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 September 26, 2015April 2, 2016Commission file number 1–6770


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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yesx  No

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

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

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

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

The number of shares of the Registrant's common stock outstanding as of October 19, 2015,April 25, 2016, was 57,158,180.57,126,707.


INDEX
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

FORM 10-Q

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 26, 2015April 2, 2016

__________________________

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
Item 1.   – Financial Statements (Unaudited) 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
  
   
 
  
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
   
 



2

INDEX

 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  Financial Statements
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.Financial Statements

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)

 For the Quarter Ended  For the Nine Months Ended  For the Quarter Ended 
(In thousands, except per share data) September 26, 2015  September 27, 2014  September 26, 2015  September 27, 2014  April 2, 2016  March 28, 2015 
              
Net sales $535,184  $602,820  $1,628,019  $1,826,885  $532,809  $537,242 
                        
Cost of goods sold  467,167   521,278   1,398,366   1,574,830   446,642   460,834 
Depreciation and amortization  8,749   8,952   24,790   25,651   8,920   7,853 
Selling, general, and administrative expense  32,241   34,004   98,492   100,512   35,780   32,831 
Gain on sale of assets        (15,376)  (1,417)
Severance     860   3,442   3,072 
                        
Operating income  27,027   37,726   118,305   124,237   41,467   35,724 
                        
Interest expense  (1,682)  (1,430)  (5,977)  (3,913)  (1,848)  (2,076)
Other income, net  164   225   534   440   245   105 
��                       
Income before income taxes  25,509   36,521   112,862   120,764   39,864   33,753 
                        
Income tax expense  (5,223)  (12,199)  (36,374)  (36,279)  (14,121)  (11,413)
Loss from unconsolidated subsidiary, net of tax  (2,191)     (2,191)   
Income from unconsolidated affiliates  2,922    
                        
Consolidated net income  18,095   24,322   74,297   84,485   28,665   22,340 
                        
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest  (295)  (499)  (868)  (911)  (35)  (362)
                        
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. $17,800  $23,823  $73,429  $83,574  $28,630  $21,978 
                        
Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share  56,375   56,107   56,272   55,999   56,467   56,193 
Effect of dilutive stock-based awards  598   637   690   746   495   731 
                        
Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share  56,973   56,744   56,962   56,745   56,962   56,924 
                        
Basic earnings per share $0.32  $0.42  $1.30  $1.49  $0.51  $0.39 
                        
Diluted earnings per share $0.31  $0.42  $1.29  $1.47  $0.50  $0.39 
                        
Dividends per share $0.075  $0.075  $0.225  $0.225  $0.075  $0.075 
                        
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. 
3

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)

  For the Quarter Ended  For the Nine Months Ended 
(In thousands) September 26, 2015  September 27, 2014  September 26, 2015  September 27, 2014 
   
Consolidated net income $18,095  $24,322  $74,297  $84,485 
                 
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:                
Foreign currency translation  (12,153)  (6,661)  (13,501)  (3,698)
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities  (915)
(1
)
 (174)
(2
)
 (2,016)
(3
)
 (1,650)
(4)
Net actuarial loss on pension and postretirement obligations  1,231 
(5
)
 646 
(6
)
 2,000 
(7
)
 490 
(8)
Other, net  (53)   (1)   (46)   7  
                     
Total other comprehensive loss  (11,890)   (6,190)   (13,563)   (4,851) 
                     
Consolidated comprehensive income  6,205    18,132    60,734    79,634  
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest  709    (889)   534    (548) 
                     
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. $6,914   $17,243   $61,268   $79,086  
                     
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
                     
                     

_______________________________________ 
  For the Quarter Ended 
(In thousands) April 2, 2016  March 28, 2015 
       
Consolidated net income $28,665  $22,340 
         
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:        
Foreign currency translation  (1,111)  (8,404)
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $(221) in 2016 and $274 in 2015  594   (198)
Net actuarial loss on pension and postretirement obligations, net of tax of $(398) in 2016 and $(501) in 2015  1,172   1,416 
Other, net  14   (27)
         
Total other comprehensive income (loss)  669   (7,213)
         
Comprehensive income  29,334   15,127 
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest  739   345 
         
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. $30,073  $15,472 
         
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. 
 
(1) Net of tax of $575
(2)4 Net of tax of $42
(3) Net of tax of $1,014
(4) Net of tax of $907
(5) Net of tax of $(429)
(6) Net of tax of $(232)
(7) Net of tax of $(715)
(8) Net of tax of $(109)
4

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share data)September 26, 2015 December 27, 2014  April 2, 2016  December 26, 2015 
Assets        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents  $220,745   $352,134  $270,149  $274,844 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $623 in 2015 and $666 in 2014   299,417    275,065 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $496 in 2016 and $623 in 2015  275,881   251,571 
Inventories   250,799    256,585   240,608   239,378 
Other current assets   54,538    57,429   34,123   34,608 
                  
Total current assets   825,499    941,213   820,761   800,401 
                  
Property, plant, and equipment, net   270,655    245,910   278,481   280,224 
Goodwill   163,063    102,909 
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary  63,709    
Goodwill, net  121,112   120,252 
Intangible assets, net  40,617   40,636 
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates  68,822   65,900 
Other assets   50,600    38,064   31,227   31,388 
                  
Total assets  $1,373,526   $1,328,096  $1,361,020  $1,338,801 
                  
Liabilities             
Current liabilities:             
Current portion of debt  $13,756   $36,194  $4,583  $11,760 
Accounts payable   113,597    100,735   98,324   88,051 
Accrued wages and other employee costs   34,042    41,595   27,974   35,636 
Other current liabilities   68,146    59,545   71,727   73,982 
                  
Total current liabilities   229,541    238,069   202,608   209,429 
                  
Long-term debt, less current portion   204,500    205,250   206,000   204,250 
Pension liabilities   17,323    20,070   16,319   17,449 
Postretirement benefits other than pensions   26,701    21,486   17,396   17,427 
Environmental reserves   21,566    21,842   20,932   20,943 
Deferred income taxes   22,142    24,556   8,310   7,161 
Other noncurrent liabilities   3,570    1,389   2,973   2,440 
                  
Total liabilities   525,343    532,662   474,538   479,099 
                  
Equity                  
Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity:                  
Preferred stock - $1.00 par value; shares authorized 5,000,000; none outstanding              
Common stock - $.01 par value; shares authorized 100,000,000; issued 80,183,004; outstanding 57,158,013 in 2015 and 56,901,445 in 2014   802    802 
Common stock - $.01 par value; shares authorized 100,000,000; issued 80,183,004; outstanding 57,126,707 in 2016 and 57,158,608 in 2015  802   802 
Additional paid-in capital   269,529    268,575   273,576   271,158 
Retained earnings   1,053,395    992,798   1,087,927   1,063,543 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (55,084)   (42,923)  (53,547)  (54,990)
Treasury common stock, at cost   (453,209)   (457,102)  (453,954)  (453,228)
                  
Total Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity   815,433    762,150   854,804   827,285 
Noncontrolling interest   32,750    33,284   31,678   32,417 
                  
Total equity   848,183    795,434   886,482   859,702 
                  
Commitments and contingencies              
                  
Total liabilities and equity  $1,373,526   $1,328,096  $1,361,020  $1,338,801 
                  
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. 
5

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

 For the Nine Months Ended  For the Quarter Ended 
(In thousands) September 26, 2015  September 27, 2014  April 2, 2016  March 28, 2015 
     
Cash flows from operating activities          
Consolidated net income $74,297  $84,485  $28,665  $22,340 
Reconciliation of consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                
Depreciation and amortization  25,132   25,888   9,011   8,015 
Stock-based compensation expense  4,611   4,957   1,236   1,349 
Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiary  2,191    
Gain on disposal of assets  (14,875)  (1,146)
Impairment charges  570    
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates  (2,922)   
(Gain) loss on disposal of properties  (23)  1 
Deferred income taxes  (8,262)  (6,908)  1,895   (570)
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options  (953)  (829)  (96)  (69)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired:        
Changes in assets and liabilities:        
Receivables  5,249   (62,854)  (25,089)  (36,692)
Inventories  29,901   (14,868)  (1,631)  7,534 
Other assets  4,302   (15,272)  (370)  9,257 
Current liabilities  (27,580)  (8,675)  655   (7,389)
Other liabilities  740   (797)  (704)  (131)
Other, net  145   223   (291)  245 
                
Net cash provided by operating activities  95,468   4,204   10,336   3,890 
                
Cash flows from investing activities                
Capital expenditures  (22,502)  (28,406)  (5,892)  (7,392)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired  (107,405)  (30,137)
Net withdrawals from restricted cash balances  1,822   2,507 
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary  (65,900)   
Proceeds from sales of assets  5,521   4,920 
Net withdrawals from (deposits into) restricted cash  84   (12,593)
Proceeds from the sale of assets  1   492 
                
Net cash used in investing activities  (188,464)  (51,116)  (5,807)  (19,493)
                
Cash flows from financing activities                
Repayments of long-term debt  (250)  (250)
Dividends paid to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc.  (12,669)  (12,606)  (4,236)  (4,216)
Issuance of long-term debt     12,008 
Repayment of debt by joint venture, net  (21,597)  (3,170)  (7,024)  (3,817)
Net cash used to settle stock-based awards  (718)  (887)
Repurchase of common stock     (58)
Repayments of long-term debt  (750)  (800)
Issuance of debt  2,000    
Net cash received to settle stock-based awards  361   93 
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options  953   829   96   69 
                
Net cash used in financing activities  (34,781)  (4,684)  (9,053)  (8,121)
                
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash  (3,612)  (346)  (171)  (1,516)
                
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (131,389)  (51,942)  (4,695)  (25,240)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period  352,134   311,800  ��274,844   352,134 
                
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period $220,745  $259,858  $270,149  $326,894 
                
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. 
6

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

General

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

The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented.included herein.  The fiscal quarter ended April 2, 2016 contained 14 weeks, while the fiscal quarter ended March 28, 2015 contained 13 weeks.

Note 1 – Earnings per Common Share

Basic per share amounts have been computed based on the average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted per share amounts reflect the increase in average common shares outstanding that would result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards, computed using the treasury stock method.  Approximately 383579 thousand stock basedand 180 thousand stock-based awards were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the quarterquarters ended September 26,April 2, 2016 and March 28, 2015, respectively, because they were antidilutive.

Note 2 – Commitments and Contingencies–Segment Information

TheDuring the first quarter of 2016, the Company is involved in certain litigationmade changes to its management reporting structure as a result of claims that arosea change in the ordinary course ofway the Chief Executive Officer, who serves as the Chief Operating Decision Maker, manages and evaluates the 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 claimsmakes key operating decisions, and litigation in the future; these gain contingencies are not recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Guarantees

Guarantees, in the form of letters of credit, are issued byallocates resources.  Previously, the Company generally to assure the payment of insurance deductibles and certain retiree health benefits.  The terms of the Company's guarantees are generally one year but are renewable annually as required.  These letters are primarily backed by the Company's revolving credit facility.  The maximum payments that the Company could be required to make under its guarantees at September 26, 2015, were $8.8 million.

