    
        
 
 
 
 
   
    
 
  
      
        
        
 
   
  
        
        
        
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
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  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 2012 through 2014 and estimates that it will spend between 
approximately $10.5 million and $13.0 million over the next 20 years. 

Lead Refinery Site 

U.S.S. Lead Refinery, Inc. (Lead Refinery), a non-operating wholly owned subsidiary of Mining Remedial Recovery 
Company, has conducted corrective action and interim remedial activities and studies (collectively, Site Activities) at 
Lead Refinery’s East Chicago, Indiana site pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.   Site Activities, 
which began in December 1996, have been substantially concluded.   Lead Refinery is required to perform monitoring 
and  maintenance  activities  with  respect  to  Site  Activities  pursuant  to  a  post-closure  permit  issued  by  the  Indiana 
Department of Environmental Management effective as of March 2, 2013.   Lead Refinery spent approximately $0.1 
million annually in 2014, 2013 and 2012 with respect to this site.   Approximate costs to comply with the post-closure 
permit, including associated general and administrative costs, are between $1.9 million and $3.6 million over the next 
20 years. 

On  April  9,  2009,  pursuant  to  the  Comprehensive  Environmental  Response,  Compensation,  and  Liability  Act 
(CERCLA), the EPA added the Lead Refinery site, and properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site, to the NPL.   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 threat of release of hazardous substances including 
lead into properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site.   The EPA has identified two other PRPs in connection with 
the  release  or  threat  of  release  of  hazardous  substances  into  properties  surrounding  the  Lead  Refinery  site.   In 
November 2012, the EPA adopted a remedy in connection with properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site.   In 
September 2014, the EPA announced that it had entered into a settlement with the two other PRPs whereby they will 
pay approximately $26.0 million to fund the cleanup of approximately 300 properties surrounding the Lead Refinery 
site.    The EPA has not contacted Lead Refinery regarding settlement of the agency’s potential claims related to the 
properties surrounding the Lead Refinery site. 

As of December 27, 2014, 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.   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. 

F-33 

   
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
Operating Properties 

Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc. 

In  1999,  Mueller  Copper  Tube  Products,  Inc.  (MCTP),  a  wholly  owned  subsidiary,  commenced  a  cleanup  and 
remediation of soil and groundwater at its Wynne, Arkansas plant.   MCTP is currently removing trichloroethylene, a 
cleaning  solvent  formerly  used  by  MCTP,  from  the  soil  and  groundwater.   On  August  30,  2000,  MCTP  received 
approval of its Final Comprehensive Investigation Report and Storm Water Drainage Investigation Report addressing 
the  treatment  of  soils  and  groundwater  from  the  Arkansas  Department  of  Environmental  Quality  (ADEQ).   The 
Company  established  a  reserve  for  this  project  in  connection  with  the  acquisition  of  MCTP  in  1998.   Effective 
November 17, 2008, MCTP entered into a Settlement Agreement and Administrative Order by Consent to submit a 
Supplemental Investigation Work Plan (SIWP) and subsequent Final Remediation Work Plan for the site.   By letter 
dated  January  20,  2010,  ADEQ  approved  the  SIWP  as  submitted,  with  changes  acceptable  to  the  Company.   On 
December 16, 2011, MCTP entered into an amended Administrative Order by Consent to prepare and implement a 
revised  Remediation  Work  Plan  regarding  final  remediation  for  the  Site.   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 $0.8 million to $1.3 million over 
the next ten years. 

United States Department of Commerce Antidumping Review 

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  May  29,  2014,  the  Federal  Circuit  issued  its  decision  vacating  the  CIT’s  decision  and 
remanding the case back to DOC to reconsider the Company’s rate.   The Company and the United States have reached 
an agreement to settle 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. 

Leases 

The  Company  leases  certain  facilities,  vehicles,  and  equipment  under  operating  leases  expiring  on  various  dates 
through 2019.  The lease payments under these agreements aggregate to approximately $6.2 million in 2015, $3.9 
million in 2016, $2.6 million in 2017, $2.1 million in 2018, and $0.4 million in 2019.  Total lease expense amounted to 
$9.8 million in 2014, $9.1 million in 2013, and $8.5 million in 2012. 

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.   

F-34 

 
   
 
 
  
    
 
 
 
 
 
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 expenses the value of the Consulting Agreement over its term.   The maximum 
amount payable under the remaining term of the Consulting Agreement is $2.7 million. 

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 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 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 2013, or $1.17 per diluted share after tax.    The Company received proceeds of $62.3 million and $55.0 
million in 2013 and 2012, respectively.   

In October 2012, the Company settled a lawsuit against a former supplier.    In connection with the settlement, the 
Company received a $5.8 million cash payment which is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income net of 
legal costs. 

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.  It 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 9 – Income Taxes 

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

(In thousands) 

Domestic 
Foreign 

2014 

2013 

2012 

  $ 135,445    $ 262,220    $ 105,945 
14,409 

12,568     

9,178      

Income before income taxes 

  $ 148,013    $ 271,398    $ 120,354 

F-35 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
    
 
    
        
          
          
 
   
    
     
       
          
 
    
        
          
          
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense consists of the following: 

(In thousands) 

Current tax expense: 

Federal 
Foreign 
State and local 

Current tax expense 

Deferred tax (benefit) expense: 

Federal 
Foreign 
State and local 

2014 

2013 

2012 

  $

45,723    $
2,346     
3,905     

69,565    $
2,608      
6,723      

33,152 
1,764 
3,049 

51,974     

78,896      

37,965 

(2,469)    
890    
(4,916)    

17,694      
(376)     
1,895      

570
(2,015)
161

Deferred tax (benefit) expense 

(6,495)    

19,213      

(1,284)

Income tax expense 

  $

45,479    $

98,109    $

36,681 

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 $75.0 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) 

2014 

2013 

2012 

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 

  $

51,805    $
3,355     

94,989    $
6,405      

42,124 
3,178 

adjustments 

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

(1,094)    
(5,732)    
(4,025)    
—
—    
1,170     

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

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

Income tax expense 

  $

45,479    $

98,109    $

36,681 

During 2014, the Company released a valuation allowance of $5.7 million, or ten cents per diluted share, related to 
certain state income tax credits.    As a result of legislative changes enacted in 2014, the Company now expects to be 
able to use such credits within the foreseeable future.    During 2012, the Company released a valuation allowance of 
$1.2 million, or two cents per diluted share, due to the expectation that certain state tax attributes would be utilized. 

F-36 

 
 
   
    
 
    
        
          
          
 
        
          
          
 
   
   
    
     
       
          
 
   
    
     
       
          
 
     
       
          
 
   
   
   
    
     
          
          
 
   
    
     
       
          
 
    
        
          
          
 
  
 
 
   
    
 
    
        
          
          
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
     
       
          
 
    
        
          
          
 
  
 
 
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 

2014 

2013 

  $

2,828    $
—       
—      
(2,828)     
—       
—      

3,259 
— 
— 
—
(431)
—

  $

—    $

2,828 

The  $2.8  million  reduction  of  unrecognized  tax  benefits  in  2014  had  no  impact  on  the  effective  tax  rate.    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 2014, 2013, and 2012. 

The Internal Revenue Service completed its audit of the Company’s 2012 tax return during 2014, the result of which 
was immaterial to the Consolidated Financial Statements.    The Company is currently under audit in various other 
jurisdictions. 

The statute of limitations is still open for the Company’s federal tax return and most state income tax returns for 2011 
and all subsequent years.  The statutes of limitations for certain state and foreign returns are also open for some earlier 
tax years due to 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. 

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: 
Inventories 
Other postretirement benefits and accrued items 
Pension 
Other reserves 
Federal and foreign tax attributes 
State tax attributes, net of federal benefit 
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 

F-37 

  $

2014 

2013 

12,815    $
14,550      
4,792      
10,262      
6,451      
22,928      
3,016      

11,136 
13,548 
— 
12,931 
5,913 
24,663 
2,486 

74,814      
(17,119)     

70,677 
(22,544)

57,695      

48,133 

57,089      
—     
1,721      

60,425 
4,507
2,209 

58,810      

67,141 

  $

(1,115)   $ (19,008)

 
 
    
 
    
    
      
 
   
   
   
   
   
    
     
       
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
    
 
    
    
      
 
    
      
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
   
       
 
   
   
    
     
       
 
   
 
 
       
     
       
 
   
   
    
     
       
 
   
    
     
       
 
As  of  December  27,  2014,  after  consideration  of  the  federal  impact,  the  Company  had  state  income  tax  credit 
carryforwards of $4.1 million, all of which expire by 2017, and other state income tax credit carryforwards of $11.1 
million  with  unlimited  lives.  The  Company  had  state  net  operating  loss  (NOL)  carryforwards  with  potential  tax 
benefits of $7.8 million expiring between 2017 and 2029.  The state tax credit and NOL carryforwards are offset by 
valuation allowances totaling $11.8 million. 

As  of  December  27,  2014,  the  Company  had  federal  and  foreign  tax  attributes  with  potential  tax  benefits  of  $6.4 
million, of which $4.5 million has an unlimited life and $1.9 million expire from 2015 to 2019.  These attributes were 
offset by valuation allowances of $3.4 million. 

The change in the valuation allowance was primarily related to the release of the $5.7 million valuation allowance 
related to the state income tax credits as a result of 2014 legislative changes.    The remainder of the change had no 
material impact on the effective tax rate.   

Income taxes paid were approximately $47.3 million in 2014, $80.1 million in 2013, and $38.4 million in 2012. 

Note 10 – Equity 

The Company’s Board of Directors has extended, until October 2015, its authorization to repurchase up to 20 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 27, 2014, the Company had repurchased approximately 4.7 million shares under this authorization. 

The  Company  entered  into  an  agreement  with  Leucadia  National  Corporation  (Leucadia)  pursuant  to  which  the 
Company repurchased from Leucadia 20.8 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. 

Note 11 – 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.    Under these 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.   

In May 2014, the Company’s stockholders approved the 2014 Incentive Plan (2014 Plan).    The 2014 Plan authorizes 
the award of stock-based incentives to employees and non-employee directors.    Awards include options to purchase 
stock at specified prices during specified time periods, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, 
and performance awards, including cash awards.    The 2014 Plan reserved 1.5 million shares of common stock which 
may be issued or transferred upon the exercise of options. 

During the years ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, the Company recognized 
stock-based  compensation,  as  a  component  of  selling,  general,  and  administrative  expense,  in  its  Consolidated 
Statements  of  Income  of  $6.3  million,  $5.7  million,  and  $4.0  million,  respectively.  The tax  benefit  from  exercise 
of share-based awards was $0.8 million in 2014, $0.7 million in 2013, and $2.6 million in 2012. 

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 

F-38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 the recognition of $2.1 million of compensation cost on the 
modification date which is included in severance expense in the 2012 Consolidated Statement of Income. 

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 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $9.00, $8.77, and $7.45, 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.  The  forfeiture  rate,  which  is  adjusted 
periodically based on actual forfeitures, was 16.4 percent in 2014 and 16.5 percent in 2012.    Due to the nature of the 
awards granted in 2013, a forfeiture rate was not considered necessary.    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: 

2014 

2013 

2012 

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

  5.6 years    5.9 years     6.5 years 
37.5% 
0.7%
0.9%

39.7%      
0.7%     
0.9%     

34.3%    
1.7%   
1.0%   

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 $3.5 million, $2.9 million, and $12.1 million in 2014, 2013, and 
2012, respectively.    The total fair value of options that vested was $1.0 million, $1.1 million, and $1.7 million in 
2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. 

At December 27, 2014, the aggregate intrinsic value of all outstanding options was $18.2 million with a weighted 
average remaining contractual term of 5.1 years.  Of the outstanding options, 795 thousand are currently exercisable 
with  an  aggregate  intrinsic  value  of  $15.1  million,  a  weighted  average  exercise  price  of  $15.07,  and  a  weighted 
average remaining contractual term of 4.0 years.   

The total compensation expense not yet recognized related to unvested options at December 27, 2014 was $1.4 million 
with an average expense recognition period of 3.0 years. 

F-39 

 
 
  
    
 
   
    
 
    
    
      
      
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted Stock Awards 

The fair value of 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 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $28.80, 
$28.32, and $21.42, respectively.     

The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding and unvested awards was $24.7 million at December 27, 2014.  Total 
compensation  expense  for  restricted  stock  awards  not  yet  recognized  was  $13.3  million  with  an  average  expense 
recognition period of 3.6 years.    The total fair value of awards that vested was $4.2 million, $1.8 million, and $1.7 
million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, 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 28, 2013 

Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 

Outstanding at December 27, 2014 

1,177 $
202
(231)
(21)

1,127

14.67
28.79
13.20
21.22

17.38

732    $
197     
(200)    
(2)    

21.75
28.80
21.00
28.28

727     

25.21

Approximately 1.6 million shares were available for future stock incentive awards at December 27, 2014. 

Note 12 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 

AOCI includes certain foreign currency translation adjustments from those subsidiaries not using the U.S. dollar as 
their functional currency, net deferred gains and losses on certain derivative instruments accounted for as cash flow 
hedges,  adjustments  to  pension  and  OPEB  liabilities,  and  unrealized  gains  and  losses  on  marketable  securities 
classified as available-for-sale. 

F-40 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table provides changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interest (amounts in 
parentheses indicate debits to AOCI): 

(In thousands) 

Unrealized 
(Losses)/ 
Gains on 

Minimum 
Pension/ 
OPEB 
Liability 

Unrealized 
Gains on 
Equity 

Derivatives     

Adjustment     

Investments      

Total 

Cumulative 
Translation 
Adjustment     

Balance at December 29, 2012 

  $

 (3,032)   $

(167)   $

(39,527)   $

103    $

(42,623)

Other comprehensive income 

(loss) before 
reclassifications 

Amounts reclassified from AOCI     

2,570     
—     

(2,102)    
3,815     

24,851     
2,518     

152      
—      

25,471 
6,333 

Balance at December 28, 2013 

(462)    

1,546     

(12,158)    

255      

(10,819)

Other comprehensive income 

(loss) before 
reclassifications 

Amounts reclassified from AOCI     

(12,613)    
5,999     

(2,766)    
267     

(23,475)    
469     

15      
—      

(38,839)
6,735 

Balance at December 27, 2014 

  $

(7,076)   $

(953)   $

(35,164)   $

270    $

(42,923)

F-41 

 
  
 
 
     
 
 
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
       
    
    
        
          
          
          
          
 
    
    
        
          
          
          
          
 
    
    
        
          
          
          
          
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustments out of AOCI were as follows: 

(In thousands) 

2014 

 2013 

 2012 

Affected Line Item 

Amount reclassified from AOCI 

Unrealized losses on derivatives:  

Commodity contracts 
Foreign currency contracts 

 $

328   $
—     
(61)    

 5,618    $
54     
(1,857)    

763  Cost of goods sold 
—  Depreciation expense 

(294) Income tax expense 

267     
—     

 3,815     
 —     

469  Net of tax 
—  Noncontrolling interest 

 $

267   

$

 3,815   

$

469 

noncontrolling interest 

Net of tax and 

Amortization of net loss and prior service 

cost on employee benefit plans 

 $

541   
$
(72)    

 3,844   
$
 (1,326)    

3,809 
(1,308) Income tax expense 

and administrative expense

Selling, general, 

469     
—     

 2,518     
 —     

2,501  Net of tax 

—  Noncontrolling interest 

 $

469   

$

 2,518   

$

2,501 

interest 

Net of tax and noncontrolling 

Loss recognized upon sale of business 

 $

5,999    $
—     

5,999     
—     

—    $
—     

—     
—     

—  Gain on sale of assets 
—  Income tax benefit 

—  Net of tax 
—  Noncontrolling interest 

 $

5,999   $

—    $

—

noncontrolling interest 

  Net of tax and 

F-42 

 
    
   
   
     
     
 
    
        
          
          
      
       
          
          
      
   
    
   
 
 
    
   
    
   
    
       
         
         
      
    
 
 
    
 
       
         
 
       
 
    
 
 
    
   
 
 
    
   
    
   
    
       
         
         
      
    
 
 
    
 
       
         
 
       
 
    
    
   
 
 
 
    
   
    
   
    
        
          
          
      
    
    
        
          
          
      
 
 
 
Note 13 – Benefit Plans 

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans 

The Company sponsors several qualified and nonqualified pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for 
certain employees.  The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations and 
the fair value of the plans’ assets for 2014 and 2013, and a statement of the plans’ aggregate funded status: 

(In thousands) 
Change in benefit obligation: 

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

Pension Benefits 
2013 
2014 

Other Benefits 

2014 

2013 

  $ 184,058    $ 196,167    $
948     
7,774     
(11,635)    
(10,668)    
1,472     

973     
8,590     
30,138     
(11,064)    
(4,957)    

15,381    $
348      
685      
4,272      
(1,142)     
(237)     

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

Obligation at end of year 

207,738     

184,058     

19,307      

15,381 

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 

188,870     
12,716     
3,275     
(11,064)    
(3,781)    

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

—      
—      
1,142      
(1,142)     
—      

— 
— 
1,211 
(1,211)
— 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year 

190,016     

188,870     

—      

— 

(Underfunded) funded status at end of year 

  $ (17,722)   $

4,812   $ (19,307)   $ (15,381)

The following represents amounts recognized in AOCI (before the effect of income taxes): 

(In thousands) 

Pension Benefits 
2013 
2014 

Other Benefits 

2014 

2013 

Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain) 
Unrecognized prior service cost 

  $

49,830    $
—     

21,128    $
1     

473    $
14      

(4,016) 
20 

The Company sponsors one pension plan in the U.K. which comprised 40 percent of the above benefit obligation at 
December  27,  2014  and  December  28,  2013,  and  34  percent  of  the  above  plan  assets  at  December  27,  2014  and 
December 28, 2013, respectively. 

As  of  December  27,  2014,  $2.9  million  of  the  actuarial  net  loss  will,  through  amortization,  be  recognized  as 
components of net periodic benefit cost in 2015. 

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 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the total funded status of the plans 
recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets was as follows: 

F-43 

 
 
 
    
 
   
 
 
   
   
    
 
        
          
          
          
 
   
   
   
   
   
    
     
       
       
       
 
   
    
     
          
       
          
 
     
          
       
          
 
   
   
   
   
   
    
     
       
       
       
 
   
    
     
       
       
       
 
    
        
          
          
          
 
 
    
 
   
 
 
   
   
    
 
    
        
          
          
          
 
   
    
        
          
          
          
 
 
  
 
 
 (In thousands) 

Long-term asset 
Current liability 
Long-term liability 

Pension Benefits 
2013 
2014 

Other Benefits 

2014 

2013 

  $

2,348    $
—
(20,070)    

15,457    $
—
(10,645)    

—    $
(1,251)    
(18,056)     

—
(1,033)
(14,348)

Total (underfunded) funded status 

  $ (17,722)   $

4,812  $ (19,307)  $ (15,381)

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 

2014 

2013 

2012 

  $

973   $
8,590    
(13,669)    
1    
752    

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

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

Net periodic benefit (income) cost 

  $

(3,353)   $

1,669    $

2,977 

Other benefits: 

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

  $

348   $
685    
6    
(218)    

413    $
647      
(2)     
(160)     

380 
635 
(2) 
(73) 

Net periodic benefit cost 

  $

821   $

898    $

940 

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 
2013 
2014 

Other Benefits 

2014 

        2013 

4.03% 
5.58% 
N/A     
3.10% 

4.82% 
7.40% 
N/A 
3.40% 

4.33%    
N/A       
5.00%    
N/A       

4.89%
N/A 
5.50%
N/A 

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

    2014 

Pension Benefits 
2013 

2012 

2014 

Other Benefits 
2013 

        2012 

Discount rate 
Expected long-term return on 

plan assets 

Rate of compensation increases
Rate of inflation 

4.82%

4.13%

4.80%

4.89%

4.06% 

4.97%

7.40%
N/A   
3.40% 

7.15%
N/A 
2.70% 

7.11%
N/A 
3.00% 

N/A   
5.50%
N/A     

N/A   
5.04% 
N/A       

N/A 
5.04%
N/A 

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. 

F-44 

    
 
   
 
 
   
   
    
 
    
        
          
          
          
 
   
    
     
       
       
       
 
    
        
          
          
          
 
 
 
   
    
 
        
          
          
 
   
   
   
   
    
     
     
          
 
    
    
    
          
 
     
     
          
 
   
   
   
    
     
     
          
 
    
        
          
          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
   
     
         
 
     
          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
   
     
 
 
 
 
     
 
   
    
       
 
   
 
   
       
        
 
   
 
 
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 7.0 to 9.0 percent for 2015, 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 $2.0 million and the service and interest cost components of net 
periodic postretirement benefit costs by $0.1 million for 2015.    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 2015 by $1.7 million and $0.1 million, 
respectively. 

Pension Assets 

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   

2014 

        2013 

49% 
4   
44   
3   

86%
4 
7 
3 

100% 

100%

At December 27, 2014, the long-term target allocation, by asset category, of assets of its defined benefit pension plans 
was: (i) fixed income securities – at least 60 percent; (ii) equity securities, including equity index funds – not more 
than 30 percent; and (iii) alternative investments – not more than 5 percent. 

The  pension  plan  obligations  are  long-term  and,  accordingly,  the  plan  assets  are  invested  for  the  long-term.  Plan 
assets are monitored periodically.  Based upon results, investment managers and/or asset classes are redeployed when 
considered necessary.  None of the plans’ assets are expected to be returned to the Company during the next fiscal 
year.    The assets of the plans do not include investments in securities issued by the Company.   

The estimated rates of return on plan assets are the expected future long-term rates of earnings on plan assets and are 
forward-looking assumptions that materially affect pension cost.    Establishing the expected future rates of return on 
pension assets is a judgmental matter.    The Company reviews the expected long-term rates of return on an annual 
basis and revises as appropriate.    The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 5.58 percent for 2014 and 
7.40  percent  in  2013.    For  2014,  the  Company  lowered  its  expected  return  assumption,  as  it  refined  its  asset  and 
liability  management  strategy.    In  lowering  this  assumption,  management  considered  the  historical  returns, 
investment strategy, and target composition of each plan’s portfolio. 

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 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, 
respectively, based upon quoted market prices. 

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 

F-45 

 
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
        
 
   
   
          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
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: 

 (In thousands) 

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

  Fair Value Measurements at December 27, 2014   
  Level 1      Level 2      Level 3       Total 

 $

84,377    $
26,105     
11,397     
—     

—   $
—     
63,067     
—     

—    $
—      
—      
5,070      

84,377 
26,105 
74,464 
5,070 

Total 

  $ 121,879    $

63,067    $

5,070    $ 190,016 

 (In thousands) 

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

(1)  Approximately 51 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 40 percent of mutual funds are actively managed funds and approximately 60 percent of 
mutual funds are index funds.  Additionally, 23 percent of the mutual funds’ assets are invested in U.S. 
equities, 67 percent in non-U.S. equities, and 10 percent in non-U.S. fixed income securities. 

(3)  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. 

(4)  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. 

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, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures 
(ASC 820)) during the year ended December 27, 2014: 

F-46 

 
 
    
 
    
    
      
      
      
 
   
   
   
    
     
       
       
       
 
    
        
          
          
          
 
    
 
    
    
      
      
      
 
   
   
   
    
     
       
       
       
 
    
        
          
          
          
 
 
  
    
    
  
  
    
    
  
  
    
    
  
  
 
 
 (In thousands) 

Balance, December 28, 2013 
Redemptions 
Subscriptions 
Net appreciation in fair value 

Balance, December 27, 2014 

Contributions and Benefit Payments 

Limited 
Partnerships 

  $ 

4,780 
(401)
401 
290 

  $ 

5,070 

The  Company  expects  to  contribute  approximately  $1.5  million  to  its  pension  plans  and  $1.3  million  to  its  other 
postretirement benefit plans in 2015.  The Company expects future benefits to be paid from the plans as follows: 

(In thousands) 

2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019 
2020-2024 

Total 

Multiemployer Plan 

Pension 
Benefits      

Other 
Benefits   

  $

11,303    $
11,492      
11,671      
11,878      
12,116      
64,358      

1,251 
1,137 
1,133 
1,203 
1,171 
6,488 

  $ 122,818    $

12,383 

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 permitted.  Contributions to the IAM Plan were $1.0 million in 2014, $0.9 million in 2013, and $1.0 
million in 2012.  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  2014  and  2013  the  IAM  Plan  was  determined  to  have  green  zone  status;  therefore,  no 
formal plan of corrective action is either pending or has been implemented. 

F-47 

  
    
    
 
   
      
      
    
        
 
    
           
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
      
 
   
   
   
   
   
  
     
       
 
  
        
          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
401(k) Plans 

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 $4.1 million 
in 2014, $3.2 million in 2013, and $2.9 million in 2012.  The Company 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. 

UMWA Benefit Plans 

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  $249 
thousand,  $290  thousand,  and  $315  thousand  for  the  years  ended  December  27,  2014,  December  28,  2013,  and 
December 29, 2012, respectively. 

Note 14 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities 

The  Company’s  earnings  and  cash  flows  are  subject  to  fluctuations  due  to  changes  in  commodity  prices,  foreign 
currency exchange rates, and interest rates.    The Company uses derivative instruments such as commodity futures 
contracts, foreign currency forward contracts, and interest rate swaps to manage these exposures. 

Commodity Futures Contracts 

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.    These futures contracts have been designated as cash flow 
hedges.   

At December 27, 2014, the Company held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $23.7 million of copper 
over the next 12 months related to fixed price sales orders.  The fair value of those futures contracts was an $809 
thousand loss position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (Level 1 hierarchy as defined by 
ASC 820).    In the next twelve months, the Company will reclassify into earnings realized gains or losses relating to 
cash flow hedges.    At December 27, 2014, this amount was approximately $538 thousand of deferred net losses, net 
of tax. 

The  Company  may  also  enter  into  futures  contracts  to  protect  the  value  of  inventory  against  market  fluctuations.   
These futures contracts have been designated as fair value hedges.   

At December 27, 2014, the Company held open futures contracts to sell approximately $1.6 million of copper over the 
next three months related to copper inventory.    The fair value of those futures contracts was an $87 thousand gain 
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 qualified as hedging 
instruments as of December 28, 2013. 

F-48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts 

During  2012  and  2013,  the  Company  entered  into  certain  contracts  to  purchase  heavy  machinery  and  equipment 
denominated in euros.    In anticipation of entering into these contracts, the Company entered into forward contracts to 
purchase euros to protect against adverse foreign exchange rate fluctuations.   

At December 27, 2014, the Company held open forward contracts to purchase approximately 1.5 million euros over 
the next three 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 $81 thousand loss position recorded in other current liabilities at 
December 27, 2014, and an $836 thousand gain position recorded in other current assets at December 28, 2013.    At 
December 27, 2014, there was $157 thousand of deferred gains, net of tax, included in AOCI that is expected to be 
reclassified into depreciation expense over the useful life of the heavy machinery and equipment. 

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).  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 $927 thousand loss position recorded in other liabilities 
at December 27, 2014, and a $1.3 million gain position recorded in other assets at December 28, 2013.  At December 
27, 2014, there was $601 thousand of deferred losses, net of tax, included in AOCI that is expected to be reclassified 
into interest expense over the term of the hedged item. 

The  Company  presents  its  derivative  assets  and  liabilities  in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  on  a  net  basis  by 
counterparty.    The  following  table  summarizes  the  location  and  fair  value  of  the  derivative  instruments  and 
disaggregates the net derivative assets and liabilities into gross components on a contract-by-contract basis: 

Asset Derivatives 

Liability Derivatives 

Fair Value 

Fair Value 

Balance Sheet 
Location 

2014 

2013 

Balance Sheet 
Location 

2014 

2013 

(In thousands) 
Hedging 
instrument: 
  Commodity 

contracts - 
gains 
  Commodity 

contracts - 
losses 

  Foreign currency 
contracts 

Other current 
assets 

Other current 
assets 
Other current 
assets 

  $

99    $

Other current 
liabilities 

448 

  $

15    $

340 

(4)    

—     
—     

Other current 
liabilities 
Other current 
liabilities 

(10)

836 

1,324  Other liabilities 

(832)     

(2,107)

(81)     
(927)     

— 
— 

  Interest rate swap  Other assets 

Total derivatives (1)     

  $

95    $

2,598      

  $

(1,825)   $

(1,767)

(1) Does not include the impact of cash collateral provided to counterparties. 

F-49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
    
    
  
      
 
 
  
   
 
 
    
 
    
    
      
      
    
      
 
    
   
    
   
    
   
 
 
   
 
     
    
    
        
          
      
        
          
 
 
The following tables summarize the effects of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income: 

(In thousands) 
Fair value hedges: 
  Gain on commodity contracts (qualifying) 
  Loss on hedged item - Inventory 

Location 

2014 

2013 

Cost of goods sold   $
Cost of goods sold    

6,783    $
(5,958)     

5,115 
(4,827)

Undesignated derivatives: 
  Gain (loss) on commodity contracts (nonqualifying) 

Cost of goods sold   $

1,466    $

(611)

The following tables summarize amounts recognized in and reclassified from AOCI during the period: 

Year Ended December 27, 2014 

(Loss) Gain 
Recognized in AOCI 
(Effective Portion), Net 
of Tax 

Classification Gains 
(Losses) 

Loss (Gain) 
Reclassified from AOCI 
(Effective Portion), Net 
of Tax 

(In thousands) 
Cash flow hedges: 

Commodity contracts 
  $
Foreign currency contracts     
Interest rate swap 

(1,088)   Cost of goods sold 

  $

(275)   Depreciation expense 

(1,435)   Interest expense 

 267    
   —    
   —    

Year Ended December 28, 2013 

(Loss) Gain 
Recognized in AOCI 
(Effective Portion), Net
of Tax 

Classification Gains 
(Losses) 

Loss (Gain) 
Reclassified from AOCI 
(Effective Portion), Net 
of Tax 

(In thousands) 

Cash flow hedges: 
Commodity contracts 
  $
Foreign currency contracts     
Interest rate swap 

(3,337)   Cost of goods sold 

  $

401    Depreciation expense 
834    Interest expense 

3,781     
34     
 —    

The  Company  enters  into  futures  and  forward  contracts  that  closely  match  the  terms  of  the  underlying 
transactions.  As  a  result,  the  ineffective  portion of  the open hedge  contracts  through December 27, 2014  was not 
material to the Consolidated Statements of Income. 

The  Company  primarily  enters  into  International  Swaps  and  Derivatives  Association  (ISDA)  master  netting 
agreements with major financial institutions that permit the net settlement of amounts owed under their respective 
derivative contracts.    Under these master netting agreements, net settlement generally permits the Company or the 
counterparty to determine the net amount payable for contracts due on the same date and in the same currency for 
similar types of derivative transactions.    The master netting agreements generally also provide for net settlement of 
all outstanding contracts with counterparty in the case of an event of default or a termination event.    The Company 
does not offset fair value amounts for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim 
cash collateral.  At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company had recorded restricted cash in other 
current assets of $0.5 million and $2.1 million, respectively, as collateral related to open derivative contracts under the 
master netting arrangements. 

F-50 

 
 
    
 
    
    
      
 
 
    
        
          
 
 
 
    
  
   
  
   
   
   
        
        
        
   
   
    
   
 
    
  
   
  
   
   
   
        
        
      
   
   
    
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
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,  and  line  sets.  SPD  also  imports  and  resells  brass  and 
plastic  plumbing  valves,  malleable  iron  fittings,  faucets,  and  plumbing  specialty  products.  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.    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’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 
for  air-conditioning 
applications.  These products are sold primarily to OEM customers. 

tube.  Mueller-Xingrong  manufactures  engineered  copper 

tube  primarily 

Summarized product line, geographic, and segment information is shown in 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. 

During 2014, 2013, and 2012, no single customer exceeded 10 percent of worldwide sales. 

Net Sales by Major Product Line: 

(In thousands) 

2014 

2013 

2012 

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 

  $1,143,164    $ 972,107    $ 986,825 
553,896       583,940 
337,772       335,461 
239,822       231,278 
52,434 

556,985     
345,991     
262,504     
55,583     

54,944      

  $2,364,227    $2,158,541    $2,189,938 

2014 

2013 

2012 

  $1,752,548    $1,676,385    $1,696,589 
229,659       234,684 
252,497       258,665 

326,832     
284,847     

  $2,364,227    $2,158,541    $2,189,938 

F-51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
    
 
    
        
          
          
 
   
   
 
   
    
     
       
          
 
    
    
       
         
          
 
 
 
   
    
 
    
        
          
          
 
        
          
          
 
   
   
    
     
       
          
 
    
    
       
         
          
 
 
 
 
(In thousands) 

Long-lived assets: 
United States 
United Kingdom 
Other 

2014 

2013 

2012 

  $ 322,178    $ 325,667    $ 306,023 
23,496 
27,442 

22,159      
25,224      

43,064     
21,641     

Net assets of foreign operations at December 27, 2014 included $112.6 million in the United Kingdom, $50.4 million 
in Mexico, $45.7 million in Luxembourg, and $23.9 million in China. 

  $ 386,883    $ 373,050    $ 356,961 

Segment Information: 

 (In thousands) 

Net sales 

For the Year Ended December 27, 2014 

Plumbing & 
Refrigeration 
Segment 

OEM 
Segment     

Corporate 
and 

Eliminations      Total 

 $

1,416,701    $ 959,914    $

(12,388)   $2,364,227 

Cost of goods sold 
Depreciation and amortization 
Selling, general, and administrative expense 
Gain on sale of assets 
Severance 

1,215,282      840,823     
11,919     
21,458     
—     
—     

19,613     
87,539     
(6,259)    
7,296     

(12,386)     2,043,719 
2,203      
33,735 
22,743       131,740 
(6,259)
7,296 

—      
—      

Operating income 

93,230     

85,714     

(24,948)    

153,996 

Interest expense 
Other expense, net 

Income before income taxes 

(5,740)
(243)

    $ 148,013 

F-52 

 
   
    
 
    
       
         
          
 
        
          
          
 
   
   
    
     
       
          
 
    
    
        
          
          
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
   
 
    
    
      
      
      
 
    
     
       
       
       
 
   
   
   
   
   
    
     
       
       
       
 
   
    
     
          
          
       
 
     
          
          
      
        
          
          
      
    
        
          
          
       
 
        
          
          
  
      
        
        
      
 
 
 
 
 (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 income, 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-53 

    
 
 
 
   
 
    
    
      
      
      
 
    
     
       
       
       
 
   
   
   
   
   
    
     
       
       
       
 
   
    
        
          
          
       
 
        
          
          
      
        
          
          
      
    
        
          
          
       
 
        
          
          
  
      
        
        
      
 
  
    
 
 
 
   
 
    
    
      
      
      
 
    
        
          
          
          
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
        
          
          
          
 
   
    
        
          
          
          
 
        
          
          
      
        
          
          
      
    
        
          
          
          
 
        
          
          
 
 
 
(In thousands) 

2014 

2013 

2012 

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

Plumbing & Refrigeration 
OEM 
General corporate 

Segment assets: 

Plumbing & Refrigeration 
OEM 
General corporate 

  $

55,098    $
10,788     
400     

47,222  $ 
14,845    
3,253    

24,030  
24,137  
17,290  

  $

66,286    $

65,320  $ 

65,457  

  $ 664,784    $ 625,371  $  531,429  
305,052     290,058  
317,344     282,668  

313,245     
350,067     

  $1,328,096    $1,247,767  $ 1,104,155  

Note 16 – Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (6) 

 (In thousands, except per share data) 

 2014 
 Net sales 
 Gross profit (1) 
 Consolidated net income (5) 
 Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. 
 Basic earnings per share   
 Diluted earnings per share   
 Dividends per share 

 2013 
 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 

$ 574,374     $ 649,691   $ 602,820  
  81,542  
  24,322 
  23,823  
0.42 
0.42 
0.075  

78,597      
24,954   
24,706 
0.44
0.44
0.075

91,916  
35,209 
35,045  
0.63 
0.62 
0.075  

 $ 537,342   
68,453   
18,049 (2)
17,987   
0.32  
0.32  
0.075   

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

76,840      
26,434   
26,202 
0.47 
0.46 
0.0625 

81,157  
91,842(3)   39,993(4)     
91,150  
1.64  
1.62  
0.0625  

  39,864  
0.71  
0.71  
  0.0625  

 $ 487,715   
65,903   
15,020  
15,384   
0.28  
0.27  
0.0625   

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

(2) Includes $4.8 million pre-tax gain on sale of assets and $4.2 million of pre-tax charges related to severance. 

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

(4) 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. 

(5) Includes income earned by Howell, acquired during Q4 2013, and losses incurred by Yorkshire, acquired 

during Q1 2014. 

(6) The sum of quarterly amounts may not equal the annual amounts reported due to rounding.    In addition, the 
earnings per share amounts are computed independently for each quarter while the full year is based on the 
weighted average shares outstanding. 

F-54 

 
   
  
 
    
        
          
        
 
        
          
        
 
   
   
    
     
       
        
 
    
    
    
 
    
        
 
     
       
        
 
   
   
    
     
       
        
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
  
  
    
  
    
  
  
    
   
  
    
  
  
    
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
  
   
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
   
    
 
  
     
   
   
    
    
 
  
     
   
   
    
    
 
   
 
 
 
  
   
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
   
 
  
   
    
 
  
     
   
   
    
    
  
  
  
 
 
Report of 

Independent 

Registered Pu

ublic Accounti

ing Firm 

The Board

d of Directors a

and Stockholde

ers of Mueller I

. 
Industries, Inc.

We have a
and Decem
and  cash  f
financial  s
responsibil
and schedu

audited the acco
mber 28, 2013, 
flows  for  each 
statement  sche
lity of the Com
ule based on ou

ompanying con
and the related
of  the  three  y
edule  listed  in 
mpany’s manage
ur audits. 

nsolidated bala
d consolidated s
years  in  the  pe
the  Index  at 
ement. Our res

ance sheets of M
statements of in
eriod  ended  D
Item  15(a).  T
ponsibility is to

Mueller Indust
ncome, compre
ecember  27,  2
These  financial
o express an op

tries, Inc. as of
ehensive incom
2014.  Our  audi
l  statements  a
pinion on these

f December 27
me, changes in 
its  also  includ
and  schedule  a
e financial state

7, 2014 
equity 
ded  the 
are  the 
ements 

We  condu
(United  St
whether  th
evidence  s
accounting
statement p

cted  our  audit
tates).  Those s
he  financial  sta
supporting  the 
g principles use
presentation. W

ts  in  accordanc
standards  requi
atements  are  fr
amounts  and 
ed and significa
We believe that

ce  with  the  sta
ire  that  we pla
free  of  materia
disclosures  in 
ant estimates m
t our audits pro

andards  of  the
an  and perform
al  misstatement
the  financial  s
made by manag
ovide a reasona

e  Public  Comp
m  the  audit  to 
t.  An  audit  in
statements.  An
gement, as wel
able basis for o

pany  Accounti
obtain  reasona
cludes  examin
n  audit  also  in
l as evaluating
our opinion. 

ing  Oversight 
able  assurance
ning,  on  a  test 
ncludes  assessin
g the overall fin

Board 
  about 
basis, 
ng  the 
nancial 

In  our  opin
financial p
results of  i
conformity
schedule, w
respects th

nion,  the  finan
position of Mu
its operations 
y with U.S. gen
when considere
he information 

ncial  statement
ueller Industrie
and  its  cash  fl
nerally accepte
ed in relation to
set forth therei

ts  referred  to  a
s, Inc. at Dece
lows  for  each 
ed accounting p
o the basic fina
in. 

above  present 
ember 27, 201
of  the three  ye
principles. Als
ancial statemen

fairly,  in  all  m
4 and Decemb
ears  in the per
so, in our opin
nts taken as a w

material  respec
ber 28, 2013, a
riod  ended De
nion, the related
whole, presents

cts,  the  consol
and the consol
ecember 27, 20
d financial stat
s fairly in all m

lidated 
lidated 
014,  in 
tement 
material 

We also ha
States), Mu
established
Treadway 
thereon. 

ave audited, in 
ueller Industrie
d in Internal Co
Commission (

accordance wi
es, Inc.’s intern
ontrol – Integra
1992 Framewo

ith the standard
nal control ove
ated Framewor
ork) and our re

ds of the Public
r financial repo
rk issued by th
eport dated Feb

c Company Ac
orting as of De
he Committee o
bruary 24, 2015

ccounting Ove
ecember 27, 20
of Sponsoring 
5 expressed an

rsight Board (U
014, based on c
Organizations 
n unqualified o

United 
criteria 
 of the 
opinion 

Memphis, 
February 2

Tennessee 
24, 2015 

F-55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS 
Years Ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012 

Additions 

(In thousands) 

of year 

Balance at     Charged to        
beginning     costs and     Other 

     Balance   
at end 
    expenses     additions        Deductions      of year 

2014 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 

Environmental reserves 

$

$

2,391    $

(500)   $

18  (1)  $

1,243    $

666 

23,637    $

1,187    $

—       $

2,163    $

22,661 

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets  $

22,544    $

(5,630)   $

2,282       $

2,077    $

17,119 

2013 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 

Environmental reserves 

$

$

1,644    $

273    $

812  (1)  $

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 

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

rates in all years presented. 

F-56 

  
 
  
    
  
   
         
      
 
    
         
    
         
    
 
 
    
  
      
        
         
      
 
  
      
        
         
      
 
    
   
       
       
          
       
 
    
   
       
       
          
       
 
    
 
      
      
         
       
  
  
      
        
         
      
 
    
   
       
       
          
       
 
    
   
       
       
          
       
 
    
 
      
      
         
       
  
      
          
          
             
      
  
    
      
          
          
             
          
 
    
      
          
          
             
          
 
    
 
      
      
         
       
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
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5-YEAR REVIEW

SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS

Net sales 

Operating income  

Net income  

Diluted earnings per share  

Dividends per share  

SIGNIFICANT YEAR-END DATA

(Dollars in thousands except per share data) 

 2014  

2013  

2012  

 2011  

2010 

$  2,364,227 

$  2,158,541 

$  2,189,938  

$  2,417,797  

$  2,059,797 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

153,996  

101,560 

1.79 

0.30 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

270,937 

172,600 

3.06 

0.25 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

126,705  

82,395  

1.15  

0.2125  

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

139,802  

86,321 

1.13  

0.20  

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

136,147 

86,171 

1.14 

0.20 

Cash and cash equivalents  

$ 

352,134  

$ 

311,800  

$ 

198,934  

$ 

514,162  

$ 

394,139 

Ratio of current assets to current liabilities  

 4.0 to 1  

 4.0 to 1  

2.9 to 1  

 4.8 to 1  

4.7 to 1 

Book value per share 

$ 

13.39  

 $ 

12.43  

$ 

9.02  

$ 

11.19  

$ 

10.42 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Gary S. Gladstein

Chairman of the Board,

Mueller Industries, Inc.

Independent Investor and 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.

John B. Hansen

Independent Investor and Consultant 

Terry Hermanson

President,

Mr. Christmas Incorporated

Harvey L. Karp

Chairman Emeritus,

Mueller Industries, Inc.

Corporate Manufacturing Engineering

Gregory L. Christopher

Chief Executive Officer

Daniel R. Corbin 

Vice President, 

Jeffrey A. Martin

Chief Financial Officer

and Treasurer

Mark Millerchip

Executive Director,

European Operations

Nicholas W. Moss

President, 

Global and Retail Business

Douglas J. Murdock

President, 

Fabricated Products 

Steffen Sigloch

President,

Extruded Products

Gary C. Wilkerson

Vice President,

General Counsel and Secretary

CAPITAL STOCK INFORMATION

The Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend on its common stock of 7.5 cents per share  
during each quarter of 2014 and 6.25 cents per share during each quarter of 2013. Payment of dividends in the  
future is dependent upon the Company’s financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, earnings, and other factors.

The high, low, and closing prices of Mueller’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange for each fiscal quarter of 
2014 and 2013 were as follows:

2014
Fourth quarter 
Third quarter 
Second quarter 
First quarter 

2013 
Fourth quarter  
Third quarter  
Second quarter  
First quarter  

  High 

Low 

$  34.39 
30.35 
30.99 
32.13 

$  27.10 
27.71 
27.47 
27.38 

$  31.64 
29.08 
27.50 
27.77 

$  26.98 
25.17 
24.05 
24.48 

$ 

$ 

Close

34.18
28.91
29.30
29.34

31.37
27.91
25.22
26.65

As of February 20, 2015, the number of holders of record of Mueller’s common stock was approximately 855.  
On February 20, 2015, the closing price for Mueller’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $34.68.

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 7, 2015

.

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 2014. 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 2014  
and 2013. 

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
www.muellerindustries.com

2014

ANNUAL REPORT