10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.

FORM 10-Q

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

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 30, 2019 Commission file number 1–6770

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

150 Schilling Boulevard, Suite 100
Collierville, Tennessee	38107
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(901) 753-3200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Yes   ☒    No   ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).  

Yes   ☒    No   ☐

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

Large accelerated filer    ☒	Accelerated filer    ☐
Non-accelerated filer    ☐	Smaller reporting company    ☐
	Emerging growth company    ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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

Yes   ☐    No   ☒

The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding as of April 19, 2019 was 56,626,486.

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

FORM 10-Q

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 30, 2019

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

INDEX

		Page Number
Part I.  Financial Information
	Item 1.   – Financial Statements (Unaudited)
	a.)  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income	3
	b.)  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	4
	c.)  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	5
	d.)  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	6
	e.)  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity	7
	f.)  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	9
	Item 2.   – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	24
	Item 3.   – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	33
	Item 4.   – Controls and Procedures	34
Part II.  Other Information
	Item 1.   – Legal Proceedings	34
	Item 1A – Risk Factors	34
	Item 2.   – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	35
	Item 6.   – Exhibits	36
Signatures		37

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

	For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)	March 30, 2019			March 31, 2018
Net sales	$	611,781		$	640,060
Cost of goods sold	511,393			545,670
Depreciation and amortization	10,555			9,456
Selling, general, and administrative expense	40,653			34,057
Asset impairment	—			3,469
Operating income	49,180			47,408
Interest expense	(6,954		)	(5,909		)
Other (expense) income, net	(172		)	560
Income before income taxes	42,054			42,059
Income tax expense	(9,546		)	(7,395		)
Loss from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax	(15,369		)	(10,320		)
Consolidated net income	17,139			24,344
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,416		)	(216		)
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$	15,723		$	24,128
Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share	55,728			56,900
Effect of dilutive stock-based awards	526			517
Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share	56,254			57,417
Basic earnings per share	$	0.28		$	0.42
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.28		$	0.42
Dividends per share	$	0.10		$	0.10

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

	For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands)	March 30, 2019			March 31, 2018
Consolidated net income	$	17,139		$	24,344
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	6,057			4,977
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $(343) and $279	1,257			(1,062		)
Net change in pension and postretirement obligation adjustments, net of tax of $107 and $180	(246		)	(451		)
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax of $(13) and $116	47			(401		)
Total other comprehensive income, net	7,115			3,063
Consolidated comprehensive income	24,254			27,407
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,620		)	(393		)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$	22,634		$	27,014

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share data)	March 30, 2019			December 29, 2018
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	97,596		$	72,616
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $812 in 2019 and $836 in 2018	309,765			273,417
Inventories	344,850			329,795
Other current assets	32,322			26,790
Total current assets	784,533			702,618
Property, plant, and equipment, net	369,710			370,633
Operating lease right-of-use assets	29,515			—
Goodwill, net	153,106			150,335
Intangible assets, net	61,558			61,971
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	50,733			58,042
Other assets	25,898			25,950
Total assets	$	1,475,053		$	1,369,549
Liabilities
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	$	5,001		$	7,101
Accounts payable	107,301			103,754
Accrued wages and other employee costs	29,621			38,549
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	4,737			—
Other current liabilities	73,869			83,397
Total current liabilities	220,529			232,801
Long-term debt, less current portion	559,836			489,597
Pension liabilities	13,573			14,237
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	14,802			14,818
Environmental reserves	20,025			20,009
Deferred income taxes	18,940			16,615
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	25,437			—
Other noncurrent liabilities	19,989			18,212
Total liabilities	893,131			806,289
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 80,183,004; outstanding 56,626,441 in 2019 and 56,702,997 in 2018	802			802
Additional paid-in capital	278,800			276,849
Retained earnings	834,798			824,737
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(72,881		)	(79,792		)
Treasury common stock, at cost	(476,121		)	(474,240		)
Total Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity	565,398			548,356
Noncontrolling interests	16,524			14,904
Total equity	581,922			563,260
Commitments and contingencies	—			—
Total liabilities and equity	$	1,475,053		$	1,369,549

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

	For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands)	March 30, 2019			March 31, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities
Consolidated net income	$	17,139		$	24,344
Reconciliation of consolidated net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	10,635			9,536
Stock-based compensation expense	2,007			1,912
Loss from unconsolidated affiliates	15,369			10,320
Loss (gain) on disposals of properties	37			(676		)
Impairment charge	—			3,469
Deferred income tax benefit	(225		)	(940		)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of business acquired:
Receivables	(34,067		)	(72,843		)
Inventories	(13,335		)	3,504
Other assets	(7,530		)	20,967
Current liabilities	(15,885		)	(23,898		)
Other liabilities	741			(1,845		)
Other, net	441			(365		)
Net cash used in operating activities	(24,673		)	(26,515		)
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	(6,834		)	(5,517		)
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	—			(12,466		)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	(8,000		)	(609		)
Proceeds from sales of assets	4			708
Net cash used in investing activities	(14,830		)	(17,884		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.	(5,574		)	(5,679		)
Repurchase of common stock	(1,763		)	(6,575		)
Issuance of long-term debt	100,557			41,754
Repayments of long-term debt	(30,472		)	(15,903		)
Repayment of debt by consolidated joint ventures, net	(2,121		)	(3,342		)
Net cash (used) received to settle stock-based awards	(175		)	50
Net cash provided by financing activities	60,452			10,305
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	919			1,289
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	21,868			(32,805		)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the beginning of the period	77,138			126,563
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the end of the period	$	99,006		$	93,758

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Unaudited)

	For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands)	March 30, 2019				March 31, 2018
	Shares	Amount			Shares	Amount
Common stock:
Balance at beginning of year	80,183	$	802		80,183	$	802
Balance at end of year	80,183	$	802		80,183	$	802
Additional paid-in capital:
Balance at beginning of year		$	276,849			$	274,585
Issuance of shares under incentive stock option plans		(56		)		(48		)
Stock-based compensation expense		2,007				1,912
Issuance of restricted stock		—				(20		)
Balance at end of year		$	278,800			$	276,429
Retained earnings:
Balance at beginning of year		$	824,737			$	743,503
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.		15,723				24,128
Dividends paid or payable to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.		(5,662		)		(5,756		)
Reclassification of stranded effects of the Act		—				(556		)
Balance at end of year		$	834,798			$	761,319
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Balance at beginning of year		$	(79,792	)		$	(51,056	)
Total other comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.		6,911				2,886
Reclassification of stranded effects of the Act		—				556
Balance at end of year		$	(72,881	)		$	(47,614	)

7

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Unaudited)

	For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands)	March 30, 2019				March 31, 2018
	Shares	Amount			Shares		Amount
Treasury stock:
Balance at beginning of year	23,480	$	(474,240	)	22,373		$	(445,723	)
Issuance of shares under incentive stock option plans	—	(118		)	(6	)	114
Repurchase of common stock	77	(1,763		)	252		(6,592		)
Issuance of restricted stock	—	—			(1	)	20
Balance at end of year	23,557	$	(476,121	)	22,618		$	(452,181	)
Noncontrolling interests:
Balance at beginning of year		$	14,904				$	13,917
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		1,416					216
Foreign currency translation		204					177
Balance at end of year		$	16,524				$	14,310

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

8

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 (U.S. GAAP) 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 for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented herein. 

Note 1 – Recent Accounting Standards

Adopted

In July 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements and ASU No. 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases. The ASUs clarify how to apply certain aspects of the new leasing standard, ASC 842.  ASC 842 requires an entity to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for each lease with a term of more than 12 months.  Recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses will depend on classification as a financing or operating lease.  The guidance also requires certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures about leasing arrangements.  The Company adopted the ASU during the first quarter of 2019 using a modified retrospective approach and applied the transition provisions at the beginning of the fiscal year. Financial results reported in periods prior to 2018 are unchanged. The Company elected a package of practical expedients, which among other things, does not require the reassessment of lease classification. The Company does not separate lease and non-lease components of contracts. The Company implemented a system to identify its entire population of leases and tested the population for completeness. As of the effective date, the Company recognized noncurrent right-of-use assets of $30.8 million and corresponding current and noncurrent lease liabilities of $4.9 million and $26.6 million, respectively.

Issued

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. For employers that sponsor defined benefit pension and/or other postretirement benefit plans, the ASU eliminates requirements for certain disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial, requires new disclosures related to the weighted-average interest crediting rate for cash balance plans and explanations for significant gains and losses related to changes in benefit obligations, and clarifies the requirements for entities that provide aggregate disclosures for two or more plans. The ASU will be effective for the annual period beginning in 2020. The updated guidance requires retrospective adoption, and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material impact on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The ASU eliminates requirements to disclose the amount and reasons for transfers between level 1 and level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, but requires public companies to disclose changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income (OCI) for recurring level 3 fair value measurements or instruments held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning in 2020. An entity is permitted to early adopt either the entire standard or only the provisions that eliminate or modify requirements, and can elect to early adopt in interim periods. The guidance on changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in OCI for recurring level 3 measurements, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty is applied prospectively. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material impact on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

9

Note 2 – 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. 

Note 3 – Acquisitions

ATCO

On July 2, 2018, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement pursuant to which the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of ATCO Rubber Products, Inc. (ATCO) for approximately $156.7 million, net of the estimated working capital adjustments. The total purchase price consisted of $151.4 million in cash at closing and a contingent consideration arrangement which requires the Company to pay the former owner up to $12.0 million based on EBITDA growth of the acquired business. ATCO is an industry leader in the manufacturing and distribution of insulated HVAC flexible duct systems and will support the Company’s strategy to grow its Climate Products businesses to become a more valuable resource to its HVAC customers. The acquired business is reported in the Company’s Climate segment.

The fair value of the assets acquired totaled $137.9 million, consisting primarily of property, plant, and equipment of $83.1 million, inventories of $31.7 million, accounts receivable of $21.8 million, other current assets of $1.1 million, and other assets of $0.2 million. The fair value of the liabilities assumed totaled $20.4 million, consisting primarily of accounts payable of $8.1 million, other current liabilities of $10.2 million, and long-term debt of $2.1 million. Of the remaining purchase price, $17.8 million was allocated to tax-deductible goodwill and $21.4 million was allocated to intangible assets, including technology, customer relationships, trade names, and supply contracts. The purchase price allocation is provisional as of March 30, 2019 and subject to change upon completion of the final valuation of the long-lived assets, working capital, and contingent consideration during the measurement period.

ATCO had net sales of approximately $45.5 million for the quarter ended March 30, 2019. For the year ended December 29, 2018, the Company’s net sales included approximately $90.0 million of revenue recognized by ATCO from the date of acquisition.

The following table presents condensed pro forma consolidated results of operations as if the ATCO acquisition has occurred at the beginning of 2018. The pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of the results that would have been obtained if the operations had actually been combined during the periods presented and is not necessarily indicative of operating results to be expected in future periods. The most significant pro forma adjustments to the historical results of operations relate to the application of purchase accounting and the financing structure.

	For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)	March 31, 2018
Net sales	$	681,331
Net income	26,463
Basic earnings per share	$	0.47
Diluted earnings per share	0.46

Die-Mold

On March 31, 2018, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement pursuant to which the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Die-Mold Tool Limited (Die-Mold) for approximately $13.6 million, net of working capital adjustments. The total purchase price consisted of $12.4 million in cash at closing and a contingent consideration arrangement which requires the Company to pay the former owner up to $2.3 million based on EBITDA growth of the acquired business. Die-Mold, based out of Ontario, Canada, is a manufacturer of plastic PEX and other plumbing-related fittings and an integrated designer and manufacturer of plastic injection tooling. The business complements the Company’s existing businesses within the Piping Systems segment.

10

The fair value of the assets acquired totaled $7.1 million, consisting primarily of property, plant, and equipment of $3.3 million, inventories of $1.8 million, accounts receivable of $1.7 million, and other current assets of $0.3 million. The fair value of the liabilities assumed totaled $2.9 million, consisting primarily of accounts payable of $0.7 million, other current liabilities of $0.2 million, and deferred taxes of $2.0 million. Of the remaining purchase price, $9.4 million was allocated to non-deductible goodwill and intangible assets.

Note 4 – Segment Information

Each of the Company’s reportable segments is composed of certain operating segments that are aggregated primarily by the nature of products offered as follows:

Piping Systems

Piping Systems is composed of the following operating segments: Domestic Piping Systems Group, Great Lakes Copper, Heatlink Group, Die-Mold, European Operations, Trading Group, and Jungwoo-Mueller (the Company’s South Korean joint venture).  The Domestic Piping Systems Group manufactures copper tube, fittings, and line sets.  These products are manufactured in the U.S., sold in the U.S., and exported to markets worldwide.   Outside the U.S., Great Lakes Copper manufactures copper tube and line sets in Canada and sells the products primarily in the U.S. and Canada. Heatlink Group produces a complete line of products for PEX plumbing and radiant systems in Canada and sells these products in Canada and the U.S. Die-Mold manufactures PEX and other plumbing-related fittings and plastic injection tooling in Canada and sells these products in Canada and the U.S. European Operations manufacture copper tube in the U.K. which is sold primarily in Europe.  The Trading Group manufactures pipe nipples and resells brass and plastic plumbing valves, malleable iron fittings, faucets, and plumbing specialty products in the U.S. and Mexico.  Jungwoo-Mueller manufactures copper-based joining products that are sold worldwide.  The Piping Systems segment’s products are sold primarily to plumbing, refrigeration, and air-conditioning wholesalers, hardware wholesalers and co-ops, building product retailers, and air-conditioning original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Industrial Metals

Industrial Metals is composed of the following operating segments: Brass Rod & Copper Bar Products, Impacts & Micro Gauge, and Brass Value-Added Products.  These businesses manufacture brass rod, impact extrusions, and forgings, as well as a wide variety of end products including plumbing brass, automotive components, valves, fittings, and gas assemblies.  These products are manufactured in the U.S. and sold primarily to OEMs in the U.S., many of which are in the industrial, transportation, construction, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning, plumbing, refrigeration, and energy markets.

Climate

Climate is composed of the following operating segments: Refrigeration Products, Fabricated Tube Products, Westermeyer, Turbotec, and ATCO.  These domestic businesses manufacture and fabricate valves, assemblies, high pressure components, coaxial heat exchangers, and insulated HVAC flexible duct systems primarily for the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration markets in the U.S.

11

Summarized segment information is as follows:

	For the Quarter Ended March 30, 2019
(In thousands)	Piping Systems		Industrial Metals		Climate		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	376,492	$	150,875	$	89,834	$	(5,420	)	$	611,781
Cost of goods sold	324,796		126,699		66,829		(6,931		)	511,393
Depreciation and amortization	5,550		1,844		2,313		848			10,555
Selling, general, and administrative expense	17,897		3,145		8,306		11,305			40,653
Operating income	28,249		19,187		12,386		(10,642		)	49,180
Interest expense										(6,954		)
Other loss, net										(172		)
Income before income taxes										$	42,054

	For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2018
(In thousands)	Piping Systems		Industrial Metals		Climate		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	430,964	$	177,332	$	36,063	$	(4,299	)	$	640,060
Cost of goods sold	372,895		149,423		27,286		(3,934		)	545,670
Depreciation and amortization	5,878		1,903		621		1,054			9,456
Selling, general, and administrative expense	19,242		3,373		2,609		8,833			34,057
Asset impairment	—		—		—		3,469			3,469
Operating income	32,949		22,633		5,547		(13,721		)	47,408
Interest expense										(5,909		)
Other income, net										560
Income before income taxes										$	42,059

12

The following tables represent a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers, along with the reportable segment for each category:

	For the Quarter Ended March 30, 2019
(In thousands)	Piping Systems		Industrial Metals		Climate		Total
Tube and fittings	$	307,521	$	—	$	—	$	307,521
Brass rod and forgings	—		115,924		—		115,924
OEM components, tube & assemblies	7,283		13,037		37,243		57,563
Valves and plumbing specialties	61,688		—		—		61,688
Other	—		21,914		52,591		74,505
	376,492		150,875		89,834		617,201
Intersegment sales							(5,420		)
Net sales							$	611,781

	For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2018
(In thousands)	Piping Systems		Industrial Metals		Climate		Total
Tube and fittings	$	358,091	$	—	$	—	$	358,091
Brass rod and forgings	—		136,548		—		136,548
OEM components, tube & assemblies	7,062		15,067		36,063		58,192
Valves and plumbing specialties	65,811		—		—		65,811
Other	—		25,717		—		25,717
	430,964		177,332		36,063		644,359
Intersegment sales							(4,299		)
Net sales							$	640,060

Note 5 – Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

(In thousands)	March 30, 2019		December 29, 2018
Cash & cash equivalents	$	97,596	$	72,616
Restricted cash included within other current assets	1,302		4,414
Restricted cash included within other assets	108		108
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	99,006	$	77,138

Amounts included in restricted cash relate to required deposits in brokerage accounts that facilitate the Company’s hedging activities as well as imprest funds for the Company’s self-insured workers’ compensation program.

