UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.
FORM 10-Q
| ☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
For the quarterly period ended March 28, 2026 | |||||
| OR | |||||
| ☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
| For the transition period from ______ to ______ | |||||
Commission file number 1-6770 | |||||
MUELLER INDUSTRIES INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 25-0790410 | ||||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||
| 150 Schilling Boulevard | Suite 100 | |||||||
| Collierville | Tennessee | 38017 | ||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | |||||||
(901) 753-3200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of exchange on which registered | ||||||
| Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value | MLI | NYSE | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | ||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | ||||||||
| Emerging growth company | ☐ | ||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☒
The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding as of April 17, 2026 was 110,570,613.
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
FORM 10-Q
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 28, 2026
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 | ||||||||
2
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
| For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except per share data) | March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,193,005 | $ | 1,000,165 | ||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 834,561 | 728,185 | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 16,652 | 17,123 | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative expense | 66,785 | 63,060 | ||||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net | 1,533 | (14,465) | ||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of business | (41,407) | — | ||||||||||||
| Asset impairments | 2,653 | — | ||||||||||||
| Operating income | 312,228 | 206,262 | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense | — | (25) | ||||||||||||
| Interest income | 11,870 | 9,901 | ||||||||||||
| Unrealized losses on short-term investments | (2,037) | (5,010) | ||||||||||||
| Other (expense) income, net | (1,232) | 92 | ||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 320,829 | 211,220 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | (79,555) | (51,475) | ||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax | 115 | (458) | ||||||||||||
| Consolidated net income | 241,389 | 159,287 | ||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (2,371) | (1,855) | ||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. | $ | 239,018 | $ | 157,432 | ||||||||||
| Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share | 109,094 | 110,739 | ||||||||||||
| Effect of dilutive stock-based awards | 1,815 | 2,333 | ||||||||||||
| Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share | 110,909 | 113,072 | ||||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $ | 2.19 | $ | 1.42 | ||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 2.16 | $ | 1.39 | ||||||||||
| Dividends per share | $ | 0.35 | $ | 0.25 | ||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
| For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Consolidated net income | $ | 241,389 | $ | 159,287 | ||||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | (5,910) | 2,919 | ||||||||||||
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $584 and $(594) | (2,010) | 2,046 | ||||||||||||
Net change in pension and postretirement obligation adjustments, net of tax of $(40) and $(822) | 92 | 2,495 | ||||||||||||
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax of $75 and $817 | (257) | (2,814) | ||||||||||||
| Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net | (8,085) | 4,646 | ||||||||||||
| Consolidated comprehensive income | 233,304 | 163,933 | ||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (2,527) | (1,059) | ||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. | $ | 230,777 | $ | 162,874 | ||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except share data) | March 28, 2026 | December 27, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,382,345 | $ | 1,367,003 | ||||||||||
| Short-term investments | 20,696 | 22,733 | ||||||||||||
Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses of $3,651 in 2026 and $2,545 in 2025 | 670,511 | 475,566 | ||||||||||||
| Inventories | 545,451 | 510,463 | ||||||||||||
Other current assets | 53,037 | 69,980 | ||||||||||||
| Total current assets | 2,672,040 | 2,445,745 | ||||||||||||
| Property, plant, and equipment, net | 530,300 | 536,466 | ||||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 22,868 | 27,211 | ||||||||||||
| Goodwill, net | 297,739 | 298,188 | ||||||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | 281,654 | 287,080 | ||||||||||||
| Investments in unconsolidated affiliates | 106,690 | 108,631 | ||||||||||||
| Other assets | 31,072 | 29,708 | ||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 3,942,363 | $ | 3,733,029 | ||||||||||
5
| MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. | ||||||||||||||
| CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except share data) | March 28, 2026 | December 27, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 243,539 | $ | 180,577 | ||||||||||
Accrued wages and other employee costs | 38,033 | 58,125 | ||||||||||||
Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 7,907 | 8,520 | ||||||||||||
Other current liabilities | 209,802 | 165,912 | ||||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 499,281 | 413,134 | ||||||||||||
| Pension liabilities | 200 | 212 | ||||||||||||
| Postretirement benefits other than pensions | 8,173 | 8,181 | ||||||||||||
| Environmental reserves | 15,501 | 15,684 | ||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 32,499 | 31,640 | ||||||||||||
| Noncurrent operating lease liabilities | 14,917 | 18,970 | ||||||||||||
| Other noncurrent liabilities | 10,960 | 9,302 | ||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 581,531 | 497,123 | ||||||||||||
| 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 250,000,000; issued 160,366,008; outstanding 110,562,284 in 2026 and 111,179,750 in 2025 | 1,604 | 1,604 | ||||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 352,723 | 345,033 | ||||||||||||
| Retained earnings | 3,961,908 | 3,761,575 | ||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (58,920) | (50,835) | ||||||||||||
| Treasury common stock, at cost | (922,864) | (847,411) | ||||||||||||
| Total Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity | 3,334,451 | 3,209,966 | ||||||||||||
| Noncontrolling interests | 26,381 | 25,940 | ||||||||||||
| Total equity | 3,360,832 | 3,235,906 | ||||||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | $ | 3,942,363 | $ | 3,733,029 | ||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
| For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | ||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net income | $ | 241,389 | $ | 159,287 | ||||||||||
| Reconciliation of consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 16,652 | 17,123 | ||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 7,332 | 6,150 | ||||||||||||
| Provision for credit losses | 861 | 99 | ||||||||||||
| (Income) loss from unconsolidated affiliates | (115) | 458 | ||||||||||||
| Dividends from unconsolidated affiliates | 1,724 | 2,812 | ||||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on disposals of assets, net | 1,533 | (14,465) | ||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of business | (41,407) | — | ||||||||||||
| Unrealized losses on short-term investments | 2,037 | 5,010 | ||||||||||||
| Impairment charges | 2,653 | — | ||||||||||||
| Deferred income tax expense | 2,036 | 1,651 | ||||||||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of business sold: | ||||||||||||||
| Receivables | (200,192) | (101,524) | ||||||||||||
| Inventories | (43,936) | (18,542) | ||||||||||||
| Other assets | (612) | 410 | ||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | 88,912 | 57,702 | ||||||||||||
| Other liabilities | 1,509 | (2,598) | ||||||||||||
| Other, net | (635) | (14) | ||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 79,741 | $ | 113,559 | ||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities | ||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | $ | (17,236) | $ | (16,592) | ||||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash sold | 57,004 | — | ||||||||||||
| Purchase of short-term investments | — | (26,633) | ||||||||||||
| Purchase of long-term investments | (834) | (552) | ||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of assets | 5 | 19,737 | ||||||||||||
| Other | — | 600 | ||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | $ | 38,939 | $ | (23,440) | ||||||||||
7
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
| For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||||||||||
| Dividends paid to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc. | $ | (38,043) | $ | (27,262) | ||||||||||
| Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests | (4,766) | (12,240) | ||||||||||||
| Repurchase of common stock | (74,981) | (243,615) | ||||||||||||
| Repayments of debt | — | (56) | ||||||||||||
| Net cash used to settle stock-based awards | (535) | (4,494) | ||||||||||||
| Other | 3,100 | — | ||||||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | $ | (115,225) | $ | (287,667) | ||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | (1,810) | 392 | ||||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | 1,645 | (197,156) | ||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the beginning of the period | 1,385,157 | 1,038,895 | ||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the end of the period | $ | 1,386,802 | $ | 841,739 | ||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
8
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Unaudited)
| For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Common stock: | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | 1,604 | $ | 1,604 | ||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | 1,604 | $ | 1,604 | ||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital: | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | 345,033 | $ | 330,532 | ||||||||||
| Exercise of stock options, net of shares withheld | (10) | 763 | ||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 7,332 | 6,150 | ||||||||||||
| Issuance of restricted stock | (52) | — | ||||||||||||
| Transactions with noncontrolling interests | 420 | — | ||||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | 352,723 | $ | 337,445 | ||||||||||
| Retained earnings: | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | 3,761,575 | $ | 3,107,838 | ||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. | 239,018 | 157,432 | ||||||||||||
| Dividends paid or payable to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc. | (38,685) | (27,643) | ||||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | 3,961,908 | $ | 3,237,627 | ||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss: | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | (50,835) | $ | (80,279) | ||||||||||
| Total other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. | (8,085) | 5,442 | ||||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | (58,920) | $ | (74,837) | ||||||||||
9
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Unaudited)
| For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Treasury stock: | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | (847,411) | $ | (586,530) | ||||||||||
| Issuance of shares under incentive stock plans | 837 | 710 | ||||||||||||
| Repurchase of common stock | (74,981) | (243,615) | ||||||||||||
| Shares withheld for stock option exercises and employee taxes | (1,309) | (5,967) | ||||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | (922,864) | $ | (835,402) | ||||||||||
| Noncontrolling interests: | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | 25,940 | $ | 31,243 | ||||||||||
| Transactions with noncontrolling interests | 2,680 | 600 | ||||||||||||
| Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests | (4,766) | (12,240) | ||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 2,371 | 1,855 | ||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | 156 | (796) | ||||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | 26,381 | $ | 20,662 | ||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
10
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
General
Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) have been condensed or omitted. Results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results which may be expected for any other interim period or for the year as a whole. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the annual financial statements incorporated therein.
The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented herein. Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
Note 1 – Recent Accounting Standards
Adopted
In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The new guidance primarily enhances and expands both the income tax rate reconciliation disclosure and the income taxes paid disclosure. The ASU was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 for public entities on a prospective basis. The Company adopted the ASU during the fourth quarter of 2025 and updated its annual disclosures accordingly.
Issued
In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-12, Codification Improvements. The new guidance addresses suggestions received from stakeholders regarding the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) and makes other incremental improvements to U.S. GAAP. The update represents changes to the ASC that clarify, correct errors in, or make other improvements to a variety of topics that are intended to make it easier to understand and apply. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities are required to apply the amendments to ASC 260 retrospectively. All other amendments may be applied prospectively or retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of this guidance on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-11, Interim Reporting (Topic 270): Narrow-Scope Improvements. The new guidance is intended to improve the navigability of guidance in ASC 270, Interim Reporting, and clarify when it applies. The amendments also provide guidance on what disclosures should be provided in interim reporting periods. The ASU is effective for interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. The guidance can be applied prospectively or retrospectively, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of analyzing the impact of the standard on its disclosures.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. The new guidance requires disclosure of additional information about specific expense categories. The guidance applies to all public entities and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027. The updated guidance requires prospective adoption but may be applied retrospectively, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of analyzing the impact of the standard on its disclosures.
Note 2 – Earnings per Common Share
Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflects the increase in weighted average common shares outstanding that would result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of restricted and performance stock awards calculated using the treasury stock method.
11
Note 3 – Dispositions
Sherwood Valve LLC
On December 17, 2025, the Company entered into a purchase agreement with CD OpCo Holdings, LLC pursuant to which the Company sold all of the outstanding membership interests of Sherwood Valve LLC (Sherwood) for approximately $57.0 million, net of working capital adjustments. The transaction closed on January 7, 2026. This business manufactures brass, aluminum, and stainless steel valves and fluid control solutions for the compressed gas and specialty markets in the U.S. It was included in the Industrial Metals segment. The business reported net sales of $9.8 million and operating income of $1.6 million for the quarter ended March 29, 2025. The carrying value of the assets disposed totaled $17.7 million, consisting primarily of accounts receivable, inventories, and long-lived assets. The carrying value of the liabilities disposed totaled $2.1 million, consisting primarily of accounts payable and accrued payroll. As a result of the transaction, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $41.4 million on the sale of the business in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements during the first quarter of 2026.
Note 4 – Segment Information
Each of the Company’s reportable segments is composed of certain operating segments that are aggregated primarily by the nature of products offered as follows:
Piping Systems
Piping Systems is composed of the following operating segments: Domestic Piping Systems Group, Great Lakes Copper, European Operations, Trading Group, Jungwoo-Mueller (the Company’s South Korean joint venture), and Mueller Middle East (the Company’s Bahraini joint venture). The Domestic Piping Systems Group manufactures and distributes copper tube, fittings, and line sets. These products are manufactured in the U.S., sold in the U.S., and exported to markets worldwide. Outside the U.S., Great Lakes Copper manufactures copper tube and line sets in Canada and sells the products primarily in the U.S. and Canada. European Operations manufactures copper tube in the U.K. which is sold primarily in Europe. The Trading Group manufactures pipe nipples and resells brass and plastic plumbing valves, malleable iron fittings, faucets, and plumbing specialty products in the U.S. and Mexico. Jungwoo-Mueller manufactures copper-based joining products that are sold worldwide. Mueller Middle East manufactures copper tube and serves markets in the Middle East and Northern Africa. The Piping Systems segment’s products are sold primarily to plumbing, refrigeration, and air-conditioning wholesalers, hardware wholesalers and co-ops, building product retailers, and air-conditioning original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Industrial Metals
Industrial Metals is composed of the following operating segments: Brass Rod, Impacts & Micro Gauge, Brass Value-Added Products, Precision Tube, and Electrical Group. These businesses manufacture brass rod, impact extrusions, forgings, specialty copper, copper alloy, and aluminum tube, as well as a wide variety of end products including plumbing brass, automotive components, and high-quality wire and cable solutions. These products are manufactured in the U.S. and sold primarily to OEMs and utilities in the U.S., many of which are in the industrial, transportation, construction, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning, plumbing, refrigeration, energy, telecommunication, and electrical transmission and distribution markets.
As disclosed in “Note 3 – Dispositions,” during the first quarter of 2026 the Company sold the outstanding membership interests of Sherwood and recognized a $41.4 million gain. The gain is reported within Corporate and Eliminations. The results of Sherwood, prior to the sale, were included within the Industrial Metals segment.
Climate
Climate is composed of the following operating segments: Refrigeration Products, Westermeyer, Turbotec, Flex Duct, and Linesets, Inc. The segment manufactures and sells refrigeration valves and fittings, high pressure components, coaxial heat exchangers, insulated HVAC flexible duct systems, and line sets primarily for the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration markets in the U.S.
The Company’s chief operating decision maker (CODM) is the chief executive officer. Performance of segments is generally evaluated by their operating income. Summarized product line and segment information is shown in the following tables. Unallocated expenses include general corporate expenses, plus certain charges or credits not included in segment activity.
12
The following tables represent a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers, along with the reportable segment for each category:
| For the Quarter Ended March 28, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Piping Systems | Industrial Metals | Climate | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tube and fittings | $ | 620,752 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 620,752 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Brass rod, forgings, wire and cable | — | 297,507 | — | 297,507 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| OEM components, tube and assemblies | — | 10,934 | 33,442 | 44,376 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valves and plumbing specialties | 139,776 | — | — | 139,776 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Flex duct and other HVAC components | — | — | 90,323 | 90,323 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | 12,836 | — | 12,836 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 760,528 | $ | 321,277 | $ | 123,765 | $ | 1,205,570 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment sales | (12,565) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,193,005 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the Quarter Ended March 29, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Piping Systems | Industrial Metals | Climate | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tube and fittings | $ | 525,796 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 525,796 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Brass rod, forgings, wire and cable | — | 219,281 | — | 219,281 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| OEM components, tube and assemblies | — | 18,215 | 31,260 | 49,475 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valves and plumbing specialties | 113,887 | — | — | 113,887 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Flex duct and other HVAC components | — | — | 91,847 | 91,847 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | 14,417 | — | 14,417 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 639,683 | $ | 251,913 | $ | 123,107 | $ | 1,014,703 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment sales | (14,538) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,000,165 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
13
Summarized segment information is as follows:
14
Segment information (continued):
| For the Quarter Ended March 29, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Piping Systems | Industrial Metals | Climate | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| External net sales | $ | 629,359 | $ | 247,790 | $ | 123,016 | $ | 1,000,165 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Internal net sales | 10,324 | 4,123 | 91 | 14,538 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 639,683 | 251,913 | 123,107 | 1,014,703 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of net sales: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elimination of intersegment net sales | (14,538) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net sales | 1,000,165 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Manufacturing costs (2) | 462,465 | 211,741 | 79,996 | 754,202 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing expense | 8,254 | 1,224 | 3,309 | 12,787 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distribution expense | 11,154 | 704 | 472 | 12,330 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other segment items (3) | (354) | 8,160 | 3,706 | 11,512 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating income | 158,164 | 30,084 | 35,624 | 223,872 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of segment operating income: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate expenses | (17,610) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (25) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 9,901 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized and unrealized gains on short-term investments | (5,010) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 92 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 211,220 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other segment disclosures:
| For the Quarter Ended March 28, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Piping Systems | Industrial Metals | Climate | Corporate and Unallocated | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization (5) | $ | 5,602 | $ | 8,308 | $ | 1,679 | $ | 1,063 | $ | 16,652 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on disposal of assets, net | 1,525 | 8 | — | — | 1,533 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset impairments | 2,653 | — | — | — | 2,653 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of business | — | — | — | (41,407) | (41,407) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenditures for long-lived assets (including those resulting from business acquisitions) | 4,667 | 10,934 | 1,635 | — | 17,236 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment assets | 1,353,134 | 922,618 | 268,577 | 1,398,034 | 3,942,363 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(5) The amount of depreciation and amortization disclosed by reportable segment is included within the other segment expense captions, such as manufacturing costs or other segment items. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other segment disclosures (continued):
| For the Quarter Ended March 29, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Piping Systems | Industrial Metals | Climate | Corporate and Unallocated | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization (4) | $ | 5,419 | $ | 8,356 | $ | 1,692 | $ | 1,656 | $ | 17,123 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on disposal of assets, net | (14,462) | — | (3) | — | (14,465) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenditures for long-lived assets (including those resulting from business acquisitions) | 7,394 | 7,785 | 1,413 | — | 16,592 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment assets | 1,244,370 | 862,274 | 265,861 | 858,799 | 3,231,304 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Note 5 – Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
| (In thousands) | March 28, 2026 | December 27, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Cash & cash equivalents | $ | 1,382,345 | $ | 1,367,003 | ||||||||||
| Restricted cash included within other current assets | 4,355 | 18,052 | ||||||||||||
| Restricted cash included within other assets | 102 | 102 | ||||||||||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | 1,386,802 | $ | 1,385,157 | ||||||||||
Amounts included in restricted cash relate to required deposits in brokerage accounts that facilitate the Company’s hedging activities as well as imprest funds for the Company’s self-insured workers’ compensation program.
Note 6 – Inventories
| (In thousands) | March 28, 2026 | December 27, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Raw materials and supplies | $ | 297,650 | $ | 280,810 | ||||||||||
| Work-in-process | 132,657 | 127,369 | ||||||||||||
| Finished goods | 125,722 | 113,362 | ||||||||||||
| Valuation reserves | (10,578) | (11,078) | ||||||||||||
| Inventories | $ | 545,451 | $ | 510,463 | ||||||||||
Note 7 – Financial Instruments
Short-Term Investments
The fair value of short-term investments at March 28, 2026 and December 27, 2025, consisting of marketable securities, approximates the carrying value on that date. These marketable securities are stated at fair value and classified as level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. This classification is defined as a fair value determined using observable inputs that reflect quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
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.
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All derivatives are recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair values. On the date the derivative contract is entered into, it is either a) designated as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flow to be paid (cash flow hedge) or b) not designated in a hedge accounting relationship, even though the derivative contract was executed to mitigate an economic exposure (economic hedge), as the Company does not enter into derivative contracts for trading purposes. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is qualified, designated, and highly effective as a cash flow hedge are recorded in stockholders’ equity within AOCI, to the extent effective, until they are reclassified to earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of undesignated derivatives executed as economic hedges are reported in current earnings.
The Company documents all relationships between derivative instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivative instruments that are designated as fair value hedges to specific assets and liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and linking cash flow hedges to specific forecasted transactions or variability of cash flow.
The Company also assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the designated derivative instruments that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows or fair values of hedged items. When a derivative instrument is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge or the underlying hedged transaction is no longer probable of occurring, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively in accordance with the derecognition criteria for hedge accounting.
Commodity Futures Contracts
Copper and brass represent the largest component of the Company’s variable costs of production. The cost of these materials is subject to global market fluctuations caused by factors beyond the Company’s control. The Company occasionally enters into forward fixed-price arrangements with certain customers; the risk of these arrangements is generally managed with commodity futures contracts. These futures contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges.
At March 28, 2026, the Company held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $46.1 million of copper over the next nine months related to fixed price sales orders. The fair value of those futures contracts was a $0.6 million net loss position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (level 1 within the fair value hierarchy). In the next 12 months, the Company will reclassify into earnings realized gains or losses relating to cash flow hedges. At March 28, 2026, this amount was approximately $0.5 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 March 28, 2026, the Company held $5.0 million open futures contracts to sell copper over the next month related to copper inventory. The fair value of those futures contracts was a $0.2 million net gain position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (level 1 within the fair value hierarchy).
The Company presents its derivative assets and liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets on a net basis by counterparty. The following table summarizes the location and fair value of the derivative instruments and disaggregates the net derivative assets and liabilities into gross components on a contract-by-contract basis:
| Asset Derivatives | Liability Derivatives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Balance Sheet Location | March 28, 2026 | December 27, 2025 | Balance Sheet Location | March 28, 2026 | December 27, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts - gains | Other current assets | $ | 403 | $ | 1,983 | Other current liabilities | $ | 497 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts - losses | Other current assets | — | — | Other current liabilities | (1,267) | (17,336) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total derivatives (1) | $ | 403 | $ | 1,983 | $ | (770) | $ | (17,336) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Does not include the impact of cash collateral provided to counterparties.
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The following table summarizes the effects of derivative instruments on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
| For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Location | March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||
| Undesignated derivatives: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain (loss) on commodity contracts (nonqualifying) | Cost of goods sold | $ | 16,028 | $ | (6,153) | |||||||||||||||
The following tables summarize amounts recognized in and reclassified from AOCI during the period:
| For the Quarter Ended March 28, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | (Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax | Classification Gains (Losses) | Gain Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash flow hedges: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Commodity contracts | $ | (1,600) | Cost of goods sold | $ | (417) | |||||||||||||||
| Other | 7 | Other | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | (1,593) | Total | $ | (417) | |||||||||||||||
| For the Quarter Ended March 29, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax | Classification Gains (Losses) | Gain Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash flow hedges: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Commodity contracts | $ | 3,401 | Cost of goods sold | $ | (1,356) | |||||||||||||||
| Other | 1 | Other | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 3,402 | Total | $ | (1,356) | |||||||||||||||
The Company primarily enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association master netting agreements with major financial institutions that permit the net settlement of amounts owed under their respective derivative contracts. Under these master netting agreements, net settlement generally permits the Company or the counterparty to determine the net amount payable for contracts due on the same date and in the same currency for similar types of derivative transactions. The master netting agreements generally also provide for net settlement of all outstanding contracts with a counterparty in the case of an event of default or a termination event. The Company does not offset fair value amounts for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral. At March 28, 2026 and December 27, 2025, the Company had recorded restricted cash in other current assets of $4.2 million and $17.9 million, respectively, as collateral related to open derivative contracts under the master netting arrangements.
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Note 8 – Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Tecumseh
The Company owns a 50 percent interest in an unconsolidated affiliate that acquired Tecumseh Products Company LLC (Tecumseh) and an entity that provides financing to Tecumseh. This investment is recorded using the equity method of accounting, as the Company can exercise significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or otherwise control the entity. Under the equity method of accounting, this investment is stated at initial cost and is 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, net of foreign taxes, one quarter in arrears as income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and its proportionate share of the investee’s other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity. The U.S. tax effect of the Company’s proportionate share of Tecumseh’s income or loss is recorded in income tax expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. In general, the equity investment in unconsolidated affiliates is equal to the current equity investment plus the investee’s net accumulated losses.
The Company’s net income from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, for the quarter ended March 28, 2026 included losses of $1.9 million for Tecumseh. The Company’s net loss from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, for the quarter ended March 29, 2025 included losses of $2.7 million for Tecumseh.
Retail Distribution
The Company owns a 28 percent noncontrolling equity interest in a limited liability company in the retail distribution business. This investment is recorded using the equity method of accounting. The Company records its proportionate share of the investee’s net income or loss one month in arrears as income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s proportionate share of the investee’s other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes, is recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.
The Company’s net income from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, for the quarter ended March 28, 2026 included income of $2.0 million for the retail distribution business. The Company’s net loss from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, for the quarter ended March 29, 2025 included income of $2.2 million for the retail distribution business.
Note 9 – Debt
On March 27, 2026, the Company entered into a new credit agreement to replace its prior Credit Agreement that matured on March 31, 2026. The new credit agreement provides for an unsecured $100.0 million revolving credit facility, which matures March 27, 2031.
There were no borrowings outstanding under the new credit agreement as of March 28, 2026. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest, at the Company’s option, at the Benchmark Rate which is determined by the underlying currency of the Credit Extension, or the Base Rate as defined by the credit agreement, plus an applicable margin. Advances may be based upon the one, three, six, or twelve -month interest period. The applicable margin is based upon the Company’s debt to total capitalization ratio, and can range from 112.5 to 162.5 basis points for Benchmark Rate loans and 12.5 to 62.5 basis points for Base Rate loans. Additionally, a commitment fee is payable quarterly on the total commitment less any outstanding loans or issued letters of credit, and varies from 15.0 to 30.0 basis points based upon the Company’s debt to total capitalization ratio. Availability of funds under the revolving credit facility is reduced by the amount of certain outstanding letters of credit, which are used to secure the Company’s payment of insurance deductibles, certain retiree health benefits, and other corporate obligations.
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Note 10 – Benefit Plans
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans
The Company sponsors several qualified and nonqualified pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for certain of its employees. The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) are as follows:
| For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Pension benefits: | ||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | $ | 654 | $ | 611 | ||||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | (614) | (554) | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of net loss | 78 | 82 | ||||||||||||
| Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 118 | $ | 139 | ||||||||||
| Other benefits: | ||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | 60 | $ | 46 | ||||||||||
| Interest cost | 123 | 123 | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of net gain | (99) | (100) | ||||||||||||
| Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 84 | $ | 69 | ||||||||||
The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) other than the service cost component are included in other income, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Note 11 – Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is involved in certain litigation as a result of claims that arose in the ordinary course of business, which management believes will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The Company may also realize the benefit of certain legal claims and litigation in the future; these gain contingencies are not recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Environmental
Non-operating Properties
Southeast Kansas Sites
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has contacted the Company regarding environmental contamination at three former smelter sites in Kansas (Altoona, East La Harpe, and Lanyon). The Company is not a successor to the companies that operated these smelter sites, but has explored possible settlement with KDHE and other potentially responsible parties (PRP) in order to avoid litigation.
In February 2022, the Company reached a settlement with another PRP relating to these three sites. Under the terms of that agreement, the Company paid $5.6 million, which was previously reserved, in exchange for the other PRP’s agreement to conduct or fund any required remediation within the geographic boundaries of the three sites (namely, the parcel(s) on which the former smelters were located), plus coverage of certain off-site areas (namely, contamination that migrated by surface water runoff or air emissions from the Altoona or East La Harpe site, and smelter materials located within 50 feet of the geographic boundary of each site). The settlement does not cover certain matters, including potential liability related to the remediation of the town of Iola which is not estimable at this time. The other PRP has also provided an indemnity that would cover third-party cleanup claims for those sites, subject to a time limit and a cap.
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Altoona. Another PRP conducted a site investigation of the Altoona site under a consent decree with KDHE and submitted a removal site evaluation report recommending a remedy. The remedial design plan, which covers both on-site and certain off-site cleanup costs, was approved by the KDHE in 2016. Construction of the remedy was completed in 2018. Under the terms of the settlement with the other PRP, the Company expects the operations and maintenance costs for this remedy to be paid for entirely by the other PRP.
East La Harpe. At the East La Harpe site, the Company and two other PRPs conducted a site study evaluation under KDHE supervision and prepared a site cleanup plan approved by KDHE. In December 2018, KDHE provided a draft agreement which contemplates the use of funds KDHE obtained from two other parties (Peabody Energy and Blue Tee) to fund part of the remediation, and removes Blue Tee from the PRPs’ agreement with KDHE. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement with the other PRP noted above, the Company expects the remediation to be conducted and paid for entirely by the other PRP, and for that other PRP to negotiate and enter into an agreement with KDHE.
Lanyon. With respect to the Lanyon Site, in 2016, the Company received a general notice letter from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asserting that the Company is a PRP, which the Company has denied. The EPA issued an interim record of decision in 2017 and has been remediating properties at the site. Approximately 1,371 properties were to be remediated. In August 2023, the EPA issued a five-year review indicating that the cleanup of approximately 300 remaining residential properties would be completed in 2026. A record of decision concerning the cleanup is scheduled for a future date.
Shasta Area Mine Sites
Mining Remedial Recovery Company (MRRC), a wholly owned subsidiary, owns certain inactive mines in Shasta County, California. MRRC has continued a program, begun in the late 1980s, of implementing various remedial measures, including sealing mine portals with concrete plugs in portals that were discharging water. The sealing program achieved significant reductions in the metal load in discharges from these adits; however, additional reductions are required pursuant to an order issued by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (QCB). In response to a 1996 QCB Order, MRRC completed a feasibility study in 1997 describing measures designed to mitigate the effects of acid rock drainage. In December 1998, the QCB modified the 1996 order extending MRRC’s time to comply with water quality standards. In September 2002, the QCB adopted a new order requiring MRRC to adopt Best Management Practices (BMP) to control discharges of acid mine drainage, and again extended the time to comply with water quality standards until September 2007. During that time, implementation of BMP further reduced impacts of acid rock drainage; however, full compliance has not been achieved. The QCB is presently renewing MRRC’s discharge permit and will concurrently issue a new order. It is expected that the new 10-year permit will include an order requiring continued implementation of BMP through 2036 to address residual discharges of acid rock drainage. The Company currently estimates that it will spend between approximately $13.7 million and $14.8 million for remediation at these sites over the next 30 years and has accrued a reserve at the low end of this range.
Lead Refinery Site
U.S.S. Lead Refinery, Inc. (Lead Refinery), a non-operating wholly owned subsidiary of MRRC, has conducted corrective action and interim remedial activities (collectively, Site Activities) at Lead Refinery’s East Chicago, Indiana site pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act since December 1996. Although the Site Activities have been substantially concluded, Lead Refinery is required to perform monitoring and maintenance-related activities pursuant to a post-closure permit issued by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management effective as of March 2, 2013. Approximate costs to comply with the post-closure permit, including associated general and administrative costs, are estimated at between $1.9 million and $2.0 million over the next 11 years. The Company has recorded a reserve at the low end of this range.
On April 9, 2009, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the EPA added the Lead Refinery site and surrounding properties to the National Priorities List (NPL). On July 17, 2009, Lead Refinery received a written notice from the EPA indicating that it may be a PRP under CERCLA due to the release or threat of release of hazardous substances, including lead, into properties surrounding the Lead Refinery NPL site. The EPA identified two other PRPs in connection with that matter. In November 2012, the EPA adopted a remedy for the surrounding properties and in September 2014, the EPA announced that it had entered into a settlement with the two other PRPs whereby they will pay approximately $26.0 million to fund the cleanup of approximately 300 properties surrounding the Lead Refinery NPL site (zones 1 and 3 of operable unit 1) and perform certain remedial action tasks.
On November 8, 2016, the Company, its subsidiary Arava Natural Resources Company, Inc. (Arava), and Arava’s subsidiary MRRC each received general notice letters from the EPA asserting that they may be PRPs in connection with the Lead Refinery
21
NPL site. The Company, Arava, and MRRC have denied liability for any remedial action and response costs associated with the Lead Refinery NPL site.
In June 2017, the EPA requested that Lead Refinery conduct, and the Company fund, a remedial investigation and feasibility study (RI/FS) of operable unit 2 of the Lead Refinery NPL site pursuant to a proposed administrative settlement agreement and order on consent. The Company and Lead Refinery entered into that agreement in September 2017. The Company has made a capital contribution to Lead Refinery to conduct the RI/FS with respect to operable unit 2 and has provided financial assurance in the amount of $1.0 million. The RI/FS remains ongoing, and the Company has reserved currently estimated costs associated with its completion. The EPA has also asserted its position that the Company is a responsible party for the Lead Refinery NPL site, and accordingly is responsible for a share of remedial action and response costs at both operable units 1 and 2 of the site.
In January 2018, the EPA issued two unilateral administrative orders (UAOs) directing the Company, Lead Refinery, and four other PRPs to conduct soil and interior remediation of certain residences at the Lead Refinery NPL site (zones 2 and 3 of operable unit 1). Subsequent thereto, the Company and Lead Refinery reached agreement with the four other PRPs to implement these two UAOs, with the Company agreeing to pay, on an interim basis, (i) an estimated $4.5 million (subject to potential change through a future reallocation process) of the approximately $25.0 million the PRPs then estimated it would cost to implement the UAOs, which estimate is subject to change, and (ii) $2.0 million relating to past costs incurred by other PRPs for work conducted at the site, as well as the possibility of up to $0.7 million in further payments for ongoing work by those PRPs. As of March 28, 2026, the Company has made payments of approximately $7.6 million related to the aforementioned agreement with the other PRPs. The Company disputes that it was properly named in the UAOs. In March 2022, Lead Refinery entered into an administrative settlement agreement and order on consent with the EPA, along with the four other PRPs, which involves payment of certain past and future costs relating to operable unit 1, in exchange for certain releases and contribution protection for the Company, Lead Refinery, and their respective affiliates relating to that operable unit. The settlement became effective in September 2022. The Company reserved $3.3 million for this settlement at the end of 2021.
In March 2018, a group of private plaintiffs sued the Company, Arava, MRRC, and Lead Refinery, along with other defendants, in civil tort action relating to the site. The Company, Arava, and MRRC have been voluntarily dismissed from that litigation without prejudice. In July 2024, Lead Refinery was granted partial judgment on the pleadings with respect to plaintiffs’ amended complaint and settled the litigation for a payment of approximately $0.1 million.
At this juncture, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of a material adverse outcome or the amount or range of a potential loss in excess of the current reserve with respect to any remedial action or other litigation relating to the Lead Refinery NPL site, either at Lead Refinery’s former operating site (operable unit 2) or the adjacent residential area (operable unit 1), including, but not limited to, EPA oversight costs for which the EPA may attempt to seek reimbursement from the Company, and past costs for which other PRPs may attempt to seek contribution from the Company.
Bonita Peak Mining District
Following an August 2015 spill from the Gold King Mine into the Animas River near Silverton, Colorado, the EPA listed the Bonita Peak Mining District on the NPL. Said listing was finalized in September 2016. The Bonita Peak Mining District encompasses 48 mining sites within the Animas River watershed, including the Sunnyside Mine, the American Tunnel, and the Sunbank Group. On or about July 25, 2017, Washington Mining Company (Washington Mining) (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Arava), received a general notice letter from the EPA stating that Washington Mining may be a PRP under CERCLA in connection with the Bonita Peak Mining District site and therefore responsible for the remediation of certain portions of the site, along with related costs incurred by the EPA. Shortly thereafter, the Company received a substantively identical letter asserting that it may be a PRP at the site and similarly responsible for the cleanup of certain portions of the site. On or about January 7, 2025, a similar general notice letter from the EPA was received by Mining Remedial Recovery Company (MRRC) (also a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arava), stating that MRRC may be a PRP at the site. Collectively, the general notice letters identify three other PRPs at the site. The U.S. government and State of Colorado have expressed their interest in discussing potential cost recovery claims against Washington Mining, MRRC and/or the Company, and ahead of anticipated discussions, tolling agreements have been entered into. At this juncture, however, no specific actions have yet been required and the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of a materially adverse outcome or the amount or range of a potential loss with respect to any litigation (including any enforcement action by the U.S. or any state) or remedial action related to the Bonita Peak Mining District NPL site, nor is the Company able to determine the outcome of potential litigation over indemnification rights that Washington Mining may assert against any third party in relation to the site.
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Operating Properties
Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc.
In 1999, Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc. (MCTP), a wholly owned subsidiary, commenced a cleanup and remediation of soil and groundwater at its Wynne, Arkansas plant to remove trichloroethylene, a cleaning solvent formerly used by MCTP. On August 30, 2000, MCTP received approval of its Final Comprehensive Investigation Report and Storm Water Drainage Investigation Report addressing the treatment of soils and groundwater from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The Company established a reserve for this project in connection with the acquisition of MCTP in 1998. Effective November 17, 2008, MCTP entered into a Settlement Agreement and Administrative Order by Consent to submit a Supplemental Investigation Work Plan (SIWP) and subsequent Final Remediation Work Plan (RWP) for the site. By letter dated January 20, 2010, ADEQ approved the SIWP as submitted, with changes acceptable to the Company. On December 16, 2011, MCTP entered into an amended Administrative Order by Consent to prepare and implement a revised RWP regarding final remediation for the Site. The remediation system was activated in February 2014. Costs to implement the work plans, including associated general and administrative costs, are estimated to approximate between $0.9 million and $1.1 million over the next five years.
United States Department of Commerce Antidumping Review
On December 24, 2008, the Department of Commerce (DOC) initiated an antidumping administrative review of the antidumping duty order covering circular welded non-alloy steel pipe and tube from Mexico for the November 1, 2007 through October 31, 2008 period of review. The DOC selected Mueller Comercial as a respondent in the review. On April 19, 2010, the DOC published the final results of the review and assigned Mueller Comercial an antidumping duty rate of 48.33 percent. On May 25, 2010, the Company appealed the final results to the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT). On December 16, 2011, the CIT issued a decision remanding the DOC’s final results. While the matter was still pending, the Company and the United States reached an agreement to settle the appeal. Subject to the conditions of the agreement, the Company anticipated that certain of its subsidiaries would incur antidumping duties on subject imports made during the period of review and, as such, established a reserve for this matter. After the lapse of the statutory period of time during which U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was required, but failed, to liquidate the entries at the settled rate, the Company released the reserve. Between October 30, 2015 and November 27, 2015, CBP sent a series of invoices to Southland Pipe Nipples Co., Inc. (Southland), requesting payment of duties and interest in connection with 795 import entries made during the November 1, 2007 through October 31, 2008 period. On January 26, 2016 and January 27, 2016, Southland filed protests with CBP in connection with these invoices, noting that CBP’s asserted claims were not made in accordance with applicable law, including statutory provisions governing deemed liquidation. On April 8, 2026, CBP denied the protests and demanded payment by Southland of approximately $5.1 million in duties and accrued interest. The Company continues to believe in the merits of the legal objections raised in Southland’s protests, and is evaluating whether to file an appeal in the CIT challenging CBP’s denial of the protests. Given the procedural posture and issues raised by this legal dispute, the Company cannot estimate the amount of potential duty liability, if any, that may result from CBP’s asserted claims.
Guarantees
Guarantees, in the form of letters of credit, are issued by the Company generally to assure the payment of insurance deductibles, certain retiree health benefits, and debt at certain unconsolidated affiliates. The terms of the guarantees are generally one year but are renewable annually as required. These letters are primarily backed by the Company’s revolving credit facility. The maximum payments that the Company could be required to make under its guarantees at March 28, 2026 were $27.5 million.
Note 12 – Income Taxes
The Company’s effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2026 was 25 percent compared with 24 percent for the same period last year. The primary items impacting the effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2026 were increases related to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $10.7 million and the effect of foreign tax rates higher than statutory tax rates and other foreign adjustments of $2.2 million. This was partially offset by decreases to other items of $0.7 million.
The primary items impacting the effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2025 were an increase related to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $6.8 million and the effect of foreign tax rates higher than statutory tax rates and other foreign adjustments of $2.1 million. These were partially offset by other items of $1.9 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 for
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2022 and all subsequent years. The statutes of limitations for most state returns are open for 2022 and all subsequent years, and some state and foreign returns are also open for some earlier tax years due to differing statute periods. While the Company believes that it is adequately reserved for possible audit adjustments, the final resolution of these examinations cannot be determined with certainty and could result in final settlements that differ from current estimates.
Note 13 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
AOCI includes certain foreign currency translation adjustments from those subsidiaries not using the U.S. dollar as their functional currency, net deferred gains and losses on certain derivative instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges, adjustments to pension and OPEB liabilities, and other comprehensive income attributable to unconsolidated affiliates.
The following tables provide changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interests (amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI):
| For the Quarter Ended March 28, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Cumulative Translation Adjustment | Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives | Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment | Attributable to Unconsol. Affiliates | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 27, 2025 | $ | (52,079) | $ | 1,694 | $ | (3,295) | $ | 2,845 | $ | (50,835) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications | (5,910) | (1,593) | 103 | (257) | (7,657) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from AOCI | — | (417) | (11) | — | (428) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income | (5,910) | (2,010) | 92 | (257) | (8,085) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 28, 2026 | $ | (57,989) | $ | (316) | $ | (3,203) | $ | 2,588 | $ | (58,920) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the Quarter Ended March 29, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Cumulative Translation Adjustment | Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Derivatives | Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment | Attributable to Unconsol. Affiliates | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 28, 2024 | $ | (75,926) | $ | (191) | $ | (6,282) | $ | 2,120 | $ | (80,279) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 3,715 | 3,402 | 2,504 | (2,814) | 6,807 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from AOCI | — | (1,356) | (9) | — | (1,365) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | 3,715 | 2,046 | 2,495 | (2,814) | 5,442 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 29, 2025 | $ | (72,211) | $ | 1,855 | $ | (3,787) | $ | (694) | $ | (74,837) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Reclassification adjustments out of AOCI were as follows:
| Amount reclassified from AOCI | ||||||||||||||||||||
| For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | Affected line item | |||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gains on derivative commodity contracts | $ | (538) | $ | (1,749) | Cost of goods sold | |||||||||||||||
| 121 | 393 | Income tax expense | ||||||||||||||||||
| $ | (417) | $ | (1,356) | Net of tax and noncontrolling interests | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of net (gain) loss and prior service (credit) cost on employee benefit plans | $ | (21) | $ | (18) | Other (expense) income, net | |||||||||||||||
| 10 | 9 | Income tax expense | ||||||||||||||||||
| $ | (11) | $ | (9) | Net of tax and noncontrolling interests | ||||||||||||||||
Note 14 – Insurance Claim
In March 2023, a portion of the Company’s Covington, Tennessee manufacturing operation was damaged by a tornado. Certain inventories, production equipment, and building structures were extensively damaged. To date, $55.0 million of insurance proceeds have been received. During the second quarter of 2025, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $36.3 million, or $0.25 per diluted share after tax, for the excess of insurance proceeds received over the losses incurred for damaged inventories, equipment, and buildings, as there is no expectation of repayment regarding the proceeds received to date and any additional costs associated with the event are expected to be minimal. During the third quarter of 2025, the Company recognized an additional pre-tax gain of $4.9 million, or $0.03 per diluted share after tax. The claim is not yet fully settled, and additional insurance recovery amounts are expected to be recorded in the future.
Note 15 - Subsequent Event
On March 30, 2026, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Bison Metals Technologies LLC (Bison) for approximately $142.0 million in cash on hand at closing, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. Bison is a U.S. manufacturer of copper tubes in Shawnee, Oklahoma for the industrial, technical, HVAC, plumbing and refrigeration markets. The acquisition complements and expands the Company’s existing businesses within the Piping Systems segment.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
General Overview
We are a leading manufacturer of copper, brass, and aluminum products. The range of products we manufacture is broad: copper tube and fittings; line sets; brass rod, bar, and shapes; aluminum and brass forgings; aluminum impact extrusions; refrigeration valves and fittings; pressure vessels; steel nipples; insulated flexible duct systems; and high-quality wire and cable solutions. We also resell brass and plastic plumbing valves, plastic fittings, malleable iron fittings, faucets, and plumbing specialty products. Our operations are located throughout the United States and in Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, South Korea, the Middle East, and China.
Each of our reportable segments is composed of certain operating segments that are aggregated primarily by the nature of products offered as follows:
•Piping Systems: The Piping Systems segment is composed of Domestic Piping Systems Group, Great Lakes Copper, European Operations, Trading Group, Jungwoo-Mueller (our South Korean joint venture), and Mueller Middle East
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(our Bahraini joint venture). The Domestic Piping Systems Group manufactures and distributes copper tube, fittings, and line sets. These products are manufactured in the U.S., sold in the U.S., and exported to markets worldwide. Great Lakes Copper manufactures copper tube and line sets in Canada and sells the products primarily in the U.S. and Canada. European Operations manufactures copper tube in the United Kingdom, which is sold throughout Europe. The Trading Group manufactures pipe nipples and sources products for import distribution in North America. Jungwoo-Mueller manufactures copper-based joining products that are sold worldwide. Mueller Middle East manufactures copper tube and serves markets in the Middle East and Northern Africa. The Piping Systems segment sells products to wholesalers in the plumbing and refrigeration markets, distributors to the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industries, building material retailers, and air-conditioning original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
•Industrial Metals: The Industrial Metals segment is composed of Brass Rod, Impacts & Micro Gauge, Brass Value-Added Products, Precision Tube, and Electrical Group. The segment manufactures and sells brass rod, bar, and shapes; aluminum and brass forgings; aluminum impact extrusions; specialty copper, copper alloy, and aluminum tube; and high-quality wire and cable solutions. The segment manufactures and sells its products primarily to domestic OEMs and distributors, and utilities in the industrial, transportation, construction, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning, plumbing, refrigeration, energy, telecommunication, and electrical transmission and distribution markets.
•Climate: The Climate segment is composed of Refrigeration Products, Westermeyer, Turbotec, Flex Duct, and Linesets, Inc. The segment manufactures and sells refrigeration valves and fittings, high pressure components, coaxial heat exchangers, insulated HVAC flexible duct systems, and line sets. The segment sells its products primarily to the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration markets in the U.S.
New housing starts and commercial construction are important determinants of our sales to the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning, refrigeration, and plumbing markets because the principal end use of a significant portion of our products is in the construction of single and multi-family housing and commercial buildings. Repairs and remodeling projects are also important drivers of underlying demand for these products. In addition, our products are used in various transportation, automotive, and industrial applications.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the January 2026 seasonally adjusted annual rate of new housing starts was 1.49 million, compared to the March 2025 rate of 1.36 million. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.11 percent for the first quarter of 2026 and 6.60 percent for the year ended December 2025. The private non-residential construction sector includes offices, industrial, health care, and retail projects. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the seasonally adjusted annual value of private nonresidential construction put in place was $728.2 billion in January 2026 compared to the January 2025 rate of $751.1 billion.
Profitability of certain of our product lines depends upon the “spreads” between the cost of raw material and the selling prices of our products. The open market prices for copper cathode and copper and brass scrap, for example, influence the selling price of copper tube and brass rod, two principal products manufactured by the Company. We attempt to minimize the effects on profitability from fluctuations in material costs by passing through these costs to our customers; however, margins of our businesses that account for inventory on a FIFO basis may be impacted in periods of significant fluctuations in material costs. 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. We intensively manage our pricing structure while attempting to maximize profitability. From time-to-time, this practice results in lost sales opportunities and lower volume. For plumbing systems, plastics are the primary substitute product; these products represent an increasing share of consumption. For certain air-conditioning and refrigeration applications, aluminum-based systems are the primary substitution threat. We cannot predict the acceptance or the rate of switching that may occur. U.S. consumption of copper tube and brass rod is still predominantly supplied by U.S. manufacturers. In recent years, brass rod consumption in the U.S. has declined due to the outsourcing of many manufactured products to offshore regions.
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Results of Operations
Consolidated Results
The following table compares summary operating results for the first quarters of 2026 and 2025:
| For the Quarter Ended | Percent Change | |||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | 2026 vs. 2025 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,193,005 | $ | 1,000,165 | 19.3 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 312,228 | 206,262 | 51.4 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. | 239,018 | 157,432 | 51.8 | |||||||||||||||||
The increase in net sales during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to (i) higher net selling prices of $219.1 million in our core product lines, primarily copper tube, brass rod, and high-quality wire and cable, related to the rise in raw material costs, and (ii) an increase in sales of $16.8 million in our non-core product lines. These increases were partially offset by (i) lower unit sales volume of $33.4 million in our core product lines, primarily copper tube, and (ii) a decrease in sales of $9.7 million as a result of the sale of Sherwood during the first quarter of 2026.
Net selling prices generally fluctuate with changes in raw material costs. Changes in raw material costs are generally passed through to customers by adjustments to selling prices. The following graph shows the Comex average copper price per pound by quarter for the current and prior fiscal years:
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The following tables compare cost of goods sold and operating expenses as dollar amounts and as a percent of net sales for the first quarters of 2026 and 2025:
| For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | $ | 834,561 | $ | 728,185 | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 16,652 | 17,123 | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative expense | 66,785 | 63,060 | ||||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net | 1,533 | (14,465) | ||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of business | (41,407) | — | ||||||||||||
| Asset impairments | 2,653 | — | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | $ | 880,777 | $ | 793,903 | ||||||||||
| For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||
| March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 70.0 | % | 72.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 1.4 | 1.7 | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative expense | 5.6 | 6.3 | ||||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net | 0.1 | (1.4) | ||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of business | (3.5) | — | ||||||||||||
| Asset impairments | 0.2 | — | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | 73.8 | % | 79.4 | % | ||||||||||
Cost of goods sold increased in the first quarter of 2026 primarily due to the factors noted above regarding the change in net sales. Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 30.0 percent compared with 27.2 percent in the prior year quarter. Depreciation and amortization was consistent with the first quarter of 2025. Selling, general, and administrative expense increased in the first quarter of 2026 primarily as a result of (i) higher employment costs, including incentive compensation, of $6.8 million and (ii) higher legal and professional fees of $3.5 million. These increases were partially offset by (i) lower product-related costs of $4.7 million, (ii) lower taxes and insurance of $0.5 million, (iii) the absence of $0.5 million of expenses associated with Sherwood, and (iv) higher foreign currency transaction gains of $0.4 million. In addition, during the first quarter of 2026, we recognized a gain of $41.4 million on the sale of our Sherwood business as well as fixed asset impairment charges on idled equipment of $2.7 million. During the first quarter of 2026 we recognized net losses on the disposal of assets of $1.5 million, compared to net gains on the disposal of assets of $14.5 million recognized during the first quarter of 2025.
Interest income was higher in the first quarter of 2026 primarily as a result of higher interest rates. During the first quarter of 2026, we recognized unrealized losses on short-term investments of $2.0 million compared to unrealized losses of $5.0 million in the first quarter of 2025. We recognized other expense, net, of $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to other income, net, of $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2025. This change was primarily due to higher environmental remediation expense for our non-operating properties in 2026.
Our effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2026 was 25 percent compared with 24 percent for the same period last year. The primary items impacting the effective tax rate were (i) increases related to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $10.7 million and (ii) the effect of foreign tax rates higher than statutory tax rates and other foreign adjustments of $2.2 million. This was partially offset by decreases to other items of $0.7 million.
For the first quarter of 2025, the difference between the effective tax rate and the amount computed using the U.S. federal statutory rate was primarily attributable to (i) increases related to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of
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$6.8 million and (ii) the effect of foreign tax rates higher than statutory tax rates and other foreign adjustments of $2.1 million. These were partially offset by other adjustments of $1.9 million.
During the first quarters of 2026 and 2025, we recognized net income of $0.1 million and net losses of $0.5 million, respectively, on our investments in unconsolidated affiliates.
Piping Systems Segment
The following table compares summary operating results for the first quarters of 2026 and 2025 for the businesses comprising our Piping Systems segment:
| For the Quarter Ended | Percent Change | |||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | 2026 vs. 2025 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 760,528 | $ | 639,683 | 18.9 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 217,010 | 158,164 | 37.2 | |||||||||||||||||
The increase in net sales during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily attributable to (i) higher net selling prices in the segment’s core product lines, primarily copper tube, of $162.6 million and (ii) an increase in sales of $15.4 million in the segment’s non-core product lines. These increases were partially offset by lower unit sales volume of $54.8 million in the segment’s core product lines.
The following tables compare cost of goods sold and operating expenses as dollar amounts and as a percent of net sales for the first quarters of 2026 and 2025:
| For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | $ | 502,775 | $ | 458,152 | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 5,602 | 5,419 | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative expense | 30,963 | 32,410 | ||||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net | 1,525 | (14,462) | ||||||||||||
| Asset impairments | 2,653 | — | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | $ | 543,518 | $ | 481,519 | ||||||||||
| For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||
| March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 66.1 | % | 71.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 0.7 | 0.8 | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative expense | 4.1 | 5.1 | ||||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net | 0.2 | (2.3) | ||||||||||||
| Asset impairments | 0.3 | — | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | 71.4 | % | 75.2 | % | ||||||||||
The increase in cost of goods sold during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to the factors noted above regarding the change in net sales. Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 33.9 percent compared with 28.4 percent in the prior year quarter.
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Depreciation and amortization was consistent with the first quarter of 2025. Selling, general, and administrative expense decreased for the first quarter of 2026 primarily as a result of lower product-related costs of $4.7 million, partially offset by higher employment costs, including incentive compensation, of $2.9 million. In addition, during the first quarter of 2026 the segment recognized fixed asset impairment charges on idled equipment of $2.7 million and net losses on the disposal of assets of $1.5 million. During the first quarter of 2025 the segment recognized net gains on the disposal of assets of $14.5 million.
Industrial Metals Segment
The following table compares summary operating results for the first quarters of 2026 and 2025 for the businesses comprising our Industrial Metals segment:
| For the Quarter Ended | Percent Change | |||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | 2026 vs. 2025 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 321,277 | $ | 251,913 | 27.5 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 44,271 | 30,084 | 47.2 | |||||||||||||||||
The increase in net sales during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to (i) higher net selling prices of $56.5 million in the segment’s core product lines, primarily brass rod and high-quality wire and cable, and (ii) higher unit sales volume of $21.5 million in the segment’s core product lines. These increases were slightly offset by a decrease in sales of $9.7 million as a result of the sale of Sherwood during the first quarter of 2026.
The following tables compare cost of goods sold and operating expenses as dollar amounts and as a percent of net sales for the first quarters of 2026 and 2025:
| For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | $ | 262,242 | $ | 207,486 | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 8,308 | 8,356 | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative expense | 6,448 | 5,987 | ||||||||||||
Loss on disposal of assets, net | 8 | — | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | $ | 277,006 | $ | 221,829 | ||||||||||
| For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||
| March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 81.6 | % | 82.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 2.6 | 3.3 | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative expense | 2.0 | 2.4 | ||||||||||||
Loss on disposal of assets, net | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | 86.2 | % | 88.1 | % | ||||||||||
The change in cost of goods sold during the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to the factors noted above regarding the change in net sales. Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 18.4 percent compared with 17.6 percent in the prior year quarter. Depreciation and amortization was consistent with the first quarter of 2025. Selling, general, and administrative expense increased during the first quarter of 2026 primarily due to (i) higher legal and professional fees of $0.6 million and (ii) higher
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employment costs of $0.4 million. These increases were partially offset by the absence of $0.5 million of expenses associated with Sherwood.
Climate Segment
The following table compares summary operating results for the first quarters of 2026 and 2025 for the businesses comprising our Climate segment:
| For the Quarter Ended | Percent Change | |||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | 2026 vs. 2025 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 123,765 | $ | 123,107 | 0.5 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 33,379 | 35,624 | (6.3) | |||||||||||||||||
Net sales for the segment were consistent with the first quarter of 2025.
The following tables compare cost of goods sold and operating expenses as dollar amounts and as a percent of net sales for the first quarters of 2026 and 2025:
| For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | $ | 81,763 | $ | 78,515 | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 1,679 | 1,692 | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expense | 6,944 | 7,279 | ||||||||||||
Gain on disposal of assets, net | — | (3) | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | $ | 90,386 | $ | 87,483 | ||||||||||
| For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||
| March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 66.1 | % | 63.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 1.4 | 1.4 | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expense | 5.6 | 5.9 | ||||||||||||
Gain on disposal of assets, net | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | 73.1 | % | 71.1 | % | ||||||||||
Cost of goods sold increased during the first quarter of 2026 primarily due to the rise in raw material costs. Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 33.9 percent compared with 36.2 percent in the prior year quarter. Depreciation and amortization and selling, general, and administrative expense were consistent with the first quarter of 2025.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table presents selected financial information for the first quarters of 2026 and 2025:
| (In thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in: | ||||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | 1,645 | $ | (197,156) | ||||||||||
| Short-term investments | (2,037) | 21,623 | ||||||||||||
| Property, plant, and equipment, net | (6,166) | 77 | ||||||||||||
| Goodwill and intangible assets, net | (5,875) | (4,845) | ||||||||||||
| Total debt | — | (966) | ||||||||||||
| Working capital, net of cash and current debt | 124,806 | 95,610 | ||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 79,741 | 113,559 | ||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 38,939 | (23,440) | ||||||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (115,225) | (287,667) | ||||||||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
During the quarter ended March 28, 2026, net cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to (i) consolidated net income of $241.4 million and (ii) an increase in current liabilities of $88.9 million. There were also increases due to non-cash adjustments primarily consisting of (i) depreciation and amortization of $16.7 million and (ii) stock-based compensation expense of $7.3 million. These increases were partially offset by (i) an increase in accounts receivable of $200.2 million, (ii) an increase in inventories of $43.9 million, and (iii) a gain of $41.4 million related to the sale of the Sherwood business.
During the quarter ended March 29, 2025, net cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to (i) consolidated net income of $159.3 million, (ii) an increase in current liabilities of $57.7 million, and (iii) dividends from unconsolidated affiliates of $2.8 million. There were also increases due to non-cash adjustments primarily consisting of (i) depreciation and amortization of $17.1 million, (ii) stock-based compensation expense of $6.2 million, and (iii) unrealized losses on short-term investments of $5.0 million. These increases were partially offset by (i) an increase in accounts receivable of $101.5 million, (ii) an increase in inventories of $18.5 million, and (iii) net gains on the disposal of assets of $14.5 million.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
The major components of net cash provided by investing activities during the quarter ended March 28, 2026 included proceeds from the sale of the Sherwood business, net of cash sold, of $57.0 million, partially offset by capital expenditures of $17.2 million.
The major components of net cash used in investing activities during the quarter ended March 29, 2025 included (i) the purchase of short-term investments of $26.6 million and (ii) capital expenditures of $16.6 million. These uses were partially offset by proceeds from the sale of properties of $19.7 million.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
For the quarter ended March 28, 2026, net cash used in financing activities consisted primarily of (i) $75.0 million used to repurchase common stock of the Company, (ii) $38.0 million used for the payment of regular quarterly dividends to stockholders of the Company, and (iii) $4.8 million used for the payment of dividends to noncontrolling interests.
For the quarter ended March 29, 2025, net cash used in financing activities consisted primarily of (i) $243.6 million used to repurchase common stock of the Company, (ii) $27.3 million used for the payment of regular quarterly dividends to stockholders of the Company, (iii) $12.2 million used for the payment of dividends to noncontrolling interests, and (iv) $4.5 million net cash used to settle stock-based awards.
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Liquidity and Outlook
We believe that cash provided by operations, funds available under the Credit Agreement, and cash on hand will be adequate to meet our liquidity needs, including working capital, capital expenditures, and debt payment obligations.
As of March 28, 2026, we had $1.4 billion of cash on hand and $372.5 million available to be drawn under the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement matured on March 31, 2026 and the Company entered into a new credit agreement on March 27, 2026. Under the terms of the new credit agreement, there was $72.5 million available to be drawn. Our current ratio was 5.4 to 1.
We have significant environmental remediation obligations which we expect to pay over future years. Cash used for environmental remediation activities was approximately $1.2 million during the first quarter of 2026. We expect to spend approximately $3.6 million over the next twelve months for ongoing environmental remediation activities.
The Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of 35.0 cents and 25.0 cents per common share during the first quarters of 2026 and 2025, respectively. Payment of dividends in the future is dependent upon our financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, earnings, and other factors.
On March 30, 2026, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Bison Metals Technologies LLC for approximately $142.0 million in cash on hand at closing.
Long-Term Debt
As of March 28, 2026, the Company had no debt.
The Company’s Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured $400.0 million revolving credit facility, which matures March 31, 2026. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement as of March 28, 2026. The Credit Agreement backed approximately $27.5 million in letters of credit at the end of the first quarter of 2026.
On March 27, 2026, the Company entered into a new credit agreement to replace its prior Credit Agreement that matured on March 31, 2026. The new credit agreement provides for an unsecured $100.0 million revolving credit facility, which matures March 27, 2031.
Covenants contained in the Company’s financing obligations require, among other things, the maintenance of minimum levels of tangible net worth and the satisfaction of certain minimum financial ratios. As of March 28, 2026, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants.
Share Repurchase Program
The Board of Directors has extended, until July 2026, the authorization to repurchase up to 40 million shares of the Company’s common stock through open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions. We may cancel, suspend, or extend the time period for the repurchase of shares at any time. Any repurchases will be funded primarily through existing cash and cash from operations. We may hold any shares repurchased in treasury or use a portion of the repurchased shares for our stock-based compensation plans, as well as for other corporate purposes. From its initial authorization in 1999 through March 28, 2026, the Company has repurchased approximately 19.6 million shares under this authorization. See Part II., Item 2. below for information about the Company’s share repurchases during the quarter ended March 28, 2026.
Contractual Cash Obligations
There have been no significant changes in our contractual cash obligations reported at December 27, 2025.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in raw material and energy costs, interest rates, and foreign currency exchange rates. To reduce such risks, we may periodically use financial instruments. Hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to policies and procedures. Further, we do not buy or sell financial instruments for trading purposes.
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Cost and Availability of Raw Materials and Energy
Raw materials, primarily copper and brass, represent the largest component of the Company’s variable costs of production. The cost of these materials is subject to global market fluctuations caused by factors beyond our control. Significant increases in the cost of metal, to the extent not reflected in prices for our finished products, or the lack of availability could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
The Company occasionally enters into future fixed-price arrangements with certain customers. We may utilize futures contracts to hedge risks associated with these forward fixed-price arrangements. We may also utilize futures contracts to manage price risk associated with inventory. Depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the futures contracts will either be offset against the change in fair value of the inventory through earnings or recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) in equity and reflected in earnings upon the sale of inventory. Periodic value fluctuations of the contracts generally offset the value fluctuations of the underlying fixed-price transactions or inventory. At March 28, 2026, we held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $46.1 million of copper over the next nine months related to fixed-price sales orders and to sell approximately $5.0 million of copper over the next month related to copper inventory.
We may enter into futures contracts or forward fixed-price arrangements with certain vendors to manage price risk associated with natural gas purchases. The effective portion of gains and losses with respect to these positions are deferred in equity as a component of AOCI and reflected in earnings upon consumption of natural gas. Periodic value fluctuations of the futures contracts generally offset the value fluctuations of the underlying natural gas prices. As of March 28, 2026, we held no open futures contracts to purchase natural gas.
Interest Rates
At March 28, 2026, we had no variable-rate debt and $27.5 million in letters of credit outstanding. At this borrowing level, a hypothetical 10 percent increase in interest rates would have had an insignificant unfavorable impact on our pretax earnings and cash flows. The primary interest rate exposure on variable-rate debt is based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR).
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
Foreign currency exposures arising from transactions include firm commitments and anticipated transactions denominated in a currency other than an entity’s functional currency. The Company and its subsidiaries generally enter into transactions denominated in their respective functional currencies. We may utilize certain futures or forward contracts with financial institutions to hedge foreign currency transactional exposures. Gains and losses with respect to these positions are deferred in equity as a component of AOCI and reflected in earnings upon collection of receivables or payment of commitments. At March 28, 2026, we had open forward contracts with a financial institution to sell approximately 6.4 million euros, 8.5 million Swedish kronor, and 2.9 million Norwegian kroner through April 2026.
The Company’s primary foreign currency exposure arises from foreign-denominated revenues and profits and their translation into U.S. dollars. The primary currencies to which we are exposed include the Canadian dollar, the British pound sterling, the Mexican peso, the South Korean won, and the Bahraini dinar. The Company generally views its investments in foreign subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar as long-term. As a result, we generally do not hedge these net investments.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information
This Quarterly Report contains various forward-looking statements and includes assumptions concerning the Company’s operations, future results, and prospects. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risk and uncertainties, and may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those predicted. The forward-looking statements reflect knowledge and information available as of the date of preparation of the Quarterly Report, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. We identify the forward-looking statements by using the words “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends” or similar expressions in such statements.
In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company provides the following cautionary statement identifying important economic, political, and technological factors, among others, which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions. In addition to those factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
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ended December 27, 2025, 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); (iv) competitive factors and competitor responses to the Company’s initiatives; (v) stability of government laws and regulations, including taxes; (vi) the impact of enhanced U.S. tariffs, import/export restrictions or other trade barriers on global economic conditions, financial markets and our business; (vii) availability of financing; and (viii) continuation of the environment to make acquisitions, domestic and foreign, including regulatory requirements and market values of candidates.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act as of March 28, 2026. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of March 28, 2026 to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s fiscal quarter ending March 28, 2026, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
General
The Company is involved in certain litigation as a result of claims that arose in the ordinary course of business. Additionally, the Company may realize the benefit of certain legal claims and litigation in the future; these gain contingencies are not recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. For a description of material pending legal proceedings, see “Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The Company is exposed to risk as it operates its businesses. To provide a framework to understand the operating environment of the Company, we have provided a brief explanation of the more significant risks associated with our businesses in our 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes in risk factors that were previously disclosed in our 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additionally, the operating results of the Company’s unconsolidated affiliates may be adversely affected by unfavorable economic and market conditions.
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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 July 2026, the authorization to repurchase up to 40 million shares of the Company’s common stock through open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions. The Company may cancel, suspend, or extend the time period for the repurchase of shares at any time. Any repurchases will be funded primarily through existing cash and cash from operations. The Company may hold any shares repurchased in treasury or use a portion of the repurchased shares for its stock-based compensation plans, as well as for other corporate purposes. From its initial authorization in 1999 through March 28, 2026, the Company had repurchased approximately 19.6 million shares under this authorization. Below is a summary of the Company’s stock repurchases for the period ended March 28, 2026.
(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) | (b) Average Price Paid per Share | (c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | (d) Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 28, 2025 - January 24, 2026 | 6,230 | $ | 39.67 | — | 21,030,195 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| January 25, 2026 - February 21, 2026 | 232,236 | $ | 115.64 | 230,472 | 20,799,723 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| February 22, 2026 - March 28, 2026 | 426,684 | $ | 115.28 | 419,528 | 20,380,195 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 665,150 | 650,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Includes shares tendered to the Company by holders of stock-based awards in payment of the purchase price and/or withholding taxes upon exercise and/or vesting and shares purchased as part of a publicly announced plan. Also includes shares resulting from restricted stock forfeitures at the average cost of treasury stock.
(2) Shares available to be purchased under the Company’s 40 million share repurchase authorization until July 2026. The extension of the authorization was announced on October 23, 2024.
Item 5. Other Information
On February 26, 2026, Scott J. Goldman, Director, entered into a 10b5-1 sales plan (the Sales Plan) intended to satisfy the affirmative defense of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange Act. The Sales Plan provides for the sale of up to an aggregate of 16,000 shares of the Company’s common stock beneficially owned by Mr. Goldman during the term of the Sales Plan and will be in effect until the earlier of (1) February 22, 2028 or (2) the date on which an aggregate of 16,000 shares of the Company’s common stock have been sold under the Sales Plan.
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Item 6. Exhibits
| 10.1 | Credit Agreement, dated as of March 27, 2026, among the Company (as borrower), Bank of America, N.A. (as administrative agent, lender, swing line lender and letter of credit issuer), and | ||||
| 31.1 | |||||
| 31.2 | |||||
| 32.1 | |||||
| 32.2 | |||||
| 101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase | ||||
| 101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase | ||||
| 101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document | ||||
| 101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase | ||||
| 101.PRE | Inline XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document | ||||
| 101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema | ||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document and included in exhibit 101) | ||||
Items 3 and 4 are not applicable and have been omitted.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. | |||||
/s/ Jeffrey A. Martin | |||||
| Jeffrey A. Martin | |||||
| April 22, 2026 | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | ||||
| Date | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | ||||
| /s/ Anthony J. Steinriede | |||||
| April 22, 2026 | Anthony J. Steinriede | ||||
| Date | Vice President – Corporate Controller | ||||
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