Note 3 – Inventories

(In thousands) September 26, 2015  December 27, 2014 
   
     
Raw materials and supplies $55,522  $53,586 
Work-in-process  38,689   39,707 
Finished goods  162,780   168,481 
Valuation reserves  (6,192)  (5,189)
         
Inventories $250,799  $256,585 
         


7


Note 4 – Industry Segments

The Company'shad two reportable segments aresegments: Plumbing & Refrigeration and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM).  For disclosure purposes, as permitted under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 280, Segment ReportingOEM.  During the quarter, the Company realigned its operating segments into three reportable segments: Piping Systems, Industrial Metals, and Climate.  ,Management has recast certain prior period amounts to conform the current period presentation. Each of the reportable segments is composed of certain operating segments that are aggregated into reportable segments.  The Plumbing & Refrigeration segmentprimarily by the nature of products offered as follows:

Piping Systems

Piping Systems is composed of Standard Products (SPD),the following operating segments: Domestic Piping Systems Group, Canadian Operations, European Operations, Trading Group, and Mexican Operations.Mueller-Xingrong, the Company's Chinese joint venture.  The OEM segment is composed of Industrial Products (IPD), Engineered Products (EPD), and Jiangsu Mueller–Xingrong Copper Industries Limited (Mueller-Xingrong).  These segments are classified primarily by the markets for their products.  Performance of segments is generally evaluated by their operating income. 

SPDDomestic Piping Systems Group manufactures copper tube and fittings, plastic fittings, and line sets.  These products are manufactured in the U.S.   SPD alsoOutside the U.S., the Canadian Operations manufacture copper tube and line sets in Canada and sell the products primarily in the U.S. and Canada, and the European Operations manufacture copper tube, which is sold primarily in Europe.  The Trading Group manufactures pipe nipples and imports and resells brass and plastic plumbing valves, malleable iron fittings, faucets, and plumbing specialty products.  Outsideproducts in the U.S., the Company's European Operations manufacture and Mexico.  Mueller-Xingrong manufactures engineered copper tube which is sold primarily for air-conditioning applications in Europe.   Mexican Operations consist of pipe nipple manufacturing and import distribution businesses including product lines of malleable iron fittings and other plumbing specialties.China.  The Plumbing & RefrigerationPiping System segment's products are sold primarily to plumbing, refrigeration, and air-conditioning wholesalers, hardware wholesalers and co-ops, and building product retailers.  For the nine months ended September 27, 2014, cost of goods sold included a decrease in accruals related to import duties of $3.1 million.retailers, and air-conditioning OEMs.

IPD manufacturesIndustrial 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 fittings.  EPD manufacturesgas assemblies.  These products are manufactured in the U.S. and fabricatessold primarily to OEMs in the U.S, many of which are in the industrial, construction, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning, plumbing, and refrigeration markets.

7

Climate

Climate is composed of the following operating segments: Refrigeration Products, Fabricated Tube Products, Westermeyer, and Turbotec.  These domestic businesses manufacture and fabricate valves and assemblies primarily for the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration air-conditioning, gas appliance, and barbecue grill markets and specialty copper, copper-alloy, and aluminum tube.  Mueller-Xingrong manufactures engineered copper tube primarily for air-conditioning applications.  These products are sold primarily to OEM customers.in the U.S.

Summarized segment information is as follows:

 For the Quarter Ended September 26, 2015  For the Quarter Ended April 2, 2016 
(In thousands) Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment  
OEM
Segment
  Corporate and Eliminations  Total  Piping Systems  Industrial Metals  Climate  Corporate and Eliminations  Total 
        
                       
Net sales $325,022  $212,596  $(2,434) $535,184  $368,890  $134,521  $30,706  $(1,308) $532,809 
                                    
Cost of goods sold  280,891   188,665   (2,389)  467,167   313,792   109,229   23,705   (84)  446,642 
Depreciation and amortization  4,468   3,839   442   8,749   5,649   2,135   599   537   8,920 
Selling, general, and administrative expense  20,104   6,814   5,323   32,241   18,290   3,245   2,523   11,722   35,780 
                                    
Operating income $19,559  $13,278  $(5,810)  27,027   31,159   19,912   3,879   (13,483)  41,467 
                                    
Interest expense              (1,682)                  (1,848)
Other income, net              164                   245 
                                    
Income before income taxes             $25,509 
                
Income before taxes                 $39,864 

  For the Quarter Ended March 28, 2015 
(In thousands) Piping Systems  Industrial Metals  Climate  Corporate and Eliminations  Total 
                
Net sales $361,482  $151,036  $25,811  $(1,087) $537,242 
   ��                 
Cost of goods sold  312,690   127,724   21,267   (847)  460,834 
Depreciation and amortization  5,187   1,655   425   586   7,853 
Selling, general, and administrative expense  17,346   2,698   1,854   10,933   32,831 
                     
Operating income  26,259   18,959   2,265   (11,759)  35,724 
                     
Interest expense                  (2,076)
Other income, net                  105 
                     
Income before taxes                 $33,753 


8


Segment information (continued):

 For the Quarter Ended September 27, 2014 
 (In thousands)Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment 
OEM
Segment
 Corporate and Eliminations Total 
     
          
Net sales  $357,843  $247,883  $(2,906) $602,820 
                  
Cost of goods sold   308,927   215,225   (2,874)  521,278 
Depreciation and amortization   5,287   3,148   517   8,952 
Selling, general, and administrative expense   22,613   5,533   5,858   34,004 
Severance   860         860 
                  
Operating income  $20,156  $23,977  $(6,407)  37,726 
                  
Interest expense               (1,430)
Other income, net               225 
                  
Income before income taxes              $36,521 
                  
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 26, 2015 
(In thousands) Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment 
OEM
Segment
 Corporate and Eliminations Total 
              
              
Net sales  $957,375  $678,293  $(7,649) $1,628,019 
                  
Cost of goods sold   819,591   586,305   (7,530)  1,398,366 
Depreciation and amortization   13,568   9,827   1,395   24,790 
Selling, general, and administrative expense   61,117   19,534   17,841   98,492 
Gain on sale of assets   (15,376)        (15,376)
Severance   3,442         3,442 
                  
Operating income  $75,033  $62,627  $(19,355)  118,305 
                  
Interest expense               (5,977)
Other income, net               534 
                  
Income before income taxes              $112,862 
                  




98

INDEX
 
Segment information (continued):
(In thousands) April 2, 2016  December 26, 2015 
       
Segment assets:      
Piping Systems $815,400  $811,343 
Industrial Metals  193,662   174,897 
Climate  41,172   39,876 
General Corporate  310,786   312,685 
         
  $1,361,020  $1,338,801 
Note 3 – Inventories

  For the Nine Months Ended September 27, 2014 
(In thousands)  Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment  
OEM
Segment
  Corporate and Eliminations  Total 
         
         
Net sales $1,093,060  $743,322  $(9,497) $1,826,885 
                 
Cost of goods sold  934,208   650,020   (9,398)  1,574,830 
Depreciation and amortization  14,803   9,123   1,725   25,651 
Selling, general, and administrative expense  66,023   15,700   18,789   100,512 
Gain on sale of assets  (1,417)        (1,417)
Severance  3,072         3,072 
                 
Operating income $76,371  $68,479  $(20,613)  124,237 
                 
Interest expense              (3,913)
Other income, net              440 
                 
Income before income taxes             $120,764 
                 
(In thousands) April 2, 2016  December 26, 2015 
       
Raw materials and supplies $53,983  $58,987 
Work-in-process  37,656   25,161 
Finished goods  154,592   161,410 
Valuation reserves  (5,623)  (6,180)
         
Inventories $240,608  $239,378 
         

Note 4 – 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 (i) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flow to be paid (cash flow hedge), or (ii) a hedge of 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, as the Company does not enter into derivative contracts for trading purposes (economic hedge).  Changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument that is qualified, designated and highly effective as a cash flow hedge are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), to the extent effective, until they are reclassified to earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.  Changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument that is qualified, designated and highly effective as a fair value hedge, along with the gain or loss on the hedged recognized asset or liability that is attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in current earnings.  Changes in the fair value of undesignated derivative instruments and the ineffective portion of designated derivative instruments are reported in current earnings.

The Company documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions.  This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges to specific assets and liabilities in the 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 derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flow or fair values of hedged items.  When a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge or the underlying hedged transaction is no longer probable 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 April 2, 2016, the Company held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $23.7 million of copper over the next nine months related to fixed price sales orders.  The fair value of those futures contracts was a $21 thousand net gain position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (level 1 within the fair value hierarchy).  In the next twelve months, the Company will reclassify into earnings realized gains or losses relating to cash flow hedges.  At April 2, 2016, this amount was approximately $105 thousand of deferred net losses, net of tax.

The Company may also enter into futures contracts to protect the value of inventory against market fluctuations.  At April 2, 2016, the Company held open futures contracts to sell approximately $21.0 million of copper over the next four months related to copper inventory. The fair value of those futures contracts was a $307 thousand loss position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (level 1 within the fair value hierarchy).  

9

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

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

At April 2, 2016, the Company held open forward contracts to purchase approximately 2.7 million euros over the next eight months.  The fair value of these contracts, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (level 1 within the fair value hierarchy), was an $88 thousand gain position. At April 2, 2016, there was $184 thousand of deferred net gains, net of tax, included in AOCI that are expected to be reclassified into depreciation expense over the useful life of the heavy machinery and equipment.

Interest Rate Swap

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

The fair value of the interest rate swap is estimated based on the present value of the difference between expected cash flows calculated at the contracted interest rate and the expected cash flows at the current market interest rate using observable benchmarks for LIBOR forward rates at the end of the period (level 2 within the fair value hierarchy).  Interest payable and receivable under the swap agreement is accrued and recorded as an adjustment to interest expense.  The fair value of the interest rate swap was a $2.3 million loss position at April 2, 2016, and there was $1.5 million of deferred net losses, net of tax, included in AOCI that are expected to be reclassified into interest expense over the term of the hedged item.



10

INDEX
The Company presents its derivative assets and liabilities in our 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 our 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 April 2, 2016  December 26, 2015 Balance Sheet Location April 2, 2016  December 26, 2015 
Hedging instrument:              
  Commodity contracts - gainsOther current assets $654  $60 Other current liabilities $122  $238 
  Commodity contracts - lossesOther current assets  (82)   Other current liabilities  (979)  (1,864)
  Foreign currency contracts - gainsOther current assets  88    Other current liabilities     34 
  Foreign currency contracts - lossesOther current assets      Other current liabilities     (75)
  Interest rate swapOther assets      Other liabilities  (2,319)  (1,692)
                   
Total derivatives (1)
  $660  $60   $(3,176) $(3,359)
                   
(1) Does not include the impact of cash collateral provided to counterparties.
 

The following tables summarize the effects of derivative instruments in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
    Three Months Ended 
(In thousands)Location April 2, 2016 March 28, 2015 
Fair value hedges:      
  (Loss) gain on commodity contracts (qualifying)Cost of goods sold $(50) $213 
  Gain (loss) on hedged item - InventoryCost of goods sold  62   (247)
          
Undesignated derivatives:         
  Gain on commodity contracts (nonqualifying)Cost of goods sold $494  $234 

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

  Three Months Ended April 2, 2016 
(In thousands) Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax Classification Gains (Losses) 
Loss (Gain)
Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
 
Cash flow hedges:       
Commodity contracts $873 Cost of goods sold $68 
Foreign currency contracts  66 Depreciation expense   
Interest rate swap  (470)Interest expense  69 
Other  (12)Other   
Total $457 Total $137 

11

INDEX
  Three Months Ended March 28, 2015 
(In thousands) Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax Classification Gains (Losses) 
Loss (Gain)
Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
 
Cash flow hedges:       
Commodity contracts $274 Cost of goods sold $571 
Foreign currency contracts  (55)Depreciation expense   
Interest rate swap  (1,032)Interest expense  68 
Other  (24)Other   
Total $(837)Total $639 

The Company enters into futures and forward contracts that closely match the terms of the underlying transactions.  As a result, the ineffective portion of the open hedge contracts through April 2, 2016 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 April 2, 2016 and December 26, 2015, the Company had recorded restricted cash in other current assets of $2.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively, as collateral related to open derivative contracts under the master netting arrangements.