13

Note 6 – Inventories

(In thousands)	March 30, 2019			December 29, 2018
Raw materials and supplies	$	101,420		$	89,641
Work-in-process	60,356			58,643
Finished goods	190,033			188,506
Valuation reserves	(6,959		)	(6,995		)
Inventories	$	344,850		$	329,795

Note 7 – Financial Instruments

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.

All derivatives are recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value.  On the date the derivative contract is entered into, it is either a) designated as a hedge of (i) a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flow to be paid (cash flow hedge) or (ii) the fair value of a recognized asset or liability (fair value hedge), or b) not designated in a hedge accounting relationship, even though the derivative contract was executed to mitigate an economic exposure (economic hedge), as the Company does not enter into derivative contracts for trading purposes.  Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is qualified, designated, and highly effective as a cash flow hedge are recorded in stockholders’ equity within 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 derivatives executed as economic hedges and the ineffective portion of designated derivatives are reported in current earnings.

The Company documents all relationships between derivative instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions.  This process includes linking all derivative instruments that are designated as fair value hedges to specific assets and liabilities in the Condensed 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 derivative instruments that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows or fair values of hedged items.  When a derivative instrument is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge or the underlying hedged transaction is no longer probable of occurring, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively in accordance with the derecognition criteria for hedge accounting.

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 March 30, 2019, the Company held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $32.0 million of copper over the next 14 months related to fixed price sales orders.  The fair value of those futures contracts was a $1.3 millionnet gain position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (level 1 within the fair value hierarchy).  In the next 12 months, the Company will reclassify into earnings realized gains or losses relating to cash flow hedges.  At March 30, 2019, this amount was approximately $911 thousand of deferred net gains, net of tax.

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The Company may also enter into futures contracts to protect the value of inventory against market fluctuations.  At March 30, 2019, the Company held open futures contracts to sell approximately $2.6 million of copper over the next four months related to copper inventory.  The fair value of those futures contracts was a $90 thousandnet loss position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (level 1 within the fair value hierarchy).

The Company presents its derivative assets and liabilities in the Condensed 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
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	March 30, 2019			December 29, 2018			Balance Sheet Location	March 30, 2019			December 29, 2018
Commodity contracts - gains	Other current assets	$	1,366		$	88		Other current liabilities	$	—		$	103
Commodity contracts - losses	Other current assets	(24		)	(1		)	Other current liabilities	(90		)	(1,382		)
Total derivatives (1)		$	1,342		$	87			$	(90	)	$	(1,279	)

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

The following tables summarize the effects of derivative instruments on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:

		For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands)	Location	March 30, 2019		March 31, 2018
Fair value hedges:
Gain on commodity contracts (qualifying)	Cost of goods sold	$	—	$	391
Loss on hedged item - inventory	Cost of goods sold	—		(385		)
Undesignated derivatives:
Gain on commodity contracts (nonqualifying)	Cost of goods sold	1,442		6,126

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

	For the Quarter Ended March 30, 2019
(In thousands)	Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax			Classification Gains (Losses)	Gain Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
Cash flow hedges:
Commodity contracts	$	1,352		Cost of goods sold	$	(79	)
Other	(16		)	Other	—
Total	$	1,336		Total	$	(79	)

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Changes recognized in and reclassified from AOCI (continued):

	For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2018
(In thousands)	(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax			Classification Gains (Losses)	Gain Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
Cash flow hedges:
Commodity contracts	$	(795	)	Cost of goods sold	$	(292	)
Other	25			Other	—
Total	$	(770	)	Total	$	(292	)

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 qualifying open hedge contracts through March 30, 2019 was not material to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company primarily enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association 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 a 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 March 30, 2019 and December 29, 2018, the Company had recorded restricted cash in other current assets of $0.5 million and $3.6 million, respectively, as collateral related to open derivative contracts under the master netting arrangements.

Long-Term Debt

The fair value of long-term debt at March 30, 2019 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.  

Note 8 – Leases

The Company leases certain manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, office space, and equipment. Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; expense for these leases is recognized on a straight line-basis over the term of the lease. Most of the Company’s leases include one or more options to renew up to five years and have remaining terms of one to fifteen years. These options are not included in the Company’s valuation of the right-of-use assets as the Company is not reasonably certain to exercise the options.

The Company has certain vehicle leases that are financing; however, these leases are deemed immaterial for disclosure.

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The following table includes supplemental information with regards to the Company’s operating leases:

(In thousands, except lease term and discount rate)	March 30, 2019
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	29,515
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	4,737
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	25,437
Total operating lease liabilities	$	30,174
Weighted average discount rate	4.13		%
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)	9.32

As of the adoption date of ASC 842, discount rates for existing leases were based on an estimate of the Company’s incremental borrowing rate, adjusted for the term of the lease.

Some of the Company’s leases include variable lease costs such as taxes, insurance, etc. These costs are immaterial for disclosure. The following table presents certain information related to operating lease costs and cash paid during the quarter.

(In thousands)	March 30, 2019
Operating lease costs	$	1,627
Short term lease costs	1,490
Total lease costs	$	3,117
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities	$	1,585

Maturities of the Company’s operating leases are as follows:

(In thousands)	March 30, 2019
2019	$	5,976
2020	5,343
2021	4,383
2022	3,661
2023	2,635
2024 and thereafter	15,361
Total lease payments	37,359
Less imputed interest	(7,185		)
Total lease obligations	30,174
Less current obligations	(4,737		)
Noncurrent lease obligations	$	25,437

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Note 9 – Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates

Tecumseh

The Company owns a 50 percent interest in an unconsolidated affiliate that acquired Tecumseh Products Company LLC (Tecumseh).  The Company also owns a 50 percent interest in a second unconsolidated affiliate that provides financing to Tecumseh.  These investments are recorded using the equity method of accounting, as the Company can exercise significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or otherwise control the respective entities.  Under the equity method of accounting, these investments are stated at initial cost and are adjusted for subsequent additional investments and the Company’s proportionate share of earnings or losses and distributions.

The Company records its proportionate share of the investees’ net income or loss, net of foreign taxes, one quarter in arrears as income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and its proportionate share of the investees’ other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity. The U.S. tax effect of the Company’s proportionate share of Tecumseh’s income or loss is recorded in income tax expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. In general, the equity investment in unconsolidated affiliates is equal to the current equity investment plus the investees’ net accumulated losses. 

The following tables present summarized financial information derived from the Company’s equity method investees’ combined consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

(In thousands)	March 30, 2019		December 29, 2018
Current assets	$	200,129	$	228,214
Noncurrent assets	107,349		114,257
Current liabilities	161,863		175,371
Noncurrent liabilities	62,814		57,216

	For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands)	March 30, 2019			March 31, 2018
Net sales	$	113,327		$	124,100
Gross profit	8,006			12,100
Net loss	(29,207		)	(18,331		)

The Company’s loss from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, for the quarter ended March 30, 2019 included net losses of $14.6 million for Tecumseh.

The Company’s loss from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 included net losses of $6.2 million and charges of $3.0 million related to certain labor claim contingencies for Tecumseh.

Mueller Middle East

On December 30, 2015, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with Cayan Ventures and Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company to build a copper tube mill in Bahrain. The business operates and brands its products under the Mueller Industries family of brands. The Company has invested approximately $4.5 million of cash to date and is the technical and marketing lead with a 40 percent ownership in the joint venture.

The Company’s loss from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, for the quarters ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018 included net losses of $0.8 million and $1.1 million, respectively, for Mueller Middle East.

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Note 10 – Benefit Plans

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 (income) are as follows:

	For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands)	March 30, 2019			March 31, 2018
Pension benefits:
Service cost	$	—		$	24
Interest cost	1,467			1,493
Expected return on plan assets	(2,076		)	(2,289		)
Amortization of net loss	530			349
Net periodic benefit income	$	(79	)	$	(423	)
Other benefits:
Service cost	$	64		$	60
Interest cost	153			148
Amortization of prior service credit	(226		)	(226		)
Amortization of net (gain) loss	(8		)	18
Net periodic benefit income	$	(17	)	$	—

The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) other than the service cost component are included in other (expense) income, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Note 11 – Commitments and Contingencies

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

Environmental

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, East La Harpe, and Lanyon).  The Company is not a successor to the companies that operated these smelter sites, but is exploring possible settlement with KDHE and other potentially responsible parties (PRP) in order to avoid litigation. 

Altoona. Another PRP conducted a site investigation of the Altoona site under a consent decree with KDHE and submitted a removal site evaluation report recommending a remedy.  The remedial design plan, which covers both on-site and certain off-site cleanup costs, was approved by the KDHE in 2016. 

East La Harpe. At the East La Harpe site, the Company and two other PRPs conducted a site study evaluation under KDHE supervision and prepared a site cleanup plan approved by KDHE.  In 2016, the corporate parent (Peabody Energy) of a third party that the Company understands may owe indemnification obligations to one of the other PRPs (Blue Tee) in connection with the East La Harpe site filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.  KDHE has extended the deadline for the PRPs to develop a repository design plan to allow for wetlands permitting to take place.  In December 2018, KDHE provided a

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draft agreement which contemplates the use of funds KDHE obtained from two other parties (Peabody Energy and Blue Tee) to fund part of the remediation, and removes Blue Tee from the PRPs’ agreement with KDHE. The Company is currently negotiating the terms of that draft agreement.

Lanyon. With respect to the Lanyon Site, in 2016, the Company received a general notice letter from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asserting that the Company is a PRP, which the Company has denied. 

The Company’s reserve for its proportionate share of the remediation costs associated with these three Southeast Kansas sites is $5.6 million.

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 implementing various remedial measures, including sealing mine portals with concrete plugs in portals that 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 QCB Order, 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, and again 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 10-year permit will include an order requiring continued implementation of BMP through 2029 to address residual discharges of acid rock drainage.  The Company currently estimates that it will spend between approximately $12.8 million and $17.5 million for remediation at these sites over the next 30 years.

Lead Refinery Site

U.S.S. Lead Refinery, Inc. (Lead Refinery), a non-operating wholly owned subsidiary of MRRC, has conducted corrective action and interim remedial activities (collectively, Site Activities) at Lead Refinery’s East Chicago, Indiana site pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act since December 1996.  Although the Site Activities have been substantially concluded, Lead Refinery is required to perform monitoring and maintenance-related activities pursuant to a post-closure permit issued by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management effective as of March 2, 2013.  Approximate costs to comply with the post-closure permit, including associated general and administrative costs, are estimated at between $1.7 million and $2.1 million over the next 18 years.

On April 9, 2009, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added the Lead Refinery site and surrounding properties to the National Priorities List (NPL).  On July 17, 2009, Lead Refinery received a written notice from the EPA indicating that it may be a PRP under CERCLA due to the release or threat of release of hazardous substances including lead into properties surrounding the Lead Refinery NPL site.  The EPA identified two other PRPs in connection with that matter.  In November 2012, the EPA adopted a remedy for the surrounding properties and 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 NPL site (zones 1 and 3 of operable unit 1) and perform certain remedial action tasks.

On November 8, 2016, the Company, its subsidiary Arava Natural Resources Company, Inc. (Arava), and Arava’s subsidiary MRRC each received general notice letters from the EPA asserting that they may be PRPs in connection with the Lead Refinery NPL site.  The Company, Arava, and MRRC have denied liability for any remedial action and response costs associated with the Lead Refinery NPL site.  In June 2017, the EPA requested that Lead Refinery conduct, and the Company fund, a remedial investigation and feasibility study of operable unit 2 of the Lead Refinery NPL site pursuant to a proposed administrative settlement agreement and order on consent. The Company and Lead Refinery entered into that agreement in September 2017. The Company has made a capital contribution to Lead Refinery to conduct the remedial investigation and feasibility study with respect to operable unit 2 and has provided financial assurance in the amount of $1.0 million. The EPA has also asserted its position that Mueller is a responsible party for the Lead Refinery NPL site, and accordingly is responsible for a share of remedial action and response costs at the site and in the adjacent residential area.

In January 2018, the EPA issued two unilateral administrative orders (UAOs) directing the Company, Lead Refinery, and four other PRPs to conduct soil and interior remediation of certain residences at the Lead Refinery NPL site (zones 2 and 3 of operable unit 1). The Company and Lead Refinery have reached agreement with the four other PRPs to implement these two UAOs, with

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the Company agreeing to pay, on an interim basis, (i) an estimated $4.5 million (subject to potential change through a future reallocation process) of the approximately $25.0 million the PRPs currently estimate it will cost to implement the UAOs, which estimate is subject to change, and (ii) $2.0 million relating to past costs incurred by other PRPs for work conducted at the site, as well as the possibility of up to $0.7 million in further payments for ongoing work by those PRPs, $0.4 million of which has been incurred by those PRPs and paid for by the Company to date.  As of March 30, 2019, the Company has made payments of approximately $5.7 million related to the aforementioned agreement with the other PRPs and has included $1.3 million in the reserve for environmental liabilities. The Company disputes that it was properly named in the UAOs, and has reserved its rights to petition the EPA for reimbursement of any costs incurred to comply with the UAOs upon the completion of the work required therein.  In October 2017, a group of private plaintiffs sued the Company, Arava, MRRC, and Lead Refinery, along with other defendants, in a private tort action relating to the site; the Company, Arava, and MRRC were voluntarily dismissed from that litigation without prejudice in March 2018.  A second civil action asserting similar claims was filed against the Company, Arava, MRRC, and Lead Refinery in September 2018. At this juncture, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of a material adverse outcome or the amount or range of a potential loss in excess of the current reserve with respect to any remedial action or litigation relating to the Lead Refinery NPL site, either at Lead Refinery’s former operating site (operable unit 2) or the adjacent residential area (operable unit 1), but not limited to EPA oversight costs for which EPA may attempt to seek reimbursement from the Company, and past costs for which other PRPs may attempt to seek contribution from the Company.

Bonita Peak Mining District

Following an August 2015 spill from the Gold King Mine into the Animas River near Silverton, Colorado, the EPA listed the Bonita Peak Mining District on the NPL.  Said listing was finalized in September 2016.  The Bonita Peak Mining District encompasses 48 mining sites within the Animas River watershed, including the Sunnyside Mine, the American Tunnel, and the Sunbank Group.  On or about July 25, 2017, Washington Mining Company (Washington Mining) (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Arava), received a general notice letter from the EPA stating that Washington Mining may be a PRP under CERCLA in connection with the Bonita Peak Mining District site and therefore responsible for the remediation of certain portions of the site, along with related costs incurred by the EPA.  Shortly thereafter, the Company received a substantively identical letter asserting that it may be a PRP at the site and similarly responsible for the cleanup of certain portions of the site.  The general notice letters identify one other PRP at the site, and do not require specific action by Washington Mining or the Company at this time.  At this juncture, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of a materially adverse outcome or the amount or range of a potential loss with respect to any remedial action related to the Bonita Peak Mining District NPL site.

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 to remove trichloroethylene, a cleaning solvent formerly used by MCTP.  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 (RWP) 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 RWP regarding final remediation for the Site.  The remediation system was activated in February 2014.  Costs to implement the work plans, including associated general and administrative costs, are estimated to approximate $0.7 million to $1.1 million over the next seven years.

United States Department of Commerce Antidumping Review

On December 24, 2008, the 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 for the November 1, 2007  through October 31, 2008 period of review.  The DOC selected Mueller Comercial as a respondent in the review.  On April 19, 2010, the DOC published the final results of the review and assigned Mueller Comercial an antidumping duty rate of 48.33 percent.  On May 25, 2010, the Company appealed the final results to the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT).  On December 16, 2011, the CIT issued a decision remanding the Department’s final results.  While the matter was still pending, the Company and the United States reached an agreement to settle the appeal.  Subject to the conditions of the agreement, the Company anticipated that certain of its subsidiaries would incur antidumping duties on subject imports made during the period of review and, as such, established a reserve for this matter.  After the lapse of the statutory period of time during which U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was required, but failed, to liquidate the entries at the settled rate, the Company released the reserve.  Between October 30, 2015 and November 27,

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2015, CBP sent a series of invoices to Southland Pipe Nipples Co., Inc. (Southland), requesting payment of approximately $3.0 million in duties and interest in connection with 795 import entries made during the November 1, 2007 through October 31, 2008 period.  On January 26, 2016 and January 27, 2016, Southland filed protests with CBP in connection with these invoices, noting that CBP’s asserted claims were not made in accordance with applicable law, including statutory provisions governing deemed liquidation. The Company believes in the merits of the legal objections raised in Southland’s protests, and CBP’s response to Southland’s protests is currently pending. Given the procedural posture and issues raised by this legal dispute, the Company cannot estimate the amount of potential duty liability, if any, that may result from CBP’s asserted claims.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Matter

On October 5, 2016, the Company received a demand letter from the Los Angeles District Office of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).  The EEOC alleged that between May 2011 and April 2015, various Company employees were terminated in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and that certain of the Company’s employee leave and attendance policies were discriminatory in nature.  Thereafter, the Company, in consultation with its liability insurers, entered into conciliation and mediation efforts with the EEOC for purposes of resolving the claims. At the conclusion of those efforts, the Company and the EEOC reached agreement on a consensual resolution of the EEOC’s claims, which includes both monetary and equitable relief.

On June 28, 2018, the EEOC filed a complaint against the Company on behalf of a group of unidentified claimants in the United States District Court for the Central District of California alleging that the Company engaged in unlawful employment practices in violation of the ADA. On July 13, 2018, the District Court approved a Consent Decree between the Company and the EEOC to resolve the EEOC’s claims. The Consent Decree, the term of which shall be two and a half years, provides that the Company shall pay up to $1.0 million in monetary relief to fund individual claims for discrimination under the ADA as approved by the EEOC. That amount is fully within the limits of the Company’s applicable insurance coverage. Pursuant to the Consent Decree, the Company shall also take a series of proactive measures to cultivate a work environment free from unlawful discrimination. Those measures include, among others, assistance with the identification of potential claimants, employee, supervisory and managerial training regarding employee rights under the ADA, revised practices and procedures concerning reasonable workplace accommodations as required by the ADA, and related reporting and recordkeeping.

Deepwater Horizon Economic and Property Damage Claim

In November 2018, an Appeal Panel of the Deepwater Horizon Economic and Property Damage Settlement Program approved an award to Mueller Copper Tube Company, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, of $27.4 million. In January 2019, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana denied discretionary review of the award, and an appeal of the award is currently pending before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The award, if upheld, is subject to the Company’s payment of contingency-based legal and advisory fees of approximately 20 percent of the total award amount. Any recovery following the payment of such fees and any applicable taxes will be recognized as income when settled. There can be no assurance that the Company will receive such award, and it is possible such award will be materially reduced or reversed in its entirety upon appeal.

Guarantees

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 guarantees are generally one year but are renewable annually as required.  These letters are primarily backed by the Company’s revolving credit facility.  The maximum payments that the Company could be required to make under its guarantees at March 30, 2019 were $7.6 million.

Note 12 – Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2019 was 23 percent compared with 18 percent for the same period last year. The difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the current U.S. statutory rate of 21 percent is primarily related to an increase in the transition tax calculation of $1.5 million for the effects of final regulations issued during the first quarter of 2019; the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $1.1 million; and other items of $0.7 million. These increases were partially offset by the recognition of a $2.6 million benefit related to an increased tax loss on the sale of a foreign subsidiary in a prior period.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2018 was 18 percent. The items impacting the effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2018 were primarily attributable to a reduction for the impact of tax benefits from losses on investments in

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unconsolidated affiliates of $3.9 million, partially offset by increases related to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $1.2 million, and other items of $1.2 million.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act), enacted on December 22, 2017, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on the accumulated earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries. In January 2019, the Treasury Department issued final regulations related to the calculation of the transition tax. As a result of the guidance provided in these regulations, the Company recorded additional income tax expense of $1.5 million and recognized a $2.6 million benefit on the sale of a foreign subsidiary included in the transition tax.

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 2015 and all subsequent years and is open for certain state and foreign returns for earlier tax years due to ongoing audits and differing statute periods.  The Internal Revenue Service is currently auditing the Company’s 2015 federal consolidated return. While the Company believes that it is adequately reserved for possible future audit adjustments, the final resolution of these examinations cannot be determined with certainty and could result in final settlements that differ from current estimates.

Note 13 – 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 other comprehensive income attributable to unconsolidated affiliates.

The following tables provide changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interests (amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI):

	For the Quarter Ended March 30, 2019
(In thousands)	Cumulative Translation Adjustment			Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Derivatives			Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment			Attributable to Unconsol. Affiliates			Total
Balance as of December 29, 2018	$	(54,257	)	$	(214	)	$	(24,967	)	$	(354	)	$	(79,792	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	5,853			1,336			(489		)	47			6,747
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—			(79		)	243			—			164
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	5,853			1,257			(246		)	47			6,911
Balance as of March 30, 2019	$	(48,404	)	$	1,043		$	(25,213	)	$	(307	)	$	(72,881	)

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	For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2018
(In thousands)	Cumulative Translation Adjustment			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives			Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment			Attributable to Unconsol. Affiliates			Total
Balance as of December 30, 2017	$	(38,163	)	$	847		$	(20,610	)	$	6,870		$	(51,056	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4,800			(770		)	(570		)	(401		)	3,059
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—			(292		)	119			—			(173		)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	4,800			(1,062		)	(451		)	(401		)	2,886
Reclassification of stranded effects of the Act	—			112			(1,018		)	1,462			556
Balance as of March 31, 2018	$	(33,363	)	$	(103	)	$	(22,079	)	$	7,931		$	(47,614	)

Reclassification adjustments out of AOCI were as follows:

	Amount reclassified from AOCI
		For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands)		March 30, 2019			March 31, 2018			Affected line item
Unrealized gains on derivative commodity contracts		$	(96	)	$	(365	)	Cost of goods sold
		17			73			Income tax expense
		$	(79	)	$	(292	)	Net of tax and noncontrolling interests
Amortization of net loss and prior service cost on employee benefit plans		$	296		$	141		Other income, net
		(53		)	(22		)	Income tax benefit
		$	243		$	119		Net of tax and noncontrolling interests

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

General Overview

We are a leading manufacturer of copper, brass, aluminum, and plastic products. The range of products we manufacture is broad: copper tube and fittings; line sets; brass and copper alloy rod, bar, and shapes; aluminum and brass forgings; aluminum impact extrusions; PEX plastic tube and fittings; refrigeration valves and fittings; compressed gas valves; fabricated tubular products; pressure vessels; steel nipples; and insulated flexible duct systems. We also resell brass and plastic plumbing valves, plastic fittings, malleable iron fittings, faucets, and plumbing specialty products. Our operations are located throughout the United States and in Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, South Korea, the Middle East, and China.

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Each of our reportable segments is composed of certain operating segments that are aggregated primarily by the nature of products offered as follows:

• Piping Systems: The Piping Systems segment is composed of Domestic Piping Systems Group, Great Lakes Copper, Heatlink Group, Die-Mold, European Operations, Trading Group, and Jungwoo-Mueller (our South Korean joint venture). The Domestic Piping Systems Group manufactures copper tube, fittings, and line sets. These products are manufactured in the U.S., sold in the U.S., and exported to markets worldwide. Great Lakes Copper manufactures copper tube and line sets in Canada and sells the products primarily in the U.S. and Canada. Heatlink Group manufactures a complete line of products for PEX plumbing and radiant systems in Canada and sells these products in Canada and the U.S. Die-Mold manufactures PEX and other plumbing-related fittings and plastic injection tooling in Canada and sells these products in Canada and the U.S. European Operations manufacture copper tube in the United Kingdom, which is sold throughout Europe. The Trading Group manufactures pipe nipples and sources products for import distribution in North America. Jungwoo-Mueller manufactures copper-based joining products that are sold worldwide. The Piping Systems segment sells products to wholesalers in the plumbing and refrigeration markets, distributors to the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industries, building material retailers, and air-conditioning original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

• Industrial Metals: The Industrial Metals segment is composed of Brass Rod & Copper Bar Products, Impacts & Micro Gauge, and Brass Value-Added Products. The segment manufactures and sells brass and copper alloy rod, bar, and shapes; aluminum and brass forgings; aluminum impact extrusions; and gas valves and assemblies. The segment manufactures and sells its products primarily to domestic OEMs in the industrial, transportation, construction, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning, plumbing, refrigeration, and energy markets.

• Climate: The Climate segment is composed of Refrigeration Products, Fabricated Tube Products, Westermeyer, Turbotec, and ATCO. The segment manufactures and sells refrigeration valves and fittings, fabricated tubular products, high pressure components, coaxial heat exchangers, and insulated HVAC flexible duct systems. The segment sells its products primarily to the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration markets in the U.S.

New housing starts and commercial construction are important determinants of our sales to the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning, 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. In addition, our products are used in various transportation, automotive, and industrial applications.

Residential construction activity has shown improvement in recent years, but remains at levels below long-term historical averages. Per the U.S. Census Bureau, the March 2019 seasonally adjusted annual rate of new housing starts was 1.1 million, which was slightly lower than the March 2018 rate of 1.3 million. Mortgage rates remain at historically low levels, as the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 4.37 percent for the first quarter of 2019 and 4.54 percent for the twelve months ended December 2018. The private non-residential construction sector, which includes offices, industrial, health care, and retail projects, has shown improvement in recent years. Per the U.S. Census Bureau, the seasonally adjusted annual value of private nonresidential construction put in place was $453.6 billion in February 2019 compared to the February 2018 rate of $453.1 billion.

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

Earnings and profitability are also impacted by unit volumes that are subject to market trends, such as substitute products, imports, technologies, and market share. In core product lines, we intensively manage our pricing structure while attempting to maximize 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. For certain air-conditioning and refrigeration applications, aluminum-based systems are the primary substitution threat. We cannot predict the acceptance or the rate of switching that may occur. U.S. consumption of copper tube and brass rod is still predominantly supplied by U.S. manufacturers. In recent years, brass rod consumption in the U.S. has declined due to the outsourcing of many manufactured products to offshore regions.

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Results of Operations

Consolidated Results

The following table compares summary operating results for the first quarter of 2019 and 2018:

	For the Quarter Ended				Percent Change
(In thousands)	March 30, 2019		March 31, 2018		2019 vs. 2018
Net sales	$	611,781	$	640,060	(4.4	)%
Operating income	49,180		47,408		3.7
Net income	15,723		24,128		(34.8	)

The following are components of changes in net sales compared to the prior year:

	Quarter-to- Date
Net selling price in core product lines	(6.1	)%
Unit sales volume in core product lines	(5.4	)
Acquisitions	7.4
Other	(0.3	)
	(4.4	)%

The decrease in net sales during the first quarter of 2019 was primarily due to (i) lower net selling prices of $39.0 million in our core product lines, primarily copper tube and brass rod, and (ii) lower unit sales volume of $34.5 million in our core product lines. This decrease was offset by (i) sales of $45.5 million recorded by ATCO, acquired in July 2018, and (ii) sales of $2.0 million recorded by Die-Mold, acquired in March 2018.

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 current and prior fiscal years:

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The following tables compare cost of goods sold and operating expenses as dollar amounts and as a percent of net sales for the first quarter of 2019 and 2018:

	For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands)	March 30, 2019		March 31, 2018
Cost of goods sold	$	511,393	$	545,670
Depreciation and amortization	10,555		9,456
Selling, general, and administrative expense	40,653		34,057
Asset impairment	—		3,469
Operating expenses	$	562,601	$	592,652

	For the Quarter Ended
	March 30, 2019		March 31, 2018
Cost of goods sold	83.6	%	85.3	%
Depreciation and amortization	1.7		1.5
Selling, general, and administrative expense	6.7		5.3
Asset impairment	—		0.5
Operating expenses	92.0	%	92.6	%

The decrease in cost of goods sold was primarily due to the decrease in the average cost of copper, our principal raw material, and the decrease in sales volume in our core product lines, offset by the increase in sales volume related to businesses acquired.  Depreciation and amortization increased in the first quarter of 2019 primarily as a result of depreciation and amortization of the long-lived assets of businesses acquired. Selling, general, and administrative expense increased in the first quarter of 2019 primarily as a result of (i) incremental expenses associated with ATCO and Die-Mold of $5.2 million, (ii) an increase in employment costs, including healthcare, of $1.1 million, (iii) an increase in product liability expense of $0.8 million, (iv) a reduction of $0.7 million in fees received for services provided under certain equipment transfer and licensing agreements, and (v) the absence of gains of $0.7 million recorded on the sale of assets in the prior year. These increases were partially offset by (i) fees of $1.7 million received for services provided under certain third-party sales and distribution arrangements and (ii) higher foreign currency transaction gains of $0.7 million. In addition, during the first quarter of 2018 we recognized a fixed asset impairment charge of $3.5 million for a corporate aircraft that was taken out of service and classified as held-for-sale.

Interest expense increased for the first quarter of 2019 primarily as a result of increased borrowing costs associated with our unsecured $350.0 million revolving credit facility. For the first quarter of 2019, we had other expense, net of $0.2 million, compared to other income, net of $0.6 million for the first quarter of 2018. This is primarily due to higher environmental remediation costs and lower net periodic benefit income related to our benefit plans in the first quarter of 2019.

Our effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2019 was 23 percent compared with 18 percent for the same period last year.  The items impacting the effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2019 were primarily attributable to an increase in the transition tax calculation of $1.5 million for the effects of final regulations issued during the first quarter of 2019; the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $1.1 million; and other items of $0.7 million. These increases were partially offset by the recognition of a $2.6 million benefit related to an increased tax loss on the sale of a foreign subsidiary in a prior period.

For the first quarter of 2018, the difference between the effective tax rate and the amount computed using the U.S. federal statutory rate was primarily attributable to a reduction for the impact of tax benefits from losses on investments in unconsolidated affiliates of $3.9 million, which was partially offset by increases related to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $1.2 million, and other items of $1.2 million.

During the first quarter of 2019 and the first quarter of 2018, we recognized losses of $15.4 million and $10.3 million, respectively, on our investments in unconsolidated affiliates. 

