MUELLER INDUSTRIES INC - Quarter Report: 2011 April (Form 10-Q)

form10q1q2011.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C

FORM 10-Q

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

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended April 2, 2011

Commission file number 1–6770

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

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

(901) 753-3200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x Noo

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

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

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

The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding as of April 26, 2011, was 37,855,071.

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

FORM 10-Q

For the Quarterly Period Ended April 2, 2011

__________________________

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

__________________________

INDEX

		Page Number
Part I. Financial Information

	Item 1. – Financial Statements (Unaudited)

	a.) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income	3

	b.) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	4

	c.) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	5

	d.) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	6

	Item 2. – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	17

	Item 3. – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	22

	Item 4. – Controls and Procedures	23

Part II. Other Information

	Item 1. – Legal Proceedings	24

	Item 1A – Risk Factors	28

	Item 2. – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	28

	Item 6. – Exhibits	29

Signatures		30

Index

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

	For the Quarter Ended
	April 2, 2011			March 27, 2010
(In thousands, except per share data)

Net sales	$	687,681		$	485,268

Cost of goods sold		589,874			413,048
Depreciation and amortization		9,699			10,348
Selling, general, and administrative expense		35,369			37,323
Insurance gain		—			(22,506	)
Litigation settlement		(10,500	)		—

Operating income		63,239			47,055

Interest expense		(3,348	)		(2,532	)
Other income, net		1,059			140

Income before income taxes		60,950			44,663

Income tax expense		(20,408	)		(9,864	)

Consolidated net income		40,542			34,799

Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest		45			(841	)

Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$	40,587		$	33,958

Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share		37,723			37,588
Effect of dilutive stock-based awards		263			94

Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share		37,986			37,682


Basic earnings per share	$	1.08		$	0.90

Diluted earnings per share	$	1.07		$	0.90

Dividends per share	$	0.10		$	0.10

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Index

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share data)	April 2, 2011			December 25, 2010
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	413,922		$	394,139
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,158 in 2011 and $5,447 in 2010		353,321			269,258
Inventories		231,270			209,892
Current deferred income taxes		19,228			19,227
Other current assets		17,355			19,798

Total current assets		1,035,096			912,314

Property, plant, and equipment, net		227,890			229,498
Goodwill		102,250			102,250
Other assets		16,776			14,934

Total Assets	$	1,382,012		$	1,258,996

Liabilities
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	$	43,117		$	32,020
Accounts payable		123,031			67,849
Accrued wages and other employee costs		25,525			33,338
Other current liabilities		86,457			61,920

Total current liabilities		278,130			195,127

Long-term debt, less current portion		157,226			158,226
Pension liabilities		18,103			18,249
Postretirement benefits other than pensions		22,892			22,690
Environmental reserves		23,263			23,902
Deferred income taxes		21,915			24,081
Other noncurrent liabilities		808			824

Total liabilities		522,337			443,099

Equity
Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock - $1.00 par value; shares authorized 5,000,000; none outstanding		—			—
Common stock - $.01 par value; shares authorized 100,000,000; issued 40,091,502; outstanding 37,855,071 in 2011 and 37,854,760 in 2010		401			401
Additional paid-in capital		263,996			263,233
Retained earnings		648,080			611,279
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(31,054	)		(37,046	)
Treasury common stock, at cost		(49,124	)		(49,131	)

Total Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity		832,299			788,736
Noncontrolling interest		27,376			27,161

Total equity		859,675			815,897

Commitments and contingencies		—			—

Total Liabilities and Equity	$	1,382,012		$	1,258,996

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Index

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

	For the Quarter Ended
	April 2, 2011			March 27, 2010
(In thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities
Consolidated net income	$	40,542		$	34,799
Reconciliation of consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		9,769			10,389
Stock-based compensation expense		764			704
Insurance gain		—			(22,506	)
Insurance proceeds – noncapital related		—			5,561
Gain on disposal of properties		(268	)		(6	)
Deferred income taxes		(1,924	)		(3,623	)
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options		—			(11	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables		(80,974	)		(30,689	)
Inventories		(13,471	)		3,748
Other assets		2,640			6,938
Current liabilities		70,387			30,899
Other liabilities		(1,084	)		155
Other, net		(548	)		280

Net cash provided by operating activities		25,833			36,638

Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures		(5,050	)		(4,479	)
Business acquired		(6,882	)		—
Insurance proceeds for property and equipment		—			17,703
Net withdrawals from restricted cash balances		261			2,524
Proceeds from the sales of properties		132			8

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(11,539	)		15,756

Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.		(3,772	)		(3,759	)
Debt issuance cost		(1,942	)		—
Issuance of debt by joint venture, net		9,689			3,436
Issuance of shares under incentive stock option plans from treasury		7			720
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options		—			11

Net cash provided by financing activities		3,982			408

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		1,507			(1,623	)

Increase in cash and cash equivalents		19,783			51,179
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period		394,139			346,001

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	$	413,922		$	397,180

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Index

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

General

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted. Results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results which may be expected for any other interim period or for the year as a whole. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the annual financial statements incorporated therein.

The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. The first quarter of 2011 was a 14-week quarter while the first quarter of 2010 was a 13-week quarter.

Note 1 – Earnings per Common Share

Basic per share amounts have been computed based on the average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted per share amounts reflect the increase in average common shares outstanding that would result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards, computed using the treasury stock method. Approximately 441 thousand stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended April 2, 2011, since the options’ exercise prices were higher than the average market price of the Company’s stock.

Note 2 – Commitments and Contingencies

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

Environmental Matters

The Company is subject to environmental standards imposed by federal, state, local, and foreign environmental laws and regulations. Environmental costs related to non-operating properties are classified as a component of other income, net and costs related to operating properties are classified as cost of goods sold. Environmental reserves totaled $23.3 million at April 2, 2011 and $23.9 million at December 25, 2010.

