Form 10-Q

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number 001-32892

 

 

MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   20-3547095

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1200 Abernathy Road N.E.

Suite 1200

Atlanta, GA 30328

(Address of principal executive offices)

(770) 206-4200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

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

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

 

Large Accelerated Filer  x    Accelerated Filer  ¨
Non-accelerated Filer  ¨    Smaller reporting company  ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    ¨  Yes    x  No

There were 115,132,252 shares of common stock of the Registrant outstanding as of April 30, 2008, comprised of 29,287,332 shares of Series A common stock and 85,844,920 shares of Series B common stock.

 

 

 


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

(in millions)

 

     March 31,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 119.6     $ 98.9  

Receivables, net

     270.7       302.1  

Inventories

     480.4       453.5  

Deferred income taxes

     34.3       29.2  

Other current assets

     58.5       66.3  
                

Total current assets

     963.5       950.0  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     339.8       351.8  

Identifiable intangible assets

     804.6       819.3  

Goodwill

     871.1       870.6  

Other noncurrent assets

     18.2       17.5  
                

Total assets

   $ 2,997.2     $ 3,009.2  
                

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:

    

Current portion of long-term debt

   $ 6.1     $ 6.2  

Accounts payable

     124.8       112.3  

Other current liabilities

     84.7       121.8  
                

Total current liabilities

     215.6       240.3  

Long-term debt

     1,091.7       1,094.3  

Deferred income taxes

     304.5       307.3  

Other noncurrent liabilities

     80.3       56.3  
                

Total liabilities

     1,692.1       1,698.2  
                

Commitments and contingencies

    

Common stock:

    

Series A

     0.3       0.2  

Series B

     0.9       0.9  

Additional paid-in capital

     1,425.3       1,422.0  

Accumulated deficit

     (121.2 )     (124.8 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     (0.2 )     12.7  
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     1,305.1       1,311.0  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 2,997.2     $ 3,009.2  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2


MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

     Three months ended March 31,    Six months ended March 31,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Net sales

   $ 421.6    $ 459.7    $ 833.9    $ 871.6

Cost of sales

     322.8      341.9      640.7      646.1
                           

Gross profit

     98.8      117.8      193.2      225.5

Operating expenses:

           

Selling, general and administrative

     69.3      64.9      131.1      123.6

Restructuring

     1.5      —        17.7      —  
                           

Total operating expenses

     70.8      64.9      148.8      123.6
                           

Income from operations

     28.0      52.9      44.4      101.9

Interest expense, net

     18.1      21.1      37.3      41.5
                           

Income before income taxes

     9.9      31.8      7.1      60.4

Income taxes

     4.2      13.9      3.0      25.5
                           

Net income

   $ 5.7    $ 17.9    $ 4.1    $ 34.9
                           

Basic and diluted net income per share

   $ 0.05    $ 0.16    $ 0.04    $ 0.30
                           

Weighted average shares outstanding:

           

Basic

     115.1      114.7      115.0      114.6
                           

Diluted

     115.4      114.7      115.4      114.7
                           

Dividends declared per share

   $ 0.0175    $ 0.0175    $ 0.0350    $ 0.0350
                           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3


MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2008

(UNAUDITED)

(in millions)

 

     Common
stock
   Additional
paid-in
capital
    Accumulated
deficit
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
    Total  

Balance at September 30, 2007

   $ 1.1    $ 1,422.0     $ (124.8 )   $ 12.7     $ 1,311.0  

Adjustment to adopt FASB Interpretation No. 48

     —        —         (0.5 )     —         (0.5 )
                                       

Balance at October 1, 2007

     1.1      1,422.0       (125.3 )     12.7       1,310.5  

Net income

     —        —         4.1       —         4.1  

Dividends declared

     —        (4.0 )     —         —         (4.0 )

Stock-based compensation

     —        6.4       —         —         6.4  

Stock issued under stock compensation plans

     0.1      0.9       —         —         1.0  

Net unrealized loss on derivatives

     —        —         —         (9.7 )     (9.7 )

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     —        —         —         (1.7 )     (1.7 )

Minimum pension liability

     —        —         —         (1.5 )     (1.5 )
                                       

Balance at March 31, 2008

   $ 1.2    $ 1,425.3     $ (121.2 )   $ (0.2 )   $ 1,305.1  
                                       

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4


MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

(in millions)

 

     Six months ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007  

Operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 4.1     $ 34.9  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation

     31.8       35.0  

Amortization of identifiable intangible assets

     14.7       14.5  

Restructuring

     14.8       —    

Stock-based compensation

     6.4       5.2  

Accretion on debt

     —         5.4  

Deferred income taxes

     (0.9 )     6.6  

Other, net

     1.8       3.9  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Receivables

     30.5       53.1  

Inventories

     (28.9 )     (50.8 )

Other current assets and other noncurrent assets

     3.8       (1.5 )

Accounts payable, other current liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities

     (17.4 )     (49.6 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     60.7       56.7  
                

Investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (37.3 )     (42.5 )

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired

     —         (22.5 )

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

     7.2       —    
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (30.1 )     (65.0 )
                

Financing activities:

    

Increase (decrease) in outstanding checks

     (4.1 )     3.9  

Payments of long-term debt

     (2.6 )     (4.3 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     1.0       —    

Dividends to stockholders

     (4.0 )     (4.0 )
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (9.7 )     (4.4 )
                

Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash

     (0.2 )     0.5  
                

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     20.7       (12.2 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     98.9       81.4  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 119.6     $ 69.2  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5


MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2008

(UNAUDITED)

Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

Mueller Water Products, Inc., a Delaware corporation, together with its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company”) completed an initial public offering of its Series A common stock (NYSE: MWA) on June 1, 2006. On December 14, 2006, Walter Industries, Inc. (“Walter Industries”) distributed all of the Company’s outstanding Series B common stock (NYSE: MWA.B) to Walter Industries’ stockholders (the “Spin-off”).

The Company operates in three business segments: Mueller Co., U.S. Pipe and Anvil. Mueller Co. manufactures and sells fire hydrants and valves used in residential water and gas systems. U.S. Pipe manufactures and sells a broad line of ductile iron pipe, restrained joint products, fittings and other products. Anvil manufactures and sells a variety of pipe fittings, couplings, pipe hangers, pipe nipples and related products.

Fast Fabricators, Inc. (“Fast Fabricators”) was acquired in January 2007 and is included in the Company’s results of operations beginning with January 2007. Fast Fabricators is reported as part of the U.S. Pipe segment.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. In the opinion of management, all normal and recurring adjustments that are considered necessary for a fair financial statement presentation have been made. The condensed balance sheet data as of September 30, 2007 was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Certain reclassifications were made to September 30, 2007 balances to be consistent with the current presentation.

Note 2. Related Party Transactions

The Company purchases foundry coke from Sloss Industries, Inc., which was an affiliate until the Spin-off. Purchases from Sloss Industries, Inc. were $4.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2006. Sloss Industries, Inc. also provides other services to the Company, including the delivery of electrical power to one of the Company’s facilities, rail car switching and the leasing of a distribution facility. Charges for such services were $0.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2006.

During the three months ended December 31, 2006, the Company charged $2.6 million to selling, general and administrative expenses pursuant to its relationship with Walter Industries. These expenses included allocations of costs incurred by Walter Industries on behalf of the Company, including stock-based compensation expense attributed to Walter Industries equity instruments held by Company employees. Subsequent to the Spin-off, allocations of expenses from Walter Industries to the Company ceased and all such equity instruments held by Company employees were cancelled.

Note 3. Restructuring Activities

In November 2007, the Company announced its intention to close U.S. Pipe’s ductile iron pipe manufacturing operations in Burlington, N.J., eliminating approximately 180 jobs. These manufacturing operations ceased near the end of January 2008. This facility continues to be used as a full-service distribution center for customers in the Northeast. In connection with this action, the Company expects to incur total restructuring charges of approximately $19 million. These total estimated charges consist of approximately $15 million of asset impairment charges and $4 million of employee-related and other charges. During the three months and six months ended March 31, 2008, the Company recorded charges of $1.5 million and $17.7 million, respectively. Total restructuring charges recorded to date consisted of $14.8 million of asset impairment charges and $2.9 million of employee-related and other charges. The remaining estimated restructuring charges are expected to be recorded over the remainder of fiscal 2008.

 

6


Activity in accrued restructuring, a component of other current liabilities, for the three months and six months ended March 31, 2008 is presented below (in millions):

 

    Period ended March 31, 2008  
    Three months     Six
months
 

Beginning balance

  $ 2.1     $ 0.9  

Burlington activity:

   

Accruals

    1.5       2.9  

Payments

    (1.6 )     (1.6 )

Other payments

    (0.4 )     (0.6 )
               

Ending balance

  $ 1.6     $ 1.6  
               

Note 4. Stock-Based Compensation Plans

During the three months and six months ended March 31, 2008, the Company granted restricted stock units and stock options under its Mueller Water Products, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Incentive Plan and instruments under its Mueller Water Products, Inc. 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan as follows (in millions, except per instrument amounts):

 

    Number of
instruments
  Weighted
average fair
value per
instrument
  Total
compensation

Three months ended December 31, 2007:

     

Restricted stock units

  0.4   $ 10.66   $ 4.5

Non-qualified stock options

  0.9     3.84     3.6

Employee stock purchase plan instruments

  0.1     3.11     0.1

Three months ended March 31, 2008:

     

Restricted stock units

  0.1     7.98     0.3

Non-qualified stock options

  0.1     2.89     0.3

Employee stock purchase plan instruments

  0.0     2.59     0.2
           
  1.6     $ 9.0
           

As of March 31, 2008, there was approximately $19.5 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements granted under these plans. The Company expensed $3.7 million and $2.7 million related to its stock-based compensation arrangements for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company expensed $6.4 million and $5.2 million related to its stock-based compensation arrangements for the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

7


Note 5. Borrowing Arrangements

The components of long-term debt are presented below (in millions):

 

     March 31,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

2007 Credit Agreement:

    

Term A Loan

   $ 141.6     $ 141.6  

Term B Loan

     529.4       532.1  

2007 Senior Subordinated Notes

     425.0       425.0  

Other

     1.8       1.8  
                
     1,097.8       1,100.5  

Less current portion

     (6.1 )     (6.2 )
                
   $ 1,091.7     $ 1,094.3  
                

2007 Credit Agreement — On May 24, 2007, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “2007 Credit Agreement”) consisting of a $300 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”), a $150 million term loan (the “Term A Loan”), and a $565 million term loan (the “Term B Loan”). The 2007 Credit Agreement contains customary covenants and events of default, including covenants that limit the Company’s ability to incur debt, pay dividends and make investments. Management believes the Company was compliant with these covenants as of March 31, 2008 and expects to remain in compliance for the foreseeable future. Substantially all of the Company’s real and personal property has been pledged as collateral under the 2007 Credit Agreement.

The Revolver terminates in May 2012 and bears interest at a floating rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.0% to 1.75% depending on the Company’s leverage ratio as defined in the 2007 Credit Agreement. The Company also pays a commitment fee, which ranges from 0.2% to 0.5% (currently 0.375%) depending on the Company’s leverage ratio, for any unused portion of the Revolver. There were no outstanding borrowings under the Revolver at March 31, 2008 or September 30, 2007.

The Term A Loan matures in May 2012 and bears interest at a floating rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.0% to 1.75% (currently 1.5%) depending on the Company’s leverage ratio as defined in the 2007 Credit Agreement. The principal balance is scheduled to be repaid in quarterly payments of $3.5 million commencing September 2009 with the remaining balance paid at maturity.

The Term B Loan matures in May 2014 and bears interest at a floating rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 1.75%. The principal balance is being repaid in quarterly payments of approximately $1.3 million with the remaining balance paid at maturity. Management estimates the fair value of the Term B Loan was $483.7 million at March 31, 2008.

2007 Senior Subordinated Notes — On May 24, 2007, the Company completed a private placement of $425.0 million principal face amount of 7 3/8% senior subordinated notes maturing June 1, 2017. The Company then exchanged these notes for notes registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission with substantially identical terms on October 1, 2007 (the “Notes”). Based on quoted market prices, the Notes had a fair value of $366.6 million at March 31, 2008.

The indenture securing the Notes contains customary covenants and events of default, including covenants that limit the Company’s ability to incur debt, pay dividends and make investments. Management believes the Company was compliant with these covenants as of March 31, 2008 and expects to remain in compliance for the foreseeable future. Substantially all of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries guarantee the Notes.

 

8


Note 6. Derivative Financial Instruments

Interest Rate Swap Contracts — The Company used interest rate swap contracts with a cumulative total notional amount of $325 million as of March 31, 2008 to hedge against cash flow variability arising from changes in LIBOR in conjunction with its LIBOR-indexed variable rate borrowings. These swap contracts were accounted for as effective hedges. During the three months and six months ended March 31, 2008, the Company recorded unrealized after-tax losses from these swap contracts of $6.2 million and $10.1 million, respectively, which were reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. These swap contracts had a liability fair value of $18.5 million at March 31, 2008, which was included in other noncurrent liabilities. There was no ineffectiveness related to these swap contracts for the three months and six months ended March 31, 2008.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts — The Company entered into Canadian dollar forward exchange contracts to reduce exposure to currency fluctuations from Canadian-denominated intercompany loans. These contracts were not accounted for as hedges, and had a cumulative notional amount of $27.2 million as of March 31, 2008. Gains and losses on these contracts were included in selling, general and administrative expenses. During the three months and six months ended March 31, 2008, the Company recorded net losses of $1.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively, related to such contracts.

Natural Gas Swap Contracts — The Company used natural gas swap contracts with a cumulative total notional amount of 224,000 mmbtu as of March 31, 2008 to hedge against cash flow variability arising from changes in natural gas prices in conjunction with its anticipated purchases of natural gas. These swap contracts were accounted for as effective hedges. These swap contracts had an asset fair value of $0.4 million at March 31, 2008. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company recorded an unrealized after-tax gain from these swap contracts of $0.4 million, which was reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Hedge ineffectiveness related to these swap contracts was immaterial for the three months and six months ended March 31, 2008.

Note 7. Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

The components of net periodic cost (benefit) for defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans were as follows (in millions):

 

     Defined benefit pension plans  
     Three months ended
March 31,
    Six months ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Service cost

   $ 1.1     $ 1.6     $ 2.7     $ 3.2  

Interest cost

     5.3       5.1       10.6       10.2  

Expected return on plan assets

     (6.8 )     (5.9 )     (13.7 )     (11.8 )

Amortization of prior service cost

     0.2       0.1       0.4       0.2  

Amortization of net loss

     0.2       0.5       0.3       1.0  

Loss due to settlement or curtailment

     1.4       —         1.4       —    

Other

     0.1       —         0.1       —    
                                

Net periodic cost

   $ 1.5     $ 1.4     $ 1.8     $ 2.8  
                                

 

9


     Other postretirement benefit plans  
     Three months ended
March 31,
    Six months ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Service cost

   $ —       $ 0.1     $ 0.1     $ 0.2  

Interest cost

     0.1       0.3       0.4       0.6  

Amortization of prior service credit

     (0.8 )     (0.6 )     (1.4 )     (1.2 )

Amortization of net gain

     (0.2 )     (0.4 )     (0.5 )     (0.8 )

Gain due to settlement or curtailment

     (0.8 )     —         (0.8 )     —    
                                

Net periodic benefit

   $ (1.7 )   $ (0.6 )   $ (2.2 )   $ (1.2 )
                                

During the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company’s actuary revised its analysis to account for the shutdown of manufacturing operations at U.S. Pipe’s Burlington facility. The revised analysis resulted in a decrease in the funded status of the plan of $7.7 million and an after-tax decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income of $4.6 million. The Company recorded pension plan curtailment expense of $1.2 million, partially offset by an other postretirement benefit plan curtailment gain of $0.8 million, which were included in restructuring charges for the three months ended March 31, 2008.

During the three months ended December 31, 2007, the Company amended the Mueller Water Products, Inc. Flexible Benefits Plan, a retiree medical coverage plan for U.S. Pipe employees, to eliminate the payment of benefits beyond age 65. This amendment decreased the Company’s liability for the plan by $8.8 million and resulted in an after-tax increase in accumulated other comprehensive income of $5.4 million. The Company also amended the Mueller Co. Retirement Plan for Employees at Selected Locations for employees at its Decatur, Illinois facility. This amendment provided additional employee benefits and as a result, the Company recorded a decrease in the funded status of the plan of $2.4 million and an after-tax decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income of $1.5 million.