Note 5 –Benefit– Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates

The Company owns a 50 percent interest in Tecumseh Products Holdings LLC (Joint Venture), an unconsolidated affiliate that acquired Tecumseh Products Company (Tecumseh) during 2015.  The Company also owns 50 percent interest in a second unconsolidated affiliate that provided financing to Tecumseh in conjunction with the acquisition.  These investments are accounted for 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 repective 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 investee's net income or loss one quarter in arrears as income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.   

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) December 31, 2015 September 30, 2015 
      
Current assets $225,500  $251,389 
Noncurrent assets  118,600   112,156 
Current liabilities  138,781   178,784 
Noncurrent liabilities  71,700   63,643 
         
 
 
 
 
        
12

INDEX
       
       
 For the Quarter Ended 
(In thousands)December 31, 2015 September 30, 2015 
       
Net sales $151,600  $ 
Gross profit  18,000    
Net income  5,843    

Included in the equity method investees' net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 is a gain of $17.1 million that resulted from the allocation of the purchase price, which was finalized during the quarter.  That gain was offset by restructuring and impairment charges of $5.3 million and operating losses of $6.0 million.

Note 6 – Benefits 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  For the Nine Months Ended  For the Quarter Ended 
(In thousands)  September 26, 2015  September 27, 2014  September 26, 2015  September 27, 2014  April 2, 2016  March 28, 2015 
     
Pension benefits:              
Service cost $250  $199  $750  $596  $195  $272 
Interest cost  2,041   2,064   6,122   6,191   1,975   2,054 
Expected return on plan assets  (2,654)  (3,202)  (7,963)  (9,604)  (2,466)  (2,654)
Amortization of prior service cost     1      1 
Amortization of net loss  774   714 
        
Net periodic benefit cost $478  $386 
        
Other benefits:        
Service cost $62  $96 
Interest cost  156   196 
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost  (224)  2 
Amortization of net loss  685   188   2,055   565   2   3 
                        
Net periodic benefit (income) cost $322  $(750) $964  $(2,251) $(4) $297 
                        
Other benefits:                
Service cost $90  $88  $270  $264 
Interest cost  193   181   579   544 
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)  2      5   (1)
Amortization of net gain  (7)  (55)  (20)  (164)
                
Net periodic benefit cost $278  $214  $834  $643 
                
Note 6 – Income Taxes

The Company's effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2015 was 20 percent compared with 33 percent for the same period last year.  The difference between the effective tax rate and the amount computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the third quarter of 2015 was primarily attributable to reductions to the Company's deferred tax liabilities of $4.2 million resulting from the acquisition of a foreign subsidiary and the U.S. production activities deduction of $0.8 million.

10

The Company's effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2015 was 32 percent compared with 30 percent for the same period last year.  The difference between the effective tax rate and what would be computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the first nine months of 2015 was primarily attributable to a reduction to the Company's deferred tax liabilities of $4.2 million resulting from the acquisition of a foreign subsidiary and the U.S. production activities deduction of $3.0 million.  These items were partially offset by state income taxes of $2.1 million.

For the third quarter of 2014, the difference between the effective tax rate and the amount computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate was primarily related to the reduction for the U.S. production activities deduction of $1.0 million, which was partially offset by the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $0.3 million.

For the first nine months of 2014, the difference between the effective tax rate and the amount computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate was attributable to reductions for the U.S. production activities deduction of $3.5 million, decreases in valuation allowances of $5.7 million and the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates and other foreign adjustments of $0.5 million. These items were partially offset by the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $2.8 million.

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 2012 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 has audited the 2012 federal income tax return, the results of which were immaterial to the Company's financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.  The Internal Revenue Service is currently auditing the 2013 federal tax 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 7 – Derivative InstrumentsCommitments and Hedging ActivitiesContingencies

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 earningsfinancial position, results of operations, or cash flows.  It may also realize the benefit of certain legal claims and cash flowslitigation in the future; these gain contingencies 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 arenot recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value. OnFinancial Statements.

Guarantees

Guarantees, in the dateform of letters of credit, are issued by the derivative contract is entered into, it is designated as (i) a hedgeCompany generally to assure the payment of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flow to be paid (cash flow hedge), or (ii) a hedgeinsurance deductibles and certain retiree health benefits.  The terms of the fair valueguarantees 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 April 2, 2016 were $6.6 million.

Note 8 – Income Taxes

The Company's effective tax rate for the first quarter of a recognized asset or liability (fair value hedge). Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is qualified, designated and highly effective as a cash flow hedge are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), to the extent effective, until they are reclassified to earnings in2016 was 35 percent compared with 34 percent for the same period or periods during whichlast year.  The items impacting the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes ineffective tax rate for the fair valuefirst quarter 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 is2016 were primarily attributable to reductions for the hedged risk, are recorded in current earnings.  Changes in the fair valueU.S. production activities deduction of undesignated derivative instruments$0.9 million and the ineffective portioneffect of designated derivative instruments are reportedforeign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates of $1.1 million.  These items were partially offset by the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $0.8 million and the recording of the basis difference in  current earnings.

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

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

$1.0 million.

11


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 September 26, 2015, the Company held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $22.7 million of copper over the next 12 months related to fixed price sales orders.  The fair value of those futures contracts was a $1.8 million net loss position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (Level 1 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures13 (ASC 820)). In the next twelve months, the Company will reclassify into earnings realized gains or losses relating to cash flow hedges. At September 26, 2015, this amount was approximately $1.3 million of deferred net losses, net of tax.

The Company may also enter into futures contracts to protect the value of inventory against market fluctuations.  At September 26, 2015, the Company held open futures contracts to sell approximately $9.8 million of copper over the next six months related to copper inventory. The fair value of those futures contracts was a $508 thousand net gain position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (Level 1 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820).  

Interest Rate Swap

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

The fair value of the interest rate swap is estimated based on the present value of the difference between expected cash flows calculated at the contracted interest rate and the expected cash flows at the current market interest rate using observable benchmarks for LIBOR forward rates at the end of the period (Level 2 hierarchy as defined by ASC 820).  Interest payable and receivable under the swap agreement is accrued and recorded as an adjustment to interest expense.  The fair value of the interest rate swap was a $2.8 million net loss position at September 26, 2015, and there was $1.8 million of deferred net losses, net of tax, included in AOCI that are expected to be reclassified into interest expense over the term of the hedged item.

Derivative assets and liabilities are presented in our 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:



12

 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives 
    Fair Value   Fair Value 
(In thousands)Balance Sheet Location Sept. 26, 2015  Dec. 27, 2014 Balance Sheet Location Sept. 26, 2015  Dec. 27, 2014 
Hedging instrument:          
  Commodity contracts - gainsOther current assets $511  $99 Other current liabilities $61  $15 
  Commodity contracts - lossesOther current assets     (4)Other current liabilities  (1,912)  (832)
  Foreign currency contractsOther current assets      Other current liabilities  (23)  (81)
  Interest rate swapOther assets      Other liabilities  (2,817)  (927)
 
Total derivatives (1)
  $511  $95   $(4,691) $(1,825)
                   
(1) Does not include the impact of cash collateral received from or provided to counterparties.
 
                   
The following tables summarize the effects of derivative instruments on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:

   Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 
(In thousands)LocationSept. 26, 2015 Sept. 27, 2014 Sept. 26, 2015 Sept. 27, 2014 
Fair value hedges:     
  Gain on commodity contracts (qualifying)Cost of goods sold $1,831  $1,100  $3,300  $7,371 
  Loss on hedged item - InventoryCost of goods sold  (1,943)  (922)  (3,593)  (6,702)

   Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 
(In thousands)LocationSept. 26, 2015 Sept. 27, 2014 Sept. 26, 2015 Sept. 27, 2014 
Undesignated derivatives:         
  Gain on commodity contracts (nonqualifying)Cost of goods sold $1,143  $  $2,422  $1,466 

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

 Three Months Ended September 26, 2015  
(In thousands)(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax Classification Gains (Losses)(Gain) Loss Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax 
Cash flow hedges:   
Commodity contracts $(2,046)Cost of goods sold $1,708 
Foreign currency contracts  (7)Depreciation expense   
Interest rate swap  (632)Interest expense  58 

13


Derivative information (continued):

 Three Months Ended September 27, 2014  
(In thousands)(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax Classification Gains (Losses)(Gain) Loss Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax 
Cash flow hedges:   
Commodity contracts $(202)Cost of goods sold $(174)
Foreign currency contracts  (181)Depreciation expense  (46)
Interest rate swap  430 Interest expense   

     
 Nine Months Ended September 26, 2015  
(In thousands)(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax Classification Gains (Losses) Loss (Gain) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax 
Cash flow hedges:    
Commodity contracts$(2,931)Cost of goods sold $2,198 
Foreign currency contracts (59)Depreciation expense   
Interest rate swap (1,397)Interest expense  189 
Other (16)Other    

      
 Nine Months Ended September 27, 2014  
(In thousands)(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax Classification Gains (Losses) Loss (Gain) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax 
Cash flow hedges:     
Commodity contracts $(634)Cost of goods sold $285 
Foreign currency contracts  (184)Depreciation expense  (283 )
Interest rate swap  (837)Interest expense   
Other  3 Other    

The Company enters into futures and forward contracts that closely match the terms of the underlying transactions.  As a result, the ineffective portion of the open hedge contracts through September 26, 2015 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 September 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, the Company had recorded restricted cash in other current assets of $1.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively, as collateral related to open derivative contracts under the master netting arrangements.

14

 
The difference between the effective tax rate and the amount computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the first quarter of 2015 was primarily attributable to reductions for the U.S. production activities deduction of $1.0 million and the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates of $0.5 million.  These items were partially offset by the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $0.8 million.