Operating properties:

Belding, Michigan Lead Matters

On April 25, 2011, the Company received approval from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality notifying it that the actions contained in the Company’s proposed Conceptual Interim Response Plan dated April 4, 2011, in respect of the soil remediation at the Belding site, are acceptable for immediate implementation.

Index

Non-operating properties:

Eureka Mills Site

On December 2, 2010, the United States District Court for Utah entered a consent decree between the Company, the United States, and the State of Utah. The decree resolves the claims asserted by the U.S. and the State of Utah related to Eureka Mills Superfund Site located in Juab County, Utah. The claims were settled for $2.5 million and were paid-in-full as of April 2, 2011.

Southeast Kansas Sites

With respect to the Southeast Kansas Sites, the Company estimates that its share for the costs of the preliminary site assessment at one of the former smelters will be approximately $35 thousand. The Company is currently negotiating the language of the proposed agreements with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the other potentially responsible parties.

Copper Tube Antitrust Litigation

The Company has been named as a defendant in a pending litigation (the Carrier ACR Tube Action) brought by Carrier Corporation, Carrier S.A., and Carrier Italia S.p.A. (collectively, Carrier), direct purchasers of copper tube. The Carrier ACR Tube Action was filed in March 2006 in the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. The Carrier ACR Tube Action alleges anticompetitive activities with respect to the sale of copper tubes used in, among other things, the manufacturing of air-conditioning and refrigeration units. The Company and Mueller Europe, Limited (Mueller Europe) are named in the Carrier ACR Tube Action. The Carrier ACR Tube Action seeks monetary and other relief.

In July 2007, the Carrier ACR Tube Action was dismissed in its entirety for lack of subject matter jurisdiction as to all defendants. In August 2007, plaintiffs filed with the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit a notice of appeal from the judgment and order dismissing the complaint in the Carrier ACR Tube Action. The Company and Mueller Europe filed notices of cross-appeal in August 2007.

In October 2007, Carrier filed with the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit a motion to dismiss the cross-appeals, which the Court denied in December 2007. All appeals in the Carrier ACR Tube Action remain pending. Briefing on the appeals occurred in May 2009 and oral argument took place in October 2009.

Although the Company believes that the claims for relief in the Carrier ACR Tube Action are without merit, due to the procedural stage of the Carrier ACR Tube Action, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of a material adverse outcome in the Carrier ACR Tube Action or the amount or range of a potential loss in the Carrier ACR Tube Action.

Employment Litigation

On June 1, 2007, the Company filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Dupage County, Illinois against Peter D. Berkman and Jeffrey A. Berkman, former executives of the Company and B&K Industries, Inc. (B&K), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, relating to their alleged breach of fiduciary duties and contractual obligations to the Company through, among other things, their involvement with a supplier of B&K during their employment with B&K. The lawsuit alleged appropriation of corporate opportunities for personal benefit, failure to disclose competitive interests or other conflicts of interest, and unfair competition, as well as breach of employment agreements in connection with the foregoing. The lawsuit sought compensatory and punitive damages, and other appropriate relief. In August 2007, the defendants filed an answer to the complaint admitting Peter Berkman had not sought authorization to have an ownership interest in a supplier, and a counterclaim against the Company, B&K and certain of the Company’s officers and directors alleging defamation, tortious interference with prospective economic relations, and conspiracy, and seeking damages in unspecified amounts. In September 2007, Homewerks Worldwide LLC, an entity formed by Peter Berkman, filed a complaint as an intervenor based on substantially the same allegations included in the Berkmans’ counterclaim. In October 2007, the Company also filed a motion seeking to have the Berkmans’ counterclaim dismissed as a matter of law. On January 3, 2008, the Court overruled that motion and the case proceeded to discovery of the relevant facts.

Index

On September 5, 2008, Peter Berkman withdrew prior responses to discovery requests and asserted the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination as to all requests directed to him. By that assertion, he took the position that his testimony about his actions would have the potential of exposing him to a criminal charge or criminal charges. On October 24, 2008, the defendants filed a motion seeking leave to interpose an Amended Answer and Amended Counterclaims wherein Peter Berkman asserted the Fifth Amendment in response to the allegations in the complaint. On December 19, 2008, the Company filed an answer to the Amended Counterclaims that included a new affirmative defense based on the assertion of the Fifth Amendment by Peter Berkman.

On December 15, 2009, the parties exchanged reports prepared by their respective damages experts wherein the Company asserted a claim totaling $17.2 million, not including punitive damages, and defendants asserted a claim totaling $38.0 million. The parties also exchanged rebuttal damages expert reports on March 5, 2010. The Company believed the counterclaims were without merit and defendants were not entitled to the damages being sought. Consequently, the Company intended to defend the counterclaims vigorously at trial, which was scheduled by the court to begin on January 31, 2011.

On December 10, 2010, during a pre-trial settlement conference before the court, the material terms of a settlement related to the parties’ claims in the lawsuit were agreed upon. On that date, the court signed an order setting forth the material terms of the settlement, which required the payment of at least $10.5 million to the Company as follows (i) the payment of $7.5 million in cash by Peter and Jeffrey Berkman to the Company; (ii) execution and delivery by Peter and Jeffrey Berkman to the Company of a promissory note in the principal amount of $3.0 million, secured by Peter Berkman's 70 percent interest in Homewerks Worldwide LLC; and (iii) additional future compensation. The court order also required the exchange of mutual releases. The court order did not provide for any payment by the Company, B&K, or any of their officers or directors with respect to the counterclaims.