The amortization of unrecognized prior year service cost, net of tax, is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. During the six months ended March 31, 2008, the Company recorded a decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income of $0.8 million for this amortization.

During the six months ended March 31, 2008, the Company made no contributions to its defined benefit pension plans. Governmental regulations establish minimum funding requirements for these pension plans. The evaluation of the minimum funding requirements for these plans for fiscal 2008 will not be completed until later in the fiscal year. At this time, management estimates fiscal 2008 minimum funding requirements to be within the range of $6 million to $12 million, and in April 2008, the Company made a contribution of $5.6 million to these pension plans. The Company may contribute amounts above the minimum requirements if management deems such contributions appropriate. In addition, the Company anticipates contributing approximately $1.6 million to its other postretirement benefit plans in fiscal 2008.

 

10


Note 8. Supplementary Balance Sheet Information

The components of inventories, property, plant and equipment and other current liabilities are presented below (in millions):

 

     March 31,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

Inventories:

    

Purchased materials and manufactured parts

   $ 69.8     $ 67.4  

Work in process

     110.5       116.7  

Finished goods

     300.1       269.4  
                
   $ 480.4     $ 453.5  
                

Property, plant and equipment, net:

    

Land

   $ 23.0     $ 28.6  

Buildings

     92.8       91.3  

Machinery and equipment

     563.2       556.3  

Other

     54.3       41.1  
                
     733.3       717.3  

Accumulated depreciation

     (393.5 )     (365.5 )
                
   $ 339.8     $ 351.8  
                

Other current liabilities:

    

Payroll and benefits

   $ 32.4     $ 43.5  

Cash discounts and rebates

     10.0       22.6  

Interest

     14.9       15.5  

Workers compensation

     6.8       6.5  

Taxes other than income taxes

     3.9       6.4  

Warranty claims

     3.2       3.7  

Income taxes

     —         10.3  

Restructuring

     1.6       0.9  

Severance

     1.6       1.1  

Other

     10.3       11.3  
                
   $ 84.7     $ 121.8  
                

 

11


Note 9. Income Taxes

The Company calculates its effective tax rate under the principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, which requires that an estimated annual effective tax rate be determined and applied to interim period pre-tax income. The effective income tax rates were 42.3% and 42.2% for the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

On October 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (“FIN 48”). As a result of the adoption of FIN 48, the Company recorded a net increase of $1.0 million in the liability for unrecognized income tax benefits, a $0.5 million increase in the accumulated deficit and an increase of $0.5 million to goodwill. As of March 31, 2008, the liability for unrecognized income tax benefits was $11.0 million. If recognized, the liability for unrecognized tax benefits would decrease income tax provision and goodwill by $4.0 million and $7.0 million, respectively.

The Company recognizes interest related to uncertain tax positions as interest expense. As of March 31, 2008, the Company had approximately $2.0 million of accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions, of which $0.3 million and $0.6 million were accrued during the three months and six months ended March 31, 2008, respectively.

Tax years dating back to 1999 generally remain open to examination by various U.S. and foreign taxing authorities.

Note 10. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

     Three months ended
March 31,
    Six months ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  
     (in millions)  

Net income

   $ 5.7     $ 17.9     $ 4.1     $ 34.9  

Adjustments, net of tax:

        

Net unrealized loss on derivatives

     (5.8 )     (0.8 )     (9.7 )     (0.8 )

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (3.0 )     1.4       (1.7 )     (1.2 )

Minimum pension liability

     (5.1 )     —         (1.5 )     —    
                                

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (8.2 )   $ 18.5     $ (8.8 )   $ 32.9  
                                

 

12


Note 11. Segment Information

Segment assets consist primarily of receivables, inventories, property, plant and equipment, goodwill, and identifiable intangible assets. Summarized financial information for the Company’s segments is as follows (in millions):

 

     Three months ended
March 31,
    Six months ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net sales, excluding intersegment sales:

        

Mueller Co.

   $ 168.9     $ 195.9     $ 330.5     $ 358.0  

U.S. Pipe

     114.2       129.7       224.9       246.1  

Anvil

     138.5       134.1       278.5       267.5  
                                
   $ 421.6     $ 459.7     $ 833.9     $ 871.6  
                                

Intersegment sales:

        

Mueller Co.

   $ 4.8     $ 4.4     $ 9.4     $ 9.4  

U.S. Pipe

     0.8       3.6       1.2       4.6  

Anvil

     0.2       0.2       0.4       0.4  
                                
   $ 5.8     $ 8.2     $ 11.0     $ 14.4  
                                

Income (loss) from operations:

        

Mueller Co.

   $ 27.4     $ 42.8     $ 52.2     $ 78.5  

U.S. Pipe

     (2.8 )     6.8       (18.1 )     14.0  

Anvil

     12.9       13.6       28.8       26.6  

Corporate

     (9.5 )     (10.3 )     (18.5 )     (17.2 )
                                
   $ 28.0     $ 52.9     $ 44.4     $ 101.9  
                                

Depreciation:

        

Mueller Co.

   $ 6.1     $ 6.7     $ 12.4     $ 13.2  

U.S. Pipe

     5.1       5.9       10.8       11.4  

Anvil

     4.2       4.9       8.3       9.9  

Corporate

     0.2       0.2       0.3       0.5  
                                
   $ 15.6     $ 17.7     $ 31.8     $ 35.0  
                                

Amortization of identifiable intangible assets:

        

Mueller Co.

   $ 6.2     $ 6.3     $ 12.5     $ 12.5  

U.S. Pipe

     0.3       0.3       0.5       0.3  

Anvil

     0.8       0.8       1.7       1.7  
                                
   $ 7.3     $ 7.4     $ 14.7     $ 14.5  
                                

Capital expenditures:

        

Mueller Co.

   $ 4.4     $ 5.7     $ 8.8     $ 12.4  

U.S. Pipe

     13.9       12.1       23.0       19.9  

Anvil

     2.2       3.7       5.5       8.8  

Corporate

     —         1.0       —         1.4  
                                
   $ 20.5     $ 22.5     $ 37.3     $ 42.5  
                                

The U.S. Pipe loss from operations during the three months and six months ended March 31, 2008 included restructuring charges of $1.5 million and $17.7 million, respectively.

 

13


Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies

Income Tax Litigation — A dispute exists with regard to federal income taxes for fiscal years 1980 through 1994 and 1999 through 2001 allegedly owed by the Walter Industries consolidated group, which included the U.S. Pipe segment during these periods. According to Walter Industries’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, Walter Industries management estimates that the amount of tax presently claimed by the Internal Revenue Service is approximately $34.0 million for issues currently in dispute in bankruptcy court for matters unrelated to the Company. This amount is subject to interest and penalties. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service has issued a Notice of Proposed Deficiency assessing additional tax of $82.2 million for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2000, December 31, 2000 and December 31, 2001. As a matter of law, the Company is jointly and severally liable for any final tax determination, which means in the event Walter Industries is unable to pay any amounts owed, the Company would be liable. Walter Industries disclosed in the above mentioned Form 10-K that they believe their filing positions have substantial merit and that they intend to defend vigorously any claims asserted.

Environmental Matters — The Company is subject to a wide variety of laws and regulations concerning the protection of the environment, both with respect to the construction and operation of many of its plants and with respect to remediating environmental conditions that may exist at its own and other properties. The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. The Company accrues for environmental expenses resulting from existing conditions that relate to past operations when the costs are probable and reasonably estimable.

In September 1987, the Company implemented an Administrative Consent Order (ACO) for its Burlington, N.J. plant that was required under the New Jersey Environmental Cleanup Responsibility Act (now known as the Industrial Site Recovery Act). The ACO required soil and ground water cleanup, and the Company has completed, and has received final approval on, the soil cleanup required by the ACO. U.S. Pipe is continuing to address ground water issues at this site. Further remediation could be required. These remediation costs are expected to be minimal. Long-term ground water monitoring will be required to verify natural attenuation. Management does not know how long ground water monitoring will be required and does not believe monitoring or further cleanup costs, if any, will have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

In January 2003, Solutia Inc. and Pharmacia Corporation (collectively “Solutia”) filed suit against U.S. Pipe and a number of co-defendant foundry-related companies in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama for contribution and cost recovery allegedly incurred and to be incurred by Solutia in performing remediation of polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”) and heavy metals in Anniston, Alabama, pursuant to a partial consent decree with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”). U.S. Pipe and certain co-defendants subsequently reached a settlement with EPA concerning their liability for certain contamination in and around Anniston, which was memorialized in an Administrative Agreement and Order on Consent (“AOC”) that became effective in January 2006. U.S. Pipe has reached a cash-out settlement agreement whereby Phelps Dodge Industries, a co-defendant and co-respondent on the AOC, has assumed U.S. Pipe’s obligation to perform the work required under the AOC.

U.S. Pipe and the other settling defendants contend that the legal effect of the AOC extinguishes Solutia’s claims and they filed a motion for summary judgment to that effect. Discovery in this matter has been stayed while the motion for summary judgment is pending. Management currently has no basis to form a view with respect to the probability or amount of liability if its motion for summary judgment is unsuccessful.

U.S. Pipe and a number of co-defendant foundry-related companies were named in a putative civil class action case originally filed in April 2005 in the Circuit Court of Calhoun County, Alabama, and removed by defendants to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama under the Class Action Fairness Act. The putative plaintiffs in the case filed an amended complaint with the U.S. District Court in December 2006. The amended complaint alleged state law tort claims (negligence, failure to warn, wantonness, nuisance, trespass and outrage) arising from creation and disposal of “foundry sand” alleged to contain harmful levels of PCBs and other toxins, including arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead and zinc. The plaintiffs originally sought damages for real and personal property and for other unspecified personal injury. On June 4, 2007, a Motion to Dismiss was granted to U.S. Pipe and certain co-defendants as to the claims for negligence, failure to warn, nuisance, trespass and outrage. The remainder of the complaint was dismissed with leave to file an amended complaint. On July 6, 2007, plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint, which dismissed prior claims relating to U.S. Pipe’s former 10th Street facility and no longer alleges personal injury claims. Plaintiffs filed a third amended complaint on July 27, 2007. U.S. Pipe and the other defendants have moved to dismiss the third amended complaint. Management believes that numerous procedural and

 

14


substantive defenses are available. At present, management has no reasonable basis to form a view with respect to the probability of liability in this matter.

In the acquisition agreement pursuant to which the predecessor to, among others, Tyco International Ltd. (“Tyco”) sold the Company’s Mueller Co. and Anvil segments to the prior owners of these businesses in August 1999, Tyco agreed to indemnify the Company and its affiliates, among other things, for all “Excluded Liabilities”. Excluded Liabilities include, among other things, substantially all liabilities relating to prior to August 1999. The indemnity survives indefinitely and is not subject to any deductibles or caps. However, the Company may be responsible for these liabilities in the event that Tyco ever becomes financially unable to or otherwise fails to comply with, the terms of the indemnity. In addition, Tyco’s indemnity does not cover liabilities to the extent caused by the Company or the operation of its business after August 1999, nor does it cover liabilities arising with respect to businesses or sites acquired after August 1999.

Some of the Company’s subsidiaries have been named as defendants in asbestos-related lawsuits. Management does not believe that these lawsuits, either individually or in the aggregate, are material to the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Other Litigation — The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to a number of other lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of their businesses, including product liability cases for products manufactured by the Company and third parties. Costs are provided for these matters when a loss is probable and the amount is reasonably estimable. Defense costs are expensed as incurred. The effect of the outcome of these matters on the Company’s future results of operations cannot be predicted with certainty as any such effect depends on future results of operations and the amount and timing of the resolution of such matters. While the results of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the final outcome of such other litigation is not likely to have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Note 13. Subsequent Events

On April 28, 2008, the Company declared a dividend of $0.0175 per share on the Company’s Series A and Series B common stock, payable on May 20, 2008 to stockholders of record at the close of business on May 9, 2008.

 

15


Note 14. Noncash Investing and Financing Activities and Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Noncash Investing and Financing Activities — During the six months ended March 31, 2008, the Company amended a retiree medical coverage plan within the U.S. Pipe segment and a defined benefit pension plan within the Mueller Co. segment. See Note 7. Effective October 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48. See Note 9. In January 2007, the Company acquired the assets of Fast Fabricators, a ductile iron pipe manufacturer headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut, for total consideration of $23.0 million in cash, net of cash acquired. This purchase price was subject to adjustment for an earnout provision based on calendar 2007 results, none of which was earned.

These transactions had the following noncash impacts on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets (in millions):

 

     Six months ended March 31,  
     2008     2007  

Employee benefit plan amendments and Burlington curtailment:

    

Decrease in other noncurrent assets

   $ (2.3 )   $ —    

Increase in other noncurrent liabilities

     1.6       —    

Decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income

     0.7       —    
                
   $ —       $ —    
                

Adoption of FIN 48:

    

Increase in goodwill

   $ 0.5     $ —    

Increase in other noncurrent assets

     4.7       —    

Decrease in other current liabilities

     6.7       —    

Increase in other noncurrent liabilities

     (12.4 )     —    

Increase in accumulated deficit

     0.5       —    
                
   $ —       $ —    
                

Acquisition of Fast Fabricators:

    

Increase in current assets

   $ —       $ 10.5  

Increase in identifiable intangible assets

     —         13.1  

Increase in goodwill

     —         0.5  

Increase in property, plant and equipment

     —         —    

Increase in other noncurrent assets

     —         1.8  

Increase in current liabilities

     —         (2.9 )

Accrued purchase price adjustment

     —         (0.5 )

Purchase price paid, net of cash acquired

     —         (22.5 )
                
   $ —       $ —    
                

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

    
     Six months ended March 31,  
     2008     2007  

Cash paid, net of cash received (in millions):

    

Interest

   $ 38.1     $ 36.5  

Income taxes

   $ (0.3 )   $ 19.6  

 

16


Note 15. Consolidating Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information

The following information is included as a result of the guarantee by certain of the Company’s wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries, both direct and indirect (the “Guarantor Companies”), of the Notes. None of the Company’s other subsidiaries guarantee the Notes. Each of the guarantees is joint and several and full and unconditional. The Guarantor Companies are as follows:

 

Name

   State of
incorporation
or organization

Anvil 1, LLC

   Delaware

Anvil 2, LLC

   Delaware

Anvilstar, LLC

   Delaware

Anvil International, LP

   Delaware

Fast Fabricators, LLC

   Delaware

Henry Pratt Company, LLC

   Delaware

Henry Pratt International, LLC

   Delaware

Hersey Meters Co., LLC

   Delaware

Hunt Industries, LLC

   Delaware

Hydro Gate, LLC

   Delaware

James Jones Company, LLC

   Delaware

J.B. Smith Mfg. Co., LLC

   Delaware

MCO 1, LLC

   Alabama

MCO 2, LLC

   Alabama

Milliken Valve, LLC

   Delaware

Mueller Co. Ltd.

   Alabama

Mueller Financial Services, LLC

   Delaware

Mueller Group, LLC

   Delaware

Mueller International, Inc.

   Delaware

Mueller International, L.L.C.

   Delaware

Mueller International Finance, Inc.

   Delaware

Mueller International Finance, L.L.C.

   Delaware

Mueller Service California, Inc.

   Delaware

Mueller Service Co., LLC

   Delaware

United States Pipe and Foundry Company, LLC

   Alabama

 

17


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

March 31, 2008

(in millions)

 

     Issuer     Guarantor
companies
    Non-
guarantor
companies
   Consolidating
eliminations
    Consolidated

Assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 117.9     $ (6.8 )   $ 8.5    $ —       $ 119.6

Receivables, net

     12.0       228.8       29.9      —         270.7

Inventories

     —         415.7       64.7      —         480.4

Deferred income taxes

     34.3       —         —        —         34.3

Other current assets

     27.4       28.5       2.6      —         58.5
                                     

Total current assets

     191.6       666.2       105.7      —         963.5

Property, plant and equipment, net

     2.6       321.6       15.6      —         339.8

Identifiable intangible assets, net

     —         804.6       —        —         804.6

Goodwill

     —         871.1       —        —         871.1

Other noncurrent assets

     15.3       0.8       2.1      —         18.2

Investment in subsidiaries

     807.6       14.8       —        (822.4 )     —  
                                     

Total assets

   $ 1,017.1     $ 2,679.1     $ 123.4    $ (822.4 )   $ 2,997.2
                                     

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:

           

Current portion of long-term debt

   $ 5.3     $ 0.8     $ —      $ —       $ 6.1

Accounts payable

     10.4       102.7       11.7      —         124.8

Other current liabilities

     26.3       58.4       —        —         84.7
                                     

Total current liabilities

     42.0       161.9       11.7      —         215.6

Intercompany accounts

     (1,756.5 )     1,659.6       96.9      —         —  

Long-term debt

     1,090.9       0.8       —        —         1,091.7

Deferred income taxes

     304.5       —         —        —         304.5

Other noncurrent liabilities

     31.1       49.2       —        —         80.3
                                     

Total liabilities

     (288.0 )     1,871.5       108.6      —         1,692.1

Stockholders’ equity

     1,305.1       807.6       14.8      (822.4 )     1,305.1
                                     

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,017.1     $ 2,679.1     $ 123.4    $ (822.4 )   $ 2,997.2
                                     

 

18


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

(in millions)

 

     Issuer     Guarantor
companies
    Non-
guarantor
companies
    Consolidating
eliminations
    Consolidated

Net sales

   $ —       $ 360.9     $ 60.7     $ —       $ 421.6

Cost of sales

     —         269.1       53.7       —         322.8
                                      

Gross profit

     —         91.8       7.0       —         98.8

Operating expenses:

          

Selling, general and administrative

     9.1       51.0       9.2       —         69.3

Restructuring

     —         1.5       —         —         1.5
                                      

Operating income (loss)

     (9.1 )     39.3       (2.2 )     —         28.0

Interest expense (income), net

     18.2       (0.1 )     —         —         18.1
                                      

Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)

     (27.3 )     39.4       (2.2 )     —         9.9

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (11.4 )     16.5       (0.9 )     —         4.2

Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries

     21.6       (1.3 )     —         (20.3 )     —  
                                      

Net income (loss)

   $ 5.7     $ 21.6     $ (1.3 )   $ (20.3 )   $ 5.7
                                      

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

Six Months Ended March 31, 2008

(in millions)

 

     Issuer     Guarantor
companies
    Non-
guarantor
companies
    Consolidating
eliminations
    Consolidated

Net sales

   $ —       $ 706.0     $ 127.9     $ —       $ 833.9

Cost of sales

     —         528.6       112.1       —         640.7
                                      

Gross profit

     —         177.4       15.8       —         193.2

Operating expenses:

          

Selling, general and administrative

     18.2       95.5       17.4       —         131.1

Restructuring

     —         17.7       —         —         17.7
                                      

Operating income (loss)

     (18.2 )     64.2       (1.6 )     —         44.4

Interest expense (income), net

     37.4       (0.1 )     —         —         37.3
                                      

Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)

     (55.6 )     64.3       (1.6 )     —         7.1

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (23.1 )     26.8       (0.7 )     —         3.0

Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries

     36.6       (0.9 )     —         (35.7 )     —  
                                      

Net income (loss)

   $ 4.1     $ 36.6     $ (0.9 )   $ (35.7 )   $ 4.1
                                      

 

19


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Six Months Ended March 31, 2008

(in millions)

 

     Issuer     Guarantor
companies
    Non-
guarantor
companies
    Consolidating
eliminations
   Consolidated  

Operating activities:

           

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $ 33.3     $ 35.2     $ (7.8 )   $ —      $ 60.7  
                                       

Investing activities:

           

Capital expenditures

     —         (36.5 )     (0.8 )     —        (37.3 )

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

     —         7.2       —         —        7.2  
                                       

Net cash used in investing activities

     —         (29.3 )     (0.8 )     —        (30.1 )
                                       

Financing activities:

           

Increase (decrease) in outstanding checks

     —         (4.1 )     —         —        (4.1 )

Payments of long-term debt

     (2.6 )     —         —         —        (2.6 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     1.0       —         —         —        1.0  

Dividends to stockholders

     (4.0 )     —         —         —        (4.0 )
                                       

Net cash used in financing activities

     (5.6 )     (4.1 )     —         —        (9.7 )
                                       

Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash

     —         —         (0.2 )     —        (0.2 )
                                       

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     27.7       1.8       (8.8 )     —        20.7  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     90.2       (8.6 )     17.3       —        98.9  
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 117.9     $ (6.8 )   $ 8.5     $ —      $ 119.6  
                                       

 

20


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto that appear in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 and with the condensed consolidated financial statements that appear elsewhere in this report. This report contains certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company’s management intends, expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon certain assumptions and assessments made by management in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. The forward-looking statements included in this report are also subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors affecting our operations, markets, products, services and prices. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results and the timing of events may differ significantly from those projected in such forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of the Annual Report on Form 10-K and this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Mueller Water Products, Inc., a Delaware corporation, together with its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company”) completed an initial public offering of its Series A common stock (NYSE: MWA) on June 1, 2006. On December 14, 2006, Walter Industries, Inc. (“Walter Industries”) distributed all of the Company’s outstanding Series B common stock (NYSE: MWA.B) to Walter Industries’ stockholders (the “Spin-off”).

The Company operates in three business segments: Mueller Co., U.S. Pipe and Anvil. Mueller Co. manufactures and sells fire hydrants and various valves used in residential water and gas systems. U.S. Pipe manufactures and sells a broad line of ductile iron pressure pipe, restrained joint products, fittings and other products. Anvil manufactures and sells a variety of pipe fittings, couplings, pipe hangers, pipe nipples and related products.

Fast Fabricators, Inc. (“Fast Fabricators”) was acquired in January 2007 and is included in the Company’s results of operations beginning with January 2007. Fast Fabricators is reported as part of the U.S. Pipe segment.

In this report, the “Company” refers to Mueller Water Products, Inc. and its subsidiaries, except where the context makes clear that the reference is only to Mueller Water Products, Inc. itself, and is not inclusive of its subsidiaries.

Except as otherwise noted, all financial and operating data has been presented on a fiscal year and fiscal quarter basis. The Company’s fiscal year ends on September 30, and its fiscal quarters end on December 31, March 31 and June 30.

Business Developments and Trends

A significant portion of the Company’s net sales is directly related to residential construction, municipal water infrastructure and commercial construction activity in the United States. Residential construction activity has declined substantially since the end of 2006. Annualized housing starts, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, were down 36.5% in March 2008 compared to March 2007 and down 20% compared to September 2007. The Company’s management expects the downturn in residential construction to continue. Further, management expects municipal water infrastructure spending to increase over time in order to address aging systems, but not to offset the current decline in residential construction activity.

In November 2007, the Company announced its intention to close U.S. Pipe’s manufacturing operations in Burlington, N. J., eliminating approximately 180 jobs. These manufacturing operations ceased near the end of January 2008. This facility continues to be used as a full-service distribution center for customers in the Northeast. In connection with closing the manufacturing operations, the Company expects to incur total restructuring charges of approximately $19 million. These total estimated charges consist of approximately $15 million of asset impairment charges and $4 million of employee-related and other charges. During the three months and six months ended March 31, 2008, the Company recorded charges of $1.5 million and $17.7 million, respectively. Total restructuring charges recorded to date consisted of $14.8 million of asset impairment charges and $2.9 million of employee-related and other charges. The remaining estimated restructuring charges are expected to be recorded over the remainder of fiscal 2008. Management expects the Company will realize annualized savings of $15 million to $17 million as a result of this action. Excluding the restructuring charges, management expects to realize approximately $9 million of savings in fiscal 2008.

 

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Construction of U.S. Pipe’s automated iron pipe manufacturing facility continues on schedule and this facility is expected to begin startup operations by the end of calendar 2008.

The Company experiences inflation related to purchases of raw materials and purchased components. The average costs of brass ingot and high grade scrap iron, components of Mueller Co. products, have increased by 9.3% and 18.4%, respectively, for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to the prior year period. The average cost of low grade scrap iron, a component of U.S. Pipe products, increased 37.4% for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to the prior year period. These costs increased in April 2008 and could continue to increase based on marketplace demand and can be volatile.

The Company has implemented or announced a number of sales price increases across all of its businesses since January 2008 in an effort to cover rising raw material costs. In certain market conditions, the full amount of announced sales price increases may not be realized. There is generally a period of time between the date sales price changes are announced and the date they become effective for new orders. The extent of realizing these sales price increases could materially affect net sales, income from operations, net income and net cash provided by operating activities in the future.

The Company is dependent upon the construction industry, which is seasonal due to the impact of cold and wet weather conditions. Net sales and income from operations have historically been lowest, and working capital needs have been highest, in the three month periods ending December 31 and March 31, when the northern United States and all of Canada generally experience weather that restricts significant construction activity. The Company typically builds working capital in anticipation of the peak construction season, during which time its working capital needs tend to be reduced.

 

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Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

 

     Three months ended March 31, 2008
     Mueller Co.    U.S. Pipe     Anvil    Corporate     Total
     (in millions)

Net sales

   $ 168.9    $ 114.2     $ 138.5    $ —       $ 421.6
                                    

Gross profit

   $ 49.9    $ 9.3     $ 39.6    $ —       $ 98.8

Operating expenses:

            

Selling, general and administrative

     22.5      10.6       26.7      9.5       69.3

Restructuring

     —        1.5       —        —         1.5
                                    

Total operating expenses

     22.5      12.1       26.7      9.5       70.8
                                    

Income (loss) from operations

   $ 27.4    $ (2.8 )   $ 12.9    $ (9.5 )     28.0
                                

Interest expense, net

               18.1
                

Income before income taxes

               9.9

Income tax expense

               4.2
                

Net income

             $ 5.7
                

 

     Three months ended March 31, 2007
     Mueller Co.    U.S. Pipe    Anvil    Corporate     Total
     (in millions)

Net sales

   $ 195.9    $ 129.7    $ 134.1    $ —       $ 459.7
                                   

Gross profit

   $ 63.0    $ 17.6    $ 37.2    $ —       $ 117.8

Operating expenses:

             

Selling, general and administrative

     20.2      10.8      23.6      10.3       64.9

Restructuring

     —        —        —        —         —  
                                   

Total operating expenses

     20.2      10.8      23.6      10.3       64.9
                                   

Income (loss) from operations

   $ 42.8    $ 6.8    $ 13.6    $ (10.3 )     52.9
                               

Interest expense, net

                21.1
                 

Income before income taxes

                31.8

Income tax expense

                13.9
                 

Net income

              $ 17.9
                 

Consolidated Analysis

Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2008 were $421.6 million compared to $459.7 million in the prior year period. Net sales decreased $38.1 million, or 8%, year-over-year due to $51.8 million of lower shipment volumes, principally attributable to the continued difficulties associated with residential construction. This decrease was partially offset by $6.4 million of higher pricing and a $7.2 million favorable impact of Canadian currency exchange rates.

Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $98.8 million, a decrease of $19.0 million compared to $117.8 million in the prior year period. Gross margin decreased to 23.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to 25.6% in the prior year period. Gross profit declined $16.8 million due to lower shipment volumes and $12.1 million due to higher raw material costs, which exceeded sales price increases. Cost reductions of $10.8 million offset the negative impact of $10.3 million of additional per unit overhead included in cost of sales resulting from reduced production levels.

 

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Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 were $69.3 million and $64.9 million, respectively. The increase was primarily due to an additional $1.1 million provision for doubtful accounts, higher ongoing administrative expenses largely associated with the separation of Anvil’s Canadian manufacturing and distribution operations and changes in Canadian currency exchange rates.

During the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company recorded Burlington restructuring charges of $1.5 million for employee-related and other items.

Interest expense, net was $18.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $21.1 million in the prior year period. The decrease was mostly attributable to lower interest rates, due to the debt refinancing that occurred in May 2007 and lower market rates on the Company’s variable rate borrowings, and higher levels of invested cash. Interest income was $1.0 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Income tax expense during the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $4.2 million compared to $13.9 million in the prior year period. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was 42.4% compared to 43.7% during the prior year period.

Segment Analysis

Mueller Co. - Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2008 were $168.9 million, a decrease of $27.0 million, or 14%, compared to $195.9 million in the prior year period. Net sales declined primarily due to reduced volume of $31.7 million, partially offset by higher pricing and favorable Canadian currency exchange rates. Shipment volumes of iron gate valves and hydrants declined 17.6% and brass service products declined 41.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to the prior year period due to the soft market associated with the continued downturn in residential construction.

Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $49.9 million, a decrease of $13.1 million, or 21%, compared to $63.0 million in the prior year period. Gross margin decreased to 29.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to 32.2% in the prior year period. Gross profit decreased $12.7 million due to reduced volume and $4.2 million due to higher raw material costs, partially offset by $2.8 million of higher sales pricing.

Income from operations during the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $27.4 million, a decrease of $15.4 million, compared to $42.8 million in the prior year period. This decline was due to the lower gross profit and $2.3 million of higher selling, general and administrative expenses. These higher expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2008 were primarily attributable to Canadian currency exchange rates, an additional provision for doubtful accounts and other administrative expenses.

U.S. Pipe - Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2008 were $114.2 million, a decrease of $15.5 million, or 12%, compared to $129.7 million in the prior year period. Lower shipment volumes, as a result of weakness in residential demand, and a less favorable product mix caused $16.0 million of the decline. Slightly higher pricing only partially mitigated this decline.

Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $9.3 million, a decrease of $8.3 million, or 47%, compared to $17.6 million in the prior year period. Gross margin decreased to 8.1% in the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to 13.6% in the prior year period. Gross profit was negatively affected during the three months ended March 31, 2008 by $7.5 million of higher raw material costs and $3.8 million due to lower shipment volumes. These factors were partially offset by cost savings of $6.3 million.

Loss from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $2.8 million, a decrease of $9.6 million, compared to income from operations of $6.8 million in the prior year period. The decrease was due to the decline in gross profit discussed above and $1.5 million of Burlington restructuring charges.

Anvil - Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2008 were $138.5 million, an increase of $4.4 million, or 3%, compared to $134.1 million in the prior year period. This net sales increase was driven by a $5.4 million favorable impact of Canadian currency exchange rates and higher pricing, partially offset by volume declines.

Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $39.6 million, an increase of $2.4 million, or 6%, compared to $37.2 million in the prior year period. Gross margin was 28.6% in the three months ended March 31, 2008

 

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compared to 27.7% in the prior year period. Gross profit increased in the three months ended March 31, 2008 due to $3.4 million of higher sales pricing, partially offset by reduced volume and higher raw material costs.

Income from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $12.9 million, a decrease of $0.7 million, or 5%, compared to $13.6 million in the prior year period. This decline was attributed to higher selling, general and administrative expenses of $26.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $23.6 million in the prior year period. These higher expenses were caused primarily by Canadian currency exchange rates and higher ongoing administrative expenses associated with the separation of Canadian manufacturing and distribution operations.

Corporate - Corporate expenses were $9.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $10.3 million during the prior year period. This decrease was attributable to miscellaneous administrative items.

Six Months Ended March 31, 2008 Compared to the Six Months Ended March 31, 2007

 

     Six months ended March 31, 2008
     Mueller Co.    U.S. Pipe     Anvil    Corporate     Total
     (in millions)

Net sales

   $ 330.5    $ 224.9     $ 278.5    $ —       $ 833.9
                                    

Gross profit

   $ 95.4    $ 19.9     $ 77.3    $ 0.6     $ 193.2

Operating expenses:

            

Selling, general and administrative

     43.2      20.3       48.5      19.1       131.1

Restructuring expenses

     —        17.7       —        —         17.7
                                    

Total operating expenses

     43.2      38.0       48.5      19.1       148.8
                                    

Income (loss) from operations

   $ 52.2    $ (18.1 )   $ 28.8    $ (18.5 )     44.4
                                

Interest expense, net

               37.3
                

Income before income taxes

               7.1

Income tax expense

               3.0
                

Net income

             $ 4.1
                

 

     Six months ended March 31, 2007
     Mueller Co.    U.S. Pipe    Anvil    Corporate     Total
     (in millions)

Net sales

   $ 358.0    $ 246.1    $ 267.5    $ —       $ 871.6
                                   

Gross profit

   $ 118.1    $ 34.4    $ 73.0    $ —       $ 225.5

Operating expenses:

             

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     39.6      20.4      46.4      17.2       123.6

Restructuring

     —        —        —        —         —  
                                   

Total operating expenses

     39.6      20.4      46.4      17.2       123.6
                                   

Income (loss) from operations

   $ 78.5    $ 14.0    $ 26.6    $ (17.2 )     101.9
                               

Interest expense, net

                41.5
                 

Income before income taxes

                60.4

Income tax expense

                25.5
                 

Net income

              $ 34.9
                 

 

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Consolidated Analysis

Net sales for the six months ended March 31, 2008 were $833.9 million, a decrease of $37.7 million, or 4%, compared to $871.6 million in the prior year period. Net sales decreased due to approximately $76 million of lower shipment volumes, principally caused by the continued difficulties associated with the residential construction markets. Lower volumes were partially offset by higher pricing, the favorable impact from Canadian currency exchange rates and the acquisition of Fast Fabricators.

Gross profit for the six months ended March 31, 2008 was $193.2 million, a decrease of $32.3 million, or 14%, compared to $225.5 million in the prior year period. Gross margin decreased to 23.2% for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to 25.9% in the prior year period. Gross profit declined approximately $24 million due to lower shipments and approximately $28 million due to higher raw material costs, which was partially offset by approximately $16 million of sales price increases. Cost reductions of approximately $29 million offset the negative impact of additional per unit overhead included in cost of sales resulting from reduced production levels. Other factors included the favorable impact from both Canadian currency exchange rates and the acquisition of Fast Fabricators.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 were $131.1 million and $123.6 million, respectively. The increase was primarily due to higher employee-related costs and other expenses associated with operating the Company as a stand-alone publicly-traded company subsequent to the Spin-off, the unfavorable impact from Canadian currency exchange rates, higher ongoing administrative expenses associated with a separation of Anvil’s Canadian manufacturing and distribution operations and an additional $1.1 million provision for doubtful accounts.

During the six months ended March 31, 2008, the Company recorded Burlington restructuring charges of $17.7 million, consisting of $14.8 million of asset impairment charges and $2.9 million of employee-related and other charges. The remaining estimated restructuring charges are expected to be recorded over the remainder of fiscal 2008.

Interest expense, net was $37.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $41.5 million in the prior year period. This decrease was mostly attributable to lower interest rates, due to the debt refinancing that occurred in May 2007 and lower market rates on the Company’s variable rate borrowings, and higher levels of invested cash. Interest income was $2.4 million and $1.8 million during the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Income tax expense during the six months ended March 31, 2008 was $3.0 million compared to $25.5 million in the prior year period. The effective tax rate for the six months ended March 31, 2008 was 42.3% compared to 42.2% in the prior year period.

Segment Analysis

Mueller Co. - Net sales for the six months ended March 31, 2008 were $330.5 million, a decrease of $27.5 million, or 8%, compared to $358.0 million in the prior year period. Net sales declined primarily due to reduced shipment volumes of approximately $39 million, partially offset by higher pricing and the favorable impact of Canadian currency exchange rates.

Gross profit for the six months ended March 31, 2008 was $95.4 million, a decrease of $22.7 million, or 19%, compared to $118.1 million in the prior year period. Gross margin decreased to 28.9% for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to 33.0% in the prior year period. Gross profit declined approximately $16 million due to reduced volume, higher raw material costs of approximately $10 million and the negative impact of reduced production. These factors were partially offset by cost savings and higher sales pricing.

Income from operations during the six months ended March 31, 2008 was $52.2 million, a decrease of $26.3 million, or 34%, compared to $78.5 million in the prior year period. This decline was due to lower gross profit and higher selling, general and administrative expenses. These higher expenses were attributable to employee-related costs.

U.S. Pipe - Net sales for the six months ended March 31, 2008 were $224.9 million, a decrease of $21.2 million, or 9%, compared to $246.1 million in the prior year period. Lower shipment volumes as a result of overall weakness in residential demand and a less favorable product mix caused approximately $30 million of the decline, which was partially offset by net sales from Fast Fabricators.

 

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Gross profit for the six months ended March 31, 2008 was $19.9 million, a decrease of $14.5 million, or 42%, compared to $34.4 million in the prior year period. Gross margin decreased to 8.8% in the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to 14.0% in the prior year period. Gross profit declined approximately $17 million due to higher raw material costs and approximately $9 million due to lower shipments and a less favorable product mix. These factors were partially offset by cost savings.

Loss from operations for the six months ended March 31, 2008 was $18.1 million, a decrease of $32.1 million compared to income from operations of $14.0 million for the prior year period. The decrease was due to $17.7 million of Burlington restructuring charges and the decline in gross profit.

Anvil - Net sales for the six months ended March 31, 2008 were $278.5 million, an increase of $11.0 million, or 4%, compared to $267.5 million in the prior year period. This net sales increase was driven by approximately $10 million of favorable impact of Canadian currency exchange rates and approximately $7 million of higher pricing, partially offset by approximately $6 million of reduced volume.

Gross profit for the six months ended March 31, 2008 was $77.3 million, an increase of $4.3 million, or 6%, compared to $73.0 million in the prior year period. Gross margin was 27.8% for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to 27.3% in the prior year period. Gross profit increased primarily due to sales price increases, partially offset by the negative impact of additional per unit overhead included in cost of sales resulting from reduced production levels.

Operating income for the six months ended March 31, 2008 was $28.8 million, an increase of $2.2 million, or 8%, compared to $26.6 million in the prior year period. Operating income increased due to the increase in gross profit, partially offset by ongoing administrative costs largely associated with the separation of Canadian manufacturing and distribution operations.

Corporate - Corporate expenses were $19.1 million during the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $17.2 million during the prior year period, an increase of 11%. This increase was attributable to the higher costs of operating the Company as a stand-alone publicly-traded company subsequent to the Spin-off.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents increased $20.7 million during the six months ended March 31, 2008 to a total of $119.6 million at March 31, 2008. Cash and cash equivalents activity is summarized below (in millions):

 

Balance at September 30, 2007

   $ 98.9  

Cash provided by operating activities

     60.7  

Cash used in investing activities

     (30.1 )

Cash used in financing activities

     (9.7 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (0.2 )
        

Balance at March 31, 2008

   $ 119.6  
        

Operating activities - Net cash provided by operating activities was $60.7 million during the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $56.7 million during the prior year period. This improvement resulted mostly from changes in inventories and accounts payable and other liabilities, which were partially offset by changes in receivables and reduced operating results.

Inventories generally increase during the six months ending March 31 due to seasonal factors. Raw material prices reflected in ending inventory were also notably higher at March 31, 2008 compared to March 31, 2007. Inventories increased $28.9 million during the six months ended March 31, 2008 due to cash activities compared to $50.8 million during the prior year period.

Accounts payable and other liabilities decreased $17.4 million during the six months ended March 31, 2008 due to cash activities compared to $49.6 million during the prior year period. Most of this variance was due to timing of accounts payable and lower levels of inventory purchases.

Receivables are generally higher at the end of the third and fourth quarters compared to the end of the first and second quarters of each fiscal year as a result of seasonal construction activity. Receivables decreased $30.5 million during the six months ended March 31, 2008 due to cash activities compared to $53.1 million during the prior year period.

 

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Cash flows from operating activities, excluding changes in assets and liabilities, were $72.7 million during the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $105.5 million during the prior year period. This decrease was due primarily to lower sales volumes and higher raw material and purchased component costs.

Investing activities - Net cash used in investing activities was $30.1 million during the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $65.0 million during the prior year period. Capital expenditures were $37.3 million during the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $42.5 million during the prior year period. Total capital expenditures were $88.3 million during fiscal 2007 and are estimated to be within the range of approximately $75 million to $85 million for fiscal 2008. Recent capital expenditures have been for normal replacement and upgrade projects and the construction of an automated ductile iron pipe manufacturing facility by U.S. Pipe.

Other investing activities during the six months ended March 31, 2008 included $7.2 million of proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment. Other investing activities during the six months ended March 31, 2007 included $22.5 million for the acquisition of Fast Fabricators.

Financing activities - Net cash used in financing activities was $9.7 million during the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $4.4 million during the prior year period. The Company’s cash management practice is to fund checks written only when they are presented for payment. The change in outstanding checks is reported as a financing activity, and during the six months ended March 31, 2008 resulted in a $4.1 million use of cash compared to a $3.9 million source of cash in the prior year period. Other financing activities during the six months ended March 31, 2008 included dividends paid to stockholders of $4.0 million, debt payments of $2.6 million and proceeds from issuing common stock of $1.0 million. These activities were consistent with comparable transactions during the prior year period.

Existing borrowings at March 31, 2008 consisted of primarily $671.0 million under the 2007 Credit Agreement and $425.0 million of 2007 Senior Subordinated Notes, which mature in 2017. Interest and related fees are paid at least semi-annually on all borrowings. Borrowings under the 2007 Credit Agreement consisted of $141.6 million designated as Term A, which is scheduled to be repaid with quarterly principal payments of $3.5 million beginning September 2009 with the balance due in 2012, and $529.4 million designated as Term B, which is currently being repaid with quarterly principal payments of approximately $1.3 million with the balance due in 2014. The 2007 Credit Agreement also includes a $300 million revolving line of credit against which there were no outstanding borrowings at March 31, 2008. The availability under this agreement is reduced by outstanding letters of credit, which were $37.3 million at March 31, 2008.

The 2007 Credit Agreement and/or the indenture securing the 2007 Senior Subordinated Notes contain mandatory prepayment provisions in the event of certain asset sales, restrict certain business activities, and require maintenance of certain financial ratios. The Company was compliant with applicable provisions of these debt instruments at March 31, 2008 and management anticipates maintaining such compliance for the foreseeable future.

In February 2008, Moody’s changed its corporate outlook rating for the Company to “Stable” from “Positive”.

No contributions were made to the Company’s pension plans during the six months ended March 31, 2008. Governmental regulations establish minimum funding requirements for these pension plans. The evaluation of the minimum funding requirements for these plans for fiscal 2008 will not be completed until later in the fiscal year. At this time, management estimates fiscal 2008 minimum funding requirements to be within the range of $6 million to $12 million, and in April 2008, the Company made a contribution of $5.6 million to these pension plans. The Company may contribute amounts above the minimum requirements if management deems such contributions appropriate. In addition, the Company anticipates contributing approximately $1.6 million to its other postretirement benefit plans in fiscal 2008.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company accrued $10.5 million with respect to certain state income tax matters for periods prior to 2006. The Company expects to pay a majority of this amount over the remainder of fiscal 2008.

 

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Management anticipates the Company’s borrowing availability under the revolving line of credit feature of the 2007 Credit Agreement, the existing balance of cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2008 and cash flows from operating activities will be sufficient to meet the Company’s anticipated future operating expenses, capital expenditures, working capital investments, debt service obligations and other cash requirements in the normal course of business as they become due for at least the next twelve months. However, the Company’s ability to make scheduled payments of principal of, to pay interest on or to refinance its debt and satisfy its other debt obligations will depend on the Company’s future operating performance, which will be affected by general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, business and other factors beyond management’s control.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as “structured finance entities” or “special purpose entities”, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. In addition, there are no undisclosed borrowings or debt, any derivative contracts (other than those described in “Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosure About Market Risk”) or synthetic leases. Therefore, the Company is not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if it had engaged in such relationships.

The Company uses letters of credit and surety bonds in the ordinary course of business to ensure its performance of contractual obligations. As of March 31, 2008, the Company had $18.5 million of surety bonds outstanding in addition to the $37.3 million of outstanding letters of credit.

Effect of Inflation; Seasonality

The Company experiences inflation related to purchases of raw materials and purchased components. The average costs of brass ingot and high grade scrap iron, components of Mueller Co. products, have increased by 9.3% and 18.4%, respectively, for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to the prior year period. The average cost of low grade scrap iron, a component of our U.S. Pipe products, increased 37.4% for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to the prior year period. These costs increased in April 2008 and could continue to increase based on marketplace demand and can be volatile. The Company has implemented sales price increases for these products in an effort to cover rising raw material costs. In certain market conditions, the full amount of any such increases may not be sustained.

Construction industry activity, which is seasonal due to the impact of cold and wet weather conditions, influences the Company’s business activity. Net sales and income from operations have historically been lowest, and working capital needs have been highest, in the three month periods ending December 31 and March 31, when the northern United States and all of Canada generally experience weather that restricts significant construction activity. The Company typically builds working capital in anticipation of the peak construction season, during which time its working capital needs tend to be reduced.

 

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ITEM 3. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Swap Contracts

The Company used interest rate swap contracts with a cumulative total notional amount of $325 million as of March 31, 2008 to hedge against cash flow variability arising from changes in LIBOR in conjunction with its LIBOR-indexed variable rate borrowings. These swap contracts were accounted for as effective hedges. During the three months and six months ended March 31, 2008, the Company recorded unrealized after-tax losses from these swap contracts of $6.2 million and $10.1 million, respectively, which were reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. These swap contracts had a liability fair value of $18.5 million at March 31, 2008, which was included in other noncurrent liabilities. There was no ineffectiveness related to these swap contracts for the three months and six months ended March 31, 2008.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

The Company entered into Canadian dollar forward exchange contracts to reduce exposure to currency fluctuations from Canadian-denominated intercompany loans. These contracts were not accounted for as hedges, and had a cumulative notional amount of $27.2 million as of March 31, 2008. Gains and losses on these contracts were included in selling, general and administrative expenses. During the three months and six months ended March 31, 2008, the Company recorded net losses of $1.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively, related to such contracts.

Natural Gas Swap Contracts

The Company used natural gas swap contracts with a cumulative total notional amount of 224,000 mmbtu as of March 31, 2008 to hedge against cash flow variability arising from changes in natural gas prices in conjunction with its anticipated purchases of natural gas. These swap contracts were accounted for as effective hedges. These swap contracts had an asset fair value of $0.4 million at March 31, 2008. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company recorded an unrealized after-tax gain from these swap contracts of $0.4 million, which was reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Hedge ineffectiveness related to these swap contracts was immaterial for the three months and six months ended March 31, 2008.

 

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management necessarily applied its judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures, which, by their nature, can provide only reasonable assurance regarding the adequacy of the Company’s controls.

The Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that the Company’s disclosure controls can prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. There are inherent limitations in all control systems, including the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of one or more persons. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and, while the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to be effective under circumstances where they should reasonably be expected to operate effectively, there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Because of the inherent limitations in any control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, there was an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer along with the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b). Based upon the foregoing, the Chief Executive Officer along with the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at providing reasonable assurance that all material information relating to the Company required to be included in its Exchange Act reports is reported in a timely manner.

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal procedures that significantly affected, or are reasonably likely to affect, the Company’s disclosure controls during the six months ended March 31, 2008.

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Refer to the information provided in Note 12 to the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements presented in Item 1 of Part I of this report.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2007, all of which could materially affect the Company’s business, financial condition or future results. These described risks are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company’s management or that are currently deemed to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition or operating results.

 

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

During the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company repurchased shares of its Series A common stock as follows:

 

Period

   Number of
shares
purchased (1)
   Average
price paid
per share
   Total number
of shares
purchased as
part of publicly
announced plans
or programs
   Maximum
number of
shares that may
yet be purchased
under the plans
or programs

January 1-31, 2008

   —      $ —      —      —  

February 1-29, 2008

   8,995      8.34    —      —  

March 1-31, 2008

   —        —      —      —  
                     

Total

   8,995    $ 8.34    —      —  
                     

 

(1) The total number of shares purchased consists of shares surrendered to the Company to pay the tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock units issued to employees.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

The stockholders of the Company voted on four items at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on January 30, 2008. The voting results of this meeting were reported in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2007.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

(a) Exhibits

 

Exhibit

  

Document

31.1

   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1

   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2

   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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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 WATER PRODUCTS, INC.
Date: May 12, 2008     By:  

/s/ EVAN L. HART

      EVAN L. HART
      Vice President and Controller

 

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