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Piping Systems Segment

The following table compares summary operating results for the first quarter of 2019 and 2018 for the businesses comprising our Piping Systems segment:

	For the Quarter Ended				Percent Change
(In thousands)	March 30, 2019		March 31, 2018		2019 vs. 2018
Net sales	$	376,492	$	430,964	(12.6	)%
Operating income	28,249		32,949		(14.3	)

The following are components of changes in net sales compared to the prior year:

	Quarter-to- Date
Net selling price in core product lines	(6.1	)%
Unit sales volume in core product lines	(5.5	)
Acquisitions	0.5
Other	(1.5	)
	(12.6	)%

The decrease in net sales during the first quarter of 2019 was primarily attributable to (i) lower net selling prices in the segment’s core product lines, primarily copper tube, of $26.1 million, (ii) lower unit sales volume of $23.3 million in the segment’s core product lines, primarily copper tube, and (iii) lower sales of $1.2 million in the segment’s non-core product lines. These decreases were offset by sales of $2.0 million recorded by Die-Mold.

The following tables compare cost of goods sold and operating expenses as dollar amounts and as a percent of net sales for the first quarter of 2019 and 2018:

	For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands)	March 30, 2019		March 31, 2018
Cost of goods sold	$	324,796	$	372,895
Depreciation and amortization	5,550		5,878
Selling, general, and administrative expense	17,897		19,242
Operating expenses	$	348,243	$	398,015

	For the Quarter Ended
	March 30, 2019		March 31, 2018
Cost of goods sold	86.3	%	86.5	%
Depreciation and amortization	1.5		1.4
Selling, general, and administrative expense	4.7		4.5
Operating expenses	92.5	%	92.4	%

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The decrease in cost of goods sold during the first quarter of 2019 was primarily due to the decrease in the average cost of copper and the decrease in sales volume in the segment’s core product lines.  Depreciation and amortization decreased slightly primarily as a result of several long-lived assets becoming fully depreciated, offset by depreciation and amortization of the long-lived assets acquired at Die-Mold. Selling, general, and administrative expense decreased for the first quarter of 2019 primarily as a result of (i) fees of $1.7 million received for services provided under certain third-party sales and distribution arrangements and (ii) higher foreign currency transaction gains of $0.7 million. These decreases were partially offset by (i) the absence of gains of $0.7 million recorded on the sale of assets in the prior year and (ii) incremental expenses associated with Die-Mold of $0.1 million.

Industrial Metals Segment

The following table compares summary operating results for the first quarter of 2019 and 2018 for the businesses comprising our Industrial Metals segment:

	For the Quarter Ended				Percent Change
(In thousands)	March 30, 2019		March 31, 2018		2019 vs. 2018
Net sales	$	150,875	$	177,332	(14.9	)%
Operating income	19,187		22,633		(15.2	)

The following are components of changes in net sales compared to the prior year:

	Quarter-to- Date
Net selling price in core product lines	(7.4	)%
Unit sales volume in core product lines	(6.4	)
Other	(1.1	)
	(14.9	)%

The decrease in net sales during the first quarter of 2019 was primarily due to (i) lower net selling prices of $13.0 million in the segment’s core product lines, primarily brass rod, and (ii) lower unit sales volume of $11.2 million in the segment’s core product lines.

The following tables compare cost of goods sold and operating expenses as dollar amounts and as a percent of net sales for the first quarter of 2019 and 2018:

	For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands)	March 30, 2019		March 31, 2018
Cost of goods sold	$	126,699	$	149,423
Depreciation and amortization	1,844		1,903
Selling, general, and administrative expense	3,145		3,373
Operating expenses	$	131,688	$	154,699

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	For the Quarter Ended
	March 30, 2019		March 31, 2018
Cost of goods sold	84.0	%	84.3	%
Depreciation and amortization	1.2		1.1
Selling, general, and administrative expense	2.1		1.8
Operating expenses	87.3	%	87.2	%

The decrease in cost of goods sold during the first quarter of 2019 was primarily due to the decrease in the average cost of copper and the decrease in sales volume in the segment’s core product lines.  Depreciation and amortization was consistent with the first quarter of 2018. Selling, general, and administrative expense decreased for the first quarter of 2019 primarily due to lower employment costs, including incentive compensation, of $0.2 million.

Climate Segment

The following table compares summary operating results for the first quarter of 2019 and 2018 for the businesses comprising our Climate segment:

	For the Quarter Ended				Percent Change
(In thousands)	March 30, 2019		March 31, 2018		2019 vs. 2018
Net sales	$	89,834	$	36,063	149.1	%
Operating income	12,386		5,547		123.3

Sales for the first quarter of 2019increased primarily as a result of (i) sales of $45.5 million recorded by ATCO, (ii) an increase in volume, and (iii) change in product mix. 

The following tables compare cost of goods sold and operating expenses as dollar amounts and as a percent of net sales for the first quarter of 2019 and 2018:

	For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands)	March 30, 2019		March 31, 2018
Cost of goods sold	$	66,829	$	27,286
Depreciation and amortization	2,313		621
Selling, general and administrative expense	8,306		2,609
Operating expenses	$	77,448	$	30,516

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	For the Quarter Ended
	March 30, 2019		March 31, 2018
Cost of goods sold	74.4	%	75.7	%
Depreciation and amortization	2.6		1.7
Selling, general and administrative expense	9.2		7.2
Operating expenses	86.2	%	84.6	%

Cost of goods sold increased during the first quarter of 2019 primarily due to the increase in volume and change in product mix within the segment primarily resulting from the ATCO acquisition.  Depreciation and amortization increased in the first quarter of 2019 primarily as a result of depreciation and amortization of the long-lived assets acquired at ATCO. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2019 increased as a result of incremental expenses associated with ATCO.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following table presents selected financial information for the first quarter of 2019 and 2018:

(In thousands)	2019			2018
Increase (decrease) in:
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	21,868		$	(32,805	)
Property, plant, and equipment, net	(923		)	(4,247		)
Total debt	68,139			22,793
Working capital, net of cash and current debt	67,107			73,943
Net cash used in operating activities	(24,673		)	(26,515		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(14,830		)	(17,884		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	60,452			10,305

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

During the quarter ended March 30, 2019, net cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to (i) an increase in accounts receivable of $34.1 million, (ii) an increase in inventories of $13.3 million, and (iii) a decrease in current liabilities of $15.9 million. This cash decrease was offset by (i) consolidated net income of $17.1 million, (ii) losses from unconsolidated affiliates of $15.4 million, and (iii) depreciation and amortization of $10.6 million. The fluctuations in accounts receivable, inventories, and current liabilities were primarily due to increased sales volume in certain businesses and additional working capital needs during the first quarter of 2019.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, net cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to (i) an increase in accounts receivables of $72.8 million and (ii) a decrease in current liabilities of $23.9 million. This cash decrease was offset by (i) consolidated net income of $24.3 million, (ii) losses from unconsolidated affiliates of $10.3 million, (iii) depreciation and amortization of $9.5 million, (iv) a decrease in other assets of $21.0 million, and (v) a fixed asset impairment charge of $3.5 million on a corporate aircraft classified as held-for-sale. The fluctuations in accounts receivable and current liabilities were primarily due to increased sales volume in certain businesses and additional working capital needs in the first quarter of 2018.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

The major components of net cash used in investing activities during the quarter ended March 30, 2019 included (i) investments in our unconsolidated affiliates related to Tecumseh of $8.0 million and (ii) capital expenditures of $6.8 million.

The major components of net cash used in investing activities during the quarter ended March 31, 2018 included (i) $12.5 million for the purchase of Die-Mold, net of cash acquired, and (ii) capital expenditures of $5.5 million.

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Cash Flows from Financing Activities

For the quarter ended March 30, 2019, net cash provided by financing activities consisted primarily of the issuance of debt under our Credit Agreement of $100.0 million. This was offset by (i) $30.0 million used to reduce the debt outstanding under our Credit Agreement, (ii) $5.6 million used for the payment of the regular quarterly dividend to stockholders of the Company, (iii) $2.1 million used for repayment of debt by Jungwoo-Mueller, and (iv) $1.8 million used to repurchase common stock.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2018, net cash provided by financing activities consisted primarily of the issuance of debt of $40.0 million under our Credit Agreement. This was offset by (i) $15.0 million used to reduce debt outstanding under our Credit Agreement, (ii) $6.6 million used to repurchase common stock, (iii) $5.7 million used for payment of the regular quarterly dividend to stockholders of the Company, and (iv) $3.3 million used for the repayment of debt by Jungwoo-Mueller.

Liquidity and Outlook

We believe that cash provided by operations, funds available under the Credit Agreement, and cash on hand will be adequate to meet our liquidity needs, including working capital, capital expenditures, and debt payment obligations.  As of March 30, 2019 our current ratio was 3.6 to 1.

We have significant environmental remediation obligations which we expect to pay over future years.  Cash used for environmental remediation activities was approximately $1.6 million during the first quarter of 2019.  We expect to spend approximately $2.3 million for the remainder of 2019 for ongoing environmental remediation activities.

The Company declared and paid a quarterly cash dividend of 10.0 cents per common share during the first quarters of 2019 and 2018.  Payment of dividends in the future is dependent upon our financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, earnings, and other factors.  

Long-Term Debt

As of March 30, 2019, the Company’s total debt was $564.8 million or 49.3 percent of its total capitalization.

The Debentures distributed as part of our special dividend are subordinated to all other funded debt of the Company and are callable, in whole or in part, at any time at the option of the Company, subject to declining call premiums during the first five years. The Debentures also grant each holder the right to require the Company to repurchase such holder’s Debentures in the event of a change in control at declining repurchase premiums during the first five years. Interest is payable semiannually on September 1 and March 1. Total Debentures outstanding as of March 30, 2019 were $284.5 million.

The Company’s Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured $350.0 million revolving credit facility which matures on December 6, 2021.  Total borrowings under the Credit Agreement were $265.0 million at March 30, 2019. The Credit Agreement backed approximately $7.6 million in letters of credit at the end of the first quarter of 2019.  

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 March 30, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants.

Share Repurchase Program

The Board of Directors has extended, until August 2019, the authorization to repurchase up to 20 million shares of the Company’s common stock through open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions.  We 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.  We may hold any shares repurchased in treasury or use a portion of the repurchased shares for our stock-based compensation plans, as well as for other corporate purposes.  From its initial authorization in 1999 through March 30, 2019, the Company has repurchased approximately 6.2 million shares under this authorization.  

Contractual Cash Obligations

There have been no significant changes in our contractual cash obligations reported at December 29, 2018.

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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, we may periodically use financial instruments.  Hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to policies and procedures.  Further, we do not buy or sell financial instruments for trading purposes.

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 our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

The Company occasionally enters into future 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) in equity 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 March 30, 2019, we held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $32.0 million of copper over the next 14 months related to fixed-price sales orders and to sell approximately $2.6 million of copper over the next four 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 these 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.  As of March 30, 2019, we held no open futures contracts to purchase natural gas.

Interest Rates

At March 30, 2019, we had variable-rate debt outstanding of $269.8 million.  At this borrowing level, a hypothetical 10 percent increase in interest rates would have had an insignificant unfavorable impact on our pretax earnings and cash flows.  The primary interest rate exposure on variable-rate debt is based on LIBOR.  

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 March 30, 2019, we had open forward contracts with a financial institution to sell approximately 5.0 million euros, 27.9 million Swedish kronor, and 11.4 million Norwegian kroner through July 2019.  

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 Mexican peso, and the South Korean won.  The Company generally views its investments in foreign subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar as long-term.  As a result, we generally do not hedge these net investments.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information

This Quarterly 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, and may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those predicted.  The forward-looking statements reflect knowledge and information available as of the date of preparation of the Quarterly Report, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.  We identify the forward-looking statements by using the words “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends” or similar expressions in such statements.

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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 the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2018, 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.

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 March 30, 2019.  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 March 30, 2019 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 March 30, 2019, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

General

The Company is involved in certain litigation as a result of claims that arose in the ordinary course of business.  Additionally, the Company may realize the benefit of certain legal claims and litigation in the future; these gain contingencies are not recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. For a description of material pending legal proceedings, see “Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.

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 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  There have been no material changes in risk factors that were previously disclosed in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additionally, the operating results of the Company’s unconsolidated affiliates may be adversely affected by unfavorable economic and market conditions.

34

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 August 2019, 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 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 its stock-based compensation plans, as well as for other corporate purposes.  From its initial authorization in 1999 through March 30, 2019, the Company had repurchased approximately 6.2 million shares under this authorization.  Below is a summary of the Company’s stock repurchases for the period ended March 30, 2019.

	(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)	(b) 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 (2)
December 30, 2018 - January 26, 2019	89,123	$	22.78	77,425	13,822,579
January 27, 2019 - February 23, 2019	6,133	$	32.59	—	13,822,579
February 24, 2019 - March 30, 2019	2,303	$	32.33	—	13,822,579
Total	97,559			77,425

⁽¹⁾ Includes shares tendered to the Company by holders of stock-based awards in payment of the purchase price and/or withholding taxes upon exercise and/or vesting. Also includes shares resulting from restricted stock forfeitures at the average cost of treasury stock.

⁽²⁾ Shares available to be purchased under the Company’s 20 million share repurchase authorization until August 2019. The extension of the authorization was announced on October 24, 2018.

35

Item 6.  Exhibits

31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE	XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

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

36

SIGNATURES

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

	MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
	/s/ Jeffrey A. Martin
	Jeffrey A. Martin
April 24, 2019	Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Date	(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
	/s/ Anthony J. Steinriede
April 24, 2019	Anthony J. Steinriede
Date	Vice President – Corporate Controller

37

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Gregory L. Christopher, certify that:

1.	I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Mueller Industries, Inc.;
2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.	The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)), for the registrant and have:
	a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
	b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
	c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
	d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.	The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
	a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
	b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 24, 2019
	/s/ Gregory L. Christopher
	Gregory L. Christopher
	Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Jeffrey A. Martin, certify that:

1.	I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Mueller Industries, Inc.;
2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.	The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)), for the registrant and have:
	a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
	b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
	c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
	d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.	The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
	a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
	b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 24, 2019
	/s/Jeffrey A. Martin
	Jeffrey A. Martin
	Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Mueller Industries, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 30, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Gregory L. Christopher, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)	The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)	The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ GREGORY L. CHRISTOPHER

Gregory L. Christopher

Chief Executive Officer

April 24, 2019

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Mueller Industries, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 30, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Jeffrey A. Martin, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)	The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)	The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ JEFFREY A. MARTIN

Jeffrey A. Martin

Chief Financial Officer

April 24, 2019

XML

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2019	Apr. 19, 2019
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	MUELLER INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000089439
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-28
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 30, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		56,626,486

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 611,781	$ 640,060
Cost of goods sold	511,393	545,670
Depreciation and amortization	10,555	9,456
Selling, general, and administrative expense	40,653	34,057
Asset impairment	0	3,469
Operating income	49,180	47,408
Interest expense	(6,954)	(5,909)
Other (expense) income, net	(172)	560
Income before income taxes	42,054	42,059
Income tax expense	(9,546)	(7,395)
Loss from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax	(15,369)	(10,320)
Consolidated net income	17,139	24,344
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,416)	(216)
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 15,723	$ 24,128
Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	55,728	56,900
Effect of dilutive stock-based awards (in shares)	526	517
Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	56,254	57,417
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28	$ 0.42
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	0.28	0.42
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.1	$ 0.1

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 17,139	$ 24,344
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	6,057	4,977
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $(343) and $279	1,257	(1,062)
Net change in pension and postretirement obligation adjustments, net of tax of $107 and $180	(246)	(451)
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax of $(13) and $116	47	(401)
Total other comprehensive income, net	7,115	3,063
Consolidated comprehensive income	24,254	27,407
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,620)	(393)
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 22,634	$ 27,014

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, tax (expense) benefit	$ (343)	$ 279
Net actuarial loss on pension and postretirement obligations, tax benefit (expense)	107	180
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, tax benefit (expense)	$ (13)	$ 116

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 97,596	$ 72,616
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $812 in 2019 and $836 in 2018	309,765	273,417
Inventories	344,850	329,795
Other current assets	32,322	26,790
Total current assets	784,533	702,618
Property, plant, and equipment, net	369,710	370,633
Operating lease right-of-use assets	29,515	0
Goodwill, net	153,106	150,335
Intangible assets, net	61,558	61,971
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	50,733	58,042
Other assets	25,898	25,950
Total assets	1,475,053	1,369,549
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	5,001	7,101
Accounts payable	107,301	103,754
Accrued wages and other employee costs	29,621	38,549
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	4,737	0
Other current liabilities	73,869	83,397
Total current liabilities	220,529	232,801
Long-term debt, less current portion	559,836	489,597
Pension liabilities	13,573	14,237
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	14,802	14,818
Environmental reserves	20,025	20,009
Deferred income taxes	18,940	16,615
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	25,437	0
Other noncurrent liabilities	19,989	18,212
Total liabilities	893,131	806,289
Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock - $1.00 par value; shares authorized 5,000,000; none outstanding	0	0
Common stock - $.01 par value; shares authorized 100,000,000; issued 80,183,004; outstanding 56,626,441 in 2019 and 56,702,997 in 2018	802	802
Additional paid-in capital	278,800	276,849
Retained earnings	834,798	824,737
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(72,881)	(79,792)
Treasury common stock, at cost	(476,121)	(474,240)
Total Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity	565,398	548,356
Noncontrolling interests	16,524	14,904
Total equity	581,922	563,260
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,475,053	$ 1,369,549

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 812	$ 836
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	80,183,004	80,183,004
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	56,626,441	56,702,997

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities
Consolidated net income	$ 17,139	$ 24,344
Reconciliation of consolidated net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	10,635	9,536
Stock-based compensation expense	2,007	1,912
Loss from unconsolidated affiliates	15,369	10,320
Loss (gain) on disposals of properties	37	(676)
Impairment charge	0	3,469
Deferred income tax benefit	(225)	(940)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of business acquired:
Receivables	(34,067)	(72,843)
Inventories	(13,335)	3,504
Other assets	(7,530)	20,967
Current liabilities	(15,885)	(23,898)
Other liabilities	741	(1,845)
Other, net	441	(365)
Net cash used in operating activities	(24,673)	(26,515)
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	(6,834)	(5,517)
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	0	(12,466)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	(8,000)	(609)
Proceeds from sales of assets	4	708
Net cash used in investing activities	(14,830)	(17,884)
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.	(5,574)	(5,679)
Repurchase of common stock	(1,763)	(6,575)
Issuance of long-term debt	100,557	41,754
Repayments of long-term debt	(30,472)	(15,903)
Repayment of debt by consolidated joint ventures, net	(2,121)	(3,342)
Net cash (used) received to settle stock-based awards	(175)	50
Net cash provided by financing activities	60,452	10,305
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	919	1,289
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	21,868	(32,805)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the beginning of the period	77,138	126,563
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the end of the period	$ 99,006	$ 93,758

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at beginning of year (in shares) at Dec. 30, 2017		80,183				22,373
Balance at beginning of year at Dec. 30, 2017		$ 802	$ 274,585	$ 743,503	$ (51,056)	$ (445,723)	$ 13,917
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of shares under incentive stock option plans (in shares)						(6)
Issuance of shares under incentive stock option plans			(48)			$ 114
Stock-based compensation expense			1,912
Issuance of restricted stock (in shares)						(1)
Issuance of restricted stock			(20)			$ 20
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	$ 24,128			24,128
Dividends paid or payable to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.				(5,756)
Reclassification of stranded effects of the Act				(556)	556
Total other comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	3,063				2,886
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)						252
Repurchase of common stock						$ (6,592)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(216)						216
Foreign currency translation	4,977						177
Balance at end of year (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2018		80,183				22,618
Balance at end of year at Mar. 31, 2018		$ 802	276,429	761,319	(47,614)	$ (452,181)	14,310
Balance at beginning of year (in shares) at Dec. 29, 2018		80,183				23,480
Balance at beginning of year at Dec. 29, 2018	563,260	$ 802	276,849	824,737	(79,792)	$ (474,240)	14,904
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of shares under incentive stock option plans (in shares)						0
Issuance of shares under incentive stock option plans			(56)			$ (118)
Stock-based compensation expense			2,007
Issuance of restricted stock (in shares)						0
Issuance of restricted stock			0			$ 0
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	15,723			15,723
Dividends paid or payable to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.				(5,662)
Reclassification of stranded effects of the Act				0	0
Total other comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc.	7,115				6,911
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)						77
Repurchase of common stock						$ (1,763)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,416)						1,416
Foreign currency translation	6,057						204
Balance at end of year (in shares) at Mar. 30, 2019		80,183				23,557
Balance at end of year at Mar. 30, 2019	$ 581,922	$ 802	$ 278,800	$ 834,798	$ (72,881)	$ (476,121)	$ 16,524

XML

Recent Accounting Standards

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]

Recent Accounting Standards

Recent Accounting Standards

Adopted

In July 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements and ASU No. 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases. The ASUs clarify how to apply certain aspects of the new leasing standard, ASC 842.  ASC 842 requires an entity to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for each lease with a term of more than 12 months.  Recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses will depend on classification as a financing or operating lease.  The guidance also requires certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures about leasing arrangements.  The Company adopted the ASU during the first quarter of 2019 using a modified retrospective approach and applied the transition provisions at the beginning of the fiscal year. Financial results reported in periods prior to 2018 are unchanged. The Company elected a package of practical expedients, which among other things, does not require the reassessment of lease classification. The Company does not separate lease and non-lease components of contracts. The Company implemented a system to identify its entire population of leases and tested the population for completeness. As of the effective date, the Company recognized noncurrent right-of-use assets of $30.8 million and corresponding current and noncurrent lease liabilities of $4.9 million and $26.6 million, respectively.

Issued

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. For employers that sponsor defined benefit pension and/or other postretirement benefit plans, the ASU eliminates requirements for certain disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial, requires new disclosures related to the weighted-average interest crediting rate for cash balance plans and explanations for significant gains and losses related to changes in benefit obligations, and clarifies the requirements for entities that provide aggregate disclosures for two or more plans. The ASU will be effective for the annual period beginning in 2020. The updated guidance requires retrospective adoption, and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material impact on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The ASU eliminates requirements to disclose the amount and reasons for transfers between level 1 and level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, but requires public companies to disclose changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income (OCI) for recurring level 3 fair value measurements or instruments held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning in 2020. An entity is permitted to early adopt either the entire standard or only the provisions that eliminate or modify requirements, and can elect to early adopt in interim periods. The guidance on changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in OCI for recurring level 3 measurements, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty is applied prospectively. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material impact on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

XML

Earnings per Common Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings per Common Share

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.

XML

Acquisitions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisitions

Acquisitions

ATCO

On July 2, 2018, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement pursuant to which the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of ATCO Rubber Products, Inc. (ATCO) for approximately $156.7 million, net of the estimated working capital adjustments. The total purchase price consisted of $151.4 million in cash at closing and a contingent consideration arrangement which requires the Company to pay the former owner up to $12.0 million based on EBITDA growth of the acquired business. ATCO is an industry leader in the manufacturing and distribution of insulated HVAC flexible duct systems and will support the Company’s strategy to grow its Climate Products businesses to become a more valuable resource to its HVAC customers. The acquired business is reported in the Company’s Climate segment.

The fair value of the assets acquired totaled $137.9 million, consisting primarily of property, plant, and equipment of $83.1 million, inventories of $31.7 million, accounts receivable of $21.8 million, other current assets of $1.1 million, and other assets of $0.2 million. The fair value of the liabilities assumed totaled $20.4 million, consisting primarily of accounts payable of $8.1 million, other current liabilities of $10.2 million, and long-term debt of $2.1 million. Of the remaining purchase price, $17.8 million was allocated to tax-deductible goodwill and $21.4 million was allocated to intangible assets, including technology, customer relationships, trade names, and supply contracts. The purchase price allocation is provisional as of March 30, 2019 and subject to change upon completion of the final valuation of the long-lived assets, working capital, and contingent consideration during the measurement period.

ATCO had net sales of approximately $45.5 million for the quarter ended March 30, 2019. For the year ended December 29, 2018, the Company’s net sales included approximately $90.0 million of revenue recognized by ATCO from the date of acquisition.

The following table presents condensed pro forma consolidated results of operations as if the ATCO acquisition has occurred at the beginning of 2018. The pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of the results that would have been obtained if the operations had actually been combined during the periods presented and is not necessarily indicative of operating results to be expected in future periods. The most significant pro forma adjustments to the historical results of operations relate to the application of purchase accounting and the financing structure.

	For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)	March 31, 2018
Net sales	$	681,331
Net income	26,463
Basic earnings per share	$	0.47
Diluted earnings per share	0.46

Die-Mold

On March 31, 2018, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement pursuant to which the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Die-Mold Tool Limited (Die-Mold) for approximately $13.6 million, net of working capital adjustments. The total purchase price consisted of $12.4 million in cash at closing and a contingent consideration arrangement which requires the Company to pay the former owner up to $2.3 million based on EBITDA growth of the acquired business. Die-Mold, based out of Ontario, Canada, is a manufacturer of plastic PEX and other plumbing-related fittings and an integrated designer and manufacturer of plastic injection tooling. The business complements the Company’s existing businesses within the Piping Systems segment.

The fair value of the assets acquired totaled $7.1 million, consisting primarily of property, plant, and equipment of $3.3 million, inventories of $1.8 million, accounts receivable of $1.7 million, and other current assets of $0.3 million. The fair value of the liabilities assumed totaled $2.9 million, consisting primarily of accounts payable of $0.7 million, other current liabilities of $0.2 million, and deferred taxes of $2.0 million. Of the remaining purchase price, $9.4 million was allocated to non-deductible goodwill and intangible assets.

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Segment Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

Segment Information

Each of the Company’s reportable segments is composed of certain operating segments that are aggregated primarily by the nature of products offered as follows:

Piping Systems

Piping Systems is composed of the following operating segments: Domestic Piping Systems Group, Great Lakes Copper, Heatlink Group, Die-Mold, European Operations, Trading Group, and Jungwoo-Mueller (the Company’s South Korean joint venture).  The Domestic Piping Systems Group manufactures copper tube, fittings, and line sets.  These products are manufactured in the U.S., sold in the U.S., and exported to markets worldwide.   Outside the U.S., Great Lakes Copper manufactures copper tube and line sets in Canada and sells the products primarily in the U.S. and Canada. Heatlink Group produces a complete line of products for PEX plumbing and radiant systems in Canada and sells these products in Canada and the U.S. Die-Mold manufactures PEX and other plumbing-related fittings and plastic injection tooling in Canada and sells these products in Canada and the U.S. European Operations manufacture copper tube in the U.K. which is sold primarily in Europe.  The Trading Group manufactures pipe nipples and resells brass and plastic plumbing valves, malleable iron fittings, faucets, and plumbing specialty products in the U.S. and Mexico.  Jungwoo-Mueller manufactures copper-based joining products that are sold worldwide.  The Piping Systems segment’s products are sold primarily to plumbing, refrigeration, and air-conditioning wholesalers, hardware wholesalers and co-ops, building product retailers, and air-conditioning original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Industrial Metals

Industrial Metals is composed of the following operating segments: Brass Rod & Copper Bar Products, Impacts & Micro Gauge, and Brass Value-Added Products.  These businesses manufacture brass rod, impact extrusions, and forgings, as well as a wide variety of end products including plumbing brass, automotive components, valves, fittings, and gas assemblies.  These products are manufactured in the U.S. and sold primarily to OEMs in the U.S., many of which are in the industrial, transportation, construction, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning, plumbing, refrigeration, and energy markets.

Climate

Climate is composed of the following operating segments: Refrigeration Products, Fabricated Tube Products, Westermeyer, Turbotec, and ATCO.  These domestic businesses manufacture and fabricate valves, assemblies, high pressure components, coaxial heat exchangers, and insulated HVAC flexible duct systems primarily for the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration markets in the U.S.

Summarized segment information is as follows:

	For the Quarter Ended March 30, 2019
(In thousands)	Piping Systems		Industrial Metals		Climate		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	376,492	$	150,875	$	89,834	$	(5,420	)	$	611,781
Cost of goods sold	324,796		126,699		66,829		(6,931		)	511,393
Depreciation and amortization	5,550		1,844		2,313		848			10,555
Selling, general, and administrative expense	17,897		3,145		8,306		11,305			40,653
Operating income	28,249		19,187		12,386		(10,642		)	49,180
Interest expense										(6,954		)
Other loss, net										(172		)
Income before income taxes										$	42,054

	For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2018
(In thousands)	Piping Systems		Industrial Metals		Climate		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	430,964	$	177,332	$	36,063	$	(4,299	)	$	640,060
Cost of goods sold	372,895		149,423		27,286		(3,934		)	545,670
Depreciation and amortization	5,878		1,903		621		1,054			9,456
Selling, general, and administrative expense	19,242		3,373		2,609		8,833			34,057
Asset impairment	—		—		—		3,469			3,469
Operating income	32,949		22,633		5,547		(13,721		)	47,408
Interest expense										(5,909		)
Other income, net										560
Income before income taxes										$	42,059

The following tables represent a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers, along with the reportable segment for each category:

	For the Quarter Ended March 30, 2019
(In thousands)	Piping Systems		Industrial Metals		Climate		Total
Tube and fittings	$	307,521	$	—	$	—	$	307,521
Brass rod and forgings	—		115,924		—		115,924
OEM components, tube & assemblies	7,283		13,037		37,243		57,563
Valves and plumbing specialties	61,688		—		—		61,688
Other	—		21,914		52,591		74,505
	376,492		150,875		89,834		617,201
Intersegment sales							(5,420		)
Net sales							$	611,781

	For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2018
(In thousands)	Piping Systems		Industrial Metals		Climate		Total
Tube and fittings	$	358,091	$	—	$	—	$	358,091
Brass rod and forgings	—		136,548		—		136,548
OEM components, tube & assemblies	7,062		15,067		36,063		58,192
Valves and plumbing specialties	65,811		—		—		65,811
Other	—		25,717		—		25,717
	430,964		177,332		36,063		644,359
Intersegment sales							(4,299		)
Net sales							$	640,060

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Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

(In thousands)	March 30, 2019		December 29, 2018
Cash & cash equivalents	$	97,596	$	72,616
Restricted cash included within other current assets	1,302		4,414
Restricted cash included within other assets	108		108
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	99,006	$	77,138

Amounts included in restricted cash relate to required deposits in brokerage accounts that facilitate the Company’s hedging activities as well as imprest funds for the Company’s self-insured workers’ compensation program.

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Inventories

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

Inventories

(In thousands)	March 30, 2019			December 29, 2018
Raw materials and supplies	$	101,420		$	89,641
Work-in-process	60,356			58,643
Finished goods	190,033			188,506
Valuation reserves	(6,959		)	(6,995		)
Inventories	$	344,850		$	329,795

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Financial Instruments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments

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.

All derivatives are recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value.  On the date the derivative contract is entered into, it is either a) designated as a hedge of (i) a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flow to be paid (cash flow hedge) or (ii) the fair value of a recognized asset or liability (fair value hedge), or b) not designated in a hedge accounting relationship, even though the derivative contract was executed to mitigate an economic exposure (economic hedge), as the Company does not enter into derivative contracts for trading purposes.  Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is qualified, designated, and highly effective as a cash flow hedge are recorded in stockholders’ equity within 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 derivatives executed as economic hedges and the ineffective portion of designated derivatives are reported in current earnings.

The Company documents all relationships between derivative instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions.  This process includes linking all derivative instruments that are designated as fair value hedges to specific assets and liabilities in the Condensed 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 derivative instruments that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows or fair values of hedged items.  When a derivative instrument is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge or the underlying hedged transaction is no longer probable of occurring, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively in accordance with the derecognition criteria for hedge accounting.

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 March 30, 2019, the Company held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $32.0 million of copper over the next 14 months related to fixed price sales orders.  The fair value of those futures contracts was a $1.3 millionnet gain position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (level 1 within the fair value hierarchy).  In the next 12 months, the Company will reclassify into earnings realized gains or losses relating to cash flow hedges.  At March 30, 2019, this amount was approximately $911 thousand of deferred net gains, net of tax.

The Company may also enter into futures contracts to protect the value of inventory against market fluctuations.  At March 30, 2019, the Company held open futures contracts to sell approximately $2.6 million of copper over the next four months related to copper inventory.  The fair value of those futures contracts was a $90 thousandnet loss position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (level 1 within the fair value hierarchy).

The Company presents its derivative assets and liabilities in the Condensed 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
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	March 30, 2019			December 29, 2018			Balance Sheet Location	March 30, 2019			December 29, 2018
Commodity contracts - gains	Other current assets	$	1,366		$	88		Other current liabilities	$	—		$	103
Commodity contracts - losses	Other current assets	(24		)	(1		)	Other current liabilities	(90		)	(1,382		)
Total derivatives (1)		$	1,342		$	87			$	(90	)	$	(1,279	)

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

The following tables summarize the effects of derivative instruments on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:

		For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands)	Location	March 30, 2019		March 31, 2018
Fair value hedges:
Gain on commodity contracts (qualifying)	Cost of goods sold	$	—	$	391
Loss on hedged item - inventory	Cost of goods sold	—		(385		)
Undesignated derivatives:
Gain on commodity contracts (nonqualifying)	Cost of goods sold	1,442		6,126

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

	For the Quarter Ended March 30, 2019
(In thousands)	Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax			Classification Gains (Losses)	Gain Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
Cash flow hedges:
Commodity contracts	$	1,352		Cost of goods sold	$	(79	)
Other	(16		)	Other	—
Total	$	1,336		Total	$	(79	)

Changes recognized in and reclassified from AOCI (continued):

	For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2018
(In thousands)	(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax			Classification Gains (Losses)	Gain Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
Cash flow hedges:
Commodity contracts	$	(795	)	Cost of goods sold	$	(292	)
Other	25			Other	—
Total	$	(770	)	Total	$	(292	)

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 qualifying open hedge contracts through March 30, 2019 was not material to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company primarily enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association 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 a 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 March 30, 2019 and December 29, 2018, the Company had recorded restricted cash in other current assets of $0.5 million and $3.6 million, respectively, as collateral related to open derivative contracts under the master netting arrangements.

Long-Term Debt

The fair value of long-term debt at March 30, 2019 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.

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Leases

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

Leases

The Company leases certain manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, office space, and equipment. Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; expense for these leases is recognized on a straight line-basis over the term of the lease. Most of the Company’s leases include one or more options to renew up to five years and have remaining terms of one to fifteen years. These options are not included in the Company’s valuation of the right-of-use assets as the Company is not reasonably certain to exercise the options.

The Company has certain vehicle leases that are financing; however, these leases are deemed immaterial for disclosure.

The following table includes supplemental information with regards to the Company’s operating leases:

(In thousands, except lease term and discount rate)	March 30, 2019
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	29,515
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	4,737
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	25,437
Total operating lease liabilities	$	30,174
Weighted average discount rate	4.13		%
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)	9.32

As of the adoption date of ASC 842, discount rates for existing leases were based on an estimate of the Company’s incremental borrowing rate, adjusted for the term of the lease.

Some of the Company’s leases include variable lease costs such as taxes, insurance, etc. These costs are immaterial for disclosure. The following table presents certain information related to operating lease costs and cash paid during the quarter.

(In thousands)	March 30, 2019
Operating lease costs	$	1,627
Short term lease costs	1,490
Total lease costs	$	3,117
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities	$	1,585

Maturities of the Company’s operating leases are as follows:

(In thousands)	March 30, 2019
2019	$	5,976
2020	5,343
2021	4,383
2022	3,661
2023	2,635
2024 and thereafter	15,361
Total lease payments	37,359
Less imputed interest	(7,185		)
Total lease obligations	30,174
Less current obligations	(4,737		)
Noncurrent lease obligations	$	25,437

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Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates

Tecumseh

The Company owns a 50 percent interest in an unconsolidated affiliate that acquired Tecumseh Products Company LLC (Tecumseh).  The Company also owns a 50 percent interest in a second unconsolidated affiliate that provides financing to Tecumseh.  These investments are recorded using the equity method of accounting, as the Company can exercise significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or otherwise control the respective entities.  Under the equity method of accounting, these investments are stated at initial cost and are adjusted for subsequent additional investments and the Company’s proportionate share of earnings or losses and distributions.

The Company records its proportionate share of the investees’ net income or loss, net of foreign taxes, one quarter in arrears as income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and its proportionate share of the investees’ other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity. The U.S. tax effect of the Company’s proportionate share of Tecumseh’s income or loss is recorded in income tax expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. In general, the equity investment in unconsolidated affiliates is equal to the current equity investment plus the investees’ net accumulated losses. 

The following tables present summarized financial information derived from the Company’s equity method investees’ combined consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

(In thousands)	March 30, 2019		December 29, 2018
Current assets	$	200,129	$	228,214
Noncurrent assets	107,349		114,257
Current liabilities	161,863		175,371
Noncurrent liabilities	62,814		57,216

	For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands)	March 30, 2019			March 31, 2018
Net sales	$	113,327		$	124,100
Gross profit	8,006			12,100
Net loss	(29,207		)	(18,331		)

The Company’s loss from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, for the quarter ended March 30, 2019 included net losses of $14.6 million for Tecumseh.

The Company’s loss from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 included net losses of $6.2 million and charges of $3.0 million related to certain labor claim contingencies for Tecumseh.

Mueller Middle East

On December 30, 2015, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with Cayan Ventures and Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company to build a copper tube mill in Bahrain. The business operates and brands its products under the Mueller Industries family of brands. The Company has invested approximately $4.5 million of cash to date and is the technical and marketing lead with a 40 percent ownership in the joint venture.

The Company’s loss from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, for the quarters ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018 included net losses of $0.8 million and $1.1 million, respectively, for Mueller Middle East.

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Benefit Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Benefit Plans

Benefit Plans

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 (income) are as follows:

	For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands)	March 30, 2019			March 31, 2018
Pension benefits:
Service cost	$	—		$	24
Interest cost	1,467			1,493
Expected return on plan assets	(2,076		)	(2,289		)
Amortization of net loss	530			349
Net periodic benefit income	$	(79	)	$	(423	)
Other benefits:
Service cost	$	64		$	60
Interest cost	153			148
Amortization of prior service credit	(226		)	(226		)
Amortization of net (gain) loss	(8		)	18
Net periodic benefit income	$	(17	)	$	—

The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) other than the service cost component are included in other (expense) income, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

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Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

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

Environmental

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, East La Harpe, and Lanyon).  The Company is not a successor to the companies that operated these smelter sites, but is exploring possible settlement with KDHE and other potentially responsible parties (PRP) in order to avoid litigation. 

Altoona. Another PRP conducted a site investigation of the Altoona site under a consent decree with KDHE and submitted a removal site evaluation report recommending a remedy.  The remedial design plan, which covers both on-site and certain off-site cleanup costs, was approved by the KDHE in 2016. 

East La Harpe. At the East La Harpe site, the Company and two other PRPs conducted a site study evaluation under KDHE supervision and prepared a site cleanup plan approved by KDHE.  In 2016, the corporate parent (Peabody Energy) of a third party that the Company understands may owe indemnification obligations to one of the other PRPs (Blue Tee) in connection with the East La Harpe site filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.  KDHE has extended the deadline for the PRPs to develop a repository design plan to allow for wetlands permitting to take place.  In December 2018, KDHE provided a draft agreement which contemplates the use of funds KDHE obtained from two other parties (Peabody Energy and Blue Tee) to fund part of the remediation, and removes Blue Tee from the PRPs’ agreement with KDHE. The Company is currently negotiating the terms of that draft agreement.

Lanyon. With respect to the Lanyon Site, in 2016, the Company received a general notice letter from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asserting that the Company is a PRP, which the Company has denied. 

The Company’s reserve for its proportionate share of the remediation costs associated with these three Southeast Kansas sites is $5.6 million.

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 implementing various remedial measures, including sealing mine portals with concrete plugs in portals that 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 QCB Order, 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, and again 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 10-year permit will include an order requiring continued implementation of BMP through 2029 to address residual discharges of acid rock drainage.  The Company currently estimates that it will spend between approximately $12.8 million and $17.5 million for remediation at these sites over the next 30 years.

Lead Refinery Site

U.S.S. Lead Refinery, Inc. (Lead Refinery), a non-operating wholly owned subsidiary of MRRC, has conducted corrective action and interim remedial activities (collectively, Site Activities) at Lead Refinery’s East Chicago, Indiana site pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act since December 1996.  Although the Site Activities have been substantially concluded, Lead Refinery is required to perform monitoring and maintenance-related activities pursuant to a post-closure permit issued by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management effective as of March 2, 2013.  Approximate costs to comply with the post-closure permit, including associated general and administrative costs, are estimated at between $1.7 million and $2.1 million over the next 18 years.

On April 9, 2009, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added the Lead Refinery site and surrounding properties to the National Priorities List (NPL).  On July 17, 2009, Lead Refinery received a written notice from the EPA indicating that it may be a PRP under CERCLA due to the release or threat of release of hazardous substances including lead into properties surrounding the Lead Refinery NPL site.  The EPA identified two other PRPs in connection with that matter.  In November 2012, the EPA adopted a remedy for the surrounding properties and 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 NPL site (zones 1 and 3 of operable unit 1) and perform certain remedial action tasks.

On November 8, 2016, the Company, its subsidiary Arava Natural Resources Company, Inc. (Arava), and Arava’s subsidiary MRRC each received general notice letters from the EPA asserting that they may be PRPs in connection with the Lead Refinery NPL site.  The Company, Arava, and MRRC have denied liability for any remedial action and response costs associated with the Lead Refinery NPL site.  In June 2017, the EPA requested that Lead Refinery conduct, and the Company fund, a remedial investigation and feasibility study of operable unit 2 of the Lead Refinery NPL site pursuant to a proposed administrative settlement agreement and order on consent. The Company and Lead Refinery entered into that agreement in September 2017. The Company has made a capital contribution to Lead Refinery to conduct the remedial investigation and feasibility study with respect to operable unit 2 and has provided financial assurance in the amount of $1.0 million. The EPA has also asserted its position that Mueller is a responsible party for the Lead Refinery NPL site, and accordingly is responsible for a share of remedial action and response costs at the site and in the adjacent residential area.

In January 2018, the EPA issued two unilateral administrative orders (UAOs) directing the Company, Lead Refinery, and four other PRPs to conduct soil and interior remediation of certain residences at the Lead Refinery NPL site (zones 2 and 3 of operable unit 1). The Company and Lead Refinery have reached agreement with the four other PRPs to implement these two UAOs, with the Company agreeing to pay, on an interim basis, (i) an estimated $4.5 million (subject to potential change through a future reallocation process) of the approximately $25.0 million the PRPs currently estimate it will cost to implement the UAOs, which estimate is subject to change, and (ii) $2.0 million relating to past costs incurred by other PRPs for work conducted at the site, as well as the possibility of up to $0.7 million in further payments for ongoing work by those PRPs, $0.4 million of which has been incurred by those PRPs and paid for by the Company to date.  As of March 30, 2019, the Company has made payments of approximately $5.7 million related to the aforementioned agreement with the other PRPs and has included $1.3 million in the reserve for environmental liabilities. The Company disputes that it was properly named in the UAOs, and has reserved its rights to petition the EPA for reimbursement of any costs incurred to comply with the UAOs upon the completion of the work required therein.  In October 2017, a group of private plaintiffs sued the Company, Arava, MRRC, and Lead Refinery, along with other defendants, in a private tort action relating to the site; the Company, Arava, and MRRC were voluntarily dismissed from that litigation without prejudice in March 2018.  A second civil action asserting similar claims was filed against the Company, Arava, MRRC, and Lead Refinery in September 2018. At this juncture, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of a material adverse outcome or the amount or range of a potential loss in excess of the current reserve with respect to any remedial action or litigation relating to the Lead Refinery NPL site, either at Lead Refinery’s former operating site (operable unit 2) or the adjacent residential area (operable unit 1), but not limited to EPA oversight costs for which EPA may attempt to seek reimbursement from the Company, and past costs for which other PRPs may attempt to seek contribution from the Company.

Bonita Peak Mining District

Following an August 2015 spill from the Gold King Mine into the Animas River near Silverton, Colorado, the EPA listed the Bonita Peak Mining District on the NPL.  Said listing was finalized in September 2016.  The Bonita Peak Mining District encompasses 48 mining sites within the Animas River watershed, including the Sunnyside Mine, the American Tunnel, and the Sunbank Group.  On or about July 25, 2017, Washington Mining Company (Washington Mining) (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Arava), received a general notice letter from the EPA stating that Washington Mining may be a PRP under CERCLA in connection with the Bonita Peak Mining District site and therefore responsible for the remediation of certain portions of the site, along with related costs incurred by the EPA.  Shortly thereafter, the Company received a substantively identical letter asserting that it may be a PRP at the site and similarly responsible for the cleanup of certain portions of the site.  The general notice letters identify one other PRP at the site, and do not require specific action by Washington Mining or the Company at this time.  At this juncture, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of a materially adverse outcome or the amount or range of a potential loss with respect to any remedial action related to the Bonita Peak Mining District NPL site.

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 to remove trichloroethylene, a cleaning solvent formerly used by MCTP.  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 (RWP) 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 RWP regarding final remediation for the Site.  The remediation system was activated in February 2014.  Costs to implement the work plans, including associated general and administrative costs, are estimated to approximate $0.7 million to $1.1 million over the next seven years.

United States Department of Commerce Antidumping Review

On December 24, 2008, the 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 for the November 1, 2007  through October 31, 2008 period of review.  The DOC selected Mueller Comercial as a respondent in the review.  On April 19, 2010, the DOC published the final results of the review and assigned Mueller Comercial an antidumping duty rate of 48.33 percent.  On May 25, 2010, the Company appealed the final results to the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT).  On December 16, 2011, the CIT issued a decision remanding the Department’s final results.  While the matter was still pending, the Company and the United States reached an agreement to settle the appeal.  Subject to the conditions of the agreement, the Company anticipated that certain of its subsidiaries would incur antidumping duties on subject imports made during the period of review and, as such, established a reserve for this matter.  After the lapse of the statutory period of time during which U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was required, but failed, to liquidate the entries at the settled rate, the Company released the reserve.  Between October 30, 2015 and November 27, 2015, CBP sent a series of invoices to Southland Pipe Nipples Co., Inc. (Southland), requesting payment of approximately $3.0 million in duties and interest in connection with 795 import entries made during the November 1, 2007 through October 31, 2008 period.  On January 26, 2016 and January 27, 2016, Southland filed protests with CBP in connection with these invoices, noting that CBP’s asserted claims were not made in accordance with applicable law, including statutory provisions governing deemed liquidation. The Company believes in the merits of the legal objections raised in Southland’s protests, and CBP’s response to Southland’s protests is currently pending. Given the procedural posture and issues raised by this legal dispute, the Company cannot estimate the amount of potential duty liability, if any, that may result from CBP’s asserted claims.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Matter

On October 5, 2016, the Company received a demand letter from the Los Angeles District Office of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).  The EEOC alleged that between May 2011 and April 2015, various Company employees were terminated in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and that certain of the Company’s employee leave and attendance policies were discriminatory in nature.  Thereafter, the Company, in consultation with its liability insurers, entered into conciliation and mediation efforts with the EEOC for purposes of resolving the claims. At the conclusion of those efforts, the Company and the EEOC reached agreement on a consensual resolution of the EEOC’s claims, which includes both monetary and equitable relief.

On June 28, 2018, the EEOC filed a complaint against the Company on behalf of a group of unidentified claimants in the United States District Court for the Central District of California alleging that the Company engaged in unlawful employment practices in violation of the ADA. On July 13, 2018, the District Court approved a Consent Decree between the Company and the EEOC to resolve the EEOC’s claims. The Consent Decree, the term of which shall be two and a half years, provides that the Company shall pay up to $1.0 million in monetary relief to fund individual claims for discrimination under the ADA as approved by the EEOC. That amount is fully within the limits of the Company’s applicable insurance coverage. Pursuant to the Consent Decree, the Company shall also take a series of proactive measures to cultivate a work environment free from unlawful discrimination. Those measures include, among others, assistance with the identification of potential claimants, employee, supervisory and managerial training regarding employee rights under the ADA, revised practices and procedures concerning reasonable workplace accommodations as required by the ADA, and related reporting and recordkeeping.

Deepwater Horizon Economic and Property Damage Claim

In November 2018, an Appeal Panel of the Deepwater Horizon Economic and Property Damage Settlement Program approved an award to Mueller Copper Tube Company, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, of $27.4 million. In January 2019, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana denied discretionary review of the award, and an appeal of the award is currently pending before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The award, if upheld, is subject to the Company’s payment of contingency-based legal and advisory fees of approximately 20 percent of the total award amount. Any recovery following the payment of such fees and any applicable taxes will be recognized as income when settled. There can be no assurance that the Company will receive such award, and it is possible such award will be materially reduced or reversed in its entirety upon appeal.

Guarantees

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 guarantees are generally one year but are renewable annually as required.  These letters are primarily backed by the Company’s revolving credit facility.  The maximum payments that the Company could be required to make under its guarantees at March 30, 2019 were $7.6 million.

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Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2019 was 23 percent compared with 18 percent for the same period last year. The difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the current U.S. statutory rate of 21 percent is primarily related to an increase in the transition tax calculation of $1.5 million for the effects of final regulations issued during the first quarter of 2019; the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $1.1 million; and other items of $0.7 million. These increases were partially offset by the recognition of a $2.6 million benefit related to an increased tax loss on the sale of a foreign subsidiary in a prior period.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2018 was 18 percent. The items impacting the effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2018 were primarily attributable to a reduction for the impact of tax benefits from losses on investments in unconsolidated affiliates of $3.9 million, partially offset by increases related to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $1.2 million, and other items of $1.2 million.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act), enacted on December 22, 2017, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on the accumulated earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries. In January 2019, the Treasury Department issued final regulations related to the calculation of the transition tax. As a result of the guidance provided in these regulations, the Company recorded additional income tax expense of $1.5 million and recognized a $2.6 million benefit on the sale of a foreign subsidiary included in the transition tax.

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 2015 and all subsequent years and is open for certain state and foreign returns for earlier tax years due to ongoing audits and differing statute periods.  The Internal Revenue Service is currently auditing the Company’s 2015 federal consolidated return. 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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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

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 other comprehensive income attributable to unconsolidated affiliates.

The following tables provide changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interests (amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI):

	For the Quarter Ended March 30, 2019
(In thousands)	Cumulative Translation Adjustment			Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Derivatives			Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment			Attributable to Unconsol. Affiliates			Total
Balance as of December 29, 2018	$	(54,257	)	$	(214	)	$	(24,967	)	$	(354	)	$	(79,792	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	5,853			1,336			(489		)	47			6,747
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—			(79		)	243			—			164
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	5,853			1,257			(246		)	47			6,911
Balance as of March 30, 2019	$	(48,404	)	$	1,043		$	(25,213	)	$	(307	)	$	(72,881	)

	For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2018
(In thousands)	Cumulative Translation Adjustment			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives			Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment			Attributable to Unconsol. Affiliates			Total
Balance as of December 30, 2017	$	(38,163	)	$	847		$	(20,610	)	$	6,870		$	(51,056	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4,800			(770		)	(570		)	(401		)	3,059
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—			(292		)	119			—			(173		)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	4,800			(1,062		)	(451		)	(401		)	2,886
Reclassification of stranded effects of the Act	—			112			(1,018		)	1,462			556
Balance as of March 31, 2018	$	(33,363	)	$	(103	)	$	(22,079	)	$	7,931		$	(47,614	)

Reclassification adjustments out of AOCI were as follows:

	Amount reclassified from AOCI
		For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands)		March 30, 2019			March 31, 2018			Affected line item
Unrealized gains on derivative commodity contracts		$	(96	)	$	(365	)	Cost of goods sold
		17			73			Income tax expense
		$	(79	)	$	(292	)	Net of tax and noncontrolling interests
Amortization of net loss and prior service cost on employee benefit plans		$	296		$	141		Other income, net
		(53		)	(22		)	Income tax benefit
		$	243		$	119		Net of tax and noncontrolling interests

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Recent Accounting Standards (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]

Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards

Adopted

In July 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements and ASU No. 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases. The ASUs clarify how to apply certain aspects of the new leasing standard, ASC 842.  ASC 842 requires an entity to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for each lease with a term of more than 12 months.  Recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses will depend on classification as a financing or operating lease.  The guidance also requires certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures about leasing arrangements.  The Company adopted the ASU during the first quarter of 2019 using a modified retrospective approach and applied the transition provisions at the beginning of the fiscal year. Financial results reported in periods prior to 2018 are unchanged. The Company elected a package of practical expedients, which among other things, does not require the reassessment of lease classification. The Company does not separate lease and non-lease components of contracts. The Company implemented a system to identify its entire population of leases and tested the population for completeness. As of the effective date, the Company recognized noncurrent right-of-use assets of $30.8 million and corresponding current and noncurrent lease liabilities of $4.9 million and $26.6 million, respectively.

Issued

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. For employers that sponsor defined benefit pension and/or other postretirement benefit plans, the ASU eliminates requirements for certain disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial, requires new disclosures related to the weighted-average interest crediting rate for cash balance plans and explanations for significant gains and losses related to changes in benefit obligations, and clarifies the requirements for entities that provide aggregate disclosures for two or more plans. The ASU will be effective for the annual period beginning in 2020. The updated guidance requires retrospective adoption, and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material impact on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The ASU eliminates requirements to disclose the amount and reasons for transfers between level 1 and level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, but requires public companies to disclose changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income (OCI) for recurring level 3 fair value measurements or instruments held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning in 2020. An entity is permitted to early adopt either the entire standard or only the provisions that eliminate or modify requirements, and can elect to early adopt in interim periods. The guidance on changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in OCI for recurring level 3 measurements, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty is applied prospectively. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material impact on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Acquisitions (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Summary of Condensed Pro Forma Consolidated Results of Operations as if Acquisition Occurred at Beginning of Period

The following table presents condensed pro forma consolidated results of operations as if the ATCO acquisition has occurred at the beginning of 2018. The pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of the results that would have been obtained if the operations had actually been combined during the periods presented and is not necessarily indicative of operating results to be expected in future periods. The most significant pro forma adjustments to the historical results of operations relate to the application of purchase accounting and the financing structure.

	For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)	March 31, 2018
Net sales	$	681,331
Net income	26,463
Basic earnings per share	$	0.47
Diluted earnings per share	0.46

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Segment Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Summary of Segment Information

Summarized segment information is as follows:

	For the Quarter Ended March 30, 2019
(In thousands)	Piping Systems		Industrial Metals		Climate		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	376,492	$	150,875	$	89,834	$	(5,420	)	$	611,781
Cost of goods sold	324,796		126,699		66,829		(6,931		)	511,393
Depreciation and amortization	5,550		1,844		2,313		848			10,555
Selling, general, and administrative expense	17,897		3,145		8,306		11,305			40,653
Operating income	28,249		19,187		12,386		(10,642		)	49,180
Interest expense										(6,954		)
Other loss, net										(172		)
Income before income taxes										$	42,054

	For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2018
(In thousands)	Piping Systems		Industrial Metals		Climate		Corporate and Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	430,964	$	177,332	$	36,063	$	(4,299	)	$	640,060
Cost of goods sold	372,895		149,423		27,286		(3,934		)	545,670
Depreciation and amortization	5,878		1,903		621		1,054			9,456
Selling, general, and administrative expense	19,242		3,373		2,609		8,833			34,057
Asset impairment	—		—		—		3,469			3,469
Operating income	32,949		22,633		5,547		(13,721		)	47,408
Interest expense										(5,909		)
Other income, net										560
Income before income taxes										$	42,059

Disaggregation of Revenue From Contracts with Customers

The following tables represent a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers, along with the reportable segment for each category:

	For the Quarter Ended March 30, 2019
(In thousands)	Piping Systems		Industrial Metals		Climate		Total
Tube and fittings	$	307,521	$	—	$	—	$	307,521
Brass rod and forgings	—		115,924		—		115,924
OEM components, tube & assemblies	7,283		13,037		37,243		57,563
Valves and plumbing specialties	61,688		—		—		61,688
Other	—		21,914		52,591		74,505
	376,492		150,875		89,834		617,201
Intersegment sales							(5,420		)
Net sales							$	611,781

	For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2018
(In thousands)	Piping Systems		Industrial Metals		Climate		Total
Tube and fittings	$	358,091	$	—	$	—	$	358,091
Brass rod and forgings	—		136,548		—		136,548
OEM components, tube & assemblies	7,062		15,067		36,063		58,192
Valves and plumbing specialties	65,811		—		—		65,811
Other	—		25,717		—		25,717
	430,964		177,332		36,063		644,359
Intersegment sales							(4,299		)
Net sales							$	640,060

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Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]

Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents

(In thousands)	March 30, 2019		December 29, 2018
Cash & cash equivalents	$	97,596	$	72,616
Restricted cash included within other current assets	1,302		4,414
Restricted cash included within other assets	108		108
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	99,006	$	77,138

Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents

(In thousands)	March 30, 2019		December 29, 2018
Cash & cash equivalents	$	97,596	$	72,616
Restricted cash included within other current assets	1,302		4,414
Restricted cash included within other assets	108		108
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	99,006	$	77,138

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Inventories (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

(In thousands)	March 30, 2019			December 29, 2018
Raw materials and supplies	$	101,420		$	89,641
Work-in-process	60,356			58,643
Finished goods	190,033			188,506
Valuation reserves	(6,959		)	(6,995		)
Inventories	$	344,850		$	329,795

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Financial Instruments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges Reflected in the Financial Statements

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
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	March 30, 2019			December 29, 2018			Balance Sheet Location	March 30, 2019			December 29, 2018
Commodity contracts - gains	Other current assets	$	1,366		$	88		Other current liabilities	$	—		$	103
Commodity contracts - losses	Other current assets	(24		)	(1		)	Other current liabilities	(90		)	(1,382		)
Total derivatives (1)		$	1,342		$	87			$	(90	)	$	(1,279	)

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

Schedule of Fair Value Hedges

The following tables summarize the effects of derivative instruments on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:

		For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands)	Location	March 30, 2019		March 31, 2018
Fair value hedges:
Gain on commodity contracts (qualifying)	Cost of goods sold	$	—	$	391
Loss on hedged item - inventory	Cost of goods sold	—		(385		)
Undesignated derivatives:
Gain on commodity contracts (nonqualifying)	Cost of goods sold	1,442		6,126

Summary of Activities Related to Derivative Instruments Classified as Cash Flow Hedges

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

	For the Quarter Ended March 30, 2019
(In thousands)	Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax			Classification Gains (Losses)	Gain Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
Cash flow hedges:
Commodity contracts	$	1,352		Cost of goods sold	$	(79	)
Other	(16		)	Other	—
Total	$	1,336		Total	$	(79	)

Changes recognized in and reclassified from AOCI (continued):

	For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2018
(In thousands)	(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax			Classification Gains (Losses)	Gain Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
Cash flow hedges:
Commodity contracts	$	(795	)	Cost of goods sold	$	(292	)
Other	25			Other	—
Total	$	(770	)	Total	$	(292	)

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Leases (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Supplemental Information Regarding Operating Leases

The following table includes supplemental information with regards to the Company’s operating leases:

(In thousands, except lease term and discount rate)	March 30, 2019
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	29,515
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	4,737
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	25,437
Total operating lease liabilities	$	30,174
Weighted average discount rate	4.13		%
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)	9.32

Schedule of Operating Lease Cost and Payments

The following table presents certain information related to operating lease costs and cash paid during the quarter.

(In thousands)	March 30, 2019
Operating lease costs	$	1,627
Short term lease costs	1,490
Total lease costs	$	3,117
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities	$	1,585

Schedule of Maturities of Operating Leases

Maturities of the Company’s operating leases are as follows:

(In thousands)	March 30, 2019
2019	$	5,976
2020	5,343
2021	4,383
2022	3,661
2023	2,635
2024 and thereafter	15,361
Total lease payments	37,359
Less imputed interest	(7,185		)
Total lease obligations	30,174
Less current obligations	(4,737		)
Noncurrent lease obligations	$	25,437

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Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Summarized Financial Information Derived From the Company's Equity Method Investee's Consolidated Financial Statements

The following tables present summarized financial information derived from the Company’s equity method investees’ combined consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

(In thousands)	March 30, 2019		December 29, 2018
Current assets	$	200,129	$	228,214
Noncurrent assets	107,349		114,257
Current liabilities	161,863		175,371
Noncurrent liabilities	62,814		57,216

	For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands)	March 30, 2019			March 31, 2018
Net sales	$	113,327		$	124,100
Gross profit	8,006			12,100
Net loss	(29,207		)	(18,331		)

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Benefit Plans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)

The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) are as follows:

	For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands)	March 30, 2019			March 31, 2018
Pension benefits:
Service cost	$	—		$	24
Interest cost	1,467			1,493
Expected return on plan assets	(2,076		)	(2,289		)
Amortization of net loss	530			349
Net periodic benefit income	$	(79	)	$	(423	)
Other benefits:
Service cost	$	64		$	60
Interest cost	153			148
Amortization of prior service credit	(226		)	(226		)
Amortization of net (gain) loss	(8		)	18
Net periodic benefit income	$	(17	)	$	—

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Changes in AOCI by Component, Net of Taxes and Noncontrolling Interest

The following tables provide changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interests (amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI):

	For the Quarter Ended March 30, 2019
(In thousands)	Cumulative Translation Adjustment			Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Derivatives			Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment			Attributable to Unconsol. Affiliates			Total
Balance as of December 29, 2018	$	(54,257	)	$	(214	)	$	(24,967	)	$	(354	)	$	(79,792	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	5,853			1,336			(489		)	47			6,747
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—			(79		)	243			—			164
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	5,853			1,257			(246		)	47			6,911
Balance as of March 30, 2019	$	(48,404	)	$	1,043		$	(25,213	)	$	(307	)	$	(72,881	)

	For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2018
(In thousands)	Cumulative Translation Adjustment			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives			Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment			Attributable to Unconsol. Affiliates			Total
Balance as of December 30, 2017	$	(38,163	)	$	847		$	(20,610	)	$	6,870		$	(51,056	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4,800			(770		)	(570		)	(401		)	3,059
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—			(292		)	119			—			(173		)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	4,800			(1,062		)	(451		)	(401		)	2,886
Reclassification of stranded effects of the Act	—			112			(1,018		)	1,462			556
Balance as of March 31, 2018	$	(33,363	)	$	(103	)	$	(22,079	)	$	7,931		$	(47,614	)

Reclassification Adjustments Out of AOCI

Reclassification adjustments out of AOCI were as follows:

	Amount reclassified from AOCI
		For the Quarter Ended
(In thousands)		March 30, 2019			March 31, 2018			Affected line item
Unrealized gains on derivative commodity contracts		$	(96	)	$	(365	)	Cost of goods sold
		17			73			Income tax expense
		$	(79	)	$	(292	)	Net of tax and noncontrolling interests
Amortization of net loss and prior service cost on employee benefit plans		$	296		$	141		Other income, net
		(53		)	(22		)	Income tax benefit
		$	243		$	119		Net of tax and noncontrolling interests

XML

Recent Accounting Standards - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 30, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 29,515	$ 30,800	$ 0
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	4,737	4,900	0
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	$ 25,437	$ 26,600	$ 0

XML

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
ATCO [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred net of working capital adjustments	$ 156.7
Cash portion of acquisition price	151.4
Maximum possible contingent consideration	12.0
Fair value of assets acquired	137.9
Fair value of property, plant and equipment acquired	83.1
Fair value of inventories acquired	31.7
Fair value of accounts receivable acquired	21.8
Fair value of other current assets acquired	1.1
Fair value of other assets acquired	0.2
Fair value of liabilities acquired	20.4
Fair value of accounts payable acquired	8.1
Fair value of other current liabilities acquired	10.2
Fair value of long-term debt acquired	2.1
Tax-deductible goodwill	17.8
Fair value of intangible assets acquired	$ 21.4
Revenues of acquired entity for last annual period			$ 45.5	$ 90.0
Die-Mold [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred net of working capital adjustments		$ 13.6
Cash portion of acquisition price		12.4
Maximum possible contingent consideration		2.3
Fair value of assets acquired		7.1
Fair value of property, plant and equipment acquired		3.3
Fair value of inventories acquired		1.8
Fair value of accounts receivable acquired		1.7
Fair value of other current assets acquired		0.3
Fair value of liabilities acquired		2.9
Fair value of accounts payable acquired		0.7
Fair value of other current liabilities acquired		0.2
Fair value of deferred taxes acquired		2.0
Allocation to non-deductible goodwill and intangible assets		$ 9.4

XML

Acquisitions - Condensed Pro Forma Consolidated Results of Operations (Details) - ATCO [Member] $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) $ / shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales | $	$ 681,331
Net income | $	$ 26,463
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.47
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.46

XML

Segment Information - Summary of Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 611,781	$ 640,060
Cost of goods sold	511,393	545,670
Depreciation and amortization	10,555	9,456
Selling, general, and administrative expense	40,653	34,057
Asset impairment	0	3,469
Operating income	49,180	47,408
Interest expense	(6,954)	(5,909)
Other income (expense), net	(172)	560
Income before income taxes	42,054	42,059
Operating Segments [Member]
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	617,201	644,359
Operating Segments [Member] | Piping Systems [Member]
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	376,492	430,964
Cost of goods sold	324,796	372,895
Depreciation and amortization	5,550	5,878
Selling, general, and administrative expense	17,897	19,242
Asset impairment		0
Operating income	28,249	32,949
Operating Segments [Member] | Industrial Metals [Member]
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	150,875	177,332
Cost of goods sold	126,699	149,423
Depreciation and amortization	1,844	1,903
Selling, general, and administrative expense	3,145	3,373
Asset impairment		0
Operating income	19,187	22,633
Operating Segments [Member] | Climate [Member]
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	89,834	36,063
Cost of goods sold	66,829	27,286
Depreciation and amortization	2,313	621
Selling, general, and administrative expense	8,306	2,609
Asset impairment		0
Operating income	12,386	5,547
Corporate and Eliminations [Member]
Summary of segment information [Abstract]
Net sales	(5,420)	(4,299)
Cost of goods sold	(6,931)	(3,934)
Depreciation and amortization	848	1,054
Selling, general, and administrative expense	11,305	8,833
Asset impairment		3,469
Operating income	$ (10,642)	$ (13,721)

XML

Segment Information - Net Sales by Major Product Line (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 611,781	$ 640,060
Operating Segments [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	617,201	644,359
Operating Segments [Member] | Piping Systems [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	376,492	430,964
Operating Segments [Member] | Industrial Metals [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	150,875	177,332
Operating Segments [Member] | Climate [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	89,834	36,063
Operating Segments [Member] | Tube and fittings [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	307,521	358,091
Operating Segments [Member] | Tube and fittings [Member] | Piping Systems [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	307,521	358,091
Operating Segments [Member] | Tube and fittings [Member] | Industrial Metals [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Tube and fittings [Member] | Climate [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Brass rod and forgings [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	115,924	136,548
Operating Segments [Member] | Brass rod and forgings [Member] | Piping Systems [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Brass rod and forgings [Member] | Industrial Metals [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	115,924	136,548
Operating Segments [Member] | Brass rod and forgings [Member] | Climate [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Operating Segments [Member] | OEM components, tube and assemblies [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	57,563	58,192
Operating Segments [Member] | OEM components, tube and assemblies [Member] | Piping Systems [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	7,283	7,062
Operating Segments [Member] | OEM components, tube and assemblies [Member] | Industrial Metals [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	13,037	15,067
Operating Segments [Member] | OEM components, tube and assemblies [Member] | Climate [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	37,243	36,063
Operating Segments [Member] | Valves and plumbing specialties [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	61,688	65,811
Operating Segments [Member] | Valves and plumbing specialties [Member] | Piping Systems [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	61,688	65,811
Operating Segments [Member] | Valves and plumbing specialties [Member] | Industrial Metals [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Valves and plumbing specialties [Member] | Climate [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Other products [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	74,505	25,717
Operating Segments [Member] | Other products [Member] | Piping Systems [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Other products [Member] | Industrial Metals [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	21,914	25,717
Operating Segments [Member] | Other products [Member] | Climate [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	52,591	0
Intersegment Sales [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$ (5,420)	$ (4,299)

XML

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 97,596	$ 72,616
Restricted cash included within other current assets	1,302	4,414
Restricted cash included within other assets	108	108
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$ 99,006	$ 77,138	$ 93,758	$ 126,563

XML

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials and supplies	$ 101,420	$ 89,641
Work-in-process	60,356	58,643
Finished goods	190,033	188,506
Valuation reserves	(6,959)	(6,995)
Inventories	$ 344,850	$ 329,795

XML

Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
Restricted cash in other current assets as collateral related to open derivative contracts	$ 500	$ 3,600
Commodity Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Deferred net losses, net of tax, included in AOCI	911
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Open option contracts written, at fair value	$ 32,000
Time period for open copper future contract purchases	14 months
Fair value of future contracts with net loss position	$ 1,300
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of future contracts with net loss position	(90)
Open future contracts to sell copper	$ 2,600
Time period for open copper future contract sales	4 months

XML

Financial Instruments - Summary of Location and Fair Value (Details) - Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivative assets	$ 1,342	$ 87
Total derivative liabilities	(90)	(1,279)
Other Current Assets [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other current assets: Gain positions	1,366	88
Other current assets: Loss positions	(24)	(1)
Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other current liability: Gain positions	0	103
Other current liability: Loss positions	$ (90)	$ (1,382)

XML

Financial Instruments - Effects of Derivative Instruments on Statements of Income (Details) - Cost of Goods Sold [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Commodity Contracts [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on the derivatives in designated and qualifying fair value hedges	$ 0	$ 391
Commodity Contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain on commodity contracts (nonqualifying)	1,442	6,126
Inventories [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on the derivatives in designated and qualifying fair value hedges	$ 0	$ (385)

XML

Financial Instruments - Amounts Recognized in and Reclassified from AOCI (Details) - Cash Flow Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax	$ 1,336	$ (770)
(Gain) Loss Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax	(79)	(292)
Commodity Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax	1,352	(795)
Commodity Contracts [Member] | Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Gain) Loss Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax	(79)	(292)
Other [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax	(16)	25
(Gain) Loss Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Leases - Summary of Supplemental Operating Lease Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 30, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease renewal term	5 years
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)	9 years 3 months 26 days
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 29,515	$ 30,800	$ 0
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	4,737	4,900	0
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	25,437	$ 26,600	$ 0
Total operating lease liabilities	$ 30,174
Weighted average discount rate (as a percent)	4.13%
Minimum [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)	15 years

XML

Leases - Schedule of Operating Lease Cost (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease costs	$ 1,627
Short term lease costs	1,490
Total lease costs	3,117
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities	$ 1,585

XML

Leases - Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 30, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
2019	$ 5,976
2020	5,343
2021	4,383
2022	3,661
2023	2,635
2024 and thereafter	15,361
Total lease payments	37,359
Less imputed interest	(7,185)
Total operating lease liabilities	30,174
Less current obligations	(4,737)	$ (4,900)	$ 0
Noncurrent lease obligations	$ 25,437	$ 26,600	$ 0

XML

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		39 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 30, 2019
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net loss	$ 29,207	$ 18,331
Tecumseh Products Holdings LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Interest in the joint venture, ownership percentage	50.00%		50.00%
Net loss	$ 14,600	6,200
Second Unconsolidated Affiliate [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Interest in the joint venture, ownership percentage	50.00%		50.00%
Mueller Middle East [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Interest in the joint venture, ownership percentage	40.00%		40.00%
Net loss	$ 800	1,100
Cash invested to acquire joint venture interest			$ 4,500
Labor Claim [Member] | Tecumseh Products Holdings LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Contingency charge		$ 3,000

XML

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates - Summarized Financial Information Derived from Equity Method Investees' Consolidated Financial Statements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 29, 2018
Balance sheet data [Abstract]
Current assets	$ 200,129		$ 228,214
Noncurrent assets	107,349		114,257
Current liabilities	161,863		175,371
Noncurrent liabilities	62,814		$ 57,216
Income statement data [Abstract]
Net sales	113,327	$ 124,100
Gross profit	8,006	12,100
Net loss	$ (29,207)	$ (18,331)

XML

Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Pension Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost (income) [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 0	$ 24
Interest cost	1,467	1,493
Expected return on plan assets	(2,076)	(2,289)
Amortization of net (gain) loss	530	349
Net periodic benefit income	(79)	(423)
Other Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost (income) [Abstract]
Service cost	64	60
Interest cost	153	148
Amortization of prior service credit	(226)	(226)
Amortization of net (gain) loss	(8)	18
Net periodic benefit income	$ (17)	$ 0

XML

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)		1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	15 Months Ended
	Jul. 13, 2018 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2018 USD ($) unilateral_administrative_orders	Nov. 27, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 30, 2019 USD ($) property	Oct. 31, 2008 Import_entry	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Mar. 30, 2019 potentially_responsible_party	Mar. 30, 2019 smelter_site	Nov. 08, 2016 USD ($)	Apr. 19, 2010
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Term of guarantees					1 year
Payments required to be made under guarantees, maximum					$ 7,600,000
United States Department of Commerce Antidumping Review [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Assignment of antidumping duty rate on U.S. imports by Company subsidiaries											48.33%
Payment for interest and duties				$ 3,000,000
Number of import entries | Import_entry						795
Unlawful Employment Practices [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Term of consent decree					2 years 6 months
Maximum amount to be paid to fund discrimination claims	$ 1,000,000.0
Deepwater Horizon Economic and Property Damage Claim [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount awarded to the Company		$ 27,400,000
Gain contingency, legal and advisory fees, percent of total award amount		20.00%
Southeast Kansas Sites [Member] | Non operating Properties [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of parties involved in settlement negotiations								2	3
Environmental reserves					$ 5,600,000
Shasta Area Mine Sites [Member] | Non operating Properties [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Period of permit, implementation of Best Management Practices					10 years
Estimated remediation costs, term					30 years
Lead Refinery Site [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Financial guarantee										$ 1,000,000
Lead Refinery Site [Member] | Non operating Properties [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of parties involved in settlement negotiations | potentially_responsible_party								2
Estimated remediation costs, term					18 years
Amount other PRPs will pay to fund cleanup					$ 26,000,000
Number of surrounding properties | property					300
Lead Refinery NPL Site [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Environmental reserves			$ 4,500,000		$ 1,300,000
Number of UAOs | unilateral_administrative_orders			2
Site contingency, total costs			$ 25,000,000
Site contingency, amount agreed upon to pay PRPs for past costs			2,000,000
Site contingency, additional reimbursement of past costs			$ 700,000
Site contingency, amount paid to date for reimbursement of costs							$ 400,000
Contingency charge					$ 5,700,000
Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc. [Member] | Operating Properties [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated remediation costs, term					7 years
Minimum [Member] | Shasta Area Mine Sites [Member] | Non operating Properties [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated remediation costs					$ 12,800,000
Minimum [Member] | Lead Refinery Site [Member] | Non operating Properties [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated remediation costs					1,700,000
Minimum [Member] | Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc. [Member] | Operating Properties [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated remediation costs					700,000
Maximum [Member] | Shasta Area Mine Sites [Member] | Non operating Properties [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated remediation costs					17,500,000
Maximum [Member] | Lead Refinery Site [Member] | Non operating Properties [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated remediation costs					2,100,000
Maximum [Member] | Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc. [Member] | Operating Properties [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated remediation costs					$ 1,100,000

XML

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	23.00%	18.00%
Increase (decrease) in one-time transition tax liability	$ 1.5
Provision for state income taxes, net of federal benefits	1.1	$ 1.2
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, other adjustments	0.7	1.2
Adjustment to provisional tax calculation	$ 2.6
Impact of investments in unconsolidated affiliates		$ 3.9

XML

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Changes in AOCI by Component (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 563,260
Total other comprehensive income, net	7,115	$ 3,063
Balance at end of year	581,922
Cumulative Translation Adjustment [Member]
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	(54,257)	(38,163)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	5,853	4,800
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0
Total other comprehensive income, net	5,853	4,800
Reclassification of stranded effects of the Act		0
Balance at end of year	(48,404)	(33,363)
Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Derivatives [Member]
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	(214)	847
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1,336	(770)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(79)	(292)
Total other comprehensive income, net	1,257	(1,062)
Reclassification of stranded effects of the Act		112
Balance at end of year	1,043	(103)
Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment [Member]
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	(24,967)	(20,610)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(489)	(570)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	243	119
Total other comprehensive income, net	(246)	(451)
Reclassification of stranded effects of the Act		(1,018)
Balance at end of year	(25,213)	(22,079)
Attributable to Unconsolidated Affiliates [Member]
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	(354)	6,870
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	47	(401)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0
Total other comprehensive income, net	47	(401)
Reclassification of stranded effects of the Act		1,462
Balance at end of year	(307)	7,931
Total [Member]
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	(79,792)	(51,056)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	6,747	3,059
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	164	(173)
Total other comprehensive income, net	6,911	2,886
Reclassification of stranded effects of the Act		556
Balance at end of year	$ (72,881)	$ (47,614)

XML

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Reclassification Adjustments Out of AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of goods sold	$ 511,393	$ 545,670
Income tax (benefit) expense	9,546	7,395
Other income, net	172	(560)
Net of tax and noncontrolling interests	(15,723)	(24,128)
Unrealized losses (gains) on derivatives [Member] | Amount Reclassified from AOCI [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of goods sold	(96)	(365)
Income tax (benefit) expense	17	73
Net of tax and noncontrolling interests	(79)	(292)
Amortization of net loss and prior service cost on employee benefit plans [Member] | Amount Reclassified from AOCI [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income tax (benefit) expense	(53)	(22)
Other income, net	296	141
Net of tax and noncontrolling interests	$ 243	$ 119