Following the issuance of the December 10th court order, the Company further negotiated the terms of the settlement with the Berkmans and the parties agreed on the final terms of a settlement that required the payment of $10.5 million in cash by Peter Berkman, Jeffrey Berkman, and Homewerks Worldwide LLC in lieu of the payment of $7.5 million in cash along with a promissory note in the principal amount of $3.0 million. Consistent with the terms of the December 10th court order, the final terms of the settlement agreement do not provide for any payment by the Company, B&K, or any of their officers or directors with respect to the counterclaims. As a result, the Company does not anticipate any material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows as a result of this employment litigation matter. On February 7, 2011, the settlement agreement was executed by the parties and on February 10, 2011, the trial court dismissed with prejudice all claims and counterclaims asserted by the litigation. On March 23, 2011, the Berkmans caused $10.5 million to be wired to the Company’s bank, in accordance with the terms of the settlement.

United States Department of Commerce Antidumping Review

On December 24, 2008, the United States Department of Commerce (DOC) initiated an antidumping administrative review of the antidumping duty order covering circular welded non-alloy steel pipe and tube from Mexico to determine the final antidumping duties owed on U.S. imports during the period November 1, 2007 through October 31, 2008 by certain subsidiaries of the Company. On April 19, 2010, the DOC published the final results of this review and assigned Mueller Comercial de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mueller Comercial) an antidumping duty rate of 48.33 percent. The Company has appealed the final determination to the U.S. Court of International Trade. 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 $4.2 million for this matter.

On December 23, 2009, the DOC initiated an antidumping administrative review of the antidumping duty order covering circular welded non-alloy steel pipe and tube from Mexico for the November 1, 2008 through October 31, 2009 period of review. The DOC selected Mueller Comercial as a respondent for this period of review. On December 15, 2010, the DOC issued preliminary results and assigned a margin of dumping of 4.81 percent to Mueller Comercial. Final results are expected no later than June 2011. At this time, the Company is unable to estimate the impact, if any, that this matter may have on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Index

On December 28, 2010, the DOC initiated an antidumping administrative review of the antidumping duty order covering circular welded non-alloy steel pipe and tube from Mexico for the November 1, 2009 through October 31, 2010 period of review. The DOC has selected Mueller Comercial as a respondent for this period of review. At this time, the Company is unable to estimate the impact, if any, that this matter may have on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Other

Guarantees, in the form of letters of credit, are issued by the Company generally to assure the payment of insurance deductibles and certain retiree health benefits. The terms of the Company’s guarantees are generally one year but are renewable annually as required. These letters are primarily backed by the Company’s line of credit facility. The maximum payments that the Company could be required to make under its guarantees at April 2, 2011 was $10.2 million.

Note 3 – Insurance Gain

U.K. Copper Tube Facility

In November 2008, the Company’s copper tube facility in Bilston, Great Britain, was damaged by fire. Production was curtailed for approximately four weeks to make certain necessary, temporary repairs. Additionally, certain production equipment and portions of building structures were extensively damaged. These losses were covered by property and business interruption insurance. During 2010, the Company settled the claim with its insurer for total proceeds of $35.3 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 a receivable in prior periods) were recognized, resulting in a net pre-tax gain of $22.5 million. This amount was recognized in the first quarter of 2010.

The Company received cash advances of $4.7 million in 2008 and $7.3 million in 2009 from its insurer, and received $23.3 million of proceeds in the first quarter of 2010 with the final settlement. Of the $23.3 million proceeds received in 2010, $17.7 million was classified as investing activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows representing the estimated amount of proceeds received for damaged building structures and equipment. All other receipts were classified as operating activities as they reflect the estimated amounts received for business interruption insurance and reimbursement of incremental cleaning and other noncapital costs. Rehabilitation of the facility is substantially complete and the Company does not expect to incur additional expenses related to the U.K. fire.

Note 4 – Inventories

	April 2, 2011			December 25, 2010
(In thousands)

Raw materials and supplies	$	14,289		$	47,737
Work-in-process		45,424			34,784
Finished goods		176,321			131,921
Valuation reserves		(4,764	)		(4,550	)

Inventories	$	231,270		$	209,892

The Company has partially liquidated inventories valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method during the first quarter of 2011. The Company expects to replenish these inventories by the end of 2011 and, as such, has not recognized the effects of liquidating LIFO layers. In the event these inventories are not replenished, due to lack of availability or operational reasons, the Company would recognize a reduction to cost of goods sold of approximately $26.2 million from the liquidation of LIFO layers based on quarter-end quantities.

Index

Note 5 – Industry Segments

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

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

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

Index

Summarized segment information is as follows:

(In thousands)	For the Quarter Ended April 2, 2011
	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment		OEM Segment		Corporate and Eliminations			Total

Net sales	$	380,589	$	319,336	$	(12,244	)	$	687,681

Cost of goods sold		323,195		278,792		(12,113	)		589,874
Depreciation and amortization		5,834		3,592		273			9,699
Selling, general, and administrative expense		21,877		7,306		6,186			35,369
Litigation settlement		—		—		(10,500	)		(10,500	)

Operating income		29,683		29,646		3,910			63,239

Interest expense									(3,348	)
Other income, net									1,059

Income before income taxes								$	60,950

(In thousands)	For the Quarter Ended March 27, 2010
	Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment			OEM Segment		Corporate and Eliminations			Total

Net sales	$	256,662		$	232,204	$	(3,598	)	$	485,268

Cost of goods sold		212,869			203,612		(3,433	)		413,048
Depreciation and amortization		6,513			3,571		264			10,348
Selling, general, and administrative expense		19,327			8,890		9,106			37,323
Insurance gain		(22,506	)		—		—			(22,506	)

Operating income		40,459			16,131		(9,535	)		47,055

Interest expense										(2,532	)
Other income, net										140

Income before income taxes									$	44,663

Index

Note 6 – Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is as follows:

	For the Quarter Ended
	April 2, 2011			March 27, 2010
(In thousands)

Consolidated net income	$	40,542		$	34,799

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation		6,992			(5,590	)
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities		(777	)		277
Other, net		37			1,400

Total other comprehensive income (loss)		6,252			(3,913	)

Comprehensive income		46,794			30,886
Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest		(215	)		(909	)

Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$	46,579		$	29,977

The change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment primarily relates to the Company’s investment in foreign subsidiaries and fluctuations in exchange rates between their local currencies and the U.S. dollar. During the first quarter of 2011, the change in the foreign currency translation amounts primarily resulted from changes in value in the British pound sterling, Mexican peso, and Canadian dollar, which increased approximately 4.3 percent, 4.0 percent, and 4.7 percent, respectively, relative to the U.S. dollar. During the first quarter of 2010, the value of the British pound sterling declined approximately 7 percent relative to the U.S. dollar. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in the value of the Mexican peso of 4 percent relative to the U.S. dollar.

