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 June 30, 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 Exchange Act).     ¨   Yes     x   No

There were 115,417,048 shares of common stock of the registrant outstanding as of July 31, 2008, comprised of 29,572,128 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, except share amounts)

 

          June 30,     
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 141.9     $ 98.9  

Receivables, net

     321.8       302.1  

Inventories

     440.3       453.5  

Deferred income taxes

     40.0       29.2  

Other current assets

     71.1       66.3  
                

Total current assets

     1,015.1       950.0  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     347.5       351.8  

Identifiable intangible assets

     797.2       819.3  

Goodwill

     871.1       870.6  

Other noncurrent assets

     22.9       17.5  
                

Total assets

   $ 3,053.8     $ 3,009.2  
                

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:

    

Current portion of long-term debt

   $ 6.1     $ 6.2  

Accounts payable

     144.4       112.3  

Other current liabilities

     93.1       121.8  
                

Total current liabilities

     243.6       240.3  

Long-term debt

     1,090.6       1,094.3  

Deferred income taxes

     312.9       307.3  

Other noncurrent liabilities

     74.2       56.3  
                

Total liabilities

     1,721.3       1,698.2  
                

Commitments and contingencies

    

Common stock:

    

Series A: 400,000,000 shares authorized; 29,517,406 shares issued at June 30, 2008 and 29,006,267 shares issued at September 30, 2007

     0.3       0.2  

Series B: 200,000,000 shares authorized and 85,844,920 shares issued at June 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007

     0.9       0.9  

Additional paid-in capital

     1,426.8       1,422.0  

Accumulated deficit

     (100.9 )     (124.8 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     5.4       12.7  
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     1,332.5       1,311.0  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 3,053.8     $ 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 (LOSS)

(UNAUDITED)

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

     Three months ended June 30,      Nine months ended June 30, 
     2008    2007     2008    2007

Net sales

   $ 528.5    $ 502.5     $ 1,362.4    $ 1,374.1

Cost of sales

     405.1      383.0       1,045.8      1,029.1
                            

Gross profit

     123.4      119.5       316.6      345.0
                            

Operating expenses:

          

Selling, general and administrative

     69.6      62.1       200.7      185.7

Restructuring

     0.2      —         17.9      —  
                            

Total operating expenses

     69.8      62.1       218.6      185.7
                            

Income from operations

     53.6      57.4       98.0      159.3

Interest expense, net

     17.5      23.3       54.8      64.8

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

     —        36.4       —        36.4
                            

Income (loss) before income taxes

     36.1      (2.3 )     43.2      58.1

Income tax expense (benefit)

     15.8      (1.0 )     18.8      24.5
                            

Net income (loss)

   $ 20.3    $ (1.3 )   $ 24.4    $ 33.6
                            

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share

   $ 0.18    $ (0.01 )   $ 0.21    $ 0.29
                            

Weighted average shares outstanding:

          

Basic

     115.2      114.8       115.0      114.7
                            

Diluted

     115.8      115.3       115.4      115.1
                            

Dividends declared per share

   $ 0.0175    $ 0.0175     $ 0.0525    $ 0.0525
                            

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

 

3


MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 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

     —          24.4       —         24.4  

Dividends declared

     —        (6.0 )     —         —         (6.0 )

Stock-based compensation

     —        9.6       —         —         9.6  

Stock issued under stock compensation plans

     0.1      1.2       —         —         1.3  

Net unrealized loss on derivative instruments

     —        —         —         (4.5 )     (4.5 )

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     —        —         —         (0.7 )     (0.7 )

Minimum pension liability

     —        —         —         (2.1 )     (2.1 )
                                       

Balance at June 30, 2008

   $ 1.2    $ 1,426.8     $ (100.9 )   $ 5.4     $ 1,332.5  
                                       

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)

 

     Nine months ended
June 30,
 
           2008         2007  

Operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 24.4     $ 33.6  

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

    

Depreciation

     47.2       53.4  

Amortization

     22.1       21.9  

Restructuring

     14.8       —    

Stock-based compensation

     9.6       8.0  

Accretion on debt

     —         7.1  

Deferred income taxes

     5.0       (23.2 )

Write-off of deferred financing fees

     —         11.1  

Write-off of premium on notes

     —         (22.8 )

Other, net

     1.9       8.3  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Receivables

     (31.0 )     20.6  

Inventories

     2.6       (22.0 )

Other current assets and other noncurrent assets

     10.8       1.0  

Accounts payable, other current liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities

     (1.5 )     (34.1 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     105.9       62.9  
                

Investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (60.8 )     (66.1 )

Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired

     —         (26.2 )

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

     7.4       —    
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (53.4 )     (92.3 )
                

Financing activities:

    

Decrease in outstanding checks

     (0.9 )     (8.8 )

Proceeds from debt borrowings

     —         1,140.0  

Payments of debt

     (3.8 )     (1,109.6 )

Payment of deferred financing fees

     —         (10.8 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     1.3       —    

Dividends to stockholders

     (6.0 )     (6.0 )
                

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (9.4 )     4.8  
                

Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash

     (0.1 )     0.2  
                

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     43.0       (24.4 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     98.9       81.4  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 141.9     $ 57.0  
                

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

(UNAUDITED)

Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

Mueller Water Products, Inc., a Delaware corporation, completed an initial public offering of its Series A common stock (NYSE: MWA) on June 1, 2006. 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. 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 related 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 U.S. Pipe.

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 consolidated balance sheet data at 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 previously reported amounts 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, New Jersey, 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 nine months ended June 30, 2008, the Company recorded charges of $0.2 million and $17.9 million, respectively. Total restructuring charges recorded to date consist of $14.8 million of asset impairment charges and $3.1 million of employee-related and other charges.

 

6


Activity in accrued restructuring, a component of other current liabilities, for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2008 is presented below (in millions).

 

     Period ended June 30, 2008  
     Three
    months    
    Nine
months
 

Beginning balance

   $ 1.6     $ 0.9  

Burlington activity:

    

Accruals

     0.2       3.1  

Payments

     (0.4 )     (2.0 )

Other payments

     —         (0.6 )
                

Ending balance

   $ 1.4     $ 1.4  
                

Note 4. Stock-Based Compensation Plans

During the three months and nine months ended June 30, 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 presented below (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

Three months ended June 30, 2008:

        

Restricted stock units

   0.1      8.08      0.9

Non-qualified stock options

   0.0      3.20      0.0

Employee stock purchase plan instruments

   0.1      2.43      0.1
              
   1.8       $ 10.0
              

 

7


The President of Mueller Co. died in June 2008. As a result, certain stock awards vested automatically in accordance with their terms, certain stock awards were forfeited and the terms of other stock awards were modified to accelerate vesting. The net effect of these actions was the recognition of $0.2 million of compensation expense during the three months ended June 30, 2008.

At June 30, 2008, there was approximately $15.2 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements granted under these plans. The Company expensed $3.2 million and $2.8 million related to its stock-based compensation arrangements for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and expensed $9.6 million and $8.0 million related to its stock-based compensation arrangements for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Note 5. Borrowing Arrangements

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

 

          June 30,     
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

2007 Credit Agreement:

    

Term A Loan

   $ 141.6     $ 141.6  

Term B Loan

     528.1       532.1  

7  3 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes

     425.0       425.0  

Other

     2.0       1.8  
                
     1,096.7       1,100.5  

Less current portion

     (6.1 )     (6.2 )
                
   $ 1,090.6     $ 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 at June 30, 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% (0.375% at June 30, 2008) depending on the Company’s leverage ratio, for any unused portion of the Revolver. There were no outstanding borrowings under the Revolver at June 30, 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% (1.5% at June 30, 2008) 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. Based on information provided by an external source, management estimates the fair value of the Term B Loan was $502.1 million at June 30, 2008.

7  3 / 8 % 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 “Senior Notes”). Based on quoted market prices, the Senior Notes had a fair value of $367.6 million at June 30, 2008.

 

8


The indenture securing the Senior 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 at June 30, 2008 and expects to remain in compliance for the foreseeable future. Substantially all of the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries guarantee the Senior Notes.

Note 6. Derivative Financial Instruments

Interest Rate Swap Contracts — The Company used interest rate swap contracts with a cumulative total notional amount of $475 million at June 30, 2008 to hedge against cash flow variability arising from changes in LIBOR in conjunction with its LIBOR-indexed variable rate borrowings. The Company also has $200 million cumulative total notional amount of forward-starting swap contracts that will replace existing swap contracts upon their expiration. These swap contracts were accounted for as effective hedges. During the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2008, the Company recorded an after-tax gain from these swap contracts of $5.1 million and an after-tax loss of $5.0 million, respectively, which were reported as components of accumulated other comprehensive income. These swap contracts had a liability fair value of $9.9 million at June 30, 2008, which was included in other noncurrent liabilities. There was no ineffectiveness related to these swap contracts for the three months or nine months ended June 30, 2008.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts — The Company used 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 at June 30, 2008. Gains and losses on these contracts were included in selling, general and administrative expenses. During the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2008, the Company recorded a loss of $0.3 million and a gain of $1.2 million, respectively, related to such contracts.

Natural Gas Swap Contracts — The Company used natural gas swap contracts with a cumulative total notional amount of 112,000 MMBtu of natural gas at June 30, 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 $0.6 million at June 30, 2008. During the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2008, the Company recorded unrealized after-tax gains from these swap contracts of $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, which were reported as components of accumulated other comprehensive income. Hedge ineffectiveness related to these swap contacts was immaterial for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2008.

In July and August 2008, the Company entered into natural gas swap contracts covering 719,000 MMBtu of natural gas between August 2008 and September 2009. These contracts have the effect of fixing the Company’s purchase price per MMBtu for a portion of its natural gas purchases during that timeframe, and will be accounted for as effective hedges.

 

9


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 are presented below (in millions).

 

     Defined benefit pension plans  
     Three months ended
June 30,
    Nine months ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007          2008               2007       

Service cost

   $ 1.1     $ 1.6     $ 3.8     $ 4.8  

Interest cost

     5.3       5.1       15.9       15.3  

Expected return on plan assets

     (6.7 )     (5.9 )     (20.4 )     (17.7 )

Amortization of prior service cost

     0.2       0.1       0.6       0.3  

Amortization of net loss

     0.2       0.5       0.5       1.5  

Loss due to settlement or curtailment

     —         —         1.4       —    

Other

     —         —         0.1       —    
                                

Net periodic cost

   $ 0.1     $ 1.4     $ 1.9     $ 4.2  
                                
     Other postretirement benefit plans  
     Three months ended
June 30,
    Nine months ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Service cost

   $ —       $ 0.1     $ 0.1     $ 0.3  

Interest cost

     —         0.3       0.4       0.9  

Amortization of prior service credit

     (0.9 )     (0.6 )     (2.3 )     (1.8 )

Amortization of net gain

     (0.3 )     (0.4 )     (0.8 )     (1.2 )

Gain due to settlement or curtailment

     —         —         (0.8 )     —    
                                

Net periodic benefit

   $ (1.2 )   $ (0.6 )   $ (3.4 )   $ (1.8 )
                                

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 nine months ended June 30, 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 nine months ended June 30, 2008, the Company recorded a decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income of $1.3 million for this amortization.

The Company’s fiscal 2008 minimum required contributions to its defined benefit pension plans are $9.2 million. Through June 30, 2008, the Company contributed $5.6 million to its defined benefit pension plans. In July 2008, the Company fulfilled its remaining minimum contribution requirements of $3.6 million. In addition, management anticipates the Company will contribute 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).

 

          June 30,     
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

Inventories:

    

Purchased materials and manufactured parts

   $ 66.9     $ 67.4  

Work in process

     106.0       116.7  

Finished goods

     267.4       269.4  
                
   $ 440.3     $ 453.5  
                

Property, plant and equipment, net:

    

Land

   $ 23.1     $ 28.6  

Buildings

     92.6       91.3  

Machinery and equipment

     569.9       556.3  

Construction in progress

     63.4       35.7  

Other

     5.7       5.4  
                
     754.7       717.3  

Accumulated depreciation

     (407.2 )     (365.5 )
                
   $ 347.5     $ 351.8  
                

Other current liabilities:

    

Payroll and benefits

   $ 37.4     $ 43.5  

Cash discounts and rebates

     16.7       22.6  

Interest

     6.6       15.5  

Workers compensation

     6.8       6.5  

Taxes other than income taxes

     8.9       6.4  

Warranty claims

     5.7       3.7  

Income taxes

     —         10.3  

Restructuring

     1.4       0.9  

Severance

     1.8       1.1  

Other

     7.8       11.3  
                
   $ 93.1     $ 121.8  
                

 

11


Note 9. Income Taxes

The Company provides for income taxes during interim financial reporting periods based on the estimated annual effective tax rate for the fiscal year. The effective income tax rates were 43.5% and 42.2% for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate is due primarily to discrete adjustments related to the liability for uncertain tax positions discussed below.

On October 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in 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. At June 30, 2008, the liability for unrecognized income tax benefits was $19.2 million. If recognized, the liability for unrecognized tax benefits would decrease income tax provision and goodwill by $6.3 million and $12.9 million, respectively. The Company’s liability for unrecognized income tax benefits has increased by $8.2 million since the initial adoption of FIN 48, which reflects balance sheet reclassifications of $9.9 million and discrete items recorded of $2.0 million related to prior year tax positions, partially offset by payments of $3.7 million.

The Company recognizes interest related to uncertain tax positions as interest expense and would recognize any penalties that may be incurred as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses. At June 30, 2008, the Company had approximately $3.2 million of accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions, of which $0.4 million and $1.0 million were accrued during the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.

The Company is in the process of filing certain prior year state income tax returns and expects to settle certain state tax audits within the next 12 months. Management believes it is reasonably possible that these filings and audit settlements will reduce the liability for uncertain tax benefits by $3.0 million to $9.0 million.

