MUELLER INDUSTRIES INC
10-Q, 1994-10-14
STEEL WORKS, BLAST FURNACES & ROLLING MILLS (COKE OVENS)
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<PAGE>   1 
                                      1994 
 
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
 
                             Washington, D.C. 20549 
 
 
                                   FORM 10-Q 
 
 
              QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (D) OF 
                      THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
 
For the fiscal quarter ended September 24, 1994  Commissions file number 1-569 
 
 
                            MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
 
 
          DELAWARE                                              25-0790410 
  (State or other jurisdiction                               (I.R.S. Employer 
of incorporation or organization)                          Identification No.) 
 
 
                               2959 N. ROCK ROAD 
                          WICHITA, KANSAS  67226-1191 
                    (Address of principal executive offices) 
 
 
       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (316) 636-6300 
          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 
 
 
                                                        Name of each exchange 
     Title of each class                                 on which registered 
 
Common Stock, $ 0.01 Par Value                         New York Stock Exchange 
 
 
        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None 
 
 
Indicate by a 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  / / 
 
The number of shares of the Registrant's common stock outstanding as of 
October 10, 1994 was 8,697,530. 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and  
reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13, or 15(d) of the Securities  
Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan
confirmed by a court.    Yes  /X/    No  / / 
 
 
<PAGE>   2 
                            MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
 
                                   FORM 10-Q 
 
                      For the Period Ended September 24, 1994 
 
                                     INDEX 
 
 
 
Part I. Financial Information                                      Page 
 
   Item 1.  Financial Statements (Unaudited) 
 
            a.)  Consolidated Statements of Income 
                 for the nine-months and quarters ended  
                 September 24, 1994 and September 25, 1993            3 
 
            b.)  Consolidated Balance Sheets 
                 as of September 24, 1994 and December 25, 1993       4 
 
            c.)  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
                 for the nine-months ended September 24, 1994 
                 and September 25, 1993                               6 
 
            d.)  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements           7 
 
 
   Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
            Condition and Results of Operations                       11 
 
Part II. Other Information 
 
   Item 5.  Other information                                         13 
 
   Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                          14 
 
Signatures                                                            15 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  Financial Statements

MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share data)
<CAPTION>
                              For the Quarter Ended  For the Nine-months Ended
                                  Sep. 24,  Sep. 25,       Sep. 24,   Sep. 25,
                                    1994      1993           1994       1993  
<S>                               <C>       <C>            <C>       <C>      
Net sales                         $137,975  $122,106       $395,363  $380,464

Cost of goods sold                 113,253    96,329        325,483   308,008
Depreciation, depletion, and  
   amortization                      3,227     4,846          9,102    11,063
Selling, general, and  
   administrative expense           10,497    11,427         32,411    34,061
                                   -------   -------        -------   -------
   Operating income                 10,998     9,504         28,367    27,332
 
Interest expense                    (1,988)   (1,434)        (5,300)   (4,379)
Environmental reserves                   -         -           (412)        -
Unusual items                            -         -         (1,406)     (637)
Other income, net                    3,023       940          6,566     2,388
                                   -------   -------        -------   -------
Income before income taxes          12,033     9,010         27,815    24,704
 
Current income tax expense          (3,221)     (825)        (5,342)   (2,573)
Deferred income tax expense           (294)   (2,550)        (3,995)   (6,971)
                                   -------   -------        -------   -------
   Total income tax expense         (3,515)   (3,375)        (9,337)   (9,544)
                                   -------   -------        -------   -------
 
Net income                        $  8,518  $  5,635       $ 18,478  $ 15,160
                                   =======   =======        =======   =======
 
Net income per share:

   Primary: 
      Average shares outstanding     9,499    10,473         10,036    10,437
      Net income                  $    .90  $    .54       $   1.84  $   1.45
                                   =======   =======        =======   =======
 
   Fully diluted: 
      Average shares outstanding     9,515    10,490         10,039    10,493
      Net income                  $    .90  $    .54       $   1.84  $   1.44
                                   =======   =======        =======   =======






<FN> 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>   4 
<TABLE> 
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(Unaudited) 
(In thousands) 
<CAPTION> 
                                       Sep. 24, 1994           Dec. 25, 1993
<S>                                      <C>                     <C> 
Assets  
 
Current assets: 
   Cash and cash equivalents             $   39,832              $   77,336
   Accounts receivable, less allowance 
     for doubtful accounts of $3,594 in 
     1994 and $3,495 in 1993                 69,303                  59,197
   Inventories                               64,656                  53,118
   Current deferred income taxes              2,007                   3,242
   Other current assets                       2,706                   1,518
                                            -------                 -------
     Total current assets                   178,504                 194,411
 
Property, plant and equipment, net          173,869                 154,403
Deferred income taxes                        27,778                  12,751
Other assets                                 48,233                   8,178
                                            -------                 -------
                                         $  428,384              $  369,743
                                            =======                 =======
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 








 
<FN> 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>   5 
<TABLE> 
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(Unaudited) 
(In thousands, except share data) 
<CAPTION> 
                                        Sep. 24, 1994           Dec. 25, 1993
<S>                                      <C>                     <C> 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity 

Current liabilities: 
   Current portion of long-term debt     $   17,817              $    8,391
   Accounts payable                          22,025                  15,637
   Accrued wages and other employee costs    13,277                  11,787
   Restructuring reserves                     4,250                   5,305
   Current deferred income taxes                446                     446
   Other current liabilities                 13,766                   9,340
                                            -------                 -------
     Total current liabilities               71,581                  50,906
 
Long-term debt                               83,657                  54,320
Pension and post retirement liabilities      18,267                  18,834
Deferred income taxes                         3,678                   3,810
Other noncurrent liabilities                 17,928                  19,759
                                            -------                 -------
     Total liabilities                      195,111                 147,629
 
Stockholders' equity: 
   Preferred stock-shares authorized 
     5,000,000; none outstanding                  -                       -
   Common stock - $.01 par value; shares  
     authorized 20,000,000; issued and 
     outstanding 10,000,000                     100                     100
   Paid-in capital, common                  254,275                 236,406
   Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) 
     Since January 1, 1991                   12,539                  (5,939)
   Cumulative translation adjustment         (2,048)                 (1,944)
   Treasury common stock at cost, 
     1,302,470 shares in 1994 and 416,807 
     shares in 1993                         (31,593)                 (6,509)
                                            -------                 -------
   Total stockholders' equity               233,273                 222,114
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 5)            -                       -
                                            -------                 -------
                                         $  428,384              $  369,743
                                            =======                 =======
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
<FN> 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>   6 
<TABLE> 
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(Unaudited) 
(In thousands) 
<CAPTION> 
                                                 For the Nine-months Ended
                                               Sep. 24, 1994   Sep. 25, 1993
<S>                                             <C>             <C> 
Cash flows from operating activities 
   Net income                                   $  18,478       $  15,160
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net 
     cash provided by operating activities: 
     Provision for unusual items                    1,406               -
     Depreciation, depletion and 
       amortization of intangibles                  8,509           8,344
     Amortization of deferred preparation costs       593           2,719
     Provision for doubtful accounts receivable       146               -
     Deferred income taxes                          3,995           6,971
     Gain on disposal of properties                (2,804)           (246)
     Changes in assets and liabilities: 
       Receivables                                (10,252)         (1,942)
       Inventories                                (11,538)         10,071
       Other assets                                (1,344)          2,323
       Current liabilities                         10,107         (10,921)
       Other liabilities                           (2,662)           (776)
       Other, net                                     291              69
                                                  -------         -------
Net cash provided by operating activities          14,925          31,772
                                                  -------         -------
Cash flows from investing activities 
   Capital expenditures                           (30,161)         (7,595)
   Business acquired (temporarily included
     in other assets)                             (12,964)              -
   Proceeds from sales of properties                4,759           2,021
   Escrowed IRB proceeds included  
     in other assets                              (27,695)              -
                                                  -------         -------
Net cash used by investing activities             (66,061)         (5,574)
                                                  -------         -------
Cash flows from financing activities 
   Repayments of long-term debt                    (6,581)         (4,585)
   Acquisition of treasury stock                  (25,897)              -
   Issuance of long-term debt                      45,344             386
   Proceeds from issuance of treasury stock           766             494
                                                  -------         -------
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities   13,632          (3,705)
                                                  -------         -------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  (37,504)         22,493
Cash and cash equivalents at the 
   beginning of the period                         77,336          44,459
                                                  -------         -------
Cash and cash equivalents at the 
   end of the period                            $  39,832       $  66,952
                                                  =======         =======

<FN> 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>       7
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

General

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

The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements include all 
adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair 
statement of the results for the interim periods presented.  Certain amounts 
in the 1993 financial statements have been reclassified to conform with 
current period presentation.


Note 1 - Accounting Change - Inventory Method

Inventories are valued at the lower-of-cost-or-market on a last-in, first-out 
(LIFO) basis in 1994 and a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis in 1993 as 
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                     September 24, 1994     December 25, 1993
      <S>                            <C>                    <C>

      Raw materials and supplies     $     16,680           $     5,704
      Work-in-progress                     14,455                16,501
      Finished goods                       33,521                30,913
                                          -------               -------
            Total                    $     64,656           $    53,118
                                          =======               =======

</TABLE>
During the third quarter of 1994, the Company changed its method of valuing 
the material component of its copper tube and fittings inventories from the 
FIFO method to the LIFO method.  This change in accounting principle was 
applied retroactively to the beginning of fiscal 1994.  Management believes 
the LIFO method results in a better matching of current costs with current 
revenues.  Additionally, the LIFO method is widely used within the copper tube 
and fittings industry.  This change reduced net income for the three and nine 
months ended September 24, 1994 by $3.4 million (or 36 cents per share), and 
$6.4 million (or 64 cents per share), respectively.








<PAGE>    8

The effect of the change on the first and second quarters of 1994 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                     First Quarter          Second Quarter
<S>                                  <C>                    <C>

Gross profit (1) as 
   previously reported               $     23,339           $     26,536
Adjustment for adoption of LIFO            (2,312)                (2,405)
                                          -------                -------
     Gross profit restated           $     21,027           $     24,131
                                          =======                =======

Net income as previously reported    $      5,637           $      7,300
Adjustment for adoption of LIFO            (1,455)                (1,522)
                                          -------                -------
     Net income restated             $      4,182           $      5,778
                                          =======                =======

Net income per share as
   previously reported               $       0.54           $       0.72
Adjustment for adoption of LIFO              (.14)                  (.15)
                                          -------                -------
     Net income per share restated   $        .40           $        .57
                                          =======                =======
<FN>
(1)  Gross profit is net sales less cost of goods sold, which excludes 
     depreciation, depletion, and amortization.