Note 7 – Debt

On March 7, 2011, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (Credit Facility) with a syndicate of banks establishing a $350 million revolving credit facility, which matures March 7, 2016. The Credit Facility contains similar provisions and replaces the Company’s prior credit agreement dated December 1, 2006.

Index

Note 8 – Employee Benefits

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

	For the Quarter Ended
	April 2, 2011			March 27, 2010
(In thousands)

Pension benefits:
Service cost	$	254		$	99
Interest cost		2,155			2,215
Expected return on plan assets		(2,652	)		(2,821	)
Amortization of prior service cost		—			74
Amortization of net loss		574			399

Net periodic benefit expense (income)	$	331		$	(34	)

Other benefits:
Service cost	$	69		$	65
Interest cost		318			306
Amortization of prior service cost		1			1
Amortization of net loss		25			38

Net periodic benefit cost	$	413		$	410

The Company anticipates contributing to its pension plans approximately $1.5 million for 2011. During the first quarter of 2011, the Company made contributions of approximately $0.4 million to certain pension plans.

Note 9 – Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2011 was 33 percent compared with 22 percent for the same period last year. Factors that explain the difference between the effective tax rate and what would be computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the first quarter of 2011 were: (i) the U.S. production activities deduction of $1.3 million; (ii) decreases in tax contingencies of $0.8 million; and (iii) the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates and other foreign adjustments of $0.6 million. These items were partially offset by the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $1.9 million.

Due to ongoing federal and state income tax audits and potential lapses of the statutes of limitations in various taxing jurisdictions, it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits may decrease in the next twelve months by up to $4.9 million. Total unrecognized tax benefits including derecognized deferred tax assets at the end of the first quarter were $8.6 million, without consideration of any applicable federal benefit, including $0.7 million of accrued interest and penalties. Of the $8.6 million, up to $5.8 million could impact the effective tax rate, if recognized.

The Company files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return and numerous consolidated and separate-company income tax returns in many state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. The statute of limitations is open for the Company’s federal tax return and most state income tax returns for 2007 and all subsequent years. The statutes of limitations for certain state and foreign returns are open for earlier tax years due to ongoing audits and differing statute periods. While the Company believes that it is adequately reserved for possible future audit adjustments, the final resolution of these examinations cannot be determined with certainty and could result in final settlements that differ from current estimates.

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Note 10 – Other Income, Net

	For the Quarter Ended
	April 2, 2011		March 27, 2010
(In thousands)

Interest income	$	261	$	100
Gain on disposal of properties, net		268		6
Environmental benefit (expense), non-operating properties		295		(124	)
Other		235		158

Other income, net	$	1,059	$	140

Note 11 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Copper and brass represent the largest component of the Company’s variable costs of production. The cost of these materials is subject to global market fluctuations caused by factors beyond the Company’s control. The Company occasionally enters into forward fixed-price arrangements with certain customers; the risk of these arrangements is generally managed with commodity futures contracts. The Company accounts for these futures contracts in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (ASC 815). These futures contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges. The fair value of open futures contracts are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income until the position is closed which corresponds to the period when the related hedged transaction is recognized in earnings. Should these contracts no longer meet hedge criteria in accordance with ASC 815, either through lack of effectiveness or because the hedged transaction is no longer probable of occurring, all deferred gains and losses related to the hedge would be immediately reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings. In the next twelve months, the Company will reclassify into earnings realized gains or losses of cash flow hedges; at April 2, 2011, the net fair value of these contracts was a $324 thousand loss.

At April 2, 2011, the Company held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $26.7 million of copper over the next nine months related to fixed price sales orders. The fair value of those futures contracts was a $374 thousand loss position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (Level 1 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820)).

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

	April 2, 2011
	Location		Fair value
(In thousands)

Commodity contracts	Other current assets:	Gain positions	$	240
	Other current assets:	Loss positions	$	614

	December 25, 2010
(In thousands)	Location		Fair value

Commodity contracts	Other current assets:	Gain positions	$	891

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The following tables summarize activities related to the Company’s derivative instruments, classified as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815:

	Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated OCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
		For the Quarter Ended
		April 2, 2011			March 27, 2010
(In thousands)

Commodity contracts (1)		$	(168	)	$	385

(1) Includes $88 thousand attributable to noncontrolling interest for the quarter ended March 27, 2010.

	(Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
		For the Quarter Ended
		April 2, 2011			March 27, 2010
(In thousands)

Commodity contracts:
Cost of goods sold		$	(609	)	$	(108	)

The Company enters into futures contracts that closely match the terms of the underlying transactions. As a result, the ineffective portion of the open hedge contracts through April 2, 2011 was not material to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company does not offset fair value of amounts for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral. At April 2, 2011, the Company had recorded restricted cash of $638 thousand related to open futures contracts.

Note 12 – 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. Primarily using market yields, the fair value of the Company’s debt instruments were estimated to be $200.0 million and $189.9 million at April 2, 2011 and December 25, 2010, respectively. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market information about the financial instrument (Level 2 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820).