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

Note 10. Comprehensive Income

 

     Three months ended
June 30,
    Nine months ended
June 30,
     2008     2007      2008       2007 
     (in millions)

Net income (loss)

   $ 20.3     $ (1.3 )   $ 24.4     $ 33.6

Adjustments, net of tax:

        

Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments

     5.2       2.1       (4.5 )     1.3

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     1.0       4.7       (0.7 )     3.5

Minimum pension liability

     (0.6 )     —         (2.1 )     —  
                              

Comprehensive income

   $ 25.9     $ 5.5     $ 17.1     $ 38.4
                              

 

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 presented below (in millions).

 

     Three months ended
June 30,
    Nine months ended
June 30,
 
          2008               2007          2008     2007  

Net sales, excluding intersegment sales:

        

Mueller Co.

   $ 203.0     $ 203.1     $ 533.5     $ 561.1  

U.S. Pipe

     167.7       153.3       392.6       399.4  

Anvil

     157.8       146.1       436.3       413.6  
                                
   $ 528.5     $ 502.5     $ 1,362.4     $ 1,374.1  
                                

Intersegment sales:

        

Mueller Co.

   $ 6.4     $ 5.0     $ 15.8     $ 14.4  

U.S. Pipe

     0.7       1.2       1.9       5.8  

Anvil

     0.1       0.1       0.5       0.5  
                                
   $ 7.2     $ 6.3     $ 18.2     $ 20.7  
                                

Income (loss) from operations:

        

Mueller Co.

   $ 40.4     $ 41.5     $ 92.6     $ 120.0  

U.S. Pipe

     2.9       8.9       (15.2 )     22.9  

Anvil

     21.9       17.4       50.7       44.0  

Corporate

     (11.6 )     (10.4 )     (30.1 )     (27.6 )
                                
   $ 53.6     $ 57.4     $ 98.0     $ 159.3  
                                

Depreciation:

        

Mueller Co.

   $ 6.0     $ 6.9     $ 18.4     $ 20.1  

U.S. Pipe

     5.2       6.1       16.0       17.5  

Anvil

     4.1       4.9       12.4       14.8  

Corporate

     0.1       0.5       0.4       1.0  
                                
   $ 15.4     $ 18.4     $ 47.2     $ 53.4  
                                

Amortization:

        

Mueller Co.

   $ 6.3     $ 6.3     $ 18.8     $ 18.8  

U.S. Pipe

     0.2       0.2       0.7       0.5  

Anvil

     0.9       0.9       2.6       2.6  
                                
   $ 7.4     $ 7.4     $ 22.1     $ 21.9  
                                

Capital expenditures:

        

Mueller Co.

   $ 5.0     $ 4.3     $ 13.8     $ 16.7  

U.S. Pipe

     15.3       14.3       38.3       34.2  

Anvil

     3.0       3.4       8.5       12.2  

Corporate

     0.2       1.6       0.2       3.0  
                                
   $ 23.5     $ 23.6     $ 60.8     $ 66.1  
                                

U.S. Pipe income (loss) from operations during the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2008 included restructuring charges of $0.2 million and $17.9 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 U.S. Pipe during these periods. According to Walter Industries’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008, 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-Q 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 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 June 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 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 was pending. The court recently issued a summary judgment order, holding that plaintiffs’ claims for contribution are barred by the AOC but giving plaintiffs the right to seek to recover clean up costs they voluntarily incurred. The court granted a motion for immediate appeal to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. 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

 

14


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 facility located at 2101 West 10 th Street in Anniston, Alabama 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 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 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. 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.

Defense costs for all litigation matters are expensed as incurred.

Note 13. Subsequent Events

On July 31, 2008, the Company declared a dividend of $0.0175 per share on the Company’s Series A and Series B common stock, payable on August 20, 2008 to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 8, 2008.

In July and August 2008, the Company entered into natural gas swap contracts covering 719,000 MMBtu of natural gas between August 2008 and September 2009. These contracts have the effect of fixing the Company’s purchase price per MMBtu for a portion of its natural gas purchases during that timeframe, and will be accounted for as effective hedges.

 

15


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

During the nine months ended June 30, 2008, the Company amended a retiree medical coverage plan within U.S. Pipe and a defined benefit pension plan within Mueller Co. 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 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. As part of the January 2004 acquisition of Star Pipe, Inc., during the nine months ended June 30, 2007 the Company made a $3.7 million earnout payment.

The impacts these transactions had on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets are presented below (in millions).

 

     Nine months ended June 30,  
     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

     8.6       —    

Decrease in other current liabilities

     4.3       —    

Decrease in deferred income taxes

     4.4    

Increase in other noncurrent liabilities

     (18.3 )     —    

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

     —         1.8  

Increase in current liabilities

     —         (2.9 )

Purchase price paid, net of cash acquired

     —         (23.0 )
                
   $ —       $ —    
                

Acquisition of Star Pipe, Inc.:

    

Increase in goodwill

   $ —       $ 3.7  

Purchase price paid, net of cash acquired

     —         (3.7 )
                
   $ —       $ —    
                

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

    

Interest

   $ 61.3     $ 64.1  

Income taxes

   $ 2.9     $ 44.6  

 

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 U.S. subsidiaries (the “Guarantor Companies”) of the Senior Notes. None of the Company’s other subsidiaries guarantee the Senior Notes. Each of the guarantees is joint and several and full and unconditional. The Guarantor Companies are listed below.

 

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


Mueller Water Products, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

June 30, 2008

(in millions)

 

             Issuer                 Guarantor    
companies
    Non-
     guarantor     
companies
    Consolidating 
eliminations
      Consolidated  

Assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 140.1     $ (4.5 )   $ 6.3    $ —       $ 141.9

Receivables, net

     0.2       277.4       44.2      —         321.8

Inventories

     —         376.4       63.9      —         440.3

Deferred income taxes

     40.0       —         —        —         40.0

Other current assets

     12.9       55.6       2.6      —         71.1
                                     

Total current assets

     193.2       704.9       117.0      —         1,015.1

Property, plant and equipment, net

     2.5       328.9       16.1      —         347.5

Identifiable intangible assets, net

     —         797.2       —        —         797.2

Goodwill

     —         871.1       —        —         871.1

Other noncurrent assets

     14.9       5.9       2.1      —         22.9

Investment in subsidiaries

     867.3       19.9       —        (887.2 )     —  
                                     

Total assets

   $ 1,077.9     $ 2,727.9     $ 135.2    $ (887.2 )   $ 3,053.8
                                     

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:

           

Current portion of long-term debt

   $ 5.3     $ 0.8     $ —      $ —       $ 6.1

Accounts payable

     14.3       114.6       15.5      —         144.4

Other current liabilities

     19.5       72.5       1.1      —         93.1
                                     

Total current liabilities

     39.1       187.9       16.6      —         243.6

Intercompany accounts

     (1,691.1 )     1,592.4       98.7      —         —  

Long-term debt

     1,089.5       1.1       —        —         1,090.6

Deferred income taxes

     297.6       15.3       —        —         312.9

Other noncurrent liabilities

     10.3       63.9       —        —         74.2
                                     

Total liabilities

     (254.6 )     1,860.6       115.3      —         1,721.3

Stockholders’ equity

     1,332.5       867.3       19.9      (887.2 )     1,332.5
                                     

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,077.9     $ 2,727.9     $ 135.2    $ (887.2 )   $ 3,053.8
                                     

 

18


Mueller Water Products, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

Three Months Ended June 30, 2008

(in millions)

 

             Issuer                 Guarantor    
companies
   Non-
     guarantor     
companies
     Consolidating 
eliminations
      Consolidated  

Net sales

   $ —       $ 438.2    $ 90.3     $ —       $ 528.5

Cost of sales

     —         329.1      76.0       —         405.1
                                     

Gross profit

     —         109.1      14.3       —         123.4

Operating expenses:

           

Selling, general and administrative

     11.1       49.4      9.1       —         69.6

Restructuring

     —         0.2      —         —         0.2
                                     

Total operating expenses

     11.1       49.6      9.1       —         69.8
                                     

Income (loss) from operations

     (11.1 )     59.5      5.2       —         53.6

Interest expense (income), net

     17.7       0.2      (0.4 )     —         17.5
                                     

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (28.8 )     59.3      5.6       —         36.1

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (13.6 )     27.0      2.4       —         15.8

Equity in income of subsidiaries

     35.5       3.2      —         (38.7 )     —  
                                     

Net income

   $ 20.3     $ 35.5    $ 3.2     $ (38.7 )   $ 20.3
                                     

Mueller Water Products, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

Nine Months Ended June 30, 2008

(in millions)

 

             Issuer                 Guarantor    
companies
   Non-
     guarantor     
companies
     Consolidating 
eliminations
      Consolidated  

Net sales

   $ —       $ 1,144.2    $ 218.2     $ —       $ 1,362.4

Cost of sales

     —         857.7      188.1       —         1,045.8
                                     

Gross profit

     —         286.5      30.1       —         316.6

Operating expenses:

           

Selling, general and administrative

     29.3       144.9      26.5       —         200.7

Restructuring

     —         17.9      —         —         17.9
                                     

Total operating expenses

     29.3       162.8      26.5       —         218.6
                                     

Income (loss) from operations

     (29.3 )     123.7      3.6       —         98.0

Interest expense (income), net

     55.1       0.1      (0.4 )     —         54.8
                                     

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (84.4 )     123.6      4.0       —         43.2

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (36.7 )     53.8      1.7       —         18.8

Equity in income of subsidiaries

     72.1       2.3      —         (74.4 )     —  
                                     

Net income

   $ 24.4     $ 72.1    $ 2.3     $ (74.4 )   $ 24.4
                                     

 

19


Mueller Water Products, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Nine Months Ended June 30, 2008

(in millions)

 

             Issuer                 Guarantor    
companies
    Non-
     guarantor     
companies
     Consolidating 
eliminations
     Consolidated    

Operating activities:

           

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $ 58.6     $ 55.9     $ (8.6 )   $ —      $ 105.9  
                                       

Investing activities:

           

Capital expenditures

     (0.2 )     (58.3 )     (2.3 )     —        (60.8 )

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

     —         7.4       —         —        7.4  
                                       

Net cash used in investing activities

     (0.2 )     (50.9 )     (2.3 )     —        (53.4 )
                                       

Financing activities:

           

Decrease in outstanding checks

     —         (0.9 )     —         —        (0.9 )

Payments of debt

     (3.8 )     —         —         —        (3.8 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     1.3       —         —         —        1.3  

Dividends to stockholders

     (6.0 )     —         —         —        (6.0 )
                                       

Net cash used in financing activities

     (8.5 )     (0.9 )     —         —        (9.4 )
                                       

Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash

     —         —         (0.1 )     —        (0.1 )
                                       

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     49.9       4.1       (11.0 )     —        43.0  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     90.2       (8.6 )     17.3       —        98.9  
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 140.1     $ (4.5 )   $ 6.3     $ —      $ 141.9  
                                       

 

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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, completed an initial public offering of its Series A common stock (NYSE: MWA) on June 1, 2006. 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. 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 pipe, restrained joint products, fittings and related 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 U.S. Pipe.

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 municipal water infrastructure, residential construction and commercial construction activity in the United States. Residential construction activity has declined substantially since the end of 2006. Housing starts were down approximately 30% for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the prior year period. 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, New Jersey, 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 nine months ended June 30, 2008, the Company recorded charges of $0.2 million and $17.9 million, respectively. Total restructuring charges recorded to date consisted of $14.8 million of asset impairment charges and $3.1 million of employee-related and other charges. 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 net savings in fiscal 2008.

 

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Construction of U.S. Pipe’s automated iron pipe manufacturing facility is ahead of schedule. Production is expected to begin during the quarter ending September 30, 2008. However, the Company does not expect to realize the full benefits of this new facility until the second half of fiscal 2009.

The Company has experienced significantly higher costs to purchase its principal raw materials and purchased components. The average costs of brass ingot and high grade scrap iron, components of Mueller Co. products, increased 11% and 48%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the prior year period. The average cost of low grade scrap iron, a component of U.S. Pipe products, increased 102% for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the prior year period.

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 future net sales, income from operations, net income and net cash provided by operating activities.

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 during 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. Inventory quantities generally increase in anticipation of higher sales during the three months ending June 30 and September 30. Receivables balances are generally highest during the three months ending June 30 and September 30 due to these being the highest sales periods.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2007

 

     Three months ended June 30, 2008
     Mueller Co.      U.S. Pipe      Anvil     Corporate            Total      
               (in millions)           

Net sales

   $ 203.0    $ 167.7    $ 157.8    $ —       $ 528.5
                                   

Gross profit

   $ 63.9    $ 13.5    $ 46.0    $ —       $ 123.4

Operating expenses:

             

Selling, general and administrative

     23.5      10.4      24.1      11.6       69.6

Restructuring

     —        0.2      —        —         0.2
                                   

Total operating expenses

     23.5      10.6      24.1      11.6       69.8
                                   

Income (loss) from operations

   $ 40.4    $ 2.9    $ 21.9    $ (11.6 )     53.6
                               

Interest expense, net

                17.5
                 

Income before income taxes

                36.1

Income tax expense

                15.8
                 

Net income

              $ 20.3
                 

 

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     Three months ended June 30, 2007  
       Mueller Co.      U.S. Pipe      Anvil     Corporate            Total        
               (in millions)             

Net sales

   $ 203.1    $ 153.3    $ 146.1    $ —       $ 502.5  
                                     

Gross profit

   $ 61.7    $ 18.8    $ 39.0    $ —       $ 119.5  

Operating expenses:

             

Selling, general and administrative

     20.2      9.9      21.6      10.4       62.1  

Restructuring

     —        —        —        —         —    
                                     

Total operating expenses

     20.2      9.9      21.6      10.4       62.1  
                                     

Income (loss) from operations

   $ 41.5    $ 8.9    $ 17.4    $ (10.4 )     57.4  
                               

Interest expense, net

                23.3  

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

                36.4  
                   

Loss before income taxes

                (2.3 )

Income tax benefit

                (1.0 )
                   

Net loss

              $ (1.3 )
                   

Consolidated Analysis

Net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2008 were $528.5 million, an increase of $26.0 million, or 5.2%, compared to $502.5 million in the prior year period. Net sales increased due primarily to higher pricing across all business segments, volume increases at U.S. Pipe and Anvil and the favorable impact of Canadian currency exchange rates. Volume decreased at Mueller Co.

Gross profit for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $123.4 million, an increase of $3.9 million, or 3.3%, compared to $119.5 million in the prior year period. Gross margin was 23.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 23.8% in the prior year period. Gross profit increased due primarily to higher sales pricing of $17.6 million and cost reductions of $11.5 million that were partially offset by higher raw material costs of $17.6 million and the negative impact from under-absorbed overhead of $9.5 million.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 were $69.6 million and $62.1 million, respectively. The increase was due primarily to sales commission expenses, employee-related severance, medical and other expenses and higher ongoing expenses associated with the separation of Anvil’s Canadian manufacturing and distribution operations.

During the three months ended June 30, 2008, the Company recorded Burlington restructuring charges of $0.2 million for employee-related and other items.

Interest expense, net was $17.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $23.3 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 $0.9 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. For the three months ended June 30, 2007, interest expense included $1.7 million related to an adjustment on an interest rate swap contract.

Loss on early extinguishment of debt during the three months ended June 30, 2007 was from the repurchase of the then outstanding senior subordinated and senior discount notes and the refinancing of the Company’s principal credit agreement. These note repurchases were funded from the May 2007 issuance of 7  3 / 8 % senior subordinated notes.

Income tax expense during the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $15.8 million compared to a benefit of $1.0 million in the prior year period. The Company’s effective tax rates are higher than the statutory federal rate of 35% due primarily to state income taxes and compensation expense that is not deductible for income tax purposes.

 

23


Segment Analysis

Mueller Co.

Net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2008 were $203.0 million, a decrease of $0.1 million compared to $203.1 million in the prior year period. Sales price increases of $4.8 million and the favorable impact of Canadian currency exchange rates of $2.4 million were offset by lower volume of $7.3 million.

Gross profit for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $63.9 million, an increase of $2.2 million, or 3.6%, compared to $61.7 million in the prior year period. Gross margin was 31.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 30.4% in the prior year period. Gross profit increased due primarily to cost reductions of $5.1 million, higher sales pricing and other net cost savings, which were partially offset by higher raw material and purchased component costs of $5.3 million, the negative impact from under-absorbed overhead of $3.6 million and lower shipment volumes of $2.8 million.

Income from operations during the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $40.4 million, a decrease of $1.1 million, or 2.7%, compared to $41.5 million in the prior year period. This decline was due to higher selling, general and administrative expenses, primarily attributable to employee-related and other expenses, that more than offset the increase in gross profit.

U.S. Pipe

Net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2008 were $167.7 million, an increase of $14.4 million, or 9.4%, compared to $153.3 million in the prior year period. This increase was attributable to $8.0 million of sales price increases and $6.4 million of higher volumes.

Gross profit for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $13.5 million, a decrease of $5.3 million, or 28.2%, compared to $18.8 million in the prior year period. Gross margin was 8.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 12.3% in the prior year period. Gross profit was negatively affected for the three months ended June 30, 2008 primarily by increased raw material costs of $12.2 million, the negative impact from under-absorbed overhead of $4.5 million and incremental warranty-related expenses of $3.4 million, which were partially offset by sales price increases, cost reductions of $4.9 million and higher shipment volumes of $2.0 million.

Income from operations for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $2.9 million, a decrease of $6.0 million, or 67.4%, compared to $8.9 million in the prior year period. The decrease was due primarily to the decline in gross profit discussed above.

Anvil

Net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2008 were $157.8 million, an increase of $11.7 million, or 8.0%, compared to $146.1 million in the prior year period. This increase was attributable to sales price increases of $4.8 million, increased volume of $3.6 million and the favorable impact of Canadian currency exchange rates of $3.3 million.

Gross profit for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $46.0 million, an increase of $7.0 million, or 17.9%, compared to $39.0 million in the prior year period. Gross margin was 29.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 26.7% in the prior year period. Gross profit increased for the three months ended June 30, 2008 due primarily to sales price increases, higher shipment volumes of $1.1 million and cost reductions.

Income from operations for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $21.9 million, an increase of $4.5 million, or 25.9%, compared to $17.4 million in the prior year period. This increase was attributable to higher gross profit partially offset by $2.5 million of higher selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the prior year period. These higher selling, general and administrative expenses were due primarily to higher sales commission expenses and higher ongoing expenses associated with the separation of Canadian manufacturing and distribution operations.

 

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Corporate

Corporate expenses were $11.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $10.4 million during the prior year period. This increase was attributable to employee-related and other expenses.

Nine Months Ended June 30, 2008 Compared to Nine Months Ended June 30, 2007

 

     Nine months ended June 30, 2008
     Mueller Co.      U.S. Pipe       Anvil     Corporate            Total      
                (in millions)           

Net sales

   $ 533.5    $ 392.6     $ 436.3    $ —       $ 1,362.4
                                    

Gross profit

   $ 159.3    $ 33.4     $ 123.3    $ 0.6     $ 316.6

Operating expenses:

            

Selling, general and administrative

     66.7      30.7       72.6      30.7       200.7

Restructuring

     —        17.9       —        —         17.9
                                    

Total operating expenses

     66.7      48.6       72.6      30.7       218.6
                                    

Income (loss) from operations

   $ 92.6    $ (15.2 )   $ 50.7    $ (30.1 )     98.0
                                

Interest expense, net

               54.8
                

Income before income taxes

               43.2

Income tax expense

               18.8
                

Net income

             $ 24.4
                
     Nine months ended June 30, 2007
     Mueller Co.    U.S. Pipe     Anvil    Corporate     Total
     (in millions)

Net sales

   $ 561.1    $ 399.4     $ 413.6    $ —       $ 1,374.1
                                    

Gross profit

   $ 179.8    $ 53.2     $ 112.0    $ —       $ 345.0

Operating expenses:

            

Selling, general and administrative

     59.8      30.3       68.0      27.6       185.7

Restructuring

     —        —         —        —         —  
                                    

Total operating expenses

     59.8      30.3       68.0      27.6       185.7
                                    

Income (loss) from operations

   $ 120.0    $ 22.9     $ 44.0    $ (27.6 )     159.3
                                

Interest expense, net

               64.8

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

               36.4
                

Income before income taxes

               58.1

Income tax expense

               24.5
                

Net income

             $ 33.6
                

Consolidated Analysis

Net sales for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 were $1,362.4 million, a decrease of $11.7 million, or 0.9%, compared to $1,374.1 million in the prior year period. Net sales decreased due primarily to lower volumes of $73 million, partially offset by higher pricing of $33 million, the favorable impact from Canadian currency exchange rates and the acquisition of Fast Fabricators.

Gross profit for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 was $316.6 million, a decrease of $28.4 million, or 8.2%, compared to $345.0 million in the prior year period. Gross margin was 23.2% for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 25.1% in the prior year period. Gross profit declined due primarily to higher raw material and purchased component costs of $46 million, the negative impact from under-absorbed overhead of $39 million and lower sales volumes of $24 million, which were partially offset by cost reductions of $41 million, higher sales pricing and other factors.

 

25


Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 were $200.7 million and $185.7 million, respectively. The increase was due primarily to employee-related expenses, sales commission expenses, bad debt expenses, higher ongoing expenses associated with the separation of Anvil’s Canadian manufacturing and distribution operations and other expenses.

During the nine months ended June 30, 2008, the Company recorded Burlington restructuring charges of $17.9 million, consisting of $14.8 million of asset impairment charges and $3.1 million of employee-related and other charges.

Interest expense, net was $54.8 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $64.8 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 $3.3 million and $2.4 million during the nine months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Loss on early extinguishment of debt during the nine months ended June 30, 2007 was from the repurchase of the then outstanding senior subordinated and senior discount notes and the refinancing of the Company’s principal credit agreement. These note repurchases were funded from the May 2007 issuance of 7  3 / 8 % senior subordinated notes.

Income tax expense during the nine months ended June 30, 2008 was $18.8 million compared to $24.5 million in the prior year period. The Company’s effective tax rates are higher than the statutory federal rate of 35% due primarily to state income taxes and compensation expense that is not deductible for income tax purposes.

Segment Analysis

Mueller Co.

Net sales for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 were $533.5 million, a decrease of $27.6 million, or 4.9%, compared to $561.1 million in the prior year period. Net sales declined due primarily to reduced volumes of $47 million, partially offset by sales price increases of $15 million and the favorable impact of Canadian currency exchange rates.

Gross profit for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 was $159.3 million, a decrease of $20.5 million, or 11.4%, compared to $179.8 million in the prior year period. Gross margin was 29.9% for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 32.0% in the prior year period. Gross profit primarily declined due primarily to reduced sales volumes of $18 million. The benefits from higher sales pricing were comparable to the increased costs of raw materials and purchased components. Cost reductions and other net cost savings were comparable to the negative impact from under-absorbed overhead of $26 million.

Income from operations during the nine months ended June 30, 2008 was $92.6 million, a decrease of $27.4 million, or 22.8%, compared to $120.0 million in the prior year period. This decline was due primarily to lower gross profit and higher selling, general and administrative expenses. Higher selling, general and administrative expenses were attributable to employee-related, bad debt and other expenses.

U.S. Pipe

Net sales for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 were $392.6 million, a decrease of $6.8 million, or 1.7%, compared to $399.4 million in the prior year period. Net sales decreased due primarily to reduced volume of $24 million, partially offset by the acquisition of Fast Fabricators and sales price increases.

Gross profit for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 was $33.4 million, a decrease of $19.8 million, or 37.2%, compared to $53.2 million in the prior year period. Gross margin was 8.5% for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 13.3% in the prior year period. Gross profit declined due primarily to higher raw material costs of $30 million, the negative impact from under-absorbed overhead of $7 million and reduced sales volumes of $6 million. These factors were partially offset by cost reductions of $22 million and sales price increases.

 

26


Loss from operations for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 was $15.2 million, a decrease of $38.1 million compared to income from operations of $22.9 million in the prior year period. The decrease was due primarily to $17.9 million of Burlington restructuring charges and the decline in gross profit discussed above.

Anvil

Net sales for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 were $436.3 million, an increase of $22.7 million, or 5.5%, compared to $413.6 million in the prior year period. Net sales increased due primarily to the favorable impact of Canadian currency exchange rates of $14 million and sales price increases of $12 million, partially offset by reduced sales volumes.

Gross profit for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 was $123.3 million, an increase of $11.3 million, or 10.1%, compared to $112.0 million in the prior year period. Gross margin was 28.3% for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 27.1% in the prior year period. Gross profit increased due primarily to sales price increases, cost reductions and other net cost savings, partially offset by the negative impact from under-absorbed overhead of $6 million.

Operating income for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 was $50.7 million, an increase of $6.7 million, or 15.2%, compared to $44.0 million in the prior year period. Operating income increased due to the increase in gross profit, partially offset by higher sales commission expenses and higher ongoing expenses associated with the separation of Canadian manufacturing and distribution operations.

Corporate

Corporate expenses for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 were $30.7 million, an increase of $3.1 million, or 11.2%, compared to $27.6 million in the prior year period. This increase was attributable to employee-related and other expenses.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents increased $43.0 million during the nine months ended June 30, 2008 to a total of $141.9 million at June 30, 2008. Cash and cash equivalents activity is summarized below (in millions):

 

Balance at September 30, 2007

   $ 98.9  

Cash provided by operating activities

     105.9  

Cash used in investing activities

     (53.4 )

Cash used in financing activities

     (9.4 )

Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash

     (0.1 )
        

Balance at June 30, 2008

   $ 141.9  
        

Operating activities

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. Inventory quantities generally increase in anticipation of higher sales during the three months ending June 30 and September 30. Raw material prices reflected in ending inventory were notably higher at June 30, 2008 compared to June 30, 2007.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $105.9 million during the nine months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $62.9 million in the prior year period. Cash collections of receivables during the nine months ended June 30, 2008 were approximately $60 million less than during the nine months ended June 30, 2007. The total cost of inventory purchases was similar during the nine months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended June 30, 2007. Other operating cash flow activities included $48.1 million during the nine months ended June 30, 2007 related to debt refinancing activities for which there were no comparable cash flows during the nine

 

27


months ended June 30, 2008 and $2.9 million of income tax payments during the fiscal 2008 period compared to $44.6 million during the fiscal 2007 period. All other operating cash flow activities were comparable in the fiscal 2008 period compared to the fiscal 2007 period.

Investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $53.4 million during the nine months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $92.3 million in the prior year period. Capital expenditures were $60.8 million during the nine months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $66.1 million in the prior year period. Total capital expenditures were $88.3 million during fiscal 2007 and are projected to be within the range of approximately $80 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 nine months ended June 30, 2008 included $7.4 million of proceeds from the sale of a closed plant in California and other property, plant and equipment. Other investing activities during the nine months ended June 30, 2007 included $23.0 million for the acquisition of Fast Fabricators and a $3.7 earnout payment related to the 2004 acquisition of Star Pipe, Inc.

Financing activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $9.4 million during the nine months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $4.8 million of cash provided by financing activities in 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 nine months ended June 30, 2008 resulted in a $0.9 million use of cash compared to an $8.8 million use of cash in the prior year period. Other financing activities during the nine months ended June 30, 2008 included dividends paid to stockholders of $6.0 million, debt payments of $3.8 million and proceeds from issuing common stock of $1.3 million. During the nine months ended June 30, 2007, the Company executed a series of transactions to refinance its debt. Borrowings under new credit agreements provided $1,140 million of cash, which was used primarily to repay substantially all pre-existing borrowings and refinancing fees.

Existing borrowings at June 30, 2008 consisted of primarily $669.7 million under the 2007 Credit Agreement and $425.0 million of 7  3 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes, which mature in 2017. Interest and related fees are paid at least quarterly under the 2007 Credit Agreement and semi-annually on the 7  3 / 8 % Senior Subordinated Notes. 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 approximately $3.5 million beginning September 2009 with the balance due in 2012, and $528.1 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 June 30, 2008. The availability under this agreement is reduced by outstanding letters of credit, which were $38.3 million at June 30, 2008.

The 2007 Credit Agreement and/or the indenture securing the 7  3 / 8 % 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 June 30, 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”.

The Company’s 2008 minimum required contributions to its defined benefit pension plans are $9.2 million. Through June 30, 2008, the Company contributed $5.6 million to its defined benefit pension plans. In July 2008, the Company fulfilled its remaining minimum contribution requirements of $3.6 million. Management expects to contribute approximately $11 million of additional discretionary contributions during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, but the actual amount of such contributions may vary.

 

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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 June 30, 2008 and cash flows from operating activities will be sufficient to meet the Company’s anticipated 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 fulfill its debt service 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.

The Company uses letters of credit and surety bonds in the ordinary course of business to ensure its performance of certain contractual obligations. At June 30, 2008, the Company had $24.1 million of surety bonds outstanding in addition to the $38.3 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, increased 11% and 48%, respectively, during the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the prior year period. The average cost of low grade scrap iron, a component of U.S. Pipe products, increased 102% during the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the prior year period. The Company has implemented sales price increases for these products in an effort to cover rising raw material costs.

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 during 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. Inventory quantities generally increase in anticipation of higher sales during the three months ending June 30 and September 30. Receivables balances are generally highest during the three months ending June 30 and September 30 due to these being the highest sales periods.

 

29


Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Interest Rate Swap Contracts

The Company used interest rate swap contracts with a cumulative total notional amount of $475 million at June 30, 2008, to hedge against cash flow variability arising from changes in LIBOR in conjunction with its LIBOR-indexed variable rate borrowings. The Company also has $200 million cumulative total notional amount of forward-starting swap contracts that will replace existing swap contracts upon their expiration. These swap contracts were accounted for as effective hedges. During the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2008, the Company recorded an after-tax gain from these swap contracts of $5.1 million and an after-tax loss of $5.0 million, respectively, which were reported as components of accumulated other comprehensive income. These swap contracts had a liability fair value of $9.9 million at June 30, 2008, which was included in other noncurrent liabilities. There was no ineffectiveness related to these swap contracts for the three months or nine months ended June 30, 2008.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

The Company used 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 at June 30, 2008. Gains and losses on these contracts were included in selling, general and administrative expenses. During the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2008, the Company recorded a loss of $0.3 million and a gain of $1.2 million, respectively, related to such contracts.

Natural Gas Swap Contracts

The Company used natural gas swap contracts with a cumulative total notional amount of 112,000 MMBtu of natural gas at June 30, 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 $0.6 million at June 30, 2008. During the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2008, the Company recorded unrealized after-tax gains from these swap contracts of $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, which were reported as components of accumulated other comprehensive income. Hedge ineffectiveness related to these swap contacts was immaterial for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2008.

In July and August 2008, the Company entered into natural gas swap contracts covering 719,000 MMBtu of natural gas between August 2008 and September 2009. These contracts have the effect of fixing the Company’s purchase price per MMBtu for a portion of its natural gas purchases during that timeframe, and will be accounted for as effective hedges.

 

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

 

30


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 and 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 and 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 nine months ended June 30, 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, 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, should be carefully considered. 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.

 

31


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

During the three months ended June 30, 2008, the Company repurchased shares of its Series A common stock as presented below.

 

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

April 1-30, 2008

   —      $ —      —      —  

May 1-31, 2008

   —        —      —      —  

June 1-30, 2008

   570      8.07    —      —  
                     

Total

   570    $ 8.07    —      —  
                     

 

(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 6. Exhibits.

(a) Exhibits

 

Exhibit

  

Document

10.18    Employment Agreement dated as of July 16, 2008 between Mueller Water Products, Inc. and Evan L. Hart
10.19    Executive Change-in-Control Severance Agreement dated as of July 16, 2008 between Mueller Water Products, Inc. and Evan L. Hart
10.20    Consulting Agreement dated July 14, 2008 between Mueller Water Products, Inc. and Michael T. Vollkommer
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

 

32


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: August 11, 2008     By:  

/s/ EVAN L. HART

      Evan L. Hart
      Chief Financial Officer

 

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EXHIBIT 10.18

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made as of the 16th day of July, 2008 (the “Effective Date”) by and between Mueller Water Products, Inc. (“Company”) and Evan L. Hart (“Executive”). This Agreement sets forth the terms and conditions of Executive’s employment and termination of employment with the Company whenever that occurs.

ARTICLE I: TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

 

1. Prior Agreements. Executive acknowledges and represents that any and all prior employment agreements including, without limitation, the agreement dated as of September 6, 2006, are terminated and that the only obligations and duties between the Company and the Executive with respect to any severance are those expressly set forth in this Agreement and those set forth in the Change in Control Severance Agreement between Executive and the Company dated as of July 23, 2008 (the “Change in Control Agreement”). Executive represents and warrants that the Executive is not a party to any other agreement or obligation for personal services and that there exists no impediment or restraint, contractual or otherwise on the Executive’s power, right or ability to accept the Company’s offer of employment and to perform the employment specified in this Agreement.

 

2. Employment

 

  a. Executive will serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and will report to the Chief Executive Officer and Executive’s designated work location will be Atlanta, Georgia. Executive will have the responsibilities generally consistent for such position in similarly sized public companies and such other and additional responsibilities as may be assigned to Executive from time to time by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Executive acknowledges that this Agreement contemplates any possible future promotion and any assignment of responsibilities with respect to any affiliate or subsidiary of the Company, which may be made without amendment of this Agreement.

 

  b. Executive shall devote substantially all of Executive’s working time, attention and energies to the business of the Company and its affiliated entities. With permission of the person to whom the Executive reports, Executive however, may be involved in charitable and professional activities and serve on boards of not-for-profit entities, in each case in accordance with Company policy and in a manner and in organizations that will not adversely effect the Executive’s performance or reflect unfavorably on the Company. Executive may not serve on any for-profit board without the prior permission of the Board of Directors. In no event will Executive be covered by any insurance policies of the Company for service on other boards unless pursuant to a specific written endorsement approved by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and obtained by the Executive.

 

3. Compensation and Benefits

 

  a. Executive’s base salary will be $285,000 per year. Executive’s salary and job performance will be reviewed at least once per year consistent with the practices of the Company.

 

  b.

Executive is entitled to participate in a Company executive incentive bonus plan, as in effect from time to time and as approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Executive’s initial target annual bonus will be sixty percent (60%) of the Executive’s base salary in effect for such year. Actual annual bonus may range from 0% to 200% of target and will be determined based upon corporate and/or individual performance factors established by the Company. Bonus ranges, target and performance goals may be changed in accordance with the applicable plan and without


 

amendment of this Agreement. Executive must be employed on the date the Board approves the bonus payable with respect to any fiscal year to be eligible to receive an annual bonus for such fiscal year.

 

  c. Executive will be eligible for the Company’s long term incentive program consistent with its application to executives generally at the level of responsibility held and with the terms of such program, as in effect from time to time. This award is at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer, as applicable.

 

  d. Executive shall be eligible to participate in any pension, profit sharing, health or welfare benefit generally made available by the Company to similarly situated executive employees, as in effect from time to time, including, without limitation:

 

  i. life and group health (medical, dental, etc.) benefits generally applicable to executives in the location in which Executive is primarily based, as in effect from time to time and in accordance with their terms.

 

  ii. Retirement Savings Plan generally applicable to salaried employees in the location in which Executive is primarily based, as in effect from time to time and in accordance with its terms.

 

  iii. Employee Stock Purchase Plan generally applicable to salaried employees in the location in which Executive is primarily based, as in effect from time to time and in accordance with its terms.

 

  iv. Four weeks of annual vacation to be used in accordance with the Company’s vacation policies generally applicable to executives in the location in which Executive is primarily based, as in effect from time to time.

 

  v. Expense reimbursement for properly documented ordinary and necessary business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of employment hereunder in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy.

 

  e. Executive shall be entitled to a car allowance of $1,500 per month, subject to applicable taxes.

 

  f. Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement of financial planning expenses in accordance with the Company’s policy for executive financial planning.

 

  g. Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for expenses of an annual physical in accordance with the Company’s policy for executive physical exams.

 

  h. Executive agrees to comply with policies as adopted from time to time by the Board of Directors for executives, which includes stock ownership guidelines.

The reimbursement of expenses during a year will not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other year. With respect to reimbursement of any expenses, in no event shall such an expense be reimbursed after the last day of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred. This provision has no effect on the policies of the Company with respect to expense reimbursement.

 

4.

Termination of Employment - Death; By Company for Cause or Disability; By Executive’s Resignation Other Than for Good Reason. Executive’s employment automatically terminates upon Executive’s death. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment on account of Disability or for Cause. Executive may voluntarily resign or retire from employment for


 

other than Good Reason upon not less than 15 business days prior written notice to the Company. Upon termination of employment for any of these reasons, Executive shall be entitled to base salary through the date of termination of employment, and other benefits in accordance with the terms of the Company’s retirement, insurance, and other applicable plans and programs then in effect.

 

  a. For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” occurs if Executive has been physically or mentally incapacitated so as to render Executive incapable of performing the essential functions of any substantial gainful activity, or Executive has received income replacement benefits under a Company plan for at least three months, and, in either instance, that incapacity is expected to result in death or to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. Executive’s receipt of disability benefits under the Company’s long-term disability plan or receipt of Social Security disability benefits, among other possible evidence, shall be deemed conclusive evidence of Disability for purposes of this Agreement.

 

  b. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Cause” means any of the following: Executive’s (i) conviction or guilty plea of a felony or conviction or guilty plea of any crime involving fraud or dishonesty, (ii) theft or embezzlement of property from the Company, (iii) willful and continued refusal to perform the duties of Executive’s position in all material respects (other than any such failure resulting from Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness) that continues for more than 15 business days after the Company gives Executive written notice of the failure, specifying what duties Executive failed to perform and an opportunity to cure within 30 days, (iv) fraudulent preparation of financial information of the Company; (v) willful engagement in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise, provided that no act or failure to act on the Executive’s part shall be deemed “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive not in good faith and without reasonable belief that the action or omission was in the best interests of the Company or (vi) willful violation of material Company policies or procedures, including but not limited to, the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Compliance Program (or any successor policy) then in effect.

 

  c. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Good Reason” shall have the meaning set forth in Article I, Section 6(b).

 

5. Involuntary Termination of Employment by the Company. If the Company involuntarily terminates the employment of Executive other than as set forth in Section 4, the Executive will be entitled to the benefits set forth below.

“Severance Benefits” consist of:

 

  i. Lump sum payment of unpaid base salary and other benefits, including accrued but unused vacation pay and unreimbursed business expenses, accrued to the date of termination of employment and paid on the same basis as paid upon any voluntary termination of employment.

 

  ii. A total amount equal to 150% of (A) the sum of Executive’s current monthly rate of base salary and one-twelfth of the annual target bonus (B) multiplied by 12 months (Clauses (A) and (B) together are referred to as the “Base Amount”). Payment of the Base Amount shall be made in substantially equal monthly installments over 18 months from the date of Executive’s separation from service (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code). The first such installment shall be paid within sixty (60) days following Executive’s separation from service (the “Commencement Date”) and subsequent installments shall be paid on the last business day of each succeeding month; provided, however, that Executive’s entitlement to each such installment shall be contingent upon execution (and non-revocation) by Executive of the release under article III, Section 2. All payments are subject to applicable taxes.


  iii. The Company will charge Executive the active employee rate for healthcare coverage for 18 months after termination of employment. The COBRA election period will not commence until after the expiration of that period. Executive may decline coverage at any time. If Executive declines coverage or becomes eligible for coverage by another employer, such coverage will cease and Executive may not become covered by Company coverage again.

 

  iv. Executive will continue group life insurance coverage for a period of 18 months following Executive’s termination of employment date.

 

  vi. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if Executive is a “specified employee” under Section 409A of the Code, then any payment(s) to the Executive described in this Agreement that (A) constitute “deferred compensation” to an Executive under Section 409A; (B) are not exempt from Section 409A; and (C) are otherwise payable within 6 months after Executive’s separation from service (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) shall instead be made on the date 6 months and 1 day after such separation from service, and such payment(s) shall be increased by an amount equal to interest on each such payment(s) at a rate of interest equal to the Federal Funds Rate in effect as of the date of termination of employment from the date on which such payment(s) would have been made in the absence of this provision and the payment date described in this sentence. The Federal Funds Rate shall mean the “Federal Funds Rate” as issued in the Money Rates column of The Wall Street Journal on the date prior to the calculation of any interest under this Agreement.

 

6. Termination by Executive for Good Reason. If Executive terminates employment for Good Reason, Executive will be entitled to the same benefits as if employment had been terminated involuntarily under Article I, Section 5(a). Any benefits provided under this section are conditioned on Executive giving written notice to the Company under subsection (a) below and meeting the requirements for a satisfactory release as set forth in Article III, Section 2.

 

  a. Termination for Good Reason means delivery of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason by Executive given to the Company’s Senior Vice President of Human Resources within ninety (90) days of the occurrence of the event giving rise to the Notice, unless such circumstances are substantially corrected prior to the date of termination specified in the Notice of Termination for Good Reason. A “Notice of Termination for Good Reason” shall mean a notice that (i) indicates the specific termination provision or provisions relied upon, (ii) sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for Termination for Good Reason and (iii) indicates a date of termination of employment. The failure by Executive to set forth in the Notice of Termination for Good Reason any facts or circumstances which contribute to the showing of Good Reason shall not waive any right of Executive hereunder or preclude Executive from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing his rights hereunder. The Notice of Termination for Good Reason shall provide for a date of termination of employment not less than fifteen (15) nor more than thirty (30) days after the date such Notice of Termination for Good Reason is given, provided that in the case of the events set forth in Article I, Sections 6(b)(i) or (ii), the date may be not less than twenty (20) days after the giving of such notice.