</TABLE>
The cumulative effect of this accounting change and the pro forma effects on 
prior years' earnings have not been included because such effects are not 
reasonably determinable.

At September 24, 1994, $21.8 million of inventories were valued using the LIFO 
method.  Approximate replacement cost of inventories valued using the LIFO 
method totaled $31.4 million at September 24, 1994.


Note 2 - Income Taxes

As discussed more fully in Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements included in the Company's 1993 Annual Report, the Company has 
substantial Net Operating Loss Carryforwards (NOLs).  Use of these NOLs is 
generally limited to an annual amount of $14.4 million by Section 382 of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), as a result of the 
"change in ownership" that occurred on December 28, 1990.  Section 382 
limitations are, among other things, based upon the Company's value and 
certain statutory interest rates in effect at the time a "change in ownership" 
occurs.  Based on information available to the Company, a "change of 
ownership" occurred in June, 1994.  Nevertheless, the annual limitation of 
$14.4 million will remain available under Section 382.  A future "change in 
ownership" could result in further limitations under certain circumstances.



<PAGE>    9
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit for 1992 and prior years was
concluded in the third quarter of 1994 and resulted in no material changes.  
Following the conclusion of that audit, in September of 1994, the Company 
entered into a Closing Agreement with the IRS.  This agreement is a definitive 
determination on certain tax attributes, including NOLs.  Following execution 
of this agreement, the Company revised its estimates with respect to financial 
statement recognition of these tax attributes.  In the third quarter, the 
Company recognized $51.2 million of these tax attributes, which resulted in a 
tax effected direct addition to paid-in capital of $17.9 million.  As 
additional NOLs are utilized, the Company expects to recognize additional tax 
attributes over the next several years.  The tax effect of future recognition 
of the remaining approximately $47.8 million of tax attributes will reduce the 
deferred income tax provision in the periods recognized.


Note 3 - Earnings Per Common Share

Primary earnings per common share are based upon the weighted average number 
of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period.  Fully 
diluted earnings per share are based upon the weighted average number of 
common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effects of all outstanding stock 
options.


Note 4 - Long-Term Debt

On December 28, 1993, the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, issued 
$20.0 million of 6.95% taxable Industrial Development Revenue Bonds due 
December 15, 2000 (the 1993 Series IRBs).  The 1993 Series IRBs are due in 
quarterly installments of $0.7 million plus interest beginning March 15, 1994 
through December 15, 2000.  Proceeds of the 1993 Series IRBs will be used to 
fund a modernization project at the Company's Fulton, Mississippi facility.

On June 28, 1994, the Company entered into agreement with a syndicate of six 
banks to provide for (i) an unsecured line-of-credit facility (Credit 
Facility) and (ii) the issuance of unsecured taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds 
(the 1994 Series IRBs).

The Credit Facility provides availability of up to $30 million which expires 
on June 30, 1996, but each year may be extended for up to 12 months. 
Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest, at the Company's option, 
at (i) prime rate less 1/2 of one percent, (ii) LIBOR plus .8%, (iii) 
certificate of deposit rate plus 1.35%, or (iv) Federal Funds Rate plus 1.8%.  
An annual commitment fee of 1/4 of one percent per annum on the unused portion 
of the Credit Facility is payable quarterly.  Currently, the Company has no 
outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility.  Availability of funds under 
the Credit Facility is reduced by the amount of certain outstanding letters of 
credit, which currently total approximately $3.5 million.

On June 28, 1994, the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, issued an 
aggregate of $18.0 million of the 1994 Series IRBs which bear interest at 
8.825%.  The 1994 Series IRBs are due in quarterly installments of $0.6 
million plus interest beginning September, 1994 through June, 2001.   Proceeds 
of the 1994 Series IRBs will be used to fund a new high volume copper fittings 
plant that will be located adjacent to the Company's existing copper tube mill 
in Fulton, Mississippi.  



<PAGE>    10
Borrowings under the above agreements require the Company, among other things, 
to maintain certain minimum levels of net worth and meet certain minimum 
financial ratios.  The Company is in compliance with all covenants.


Note 5 - Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is subject to normal environmental standards imposed by federal, 
state and local environmental laws and regulations.  Management believes that 
the outcome of pending environmental matters will not materially affect the 
overall financial position of the Company.

In addition, the Company is involved in certain litigation as either plaintiff 
or defendant as a result of claims that arise in the ordinary course of 
business which management believes will not have a material effect on the 
Company's financial condition.

Purchase Commitments

For three major projects, the Company has committed approximately $55.0 
million for capital expenditures to (i) modernize the copper tube mill in 
Fulton, Mississippi, (ii) modernize the brass rod mill in Port Huron, 
Michigan, and (iii) construct a high volume copper fittings plant in Fulton, 
Mississippi.  These approved major projects should become operational in the 
latter half of 1995.

Canco Litigation Settlement

On March 25, 1994, the Company's Canco Oil & Gas Ltd. (Canco) subsidiary 
settled all litigation against the Government of Saskatchewan and Scurry 
Rainbow Oil Limited in which Canco asserted, among other things, that its 
royalty interests continued against mineral titles transferred to the 
government as well as other expropriated properties.  The Company recognized a 
gain of approximately $0.6 million as a result of the settlement.

Note 6 - Stockholders' Equity

On June 3, 1994, the Company purchased 924,875 shares of its common stock, for 
an aggregate purchase price of approximately $25.9 million, from the Quantum 
Fund N.V.  These shares were placed in treasury and may be used for general 
Corporate purposes, such as requirements for future exercises of options under 
various option plans.

At the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 12, 1994, the 
stockholders approved the adoption of two stock option plans, the 1994 Stock 
Option Plan and the 1994 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan.  Under the 
1994 Stock Option Plan, the Company may issue a maximum of 200,000 shares of 
common stock; under the 1994 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, the 
Company may issue a maximum of 25,000 shares of common stock.










<PAGE>    11

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
         Results of Operations

General Overview

The Company's principal business is the manufacture and sale of copper tube, 
brass rod, fittings and other products made of copper, brass, bronze, plastic 
and aluminum.  These core manufacturing businesses have been in operation for 
over 75 years.  New housing starts and commercial construction are important 
determinants of the Company's sales to the air-conditioning, refrigeration and 
plumbing markets because the principal end use of a significant portion of the 
Company's products is in the construction of single and multi-family housing 
units and commercial buildings.

Profitability of certain of the Company's product lines is dependent upon the 
"spreads" between the cost of metal and the gross selling prices of its 
products.  The open market price for grade A copper cathode, for example, 
directly influences the selling price for copper tubing, a principal product 
manufactured by the Company.  The Company attempts to minimize the effects of 
changes in copper prices by passing through to its customers base metal costs.  
In the third quarter of 1994, the Company adopted the LIFO method of 
accounting for the copper component of its copper tube and fittings
inventories retroactive to the beginning of fiscal 1994.  Management believes 
the LIFO method results in a better matching of current costs with current 
revenues.  The market price of copper does, however, indirectly effect the 
carrying value (FIFO basis) of the Company's brass inventories.  The Company's 
copper and brass inventories customarily total between 30 to 35 million 
pounds.  "Spreads" fluctuate based upon competitive market conditions.

The Company also owns various natural resource properties in the Western 
United States and Canada.  It operates a short line railroad in Utah and a 
placer gold mining company in Alaska.  Additionally, certain other natural 
resource properties produce royalty income or are available for sale.


Results of Operations

Net income was $8.5 million, or 90 cents per common share, for the third 
quarter of 1994, which compares with net income of $5.6 million, or 54 cents 
per common share, for the same period of 1993.  Year-to-date, net income was 
$18.5 million, or $1.84 per common share, which compares to net income of 
$15.2 million, or $1.45 per common share, for 1993.

During the third quarter of 1994 the Company's net sales were $138.0 million, 
which compares to net sales of $122.1 million, or a 13 percent increase over 
the same period of 1993.  Net sales were $395.4 million in the first nine-
months of 1994, which compares to net sales of $380.5 million in the same 
period of 1993.  The change in net sales was primarily attributable to:  (i) 
volume increases of eight percent in the third quarter and six percent in the 
first nine-months; and (ii) pricing increases due to higher average raw 
material costs (price of copper) in 1994 which, generally, are passed through 
to customers in certain product lines.  The Company's core manufacturing 
businesses shipped 92.3 million pounds of product in the third quarter of 1994 
which compares to 85.2 million pounds in the same quarter of 1993; year-to-
date, volumes were 281.3 million pounds in 1994 and 266.1 million pounds in 
1993.  Third quarter operating income increased primarily due to:  (i) 
productivity improvements at its manufacturing plants; (ii) selective price 
increases in fittings; (iii) cost reductions in the areas of selling, general 
<PAGE>    12
and administrative expenses; and (iv) offset by lower margins on copper tube.

With the adoption of the LIFO method, Management believes the Company's 
operating results will better reflect operating performance by removing 
inventory gains and losses that result from wide fluctuations in copper 
prices.  Nevertheless, comparisons of operating results to pre-LIFO periods 
must be analyzed carefully as the pro forma effects on those prior periods are 
not reasonably determinable.  Had the Company not adopted LIFO effective at 
the beginning of fiscal 1994, operating income would have been $15.9 million 
in the third quarter of 1994 and $38.0 million for the first nine months.

Prior to 1994, the Company used the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of 
accounting for the copper component of its inventories.  Under this method, 
the inventory items acquired first are assumed to be sold first, thereby 
matching earliest costs with current selling prices.  In two of the principal 
product line markets in which the Company competes, selling prices are 
influenced by the current price of metal (primarily copper as well as base 
metals used in the formation of brass alloys).  Therefore, when metal prices 
change on the open market, the Company adjusts its selling prices, to the 
extent competitive pressures allow, to reflect such changes.  Nonetheless, 
financial reporting, under the FIFO method, matches historical inventory costs 
with current selling prices, rather than current replacement costs with 
current selling prices.  While the impact of metal price volatility is 
moderated by rapid inventory turns, upward and downward trends of longer 
duration may impact operating income under the FIFO method.

Interest expense increased approximately $.6 million for the quarter and $.9 
million year-to-date due to (i) the 1993 Series IRBs issued early in the first 
quarter of 1994 for the purpose of financing a capital improvement program at 
the copper tube mill and (ii) the 1994 Series IRBs issued in June, 1994 for 
the purpose of financing a new high volume copper fittings plant.  Year-to-
date, other non-operating items included (i) a gain of $.6 million related to 
the settlement of litigation as discussed in Note 5, (ii) a provision for 
environmental reserves of $.4 million related to a site in which Mueller Brass 
Co., a subsidiary of the Company, was notified it was a potentially 
responsible party, (iii) a provision to further reduce the carrying cost of a 
note receivable from Sharon Specialty Steel Company, Inc., and (iv) gains of 
$2.8 million primarily related to sales of natural resource properties.  
Additionally, the Company recorded an unusual item of $1.1 million for 
outstanding insurance matters primarily related to estimated workers 
compensation claims for years prior to 1993.

During 1994, the effective income tax rate declined to approximately 29.2 
percent for the third quarter and 33.6 percent year-to-date, primarily as a 
result of recognizing certain tax attributes as discussed in Note 2 and 
favorable tax credits in certain jurisdictions related to incentive 
financings.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 1994 totaled 
$14.9 million which is primarily attributable to net income, depreciation, and 
deferred income taxes, offset by increases in receivables and inventories.

During the first nine months of 1994, the Company's capital expenditures 
totaled $30.2 million which was provided for by cash from operations and 
financings, including that portion related to the copper tube mill project and 
the copper fittings high volume plant which were funded by IRB financings as 
<PAGE>    13
discussed in Note 4.  Investing activities also included approximately $13.0 
million for the acquisition of certain DWV plastic fittings manufacturing 
operations of Colonial Engineering, Inc. (Colonial).

During the first nine months, the Company issued the 1993 Series IRBs and the 
1994 Series IRBs as described in Note 4.  The proceeds from both IRB issues 
are escrowed until required for the respective projects.  The escrowed funds 
as well as approximately $13.0 million for the acquisition of Colonial 
(pending final classifications based upon asset appraisals and valuations) are 
included in other assets.  At September 24, 1994, the Company's total debt was 
$101.5 million or 30 percent of its capitalization.

The Company's financing obligations contain various covenants which require, 
among other things, the maintenance of minimum levels of tangible net worth, 
and certain minimum financial ratios.  Additionally, certain notes issued by 
its wholly-owned subsidiary restrict the amount of cash that may be loaned or 
dividended by that subsidiary.  The Company is in compliance with all debt 
covenants.

Management believes that cash provided by operations and currently available 
cash of $39.8 million will be adequate to meet the Company's normal future 
capital expenditure and operational needs.  The Company's current ratio 
remains strong at 2.5 to 1.

As part of its ongoing strategic planning process, the Company has approved 
three major capital expenditure projects for the following operations:  (i) 
Fulton, Mississippi copper tube mill; (ii) Port Huron, Michigan brass rod 
mill; and (iii) a high volume copper fittings plant to be located adjacent to 
the Company's existing copper tube mill in Fulton, Mississippi.  These 
projects will require capital of approximately $15.0 to $20.0 million each.  
The primary objective of these projects is to improve efficiency and 
productivity as well as add some capacity.  As discussed above, both of the 
Fulton projects were financed by IRBs which were issued during fiscal 1994.

During the first nine months, the Company purchased treasury stock for an 
aggregate purchase price of $25.9 million.  The purchase was funded with 
existing cash balances and should not impair the Company's ability to finance 
operational requirements.


Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 5.    Other Information

The following discussion updates the disclosures in Item 1, Business, in the 
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 25, 1993.


Environmental Matters

Alaska Gold Company (Alaska Gold)

During the third quarter, Alaska Gold substantially completed its plan for 
cleanup and removal of non-hazardous contaminated soil located at its gold 
house property in Fairbanks, Alaska.  The soil was removed and placed in the 
existing Fairbanks North Star Borough landfill in accordance with a plan 
approved by the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.  
Costs associated with disposal approximated $400,000.

<PAGE>    14

Mining Remedial Recovery Company (MRRC)

1.   Cleveland Mill Site

During the third quarter, MRRC and Bayard Mining Company, along with an 
unaffiliated third party, executed a consent decree relating to the Cleveland 
Mill Site some five miles northeast of Silver City, New Mexico.  The consent 
decree has yet to be executed by the governmental entities or entered by the 
federal district court, which is anticipated to occur by around year end.

2.   Bullfrog Site

By the end of the third quarter, MRRC had substantially completed its 
voluntary plan to regrade and cap the soil at the Bullfrog Site located in 
Grant County, New Mexico.  Costs associated with capping and regrading at the 
site will be approximately $.9 million.

Miscellaneous

On August 26, 1993, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) served notice to 
Mueller Brass Co. (MBCo) that it was one of 70 potentially responsible parties 
(PRPs) in the Stoller Chemical Company Site investigation in Jericho, South 
Carolina.  The PRP steering committee which was formed to coordinate response 
activities retained a consultant to provide investigation and remediation 
alternatives on behalf of the PRPs.  Total estimated cost of remediation at 
this site is $5 million, and the Company does not anticipate that MBCo's 
allocated share of costs will be material.