Note 13 – Acquisition

On December 28, 2010, the Company purchased certain assets of Tube Forming, L.P. (TFI). TFI primarily serves the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning market in North America. The acquired assets include inventories, production equipment as well as factory leaseholds. TFI has operations in Carrollton, Texas, and Guadalupe, Mexico, where it produces precision copper return bends and crossovers, and custom-made tube components and brazed assemblies, including manifolds and headers. TFI's estimated net sales for 2010 were approximately $35 million. Mueller paid approximately $6.9 million for the assets, which was funded with existing cash on hand. The acquisition of TFI extends the Company’s product offering within the OEM segment.

The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Therefore, the results of operations of the acquired business were included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements since the date of acquisition.

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Note 14 – Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Fair Value Disclosures

In January 2010, the FASB issued amended standards requiring additional fair value disclosures. The amended standards require disclosures of transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy, as well as requiring gross basis disclosures for purchases, sales, issuances and settlements within the Level 3 reconciliation. Additionally, the update clarifies the requirement to determine the level of disaggregation for fair value measurement disclosures and to disclose valuation techniques and inputs used for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements in either Level 2 or Level 3. The Company adopted the new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2011.

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

General Overview

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

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

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

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

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

The majority of the Company’s manufacturing facilities operated below capacity during 2010 and the first quarter of 2011 due to the reduced demand for the Company’s products arising from the general economic conditions in the U.S. and foreign markets that the Company serves. The U.S. housing and residential construction market has been adversely affected during the recent economic downturn. Per the U.S. Census Bureau, actual housing starts in the U.S. were 121 thousand for the first quarter of 2011 compared to 134 thousand for the first quarter of 2010. The March 2011 seasonally adjusted annual rate of new housing starts was 549 thousand, which is a decrease of 13.4 percent compared with the March 2010 rate of 634 thousand. Mortgage rates have remained at low levels during 2011 and 2010, as the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 4.85 percent for the first three months of 2011 and 5.1 percent for the twelve months ended December 2010. Commercial construction has also remained at historically low levels. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the seasonally adjusted annual value of private nonresidential construction put in place was $239.6 billion in February 2011, significantly less than the activity levels during 2007 and 2008. Business conditions in the U.S. automotive industry have also been difficult in the economic downturn, which affected the demand for various products in the Company’s OEM segment; however, some improvements have recently occurred. All of these conditions have significantly affected the demand for virtually all of the Company’s core products.

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Residential construction activity is still at historical lows and recovery is expected to be modest due to continuing high rates of unemployment, the impact of mounting foreclosures, the tightening of lending terms and the phase-out of governmental stimulus spending programs. The private non-residential construction sector, which includes offices, industrial and retail projects, continues to experience high vacancy rates. The Company expects that most of the conditions will gradually improve during 2011.

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 tubing, 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 and imports, and market share. In core product lines, the Company intensively manages its pricing structure while attempting to maximize its profitability. From time-to-time, this practice results in lost sales opportunities and lower volume. Plastic plumbing systems are the primary substitute product; these products represent an increasing share of consumption. U.S. consumption of copper tubing is predominantly supplied by U.S. manufacturers, although imports have been a significant factor. In recent years, brass rod consumption in the U.S. has declined due to the outsourcing of many manufactured products to offshore regions.

On December 28, 2010, the Company purchased certain assets of Tube Forming, L.P. (TFI). TFI primarily serves the HVAC market in North America. The acquired assets include inventories, production equipment as well as factory leaseholds. TFI has operations in Carrollton, Texas, and Guadalupe, Mexico, where it produces precision copper return bends and crossovers, and custom-made tube components and brazed assemblies, including manifolds and headers.

Results of Operations

During the first quarter of 2011, the Company’s net sales were $687.7 million, which compares with net sales of $485.3 million over the same period of 2010. The increase was primarily attributable to higher unit sales volume in most of the Company’s primary product lines and the increase in base metal prices, primarily copper. Net selling prices generally fluctuate with changes in raw material costs. Changes in raw material costs are generally passed through to customers by adjustments to selling prices. The Comex average copper price in the first quarter of 2011 was approximately $4.39 per pound, or 34 percent higher than the 2010 average of $3.28 per pound.

Cost of goods sold was $589.9 million in the first quarter of 2011 compared with $413.0 million in the same period of 2010. The year-over-year increase was due primarily to increased sales volume in core product lines and the increase in the price of copper, the Company’s principal raw material.

Depreciation and amortization declined from $10.3 million in 2010 to $9.7 million in 2011. The reduction is due to certain assets becoming fully depreciated. Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased to $35.4 million in the first quarter of 2011; this $2.0 million decrease was primarily due to decreased bad debt expense of $2.8 million and foreign currency transaction losses of $2.2 million partially offset by increased employment costs of $1.6 million (14 weeks in 2011 as opposed to 13 weeks in 2010). During the first quarter of 2011, the Company recorded a gain of $10.5 million upon receipt of payment related to the December 10, 2010 settlement of a lawsuit against Peter D. Berkman, Jeffrey A. Berkman, and Homewerks Worldwide LLC. During the first quarter of 2010, the Company settled the insurance claim related to a fire at the U.K. copper tube facility, resulting in a net gain of $22.5 million.

Interest expense increased to $3.3 million in the first quarter of 2011 from $2.5 million for the same period in 2010. This increase was due to increased borrowings by Mueller–Xingrong to fund operations. Other income, net was income of $1.1 million in the first quarter of 2011 compared with income of $0.1 million for the same period in 2010. This fluctuation was primarily due to reductions to environmental reserves in the first quarter of 2011.

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Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment

First quarter net sales by the Plumbing & Refrigeration segment increased 49 percent to $380.6 million in 2011 from $256.7 million in 2010. This increase was due to higher unit sales volume resulting from increased demand in the majority of the segment’s core product lines and from higher selling prices resulting from higher average prices of raw materials. Of the $123.9 million increase in net sales, approximately $51.4 million was attributable to higher unit volume and approximately $57.2 million was due to higher net selling prices in the segment’s core product lines consisting primarily of copper tube, line sets, and fittings. Cost of goods sold increased from $212.9 million in the first quarter of 2010 to $323.2 million in the same period of 2011, which was also due to higher sales volume and increasing raw material prices, primarily copper. Depreciation and amortization in the first quarter decreased from $6.5 million in 2010 to $5.8 million in 2011 due to reduced depreciation expense resulting from certain assets being fully depreciated. Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased from $19.3 million in the first quarter of 2010 to $21.9 million in the first quarter of 2011. The increase is primarily due to increased provision for bad debts, increased incentive compensation and commissions, and higher employment costs during the 14-week period of 2011 compared to the 13-week period of 2010. Excluding the insurance gain, operating income for the segment increased to $29.7 million in the first quarter of 2011 from $18.0 million in the first quarter of 2010. This increase was due to higher sales volume in the segment’s core product lines, increased spreads in core products especially in copper tube and fittings, and improved per unit conversion costs in a majority of the segment’s product lines resulting primarily from increased production activities.

OEM Segment

The OEM segment’s first quarter net sales were $319.3 million in 2011 compared with $232.2 million in 2010. The increase was due primarily to higher sales volume and higher net selling prices resulting from higher average costs of raw materials. Of the $87.1 million increase in net sales, approximately $30.8 million was attributable to higher unit volume and approximately $34.7 million was due to higher net selling prices in the segment’s core product lines of brass rod, forgings, impacts, and commercial tube. Cost of goods sold increased to $278.8 million in the first quarter of 2011 from $203.6 million in the same period of 2010, which was also due to the increase in sales volume and average costs of raw materials. Depreciation and amortization remained relatively consistent at $3.6 million for both quarters. First quarter selling, general, and administrative expenses were $7.3 million in 2011 compared with $8.9 million in 2010. The decrease was due primarily to decreased bad debt expense partially offset by increased employment costs (14 weeks in 2011 as opposed to 13 weeks in 2010). Operating income increased from $16.1 million in the first quarter of 2010 to $29.6 million in the same period of 2011, due primarily to higher sales volume, improved unit spreads, lower per unit conversion costs in certain product lines, and lower selling, general, and administrative expenses.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended April 2, 2011 totaled $25.8 million, which was primarily attributable to net income of $40.5 million plus depreciation and amortization of $9.8 million and a $70.4 million increase in current liabilities, partially offset by increased receivables of $81.0 million and increased inventories of $13.5 million. The increases in receivables, inventories, and current liabilities primarily resulted from the increased cost of raw materials and moderate unit sales increases in certain businesses during the first quarter of 2011. 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. During the first three months of 2011, the average Comex copper price was approximately $4.39 per pound, which represents a 34 percent increase over the average price during the first three months of 2010. This increase in the price of cathode has also resulted in sharp increases in the open market price for copper scrap and, to a lesser extent, the price of brass scrap.

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During the first three months of 2011, cash used in investing activities totaled $11.5 million. The major components of net cash used in investing activities included $5.1 million used for capital expenditures and $6.9 million used for the acquisition of TFI.

Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $4.0 million, which consists primarily of $9.7 million received from the issuance of debt by Mueller-Xingrong, partially offset by $1.9 million in debt issuance costs and $3.8 million used for payment of regular quarterly dividends to stockholders of the Company.

The Company has significant environmental remediation obligations. The performance of these obligations is expected to occur over a minimum of 20 years. Cash used for environmental remediation activities was approximately $234 thousand during the first quarter of 2011. In addition, the Company paid the remaining $2.25 million of a $2.5 million settlement during the first quarter of 2011 related the Eureka Mills Site. The Company expects to spend approximately $1.3 million for the remainder of 2011 for ongoing environmental remediation activities. The timing of a potential payment for a $9.5 million settlement offer has not yet been determined.

On March 7, 2011, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement, which provides for an unsecured $350 million revolving line of credit (Credit Facility) maturing on March 7, 2016. The Credit Facility contains similar provisions and replaces the Company’s prior credit agreement dated December 1, 2006. The Credit Facility backed approximately $10.2 million in letters of credit at the end of the quarter. As of April 2, 2011, the Company’s total debt was $200.3 million or 18.9 percent of its total capitalization.

Covenants contained in the Company’s financing obligations require, among other things, the maintenance of minimum levels of tangible net worth and the satisfaction of certain minimum financial ratios. As of April 2, 2011, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants.

The Company declared and paid a regular quarterly cash dividend of ten cents per common share in the first quarter of 2011. Payment of dividends in the future is dependent upon the Company’s financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, earnings, and other factors. On May 1, 2011, the Company will pay approximately $4.4 million in interest on the Debentures that remain outstanding.

Management believes that cash provided by operations and currently available cash of $413.9 million will be adequate to meet the Company’s normal future capital expenditures and operational needs. The Company’s current ratio was 3.7 to 1 at April 2, 2011.

The Company’s Board of Directors has extended, until October 2011, its authorization to repurchase up to ten million shares of the Company’s common stock through open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions. The Company has no obligation to repurchase any shares and may cancel, suspend, or extend the time period for the repurchase of shares at any time. Any repurchases will be funded primarily through existing cash and cash from operations. The Company may hold any shares repurchased in treasury or use a portion of the repurchased shares for employee benefit plans, as well as for other corporate purposes. From its initial authorization in 1999 through April 2, 2011, the Company had repurchased approximately 2.4 million shares under this authorization. In addition, the Company may repurchase portions of its 6% Subordinated Debentures through open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions.

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s contractual cash obligations reported at December 25, 2010.

Non-GAAP Measurements

During the first quarter of 2011 and 2010, the Company recognized a litigation settlement of $10.5 million (or 18 cents per diluted share after tax) and an insurance gain of $22.5 million (or 62 cents per diluted share after tax), respectively. The litigation settlement resulted from the collection of proceeds from the lawsuit against Peter Berkman, Jeffrey Berkman, and Homewerks Worldwide LLC. The insurance gain resulted from the final settlement for losses claimed as a result of a fire at the U.K. subsidiary in November 2008, the results of which are not impacted by daily operations and are not expected to recur in future periods.