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 2012 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 2013 federal tax 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 89 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

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

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

  For the Nine Months Ended September 26, 2015 
(In thousands) Cumulative Translation Adjustment  Unrealized (Losses)/Gains on Derivatives  Minimum Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment  Unrealized Gains on Equity Investments  Total 
           
Balance at December 27, 2014 $(7,076) $(953) $(35,164) $270  $(42,923)
                     
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications  (12,099)  (4,403)  510   (46)  (16,038)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI     2,387   1,490      3,877 
                     
Net current-period other comprehensive income  (12,099)  (2,016)  2,000   (46)  (12,161)
                     
Balance at September 26, 2015 $(19,175) $(2,969) $(33,164) $224  $(55,084)

  For the Quarter Ended April 2, 2016 
(In thousands) Cumulative Translation Adjustment  Unrealized (Losses)/Gains on Derivatives  Minimum Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment  Unrealized Gains on Equity Investments  Total 
                
Balance at December 26, 2015 $(24,773) $(2,009) $(28,429) $221  $(54,990)
                     
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications  (337)  457   760   14   894 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI     137   412      549 
                     
Net current-period other comprehensive income  (337)  594   1,172   14   1,443 
                     
Balance at April 2, 2016 $(25,110) $(1,415) $(27,257) $235  $(53,547)





1514

INDEX
 
AOCI information (continued):
  For the Quarter Ended March 28, 2015 
(In thousands) Cumulative Translation Adjustment  Unrealized (Losses)/Gains on Derivatives  Minimum Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment  Unrealized Gains on Equity Investments  Total 
                
Balance at December 27, 2014 $(7,076) $(953) $(35,164) $270  $(42,923)
                     
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications  (7,697)  (837)  895   (27)  (7,666)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI     639   521      1,160 
                     
Net current-period other comprehensive income  (7,697)  (198)  1,416   (27)  (6,506)
                     
Balance at March 28, 2015 $(14,773) $(1,151) $(33,748) $243  $(49,429)

  For the Nine Months Ended September 27, 2014 
(In thousands) Cumulative Translation Adjustment  Unrealized (Losses)/Gains on Derivatives  Minimum Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment  Unrealized Gains on Equity Investments  Total 
           
Balance at December 28, 2013 $(462) $1,546  $(12,158) $255  $(10,819)
                     
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications  (3,337)  (1,652)  143   7   (4,839)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI     2   347      349 
                     
Net current-period other comprehensive income  (3,337)  (1,650)  490   7   (4,490)
                     
Balance at September 27, 2014 $(3,799) $(104) $(11,668) $262  $(15,309)

Reclassification adjustments out of AOCI were as follows:

 Amount reclassified from AOCI Amount reclassified from AOCI
 For the Three Months Ended   For the Quarter Ended  
(In thousands) Sept. 26, 2015  Sept. 27, 2014 Affected line item April 2, 2016  March 28, 2015 Affected line item
        
Unrealized losses/(gains) on derivatives:                 
Commodity contracts $2,339  $(214)Cost of goods sold $237  $762 Cost of goods sold
Foreign currency contracts     (71)Depreciation expense
Interest rate swap  91    Interest expense  108   106 Interest expense
  (664)  65 Income tax (expense) benefit  (208)  (229)Income tax expense
  1,766   (220)Net of tax  137   639 Net of tax
      Noncontrolling interest      Noncontrolling interest
                            
 $1,766  $(220)
Net of tax and noncontrolling
  interest
 $137  $639 
Net of tax and noncontrolling
  interest
                            
Amortization of net loss and prior service cost on employee benefit plans $680  $134 
Selling, general, and administrative
  expense
 $552  $719 
Selling, general, and administrative
  expense
  (188)  (19)Income tax expense  (140)  (198)Income tax expense
  492   115 Net of tax  412   521 Net of tax
      Noncontrolling interest      Noncontrolling interest
                            
 $492  $115 
Net of tax and noncontrolling
  interest
 $412  $521 
Net of tax and noncontrolling
  interest

16


AOCI information (continued):

  Amount reclassified from AOCI
  For the Nine Months Ended  
(In thousands) Sept. 26, 2015  Sept. 27, 2014 Affected line item
    
Unrealized losses/(gains) on derivatives:        
  Commodity contracts $2,990  $351 Cost of goods sold
  Foreign currency contracts     (446)Depreciation expense
  Interest rate swap  295    Interest expense
   (898)  97 Income tax (expense) benefit
   2,387   2 Net of tax
       Noncontrolling interest
               
  $2,387  $2 
Net of tax and noncontrolling
  interest
               
Amortization of net loss and prior service cost on employee benefit plans $2,040  $401 
Selling, general, and administrative
   expense
   (550)  (54)Income tax expense
   1,490   347 Net of tax
       Noncontrolling interest
               
  $1,490  $347 
Net of tax and noncontrolling
  interest

Note 9 – Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions

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

The Company recognized approximately $3.4 million of severance costs related to the reorganization of Yorkshire during the first nine months of 2015, compared to $3.1 million in the first nine months of 2014.  The Company does not expect to incur further severance costs for the rationalization of the business.

17

On March 30, 2015, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Turbotec Products, Inc. (Turbotec) providing for the purchase of all of the outstanding capital stock of Turbotec for approximately $14.2 million in cash, net of working capital adjustments. Turbotec manufactures coaxial heat exchangers and twisted tubes for the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC), geothermal, refrigeration, swimming pool heat pump, marine, ice machine, commercial boiler, and heat reclamation markets.  The acquisition of Turbotec complements the Company's existing refrigeration business, a component of the OEM segment.  For the twelve months ended March 31, 2015, Turbotec's net sales were approximately $21.8 million.  The fair value of the assets acquired totaled $14.4 million, consisting primarily of property, plant, and equipment of $9.1 million, inventories of $3.2 million, accounts receivable of $1.9 million, other current assets of $0.1 million, and other assets of $0.1 million.  The fair value of the liabilities assumed totaled $2.0 million, consisting primarily of accounts payable of $1.6 million and accrued expenses of $0.4 million.  Of the remaining purchase price, $2.1 million was allocated to non-tax-deductible goodwill, $0.9 million was allocated to other intangible assets, and $1.2 million was allocated to deferred tax liabilities.  The allocation of the purchase price to long-lived assets is provisional as of September 26, 2015 and subject to change upon completion of the final valuation of the assets.  The results of operations for Turbotec have been included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements from the acquisition date.

On June 18, 2015, the Company entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with Sherwood Valve Products, LLC (Sherwood) providing for the purchase of all of the outstanding equity interests of Sherwood for $21.8 million in cash, net of working capital adjustments.  Sherwood manufactures valves and fluid control solutions for the HVAC, refrigeration, and compressed gas markets.  The acquisition of Sherwood complements the Company's existing refrigeration business, a component of the OEM segment.  In 2014, Sherwood had net sales of approximately $49.1 million.  The fair value of the assets acquired totaled $28.9 million, consisting primarily of inventories of $11.9 million, property, plant, and equipment of $10.3 million, accounts receivable of $6.5 million, and other current assets of $0.2 million.  The fair value of the liabilities assumed totaled $7.1 million, consisting primarily of accounts payable of $6.0 million, accrued wages of $0.5 million, other current liabilities of $0.5 million, and other noncurrent liabilities of $0.1 million.  The allocation of the purchase price to long-lived assets is provisional as of September 26, 2015 and subject to change upon completion of the final valuation of the assets.  The results of operations for Sherwood have been included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements from the acquisition date.

On July 31, 2015, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Great Lakes Copper, Inc. providing for the purchase of all of the outstanding shares of Great Lakes Copper Ltd. (Great Lakes) for $71.5 million in cash, subject to post-closing working capital adjustments.  The acquisition of Great Lakes complements the Company's existing copper tube businesses in the Plumbing & Refrigeration segment.  For the twelve months ended June 30, 2015, Great Lakes' net sales were approximately $260.5 million.  The fair value of the assets acquired totaled $49.9 million, consisting primarily of accounts receivable of $26.0 million, inventories of $14.3 million, property, plant, and equipment of $9.5 million, and other current assets of $0.1 million.  The fair value of the liabilities assumed totaled $40.3 million, consisting primarily of accounts payable of $34.4 million, other postretirement benefits of $5.7 million, and other current liabilities of $0.2 million.  Of the remaining purchase price, $61.9 million was allocated to tax-deductible and non-tax-deductible goodwill.  The allocation of the purchase price to long-lived assets and review of working capital is provisional as of September 26, 2015 and subject to change upon completion of the final valuation of the assets.  The results of operations for Great Lakes have been included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements from the acquisition date.

Dispositions

On June 1, 2015, the Company sold certain assets.  Simultaneously, the Company entered into a lease agreement with the purchaser of the assets for their continued use for a period of approximately 22 months (Lease Period).

The total sales price was $20.2 million, of which $5.0 million was received on June 1, 2015; the Company will receive $5.0 million on December 30, 2016 and the remaining $10.2 million will be received at the end of the Lease Period.  This transaction resulted in a pre-tax gain of $15.4 million in the second quarter of 2015, or 17 cents per diluted share after tax.  This gain was recognized in the Plumbing & Refrigeration segment.

The net book value of the assets disposed was $2.3 million.  For goodwill testing purposes, these assets were part of the SPD reporting unit which is a component of the Company's Plumbing & Refrigeration segment.  Because these assets met the definition of a business in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, $2.4 million of the SPD reporting unit's goodwill balance was allocated to the disposal group.  The amount of goodwill allocated was based on the relative fair values of the asset group which was disposed and the portion of the SPD reporting unit which was retained.


18

Note 10 – Equity Method Investment

During the third quarter of 2015, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with affiliates of Atlas Holdings LLC to form MA Industrial JV LLC (Joint Venture), which simultaneously entered into a definitive merger agreement with MA Industrial Sub, Inc. and Tecumseh Products Company (Tecumseh) to commence a cash tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Tecumseh.  On September 21, 2015, the tender offer and back-end merger was completed and Mueller contributed $65.9 million for a 50 percent ownership interest in the Joint Venture.  Tecumseh is a global manufacturer of compressors and related products.  The Company accounts for this investment using the equity method of accounting.

Note 1110 – Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014,March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU (Accounting Standards Update) No. 2015-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvement to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting Standards Update (ASU)(ASU 2016-09).  The ASU requires all income tax effects of awards to be recognized in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled.  It will also allow a company to make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur.  The guidance is effective for public business entities in interim and fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  Early adoption is permitted, but all of the guidance must be adopted in the same period.  The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-09 on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

15

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (ASU 2016-02).  ASU 2016-02 requires an entity to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for all leases with terms of more than 12 months.  Recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses will depend on classification as a financing or operating lease.  The amendments also require certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures about leasing arrangements.  The ASU will be effective for interim and fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2018.  Early adoption is permitted.  The updated guidance requires a modified retrospective adoption.  The Company is still evaluating the effects that the provision of ASU 2016-02 will have on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Topic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issue Costs (ASU 2015-03).  The ASU simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability rather than as a separate asset.  In circumstances in which there is not an associated debt liability amount recorded in the financial statements when the debt issuance costs are incurred, they will be reported on the balance sheet as an asset until the debt liability is recorded.  The guidance is effective for public business entities in interim and fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2015.  Retrospective application is required.  The Company adopted ASU 2015-03 effective December 27, 2015.  The adoption of the ASU did not have a material impact on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (ASU 2014-09).  The ASU will supersede virtually all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP and will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  The fundamental principles of the new guidance are that companies should recognize revenue in a manner that reflects the timing of the transfer of services to customers and the amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration that a company expects to receive for the goods and services provided.  The new guidance establishes a five-step approach for the recognition of revenue.  The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, InterestNote 11Imputation of Interest (Topic 835-30) (ASU 2015-03).  The ASU simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability rather than as a separate asset.  In circumstances in which there is not an associated debt liability amount recorded in the financial statements when the debt issuance costs are incurred, they will be reported on the balance sheet as an asset until the debt liability is recorded.  The guidance is effective for public business entities in interim and fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2015.  Retrospective application is required, and early adoption is permitted.  The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of ASU 2015-11 on its Consolidated Financial Statements.Subsequent Event

In April 2015,February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-04, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Practical ExpedientCompany entered into an agreement providing for the Measurement Datepurchase of an Employers' Defined Benefit Obligationa 60 percent equity interest in Jungwoo Metal Ind. Co., LTD (Jungwoo) for KRW 25 billion or approximately $22.0 million.  Jungwoo is a manufacturer of copper-based pipe joining products headquartered in Seoul, South Korea and Plan Assets (ASU 2015-04).serves markets worldwide.  The ASU allows employers with fiscal year-ends that do not coincide with a calendar month-endtransaction was subject to make an accounting policy election to measure defined benefit plan assetscertain closing conditions, including Korean regulatory approval, and obligations as of the end of the month closest to their fiscal year-ends.  The new guidance is effective for public business entities in interim and fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2015.  Prospective application is required, and early adoption is permitted.  The Company will continue to measure its defined benefit plan assets and obligation at fiscal year-end and will not elect to change the measurement date to a calendar month-end.was completed on April 26, 2016.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330), Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (ASU 2015-11).  The ASU simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventory by requiring inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value.  It does not impact existing impairment models to inventories that are accounted for using LIFO.  The guidance is effective for public business entities in interim and fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  Early adoption is permitted.  The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of ASU 2015-11 on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
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 these products is broad:  copper tube and fittings; line sets; brass and copper alloy rod, bar, and shapes; aluminum and brass forgings; aluminum and copper impact extrusions; plastic fittings and valves; refrigeration valves and fittings; fabricated tubular products; and steel nipples.  We also resell imported brass and plastic plumbing valves, malleable iron fittings, faucets and plumbing specialty products.  OurMueller's operations are located throughout the United States and in Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, and China.

1916

 
The Company's businessesDuring the first quarter of 2016, the Company made changes to its management reporting structure as a result of a change in the way the Chief Executive Officer, who serves as the Chief Operating Decision Maker, manages and evaluates the business, makes key operating decisions, and allocates resources.  Previously, the Company had two reportable segments: Plumbing & Refrigeration and OEM.  During the quarter, the Company realigned its operating segments into three reportable segments: Piping Systems, Industrial Metals, and Climate.  Management has recast certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation. Each of the reportable segments is composed of certain operating segments that are aggregated into two reportable segments:primarily by the nature of products offered as follows:

·Plumbing & Refrigeration:
Piping Systems:  The Plumbing & RefrigerationPiping Systems segment is composed of SPD,Domestic Piping Systems Group, Canadian Operations, European Operations, Trading Group, and Mexican Operations.  SPDMueller-Xingrong, our Chinese joint venture.  The Domestic Piping Systems Group manufactures and sells copper tube, copper and plastic fittings, line sets, and valves in North AmericaAmerica.  The Canadian Operations manufacture copper tube and sourcesline sets in Canada and sells the products for import distributionprimarily in North America.the U.S. and Canada. European Operations manufacture copper tube in the United Kingdom, which is sold throughout Europe.  Mexican Operations consist ofThe Trading Group manufactures pipe nipple manufacturingnipples and sources products for import distribution businesses including product lines of malleable iron fittings and other plumbing specialties.in North America.  Mueller-Xingrong manufactures engineered copper tube primarily for air-conditioning applications; these products are sold primarily to OEMs located in China.  The Plumbing & RefrigerationPiping Systems segment sells products to wholesalers in the HVAC, plumbing and refrigeration markets, to distributors to the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industries, and to building material retailers.retailers, and air-conditioning OEMs.

·OEM:Industrial Metals:  The OEMIndustrial Metals segment is composed of IPD, EPD,Brass Rod & Copper Bar Products, Impacts & Micro Gauge, and Mueller-Xingrong, the Company's Chinese joint venture.Brass-Value Added Products.  The OEM segment manufactures and sells brass and copper alloy rod, bar, and shapes; aluminum and brass forgings; aluminum and copper impact extrusions; refrigeration valves and fittings; fabricated tubular products; and gas valves and assemblies.   Mueller-XingrongThe segment manufactures engineered copper tube primarily for air-conditioning applications; theseand sells its products are sold primarily to domestic OEMs located in China.the industrial, construction, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning, plumbing, and refrigeration markets.

·Climate: The OEMClimate segment is composed of Refrigeration Products, Fabricated Tube Products, Westermeyer, and Turbotec.  The segment manufactures and sells refrigeration valves and fittings and fabricated tubular products.  The segment sells its products primarily to original equipment manufacturers, many of which arethe heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration markets in the HVAC, plumbing, refrigeration, and industrial markets.U.S.

New housing starts and commercial construction are important determinants of the Company's sales to the HVAC,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.  

Residential construction activity has shown improvement in recent years, but remains at levels below long-term historical averages.  Continued improvement is expected, but may be tempered by continuing low labor participation rates, the pace of household formations, higher interest rates, and tighter lending standards.  Per the U.S. Census Bureau, the September 2015March 2016 seasonally adjusted annual rate of new housing starts was 1.21.1 million compared with the September 2014March 2015 rate of 1.0 million.  While mortgageMortgage rates have risen in 2015 and 2014, they remain at historically low levels, as the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 3.833.74 percent for the first ninethree months of 20152016 and 4.173.85 percent for the twelve months ended December 2014.2015. 

The private non-residential construction sector, which includes offices, industrial, health care and retail projects, began showing improvement in 2016 and 2015 and 2014 fromafter declines in previous years.  Per the U.S. Census Bureau, the actual (not seasonally adjusted) value of private nonresidentialnon-residential construction put in place was $389.0 billion in 2015 compared to $347.7 billion in 2014 compared to $312.3 billion in 2013.2014.  The seasonally adjusted annual value of private nonresidential value ofnon-residential construction put in place was $404.7$398.3 billion in August 2015February 2016 compared to the December 20142015 rate of $352.7$392.8 billion and the August 2014February 2015 rate of $346.3$360.2 billion.  We expect that most of these conditions will continue to improve.

Profitability of certain of ourthe Company's product lines depends upon the "spreads" between the costscost of raw materialsmaterial and the selling prices of ourits products.  The open market prices for copper cathode and scrap, for example, influence the selling price of copper tube, a principal product manufactured by the Company.  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 itsour profitability.  From time-to-time, this practice results in lost sales opportunities and lower volume.  For plumbing systems, plastics are the primary substitute product; these products represent an increasing share of consumption.  U.S. consumption of copper tube is still predominantly supplied by U.S. manufacturers.  For certain air-conditioning and refrigeration applications, aluminum-basedaluminum based systems are the primary substitution threat.  We cannot predict the acceptance or the rate of switching that may occur.  In recent years, brass rod consumption in the U.S. has declined due to the outsourcing of many manufactured products from offshore regions.


2017

 
Results of Operations

Consolidated Results

The following table compares summary operating results for the thirdfirst quarter of 20152016 and 2014:2015:

Three Months Ended  Percent Change  Nine Months Ended  Percent Change  Three Months Ended Percent Change 
(In thousands)Sept. 26, 2015 Sept. 27, 2014  2015 vs. 2014  Sept. 26, 2015 Sept. 27, 2014  2015 vs. 2014  April 2, 2016 March 28, 2015 2016 vs. 2015 
                
Net sales $535,184  $602,820   (11.2) % $1,628,019  $1,826,885   (10.9)% $532,809  $537,242   (0.8)%
Operating income  27,027   37,726   (28.4)   118,305   124,237   (4.8)  41,467   35,724   16.1 
Net income  17,800   23,823   (25.3)   73,429   83,574   (12.1)  28,630   21,978   30.3 
                         

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

  Quarter-to-Date   Year-to-Date   
  2015 vs. 2014   2015 vs. 2014   
Net selling price in core product lines (10.5)% (8.3)% 
Unit sales volume in core product lines (7.0)  (3.2)  
Acquisitions & new products 9.9   3.8   
Dispositions  (2.9)  (2.8)  
Other (0.7)  (0.4)  
          
  (11.2)% (10.9)% 
          
2016 vs. 2015
Net selling price in core product lines(14.0)
Unit sales volume in core product lines(1.1)
Acquisitions14.0
Other0.3
(0.8)

The decreaseincrease in net sales during the third quarter of 2015 was primarily due to (i) lower net selling prices of $63.3 million in our core product lines, primarily copper tube and brass rod, (ii) lower unit sales volume of $42.2 million, primarily  in our OEM segment, and (iii) the absence of sales of $15.7 million recorded by Primaflow, a business we sold during November 2014.  These decreases were offset by $40.4$57.3 million of sales recorded by Great Lakes Copper Ltd. (Great Lakes), acquired in July 2015, $11.2$12.3 million of sales recorded by Sherwood Valve Products, LLC (Sherwood), acquired in June 2015, and $5.6 million of sales recorded by Turbotec Products, Inc. (Turbotec), acquired in March 2015.

The decrease in net sales during the first nine months of 2015 was primarily due to (i) These increases were offset by lower net selling prices of $150.9$75.4 million in our core products.  In addition, we had an increase in unit sales volume in the core product lines primarily copper tube and brass rod, (ii)in our domestic Piping Systems segment that was offset by lower unit sales volume of $57.8 million in our core product lines,the Industrial Metals segment and (iii) the absence of sales of $46.7 million recorded by Primaflow, a business we sold during November 2014.  These decreases were offset by $40.4 million of sales recorded by Great Lakes, $11.2 million of sales recorded by Sherwood, and $11.3 million of sales recorded by Turbotec.at Mueller-Xingrong.

21

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:
 

The following tables compare cost of goods sold and operating expenses as dollar amounts and as a percent of net sales for the third quarter of 2015 and 2014:

  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
(In thousands) Sept. 26, 2015  Sept. 27, 2014  Sept. 26, 2015  Sept. 27, 2014 
         
Cost of goods sold $467,167  $521,278  $1,398,366  $1,574,830 
Depreciation and
  amortization
  8,749   8,952   24,790   25,651 
Selling, general and administrative expense  32,241   34,004   98,492   100,512 
Gain on sale of assets        (15,376)  (1,417)
Severance     860   3,442   3,072 
                 
  $508,157  $565,094  $1,509,714  $1,702,648 

  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  
  Sept. 26, 2015  Sept. 27, 2014  Sept. 26, 2015  Sept. 27, 2014  
              
Cost of goods sold  87.3%  86.5%  85.9%  86.2% 
Depreciation and
  amortization
  1.6   1.5   1.5   1.4  
Selling, general and administrative expense  6.0   5.6   6.0   5.5  
Gain on sale of assets        (0.9)  (0.1) 
Severance     0.1   0.2   0.2  
                  
   94.9%  93.7%  92.7%  93.2% 

Q3 2015 compared to Q3 2014

The decrease in cost of goods sold during the third quarter of 2015 was primarily due to the decrease in the average cost of copper, our principal raw material, and the decrease in sales volume.  Depreciation and amortization for the third quarter of 2015 was consistent with the expense recorded for the third quarter of 2014.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased slightly for the third quarter of 2015, primarily due to (i) lower employment costs, including incentive compensation, of $2.3 million, (ii) a decrease of $2.8 million in selling, general, and administrative expenses related to the sale of Primaflow, (iii) a decrease of $0.7 million in bad debt expense, and (iv) a decrease of $0.4 million in environmental expense.  These decreases were offset by (i) selling, general, and administrative expenses of $2.4 million associated with businesses acquired during 2015, (ii) higher net periodic pension costs of $1.2 million, and (iii) increased legal and professional fees of $1.1 million related to the acquired businesses and consultation for the upgrade of our ERP system.  The third quarter of 2014 included $0.9 million of severance charges related to the rationalization of Yorkshire in the third quarter of 2015.

22

                           
Interest expense and other income, net, for the third quarter of 2015 were consistent with the third quarter of 2014.

Our effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2015 was 20 percent compared with 33 percent for the same period last year.  The difference between the effective tax rate and the amount computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the third quarter of 2015 was primarily attributable to reductions to our deferred tax liabilities of $4.2 million resulting from the acquisition of a foreign subsidiary and the U.S. production activities deduction of $0.8 million.

For the third quarter of 2014, the difference between the effective tax rate and the amount computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate was primarily related to the reduction for the U.S. production activities deduction of $1.0 million, which was partially offset by the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $0.3 million.

During the third quarter of 2015, we entered into a joint venture agreement with affiliates of Atlas Holdings LLC to form MA Industrial JV LLC (Joint Venture), which simultaneously entered into a definitive merger agreement with MA Industrial Sub, Inc. and Tecumseh Products Company (Tecumseh) to commence a cash tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Tecumseh.  We contributed $65.9 million for a 50 percent ownership interest in the Joint Venture.  We account for this investment using the equity method of accounting. For the third quarter of 2015, we recognized $2.2 million of losses on this investment related to transaction costs.

Q3 2015 YTD compared to Q3 2014 YTD

The decrease in cost of goods sold during the first nine months of 2015 was primarily due to the decrease in the average cost of copper and the decrease in sales volume.  In addition, during the first nine months of 2014 we recognized a decrease in accruals related to import duties of $3.1 million that positively impacted cost of goods sold.  Depreciation and amortization for the first nine months of 2015 was consistent with the expense recorded for the first nine months of 2014.Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased slightly for the first nine months of 2015, primarily due to (i) lower employment costs, including incentive compensation, of $4.0 million and (ii) a decrease of $8.3 million in selling, general, and administrative expenses related to the sale of Primaflow.  These decreases were offset by (i) selling, general, and administrative expenses of $3.0 million associated with businesses acquired during 2015, (ii) higher net periodic pension costs of $3.1 million, and  (iii) increased legal and professional fees of $2.5 million related to the acquired businesses and consultation for the upgrade of our ERP system.  In addition, there was $1.5 million of equipment relocation costs and fixed asset impairment charges related to the rationalization of Yorkshire in the first nine months of 2015.  Lastly, during the first nine months of 2014, there was a reduction in accruals related to legal matters of $0.5 million. 

During the first nine months of 2015, our operating results were positively impacted by a net gain of $15.4 million recorded on the sale of certain assets. This was offset by $3.4 million of severance charges related to the rationalization of Yorkshire.

Our operating income in the first nine months of 2014 was positively impacted by a $1.4 million gain recorded on the sale of the land and building in Portage, Michigan.  The first nine months of 2014 also included $3.1 million of severance charges related to the rationalization of Yorkshire.

Interest expense increased in the first nine months of 2015 primarily as a result of (i) additional costs of $1.7 million due to the terms of our interest rate swap agreements that became effective in January 2015, and (ii) increased borrowing costs of $0.4 million at Mueller-Xingrong to fund working capital.  Other income, net, for the first nine months of 2015 was consistent with the first nine months of 2014.

Our effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2015 was 32 percent compared with 30 percent for the same period last year.  The difference between the effective tax rate and what would be computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate in the first nine months of 2015 was primarily attributable to a reduction to our deferred tax liabilities of $4.2 million resulting from the acquisition of a foreign subsidiary and the U.S. production activities deduction of $3.0 million.  These items were partially offset by state income taxes of $2.1 million.
 
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For the first nine months of 2014, the difference between the effective tax rate and the amount computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate was attributable to reductions for the U.S. production activities deduction of $3.5 million, decreases in valuation allowances of $5.7 million and the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates and other foreign adjustments of $0.5 million. These items were partially offset by the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $2.8 million.

During the third quarter of 2015, we entered into a Joint Venture which simultaneously entered into a definitive merger agreement with MA Industrial Sub, Inc. and Tecumseh to commence a cash tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Tecumseh.  We contributed $65.9 million for a 50 percent ownership interest in the Joint Venture.  We account for this investment using the equity method of accounting. For the first nine months of 2015, we recognized $2.2 million of losses on this investment related to transaction costs.

Plumbing & Refrigeration Segment

The following table compares summary operating results for the third quarter of 2015 and 2014 for the businesses comprising our Plumbing & Refrigeration segment18:

 Three Months Ended  Percent Change  Nine Months Ended  Percent Change 
(In thousands)Sept. 26, 2015 Sept. 27, 2014  2015 vs. 2014  Sept. 26, 2015 Sept. 27, 2014  2015 vs. 2014 
          
Net sales $325,022  $357,843   (9.2) % $957,375  $1,093,060   (12.4)%
Operating income  19,559   20,156   (3.0)   75,033   76,371   (1.8)
                          
The following are components of changes in net sales compared to the prior year:

  Quarter-to-Date   Year-to-Date   
   2015 vs. 2014    2015 vs. 2014   
Net selling price in core product lines (11.9)%  (9.2)%  
Unit sales volume in core product lines (3.5)  (2.0)  
Acquisitions & new products 9.9   3.7   
Dispositions  (2.9)  (4.7)  
Other (0.8)  (0.2)  
          
  (9.2)%  (12.4)%  
          

The decrease in net sales during the third quarter of 2015 was primarily due to (i) lower net selling prices of $42.2 million in the segment's core product lines, primarily copper tube, (ii) lower unit sales volume of $12.6 million in the segment's core product lines, and (iii) the absence of sales of $15.7 million recorded by Primaflow.  These decreases were offset by $40.4 million of sales recorded by Great Lakes.

The decrease in net sales during the first nine months of 2015 was primarily due to (i) lower net selling prices of $99.3 million in the segment's core product lines, primarily copper tube, (ii) the absence of sales of $46.7 million recorded by Primaflow, and (iii) lower unit sales volume of $21.6 million in the segment's core product lines.  These decreases were offset by $40.4 million of sales recorded by Great Lakes.

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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 thirdfirst quarter of 20152016 and 2014:

  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
(In thousands) Sept. 26, 2015  Sept. 27, 2014  Sept. 26, 2015  Sept. 27, 2014 
         
Cost of goods sold $280,891  $308,927  $819,591  $934,208 
Depreciation and
  amortization
  4,468   5,287   13,568   14,803 
Selling, general and administrative expense  20,104   22,613   61,117   66,023 
Gain on sale of assets        (15,376)  (1,417)
Severance     860   3,442   3,072 
                 
  $305,463  $337,687  $882,342  $1,016,689 

  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  
  Sept. 26, 2015  Sept. 27, 2014  Sept. 26, 2015  Sept. 27, 2014  
              
Cost of goods sold  86.4%  86.3%  85.6%  85.5% 
Depreciation and
  amortization
  1.4   1.5   1.4   1.4  
Selling, general and administrative expense  6.2   6.3   6.4   6.0  
Gain on sale of assets        (1.6)  (0.1) 
Severance     0.3   0.4   0.2  
                  
   94.0%  94.4%  92.2%  93.0% 

Q3 2015 compared to Q3 20142015:

  Three Months Ended 
(In thousands) April 2, 2016  March 28, 2015 
       
Cost of goods sold $446,642  $460,834 
Depreciation and amortization  8,920   7,853 
Selling, general, and administrative expense  35,780   32,831 
         
Operating expenses $491,342  $501,518 

  Three Months Ended 
  April 2, 2016  March 28, 2015 
         
Cost of goods sold  83.8%  85.8%
Depreciation and amortization  1.7   1.5 
Selling, general, and administrative expense  6.7   6.1 
         
Operating expenses  92.2%  93.4%

The decrease in cost of goods sold during the third quarter of 2015 was primarily due to the decrease in the average cost of copper, andour principal raw material, partially offset by the decreaseincrease in sales volume.volume related to the businesses acquired.  Depreciation and amortization forincreased in the thirdfirst quarter of 2015 was consistent with the expense recorded2016 primarily as a result of depreciation and amortization of long-lived assets for the third quarter of 2014.businesses acquired.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased for the first quarter of 2016 primarily as a result of incremental expenses associated with businesses acquired during 2015.

Interest expense decreased slightly in the first quarter of 2016 primarily as a result of decreased borrowing costs at Mueller-Xingrong.  Other income, net, for the first quarter of 2016 was consistent with the first quarter of 2015.

Our effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2016 was 35 percent compared with 34 percent for the same period last year.  The difference between the effective tax rate and the amount computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the first quarter of 2016 was primarily attributable to reductions for the U.S. production activities deduction of $0.9 million and the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates of $1.1 million.  These items were partially offset by the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $0.8 million and the recording of the basis difference in  unconsolidated affiliates of $1.0 million.

The difference between the effective tax rate and the amount computed using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the first quarter of 2015 was primarily attributable to reductions for the U.S. production activities deduction of $1.0 million and the effect of foreign tax rates lower than statutory tax rates of $0.5 million.  These items were partially offset by the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $0.8 million.

We own a 50 percent interest in Tecumseh Products Holdings LLC, an unconsolidated affiliate that acquired Tecumseh Products Company (Tecumseh) during the third quarter of 2015, primarily due2015.  We also own a 50 percent interest in a second unconsolidated affiliate that provided financing to (i) a decreaseTecumseh in conjunction with the acquisition.  We account for these investments using the equity method of $2.8 million in selling, general, and administrative expenses related toaccounting.  For the sale of Primaflow and (ii) lower employment costs, including incentive compensation, of $1.3 million.  These decreases were offset by (i) selling, general, and administrative expenses of $1.1 million associated with Great Lakes and (ii) increased professional fees of $0.8 million related to consultation for the upgrade of our ERP system.  The thirdfirst quarter of 2014 included $0.92016, we recognized $2.9 million of severance charges related toincome on these investments.  Included in income from unconsolidated affiliates is a gain that resulted from the rationalizationallocation of Yorkshire.

Q3 2015 YTD compared to Q3 2014 YTD

The decrease in cost of goods soldpurchase price, which was finalized during the first nine months of 2015 was primarily due to the decrease in the average cost of copper and the decrease in sales volume.  In addition, during the first nine months of 2014 we recognized a decrease in accruals related to import duties of $3.1 million that positively impacted cost of goods sold.  Depreciation and amortization for the first nine months of 2015 was consistent with the expense recorded for the first nine months of 2014.Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased slightly for the first nine months of 2015, primarily due to (i) a decrease of $8.3 million in selling, general, and administrative expenses related to the sale of Primaflow and (ii) lower employment costs, including incentive compensation, of $1.7 million.  These decreases were offset by (i) selling, general, and administrative expenses of $1.1 million associated with Great Lakes, (ii) increased professional fees of $1.0 million related to consultation for the upgrade of our ERP system, and (iii) higher net periodic pension costs of $0.7 million.  In addition, there was $1.5 million of equipment relocation costs and fixed asset impairment charges related to the rationalization of Yorkshire.  Lastly, during the first nine months of 2014, there was a reduction in accruals related to legal matters of $0.5 million. 
During the first nine months of 2015, the segment's operating results were positively impacted by a netquarter.  That gain of $15.4 million recorded on the sale of certain assets. This was offset by $3.4 million of severancerestructuring and impairment charges related to the rationalization of Yorkshire.and operating losses.


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INDEX

 
The segment's operating income in the first nine months of 2014 was positively impacted by a $1.4 million gain recorded on the sale of the land and building in Portage, Michigan.  The first nine of 2014 also included $3.1 million of severance charges related to the rationalization of Yorkshire.

OEMPiping Systems Segment

The following table compares summary operating results for the thirdfirst quarter of 20152016 and 20142015 for the businesses comprising our OEMPiping Systems segment:

Three Months Ended  Percent Change  Nine Months Ended  Percent Change Three Months Ended Percent Change 
(In thousands)Sept. 26, 2015 Sept. 27, 2014  2015 vs. 2014  Sept. 26, 2015 Sept. 27, 2014  2015 vs. 2014 April 2, 2016 March 28, 2015 2016 vs. 2015 
                
Net sales $212,596  $247,883   (14.2) % $678,293  $743,322   (8.7)% $368,890  $361,482   2.0%
Operating income  13,278   23,977   (44.6)   62,627   68,479   (8.5)  31,159   26,259   18.7 
                         

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

  Quarter-to-Date   Year-to-Date   
   2015 vs. 2014    2015 vs. 2014   
Net selling price in core product lines (8.5)%  (6.9)%  
Unit sales volume in core product lines (12.0)  (4.9)  
Acquisitions & new products 7.8   4.0   
Other (1.5)  (0.9)  
          
  (14.2)%  (8.7)%  
          
2016 vs. 2015
Net selling price in core product lines(14.7)
Unit sales volume in core product lines0.9
Acquisitions15.9
Other(0.1)
2.0
The decreaseincrease in net sales during the third quarter of 2015 was primarily due to (i) lower$57.3 million of sales recorded by Great Lakes and (ii) higher unit sales volume in the segment's domestic core product lines, primarily copper tube.  These increases were offset by (i) lower net selling prices of $27.2$53.0 million in the segment's core product lines primarily brass rod and commercial tube, and (ii) lower net selling prices of $21.1 milliona decrease in sales by the segment's core product lines.  These decreases were offset by $11.2 million of sales recorded by Sherwood and $5.6 million of sales recorded by Turbotec.

The decrease in net sales during the first nine months of 2015 was primarily due to (i) lower net selling prices of $51.5 million in the segment's coreother product lines, primarily brass rod and commercial tube, and (ii) lower unit sales volume of $29.1 million in the segment's core product lines.  These decreases were offset by $11.3 million of sales recorded by Turbotec and $11.2 million of sales recorded by Sherwood.Mueller-Xingrong.


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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 thirdfirst quarter of 20152016 and 2014:2015:

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
(In thousands)Sept. 26, 2015 Sept. 27, 2014 Sept. 26, 2015 Sept. 27, 2014  April 2, 2016  March 28, 2015 
          
Cost of goods sold $188,665  $215,225  $586,305  $650,020  $313,792  $312,690 
Depreciation and
amortization
  3,839   3,148   9,827   9,123   5,649   5,187 
Selling, general and administrative expense  6,814   5,533   19,534   15,700 
Selling, general, and administrative expense  18,290   17,346 
                        
 $199,318  $223,906  $615,666  $674,843 
Operating expenses $337,731  $335,223 
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  
  Sept. 26, 2015  Sept. 27, 2014  Sept. 26, 2015  Sept. 27, 2014  
              
Cost of goods sold  88.7%  86.8%  86.4%  87.4% 
Depreciation and
  amortization
  1.8   1.3   1.4   1.2  
Selling, general and administrative expense  3.3   2.2   3.0   2.2  
                  
   93.8%  90.3%  90.8%  90.8% 

Q3 2015 compared to Q3 2014
  Three Months Ended 
  April 2, 2016  March 28, 2015 
         
Cost of goods sold  85.1%  86.5%
Depreciation and amortization  1.5   1.4 
Selling, general, and administrative expense  5.0   4.8 
         
Operating expenses  91.6%  92.7%

The decreaseincrease in cost of goods sold during the third quarter of 2015 was primarily due to the decreaseincrease in sales volume andrelated to Great Lakes, largely offset by the decrease in the average cost of copper.  Depreciation and amortization forincreased slightly as a result of depreciation and amortization of the third quarter of 2015 was consistent with the expense recorded for the third quarter of 2014.  long-lived assets acquired at Great Lakes.Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased for the thirdfirst quarter of 2016 primarily as a result of incremental expenses associated with Great Lakes of $1.6 million.  This was offset by a reduction of $0.4 million of equipment relocation costs related to the rationalization of Yorkshire Copper Tube in 2015 as well as foreign currency transaction gains of $0.5 million in the current quarter. 

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Industrial Metals Segment

The following table compares summary operating results for the first quarter of 2016 and 2015 for the businesses comprising our Industrial Metals segment:

 Three Months Ended Percent Change 
(In thousands)April 2, 2016 March 28, 2015 2016 vs. 2015 
        
Net sales $134,521  $151,036   (10.9)%
Operating income  19,912   18,959   5.0 

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

2016 vs. 2015
Net selling price in core product lines(14.7)
Unit sales volume in core product lines(6.0)
Acquisitions8.1
Other1.7
(10.9)
The decrease in net sales was primarily due to (i) lower net selling general, and administrative expensesprices of $1.3$22.2 million associated with Sherwood and Turbotec and (ii) higher net periodic pension costslower unit sales volume of $0.9 million.  These increases were$9.1 million in the segment's core product lines, primarily brass rod. This was offset by a decrease$12.3 million of $0.5 million in bad debt expense.sales recorded by Sherwood.

Q3 2015 YTD compared to Q3 2014 YTDThe 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 2016 and 2015:

  Three Months Ended 
(In thousands) April 2, 2016  March 28, 2015 
       
Cost of goods sold $109,229  $127,724 
Depreciation and amortization  2,135   1,655 
Selling, general, and administrative expense  3,245   2,698 
         
Operating expenses $114,609  $132,077 

  Three Months Ended 
  April 2, 2016  March 28, 2015 
         
Cost of goods sold  81.2%  84.6%
Depreciation and amortization  1.6   1.1 
Selling, general, and administrative expense  2.4   1.7 
         
Operating expenses  85.2%  87.4%
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The decrease in cost of goods sold during the first nine months of 2015 was primarily duerelated to the decreasefactors consistent with those noted regarding changes in the average cost of copper and the decrease in sales volume.net sales.  Depreciation and amortization forincreased as a result of depreciation and amortization of the first nine months of 2015 was consistent with the expense recorded for the first nine months of 2014.long-lived assets acquired at Sherwood and recent capital expenditures.Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased slightly for the first nine monthsprimarily as a result of 2015, primarily due to higherincremental expenses associated with Sherwood of $0.7 million.  This was offset by lower net periodic pension costs of $2.4 million$0.2 million. 

Climate Segment

The following table compares summary operating results for the first quarter of 2016 and 2015 for the businesses comprising our Climate segment:

 Three Months Ended Percent Change 
(In thousands)April 2, 2016 March 28, 2015 2016 vs. 2015 
        
Net sales $30,706  $25,811   19.0%
Operating income  3,879   2,265   71.3 

The increase in net sales was primarily due to additional sales recorded by Turbotec, acquired in June 2015.

The following tables compare cost of goods sold and operating expenses as welldollar amounts and as additional selling,a percent of net sales for the first quarter of 2016 and 2015:

  Three Months Ended 
(In thousands) April 2, 2016  March 28, 2015 
       
Cost of goods sold $23,705  $21,267 
Depreciation and amortization  599   425 
Selling, general, and administrative expense  2,523   1,854 
         
Operating expenses $26,827  $23,546 

  Three Months Ended 
  April 2, 2016  March 28, 2015 
         
Cost of goods sold  77.2%  82.4%
Depreciation and amortization  2.0   1.6 
Selling, general, and administrative expense  8.2   7.2 
         
Operating expenses  87.4%  91.2%

The increase in cost of goods sold was related to the increase in volume, offset by improved margins and product mix within the segment.  Depreciation and amortization increased slightly as a result of depreciation and amortization of the long-lived assets acquired at Turbotec.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased primarily as a result of $1.9 million for Sherwood and Turbotec.incremental expenses associated with Turbotec of $0.6 million. 



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INDEX


Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following table presents selected financial information for the first ninequarter of 2016 and 2015:

(In thousands) 2016  2015 
       
Cash and cash equivalents $270,149  $326,894 
Property, plant, and equipment, net  278,481   244,909 
Total debt  210,583   236,676 
Working capital, net of cash and current debt  352,587   421,753 
         
Cash provided by operating activities  10,336   3,890 
Cash used in investing activities  (5,807)  (19,493)
Cash used in financing activities  (9,053)  (8,121)

Cash Provided by Operating Activities

During the three months ended April 2, 2016, cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to consolidated net income of $28.7 million and depreciation and amortization of $9.0 million.  This was partially offset by increased receivables of $25.1 million primarily due to a net increase in working capital needs related to higher sales at the end of the first quarter.

During the three months ended March 28, 2015, cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to consolidated net income of $22.3 million, depreciation and amortization of $8.0 million, decreased other assets of $9.3 million, and decreased inventories of $7.5 million, partially offset by increased receivables of $36.7 million and decreased current liabilities of $7.4 million.  These fluctuations are primarily due to a net increase in working capital needs related to higher sales at the end of the first quarter.

Cash Used in Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities in the first three months of 2016 was primarily related to capital expenditures of $5.9 million.

The major components of net cash used in investing activities in the first three months of 2015 included net deposits into restricted cash balances of $12.6 million and 2014:capital expenditures of $7.4 million.

(In thousands) 2015  2014 
     
Cash and cash equivalents $220,745  $259,858 
Property, plant, and equipment, net  270,655   246,169 
Total debt  218,256   242,707 
Working capital, net of cash and current debt  388,969   468,204 
         
Cash provided by operating activities  95,468   4,204 
Cash used in investing activities  (188,464)  (51,116)
Cash used in financing activities  (34,781)  (4,684)
Cash Used in Financing Activities

For the first quarter of 2016, net cash used in financing activities consisted primarily of repayment of debt by Mueller-Xingrong of $7.0 million and payment of regular quarterly dividends to stockholders of the Company of $4.2 million, offset by issuance of debt of $2.0 million.

For the first quarter of 2015, net cash used in financing activities consisted primarily of $4.2 million used for payment of regular quarterly dividends to stockholders of the Company and $3.8 million used for the repayment of debt by Mueller-Xingrong.

Liquidity and Outlook

Management believes that cash provided by operations, funds available under the credit agreement, and cash and cash equivalents on hand of $220.7 million will be adequate to meet the Company's normal futureour liquidity needs, including working capital, expenditurecapital expenditures, and operational needs.debt payment obligations.  Our current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) was 3.64.1 to 1 as of September 26, 2015.April 2, 2016.

We have significant environmental remediation obligations expectedwhich we expect to occurpay over future years.  Cash used for environmental remediation activities was approximately $0.9$0.2 million during the first ninethree months of 2015.2016.  We expect to spend approximately $0.2$0.5 million for the remainder of 20152016 for ongoing environmental remediation activities.  The timing of a potential payment for a $9.5 million settlement offer related to the Southeast Kansas Sites has not yet been determined.

23

The Company declared and paid a quarterly cash dividend of 7.5 cents per common share in the first second,quarter of 2016 and third quarters of 2015 and 2014.2015.  Payment of dividends in the future is dependent upon our financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, earnings, and other factors.  

On March 30, 2015, weIn February 2016, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Turbotecan agreement providing for the purchase of alla 60 percent equity interest in Jungwoo Metal Ind. Co., LTD (Jungwoo) for KRN 25 billion or approximately $22.0 million.  Jungwoo is a manufacturer of the outstanding capital stock of Turbotec for approximately $14.2 millioncopper-based pipe joining products headquartered in cash, net of working capital adjustments.

On June 18, 2015, we entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with Sherwood providing for the purchase of all of the outstanding equity interests of Sherwood for $21.8 million in cash, net of working capital adjustments.

On July 31, 2015, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Great Lakes Copper Inc. providing for the purchase of all of the outstanding shares of Great Lakes Copper Ltd. for $71.5 million in cash,Seoul, South Korea and serves markets worldwide.  The transaction was subject to post-certain closing working capital adjustments.

On September 21, 2015, we contributed $65.9 million for a 50 percent ownership in the Joint Venture that acquired Tecumseh.conditions, including Korean regulatory approval, and was completed on April 26, 2016.

Cash Provided by Operating Activities

During the nine months ended September 26, 2015, cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to consolidated net income of $74.3 million, a decrease in inventories of $29.9 million, and depreciation and amortization of $25.1 million. These cash increases were partially offset by decreased current liabilities of $27.6 million and the $14.9 million gain on the sale of certain assets.  These fluctuations are primarily due to a net decrease in working capital needs.

28

During the nine months ended September 27, 2014, cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to consolidated net income of $84.5 million and depreciation and amortization of $25.9 million.  These cash increases were offset by increased receivables of $62.9 million, an increase in other assets of $15.3 million, an increase in inventories of $14.9 million, and a decrease in current liabilities of $8.7 million.  These changes are primarily due to increased sales volume in certain businesses and additional working capital needs of acquired businesses.

Cash Used in Investing Activities

The major components of net cash used in investing activities in the first nine months of 2015 included $107.4 million for the acquisition of Turbotec, Sherwood, and Great Lakes, $65.9 million for our investment in the Joint Venture, and capital expenditures of $22.5 million. These cash decreases were offset by $5.5 million in proceeds from the sale of certain assets and net withdrawals from restricted cash balances of $1.8 million.

The major components of net cash used in investing activities in the first nine months of 2014 included $30.1 million for the acquisition of Yorkshire and capital expenditures of $28.4 million, offset by $4.9 million from the sale of properties and net withdrawals from restricted cash balances of $2.5 million.

Cash Used in Financing Activities

For the first nine months of 2015, net cash used in financing activities consisted primarily of $21.6 million used for the repayment of debt by Mueller-Xingrong and $12.7 million used for payment of regular quarterly dividends to stockholders of the Company.

For the first nine months of 2014, net cash used in financing activities consisted primarily of $12.6 million for payment of regular quarterly dividends to stockholders of the Company and $3.2 million for repayment of debt by Mueller-Xingrong, partially offset by $12.0 million received from the issuance of debt by Mueller Europe.

Long-Term Debt

The Company's credit agreement provides for an unsecured $200.0 million revolving credit facility (the Revolving Credit Facility) and a $200.0 million Term Loan Facility, both maturingof which mature on December 11, 2017.  The Revolving Credit Facility backed approximately $8.8$6.6 million in letters of credit at the end of the quarter.  

On February 2, 2015,March 23, 2016, Mueller-Xingrong entered into a new secured revolving credit agreementarrangement with a total borrowing capacity of RMB 230150 million (or approximately $37.1$24.1 million).  In addition, Mueller-Xingrong occasionally finances working capital through various accounts receivable and bank draft discount arrangements.  Borrowings are secured by the real property and equipment and bank draft receivables of Mueller-Xingrong and bear interest at the latest base-lending rate published by the People's Bank of China, which was 4.35 percent as of April 2, 2016.  Total borrowings at Mueller-Xingrong were $12.8$3.6 million as of September 26, 2015.April 2, 2016.

As of September 26, 2015,April 2, 2016, the Company's total debt was $218.3$210.6 million or 20.519.2 percent of its total capitalization.

Covenants contained in the Company's financing obligations require, among other things, the maintenance of minimum levels of tangible net worth and the satisfaction of certain minimum financial ratios.  As of September 26, 2015, we wereApril 2, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all of ourits debt covenants.

Share Repurchase Program

The Company'sOur Board of Directors has extended, until October 2016, its authorization to repurchase up to 20 million shares of the Company's common stock through open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions.  We haveThe Company has no obligation to repurchase any shares and may cancel, suspend, or extend the time period for the repurchase of shares at any time.  Any repurchases will be funded primarily through existing cash and cash from operations.  WeThe Company may hold any shares repurchased in treasury or use a portion of the repurchased shares for employee benefit plans, as well as for other corporate purposes.  From its initial authorization in 1999 through September 26, 2015,April 2, 2016, the Company has repurchased approximately 4.7 million shares under this authorization.  

29

Contractual Cash Obligations

There have been no significant changes in ourthe Company's contractual cash obligations reported at December 27, 2014.26, 2015 other than the aforementioned commitment to purchase Jungwoo for $22.0 million, which was funded during the second quarter of 2016.


Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
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, wethe Company may periodically use financial instruments.  Hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to policies and procedures.  Further, we dothe Company does not buy or sell financial instruments for trading purposes.

Cost and Availability of Raw Materials and Energy

CopperRaw 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 the Company'sour finished products, or the lack of availability could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

24

The Company occasionally enters into futureforward fixed-price arrangements with certain customers.  We may utilize futures contracts to hedge risks associated with these forward fixed-price arrangements.  We may also utilize futures contracts to manage price risk associated with inventory.  Depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the futures contracts will either be offset against the change in fair value of the inventory through earnings or recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and reflected in earnings upon the sale of inventory.  Periodic value fluctuations of the contracts generally offset the value fluctuations of the underlying fixed-price transactions or inventory.  At September 26, 2015,quarter-end, we held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $22.7$23.7 million of copper over the next 12nine months related to fixed-price sales orders and to sell approximately $9.8$20.8 million of copper over the next sixfour 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 thesefutures positions are deferred in stockholders' 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.  At September 26, 2015, the Company heldThere were no open futures contracts to purchase natural gas.gas at April 2, 2016.

Interest Rates

At September 26, 2015,April 2, 2016, the Company had variable-rate debt outstanding of $218.3$210.6 million.  At thisthese borrowing level,levels, a hypothetical 10 percent increase in interest rates would have had an insignificant unfavorable impact on the Company's pretax earnings and cash flows.  The primary interest rate exposures on floating-rate debt are based on LIBOR and the base-lending rate published by the People's Bank of China.  There was no fixed rate debt outstanding as of September 26, 2015.April 2, 2016.

Included in the variable-rate debt outstanding is the Company's $200.0 million Term Loan Facility which bears interest based on LIBOR.  We have reduced our exposure to increases in LIBOR by entering into interest rate swap contracts.  These contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges.  The fair value of these contracts havehas been recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the related gains and losses on the contracts are deferred in stockholders' equity as a component of AOCI.  Deferred gains or losses on the contracts will be recognized in interest expense in the period in which the related interest payment being hedged is expensed.  The interest rate swap agreement had an effective date of January 12, 2015.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

Foreign currency exposures arising from transactions include firm commitments and anticipated transactions denominated in a currency other than an entity's functional currency.  The Company and its subsidiaries generally enter into transactions denominated in their respective functional currencies.  The CompanyWe 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 stockholders' equity as a component of AOCI and reflected in earnings upon collection of receivables or payment of commitments.  At September 26, 2015,April 2, 2016, the Company had open forward contracts with a financial institution to sell approximately 3.72.7 million euros, 2.28.1 million Swedish kronor, and 1.19.0 million Norwegian kroner through JanuaryJuly 2016.  It also held open forward contracts to buy approximately 2.42.7 million euros through November 2016.

30

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

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information

Statements in thisThis 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 Form 10-Q thatcurrent expectations and are not strictly historicalsubject to risk and uncertainties, and may be "forward-looking" statements, which involve risksinfluenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and uncertainties.  These include economic and currency conditions, continued availability of raw materials and energy, market demand, pricing, competitive and technological factors, and the availability of financing, among others, as set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).results to be materially different from those predicted.  The words "pro forma," "outlook," "estimate," "project," "intend," "expect," "believe," "target," "encourage," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  The reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements which speak onlyreflect knowledge and information available as of the date of this report.  Thepreparation of the Quarterly Report, and the Company hasundertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise anythese forward-looking statements.  We identify the forward-looking statements to reflect events afterby using the date of this report.words "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends" or similar expressions in such statements.

25

INDEXItem 4.  Controls
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 Procedurestechnological factors, among others, which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions.  In addition to those factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, such factors include: (i) the current and projected future business environment, including interest rates and capital and consumer spending; (ii) the domestic housing and commercial construction industry environment; (iii) availability and price fluctuations in commodities (including copper, natural gas, and other raw materials, including crude oil that indirectly affects plastic resins); (iv) competitive factors and competitor responses to the Company's initiatives; (v) stability of government laws and regulations, including taxes; (vi) availability of financing; and (vii) continuation of the environment to make acquisitions, domestic and foreign, including regulatory requirements and market values of candidates.

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 September 26, 2015.April 2, 2016.  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 September 26, 2015,April 2, 2016 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'sits fiscal quarter ending September 26, 2015,April 2, 2016, 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
PART IIOTHER 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.


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INDEX

 
Item 1A.  Risk Factors
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 20142015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  There have been no material changes in risk factors that were previously disclosed in our 20142015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company's Board of Directors has extended, until October 2016, its authorization to repurchase up to 20 million shares of the Company's common stock through open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions.  The Company has no obligation to repurchase any shares and may cancel, suspend, or extend the time period for the repurchase of shares at any time.  Any repurchases will be funded primarily through existing cash and cash from operations.  The Company may hold any shares repurchased in treasury or use a portion of the repurchased shares for employee benefit plans, as well as for other corporate purposes.  From its initial authorization in 1999 through September 26, 2015,April 2, 2016, the Company had repurchased approximately 4.7 million shares under this authorization.   Below is a summary of the Company's stock repurchases for the period ended September 26, 2015.April 2, 2016.

  (a)  (b)  (c)  (d) 
  
Total Number
of Shares Purchased
  Average Price Paid per Share  Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs  Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs 
         
         15,287,060
(1)
 
            
June 28 – July 25, 2015  1,400
(2)
  $32.96         
                   
July 26  – August 22, 2015  39,565
(2)
   32.12         
                   
August 23 – September 26, 2015               
                   
(1) Shares available to be purchased under the Company's 20 million share repurchase authorization until October 2016. The extension of the authorization was announced on October 21, 2015.
 
 
(2) 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.
 
                   
  (a)   (b)  (c)  (d)  
  Total Number of Shares Purchased   Average Price Paid per Share  Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs  Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs  
               
             15,287,060 
(1) 
                
December 27, 2015 – January 30, 2016   
(2) 
 $         
                   
January 31 – February 27, 2016  1,013 
(2) 
 $26.16         
                   
February 28 – April 2, 2016  83,290 
(2) 
 $20.77         
                   
 Total  84,303                
                   
(1) Shares available to be purchased under the Company's 20 million share repurchase authorization until October 2016. The extension of the authorization was announced on October 21, 2015. 
                   
(2) 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. 




3227

INDEX
 

Item 6.  Exhibits

Item 6.
Exhibits
 10.1Share PurchaseSeparation and Release Agreement, by and between Great Lakes Copper, Inc.the Company and Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc.Douglas J. Murdock, dated July 31, 2015.as of March 11, 2016 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Regristrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March 15, 2016). 
    
 10.2Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 5, 2015, by and among Tecumseh Products Company, MA Industrial JV LLC and MA Industrial Sub Inc. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 7,2015).
31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Sarbanes-OxleySecurities Exchange Act of 2002.1934, as amended. 
    
 31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Sarbanes-OxleySecurities Exchange Act of 2002.1934, as amended. 
    
 32.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 
    
 32.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 
    
 101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase 
    
 101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase  
    
 101.INSXBRL Instance Document 
    
 101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase  
    
 101.PREXBRL Presentation Linkbase Document 
    
 101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema  

Items 3, 4, and 5 are not applicable and have been omitted.
33
28

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
October 21, 2015April 27, 2016
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Date(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
  
  
 
/s/ Anthony J. Steinriede
October 21, 2015April 27, 2016
Anthony J. Steinriede
DateVice President – Corporate Controller
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  








3429

EXHIBIT INDEX
  
Exhibits
Description
10.1Share Purchase Agreement among Great Lakes Copper, Inc. and Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc. dated July 31, 2015.
  
31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Sarbanes-OxleySecurities Exchange Act of 2002.1934, as amended.
  
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Sarbanes-OxleySecurities Exchange Act of 2002.1934, as amended.
  
32.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  
32.2Certification 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.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
  
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase 
  
101.INSXBRL Instance Document
  
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase 
  
101.PREXBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
  
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema