| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 27, 2025 |
| (In thousands) | | Piping Systems | | Industrial Metals | | Climate | | Total |
| | | | | | | | |
| External net sales | | $ | 2,074,222 | | | $ | 755,455 | | | $ | 386,485 | | | $ | 3,216,162 | |
| Internal net sales | | 27,340 | | | 15,995 | | | 802 | | | 44,137 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2,101,562 | | | 771,450 | | | 387,287 | | | 3,260,299 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Less: (1) | | | | | | | | |
Manufacturing costs (2) | | 1,431,571 | | | 650,255 | | | 246,438 | | | 2,328,264 | |
| Sales and marketing expense | | 22,990 | | | 4,179 | | | 10,364 | | | 37,533 | |
| Distribution expense | | 33,541 | | | 1,918 | | | 1,548 | | | 37,007 | |
Other segment items (3) | | (11,159) | | | 23,476 | | | 11,785 | | | 24,102 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Segment operating income | | 624,619 | | | 91,622 | | | 117,152 | | | 833,393 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Reconciliation of segment operating income: | | | | | | | | |
| Corporate expenses | | | | | | | | (46,848) | |
| Interest expense | | | | | | | | (48) | |
| Interest income | | | | | | | | 28,945 | |
| Unrealized gains on short-term investments | | | | | | | | 5,925 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Pension plan termination expense | | | | | | | | (4,830) | |
| Other expense, net | | | | | | | | (423) | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Income before income taxes | | | | | | | | $ | 816,114 | |
Other segment disclosures:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Quarter Ended September 26, 2026 |
| (In thousands) | | Piping Systems | | Industrial Metals | | Climate | | Corporate and Unallocated | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization (4) | | $ | 10,112 | | | $ | 7,881 | | | $ | 2,112 | | | $ | 1,068 | | | $ | 21,173 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Gain on insurance proceeds | | (4,352) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (4,352) | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Expenditures for long-lived assets (including those resulting from business acquisitions) | | 35,128 | | | 5,830 | | | 3,833 | | | — | | | 44,791 | |
| Segment assets | | 1,621,488 | | | 970,384 | | | 289,214 | | | 1,416,508 | | | 4,297,594 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
(4) 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. |
Other segment disclosures (continued):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Quarter Ended September 27, 2025 |
| (In thousands) | | Piping Systems | | Industrial Metals | | Climate | | Corporate and Unallocated | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization (4) | | $ | 5,531 | | | $ | 8,346 | | | $ | 1,657 | | | $ | 1,073 | | | $ | 16,607 | |
| Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net | | 13 | | | — | | | — | | | (11,865) | | | (11,852) | |
| Asset impairments | | 2,018 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 2,018 | |
| Gain on insurance proceeds | | (4,869) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (4,869) | |
| Expenditures for long-lived assets (including those resulting from business acquisitions) | | 5,387 | | | 9,486 | | | 3,418 | | | — | | | 18,291 | |
| Segment assets | | 1,272,584 | | | 871,514 | | | 279,101 | | | 1,273,124 | | | 3,696,323 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 26, 2026 |
| (In thousands) | | Piping Systems | | Industrial Metals | | Climate | | Corporate and Unallocated | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization (4) | | $ | 22,062 | | | $ | 24,372 | | | $ | 5,540 | | | $ | 3,186 | | | $ | 55,160 | |
| Loss on disposal of assets, net | | 1,590 | | | 8 | | | 122 | | | — | | | $ | 1,720 | |
| Asset impairments | | 2,653 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 2,653 | |
| Gain on insurance proceeds | | (4,352) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (4,352) | |
| Gain on sale of business | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (41,407) | | | (41,407) | |
| Expenditures for long-lived assets (including those resulting from business acquisitions) | | 67,612 | | | 28,015 | | | 8,176 | | | — | | | 103,803 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 27, 2025 |
| (In thousands) | | Piping Systems | | Industrial Metals | | Climate | | Corporate and Unallocated | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization (4) | | $ | 17,021 | | | $ | 25,148 | | | $ | 5,075 | | | $ | 4,391 | | | $ | 51,635 | |
| (Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net | | (15,796) | | | (3) | | | 1,010 | | | (11,865) | | | (26,654) | |
| Asset impairments | | 2,018 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 2,018 | |
| Gain on insurance proceeds | | (41,147) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (41,147) | |
| Expenditures for long-lived assets (including those resulting from business acquisitions) | | 17,410 | | | 25,717 | | | 5,855 | | | — | | | 48,982 | |
Note 5 – Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (In thousands) | | September 26, 2026 | | December 27, 2025 |
| | | | |
| Cash & cash equivalents | | $ | 1,447,799 | | | $ | 1,367,003 | |
| Restricted cash included within other current assets | | 2,051 | | | 18,052 | |
| Restricted cash included within other assets | | 127 | | | 102 | |
| | | | |
| Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | | $ | 1,449,977 | | | $ | 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) | | September 26, 2026 | | December 27, 2025 |
| | | | |
| Raw materials and supplies | | $ | 184,234 | | | $ | 280,810 | |
| Work-in-process | | 135,816 | | | 127,369 | |
| Finished goods | | 312,083 | | | 113,362 | |
| Valuation reserves | | (10,743) | | | (11,078) | |
| | | | |
| Inventories | | $ | 621,390 | | | $ | 510,463 | |
Inventories valued using the LIFO method totaled $36.3 million at September 26, 2026 and $7.5 million at December 27, 2025. At September 26, 2026 and December 27, 2025, the approximate FIFO cost of such inventories was $213.8 million and $147.2 million, respectively.
Note 7 – Financial Instruments
Short-Term Investments
The fair value of short-term investments at September 26, 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.
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 September 26, 2026, the Company held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $33.9 million of copper over the next 10 months related to fixed price sales orders. The fair value of those futures contracts was a $2.4 million net gain position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (level 1 within the fair value hierarchy). In the next 12 months, the Company will reclassify into earnings realized gains or losses relating to cash flow hedges. At September 26, 2026, this amount was approximately $1.9 million of deferred net gains, net of tax.
The Company may also enter into futures contracts to protect the value of inventory against market fluctuations. At September 26, 2026, the Company held $67.5 million of open futures contracts to sell copper over the next six months related to copper inventory. The fair value of those futures contracts was a $1.5 million net loss position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (level 1 within the fair value hierarchy).
The Company presents its derivative assets and liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets on a net basis by counterparty. The following table summarizes the location and fair value of the derivative instruments and disaggregates the net derivative assets and liabilities into gross components on a contract-by-contract basis:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Asset Derivatives | | Liability Derivatives |
| | | | Fair Value | | | | Fair Value |
| (In thousands) | | Balance Sheet Location | | September 26, 2026 | | December 27, 2025 | | Balance Sheet Location | | September 26, 2026 | | December 27, 2025 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commodity contracts - gains | | Other current assets | | $ | 2,388 | | | $ | 1,983 | | | Other current liabilities | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Commodity contracts - losses | | Other current assets | | — | | | — | | | Other current liabilities | | (1,463) | | | (17,336) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total derivatives (1) | | | | $ | 2,388 | | | $ | 1,983 | | | | | $ | (1,463) | | | $ | (17,336) | |
(1) Does not include the impact of cash collateral provided to counterparties.
The following table summarizes the effects of derivative instruments on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | For the Quarter Ended | | For the Nine Months Ended |
| (In thousands) | | Location | | September 26, 2026 | | September 27, 2025 | | September 26, 2026 | | September 27, 2025 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Undesignated derivatives: | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gain on commodity contracts (nonqualifying) | | Cost of goods sold | | $ | 852 | | | $ | 11,260 | | | $ | 22,966 | | | $ | 11,996 | |
The following tables summarize amounts recognized in and reclassified from AOCI during the period:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Quarter Ended September 26, 2026 |
| (In thousands) | | Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax | | Classification Gains (Losses) | | Gain Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax |
| | | | | | |
| Cash flow hedges: | | | | | | |
| Commodity contracts | | $ | 2,903 | | | Cost of goods sold | | $ | (1,759) | |
| Other | | (902) | | | Other | | — | |
| | | | | | |
| Total | | $ | 2,001 | | | Total | | $ | (1,759) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Quarter Ended September 27, 2025 |
| (In thousands) | | Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax | | Classification Gains (Losses) | | Gain Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax |
| | | | | | |
| Cash flow hedges: | | | | | | |
| Commodity contracts | | $ | 521 | | | Cost of goods sold | | $ | (630) | |
| Other | | (5) | | | Other | | — | |
| | | | | | |
| Total | | $ | 516 | | | Total | | $ | (630) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 26, 2026 |
| (In thousands) | | Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax | | Classification Gains (Losses) | | Gain Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax |
| | | | | | |
| Cash flow hedges: | | | | | | |
| Commodity contracts | | $ | 5,023 | | | Cost of goods sold | | $ | (4,709) | |
| Other | | (930) | | | Other | | — | |
| | | | | | |
| Total | | $ | 4,093 | | | Total | | $ | (4,709) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Nine Months Ended September 27, 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 | | $ | 3,593 | | | Cost of goods sold | | $ | (2,998) | |
| Other | | 6 | | | Other | | — | |
| | | | | | |
| Total | | $ | 3,599 | | | Total | | $ | (2,998) | |
The Company primarily enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association master netting agreements with major financial institutions that permit the net settlement of amounts owed under their respective derivative contracts. Under these master netting agreements, net settlement generally permits the Company or the counterparty to determine the net amount payable for contracts due on the same date and in the same currency for similar types of derivative transactions. The master netting agreements generally also provide for net settlement of all outstanding contracts with a counterparty in the case of an event of default or a termination event. The Company does not offset fair value amounts for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral. At September 26, 2026 and December 27, 2025, the Company had recorded restricted cash in other current assets of $1.9 million and $17.9 million, respectively, as collateral related to open derivative contracts under the master netting arrangements.
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 September 26, 2026 included losses of $3.1 million for Tecumseh. The Company’s net income from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, for the quarter ended September 27, 2025 included income of $0.5 million for Tecumseh.
The Company’s net income from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, for the nine months ended September 26, 2026 included losses of $3.3 million for Tecumseh. The Company’s net income from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, for the nine months ended September 27, 2025 included losses of $2.0 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 September 26, 2026 included income of $4.8 million for the retail distribution business. The Company’s net income from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, for the quarter ended September 27, 2025 included income of $3.2 million for the retail distribution business.
The Company’s net income from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, for the nine months ended September 26, 2026 included income of $12.0 million for the retail distribution business. The Company’s net income from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, for the nine months ended September 27, 2025 included income of $8.1 million for the retail distribution business.
Note 9 – Debt
On March 27, 2026, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement to replace its prior credit agreement that matured on March 31, 2026. The Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured $100.0 million revolving credit facility, which matures March 27, 2031.
There were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement as of September 26, 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.
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 | | For the Nine Months Ended |
| (In thousands) | | September 26, 2026 | | September 27, 2025 | | September 26, 2026 | | September 27, 2025 |
| | | | | | | | |
| Pension benefits: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Interest cost | | $ | 654 | | | $ | 611 | | | $ | 1,961 | | | $ | 1,834 | |
| Expected return on plan assets | | (614) | | | (554) | | | (1,842) | | | (1,661) | |
| Amortization of net loss | | 78 | | | 81 | | | 233 | | | 245 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Net periodic benefit cost | | $ | 118 | | | $ | 138 | | | $ | 352 | | | $ | 418 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Other benefits: | | | | | | | | |
| Service cost | | $ | 60 | | | $ | 46 | | | $ | 179 | | | $ | 139 | |
| Interest cost | | 123 | | | 123 | | | 368 | | | 369 | |
| Amortization of prior service credit | | — | | | — | | | (1) | | | (1) | |
| Amortization of net gain | | (100) | | | (101) | | | (298) | | | (305) | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Net periodic benefit cost | | $ | 83 | | | $ | 68 | | | $ | 248 | | | $ | 202 | |
The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) other than the service cost component are included in other (expense) income, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Multiemployer Plan
On August 2, 2024, the Company entered into an equity purchase agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Elkhart Products Corporation (Elkhart). Elkhart contributes to the IAM National Pension Fund (IAM Plan). The Employer Identification Number for this plan is 51-6031295.
The Company withdrew from the IAM Plan in 2025 and recognized $4.8 million in related expenses during the third quarter of 2025, which represents the Company’s best estimate of probable loss for the related withdrawal liability.
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.
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 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 September 26, 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 a 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 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.
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,
but in the interest of avoiding litigation, Southland has submitted an offer to compromise CBP’s claims for approximately $0.5 million. Southland is awaiting a response from CBP to its offer. 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 September 26, 2026 were $27.4 million.
Note 12 – Income Taxes
The Company’s effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2026 was 26 percent compared with 26 percent for the same period last year. The primary item impacting the effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2026 was an increase related to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $12.0 million.
The primary items impacting the effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2025 were increases related to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $11.0 million and other items of $4.0 million.
The Company’s effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2026 was 25 percent compared with 25 percent for the same period last year. The primary items impacting the effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2026 were increases related to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $33.6 million and other items of $6.7 million.
The items impacting the effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2025 were increases related to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $27.9 million and other adjustments of $5.0 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 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):
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| | For the Nine Months Ended September 26, 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 | | (7,933) | | | 4,093 | | | 86 | | | (1,196) | | | (4,950) | |
| Amounts reclassified from AOCI | | — | | | (4,709) | | | (36) | | | — | | | (4,745) | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income | | (7,933) | | | (616) | | | 50 | | | (1,196) | | | (9,695) | |
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| Balance as of September 26, 2026 | | $ | (60,012) | | | $ | 1,078 | | | $ | (3,245) | | | $ | 1,649 | | | $ | (60,530) | |
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| | For the Nine Months Ended September 27, 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 | | 20,809 | | | 3,599 | | | 2,374 | | | (1,950) | | | 24,832 | |
| Amounts reclassified from AOCI | | — | | | (2,998) | | | (30) | | | — | | | (3,028) | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | | 20,809 | | | 601 | | | 2,344 | | | (1,950) | | | 21,804 | |
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| Balance as of September 27, 2025 | | $ | (55,117) | | | $ | 410 | | | $ | (3,938) | | | $ | 170 | | | $ | (58,475) | |
Reclassification adjustments out of AOCI were as follows:
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| | Amount reclassified from AOCI |
| | For the Quarter Ended | | For the Nine Months Ended | | |
| (In thousands) | | September 26, 2026 | | September 27, 2025 | | September 26, 2026 | | September 27, 2025 | | Affected line item |
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| Unrealized gains on derivative commodity contracts | | $ | (2,270) | | | $ | (813) | | | $ | (6,077) | | | $ | (3,868) | | | Cost of goods sold |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | 511 | | | 183 | | | 1,368 | | | 870 | | | Income tax expense |
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| | $ | (1,759) | | | $ | (630) | | | $ | (4,709) | | | $ | (2,998) | | | Net of tax and noncontrolling interests |
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| Amortization of net (gain) loss and prior service (credit) cost on employee benefit plans | | $ | (22) | | | $ | (20) | | | $ | (66) | | | $ | (61) | | | Other (expense) income, net |
| | 10 | | | 10 | | | 30 | | | 31 | | | Income tax expense |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | (12) | | | $ | (10) | | | $ | (36) | | | $ | (30) | | | Net of tax and noncontrolling interests |
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Note 14 – Insurance Claims
Prior to its acquisition by the Company, Bison initiated litigation against several of its insurance carriers related to a claim that it made for weather-related roof damage in April 2023. In September 2026, the lawsuit was settled on mutually agreeable terms and, in connection therewith, the Company received a $4.4 million cash payment. The amount recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income is net of legal costs.
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 $0.12 per diluted share after tax, for the excess of insurance proceeds received over the losses incurred for damaged inventories, equipment, and buildings, as there are no known contingencies and 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 $0.02 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.