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The following tables show the Company’s computation of earnings without the litigation settlement and insurance gain for the three months ended April 2, 2011 and March 27, 2010. Earnings without the litigation settlement and insurance gain is a measurement not derived in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Excluding the litigation settlement and insurance gain is useful as it measures the operating results that are the outcome of daily operating decisions made in the normal course of business. Reconciliations of earnings without the litigation settlement and insurance gain to net income attributable to the Company are as follows:

(In thousands, except per share data)	For the Quarter Ended April 2, 2011
	As Reported			Impact of Litigation Settlement			Pro forma Without Litigation Settlement

Operating income	$	63,239		$	(10,500	)	$	52,739

Interest expense		(3,348	)		—			(3,348	)
Other income, net		1,059			—			1,059

Income before income taxes		60,950			(10,500	)		50,450
Income tax expense		(20,408	)		3,675			(16,733	)

Consolidated net income		40,542			(6,825	)		33,717

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		45			—			45

Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$	40,587		$	(6,825	)	$	33,762

Diluted earnings per share	$	1.07		$	(0.18	)	$	0.89

(In thousands, except per share data)	For the Quarter Ended March 27, 2010
	As Reported			Impact of Insurance Gain			Pro forma Without Insurance Gain

Operating income	$	47,055		$	(22,506	)	$	24,549

Interest expense		(2,532	)		—			(2,532	)
Other income, net		140			—			140

Income before income taxes		44,663			(22,506	)		22,157
Income tax expense (A)		(9,864	)		(819	)		(10,683	)

Consolidated net income		34,799			(23,325	)		11,474

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		(841	)		—			(841	)

Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$	33,958		$	(23,325	)	$	10,633

Diluted earnings per share	$	0.90		$	(0.62	)	$	0.28

(A) Realization of this insurance gain resulted in a tax benefit primarily from the utilization of U.K. net operating losses that were previously reserved.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

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

Cost and Availability of Raw Materials and Energy

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

The Company occasionally enters into future fixed-price arrangements with certain customers. The Company may utilize futures contracts to hedge risks associated with these fixed-price arrangements. The Company may also utilize futures contracts to manage price risk associated with inventory. Depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the futures contracts will either be offset against the change in fair value of the inventory through earnings or recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and reflected in earnings upon the sale of inventory. Periodic value fluctuations of the contracts generally offset the value fluctuations of the underlying fixed-price transactions or inventory. At April 2, 2011, the Company held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $26.7 million of copper through December 2011 related to fixed-price sales orders.

Futures contracts may also be used to manage price risk associated with natural gas purchases. The effective portion of gains and losses with respect to these positions are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and reflected in earnings upon consumption of natural gas. Periodic value fluctuations of the contracts generally offset the value fluctuations of the underlying natural gas prices. At April 2, 2011, the Company held no open futures contracts to purchase natural gas.

Interest Rates

At April 2, 2011, the Company had variable-rate debt outstanding of $52.2 million, the majority of which related to the debt issued by Mueller-Xingrong. At these borrowing levels, a hypothetical 10 percent increase in interest rates would have had an insignificant unfavorable impact on the Company’s pretax earnings and cash flows. The primary interest rate exposure on floating-rate debt is based on LIBOR and on the base-lending rate published by the People’s Bank of China.

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. Foreign currency exposures arising from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are generally not material; however, the Company may utilize certain futures or forward contracts to hedge such transactional exposures. Gains and losses with respect to these positions are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of comprehensive income and reflected in earnings upon collection of receivables. At April 2, 2011, the Company had open forward contracts with a financial institution to sell approximately $3.8 million Canadian dollars and $2.4 million Euros through June 2011.

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

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Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information

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

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

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

The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act as of April 2, 2011. 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 April 2, 2011 to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s fiscal quarter ending April 2, 2011, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

General

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

Copper Tube Antitrust Litigation

The Company has been named as a defendant in certain pending or recently dismissed litigations (the Copper Tube Actions) brought by direct and indirect purchasers of copper tube. The Copper Tube Actions allege anticompetitive activities with respect to the sale of copper plumbing tubes (copper plumbing tubes) and/or copper tubes used in, among other things, the manufacturing of air-conditioning and refrigeration units. The Copper Tube Actions seek or sought monetary and other relief.

Carrier ACR Tube Action

Canadian Dumping and Countervail Investigation

In June 2006, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) initiated an investigation into the alleged dumping of certain copper pipe fittings from the United States and from South Korea, and the dumping and subsidizing of these same goods from China. The Company and certain affiliated companies were identified by the CBSA as exporters and importers of these goods.

On January 18, 2007, the CBSA issued a final determination in its investigation. The Company was found to have dumped subject goods during the CBSA’s investigation period. On February 19, 2007, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) concluded that the dumping of the subject goods from the United States had caused injury to the Canadian industry.

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As a result of these findings, exports of subject goods to Canada by the Company made on or after October 20, 2006 have been subject to antidumping measures. Under Canada’s system of prospective antidumping enforcement, the CBSA has issued normal values to the Company. Antidumping duties will be imposed on the Company only to the extent that the Company’s future exports of copper pipe fittings are made at net export prices which are below these normal values. If net export prices for subject goods exceed normal values, no antidumping duties will be payable. These measures will remain in place for five years, at which time an expiry review will be conducted by Canadian authorities to determine whether these measures should be maintained for another five years or allowed to expire.

On April 8, 2011, CBSA completed a review process pursuant to which revised normal values were issued to exporters of subject goods, including the Company. In any event, given the small percentage of its products that are sold for export to Canada, the Company does not anticipate any material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows as a result of the antidumping case in Canada.

The “sunset review” process, pursuant to which Canadian authorities will examine whether the dumping order should be revoked or maintained for another five years, was initiated on April 12, 2011. It is anticipated that the results of the sunset review process will be issued on or before February 18, 2012.

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 for this period of review. On December 15, 2010, the DOC issued preliminary results and assigned a margin of dumping of 4.81 percent to Mueller Comercial. Final results are expected no later than June 2011. At this time, the Company is unable to estimate the impact, if any, that this matter will have on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

On December 28, 2010, the DOC initiated an antidumping administrative review of the antidumping duty order covering circular welded non-alloy steel pipe and tube from Mexico for the November 1, 2009 through October 31, 2010 period of review. The DOC has selected Mueller Comercial as a respondent for this period of review. At this time, the Company is unable to estimate the impact, if any, that this matter will have on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

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

On September 30, 2009, two subsidiaries of Mueller Industries, Inc., along with Cerro Flow Products, Inc. and KobeWieland Copper Products LLC (collectively, Petitioners), jointly filed antidumping petitions with the DOC and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) alleging that imports of seamless refined copper pipe and tube from China and Mexico (subject imports) were being sold at less than fair value and were causing material injury (and threatening material injury) to the domestic industry. On October 21, 2009, the DOC announced its decision to initiate antidumping investigations. On November 13, 2009, the ITC announced its unanimous determination that there is a reasonable indication that the domestic industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of subject imports. As a result of this preliminary determination, the DOC commenced antidumping investigations of Chinese and Mexican producers.

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On May 12, 2010, the DOC published its preliminary affirmative determinations, finding antidumping rates from 29.52 percent to 30.90 percent for Mexico, and from 10.26 percent to 60.50 percent for China. As a result, U.S. importers of subject imports were required to post bonds or cash deposits at these preliminary rates. On October 1, 2010, the DOC published its final affirmative determinations, finding antidumping rates from 24.89 percent to 27.16 percent for Mexico (as amended), and from 11.25 percent to 60.85 percent for China.

On November 22, 2010, the ITC issued its final affirmative determination that subject imports from China and Mexico threatened material injury to the domestic industry. Also on November 22, 2010, the DOC published antidumping orders, with the effect that importers are required to post antidumping cash deposits at rates ranging from 24.89 percent to 27.16 percent (for subject imports from Mexico) and from 11.25 percent to 60.85 percent (for subject imports from China).

On December 22, 2010, certain Mexican parties requested panel reviews under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in order to appeal the ITC final determination as to Mexico. Under the current schedule, a panel decision is expected on or about November 2, 2011. At this time, the Company is unable to know the final disposition of that appeal.

Employment Litigation

On December 10, 2010, during a pre-trial settlement conference before the court, the material terms of a settlement related to the parties’ claims in the lawsuit were agreed upon. On that date, the court signed an order setting forth the material terms of the settlement, which required the payment of at least $10.5 million to the Company as follows (i) the payment of $7.5 million in cash by Peter and Jeffrey Berkman to the Company; (ii) execution and delivery by Peter and Jeffrey Berkman to the Company of a promissory note in the principal amount of $3 million, secured by Peter Berkman's 70 percent interest in Homewerks Worldwide LLC; and (iii) additional future compensation. The court order also required the exchange of mutual releases. The court order did not provide for any payment by the Company, B&K, or any of their officers or directors with respect to the counterclaims.

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Environmental Matters

Operating properties:

Belding, Michigan Lead Matters

Non-operating properties:

Eureka Mills Site

Southeast Kansas Sites

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

The Company is exposed to risk as it operates its businesses. To provide a framework to understand the operating environment of the Company, we have provided a brief explanation of the more significant risks associated with our businesses in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes in risk factors that were previously disclosed in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company’s Board of Directors has extended, until October 2011, its authorization to repurchase up to ten million shares of the Company’s common stock through open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions. The Company has no obligation to repurchase any shares and may cancel, suspend, or extend the time period for the repurchase of shares at any time. Any repurchases will be funded primarily through existing cash and cash from operations. The Company may hold any shares repurchased in treasury or use a portion of the repurchased shares for employee benefit plans, as well as for other corporate purposes. From its initial authorization in 1999 through April 2, 2011, the Company had repurchased approximately 2.4 million shares under this authorization. Below is a summary of the Company’s stock repurchases for the period ended April 2, 2011.

	(a)		(b)		(c)	(d)
	Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs

							7,647,030	(1)

December 26, 2010 – January 29, 2011		—	$	—	—

January 30 – February 26, 2011		—		—	—

February 27 – April 2, 2011		—		—	—

(1) Shares available to be purchased under the Company's ten million share repurchase authorization until October 2011. The extension of the authorization was announced on October 21, 2010.

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Item 6. Exhibits

	10.1	Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011, among the Company (as borrower), Bank of America, N.A. (as agent), and certain lenders named therein (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 10-K, dated March 7, 2011).

	19.1	Mueller Industries, Inc.’s Quarterly Report to Stockholders for the quarter ended April 2, 2011. Such report is being furnished for the information of the Securities and Exchange Commission only and is not to be deemed filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

	31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

	31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

	32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

	32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

	101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

	101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

	101.INS	XBRL Instance Document

	101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

	101.PRE	XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

	101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

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

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SIGNATURES

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

	MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.


	/S/ Kent A. McKee
	Kent A. McKee
April 29, 2011	Executive Vice President and
Date	Chief Financial Officer


	/S/ Richard W. Corman
April 29, 2011	Richard W. Corman
Date	Vice President – Controller

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibits	Description

19.1	Mueller Industries, Inc.’s Quarterly Report to Stockholders for the quarter ended April 2, 2011. Such report is being furnished for the information of the Securities and Exchange Commission only and is not to be deemed filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

101.INS	XBRL Instance Document

101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

101.PRE	XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema