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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 report ended September 25, 2021
| 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 | 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 October 15, 2021 was 57,366,709.

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
FORM 10-Q
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 25, 2021

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

INDEX

|  | Page Number
Part I. Financial Information |
| Item 1. – Financial Statements (Unaudited) |
| a.) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income | 3
| b.) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income | 4
| c.) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | 5
| d.) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | 6
| e.) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity | 8
| f.) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | 10
| Item 2. – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 26
| Item 3. – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 36
| Item 4. – Controls and Procedures | 38
Part II. Other Information |
| Item 1. – Legal Proceedings | 38
| Item 1A – Risk Factors | 38
| Item 2. – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 39
| Item 6. – Exhibits | 40
Signatures | 41

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)

|  | For the Quarter Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands, except per share data) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020
Net sales |  | $ | 982,248 |  |  | $ | 619,105 |  |  | $ | 2,812,988 |  |  | $ | 1,722,192 |
Cost of goods sold |  | 744,265 |  |  | 500,780 |  |  | 2,212,395 |  |  | 1,412,654 |
Depreciation and amortization |  | 10,868 |  |  | 10,752 |  |  | 33,757 |  |  | 32,888 |
Selling, general, and administrative expense |  | 48,524 |  |  | 38,346 |  |  | 137,891 |  |  | 117,749 |
Gain on sale of businesses |  | (54,759) |  |  | — |  |  | (54,759) |  |  | — |
Litigation settlement, net |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (21,933) |
Operating income |  | 233,350 |  |  | 69,227 |  |  | 483,704 |  |  | 180,834 |
Interest expense |  | (1,116) |  |  | (4,885) |  |  | (7,451) |  |  | (15,237) |
Redemption premium |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (5,674) |  |  | — |
Other (expense) income, net |  | (2,548) |  |  | 522 |  |  | (1,288) |  |  | 3,634 |
Income before income taxes |  | 229,686 |  |  | 64,864 |  |  | 469,291 |  |  | 169,231 |
Income tax expense |  | (60,229) |  |  | (15,450) |  |  | (120,996) |  |  | (42,623) |
Income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax |  | 2,799 |  |  | (5,457) |  |  | 131 |  |  | (20,213) |
Consolidated net income |  | 172,256 |  |  | 43,957 |  |  | 348,426 |  |  | 106,395 |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |  | (1,276) |  |  | (1,255) |  |  | (5,507) |  |  | (3,322) |
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. |  | $ | 170,980 |  |  | $ | 42,702 |  |  | $ | 342,919 |  |  | $ | 103,073 |
Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share |  | 56,077 |  |  | 55,816 |  |  | 55,979 |  |  | 55,805 |
Effect of dilutive stock-based awards |  | 731 |  |  | 550 |  |  | 784 |  |  | 534 |
Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share |  | 56,808 |  |  | 56,366 |  |  | 56,763 |  |  | 56,339 |
Basic earnings per share |  | $ | 3.05 |  |  | $ | 0.77 |  |  | $ | 6.13 |  |  | $ | 1.85 |
Diluted earnings per share |  | $ | 3.01 |  |  | $ | 0.76 |  |  | $ | 6.04 |  |  | $ | 1.83 |
Dividends per share |  | $ | 0.13 |  |  | $ | 0.10 |  |  | $ | 0.39 |  |  | $ | 0.30 |

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3

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

|  | For the Quarter Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020
Consolidated net income |  | $ | 172,256 |  |  | $ | 43,957 |  |  | $ | 348,426 |  |  | $ | 106,395 |
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency translation |  | (8,569) |  |  | 9,320 |  |  | (667) |  |  | (11,514) |
Net change with respect to derivative instruments and hedging activities, net of tax of $(610), $(43), $204, and $(53) |  | 2,122 |  |  | 151 |  |  | (722) |  |  | 192 |
Net change in pension and postretirement obligation adjustments, net of tax of $(137), $92, $(80), and $224 |  | 493 |  |  | (170) |  |  | 476 |  |  | (715) |
Attributable to unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax of $(284), $(99), $(642), and $163 |  | 977 |  |  | 339 |  |  | 2,211 |  |  | (564) |
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net |  | (4,977) |  |  | 9,640 |  |  | 1,298 |  |  | (12,601) |
Consolidated comprehensive income |  | 167,279 |  |  | 53,597 |  |  | 349,724 |  |  | 93,794 |
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests |  | (192) |  |  | (2,207) |  |  | (4,077) |  |  | (3,062) |
Comprehensive income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. |  | $ | 167,087 |  |  | $ | 51,390 |  |  | $ | 345,647 |  |  | $ | 90,732 |

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

|  | (Unaudited) |  |
(In thousands, except share data) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | December 26, 2020
Assets |  |  |  |
Current assets: |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | $ | 104,789 |  |  | $ | 119,075 |
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,687 in 2021 and $1,538 in 2020 |  | 493,960 |  |  | 357,532 |
Inventories |  | 405,590 |  |  | 315,002 |
Other current assets |  | 33,604 |  |  | 33,752 |
Total current assets |  | 1,037,943 |  |  | 825,361 |
Property, plant, and equipment, net |  | 370,222 |  |  | 376,572 |
Operating lease right-of-use assets |  | 24,147 |  |  | 29,301 |
Goodwill, net |  | 159,988 |  |  | 167,764 |
Intangible assets, net |  | 63,579 |  |  | 77,207 |
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates |  | 65,000 |  |  | 37,976 |
Other assets |  | 7,658 |  |  | 14,387 |
Total assets |  | $ | 1,728,537 |  |  | $ | 1,528,568 |
Liabilities |  |  |  |
Current liabilities: |  |  |  |
Current portion of debt |  | $ | 1,110 |  |  | $ | 41,283 |
Accounts payable |  | 180,509 |  |  | 147,741 |
Accrued wages and other employee costs |  | 49,932 |  |  | 46,299 |
Current portion of operating lease liabilities |  | 6,193 |  |  | 6,259 |
Other current liabilities |  | 142,354 |  |  | 98,061 |
Total current liabilities |  | 380,098 |  |  | 339,643 |
Long-term debt, less current portion |  | 121,012 |  |  | 286,593 |
Pension liabilities |  | 10,901 |  |  | 13,552 |
Postretirement benefits other than pensions |  | 13,231 |  |  | 13,289 |
Environmental reserves |  | 20,902 |  |  | 21,256 |
Deferred income taxes |  | 13,393 |  |  | 16,842 |
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities |  | 17,399 |  |  | 21,602 |
Other noncurrent liabilities |  | 25,369 |  |  | 14,731 |
Total liabilities |  | 602,305 |  |  | 727,508 |
Equity |  |  |  |
Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity: |  |  |  |
Preferred stock - $1.00 par value; shares authorized 5,000,000; none outstanding |  | — |  |  | — |
Common stock - $.01 par value; shares authorized 100,000,000; issued 80,183,004; outstanding 57,367,709 in 2021 and 57,087,432 in 2020 |  | 802 |  |  | 802 |
Additional paid-in capital |  | 283,285 |  |  | 280,051 |
Retained earnings |  | 1,340,337 |  |  | 1,019,694 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |  | (52,155) |  |  | (54,883) |
Treasury common stock, at cost |  | (464,707) |  |  | (468,919) |
Total Mueller Industries, Inc. stockholders' equity |  | 1,107,562 |  |  | 776,745 |
Noncontrolling interests |  | 18,670 |  |  | 24,315 |
Total equity |  | 1,126,232 |  |  | 801,060 |
Commitments and contingencies |  | — |  |  | — |
Total liabilities and equity |  | $ | 1,728,537 |  |  | $ | 1,528,568 |

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5

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

|  | For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities |  |  |  |
Consolidated net income |  | $ | 348,426 |  |  | $ | 106,395 |
Reconciliation of consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization |  | 33,932 |  |  | 33,127 |
Stock-based compensation expense |  | 7,228 |  |  | 6,332 |
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable |  | 1,310 |  |  | 953 |
(Income) loss from unconsolidated affiliates |  | (131) |  |  | 20,213 |
Redemption premium |  | 5,674 |  |  | — |
(Gain) loss on disposals of properties |  | (1,135) |  |  | 144 |
Gain on sale of businesses |  | (54,759) |  |  | — |
Impairment charges |  | 2,568 |  |  | 3,035 |
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) |  | 6,304 |  |  | (836) |
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of businesses acquired and sold: |  |  |  |
Receivables |  | (155,103) |  |  | (45,530) |
Inventories |  | (96,505) |  |  | 41,598 |
Other assets |  | (9,335) |  |  | 9,053 |
Current liabilities |  | 85,523 |  |  | 25,913 |
Other liabilities |  | 8,335 |  |  | (5,813) |
Other, net |  | (851) |  |  | 2,294 |
Net cash provided by operating activities |  | 181,481 |  |  | 196,878 |
Cash flows from investing activities |  |  |  |
Capital expenditures |  | (25,547) |  |  | (29,204) |
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired |  | (13,935) |  |  | (72,648) |
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of cash sold |  | 74,250 |  |  | — |
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates |  | (1,613) |  |  | — |
Payment received for (issuance of) notes receivable |  | 8,539 |  |  | (9,155) |
Proceeds from sales of assets |  | 2,124 |  |  | 12 |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |  | 43,818 |  |  | (110,995) |

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

|  | For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020
Cash flows from financing activities |  |  |  |
Dividends paid to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc. |  | (21,846) |  |  | (16,754) |
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests |  | (9,722) |  |  | — |
Repurchase of common stock |  | — |  |  | (5,574) |
Payment of contingent consideration |  | (1,250) |  |  | (7,000) |
Issuance of debt |  | 475,000 |  |  | 150,027 |
Repayments of debt |  | (680,572) |  |  | (186,492) |
Repayment of debt by consolidated joint ventures, net |  | (4,865) |  |  | (299) |
Net cash received (used) to settle stock-based awards |  | 219 |  |  | (160) |
Debt issuance costs |  | (1,111) |  | —
Net cash used in financing activities |  | (244,147) |  |  | (66,252) |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |  | (377) |  |  | (3,294) |
(Decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash |  | (19,225) |  |  | 16,337 |
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the beginning of the period |  | 127,376 |  |  | 98,042 |
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the end of the period |  | $ | 108,151 |  |  | $ | 114,379 |

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
7

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Unaudited)

|  | For the Quarter Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020
Common stock: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period |  | $ | 802 |  |  | $ | 802 |  |  | $ | 802 |  |  | $ | 802 |
Balance at end of period |  | $ | 802 |  |  | $ | 802 |  |  | $ | 802 |  |  | $ | 802 |
Additional paid-in capital: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period |  | $ | 285,148 |  |  | $ | 281,856 |  |  | $ | 280,051 |  |  | $ | 278,609 |
Acquisition (issuance) of shares under incentive stock option plans |  | 163 |  |  | (229) |  |  | 728 |  |  | (896) |
Stock-based compensation expense |  | 2,411 |  |  | 2,134 |  |  | 7,228 |  |  | 6,332 |
Issuance of restricted stock |  | (4,437) |  |  | (6,098) |  |  | (4,722) |  |  | (6,382) |
Balance at end of period |  | $ | 283,285 |  |  | $ | 277,663 |  |  | $ | 283,285 |  |  | $ | 277,663 |
Retained earnings: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period |  | $ | 1,176,812 |  |  | $ | 951,992 |  |  | $ | 1,019,694 |  |  | $ | 903,070 |
Net income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. |  | 170,980 |  |  | 42,702 |  |  | 342,919 |  |  | 103,073 |
Dividends paid or payable to stockholders of Mueller Industries, Inc. |  | (7,455) |  |  | (5,711) |  |  | (22,276) |  |  | (17,160) |
Balance at end of period |  | $ | 1,340,337 |  |  | $ | 988,983 |  |  | $ | 1,340,337 |  |  | $ | 988,983 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period |  | $ | (48,262) |  |  | $ | (89,799) |  |  | $ | (54,883) |  |  | $ | (68,770) |
Total other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Mueller Industries, Inc. |  | (3,893) |  |  | 8,688 |  |  | 2,728 |  |  | (12,341) |
Balance at end of period |  | $ | (52,155) |  |  | $ | (81,111) |  |  | $ | (52,155) |  |  | $ | (81,111) |

8

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Unaudited)

|  | For the Quarter Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020
Treasury stock: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period |  | $ | (468,784) |  |  | $ | (474,170) |  |  | $ | (468,919) |  |  | $ | (470,243) |
(Acquisition) issuance of shares under incentive stock option plans |  | (360) |  |  | (644) |  |  | (484) |  |  | 719 |
Repurchase of common stock |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (26) |  |  | (5,574) |
Issuance of restricted stock |  | 4,437 |  |  | 6,098 |  |  | 4,722 |  |  | 6,382 |
Balance at end of period |  | $ | (464,707) |  |  | $ | (468,716) |  |  | $ | (464,707) |  |  | $ | (468,716) |
Noncontrolling interests: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period |  | $ | 28,200 |  |  | $ | 19,523 |  |  | $ | 24,315 |  |  | $ | 18,668 |
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests |  | (9,722) |  |  | — |  |  | (9,722) |  |  | — |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |  | 1,276 |  |  | 1,255 |  |  | 5,507 |  |  | 3,322 |
Foreign currency translation |  | (1,084) |  |  | 952 |  |  | (1,430) |  |  | (260) |
Balance at end of period |  | $ | 18,670 |  |  | $ | 21,730 |  |  | $ | 18,670 |  |  | $ | 21,730 |

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
9

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
General
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) have been condensed or omitted. Results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results which may be expected for any other interim period or for the year as a whole. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the annual financial statements incorporated therein.
The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented herein. Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Note 1 – Recent Accounting Standards
Adopted
In October 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2020-10, Codification Improvements: An Amendment of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The ASU facilitates updates to the Accounting Standards Codification for technical corrections such as conforming amendments, clarifications to guidance, simplifications to wording or structure of guidance, and other minor improvements. The Company adopted the ASU during the first quarter of 2021 using a retrospective approach. The adoption of the ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-01, Investments - Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815. The new guidance addresses accounting for the transition into and out of the equity method and measuring certain purchased options and forward contracts to acquire investments. The Company adopted the ASU during the first quarter of 2021 using a prospective approach. The adoption of the ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes: Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The new guidance affects general principles within Topic 740, Income Taxes. The amendments of ASU 2019-12 are meant to simplify and reduce the cost of accounting for income taxes. The Company adopted the ASU during the first quarter of 2021 using a prospective approach. The adoption of the ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Issued
In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): An Amendment of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The new guidance was issued in response to concerns about structural risks of interbank offered rates, and, particularly, the risk of cessation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). Regulators in numerous jurisdictions around the world have undertaken reference rate reform initiatives to identify alternative reference rates that are more observable or transaction based and less susceptible to manipulation. The ASU is effective in 2021 but can be applied through December 31, 2022. The updated guidance requires retrospective adoption, and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material impact on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Note 2 – Earnings per Common Share
Basic per share amounts have been computed based on the average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted per share amounts reflect the increase in average common shares outstanding that would re sult from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards, computed using the treasury stock method. Approximately 30 thousand and three thousand stock-based awards were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the quarters ended September 25, 2021 and September 26, 2020, respectively, because they were antidilutive.
10

Note 3 – Acquisitions and Dispositions
Acquisitions
H&C Flex
On December 20, 2020, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement with Hart & Cooley LLC. The transaction closed on January 29, 2021, whereby the Company purchased the Hart & Cooley flexible duct business, which included inventory, manufacturing equipment, and related assets for approximately $15.3 million. The total purchase price consisted of $14.0 million in cash paid at closing and a contingent consideration arrangement of $1.3 million. The Company treated this as a business combination. The acquired business, H&C Flex, is a manufacturer and distributor of insulated HVAC flexible duct systems. It is reported within and complements the Company’s existing businesses in the Climate segment.
As of September 25, 2021, the provisional fair value of tangible assets acquired totaled $15.3 million, consisting primarily of property, plant, and equipment of $10.8 million and inventory of $4.5 million. Of the remaining purchase price, $0.1 million was allocated to tax-deductible goodwill. During the second quarter of 2021, there was a change in the valuation that resulted in an increase in property, plant, and equipment of $2.4 million, a decrease in goodwill of $1.0 million, and the recognition of contingent consideration of $1.4 million. The purchase price allocation is provisional as of September 25, 2021 and subject to change upon completion of the final valuation of the assets and contingent consideration during the measurement period.
Kessler Sales and Distribution, LLC
On August 3, 2020, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement with Wieland-Kessler LLC, whereby the Company purchased the Kessler distribution business, which included inventory, manufacturing equipment, and related assets. The total purchase price was $57.2 million in cash paid at closing. The Company treated this as a business combination. The acquired business, Kessler Sales and Distribution, LLC, is a distributor of residential and commercial plumbing products. It is reported within and complements the Company’s existing businesses in the Piping Systems segment.
The fair value of tangible assets acquired totaled $27.3 million, consisting primarily of inventory. Of the remaining purchase price, $29.9 million was allocated to tax-deductible goodwill and intangible assets. During the second quarter of 2021, there was a change in the valuation that resulted in a decrease in property, plant, and equipment and an increase in goodwill of $1.4 million. During the first quarter of 2021, there was a change in the valuation that resulted in a decrease in goodwill and an increase in intangible assets of $1.5 million. The valuation of the business has been finalized as of September 25, 2021.
Shoals Tubular, Inc.
On January 17, 2020, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement pursuant to which the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Shoals Tubular, Inc. (STI) for approximately $15.3 million, net of working capital adjustments. The total purchase price consisted of $15.3 million in cash at closing. STI is a manufacturer of brazed manifolds, headers, and distributor assemblies used primarily by manufacturers of residential heating and air conditioning units. The acquired business is reported within and complements the Company’s existing businesses in the Climate segment.
The fair value of the tangible assets acquired totaled $6.2 million, consisting primarily of property, plant, and equipment of $3.7 million, inventories of $1.8 million, and accounts receivable of $0.7 million. The fair value of the liabilities assumed totaled $0.2 million, consisting primarily of accounts payable. Of the remaining purchase price, $9.3 million was allocated to tax-deductible goodwill and intangible assets. The valuation of the business has been finalized. There were no material changes to the purchase price allocation from the amounts presented in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Dispositions
Die-Mold
On September 2, 2021, the Company entered into a contribution agreement with a limited liability company in the retail distribution business, pursuant to which the Company exchanged the outstanding common stock of Die-Mold for a 17 percent equity interest in the limited liability company. Die-Mold manufactures PEX and other plumbing-related fittings and plastic injection tooling in Canada and sells these products in Canada and the U.S. and was included in the Piping Systems Segment. Die-Mold reported net sales of $10.9 million and net income of $1.6 million for the first nine months of 2021 compared to net sales of $10.4 million and net income of $1.4 million in the first nine months of 2020. As a result of the transaction, the Company recognized a gain of $4.7 million based on the excess of the fair value of the consideration received (the 17 percent equity interest) over the carrying value of Die-Mold. The Company utilized a market comparable companies approach using an
11

EBITDA multiple to determine the fair value of the consideration received of $24.0 million, which is recognized within the Investments in unconsolidated affiliates line of the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The excess of the fair value of the deconsolidated subsidiary over its carrying value resulted in the gain.
Fabricated Tube Products and Shoals Tubular, Inc.
On July 28, 2021, the Company entered into a purchase agreement with J.W. Harris Co., Inc. and Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., pursuant to which the Company sold the assets of Fabricated Tube Products (FTP) and all of the outstanding stock of STI for approximately $78.2 million. These businesses manufacture and fabricate valves and assemblies, brazed manifolds, headers, and distributor assemblies used primarily by manufacturers of residential heating and air conditioning units in the U.S. and were included in the Climate segment. They reported combined net sales of $37.0 million and net income of $5.5 million in the first nine months of 2021 compared to combined net sales of $38.3 million and net income of $4.8 million in the first nine months of 2020. The carrying value of the assets disposed totaled $31.7 million, consisting primarily of accounts receivable, inventories, and long-lived assets. The carrying value of the liabilities disposed totaled $3.6 million, consisting primarily of accounts payable. As a result of the transaction, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $50.1 million on the sale of these businesses in the Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements.
Note 4 – Segment Information
Each of the Company’s reportable segments is composed of certain operating segments that are aggregated primarily by the nature of products offered as follows:
Piping Systems
Piping Systems is composed of the following operating segments: Domestic Piping Systems Group, Great Lakes Copper, Heatlink Group, European Operations, Trading Group, an d Jungwoo-Mueller (the Company’s South Korean 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. Heatlink Group produces a complete line of products for PEX plumbing and radiant systems in Canada and sells these products in Canada and the U.S. 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. The Piping Systems segment’s products are sold primarily to plumbing, refrigeration, and air-conditioning wholesalers, hardware wholesalers and co-ops, building product retailers, and air-conditioning original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Industrial Metals
Industrial Metals is composed of the following operating segments: Brass Rod & Copper Bar Products, Impacts & Micro Gauge, and Brass Value-Added Products. These businesses manufacture brass rod, impact extrusions, and forgings, as well as a wide variety of end products including plumbing brass, automotive components, valves, fittings, and gas assemblies. These products are manufactured in the U.S. and sold primarily to OEMs in the U.S., many of which are in the industrial, transportation, construction, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning, plumbing, refrigeration, and energy markets.
Climate
Climate is composed of the following operating segments: Refrigeration Products, Westermeyer, Turbotec, Flex Duct, and Linesets, Inc. These domestic businesses manufacture 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.
12

Summarized segment information is as follows:

|  | For the Quarter Ended September 25, 2021
(In thousands) |  | Piping Systems |  | Industrial Metals |  | Climate |  | Corporate and Eliminations |  | Total
Net sales |  | $ | 688,200 |  |  | $ | 182,245 |  |  | $ | 122,252 |  |  | $ | (10,449) |  |  | $ | 982,248 |
Cost of goods sold |  | 506,703 |  |  | 158,822 |  |  | 89,175 |  |  | (10,435) |  |  | 744,265 |
Depreciation and amortization |  | 5,547 |  |  | 1,661 |  |  | 2,484 |  |  | 1,176 |  |  | 10,868 |
Selling, general, and administrative expense |  | 23,751 |  |  | 2,710 |  |  | 9,521 |  |  | 12,542 |  |  | 48,524 |
Gain on sale of businesses |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (54,759) |  |  | (54,759) |
Operating income |  | 152,199 |  |  | 19,052 |  |  | 21,072 |  |  | 41,027 |  |  | 233,350 |
Interest expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (1,116) |
Other (expense) income, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (2,548) |
Income before income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 229,686 |

|  | For the Quarter Ended September 26, 2020
(In thousands) |  | Piping Systems |  | Industrial Metals |  | Climate |  | Corporate and Eliminations |  | Total
Net sales |  | $ | 409,414 |  |  | $ | 118,831 |  |  | $ | 97,604 |  |  | $ | (6,744) |  |  | $ | 619,105 |
Cost of goods sold |  | 339,904 |  |  | 95,717 |  |  | 70,450 |  |  | (5,291) |  |  | 500,780 |
Depreciation and amortization |  | 5,362 |  |  | 1,774 |  |  | 2,547 |  |  | 1,069 |  |  | 10,752 |
Selling, general, and administrative expense |  | 19,285 |  |  | 2,992 |  |  | 6,451 |  |  | 9,618 |  |  | 38,346 |
Operating income |  | 44,863 |  |  | 18,348 |  |  | 18,156 |  |  | (12,140) |  |  | 69,227 |
Interest expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (4,885) |
Other income, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 522 |
Income before income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 64,864 |

13

Segment information (continued):

|  | For the Nine Months Ended September 25, 2021
(In thousands) |  | Piping Systems |  | Industrial Metals |  | Climate |  | Corporate and Eliminations |  | Total
Net sales |  | $ | 1,947,564 |  |  | $ | 527,137 |  |  | $ | 364,986 |  |  | $ | (26,699) |  |  | $ | 2,812,988 |
Cost of goods sold |  | 1,515,335 |  |  | 455,112 |  |  | 269,560 |  |  | (27,612) |  |  | 2,212,395 |
Depreciation and amortization |  | 17,272 |  |  | 5,098 |  |  | 7,866 |  |  | 3,521 |  |  | 33,757 |
Selling, general, and administrative expense |  | 71,152 |  |  | 8,529 |  |  | 23,781 |  |  | 34,429 |  |  | 137,891 |
Gain on sale of businesses |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (54,759) |  |  | (54,759) |
Operating income |  | 343,805 |  |  | 58,398 |  |  | 63,779 |  |  | 17,722 |  |  | 483,704 |
Interest expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (7,451) |
Redemption premium |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (5,674) |
Other income, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (1,288) |
Income before income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 469,291 |

|  | For the Nine Months Ended September 26, 2020
( In thousands) |  | Piping Systems |  | Industrial Metals |  | Climate |  | Corporate and Eliminations |  | Total
Net sales |  | $ | 1,128,467 |  |  | $ | 338,652 |  |  | $ | 276,983 |  |  | $ | (21,910) |  |  | $ | 1,722,192 |
Cost of goods sold |  | 931,339 |  |  | 285,788 |  |  | 206,083 |  |  | (10,556) |  |  | 1,412,654 |
Depreciation and amortization |  | 16,517 |  |  | 5,771 |  |  | 7,770 |  |  | 2,830 |  |  | 32,888 |
Selling, general, and administrative expense |  | 57,998 |  |  | 8,690 |  |  | 19,607 |  |  | 31,454 |  |  | 117,749 |
Litigation settlement, net |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (21,933) |  |  | (21,933) |
Operating income |  | 122,613 |  |  | 38,403 |  |  | 43,523 |  |  | (23,705) |  |  | 180,834 |
Interest expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (15,237) |
Other income, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,634 |
Income before income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 169,231 |

14

The following table presents total assets attributable to each segment:

(In thousands) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | December 26, 2020
Segment assets: |  |  |  |
Piping Systems |  | $ | 1,142,523 |  |  | $ | 977,937 |
Industrial Metals |  | 186,040 |  |  | 152,683 |
Climate |  | 244,603 |  |  | 258,668 |
General Corporate |  | 155,371 |  |  | 139,280 |
|  | $ | 1,728,537 |  |  | $ | 1,528,568 |

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

|  | For the Quarter Ended September 25, 2021
(In thousands) |  | Piping Systems |  | Industrial Metals |  | Climate |  | Total
Tube and fittings |  | $ | 555,161 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 555,161 |
Brass rod and forgings |  | — |  |  | 143,788 |  |  | — |  |  | 143,788 |
OEM components, tube & assemblies |  | 6,943 |  |  | 12,076 |  |  | 29,627 |  |  | 48,646 |
Valves and plumbing specialties |  | 126,096 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 126,096 |
Flex duct and other HVAC components |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 92,625 |  |  | 92,625 |
Other |  | — |  |  | 26,381 |  |  | — |  |  | 26,381 |
|  | 688,200 |  |  | 182,245 |  |  | 122,252 |  |  | 992,697 |
Intersegment sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (10,449) |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 982,248 |

|  | For the Quarter Ended September 26, 2020
(In thousands) |  | Piping Systems |  | Industrial Metals |  | Climate |  | Total
Tube and fittings |  | $ | 320,619 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 320,619 |
Brass rod and forgings |  | — |  |  | 89,487 |  |  | — |  |  | 89,487 |
OEM components, tube & assemblies |  | 7,402 |  |  | 11,215 |  |  | 35,957 |  |  | 54,574 |
Valves and plumbing specialties |  | 81,393 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 81,393 |
Flex duct and other HVAC components |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 61,647 |  |  | 61,647 |
Other |  | — |  |  | 18,129 |  |  | — |  |  | 18,129 |
|  | 409,414 |  |  | 118,831 |  |  | 97,604 |  |  | 625,849 |
Intersegment sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (6,744) |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 619,105 |

15

Disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers (continued):

|  | For the Nine Months Ended September 25, 2021
(In thousands) |  | Piping Systems |  | Industrial Metals |  | Climate |  | Total
Tube and fittings |  | $ | 1,548,392 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,548,392 |
Brass rod and forgings |  | — |  |  | 418,024 |  |  | — |  |  | 418,024 |
OEM components, tube & assemblies |  | 23,954 |  |  | 35,819 |  |  | 111,143 |  |  | 170,916 |
Valves and plumbing specialties |  | 375,218 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 375,218 |
Flex duct and other HVAC components |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 253,843 |  |  | 253,843 |
Other |  | — |  |  | 73,294 |  |  | — |  |  | 73,294 |
|  | 1,947,564 |  |  | 527,137 |  |  | 364,986 |  |  | 2,839,687 |
Intersegment sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (26,699) |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 2,812,988 |

|  | For the Nine Months Ended September 26, 2020
(In thousands) |  | Piping Systems |  | Industrial Metals |  | Climate |  |  |  | Total
Tube and fittings |  | 878,764 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  |  |  | 878,764 |
Brass rod and forgings |  | — |  |  | 253,647 |  |  | — |  |  |  |  | 253,647 |
OEM components, tube & assemblies |  | 49,509 |  |  | 32,524 |  |  | 105,461 |  |  |  |  | 187,494 |
Valves and plumbing specialties |  | 200,194 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  |  |  | 200,194 |
Flex duct and other HVAC components |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 171,522 |  |  |  |  | 171,522 |
Other |  | — |  |  | 52,481 |  |  | — |  |  |  |  | 52,481 |
|  | 1,128,467 |  |  | 338,652 |  |  | 276,983 |  |  |  |  | 1,744,102 |
Intersegment sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (21,910) |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 1,722,192 |

Note 5 – Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

(In thousands) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | December 26, 2020
Cash & cash equivalents |  | $ | 104,789 |  |  | $ | 119,075 |
Restricted cash included within other current assets |  | 3,259 |  |  | 8,198 |
Restricted cash included within other assets |  | 103 |  |  | 103 |
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash |  | $ | 108,151 |  |  | $ | 127,376 |

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.
16

Note 6 – Inventories

(In thousands) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | December 26, 2020
Raw materials and supplies |  | $ | 133,109 |  |  | $ | 85,927 |
Work-in-process |  | 66,574 |  |  | 49,361 |
Finished goods |  | 215,007 |  |  | 186,785 |
Valuation reserves |  | (9,100) |  |  | (7,071) |
Inventories |  | $ | 405,590 |  |  | $ | 315,002 |

Note 7 – Financial Instruments
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Company’s earnings and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, and interest rates. The Company uses derivative instruments such as commodity futures contracts, foreign currency forward contracts, and interest rate swaps to manage these exposures.
All derivatives are recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value. On the date the derivative contract is entered into, it is either a) designated as a hedge of 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 25, 2021, the Company held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $46.9 million of copper over the next 18 months related to fixed price sales orders. The fair value of those futures contracts was a $112 thousand 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 25, 2021, this amount was approximately $142 thousand of deferred net gains, net of tax.
The Company may also enter into futures contracts to protect the value of inventory against market fluctuations. At September 25, 2021, the Company held open futures contracts to sell approximately $867 thousand of copper over the next 10 months related to copper inventory. The fair value of those futures contracts was a $16 thousand net loss position, which was determined by obtaining quoted market prices (level 1 within the fair value hierarchy).
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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 25, 2021 |  | December 26, 2020 |  | Balance Sheet Location |  | September 25, 2021 |  | December 26, 2020
Commodity contracts - gains |  | Other current assets |  | $ | 671 |  |  | $ | 1,213 |  |  | Other current liabilities |  | $ | 27 |  |  | $ | 68 |
Commodity contracts - losses |  | Other current assets |  | (559) |  |  | (8) |  |  | Other current liabilities |  | (43) |  |  | (5,863) |
Total derivatives (1) |  |  |  | $ | 112 |  |  | $ | 1,205 |  |  |  |  | $ | (16) |  |  | $ | (5,795) |

(1) Does not include the impact of cash collateral provided to counterparties.
The following tables summarize the effects of derivative instruments on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:

|  |  |  | For the Quarter Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands) |  | Location |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020
Undesignated derivatives: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain (loss) on commodity contracts (nonqualifying) |  | Cost of goods sold |  | 7,282 |  |  | 843 |  |  | (3,141) |  |  | (3,596) |

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

|  | For the Quarter Ended September 25, 2021
(In thousands) |  | Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax |  | Classification Gains (Losses) |  | Loss (Gain) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
Cash flow hedges: |  |  |  |  |  |
Commodity contracts |  | $ | 845 |  |  | Cost of goods sold |  | $ | 1,265 |
Other |  | 13 |  |  | Other |  | (1) |
Total |  | $ | 858 |  |  | Total |  | $ | 1,264 |

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Amounts recognized in and reclassified from AOCI (continued):

|  | For the Quarter Ended September 26, 2020
(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 |  | $ | 337 |  |  | Cost of goods sold |  | $ | (180) |
Other |  | (6) |  |  | Other |  | — |
Total |  | $ | 331 |  |  | Total |  | $ | (180) |

|  | For the Nine Months Ended September 25, 2021
(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 |  | $ | 861 |  |  | Cost of goods sold |  | $ | (1,584) |
Other |  | 1 |  |  | Other |  | — |
Total |  | $ | 862 |  |  | Total |  | $ | (1,584) |

|  | For the Nine Months Ended September 26, 2020
(In thousands) |  | (Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax |  | Classification Gains (Losses) |  | Loss Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion), Net of Tax
Cash flow hedges: |  |  |  |  |  |
Commodity contracts |  | $ | (5,084) |  |  | Cost of goods sold |  | $ | 5,273 |
Other |  | 2 |  |  | Other |  | 1 |
Total |  | $ | (5,082) |  |  | Total |  | $ | 5,274 |

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 25, 2021 and December 26, 2020, the Company had recorded restricted cash in other current assets of $2.9 million and $7.6 million, respectively, as collateral related to open derivative contracts under the master netting arrangements.
Long-Term Debt
The fair value of long-term debt at September 25, 2021 approximates the carrying value on that date. The estimated fair values were determined based on quoted market prices and the current rates offered for debt with similar terms and maturities. The
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fair value of long-term debt is classified as level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. This classification is defined as a fair value determined using market-based inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the liability, either directly or indirectly.
On March 31, 2021, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement to replace its prior credit agreement that would have matured on December 6, 2021. The Company's total borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement is $500.0 million. The Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured $400.0 million revolving credit facility, which matures March 31, 2026, and a term loan facility of $100.0 million, which matures March 31, 2022. Funds borrowed under the Credit Agreement may be used by the Company for working capital purposes and other general corporate purposes. In addition, the Credit Agreement provides a sublimit of $50.0 million for the issuance of letters of credit, a sublimit of $35.0 million for loans and letters of credit made in certain foreign currencies, and a Swing Line sublimit of $25.0 million. Outstanding letters of credit and foreign currency loans reduce borrowing availability under the Credit Agreement on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Total borrowings under the Credit Agreement were $120.0 million as of September 25, 2021. On October 6, 2021, the Company paid the term loan facility in full with borrowings under the revolving credit facility.
During the first quarter of 2021, the Company announced the redemption of its Subordinated Debentures due 2027. The full redemption of outstanding debentures occurred on April 15, 2021 for a total of $291.4 million in principal plus accrued interest and a redemption premium of $5.7 million that was expensed during the second quarter.
Note 8 – Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
On September 2, 2021, the Company acquired a 17 percent noncontrolling equity interest in a limited liability company in the retail distribution business by contributing the outstanding common stock of Die-Mold in exchange for the equity method interest. The transaction was recorded as a deconsolidation of a subsidiary and the recognition of an equity method investment at fair value, as described in “Note 3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions.” This investment is recorded using the equity method of accounting. The Company records its proportionate share of the investees’ net income or loss one month in arrears as income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Tecumseh
The Company owns a 50 percent interest in an unconsolidated affiliate that acquired Tecumseh Products Company LLC (Tecumseh). The Company also owns a 50 percent interest in a second unconsolidated affiliate that provides financing to Tecumseh. These investments are recorded using the equity method of accounting, as the Company can exercise significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or otherwise control the respective entities. Under the equity method of accounting, these investments are stated at initial cost and are adjusted for subsequent additional investments and the Company’s proportionate share of earnings or losses and distributions.
The Company records its proportionate share of the investees’ net income or loss, net of foreign taxes, one quarter in arrears as income (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and its proportionate share of the investees’ other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity. The U.S. tax effect of the Company’s proportionate share of Tecumseh’s income or loss is recorded in income tax expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. In general, the equity investment in unconsolidated affiliates is equal to the current equity investment plus the investees’ net accumulated losses.
The following tables present summarized financial information derived from the Company’s equity method investees’ combined consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

(In thousands) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | December 26, 2020
Current assets |  | $ | 217,520 |  |  | $ | 167,451 |
Noncurrent assets |  | 82,069 |  |  | 78,241 |
Current liabilities |  | 167,721 |  |  | 120,202 |
Noncurrent liabilities |  | 49,367 |  |  | 50,020 |

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|  | For the Quarter Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020
Net sales |  | $ | 125,581 |  |  | $ | 73,850 |  |  | $ | 326,744 |  |  | $ | 284,398 |
Gross profit |  | 15,693 |  |  | 7,565 |  |  | 40,715 |  |  | 32,073 |
Net income (loss) |  | 5,599 |  |  | (10,916) |  |  | 262 |  |  | (40,883) |

The Company’s loss from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, for the quarter and nine months ended September 25, 2021 included net income of $2.8 million and $0.1 million, respectively, for Tecumseh.
The Company’s loss from unconsolidated affiliates, net of foreign tax, for the quarter and nine months ended September 26, 2020 included net losses of $5.5 million and $20.4 million, respectively, for Tecumseh.
Mueller Middle East
On December 30, 2015, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with Cayan Ventures and Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company to build a copper tube mill in Bahrain. The business operates and brands its products under the Mueller Industries family of brands. The Company has invested approximately $5.0 million of cash to date and is the technical and marketing lead with a 40 percent ownership in the joint venture.
Note 9 – Benefit Plans
The Company sponsors several qualified and nonqualified pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for certain of its employees. The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) are as follows:

|  | For the Quarter Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020
Pension benefits: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest cost |  | $ | 313 |  |  | $ | 862 |  |  | $ | 939 |  |  | $ | 2,586 |
Expected return on plan assets |  | (903) |  |  | (1,496) |  |  | (2,711) |  |  | (4,486) |
Amortization of net loss |  | 378 |  |  | 494 |  |  | 1,135 |  |  | 1,482 |
Net periodic benefit income |  | $ | (212) |  |  | $ | (140) |  |  | $ | (637) |  |  | $ | (418) |
Other benefits: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Service cost |  | $ | 64 |  |  | $ | 59 |  |  | $ | 194 |  |  | $ | 176 |
Interest cost |  | 87 |  |  | 106 |  |  | 261 |  |  | 321 |
Amortization of prior service credit |  | (118) |  |  | (117) |  |  | (353) |  |  | (401) |
Amortization of net gain |  | (32) |  |  | (50) |  |  | (96) |  |  | (150) |
Curtailment gain |  | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | — |  |  | $ | (2,591) |
Net periodic benefit cost (income) |  | $ | 1 |  |  | $ | (2) |  |  | $ | 6 |  |  | $ | (2,645) |

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.
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Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is involved in certain litigation as a result of claims that arose in the ordinary course of business, which management believes will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The Company may also realize the benefit of certain legal claims and litigation in the future; these gain contingencies are not recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Environmental
Non-operating Properties
Southeast Kansas Sites
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has contacted the Company regarding environmental contamination at three former smelter sites in Kansas (Altoona, East La Harpe, and Lanyon). The Company is not a successor to the companies that operated these smelter sites, but is exploring possible settlement with KDHE and other potentially responsible parties (PRP) in order to avoid litigation.
Altoona. Another PRP conducted a site investigation of the Altoona site under a consent decree with KDHE and submitted a removal site evaluation report recommending a remedy. The remedial design plan, which covers both on-site and certain off-site cleanup costs, was approved by the KDHE in 2016. Construction of the remedy was completed in 2018.
East La Harpe. At the East La Harpe site, the Company and two other PRPs conducted a site study evaluation under KDHE supervision and prepared a site cleanup plan approved by KDHE. In 2016, the corporate parent (Peabody Energy) of a third party that the Company understands may owe indemnification obligations to one of the other PRPs (Blue Tee) in connection with the East La Harpe site filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. KDHE has extended the deadline for the PRPs to develop a repository design plan to allow for wetlands permitting to take place. In December 2018, KDHE provided a draft agreement which contemplates the use of funds KDHE obtained from two other parties (Peabody Energy and Blue Tee) to fund part of the remediation, and removes Blue Tee from the PRPs’ agreement with KDHE. The Company is currently negotiating the terms of that draft agreement.
Lanyon. With respect to the Lanyon Site, in 2016, the Company received a general notice letter from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asserting that the Company is a PRP, which the Company has denied. EPA issued an interim record of decision in 2017 and has been remediating properties at the site.
The Company’s reserve for its proportionate share of the remediation costs associated with these three Southeast Kansas sites is $5.6 million.
Shasta Area Mine Sites
Mining Remedial Recovery Company (MRRC), a wholly owned subsidiary, owns certain inactive mines in Shasta County, California. MRRC has continued a program, begun in the late 1980s, of implementing various remedial measures, including sealing mine portals with concrete plugs in portals that were discharging water. The sealing program achieved significant reductions in the metal load in discharges from these adits; however, additional reductions are required pursuant to an order issued by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (QCB). In response to a 1996 QCB Order, MRRC completed a feasibility study in 1997 describing measures designed to mitigate the effects of acid rock drainage. In December 1998, the QCB modified the 1996 order extending MRRC’s time to comply with water quality standards. In September 2002, the QCB adopted a new order requiring MRRC to adopt Best Management Practices (BMP) to control discharges of acid mine drainage, and again extended the time to comply with water quality standards until September 2007. During that time, implementation of BMP further reduced impacts of acid rock drainage; however, full compliance has not been achieved. The QCB is presently renewing MRRC’s discharge permit and will concurrently issue a new order. It is expected that the new 10-year permit will include an order requiring continued implementation of BMP through 2030 to address residual discharges of acid rock drainage. The Company currently estimates that it will spend between approximately $13.9 million and $18.0 million for remediation at these sites over the next 30 years and has accrued a reserve at the low end of this range.
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Lead Refinery Site
U.S.S. Lead Refinery, Inc. (Lead Refinery), a non-operating wholly owned subsidiary of MRRC, has conducted corrective action and interim remedial activities (collectively, Site Activities) at Lead Refinery’s East Chicago, Indiana site pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act since December 1996. Although the Site Activities have been substantially concluded, Lead Refinery is required to perform monitoring and maintenance-related activities pursuant to a post-closure permit issued by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management effective as of March 2, 2013. Approximate costs to comply with the post-closure permit, including associated general and administrative costs, are estimated at between $1.7 million and $2.4 million over the next 16 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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added the Lead Refinery site and surrounding properties to the National Priorities List (NPL). On July 17, 2009, Lead Refinery received a written notice from the EPA indicating that it may be a PRP under CERCLA due to the release or threat of release of hazardous substances including lead into properties surrounding the Lead Refinery NPL site. The EPA identified two other PRPs in connection with that matter. In November 2012, the EPA adopted a remedy for the surrounding properties and in September 2014, the EPA announced that it had entered into a settlement with the two other PRPs whereby they will pay approximately $26.0 million to fund the cleanup of approximately 300 properties surrounding the Lead Refinery NPL site (zones 1 and 3 of operable unit 1) and perform certain remedial action tasks.
On November 8, 2016, the Company, its subsidiary Arava Natural Resources Company, Inc. (Arava), and Arava’s subsidiary MRRC each received general notice letters from the EPA asserting that they may be PRPs in connection with the Lead Refinery NPL site. The Company, Arava, and MRRC have denied liability for any remedial action and response costs associated with the Lead Refinery NPL site. In June 2017, the EPA requested that Lead Refinery conduct, and the Company fund, a remedial investigation and feasibility study of operable unit 2 of the Lead Refinery NPL site pursuant to a proposed administrative settlement agreement and order on consent. The Company and Lead Refinery entered into that agreement in September 2017. The Company has made a capital contribution to Lead Refinery to conduct the remedial investigation and feasibility study with respect to operable unit 2 and has provided financial assurance in the amount of $1.0 million. The remedial investigation and feasibility study remain ongoing. The EPA has also asserted its position that Mueller is a responsible party for the Lead Refinery NPL site, and accordingly is responsible for a share of remedial action and response costs at the site and in the adjacent residential area.
In January 2018, the EPA issued two unilateral administrative orders (UAOs) directing the Company, Lead Refinery, and four other PRPs to conduct soil and interior remediation of certain residences at the Lead Refinery NPL site (zones 2 and 3 of operable unit 1). The Company and Lead Refinery have reached agreement with the four other PRPs to implement these two UAOs, with the Company agreeing to pay, on an interim basis, (i) an estimated $4.5 million (subject to potential change through a future reallocation process) of the approximately $25.0 million the PRPs currently estimate it will cost to implement the UAOs, which estimate is subject to change, and (ii) $2.0 million relating to past costs incurred by other PRPs for work conducted at the site, as well as the possibility of up to $0.7 million in further payments for ongoing work by those PRPs. As of September 25, 2021, 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, and has reserved its rights to petition the EPA for reimbursement of any costs incurred to comply with the UAOs upon the completion of the work required therein. The Company and Lead Refinery are also evaluating entry into an administrative settlement agreement and order on consent with the EPA, along with the four other PRPs, which would involve 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 Company reserved $3.3 million for this settlement in the third quarter of 2021. In October 2017 and March 2018, separate groups of private plaintiffs sued the Company, Arava, MRRC, and Lead Refinery, along with other defendants, in two civil tort actions relating to the site. The Company, Arava, and MRRC have been voluntarily dismissed from both litigations without prejudice, and Lead Refinery’s motion to dismiss one of the matters was granted without prejudice. At this juncture, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of a material adverse outcome or the amount or range of a potential loss in excess of the current reserve with respect to any remedial action or litigation relating to the Lead Refinery NPL site, either at Lead Refinery’s former operating site (operable unit 2) or the adjacent residential area (operable unit 1), 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
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Sunbank Group. On or about July 25, 2017, Washington Mining Company (Washington Mining) (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Arava), received a general notice letter from the EPA stating that Washington Mining may be a PRP under CERCLA in connection with the Bonita Peak Mining District site and therefore responsible for the remediation of certain portions of the site, along with related costs incurred by the EPA. Shortly thereafter, the Company received a substantively identical letter asserting that it may be a PRP at the site and similarly responsible for the cleanup of certain portions of the site. The general notice letters identify one other PRP at the site, and do not require specific action by Washington Mining or the Company at this time. At this juncture, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of a materially adverse outcome or the amount or range of a potential loss with respect to any remedial action related to the Bonita Peak Mining District NPL site.
Operating Properties
Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc.
In 1999, Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc. (MCTP), a wholly owned subsidiary, commenced a cleanup and remediation of soil and groundwater at its Wynne, Arkansas plant to remove trichloroethylene, a cleaning solvent formerly used by MCTP. On August 30, 2000, MCTP received approval of its Final Comprehensive Investigation Report and Storm Water Drainage Investigation Report addressing the treatment of soils and groundwater from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The Company established a reserve for this project in connection with the acquisition of MCTP in 1998. Effective November 17, 2008, MCTP entered into a Settlement Agreement and Administrative Order by Consent to submit a Supplemental Investigation Work Plan (SIWP) and subsequent Final Remediation Work Plan (RWP) for the site. By letter dated January 20, 2010, ADEQ approved the SIWP as submitted, with changes acceptable to the Company. On December 16, 2011, MCTP entered into an amended Administrative Order by Consent to prepare and implement a revised RWP regarding final remediation for the Site. The remediation system was activated in February 2014. Costs to implement the work plans, including associated general and administrative costs, are estimated to approximate $0.9 million to $1.1 million over the next five years. The Company has recorded a reserve at the low end of this range.
United States Department of Commerce Antidumping Review
On December 24, 2008, the Department of Commerce (DOC) initiated an antidumping administrative review of the antidumping duty order covering circular welded non-alloy steel pipe and tube from Mexico for the November 1, 2007 through October 31, 2008 period of review. The DOC selected Mueller Comercial as a respondent in the review. On April 19, 2010, the DOC published the final results of the review and assigned Mueller Comercial an antidumping duty rate of 48.33 percent. On May 25, 2010, the Company appealed the final results to the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT). On December 16, 2011, the CIT issued a decision remanding the Department’s final results. While the matter was still pending, the Company and the United States reached an agreement to settle the appeal. Subject to the conditions of the agreement, the Company anticipated that certain of its subsidiaries would incur antidumping duties on subject imports made during the period of review and, as such, established a reserve for this matter. After the lapse of the statutory period of time during which U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was required, but failed, to liquidate the entries at the settled rate, the Company released the reserve. Between October 30, 2015 and November 27, 2015, CBP sent a series of invoices to Southland Pipe Nipples Co., Inc. (Southland), requesting payment of approximately $3.0 million in duties and interest in connection with 795 import entries made during the November 1, 2007 through October 31, 2008 period. On January 26, 2016 and January 27, 2016, Southland filed protests with CBP in connection with these invoices, noting that CBP’s asserted claims were not made in accordance with applicable law, including statutory provisions governing deemed liquidation. The Company believes in the merits of the legal objections raised in Southland’s protests, and CBP’s response to Southland’s protests is currently pending. Given the procedural posture and issues raised by this legal dispute, the Company cannot estimate the amount of potential duty liability, if any, that may result from CBP’s asserted claims.
Deepwater Horizon Economic and Property Damage Claim
During 2020, Mueller Copper Tube Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, collected approximately $22.1 million related to its claim under the Deepwater Horizon Economic and Property Damage Settlement Program. The collected amount represents settlement proceeds received after the payment of fees and expenses.
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
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maximum payments that the Company could be required to make under its guarantees at September 25, 2021 were $23.9 million.
Note 11 – Income Taxes
The Company’s effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2021 was 26 percent compared with 24 percent for the same period last year. The primary items impacting the effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2021 were increases related to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $8.5 million and the effect of foreign tax rates higher than statutory tax rates and other foreign items of $5.6 million. These items were partially offset by $2.2 million of other items.
The items impacting the effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2020 were the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $1.4 million and other items of $0.4 million.
The Company’s effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2021 was 26 percent compared with 25 percent for the same period last year. The items impacting the effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2021 were primarily attributable to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $16.3 million and the effect of foreign tax rates higher than statutory tax rates and other foreign items of $8.7 million. These items were partially offset by $2.5 million of other items.
The items impacting the effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2020 were primarily related to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $4.8 million, the effect of foreign tax rates higher than statutory tax rates of $1.7 million, and $0.6 million of other items.
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 returns for 2015 and 2017 and all subsequent years. The statutes of limitations for most state returns are open for 2017 and all subsequent years, and some state and foreign returns are also open for some earlier tax years due to differing statute periods. The Internal Revenue Service recently completed its audit of the Company’s 2015 and 2017 federal consolidated returns, which resulted in no material impact to the financial statements. 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 12 – 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 Nine Months Ended September 25, 2021
(In thousands) |  | Cumulative Translation Adjustment |  | Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives |  | Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment |  | Attributable to Unconsol. Affiliates |  | Total
Balance as of December 26, 2020 |  | $ | (37,339) |  |  | $ | 984 |  |  | $ | (17,203) |  |  | $ | (1,325) |  |  | $ | (54,883) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications |  | 763 |  |  | 862 |  |  | (98) |  |  | 2,211 |  |  | 3,738 |
Amounts reclassified from AOCI |  | — |  |  | (1,584) |  |  | 574 |  |  | — |  |  | (1,010) |
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) |  | 763 |  |  | (722) |  |  | 476 |  |  | 2,211 |  |  | 2,728 |
Balance as of September 25, 2021 |  | $ | (36,576) |  |  | $ | 262 |  |  | $ | (16,727) |  |  | $ | 886 |  |  | $ | (52,155) |

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|  | For the Nine Months Ended September 26, 2020
(In thousands) |  | Cumulative Translation Adjustment |  | Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives |  | Pension/OPEB Liability Adjustment |  | Attributable to Unconsol. Affiliates |  | Total
Balance as of December 28, 2019 |  | $ | (46,198) |  |  | $ | 476 |  |  | $ | (21,855) |  |  | $ | (1,193) |  |  | $ | (68,770) |
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications |  | (11,254) |  |  | (5,082) |  |  | (1,468) |  |  | (564) |  |  | (18,368) |
Amounts reclassified from AOCI |  | — |  |  | 5,274 |  |  | 753 |  |  | — |  |  | 6,027 |
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income |  | (11,254) |  |  | 192 |  |  | (715) |  |  | (564) |  |  | (12,341) |
Balance as of September 26, 2020 |  | $ | (57,452) |  |  | $ | 668 |  |  | $ | (22,570) |  |  | $ | (1,757) |  |  | $ | (81,111) |

Reclassification adjustments out of AOCI were as follows:

|  | Amount reclassified from AOCI
|  | For the Quarter Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended |  |
(In thousands) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | Affected line item
Unrealized losses (gains) on derivative commodity contracts |  | $ | 1,077 |  |  | $ | (248) |  |  | $ | (2,612) |  |  | $ | 6,581 |  |  | Cost of goods sold
|  | 187 |  |  | 68 |  |  | 1,028 |  |  | (1,307) |  |  | Income tax expense (benefit)
|  | $ | 1,264 |  |  | $ | (180) |  |  | $ | (1,584) |  |  | $ | 5,274 |  |  | Net of tax and noncontrolling interests
Amortization of net loss and prior service cost on employee benefit plans |  | $ | 228 |  |  | $ | 327 |  |  | $ | 686 |  |  | $ | 931 |  |  | Other income, net
|  | (37) |  |  | (63) |  |  | (112) |  |  | (178) |  |  | Income tax benefit
|  | $ | 191 |  |  | $ | 264 |  |  | $ | 574 |  |  | $ | 753 |  |  | Net of tax and noncontrolling interests

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
General Overview
We are a leading manufacturer of copper, brass, aluminum, and plastic products. The range of products we manufacture is broad: copper tube and fittings; line sets; brass and copper alloy rod, bar, and shapes; aluminum and brass forgings; aluminum impact extrusions; PEX plastic tube and fittings; refrigeration valves and fittings; compressed gas valves; pressure vessels; steel nipples; and insulated flexible duct systems. We also resell brass and plastic plumbing valves, plastic fittings, malleable iron fittings, faucets, and plumbing specialty products. Our operations are located throughout the United States and in Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, South Korea, the Middle East, and China.
26

Each of our reportable segments is composed of certain operating segments that are aggregated primarily by the nature of products offered as follows:
•Piping Systems: The Piping Systems segment is composed of Domestic Piping Systems Group, Great Lakes Copper, Heatlink Group, European Operations, Trading Group, and Jungwoo-Mueller (our South Korean 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. Heatlink Group manufactures a complete line of products for PEX plumbing and radiant systems in Canada and sells these products in Canada and the U.S. 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. The Piping Systems segment sells products to wholesalers in the plumbing and refrigeration markets, distributors to the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industries, building material retailers, and air-conditioning original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
•Industrial Metals: The Industrial Metals segment is composed of Brass Rod & Copper Bar Products, Impacts & Micro Gauge, and Brass Value-Added Products. The segment manufactures and sells brass and copper alloy rod, bar, and shapes; aluminum and brass forgings; aluminum impact extrusions; and gas valves and assemblies. The segment manufactures and sells its products primarily to domestic OEMs in the industrial, transportation, construction, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning, plumbing, refrigeration, and energy markets.
•Climate: The Climate segment is composed of Refrigeration Products, Westermeyer, Turbotec, Flex Duct, and Linesets, Inc. The segment manufactures and sells refrigeration valves and fittings, high pressure components, coaxial heat exchangers, and 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 August 2021 seasonally adjusted annual rate of new housing starts was 1.61 million, compared to the September 2020 rate of 1.45 million. Mortgage rates remain at historically low levels, as the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 2.92 percent for th e first nine months of 2021 and 3.11 percent for the twelve months ended December 2020. 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 $455.6 billion in August 2021 compared to the May 2020 rate of $466.1 billio n.
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. In our core product lines, we intensively manage our pricing structure while attempting to maximize profitability. From time-to-time, this practice results in lost sales opportunities and lower volume. For plumbing systems, plastics are the primary substitute product; these products represent an increasing share of consumption. For certain air-conditioning and refrigeration applications, aluminum-based systems are the primary substitution threat. We cannot predict the acceptance or the rate of switching that may occur. U.S. consumption of copper tube and brass rod is still predominantly supplied by U.S. manufacturers. In recent years, brass rod consumption in the U.S. has declined due to the outsourcing of many manufactured products to offshore regions.
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Results of Operations
Consolidated Results
The following table compares summary operating results for the first nine months of 2021 and 2020:

|  | For the Quarter Ended |  | Percent Change |  | For the Nine Months Ended |  | Percent Change
(In thousands) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | 2021 vs. 2020 |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | 2021 vs. 2020
Net sales |  | $ | 982,248 |  |  | $ | 619,105 |  |  | 58.7 | % |  | $ | 2,812,988 |  |  | $ | 1,722,192 |  |  | 63.3 | %
Operating income |  | 233,350 |  |  | 69,227 |  |  | 237.1 |  |  | 483,704 |  |  | 180,834 |  |  | 167.5 |
Net income |  | 170,980 |  |  | 42,702 |  |  | 300.4 |  |  | 342,919 |  |  | 103,073 |  |  | 232.7 |

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

|  | Quarter-to- Date |  | Year-to- Date
Net selling price in core product lines |  | 42.7 | % |  | 39.6 | %
Unit sales volume in core product lines |  | 5.5 |  |  | 9.0 |
Acquisitions |  | 7.5 |  |  | 9.5 |
Dispositions |  | (1.4) |  |  | — |
Other |  | 4.4 |  |  | 5.2 |
|  | 58.7 | % |  | 63.3 | %

The increase in net sales during the third quarter of 2021 was primarily due to (i) higher net selling prices of $264.4 million in our core product lines, primarily copper tube and brass rod, (ii) higher unit sales volume of $34.2 million in our core product lines, (iii) incremental sales of $33.3 million recorded by Kessler Sales and Distribution (KSD), acquired in August 2020, (iv) an increase in sales of $26.6 million in our non-core product lines, and (v) sales of $13.1 million recorded by H&C Flex (H&C), acquired in January 2021. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in sales of $8.5 million as a result of the dispositions of Die-Mold, FTP, and STI in the third quarter of 2021.
The increase in net sales during the first nine months of 2021 was primarily due to (i) higher net selling prices of $681.7 million in our core product lines, (ii) higher unit sales volume of $154.4 million in our core product lines, (iii) incremental sales of $129.6 million recorded by KSD, (iv) an increase in sales of $91.8 million in our non-core product lines, and (v) sales of $33.1 million recorded by H&C.
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Net selling prices generally fluctuate with changes in raw material costs. Changes in raw material costs are generally passed through to customers by adjustments to selling prices. The following graph shows the Comex average copper price per pound by quarter for the current and prior fiscal years:
The following tables compare cost of goods sold and operating expenses as dollar amounts and as a percent of net sales for the first nine months of 2021 and 2020:

|  | For the Quarter Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020
Cost of goods sold |  | $ | 744,265 |  |  | $ | 500,780 |  |  | $ | 2,212,395 |  |  | $ | 1,412,654 |
Depreciation and amortization |  | 10,868 |  |  | 10,752 |  |  | 33,757 |  |  | 32,888 |
Selling, general, and administrative expense |  | 48,524 |  |  | 38,346 |  |  | 137,891 |  |  | 117,749 |
Gain on sale of businesses |  | (54,759) |  |  | — |  |  | (54,759) |  |  | — |
Litigation settlement, net |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (21,933) |
Operating expenses |  | $ | 748,898 |  |  | $ | 549,878 |  |  | $ | 2,329,284 |  |  | $ | 1,541,358 |

|  | For the Quarter Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
|  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020
Cost of goods sold |  | 75.8 | % |  | 80.9 | % |  | 78.6 | % |  | 82.0 | %
Depreciation and amortization |  | 1.1 |  |  | 1.7 |  |  | 1.2 |  |  | 1.9 |
Selling, general, and administrative expense |  | 4.9 |  |  | 6.2 |  |  | 5.0 |  |  | 6.9 |
Gain on sale of businesses |  | (5.6) |  |  | — |  |  | (1.9) |  |  | — |
Litigation settlement, net |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (1.3) |
Operating expenses |  | 76.2 | % |  | 88.8 | % |  | 82.9 | % |  | 89.5 | %

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Q3 2021 compared to Q3 2020
Cost of goods sold increased in the third quarter of 2021 primarily due to the factors noted above regarding the change in net sales. Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 24.2 percent compared with 19.1 percent in the prior year quarter. The combination of strong demand for our products, inflationary pressures, and severe industry wide supply constraints leading to growing backlogs contributed to an environment of higher selling prices and improved margins for the majority of our businesses. Depreciation and amortization was consistent with the third quarter of 2020. Selling, general, and administrative expense increased in the third quarter of 2021 primarily as a result of (i) higher employment costs, including incentive compensation and healthcare, of $5.3 million, (ii) asset impairment charges of $2.6 million, (iii) an increase of $1.1 million in bad debt expense, (iv) incremental expenses associated with KSD and H&C of $0.7 million, (v) an increase of $0.6 million in professional fees, (vi) higher foreign currency transaction losses of $0.4 million, and (vii) an increase of $0.4 million in travel and entertainment expense. In addition, during the third quarter of 2021 we recognized a gain of $54.8 million on the sale of FTP, STI, and the majority of Die-Mold.
Interest expense decreased for the third quarter of 2021 primarily as a result of the redemption of our Subordinated Debentures during the second quarter of 2021. We recognized other expenses, net, of $2.5 million in the third quarter of 2021 compared to other income, net, of $0.5 million the third quarter of 2020. This change was primarily due to higher environmental remediation costs at our non-operating properties in the third quarter of 2021.
Our effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2021 was 26 percent compared with 24 percent for the same period last year. The items impacting the effective tax rate were increases related to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $8.5 million and the effect of foreign tax rates higher than statutory tax rates and other foreign items of $5.6 million. These items were partially offset by $2.2 million of other items.
For the third quarter of 2020, the difference between the effective tax rate and the amount computed using the U.S. federal statutory rate was primarily attributable to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $1.4 million and other items of $0.4 million.
During the third quarter of 2021 and the third quarter of 2020, we recognized income of $2.8 million and losses of $5.5 million, respectively, on our investments in unconsolidated affiliates.
YTD 2021 compared to YTD 2020
Cost of goods sold increased in the first nine months of 2021 primarily due to the factors noted above regarding the change in net sales. Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 21.4 percent compared with 18.0 percent in the prior year. The combination of strong demand for our products, inflationary pressures, and severe industry wide supply constraints leading to growing backlogs contributed to an environment of higher selling prices and improved margins for the majority of our businesses. Depreciation and amortization increased slightly in the first nine months of 2021 primarily as a result of (i) depreciation of property, plant, and equipment placed into service in the prior year and (ii) depreciation and amortization of the long-lived assets of businesses acquired. Selling, general, and administrative expense increased in the first nine months of 2021 primarily as a result of (i) higher employment costs, including incentive compensation, of $9.8 million, (ii) incremental expenses associated with KSD and H&C of $6.2 million, (iii) an increase of $1.7 million in professional fees, (iv) expenses of $1.3 million associated with the write-off of vendor deposits, (v) an increase of $0.9 million in supplies and utilities, and (vi) higher foreign currency transaction losses of $0.4 million. In addition, during the first nine months of 2021 we recognized a gain of $54.8 million on the sale of FTP, STI, and the majority of Die-Mold. During the first nine months of 2020 we recognized a gain of $21.9 million for the settlement of our claim under the Deepwater Horizon Economic and Property Damage Settlement Program.
Interest expense decreased for the first nine months of 2021 primarily as a result of the redemption of our Subordinated Debentures during the second quarter of 2021. In addition, we recognized expense of $5.7 million for a redemption premium related to our Subordinated Debentures redeemed during the first nine months of 2021. We recognized other expenses, net, of $1.3 million in the first nine months of 2021 compared to other income, net, of $3.6 million the first nine months of 2020. This change was primarily due to (i) higher environmental remediation costs at our non-operating properties in the first nine months of 2021 and (ii) a curtailment gain related to our benefit plans recognized during the first nine months of 2020.
Our effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2021 was 26 percent compared with 25 percent for the same period last year. The items impacting the effective tax rate are primarily related to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $16.3 million and the effect of foreign tax rates higher than statutory tax rates and other foreign items of $8.7 million. These items were partially offset by $2.5 million of other items.
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For the first nine months of 2020, the items impacting the effective tax rate were primarily related to the provision for state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, of $4.8 million, the effect of foreign tax rates higher than statutory tax rates of $1.7 million, and $0.6 million million of other items.
During the first nine months of 2021 and the first nine months of 2020, we recognized income of $0.1 million and losses of $20.2 million, respectively, on our investments in unconsolidated affiliates.
Piping Systems Segment
The following table compares summary operating results for the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 for the businesses comprising our Piping Systems segment:

|  | For the Quarter Ended |  | Percent Change |  | For the Nine Months Ended |  | Percent Change
(In thousands) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | 2021 vs. 2020 |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | 2021 vs. 2020
Net sales |  | $ | 688,200 |  |  | $ | 409,414 |  |  | 68.1 | % |  | $ | 1,947,564 |  |  | $ | 1,128,467 |  |  | 72.6 | %
Operating income |  | 152,199 |  |  | 44,863 |  |  | 239.3 |  |  | 343,805 |  |  | 122,613 |  |  | 180.4 |

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

|  | Quarter-to- Date |  | Year-to- Date
Net selling price in core product lines |  | 52.7 | % |  | 48.9 | %
Unit sales volume in core product lines |  | 5.5 |  |  | 9.7 |
Acquisitions |  | 8.1 |  |  | 11.6 |
Dispositions |  | (0.2) |  |  | — |
Other |  | 2.0 |  |  | 2.4 |
|  | 68.1 | % |  | 72.6 | %

The increase in net sales during the third quarter of 2021 was primarily attributable to (i) higher net selling prices in the segment’s core product lines, primarily copper tube, of $215.2 million, (ii) incremental sales of $33.3 million recorded by KSD, and (iii) higher unit sales volume of $22.6 million in the segment’s core product lines.
Net sales during the first nine months of 2021 increased primarily as a result of (i) higher net selling prices in the segment’s core product lines of $548.9 million, (ii) incremental sales of $129.6 million recorded by KSD, and (iii) higher unit sales volume of $108.5 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 nine months of 2021 and 2020:

|  | For the Quarter Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020
Cost of goods sold |  | $ | 506,703 |  |  | $ | 339,904 |  |  | $ | 1,515,335 |  |  | $ | 931,339 |
Depreciation and amortization |  | 5,547 |  |  | 5,362 |  |  | 17,272 |  |  | 16,517 |
Selling, general, and administrative expense |  | 23,751 |  |  | 19,285 |  |  | 71,152 |  |  | 57,998 |
Operating expenses |  | $ | 536,001 |  |  | $ | 364,551 |  |  | $ | 1,603,759 |  |  | $ | 1,005,854 |

31

|  | For the Quarter Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
|  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020
Cost of goods sold |  | 73.6 | % |  | 83.0 | % |  | 77.8 | % |  | 82.5 | %
Depreciation and amortization |  | 0.8 |  |  | 1.3 |  |  | 0.9 |  |  | 1.4 |
Selling, general, and administrative expense |  | 3.5 |  |  | 4.7 |  |  | 3.6 |  |  | 5.2 |
Operating expenses |  | 77.9 | % |  | 89.0 | % |  | 82.3 | % |  | 89.1 | %

The increase in cost of goods sold during the third quarter of 2021 was primarily due to the increase in the average cost of copper, our principal raw material. Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 26.4 percent compared with 17.0 percent in the prior year quarter. Depreciation and amortization was consistent with the third quarter of 2020. Selling, general, and administrative expense increased for the third quarter of 2021 primarily as a result of (i) higher employment costs, including incentive compensation and healthcare, of $3.2 million, (ii) incremental expenses associated with KSD of $0.3 million, and (iii) lower foreign currency gains of $0.4 million. These increases were partially offset by lower expenses of $0.3 million associated with businesses disposed.
The increase in cost of goods sold during the first nine months of 2021 was primarily due to the factors noted above regarding the change in net sales. Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 22.2 percent compared with 17.5 percent in the prior year. Depreciation and amortization increased slightly in the first nine months of 2021 primarily as a result of depreciation and amortization of the long-lived assets of businesses acquired. Selling, general, and administrative expense increased for the first nine months of 2021 primarily as a result of (i) higher employment costs of $5.9 million, (ii) incremental expenses associated with KSD of $5.3 million, (iii) expenses of $1.3 million associated with the write-off of vendor deposits, and (iv) the absence of $1.3 million of government subsidies provided to certain businesses related to the COVID-19 pandemic recorded during the first nine months of 2020. In addition, during the first nine months of 2020 the segment recognized asset impairment charges of $3.0 million related to production equipment that was idled.
Industrial Metals Segment
The following table compares summary operating results for the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 for the businesses comprising our Industrial Metals segment:

|  | For the Quarter Ended |  | Percent Change |  | For the Nine Months Ended |  | Percent Change
(In thousands) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | 2021 vs. 2020 |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | 2021 vs. 2020
Net sales |  | $ | 182,245 |  |  | $ | 118,831 |  |  | 53.4 | % |  | $ | 527,137 |  |  | $ | 338,652 |  |  | 55.7 | %
Operating income |  | 19,052 |  |  | 18,348 |  |  | 3.8 |  |  | 58,398 |  |  | 38,403 |  |  | 52.1 |

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

|  | Quarter-to- Date |  | Year-to- Date
Net selling price in core product lines |  | 43.5 | % |  | 40.9 | %
Unit sales volume in core product lines |  | 10.3 |  |  | 14.2 |
Other |  | (0.4) |  |  | 0.6 |
|  | 53.4 | % |  | 55.7 | %

The increase in net sales during the third quarter of 2021 was primarily due to (i) higher net selling prices of $49.3 million in the segment’s core product lines, primarily brass rod, and (ii) higher unit sales volume of $11.7 million in the segment’s core product lines.
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The increase in net sales during the first nine months of 2021 was primarily due to (i) higher net selling prices of $132.8 million in the segment’s core product lines and (ii) higher unit sales volume of $45.9 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 nine months of 2021 and 2020:

|  | For the Quarter Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020
Cost of goods sold |  | $ | 158,822 |  |  | $ | 95,717 |  |  | $ | 455,112 |  |  | $ | 285,788 |
Depreciation and amortization |  | 1,661 |  |  | 1,774 |  |  | 5,098 |  |  | 5,771 |
Selling, general, and administrative expense |  | 2,710 |  |  | 2,992 |  |  | 8,529 |  |  | 8,690 |
Operating expenses |  | $ | 163,193 |  |  | $ | 100,483 |  |  | $ | 468,739 |  |  | $ | 300,249 |

|  | For the Quarter Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
|  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020
Cost of goods sold |  | 87.1 | % |  | 80.5 | % |  | 86.3 | % |  | 84.4 | %
Depreciation and amortization |  | 0.9 |  |  | 1.5 |  |  | 1.0 |  |  | 1.7 |
Selling, general, and administrative expense |  | 1.5 |  |  | 2.6 |  |  | 1.6 |  |  | 2.6 |
Operating expenses |  | 89.5 | % |  | 84.6 | % |  | 88.9 | % |  | 88.7 | %

The increase in cost of goods sold during the third quarter of 2021 was primarily due to the increase in the price of copper. Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 12.9 percent compared with 19.5 percent in the prior year quarter. Rising material costs during the third quarter of 2021 had a negative impact on margins reported by most of the businesses included in this segment. Depreciation and amortization and selling, general, and administrative expense were consistent with the third quarter of 2020.
The increase in cost of goods sold during the first nine months of 2021 was primarily due to the factors noted above regarding the change in net sales. Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 13.7 percent compared with 15.6 percent in the prior year. Depreciation and amortization decreased slightly as a result of several long-lived assets becoming fully depreciated. Selling, general, and administrative expense was consistent with the first nine months of 2020.
Climate Segment
The following table compares summary operating results for the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 for the businesses comprising our Climate segment:

|  | For the Quarter Ended |  | Percent Change |  | For the Nine Months Ended |  | Percent Change
(In thousands) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | 2021 vs. 2020 |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | 2021 vs. 2020
Net sales |  | $ | 122,252 |  |  | $ | 97,604 |  |  | 25.3 | % |  | $ | 364,986 |  |  | $ | 276,983 |  |  | 31.8 | %
Operating income |  | 21,072 |  |  | 18,156 |  |  | 16.1 |  |  | 63,779 |  |  | 43,523 |  |  | 46.5 |

Sales for the third quarter of 2021 increased primarily as a result of a increase in volume and price in certain product lines, as well as sales of $13.1 million recorded by H&C. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in sales of $7.8 million as a result of the dispositions of FTP and STI during the third quarter of 2021.
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Sales for the first nine months of 2021 increased primarily as a result of a increase in volume and price in certain product lines, as well as sales of $33.1 million recorded by H&C. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in sales of $3.7 million as a result of the dispositions of FTP and STI during the third quarter of 2021.
The following tables compare cost of goods sold and operating expenses as dollar amounts and as a percent of net sales for the first nine months of 2021 and 2020:

|  | For the Quarter Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands) |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020
Cost of goods sold |  | $ | 89,175 |  |  | $ | 70,450 |  |  | $ | 269,560 |  |  | $ | 206,083 |
Depreciation and amortization |  | 2,484 |  |  | 2,547 |  |  | 7,866 |  |  | 7,770 |
Selling, general and administrative expense |  | 9,521 |  |  | 6,451 |  |  | 23,781 |  |  | 19,607 |
Operating expenses |  | $ | 101,180 |  |  | $ | 79,448 |  |  | $ | 301,207 |  |  | $ | 233,460 |

|  | For the Quarter Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
|  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020 |  | September 25, 2021 |  | September 26, 2020
Cost of goods sold |  | 72.9 | % |  | 72.2 | % |  | 73.9 | % |  | 74.4 | %
Depreciation and amortization |  | 2.0 |  |  | 2.6 |  |  | 2.2 |  |  | 2.8 |
Selling, general and administrative expense |  | 7.9 |  |  | 6.6 |  |  | 6.4 |  |  | 7.1 |
Operating expenses |  | 82.8 | % |  | 81.4 | % |  | 82.5 | % |  | 84.3 | %

Cost of goods sold increased during the third quarter of 2021, consistent with the increase in net sales. Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 27.1 percent compared with 27.8 percent in the prior year quarter. Depreciation and amortization was consistent with the third quarter of 2020. Selling, general, and administrative expense increased primarily due to (i) asset impairment charges of $2.7 million, (ii) expenses associated with H&C of $0.3 million, and (iii) higher employment costs, including incentive compensation, of $0.2 million.
Cost of goods sold increased during the first nine months of 2021 primarily due to factors noted above regarding the change in net sales. Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 26.1 percent compared with 25.6 percent in the prior year. Depreciation and amortization was consistent with the first nine months of 2020. Selling, general, and administrative expense increased for the first nine months of 2021 as a result of (i) asset impairment charges of $2.7 million, (ii) higher employment costs, including incentive compensation, of $1.0 million, and (iii) expenses associated with H&C of $0.9 million.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table presents selected financial information for the first nine months of 2021 and 2020:

(In thousands) |  | 2021 |  | 2020
Increase (decrease) in: |  |  |  |
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash |  | $ | (19,225) |  |  | $ | 16,337 |
Property, plant, and equipment, net |  | (6,350) |  |  | 5,608 |
Total debt |  | (205,754) |  |  | (36,598) |
Working capital, net of cash and current debt |  | 146,240 |  |  | 1,086 |
Net cash provided by operating activities |  | 181,481 |  |  | 196,878 |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |  | 43,818 |  |  | (110,995) |
Net cash used in financing activities |  | (244,147) |  |  | (66,252) |

Cash Flows from Operating Activities
During the nine months ended September 25, 2021, net cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to (i) consolidated net income of $348.4 million, (ii) an increase in current liabilities of $85.5 million, (iii) depreciation and amortization of $33.9 million, (iv) stock-based compensation expense of $7.2 million, and (v) the redemption premium of $5.7 million related to our Subordinated Debentures. These increases were largely offset by (i) an increase in accounts receivable of $155.1 million, (ii) an increase in inventories of $96.5 million, and the gain of $54.8 million recognized on the sale of Die-Mold, FTP, and STI. The fluctuations of accounts receivable, inventories, and current liabilities were primarily due to increased sales volume in certain businesses and higher material costs during the first nine months of 2021.
During the nine months ended September 26, 2020, net cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to (i) consolidated net income of $106.4 million, (ii) a decrease in inventories of $41.6 million, (iii) depreciation and amortization of $33.1 million, (iv) an increase in current liabilities of $25.9 million, (v) losses from unconsolidated affiliates of $20.2 million, (vi) a decrease in other assets of $9.1 million, and (vii) stock-based compensation expense of $6.3 million, and (viii) asset impairment charges of $3.0 million. These increases were partially offset by (i) an increase in accounts receivable of $45.5 million and (ii) a decrease in other liabilities of $5.8 million.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
The major components of net cash provided by investing activities during the nine months ended September 25, 2021 included (i) proceeds from the sale of FTP and STI, net of cash sold, of $74.3 million and (ii) payments received on notes receivable of $8.5 million. These sources were partially offset by (i) capital expenditures of $25.5 million and (ii) $13.9 million for the purchase of H&C, net of cash acquired.
The major components of net cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 26, 2020 included (i) $72.6 million for the purchase of KSD and STI, net of cash acquired, (ii) capital expenditures of $29.2 million, and (iii) the issuance of notes receivable of $9.2 million.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
For the nine months ended September 25, 2021, net cash used in financing activities consisted of (i) $390.0 million used to reduce the debt outstanding under our Credit Agreement, (ii) $290.2 million used for the redemption of the Subordinated Debentures, (iii) $21.8 million used for the payment of regular quarterly dividends to stockholders of the Company, and (iv) $9.7 million used for the payment of dividends to noncontrolling interests. These uses were largely offset by the issuance of debt under our Credit Agreement of $475.0 million.
For the nine months ended September 26, 2020, net cash used in financing activities consisted primarily of (i) $185.0 million used to reduce the debt outstanding under our Credit Agreement, (ii) $16.8 million used for the payment of regular quarterly dividends to stockholders of the Company, (iii) $7.0 million used for the payment of contingent consideration related to ATCO, and (iv) $5.6 million used to repurchase common stock. These uses were partially offset by the issuance of debt under our Credit Agreement of $150.0 million.
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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 September 25, 2021, we had $104.8 million of cash on hand and $356.1 million available to be drawn under the Credit Agreement. Our current ratio was 2.7 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 nine months of 2021. We expect to spend approximately $5.2 million over the next twelve months for ongoing environmental remediation activities.
The Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of 13.0 cents per common share during the first, second, and third quarters of 2021 and 10.0 cents per common share during the first, second, and third quarters of 2020. Payment of dividends in the future is dependent upon our financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, earnings, and other factors.
Long-Term Debt
As of September 25, 2021, the Company’s total debt was $122.1 million or 9.8 percent of its total capitalization.
The Company’s Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured $400.0 million revolving credit facility, which matures March 31, 2026, and a term loan facility of $100.0 million, which matures March 31, 2022. Total borrowings under the Credit Agreement were $120.0 million as of September 25, 2021. The Credit Agreement backed approximately $23.9 million in letters of credit at the end of the third quarter of 2021. On October 6, 2021 the Company paid the term loan facility in full with borrowings under the revolving credit facility.
Covenants contained in the Company’s financing obligations require, among other things, the maintenance of minimum levels of tangible net worth and the satisfaction of certain minimum financial ratios. As of September 25, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants.
Share Repurchase Program
The Board of Directors has extended, unti l July 2022, t he authorization to repurchase up to 20 million shares of the Company’s common stock through open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions. We may cancel, suspend, or extend the time period for the repurchase of shares at any time. Any repurchases will be funded primarily through existing cash and cash from operations. We may hold any shares repurchased in treasury or use a portion of the repurchased shares for our stock-based compensation plans, as well as for other corporate purposes. From its initial authorization in 1999 through September 25, 2021, the Company has repurchased approximately 6.4 million shares under this authorization.
Contractual Cash Obligations
There have been no significant changes in our contractual cash obligations reported at December 26, 2020 other than the new Credit Agreement and redemption of the Debentures during the second quarter of 2021.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in raw material and energy costs, interest rates, and foreign currency exchange rates. To reduce such risks, we may periodically use financial instruments. Hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to policies and procedures. Further, we do not buy or sell financial instruments for trading purposes.
Cost and Availability of Raw Materials and Energy
Raw materials, primarily copper and brass, represent the largest component of the Company’s variable costs of production. The cost of these materials is subject to global market fluctuations caused by factors beyond our control. Significant increases in the cost of metal, to the extent not reflected in prices for our finished products, or the lack of availability could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
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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 September 25, 2021, we held open futures contracts to purchase approximately $46.9 million of copper over the next 18 months related to fixed-price sales orders and to sell approximately $0.9 million of copper over the next ten months related to copper inventory.
We may enter into futures contracts or forward fixed-price arrangements with certain vendors to manage price risk associated with natural gas purchases. The effective portion of gains and losses with respect to these positions are deferred in equity as a component of AOCI and reflected in earnings upon consumption of natural gas. Periodic value fluctuations of the futures contracts generally offset the value fluctuations of the underlying natural gas prices. As of September 25, 2021, we held no open futures contracts to purchase natural gas.
Interest Rates
At September 25, 2021, we had variable-rate debt outstanding of $120.0 million. At this borrowing level, a hypothetical 10 percent increase in interest rates would have had an insignificant unfavorable impact on our pretax earnings and cash flows. The primary interest rate exposure on variable-rate debt is based on LIBOR.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
Foreign currency exposures arising from transactions include firm commitments and anticipated transactions denominated in a currency other than an entity’s functional currency. The Company and its subsidiaries generally enter into transactions denominated in their respective functional currencies. We may utilize certain futures or forward contracts with financial institutions to hedge foreign currency transactional exposures. Gains and losses with respect to these positions are deferred in equity as a component of AOCI and reflected in earnings upon collection of receivables or payment of commitments. At September 25, 2021, we had open forward contracts with a financial institution to sell approximately 4.2 million euros, 16.5 million Swedish kronor, and 12.5 million Norwegian kroner through January 2022.
The Company’s primary foreign currency exposure arises from foreign-denominated revenues and profits and their translation into U.S. dollars. The primary currencies to which we are exposed include the Canadian dollar, the British pound sterling, the Mexican peso, and the South Korean won. The Company generally views its investments in foreign subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar as long-term. As a result, we generally do not hedge these net investments.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information
This Quarterly Report contains various forward-looking statements and includes assumptions concerning the Company’s operations, future results, and prospects. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risk and uncertainties, and may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those predicted. The forward-looking statements reflect knowledge and information available as of the date of preparation of the Quarterly Report, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. We identify the forward-looking statements by using the words “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends” or similar expressions in such statements.
In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company provides the following cautionary statement identifying important economic, political, and technological factors, among others, which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions. In addition to those factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2020, such factors include: (i) the current and projected future business environment, including interest rates capital and consumer spending, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; (ii) the domestic housing and commercial construction industry environment; (iii) availability and price fluctuations in commodities (including copper, natural gas, and other raw materials, including crude oil that indirectly affects plastic resins); (iv) competitive factors and competitor responses to the Company’s initiatives; (v) stability of government laws and regulations, including taxes; (vi) availability of financing; and (vii) continuation of the environment to make acquisitions, domestic and foreign, including regulatory requirements and market values of candidates.
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act as of September 25, 2021. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of September 25, 2021 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 September 25, 2021, 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 10 - 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 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes in risk factors that were previously disclosed in our 2020 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 2022, the authorization to repurchase up to 20 million shares of the Company’s common stock through open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions. The Company may cancel, suspend, or extend the time period for the repurchase of shares at any time. Any repurchases will be funded primarily through existing cash and cash from operations. The Company may hold any shares repurchased in treasury or use a portion of the repurchased shares for its stock-based compensation plans, as well as for other corporate purposes. From its initial authorization in 1999 through September 25, 2021, the Company had repurchased approxim ately 6.4 million shares un der this authorization. Below is a summary of the Company’s stock repurchases for the period ended September 25, 2021.

|  | (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)
June 27, 2021 - July 24, 2021 |  | 3,507 |  |  | $ | 39.11 |  |  | — |  |  | 13,575,058 |
July 25, 2021 - August 21, 2021 |  | 1,666 |  |  | $ | 36.24 |  |  | — |  |  | 13,575,058 |
August 22, 2021 - September 25, 2021 |  | 1,000 |  |  | $ | 20.37 |  |  | — |  |  | 13,575,058 |
Total |  | 6,173 |  |  |  |  | — |  |  |

(1) Includes shares tendered to the Company by holders of stock-based awards in payment of the purchase price and/or withholding taxes upon exercise and/or vesting. Also includes shares resulting from restricted stock forfeitures at the average cost of treasury stock.
(2) Shares available to be purchased under the Company’s 20 million share repurchase author ization until July 2022. The extension of the authorization was announced on October 20, 2021.
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Item 6. Exhibits

31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.CAL | 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, 4, and 5 are not applicable and have been omitted.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

| MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
| /s/ Jeffrey A. Martin
| Jeffrey A. Martin
October 20, 2021 | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Date | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
| /s/ Anthony J. Steinriede
October 20, 2021 | Anthony J. Steinriede
Date | Vice President – Corporate Controller

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