 

  b. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” means, without Executive’s express written consent, the occurrence of any one or more of the following to the extent that there is, or would be if not corrected, a material negative change in the Executive’s employment relationship with the Company:


  i. The assignment of the Executive to duties materially inconsistent with the Executive’s authorities, duties, responsibilities, and status as an executive and/or officer of the Company, or a material reduction or alteration in the nature or status of the Executive’s authorities, duties, or responsibilities from those in effect as of ninety (90) calendar days prior to the reassignment, other than an insubstantial and inadvertent act that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive.

 

  ii. The Company’s requiring the Executive to be based at a new or different location from the location of the Executive’s current principal job location or office which would result in a material negative change in Executive’s employment; provided that for purposes of this subsection, a material negative change to the employment relationship is presumed if the new location is in excess of fifty (50) miles of the old location; or

 

  iii. A material reduction by the Company of the Executive’s base salary in effect on the Effective Date hereof, or as the same shall be increased from time to time.

 

  iv. A material negative change in responsibility or base salary shall not have occurred under this Section 6(b) if (A) the amount of the Executive’s bonus fluctuates due to performance considerations under the company’s incentive plan in effect from time to time or (B) the Executive is transferred to a position of comparable responsibility and compensation with the Company.

Unless the Executive becomes Totally Disabled, the Executive’s right to terminate employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness. The Executive’s continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance constituting Good Reason herein.

 

7. Clawback

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary and only to the extent required by law, if the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance of the Company, as a result of misconduct, with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, then the Executive agrees to reimburse the Company for (a) any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation received by such Executive from the Company during the 12-month period following the first public issuance or filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (whichever first occurs) of the financial document embodying such financial reporting requirement and (b) any profits realized from the sale of securities of the Company during that 12-month period. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors shall have the exclusive authority to interpret and enforce this provision.

 

8. Taxes and Tax Equalization

The Company shall withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city, or other taxes as legally shall be required.

 

9. Compliance with Code Section 409A

 

  a. Each of the payments of severance and continued medical benefits under Article I, Sections 4 and 5 above are designated as separate payments for purposes of the short-term deferral rules under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4)(i)(F), the exemption for involuntary terminations under separation pay plans under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii), and the exemption for medical expense reimbursements under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v)(B).


  b. It is the intention of the Company and Executive that this Agreement not result in unfavorable tax consequences to Executive under Code Section 409A. Accordingly, Executive consents to any amendment of this Agreement as the Company may reasonably make in furtherance of such intention, and the Company shall promptly provide, or make available to, Executive a copy of such amendment. Any such amendments shall be made in a manner that preserves to the maximum extent possible the intended benefits to Executive. This Section 8(b) does not create an obligation on the part of the Company to modify this Agreement and does not guarantee that the amounts or benefits owed under this Agreement will not be subject to interest and penalties under Code Section 409A.

ARTICLE II: POST EMPLOYMENT OBLIGATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS

 

1. Noncompetition. In the event that Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Article I, Sections 4 or 5, then Executive agrees as follows:

 

  a. Executive will not perform Competitive Services, directly or indirectly, for any person, entity, business, or enterprise in the United States engaged in the business of the Company as being carried on as of the date of termination (“Competing Business”) for the period of twelve (12) months following the date of termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company ). For the purposes of this restriction, “Competitive Services” means performing services as a principal financial officer with responsibility for the overall financial affairs of the Company and its subsidiaries and participating as a member of the senior leadership team in overall strategic and business planning for the Company and duties substantially similar to those duties Executive will perform for Employer under this Agreement or, in the case of managerial or executive duties, managerial or executive duties for a competitor.

 

  b. Executive acknowledges and agrees that:

 

  i. Executive is familiar with the business of Employer and the commercial and competitive nature of the industry and recognizes that the value of Employer’s business would be injured if Executive performed Competitive Services for a Competing Business;

 

  ii. This Non-Competition Agreement is essential to the continued good will and profitability of Employer;

 

  iii. In the course of employment with Employer, Executive will become familiar with the trade secrets and other Confidential Information (as defined below) of Employer and its subsidiaries, affiliates, and related entities, and that Executive’s services will be of special, unique, and extraordinary value to Employer; and

 

  iv. Executive’s skills and abilities enable Executive to seek and obtain similar employment in a business other than a Competing Business, and Executive possesses other skills that will serve as the basis for employment opportunities that are not prohibited by this Non-Competition Agreement. When Executive’s employment with Employer terminates, Executive expects to be able to earn a livelihood without violating the terms of this Agreement.

 

2. Nonsolicitation of Employees. During the term of the Executive’s employment with the Company and for a period of twelve (12) months following the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason whatsoever, the Executive shall not, either on his or her own account or for any person, firm, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or other entity within the Territory; (a) solicit any employee of the Company to leave his or her employment with the Company; or (b) induce or attempt to induce any such employee to breach his or her employment agreement with the Company.


3. Nonsolicitation of Customers. During the term of the Executive’s employment with the Company and for a period of two (2) years following the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason whatsoever, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly solicit or attempt to solicit any current customer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with which the Executive had material contact during his or her employment with the Company: (a) to cease doing business in whole or in part with or through the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or (b) to do business with any other person, firm, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or other entity which performs services competitive to those provided by the Company or any of its subsidiaries. This restriction on post-employment conduct shall apply only to solicitation for the purpose of selling or offering products or services that are similar to or which compete with those products or services offered by the Company during the period of the Executive’s employment. For purposes of this Section 4, “material contact” shall be defined as any communication intended or expected to develop or further a business relationship and customers about which the employee learned confidential information as a result of his/her employment .

 

4. Developments. You agree that all inventions, improvements, trade secrets, reports, manuals, computer programs, systems, tapes and other ideas and materials developed or invented by you during the period of your employment with the Company, either solely or in collaboration with others, which relate to the actual or anticipated business or research of the Company, which result from or are suggested by any work you may do for the Company, or which result from use of the Company’s premises or the Company’s or its customers’ property (collectively, the “Developments”) shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company. You hereby assign to the Company your entire right and interest in any Developments and will hereafter execute any documents in connection therewith that the company may reasonably request. This section does not apply to any inventions that you made prior to your employment by the Company, or to any inventions that you develop entirely on your own time without using any of the Company’s equipment, supplies, facilities or the Company’s or its customers’ confidential information and which do not relate to the Company’s business, anticipated research and developments or the work you have performed for the Company.

 

5. Non-Disparagement . Following the termination of employment under this Agreement for any reason and continuing for so long as the Employer or any affiliate, successor or assigns thereof carries on the name or like business within the Restricted Area, neither Employer nor Employee shall, directly or indirectly, for himself or herself or on behalf of, or in conjunction with, any other person, persons, company, partnership, corporation, business entity or otherwise:

 

   

Make any statements or announcements or permit anyone to make any public statements or announcements concerning Employee’s reasons for termination with Employer without Employee’s consent, or

 

   

Make any statements that are inflammatory, detrimental, slanderous, or negative in any way to the interests of the Employer or its affiliated entities on the one hand, or Employee, on the other hand.


ARTICLE III: GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

1. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure

 

  a. Executive acknowledges that, in the course of Executive’s employment, Executive will have access to confidential information, trade secrets, knowledge or data relating to Employer and its businesses, including but not limited to information disclosed to Executive, or known by Executive as a consequence of or through employment with Employer, where such information is not generally known in the trade or industry, and where such information refers or relates in any manner whatsoever to the business activities, processes, services, or products of Employer, or any affiliates (“Confidential Information”).

 

  b. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, business and development plans (whether contemplated, initiated, or completed), mergers and acquisitions, pricing information, business contacts, sources of supply, customer information (including customer lists, customer preferences, and sales history), methods of operation, results of analysis, customer lists (including advertising contacts), business forecasts, financial data, costs, revenues, and similar information.

 

  c. Confidential Information is to be protected regardless of its format (tangible or intangible); thus, it includes information maintained in electronic form (such as e-mails, computer files, or information on a cell phone, Blackberry, or other personal data device). Information that is in the public domain, other than as a result of a breach of this Agreement, shall not constitute Confidential Information.

 

  d. Executive agrees that during employment and during the two (2) year period thereafter, Executive will not use or disclose, on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity, any Confidential Information to employees of Employer who do not have a need-to-know or to third parties; provided, however, that Executive may disclose Confidential Information during employment in the normal course of business.

 

  e. Executive agrees that this non-disclosure obligation shall extend longer than two (2) years after termination of employment as to any materials or information that constitutes a trade secret of Employer under applicable law, for the full period of time in which such materials or information remain a trade secret, if longer than two (2) years.

 

  f. Executive agrees to take all reasonable precautions to safeguard and prevent disclosure of Confidential Information to unauthorized persons or entities.

 

2. Release. As a condition of receiving any severance payments under this Agreement, Executive must sign and not revoke, within the deadlines provided by the Company and in compliance with applicable federal and/or state laws, a written release of all employment claims against the Company and its related entities, including, without limitation, employment discrimination of any kind, wage payment, breach of contract, claims for workers compensation, unemployment, disability and severance claims that Executive has or may have at the termination of employment. In addition, Executive will agree not to sue the Company or any other entities or persons released.

 

3. Intellectual Property. Executive agrees that Executive has no right to use, for the benefit of Executive or anyone other than Employer, any of the copyrights, trademarks, service marks, patents, and inventions of Employer.

 

4.

Return of Property. Executive agrees that upon termination of employment or, prior to such termination at the request of Employer, Executive shall return to Employer all documents, copies, recordings of any kind, papers, computer records, and other material in Executive’s possession or under Executive’s control which may contain or be derived from Confidential


 

Information, together with all other documents, notes, other work product, and other material and property belonging or relating to Employer, and any tangible Employer property, including any computer equipment, cell phone, pager, blackberry or other electronic messaging device, and keys.

 

5. Injunctive Relief. Executive and Employer recognize that the services to be rendered by Executive are of a special, unique, unusual, and extraordinary character having a peculiar value, the loss of which will cause Employer immediate and irreparable harm which cannot be adequately compensated in damages. Executive and Employer further recognize that disclosure of any Confidential Information or breach of the provisions of this Agreement will give rise to immediate and irreparable injury to Employer that is inadequately compensable in damages. In the event of a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, Executive agrees and consents that Employer shall be entitled to injunctive relief, both preliminary and permanent, without bond, and Executive will not raise the defense that Employer has an adequate remedy at law. In addition, Employer shall be entitled to any other legal or equitable remedies as may be available under law. The remedies provided in this Agreement shall be deemed cumulative and the exercise of one shall not preclude the exercise of any other remedy at law or in equity for the same event or any other event.

 

6. Successors

 

  a. The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, reorganization, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, liquidation, or otherwise) of all or a significant portion of the assets of the Company by agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Executive, to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. Regardless of whether such agreement is executed, this Agreement shall be binding upon any successor in accordance with the operation of law and such successor shall be deemed the “Company” for purposes of this Agreement.

 

  b. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees. If the Executive dies while any amount would still be payable to Executive hereunder had Executive continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Executive’s devisee, legatee, or other designee, or if there is no such designee, to the Executive’s estate.

 

7. Miscellaneous

 

  a. Employment Status. This Agreement is not, and nothing herein shall be deemed to create, an employment contract between the Executive and the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Executive understands and agrees that the Executive’s employment with the Company is at-will, which means that neither Executive nor Company may, subject to the terms of this Agreement terminate this Agreement at any time with or without cause and with or without notice. The Executive acknowledges that the rights of the Company remain wholly intact to change or reduce at any time and from time to time his compensation, title, responsibilities, location, and all other aspects of the employment relationship, or to discharge him (subject to such discharge possibly qualifying Executive for severance under Article I, Section 4 or 5).

 

  b. Agreement. This Agreement and the Change in Control Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Company and the Executive with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations, representations and statements, whether oral, written, implied or expressed, relating to such subject matter.


  c. Notices. All notices, requests, demands, and other communications hereunder shall be sufficient if in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by hand or if sent by registered or certified mail to the Executive at the last address he filed in writing with the Company or, in the case of the Company, at its principal office.

 

  d. Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be original, but all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument, and all signatures need not appear on any one counterpart.

 

  e. Severability. In the event any provision of this Agreement shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of the Agreement, and the Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included. Further, the captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force and effect. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall have no obligation to make any payment to the Executive hereunder to the extent, but only to the extent, that such payment is prohibited by the terms of any final order of a federal or state court or regulatory agency of competent jurisdiction; provided, however, that such an order shall not affect, impair, or invalidate any provision of this Agreement not expressly subject to such order.

 

  f. Modification. No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived, or discharged unless such modification, waiver, or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and by a member of the Board, as applicable, or by the respective parties’ legal representatives or successor, except as provided in Article I, Section 8(b).

 

  g. Applicable Law. To the extent not preempted by the laws of the United States, the laws of the state of Delaware shall be the controlling law in all matters relating to this Agreement without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws.

 

  h. Consent to Forum. Executive expressly consents and submits that the exclusive jurisdiction for any controversy, dispute, or claim between the parties arising out of or relating to this Agreement or Executive’s employment with Executive that are not required to be submitted to arbitration pursuant to Article IV of this Agreement (such as claims for injunctive or equitable relief described in Article III, Section 5 of this Agreement) shall be the courts in the state of Delaware. Executive expressly consents to the exercise of personal jurisdiction over Executive by the courts in the state of Delaware. Executive hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection or defense that a Delaware court does not have personal jurisdiction over Executive, is an improper venue, or constitutes an inconvenient forum.

ARTICLE IV: DISPUTE RESOLUTION; MUTUAL AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE

 

1. Executive and Employer agree that, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, final and binding arbitration shall be the exclusive remedy for any controversy, dispute, or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or Executive’s employment with Employer, including Executive’s hire, treatment in the workplace, or termination of employment. For example, if Executive’s employment with Employer is terminated and he contends that the termination violates any statute, contract or public policy, then Executive will submit the matter to arbitration for resolution, in lieu of any court or jury trial to which Executive would otherwise might be entitled.

 

2.

This Article covers all common-law and statutory claims, including, but not limited to, any claim for breach of contract (including this Agreement) and for violation of laws forbidding discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other basis covered by applicable federal, state, or local law, and includes claims against Employer and/or any parents, affiliates, owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, general partners or limited partners of


 

Employer, to the extent such claims involve, in any way, this Agreement or Executive’s employment with Employer. This Article covers all judicial claims that could be brought by either party to this Agreement, but does not cover administrative claims for workers’ compensation or unemployment compensation benefits or the filing of charges with government agencies that prohibit waiver of the right to file a charge, and does not preclude either party to the Agreement from seeking emergency injunctive relief in the courts as provided for in Article III, Sections 5 and 7(h).

 

3. The arbitration shall be governed by JAMS Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedure except as modified herein. If the party chooses to have the arbitration proceeding administered by a third party, then the arbitration shall be administered by JAMS. If the party chooses to have the arbitration administered by JAMS, then the arbitration will “commence” in accordance with the JAMS Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedure. If the party chooses to have this matter arbitrated privately, then the arbitration will be deemed to “commence” on the date that the party, pursuant to Article III, Section 7(c), provides a demand for arbitration and notice of claims and remedies sought outlining the facts relied upon, legal theories, and statement of claimed relief (“Demand”). The responding party shall serve a response to the claims and any counterclaims within fifteen (15) business days from the date of receipt of the Demand.

 

4. Any arbitration shall be held in Washington, D.C. (unless the parties mutually agree in writing to another location within the United States) within 120 days of the commencement of the arbitration.

 

5. The arbitration shall take place before a single arbitrator to be appointed by mutual agreement of counsel for each party or, if counsel cannot agree, then pursuant to the procedures set forth by JAMS. The parties may not have any ex parte communications with the arbitrator.

 

6. The arbitrator may award any relief otherwise available to the parties by law or equity.

 

7. The parties are limited to two (2) depositions per side, and limited written discovery as may be required by the arbitrator, not to exceed that allowed under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

 

8. Any hearing in this matter shall be completed within 120 days of the date of commencement of the arbitration, as the term “commencement” is defined by JAMS. The arbitrator shall issue its award within thirty (30) days of the last hearing day.

 

9. Unless Executive objects, Employer will pay the arbitrator’s fees. Each party shall pay its own costs and attorneys’ fees, if any, unless the arbitrator rules otherwise. A court may enter judgment upon the arbitrator’s award, either by confirming the award, or vacating, modifying or correcting the award, on any ground referred to in the Federal Arbitration Act, or where the findings of fact are not supported by substantial evidence, or where the conclusions of law are erroneous.

 

10. The provisions of this Article are severable, meaning that if any provision in this Article IV (“Dispute Resolution; Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate”) is determined to be unenforceable and cannot be reformed under applicable law, the remaining provisions shall remain in full effect, provided however, that any amendment of an unenforceable provision shall only be to the extent necessary and shall preserve the intent of the parties hereto. It is agreed and understood that the scope of this Article, including questions of arbitrability of any dispute, shall be determined by the arbitrator.

 

11. Executive acknowledges that prior to accepting the provisions of this Article IV and signing this Agreement, Executive has been given an opportunity to consult with an attorney and to review the JAMS Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedure that would govern the dispute resolution process under this Article. In signing this Agreement, the parties acknowledge that the right to a court trial and trial by jury is of value, and knowingly and voluntarily waive such right for any dispute subject to the terms of this Article.

Initials: Executive   ELH   Employer   GEH  


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on this 23 rd day of July, 2008.

 

MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Gregory E. Highland

 

Chairman of the Board, President and

Chief Executive Officer

 

/s/ Evan L. Hart

  Executive

EXHIBIT 10.19

EXECUTIVE CHANGE-IN-CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

THIS EXECUTIVE CHANGE-IN-CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT is made, entered into, and is effective as of the16th day of July, 2008 (hereinafter referred to as the “Effective Date”), by and between Mueller Water Products, Inc. (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, and Mr. Evan L. Hart (the “Executive”). Executive acknowledges and represents that any and all prior agreements for change in control severance are terminated and replaced entirely by this Agreement.

WHEREAS, the Executive is currently employed by the Company and possesses considerable experience and knowledge of the business and affairs of the Company concerning its policies, methods, personnel, and operations; and

WHEREAS, the Company is desirous of assuring insofar as possible, that it will continue to have the benefit of the Executive’s services; and the Executive is desirous of having such assurances; and

WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that circumstances may arise in which a Change in Control of the Company occurs, through acquisition or otherwise, thereby causing uncertainty of employment without regard to the Executive’s competence or past contributions. Such uncertainty may result in the loss of the valuable services of the Executive to the detriment of the Company and its shareholders; and

WHEREAS, both the Company and the Executive are desirous that any proposal for a Change in Control or acquisition will be considered by the Executive objectively and with reference only to the business interests of the Company and its shareholders; and

WHEREAS, the Executive will be in a better position to consider the Company’s best interests if the Executive is afforded reasonable security, as provided in this Agreement, against altered conditions of employment which could result from any such Change in Control or acquisition.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants and agreements of the parties set forth in this Agreement, and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

Article 1. Definitions

Wherever used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below and, when the meaning is intended, the initial letter of the word is capitalized:

 

  (a) Agreement ” means this Executive Change-in-Control Severance Agreement.

 

  (b) Base Salary ” means, at any time, the then regular annual rate of pay which the Executive is receiving as annual salary, excluding amounts: (i) received under short-term or long-term incentive or other bonus plans, regardless of whether or not the amounts are deferred, or (ii) designated by the Company as payment toward reimbursement of expenses.

 

  (c) Beneficial Owner ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act.

 

  (d) Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.


  (e) Cause ” shall be determined solely by the Committee in the exercise of good faith and reasonable judgment, and shall mean the occurrence of any one or more of the following:

 

  (i) The Executive’s conviction or guilty plea of a felony or conviction or guilty plea of any crime involving fraud or dishonesty;

 

  (ii) The Executive’s willful and continued refusal to perform the duties of his or her position in all material respects (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness), that continues for more than 15 business days after the Company gives the Executive written notice of the failure, specifying what duties the Executive failed to perform and an opportunity to cure;

 

  (iii) fraudulent preparation of financial information of the Company; or

 

  (iv) The Executive’s willful engagement in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise, provided that no act or failure to act on the Executive’s part shall be deemed “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive not in good faith and without reasonable belief that the action or omission was in the best interests of the Company.

 

  (f) Change in Control ” of the Company shall mean the occurrence of any one (1) or more of the following events:

 

  (i) Any Person (other than the Company or any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company, and any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or such proportionately owned corporation) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than thirty percent (30%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities;

 

  (ii) During any period of not more than thirty-six (36) consecutive months, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board of Directors of the Company, and any new director whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least a majority (rounded up to the nearest whole number) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof;

 

  (iii) The consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than: (i) a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; or (ii) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person acquires more than thirty percent (30%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; or

 

  (iv) The Company’s stockholders approve a plan or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (or any transaction or series of transactions having a similar effect).


  (g) Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

  (h) Committee ” means the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, or, if no Compensation Committee exists, then the full Board of Directors of the Company, or a committee of Board members, as appointed by the full Board to administer this Agreement.

 

  (i) Company ” means Mueller Water Products, Inc., a Delaware corporation (including any and all subsidiaries), or any successor thereto as provided in Article 9 herein.

 

  (j) Disability ” or “ Disabled ” means that Executive has been physically or mentally incapacitated so as to render Executive incapable of performing the essential functions of any substantial gainful activity, or Executive has received income replacement benefits under a Company plan for at least three months, and, in either instance, that incapacity is expected to result in death or to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. Executive’s receipt of disability benefits under the Company’s long-term disability plan or receipt of Social Security disability benefits shall be deemed conclusive evidence of Disability for purposes of this Agreement.

 

  (k) Effective Date ” means the date this Agreement is approved by the Board, or such other date as the Board shall designate in its resolution approving this Agreement, and as specified in the opening sentence of this Agreement.

 

  (l) Effective Date of Termination ” means the date on which a Qualifying Termination occurs, as provided in Section 2.2 herein, which triggers the payment of Severance Benefits hereunder.

 

  (m) Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

  (n) Federal Funds Rate” shall mean the “Federal Funds Rate” as issued in the Money Rates column of The Wall Street Journal.

 

  (o) Good Reason ” means, without the Executive’s express written consent, the occurrence after a Change in Control of the Company of any one (1) or more of the following to the extent that there is, or would be if not corrected, a material negative change in the Executive’s employment relationship with the Company:

 

  (i) The assignment of the Executive to duties materially inconsistent with the Executive’s authorities, duties, responsibilities, and status as an executive and/or officer of the Company, or a material reduction or alteration in the nature or status of the Executive’s authorities, duties, or responsibilities from those in effect as of ninety (90) calendar days prior to the Change in Control, other than an insubstantial and inadvertent act that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

 

  (ii) The Company’s requiring the Executive to be based at a location in excess of fifty (50) miles from the location of the Executive’s principal job location or office immediately prior to the Change in Control; except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with the Executive’s then present business travel obligations;

 

  (iii) A reduction by the Company of the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the Effective Date hereof, or as the same shall be increased from time to time;

 

  (iv)

The failure of the Company to continue in effect any of the Company’s short- and long-term incentive compensation plans, or employee benefit or retirement plans, policies, practices, or other compensation arrangements in which the Executive participates unless such failure to continue the plan, policy, practice, or arrangement pertains to all plan participants generally; or the failure by the Company to continue the Executive’s participation therein on


 

substantially the same basis, both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and the level of the Executive’s participation relative to other participants, as existed immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company;

 

  (v) The failure of the Company to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to the Company to assume and agree to perform the Company’s obligations under this Agreement, as contemplated in Article 9 herein; and

 

  (vi) A material breach of this Agreement by the Company which is not remedied by the Company within ten (10) business days of receipt of written notice of such breach delivered by the Executive to the Company.

Unless the Executive becomes Disabled, the Executive’s right to terminate employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness. The Executive’s continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance constituting Good Reason herein.

 

  (p) Notice of Termination ” shall mean a written notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated.

 

  (q) “Notice of Termination for Good Reason” shall mean a notice that (i) indicates the specific termination provision or provisions relied upon, (ii) sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for Termination for Good Reason and (iii) indicates a date of termination of employment. The failure by Executive to set forth in the Notice of Termination for Good Reason any facts or circumstances which contribute to the showing of Good Reason shall not waive any right of Executive hereunder or preclude Executive from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing his rights hereunder. The Notice of Termination for Good Reason shall provide for a date of termination of employment not less than thirty (30) nor more than sixty (60) days after the date such Notice of Termination for Good Reason is given, provided that in the case of the events set forth in Article I, Section (o) 6(b)(i) or (ii), the date may be not less than twenty (20) days after the giving of such notice.

 

  (r) Person ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a “group” as defined in Section 13(d).

 

  (s) Qualifying Termination ” means the Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is used in Code Section 409A) upon any of the events described in Section 2.2 herein, the occurrence of which triggers the payment of Severance Benefits hereunder.

 

  (t) Severance Benefits ” mean the payment of severance compensation as provided in Section 2.3 herein.

Article 2. Severance Benefits

2.1 Right to Severance Benefits . The Executive shall be entitled to receive from the Company Severance Benefits as described in Section 2.3 herein, if there has been a Change in Control of the Company and if, within twenty-four (24) calendar months thereafter, the Executive’s employment with the Company shall end for any reason specified in Section 2.2 herein as being a Qualifying Termination.

The Executive shall not be entitled to receive Severance Benefits if he is terminated for Cause, or if his employment with the Company ends due to death, Disability, voluntary normal retirement (as defined under the then established rules of the Company’s tax-qualified retirement plan), or due to a voluntary termination of employment for reasons other than as specified in Section 2.2(b) herein.


If benefits are triggered hereunder, and under another Company-related severance plan or program, the benefits under this Agreement shall be paid under the terms hereof, and any duplicative benefits under such other plan or program shall be forfeited.

2.2 Qualifying Termination . The occurrence of any one of the following events within twenty-four (24) calendar months after a Change in Control of the Company shall trigger the payment of Severance Benefits to the Executive under this Agreement:

 

  (a) The Company’s involuntary termination of the Executive’s employment without Cause; and

 

  (b) The Executive’s voluntary employment termination for Good Reason.

For purposes of this Agreement, a Qualifying Termination shall not include a termination of employment by reason of death, Disability, or voluntary normal retirement (as such term is defined under the then established rules of the Company’s tax-qualified retirement plan), the Executive’s voluntary termination for reasons other than as specified in Section 2.2(b) herein, or the Company’s involuntary termination for Cause.

2.3 Description of Severance Benefits . In the event the Executive becomes entitled to receive Severance Benefits, as provided in Sections 2.1 and 2.2 herein, the Company shall pay to the Executive and provide him with the following Severance Benefits:

 

  (a) A lump-sum amount equal to the Executive’s unpaid Base Salary, accrued vacation pay, unreimbursed business expenses, and all other items earned by and owed to the Executive through and including the Effective Date of Termination.

 

  (b) A lump-sum amount equal to the Executive’s annual bonus award earned as of the Effective Date of Termination, based on actual year-to-date performance, as determined at the Committee’s discretion (excluding any special bonus payments). This payment will be in lieu of any other payment to be made to the Executive under the annual bonus plan in which the Executive is then participating for the plan year.

 

 

(c)

An aggregate amount equal to one and one-half (1.5) multiplied by the sum of the following: (i) the higher of: (A) the Executive’s annual rate of Base Salary in effect upon the Effective Date of Termination, or (B) the Executive’s annual rate of Base Salary in effect on the date of the Change in Control; and (ii) the average of the actual annual bonus earned (whether or not deferred) by the Executive under the annual bonus plan (excluding any special bonus payments) in which the Executive participated in the three (3) years preceding the year in which the Executive’s Effective Date of Termination occurs. If the Executive has less than three (3) years of annual bonus participation preceding the year in which the Executive’s Effective Date of Termination occurs, then the Executive’s annual target bonus established under the annual bonus plan in which the Executive is then participating for the bonus plan year in which the Executive’s Effective Date of Termination occurs shall be used for each year that the Executive did not participate in the annual bonus plan, up to a maximum of three (3) years, to calculate the three (3) year average bonus payment. Payments shall be made in eighteen (18) monthly installments. The first installment shall be equal to  1 / 18 th of the aggregate amount, and shall be paid within sixty (60) days following the Effective Date of Termination, and subsequent installments shall be paid on the last business day of each succeeding month; provided that Executive’s entitlement to each such installment shall be contingent upon execution (and non-revocation) by Executive of a release as described in Section 10.1 before the payment date under this Agreement for each such installment. Each monthly installment thereafter shall increase by a percentage equal to 1/12 th of the Federal Funds rate in effect on the last day of the month preceding payment. All payments are subject to applicable taxes.


  (d) A lump-sum amount equal to one-half (.5) multiplied by the sum of the following: (i) the higher of: (A) the Executive’s annual rate of Base Salary in effect upon the Effective Date of Termination, or (B) the Executive’s annual rate of Base Salary in effect on the date of the Change in Control; and (ii) the average of the actual annual bonus earned (whether or not deferred) by the Executive under the annual bonus plan (excluding any special bonus payments) in which the Executive participated in the three (3) years preceding the year in which the Executive’s Effective Date of Termination occurs. If the Executive has less than three (3) years of annual bonus participation preceding the year in which the Executive’s Effective Date of Termination occurs, then the Executive’s annual target bonus established under the annual bonus plan in which the Executive is then participating for the bonus plan year in which the Executive’s Effective Date of Termination occurs shall be used for each year that the Executive did not participate in the annual bonus plan, up to a maximum of three (3) years, to calculate the three (3) year average bonus payment. Such amount shall be in consideration for the Executive entering into a noncompete agreement as described in Article 4 herein.

 

  (e) [Intentionally Omitted]

 

  (f) Upon the occurrence of a change in control, an immediate full vesting and lapse of all restrictions on any and all outstanding equity-based long-term incentives, including but not limited to stock options and restricted stock awards held by the Executive. This provision shall override any conflicting language contained in the Executive’s respective Award Agreements.

 

  (g) To the extent that Executive’s employer contribution account, other than for matching contributions, in the Mueller Water Products, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan (“RSP”) is forfeited upon termination of employment, a lump sum amount equal to the amounts forfeited under the RSP will be paid, subject to applicable taxes, during the sixty (60) day period following the Effective Date of Termination.

 

  (h) Continuation for twenty-four (24) months of the Executive’s medical insurance and life insurance coverage. These benefits shall be provided by the Company to the Executive beginning immediately upon the Effective Date of Termination. Such benefits shall be provided to the Executive at the same coverage level and cost to the Executive as in effect immediately prior to the Executive’s Effective Date of Termination.

The Executive shall qualify for full COBRA health benefit continuation coverage beginning upon the expiration of the aforementioned twenty-four (24) month period.

Notwithstanding the above, these medical and life insurance benefits shall be discontinued prior to the end of the stated continuation period in the event the Executive receives substantially similar benefits from a subsequent employer, as determined solely by the Committee in good faith. For purposes of enforcing this offset provision, the Executive shall be deemed to have a duty to keep the Company informed as to the terms and conditions of any subsequent employment and the corresponding benefits earned from such employment, and shall provide, or cause to provide, to the Company in writing correct, complete, and timely information concerning the same.

From Executive’s date of termination of employment until the earlier of (i) 24 months following such date of termination or (ii) the date immediately prior to the date of Executive’s employment with a subsequent employer, the Company will provide Executive with outplacement services from a nationally recognized outplacement firm selected by Executive, subject to the limits described in this subsection. The aggregate amount paid by the Company for outplacement services will not exceed an amount equal to 35% of Executive’s annual rate of base salary as of the date of termination of employment (the “Total Outplacement Value”). Further, the cost for such services paid by the Company during any calendar year will not exceed the number of months in that calendar year during which the Executive is entitled to this benefit multiplied by 1/24 of the Total Outplacement Value.


2.4 Termination for Total and Permanent Disability . Following a Change in Control, if the Executive’s employment is terminated with the Company due to Disability, the Executive’s benefits shall be determined in accordance with the Company’s retirement, insurance, and other applicable plans and programs then in effect.

2.5 Termination for Retirement or Death . Following a Change in Control, if the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by reason of his voluntary normal retirement (as defined under the then established rules of the Company’s tax-qualified retirement plan), or death, the Executive’s benefits shall be determined in accordance with the Company’s retirement, survivor’s benefits, insurance, and other applicable programs then in effect.

2.6 Termination for Cause or by the Executive Other Than for Good Reason . Following a Change in Control, if the Executive’s employment is terminated either: (i) by the Company for Cause; or (ii) voluntarily by the Executive for reasons other than as specified in Section 2.2(b) herein, the Company shall pay the Executive his full Base Salary at the rate then in effect, accrued vacation, and other items earned by and owed to the Executive through the Effective Date of Termination, plus all other amounts to which the Executive is entitled under any compensation plans of the Company at the time such payments are due, and the Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive under this Agreement.

2.7 Notice of Termination . Any termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party. Termination by the Executive for Good Reason requires delivery of a Notice of Termination by Executive for Good Reason given to the Company’s Senior Vice President of Human Resources within ninety (90) days of the occurrence of the event giving rise to the Notice, unless such circumstances are substantially corrected prior to the date of termination specified in the Notice of Termination for Good Reason.

Article 3. Form and Timing of Severance Benefits

3.1 Form and Timing of Severance Benefits . The Severance Benefits described in Sections 2.3(a), 2.3(b), and 2.3(d) herein shall be paid in cash to the Executive in a single lump sum as soon as practicable following the Effective Date of Termination, but in no event beyond ten (10) calendar days from such date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if Executive is a “specified employee” under Section 409A of the Code, then any payment(s) to the Executive described under Section 2.3 herein upon his or her termination of employment that (A) constitute “deferred compensation to an Executive under Section 409A; (B) are not exempt from Section 409A on account of separation of service (within the meaning of Section 409A) and (C) are otherwise payable within 6 months after Executive’s termination of employment shall instead be made on the date 6 months and 1 day after such termination of employment, and such payment(s) shall be increased by an amount equal to interest on such payment(s) at a rate of interest equal to the Federal Funds Rate in effect as of the date of termination of employment from the date on which such payment(s) would have been made in the absence of this provision and the payment date described in this sentence.

3.2 Withholding of Taxes . The Company shall withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city, or other taxes as legally shall be required.

Article 4. Noncompetition and Confidentiality

In the event the Executive becomes entitled to receive Severance Benefits as provided in Section 2.3 herein, the following shall apply:

 

  (a)

Noncompetition . During the term of employment and for a period of twelve (12) months after the Effective Date of Termination, the Executive shall not: (i) directly or indirectly act in concert or conspire with any person employed by the Company in order to engage in or prepare to engage in or to have a financial or other interest in any business or any activity which he knows (or reasonably should have known) to be directly competitive with the business of the Company as then being carried on; or (ii) serve as an employee, agent, partner, shareholder, director or consultant for, or in any other


 

capacity participate, engage, or have a financial or other interest in any business or any activity which he knows (or reasonably should have known) to be directly competitive with the business of the Company as then being carried on (provided, however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Executive may own up to two percent (2%) of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of a company whose securities are registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).

 

  (b) Confidentiality . The Company has advised the Executive and the Executive acknowledges that it is the policy of the Company to maintain as secret and confidential all Protected Information (as defined below), and that Protected Information has been and will be developed at substantial cost and effort to the Company. All Protected Information shall remain confidential permanently and no Executive shall at any time, directly or indirectly, divulge, furnish, or make accessible to any person, firm, corporation, association, or other entity (otherwise than as may be required in the regular course of the Executive’s employment with the Company), nor use in any manner, either during the term of employment or after termination, at any time, for any reason, any Protected Information, or cause any such information of the Company to enter the public domain.

For purposes of this Agreement, “Protected Information” means trade secrets, confidential and proprietary business information of the Company, and any other information of the Company, including, but not limited to, customer lists (including potential customers), sources of supply, processes, plans, materials, pricing information, internal memoranda, marketing plans, internal policies, and products and services which may be developed from time to time by the Company and its agents or employees, including the Executive; provided, however, that information that is in the public domain (other than as a result of a breach of this Agreement), approved for release by the Company or lawfully obtained from third parties who are not bound by a confidentiality agreement with the Company, is not Protected Information.

 

  (c) Nonsolicitation . During the term of employment and for a period of twelve (12) months after the Effective Date of Termination, the Executive shall not employ or retain or solicit for employment or arrange to have any other person, firm, or other entity employ or retain or solicit for employment or otherwise participate in the employment or retention of any person who is an employee or consultant of the Company.

 

  (d) Cooperation . Executive agrees to cooperate with the Company and its attorneys in connection with any and all lawsuits, claims, investigations, or similar proceedings that have been or could be asserted at any time arising out of or related in any way to Executive’s employment by the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

 

  (e) Nondisparagement . At all times, the Executive agrees not to disparage the Company or otherwise make comments harmful to the Company’s reputation.

Article 5. Excise Tax Equalization Payment

5.1 Excise Tax Equalization Payment . If any portion of the Severance Benefits or any other payment under this Agreement, or under any other agreement with, or plan of the Company (in the aggregate, “Total Payments”) would constitute an “excess parachute payment,” such that a golden parachute excise tax is due under Internal Revenue code Sections 280G and 4999, the Company shall provide to the Executive, in cash, an additional payment in an amount sufficient to cover the full cost of any excise tax and all of the Executive’s additional federal, state, and local income, excise, and employment taxes that arise on this additional payment (cumulatively, the “Full Gross-Up Payment”), such that the Executive is in the same after-tax position as if he had not been subject to the excise tax. For this purpose, the Executive shall be deemed to be in the highest marginal rate of federal, state, and local income taxes in the state and locality of the Executive’s residence on the Effective Date of Termination. This payment shall be made as


soon as possible following the date of the Executive’s Qualifying Termination, but in no event later than ten (10) calendar days from such date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this payment must be paid to Executive by the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which the Executive remits the related taxes.

For purposes of this Agreement, the term “excess parachute payment” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended (the “Code”), and the term “excise tax” shall mean the tax imposed on such excess parachute payment pursuant to Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code.

5.2 Subsequent Recalculation . In the event the Internal Revenue Service subsequently adjusts the excise tax computation herein described, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for the full amount necessary to make the Executive whole on an after-tax basis (less any amounts received by the Executive that the Executive would not have received had the computations initially been computed as subsequently adjusted), including the value of any underpaid excise tax, and any related interest and/or penalties due to the Internal Revenue Service. This payment shall be made as soon as possible after such amount is determined. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this payment must be paid to Executive by the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which the Executive remits the related taxes.

Article 6. The Company’s Payment Obligation

6.1 Payment Obligations Absolute . The Company’s obligation to make the payments and the arrangements provided for herein shall be absolute and unconditional, and shall not be affected by any circumstances including, without limitation, any offset, counterclaim, recoupment, defense, or other right which the Company may have against the Executive or anyone else. All amounts payable by the Company hereunder shall be paid without notice or demand. Each and every payment made hereunder by the Company shall be final, and the Company shall not seek to recover all or any part of such payment from the Executive or from whomsoever may be entitled thereto, for any reasons whatsoever.

The Executive shall not be obligated to seek other employment in mitigation of the amounts payable or arrangements made under any provision of this Agreement, and the obtaining of any such other employment shall in no event effect any reduction of the Company’s obligations to make the payments and arrangements required to be made under this Agreement, except to the extent provided in Sections 2.3(g) and 2.3(h) herein.

6.2 Contractual Rights to Benefits . This Agreement establishes and vests in the Executive a contractual right to the benefits to which he is entitled hereunder. However, nothing herein contained shall require or be deemed to require, or prohibit or be deemed to prohibit, the Company to segregate, earmark, or otherwise set aside any funds or other assets, in trust or otherwise, to provide for any payments to be made or required hereunder.

Article 7. Term of Agreement

This Agreement will commence on the Effective Date and shall continue in effect for two (2) full years. However, at the end of such two (2) year period and, if extended, at the end of each additional year thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for one (1) additional year, unless either party delivers written notice six (6) months prior to the end of such term, or extended term, stating that the Agreement will not be extended. In such case, the Agreement will terminate at the end of the term, or extended term, then in progress.

However, in the event of a Change in Control of the Company, the term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for two (2) years from the date of the Change in Control.


Article 8. Legal Remedies

8.1 Payment of Legal Fees . If Executive incurs reasonable legal fees or other expenses (including expert witness and accounting fees) on or after the date of the Company’s announcement of a Change in Control and within a reasonable time after the Change in Control occurs, in an effort to interpret this Agreement or to secure, preserve, establish entitlement to, or obtain benefits under this Agreement (including the fees and other expenses of Executive’s legal counsel), the Company shall, regardless of the outcome of such effort, reimburse Executive on a current basis for such fees and expenses. Reimbursement of legal fees and expenses shall be made monthly within ten (10) days after Executive’s written submission of a request for reimbursement together with evidence that such fees and expenses were incurred. If Executive does not prevail (after exhaustion of all available judicial remedies) in respect of a claim by Executive or by the Company hereunder, and the Company establishes before a court of competent jurisdiction, by clear and convincing evidence, that Executive had no reasonable basis for his claim hereunder, or for his response to the Company’s claim hereunder, or acted in bad faith, no further reimbursement for legal fees and expenses shall be due to Executive in respect of such claim and Executive shall refund any amounts previously reimbursed hereunder with respect to such claim. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any reimbursement payment must be paid to Executive by the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which the Executive incurs the related fees or expenses.