On March 7, 1994, the Company received notice from the EPA that MBCo was a PRP 
at the Jack's Creek/Sitkin Smelting Superfund Site in Eastern Pennsylvania.  
MBCo is one of seventy-five de maximus PRPs and is alleged to have contributed 
less than one percent of the hazardous wastes at this site.  The EPA has 
preliminarily estimated that total cleanup and remediation costs at the site 
could be $43 million, including response costs.  A PRP group has been formed, 
and MBCo is represented on the steering committee.  The PRP group has retained 
an environmental consultant to make alternative recommendations for cleanup 
and remediation.  It is anticipated that the EPA will issue its Record of 
Decision at this site within the next few months, which should result in more 
definitive cost estimates.

Item 6.     Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)    Exhibits

18.1   Letter of Preferability from Ernst & Young, dated October 12, 1994 
regarding the Company's change in accounting principle.

19.1   Mueller Industries, Inc.'s Quarterly Report to Stockholders for the 
quarter ended September 24, 1994.  Such report is being furnished for the 
information of the Securities and Exchange Commission only and is not to be 
deemed filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

27.1   Financial Data Schedule 

99.1   Press Release issued by Mueller Industries, Inc. on October 14, 1994.

(b)    During the quarter ended September 24, 1994, the Registrant filed no 
Current Reports on Form 8-K.
<PAGE>    15

Items 1, 2, 3 and 4 are not applicable and have been omitted.




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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, on October 14, 1994.


                              MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

                                /s/ Earl W. Bunkers
                                Earl W. Bunkers, Executive Vice President,
                                and Chief Financial Officer

                                /s/ Roy C. Harris
                                Roy C. Harris
                                Corporate Controller

                                /s/ Kent A. McKee
                                Kent A. McKee
                                Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
































<PAGE>    1


October 12, 1994



Mr. Earl W. Bunkers
Executive Vice President
Chief Financial Officer
Mueller Industries, Inc.
2959 North Rock Road
Wichita, Kansas  67226-1191

Dear Sir:

Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Mueller Industries, 
Inc. included in its Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 24, 
1994, describes a change in the method of accounting for the cost of the 
copper component of inventories from the first-in, first-out method (FIFO) to 
the last-in, first-out method (LIFO).  You have advised us that you believe 
that the change is to a preferable method in your circumstances because the 
LIFO method of valuing the copper component of inventories more closely 
matches current costs with current selling prices.  As a result, the income 
statement will more closely reflect the actual operating performance of the 
Company.  Additionally, the LIFO method is widely used within the tube and 
fittings industry.

There are no authoritative criteria for determining a "preferable" inventory 
cost method based on the particular circumstances; however, we conclude that 
the change in the method of accounting for the copper component of inventories 
is to an acceptable alternative method which, based on your business judgment 
to make this change for the reasons cited above, is preferable in your 
circumstances.  We have not conducted an audit in accordance with generally 
accepted auditing standards of any financial statements of the Company as of 
any date or for any period subsequent to December 25, 1993, and, therefore, we 
do not express any opinion on any financial statements of Mueller Industries, 
Inc. subsequent to that date.

Very truly yours,



ERNST & YOUNG LLP











<PAGE>    1


TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS

Our Company had a good third quarter in 1994.  Earnings rose to $8.5 million, 
or 90 cents per share on 9,499,000 average shares outstanding, compared to 
earnings of $5.6 million, or 54 cents per share on 10,473,000 average shares 
outstanding for the third quarter of 1993.  For the first nine months of 1994, 
earnings were $18.5 million, or $1.84 per share compared to earnings of $15.2 
million, or $1.45 per share for the same period in 1993.  Earnings in 1994 
were favorably effected by the sale of selected natural resource assets and 
lower state and federal income tax provisions.

Our earnings for the third quarter of 1994 and for the nine months ended 
September 24, 1994 are based on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of 
valuing the copper component of our inventories, instead of the first-in, 
first-out (FIFO) method previously used.

In recent years, the market price of copper, our principal raw material, has 
been particularly volatile.  For example, copper was 80 cents per pound on 
January 3, 1994, and increased by 60 percent, to $1.28 per pound on September 
23, 1994.  Consequently, the wide swings in copper prices have had a direct 
impact upon our earnings, sometimes favorably and sometimes unfavorably.  The 
LIFO method of valuing the copper component of inventories should mitigate the 
income statement effect of copper price fluctuations by more closely matching 
current costs with current selling prices.

The change to LIFO also involves restatement of our earnings for the first and 
second quarters of 1994, the effect of which is included in the attached 
statement of income for the nine months ended September 24, 1994.  Further, by 
adopting LIFO, Mueller has established a LIFO inventory reserve of $9.6 
million, as of September 24, 1994.

Net sales for the third quarter of 1994 totalled $138.0 million compared to 
$122.1 million for the same quarter of 1993.  In terms of pounds of product 
shipped, which we believe is a more relevant indicator of our sales activity, 
pounds increased during the third quarter of 1994 by eight percent over 1993 
levels.

In mid-September, Mueller acquired the DWV (drain, waste and vent) plastic 
fittings manufacturing operations of Colonial Engineering, Inc.  These 
operations are located in Michigan and California, and will significantly 
increase our Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Acrrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene 
(ABS) plastic fittings manufacturing capacity.  In addition, this acquisition 
will allow us to leverage our existing sales and distribution network and 
reduce costs.

In addition, we continue to make very good progress on other internal capital 
improvement projects including our Fulton copper tube expansion, installation 
of a new extrusion press at our Port Huron plant, and construction of a high 
volume copper fittings plant at Fulton, Mississippi.  All of these projects 
were announced previously.




<PAGE>    2

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit for 1992 and prior years was 
concluded in the third quarter of 1994 and resulted in no material changes.  
Following the conclusion of that audit, the Company entered into a Closing 
Agreement with the IRS which definitized the NOL (net operating loss) which 
the Company is entitled to utilize.  This led to the recognition of additional 
tax benefits in the amount of $17.9 million, which has been added to paid-in 
capital in the third quarter of 1994.

We believe business will remain strong for the balance of 1994.  Demand for 
housing continues to be vigorous and that is good for our business.


Sincerely,


/s/Harvey L. Karp                    /s/William D. O'Hagan
Harvey L. Karp                       William D. O'Hagan
Chairman of the Board                President and Chief Executive Officer

October 14, 1994






































<PAGE>   3 
<TABLE> 
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
(Unaudited) 
(In thousands, except share data) 
<CAPTION> 
                               For the Quarter Ended For the Nine-months Ended
                                  Sep. 24,  Sep. 25,       Sep. 24, Sep. 25,
                                    1994     1993            1994     1993
<S>                               <C>       <C>            <C>       <C>
Net sales                         $137,975  $122,106       $395,363  $380,464
Costs and expenses                 126,977   112,602        366,996   353,132
                                   -------   -------        -------   -------
Operating income                    10,998     9,504         28,367    27,332
Non operating income (expense), net  1,035      (494)          (552)   (2,628)
                                   -------   -------        -------   -------
Income before taxes                 12,033     9,010         27,815    24,704
Income tax expense                   3,515     3,375          9,337     9,544
                                   -------   -------        -------   -------
Net income                        $  8,518  $  5,635       $ 18,478  $ 15,160
                                   =======   =======        =======   =======
 
Earnings per common and  
   common equivalent share:
 
   Primary                        $    .90  $    .54       $   1.84  $   1.45
                                   =======   =======        =======   =======

   Fully diluted                  $    .90  $    .54       $   1.84  $   1.44
                                   =======   =======        =======   =======




























</TABLE> 
<PAGE>   4 
<TABLE> 
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(Unaudited) 
(In thousands, except share data) 
<CAPTION> 
                                         Sep. 24, 1994          Dec. 25, 1993
<S>                                      <C>                     <C>
Assets  
Current assets                            $  178,504             $   194,411
Property, plant and equipment, net           173,869                 154,403
Other assets                                  76,011                  20,929
                                             -------                 -------
                                          $  428,384             $   369,743
                                             =======                 =======
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity  
Current liabilities                       $   71,581             $    50,906
Long-term debt                                83,657                  54,320
Other noncurrent liabilities                  39,873                  42,403
                                             -------                 -------
   Total liabilities                         195,111                 147,629
                                             -------                 -------
Stockholders' equity:  
   Common stock                                  100                     100
   Paid-in capital, common                   254,275                 236,406
   Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit)
     since January, 1991                      12,539                  (5,939)
   Cumulative translation adjustments         (2,048)                 (1,944)
   Treasury common stock at cost             (31,593)                 (6,509)
                                             -------                 -------
   Total stockholders' equity                233,273                 222,114
                                             -------                 -------
                                          $  428,384             $   369,743
                                             =======                 =======
Book value per share                      $    26.82             $     23.18
                                             =======                 =======
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>   5 
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS 
 
 
DIRECTORS 
 
Harvey L. Karp                    Chairman of the Board 
                                  Mueller Industries, Inc. 
 
Rodman L. Drake  (1) (2)          President of Rodman L. Drake & Co., Inc. 
 
Allan Mactier   (1) (2) (3)       Private Investor 
 
William D. O'Hagan                President and Chief Executive Officer  
                                  Mueller Industries, Inc. 
 
Robert J. Pasquarelli (1) (3)     Chief Executive Officer of
                                  New Jersey Steel Corporation 
 
 
OFFICERS 
 
Harvey L. Karp                    Chairman of the Board 
 
William D. O'Hagan                President and Chief Executive Officer 
 
Earl W. Bunkers                   Executive Vice President and
                                  Chief Financial Officer 
 
Harvey W. Clements                Vice President and General Manager - 
                                  Tube Division 
 
John B. Hansen                    Vice President and General Manager- 
                                  Fittings Division 
 
William H. Hensley                Vice President, General Counsel 
                                  and Secretary 
 
Lee R. Nyman                      Vice President - Manufacturing/
                                  Management Engineering 
 
James H. Rourke                   Vice President and General Manager - 
                                  Industrial Division 
 
Roy C. Harris                     Corporate Controller 
 
Kent A. McKee                     Treasurer and Assistant Secretary 
 
 
 
 
Mueller Industries, Inc./2959 N. Rock Road/Wichita, KS 67226/(316)636-6300 

 
[FN] 
(1)   Member of the Audit Committee   
(2)   Member of the Compensation Committee   
(3)   Member of the Nominating Committee  

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S FORM 10-Q FOR THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 24, 1994 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000089439
<NAME> MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1994
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-24-1994
<CASH>                                          39,832
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   72,897
<ALLOWANCES>                                     3,594
<INVENTORY>                                     64,656
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               178,504
<PP&E>                                         211,106
<DEPRECIATION>                                  37,237
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 428,384
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           71,581
<BONDS>                                         83,657
<COMMON>                                           100
                                0
                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                     233,173
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   428,384
<SALES>                                        395,363
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               395,363
<CGS>                                          325,483
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  325,483
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                41,513
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               5,300
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 27,815
<INCOME-TAX>                                     9,337
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             18,478
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    18,478
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.84
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.84










        


<PAGE>    1


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                    Contact: Kent A. McKee
October 14, 1994                                  (316) 636-6300



MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. ANNOUNCES IMPROVED THIRD QUARTER EARNINGS


Wichita, KS - Mueller Industries, Inc. (NYSE: MLI) today reported net income 
for the quarter ended September 24, 1994 of $8.5 million or 90 cents per 
share, on 9,499,000 weighted average shares outstanding.  This compared with 
net income for the third quarter of 1993 of $5.6 million, or 54 cents per 
share on 10,473,000 weighted average shares outstanding.  Net sales for the 
third quarter of 1994 were $138.0 million compared with net sales of $122.1 
million for the same quarter of 1993.

During the third quarter, the Company adopted the last-in, first-out (LIFO) 
method of accounting for the copper component of its inventories.  This change 
in accounting principle is retroactive to the beginning of fiscal 1994, which 
required the restatement of the first and second quarter results.  The LIFO 
method should mitigate the income statement effect of copper price 
fluctuations by more closely matching current costs with current selling 
prices.

For the first nine months of 1994, net income was $18.5 million, or $1.84 per 
share, on net sales of $395.4 million, which compares with net income of $15.2 
million, or $1.45 per share on net sales of $380.5 million for the same period 
of 1993.  The results for the first nine months of 1994 include the first and 
second quarter effect of restating income for adoption of the LIFO method.  
Also, earnings were favorably effected by the sale of selected natural 
resource assets and lower state and federal income tax provisions.

Harvey L. Karp, Chairman, stated, "We believe business will remain strong for
the balance of 1994. Demand for housing continues to be vigorous and that is
good for our business."

Mueller Industries, Inc. is a leading and diversified fabricator whose 
products include copper tube and fittings; brass and copper alloy rods, bars 
and shapes; brass and bronze forgings; aluminum and copper impact extrusions; 
plastic fittings and valves; and refrigeration valves, driers and flare 
fittings.  The Company also owns a short line railroad in Utah and natural 
resource properties in the Western United States, Alaska and Canada.












<PAGE>   2 
<TABLE> 
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
(Unaudited) 
(In thousands, except per share data) 
<CAPTION> 
                               For the Quarter Ended For the Nine-Months Ended
                                  Sep. 24,  Sep. 25,       Sep. 24, Sep. 25,
                                    1994     1993            1994     1993
<S>                               <C>       <C>            <C>       <C>
Net sales                         $137,975  $122,106       $395,363  $380,464
Costs and expenses                 126,977   112,602        366,996   353,132
                                   -------   -------        -------   -------
Operating income                    10,998     9,504         28,367    27,332
Non operating income (expense), net  1,035      (494)          (552)   (2,628)
                                   -------   -------        -------   -------
Income before taxes                 12,033     9,010         27,815    24,704
Income tax expense                   3,515     3,375          9,337     9,544
                                   -------   -------        -------   -------
Net income                        $  8,518  $  5,635       $ 18,478  $ 15,160
                                   =======   =======        =======   =======
 
Earnings per common and  
   common equivalent share:
 
   Primary                        $    .90  $    .54       $   1.84  $   1.45
                                   =======   =======        =======   =======

   Fully diluted                  $    .90  $    .54       $   1.84  $   1.44
                                   =======   =======        =======   =======




























</TABLE> 
<PAGE>   3 
<TABLE> 
MUELLER INDUSTRIES, INC. 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(Unaudited) 
(In thousands, except per share data) 
<CAPTION> 
                                       Sep. 24, 1994          Dec. 25, 1993
<S>                                      <C>                     <C>
ASSETS  
Cash and cash equivalents                $    39,832             $    77,336
Accounts receivable, net                      69,303                  59,197
Inventories                                   64,656                  53,118
Other current assets                           4,713                   4,760
                                             -------                 -------
  
    Total current assets                     178,504                 194,411
  
Property, plant and equipment, net           173,869                 154,403
Other assets                                  76,011                  20,929
                                             -------                 -------
  
  
                                         $   428,384             $   369,743
                                             =======                 =======
  
  
  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  
Current portion of long-term debt        $    17,817             $     8,391
Accounts payable                              22,025                  15,637
Other current liabilities                     31,739                  26,878
                                             -------                 -------
  
    Total current liabilities                 71,581                  50,906
  
Long-term debt                                83,657                  54,320
Other noncurrent liabilities                  39,873                  42,403
                                             -------                 -------
  
  
    Total liabilities                        195,111                 147,629
  
Stockholders' equity                         233,273                 222,114
                                             -------                 -------
  
  
                                         $   428,384             $   369,743
                                             =======                 =======
  
  
Book value per  share                    $     26.82             $     23.18
                                             =======                 =======
 
 
 
 
 
</TABLE> 



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