8.2. Dispute Resolution; Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate.

 

  (a) Executive and Employer agree that, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, final and binding arbitration shall be the exclusive remedy for any controversy, dispute, or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or Executive’s employment with Employer, including Executive’s hire, treatment in the workplace, or termination of employment. For example, if Executive’s employment with Employer is terminated and he contends that the termination violates any statute, contract or public policy, then Executive will submit the matter to arbitration for resolution, in lieu of any court or jury trial to which Executive would otherwise might be entitled.

 

  (b) This Section covers all common law and statutory claims, including, but not limited to, any claim for breach of contract (including this Agreement) and for violation of laws forbidding discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other basis covered by applicable federal, state, or local law, and includes claims against Employer and/or any parents, affiliates, owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, general partners or limited partners of Employer, to the extent such claims involve, in any way, this Agreement or Executive’s employment with Employer. This Section covers all judicial claims that could be brought by either party to this Agreement, but does not cover administrative claims for workers’ compensation or unemployment compensation benefits or the filing of charges with government agencies that prohibit waiver of the right to file a charge.

 

  (c) The arbitration shall be governed by JAMS Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedure except as modified herein. If the party chooses to have the arbitration proceeding administered by a third party, then the arbitration shall be administered by JAMS. If the party chooses to have the arbitration administered by JAMS, then the arbitration will “commence” in accordance with the JAMS Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedure. If the party chooses to have this matter arbitrated privately, then the arbitration will be deemed to “commence” on the date that the party provides a demand for arbitration and notice of claims and remedies sought outlining the facts relied upon, legal theories, and statement of claimed relief (“Demand”). The responding party shall serve a response to the claims and any counterclaims within fifteen (15) business days from the date of receipt of the Demand.


  (d) Any arbitration shall be held in Washington, D.C. (unless the parties mutually agree in writing to another location within the United States) within 120 days of the commencement of the arbitration.

 

  (e) The arbitration shall take place before a single arbitrator to be appointed by mutual agreement of counsel for each party or, if counsel cannot agree, then pursuant to the procedures set forth by JAMS. The parties may not have any ex parte communications with the arbitrator.

 

  (f) The arbitrator may award any relief otherwise available to the parties by law or equity.

 

  (g) The parties are limited to two (2) depositions per side, and limited written discovery as may be required by the arbitrator, not to exceed that allowed under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

 

  (h) Any hearing in this matter shall be completed within 120 days of the date of commencement of the arbitration, as the term “commencement” is defined by JAMS. The arbitrator shall issue its award within thirty (30) days of the last hearing day.

 

  (i) Unless Executive objects, Employer will pay the arbitrator’s fees. Each party shall pay its own costs and attorneys’ fees, if any, unless the arbitrator rules otherwise. A court may enter judgment upon the arbitrator’s award, either by confirming the award, or vacating, modifying or correcting the award, on any ground referred to in the Federal Arbitration Act, or where the findings of fact are not supported by substantial evidence, or where the conclusions of law are erroneous.

 

  (j) The provisions of this Section are severable, meaning that if any provision in this Section 8.2 (“Dispute Resolution: Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate”) is determined to be unenforceable and cannot be reformed under applicable law, the remaining provisions shall remain in full effect, provided however, that any amendment of an unenforceable provision shall only be to the extent necessary and shall preserve the intent of the parties hereto. It is agreed and understood that the scope of this Section, including questions of arbitrability of any dispute, shall be determined by the arbitrator.

 

  (k) Executive acknowledges that prior to accepting the provisions of this Section 8.2 and signing this Agreement, Executive has been given an opportunity to consult with an attorney and to review the JAMS Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedure that would govern the dispute resolution process under this Section. In signing this Agreement, the parties acknowledge that the right to a court trial and trial by jury is of value, and knowingly and voluntarily waive such right for any dispute subject to the terms of this Section.

Initials: Executive   ELH         Employer   GEH        

Article 9. Successors

9.1 Successors to the Company . The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, reorganization, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, liquidation, or otherwise) of all or a significant portion of the assets of the Company by agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Executive, to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. Regardless of whether such agreement is executed, this Agreement shall be binding upon any successor in accordance with the operation of law and such successor shall be deemed the “Company” for purposes of this Agreement.

9.2 Assignment by the Executive . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees. If the Executive dies while any amount would still be payable to him hereunder had he continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Executive’s devisee, legatee, or other designee, or if there is no such designee, to the Executive’s estate.


Article 10. Miscellaneous

10.1 Release . As a condition of receiving any severance payments under this Agreement, Executive must sign and not revoke, within the deadlines provided by the Company and in compliance with applicable federal and/or state laws, a written release of all employment claims against the Company and its related entities, including, without limitation, employment discrimination of any kind, wage payment, breach of contract, claims for workers compensation, unemployment, disability and severance claims that Executive has or may have at the termination of employment. In addition, Executive will agree not to sue the Company or any other entities or persons released.

10.2 Employment Status . This Agreement is not, and nothing herein shall be deemed to create, an employment contract between the Executive and the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The Executive acknowledges that the rights of the Company remain wholly intact to change or reduce at any time and from time to time his compensation, title, responsibilities, location, and all other aspects of the employment relationship, or to discharge him prior to a Change in Control (subject to such discharge possibly being considered a Qualifying Termination pursuant to Section 2.2).

10.3 Entire Agreement . This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Company and the Executive with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations, representations and statements, whether oral, written, implied or expressed, relating to such subject matter. In addition, the payments provided for under this Agreement in the event of the Executive’s termination of employment shall be in lieu of any severance benefits payable under any severance plan, program, or policy of the Company to which he might otherwise be entitled.

10.4 Notices . All notices, requests, demands, and other communications hereunder shall be sufficient if in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by hand or if sent by registered or certified mail to the Executive at the last address he has filed in writing with the Company or, in the case of the Company, at its principal offices.

10.5 Execution in Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be original, but all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument, and all signatures need not appear on any one counterpart.

10.6 Conflicting Agreements . The Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that his entering into this Agreement, and the obligations and duties undertaken by him hereunder, will not conflict with, constitute a breach of, or otherwise violate the terms of, any other employment or other agreement to which he is a party, except to the extent any such conflict, breach, or violation under any such agreement has been disclosed to the Board in writing in advance of the signing of this Agreement.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, if there is any inconsistency between the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the terms and provisions of Company-sponsored compensation and welfare plans and programs, the Agreement’s terms and provisions shall completely supersede and replace the conflicting terms of the Company-sponsored compensation and welfare plans and programs, where applicable.

10.7 Severability . In the event any provision of this Agreement shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of the Agreement, and the Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included. Further, the captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force and effect.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall have no obligation to make any payment to the Executive hereunder to the extent, but only to the extent, that such payment is prohibited by the terms of any final order of a federal or state court or regulatory agency of competent jurisdiction; provided, however, that such an order shall not affect, impair, or invalidate any provision of this Agreement not expressly subject to such order.


10.8 Modification . No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived, or discharged unless such modification, waiver, or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and by a member of the Board, as applicable, or by the respective parties’ legal representatives or successors.

10.9 Applicable Law . To the extent not preempted by the laws of the United States, the laws of Delaware shall be the controlling law in all matters relating to this Agreement without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on this 23 rd day of July, 2008.

 

ATTEST     Mueller Water Products, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Stacey K. Geer

    By:  

/s/ Gregory E. Hyland

        Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer
      By:  

/s/ Evan L. Hart

        Executive

EXHIBIT 10.20

CONSULTING AGREEMENT

This Consulting Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between Mueller Water Products, Inc. , a corporation formed under the laws of the State of Delaware (“the Company”), with its principal place of business at 1200 Abernathy Road, Suite 1200, Atlanta, Georgia 30328, and Michael T. Vollkommer (“Consultant”), at 10620 Oxford Mill Circle, Alpharetta, Georgia 30022. The Company and Consultant shall collectively be referred to as the “Parties.”

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Consultant possesses expertise in accounting and financial matters relating to the Company and its subsidiaries;

WHEREAS, Consultant was until the effective date of this agreement an employee of the Company, and Consultant has resigned effective at the close of business on July 15, 2008; and

WHEREAS, the Company desires to retain Consultant in connection with its ongoing operations and financial, accounting and financial reporting matters.

NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises, the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt, sufficiency and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

1. Engagement as an Independent Contractor . The Company hereby engages Consultant as an independent contractor and Consultant hereby accepts such engagement as an independent contractor, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement. The parties agree that the Consultant has separated from service as an employee of the Company as of July 15, 2008.

2. Term . This Agreement shall commence on July 16, 2008 and shall continue until January 15, 2009 (including any extension, the “Term”). The parties may agree to extend the date of this Agreement thereafter, but any extension or renewal shall be in writing.

3. Duties . Consultant shall provide support to the Company as detailed in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated into this Agreement, and as the Parties mutually agree. Consultant shall not be required to spend more than 40 hours per month performing the services contemplated by this Agreement. Consultant shall perform such duties in a professional and competent manner and shall at all times act in a manner consistent with the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Insider Trading Policy and other policies. The Consultant shall not purchase or sell securities of the Company during the Term except in accordance with Company policy.

4. Consultant as an Independent Contractor .

(a) The parties acknowledge and intend that the relationship of Consultant to the Company under this Agreement shall be that of an independent contractor. In performing duties under this Agreement, Consultant shall complete the services required according to his own methods of work which shall be in the exclusive charge and control of Consultant and which shall not be subject to the control or supervision of the Company, except as to the results of his work. Consultant shall determine his own working hours and schedule and shall not be subject to the Company’s personnel policies and procedures except as specifically instructed or as provided herein. The Company shall not be responsible for withholding taxes with respect to the Contractor’s compensation hereunder.


Consultant shall be entirely and solely responsible for his actions or in-actions and the actions or in-actions of his agents, employees or subcontractors, if any, while performing services hereunder. Consultant agrees that he shall not, in any form or fashion, maintain, hold out, represent state or imply to any other individual or entity that an employer/employee relationship exists between the Company and Consultant, its agents and employees, or between the Company and any subcontractor or its agents and employees. Consultant is not granted and shall not represent that he is granted any right or authority to make any representation or warranty or assume or create any obligation or responsibility, express or implied, for, on behalf of or in the name of the Company, to incur debts for the Company or to bind the Company in any manner whatsoever.

(b) Except for any benefits to which Consultant may be entitled as a result of his prior employment with the Company, or any affiliates of the Company or under his severance agreement, Consultant shall not be eligible to participate in any employee benefit plan sponsored by the Company, including, but not limited to, any retirement plan, insurance program, disability plan, medical benefits plan or any other fringe benefit program sponsored and maintained by the Company for its employees, provided, however, that until December 31, 2008 Consultant shall be entitled to continue to participate in the executive physical program and the financial planning program that he was entitled to participate in as an executive officer of the Company.

(c) As an independent contractor, the Parties acknowledge and agree that Consultant has a non-exclusive relationship with the Company and is free to enter into agreements for services or support with other entities. The Parties further agree that Consultant will not enter into any agreement with a third party that will create a conflict of interest, or the appearance of a conflict of interest, relative to Consultant’s work pursuant to this Agreement. The determination of the conflict of interest, or appearance of conflict of interest, shall be at the sole reasonable discretion of the General Counsel of the Company.

5. Time, Compensation and Payments . As payment for his services under this Agreement, Consultant shall work the time and receive compensation as set forth in Exhibit B to this Agreement.

6. Termination of Agreement . This Agreement may be terminated by either party at any time upon thirty (30) days prior written notice of such termination to the other party, provided that the Company shall not terminate this Agreement prior to January 15, 2009. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may terminate this Agreement during the Term in the event of a Breach by the Consultant. As used herein, “Breach” shall mean:

(a) Consultant’s refusal to perform his duties hereunder for fifteen days after a request in writing requesting the performance of any such duties;

(b) Consultant’s provision of accounting, financial or management services to an entity or affiliates of any entity engaged in the sale or distribution of products sold or distributed by the Company and its subsidiaries on July 1, 2008 in the locations that the Company and its subsidiaries are selling such products (meaning a “direct competitor”). The parties shall consult with each other in the event that Consultant determines he would like to consult with a direct competitor, and the Company shall use reasonable good faith efforts to agree to waive this clause to permit the Consultant to provide such services to its competitors, provided only that Company be convinced that such services do not compromise any trade secrets or confidential information of the Company.

(c) Consultant’s publication to third parties in writing or orally of statements, comments or information that the Company reasonably believes is disparaging to the Company, its directors or officers.

(d) Consultant’s doing any other action that would, if done during his tenure as an employee, constitute “cause” for termination of his employment under his prior offer letter from the Company.


7. Notices . All notices required, necessary or desired to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be effective when delivered or received when such notice is deposited, postage prepaid, in the United States mail, certified return receipt requested, and addressed to the party at the address set forth below:

 

For the Company:    For Consultant:
Mueller Water Products, Inc.    Michael T. Vollkommer
Attn: Robert Barker, General Counsel    10620 Oxford Mill Circle
1200 Abernathy Road, Suite 1200    Alpharetta, Georgia 30022
Atlanta, Georgia 30328   

8. Confidentiality . Consultant will not disclose to any third party, without the prior written consent of the Company, any confidential information relating to the business of the Company, the customers and clients of the Company or other Company contractors or employees if such information was obtained in the course of Consultant providing services to the Company. Consultant further agrees that he will not reproduce in any way, divulge, or remove from the premises of the Company any confidential information of the Company or the customers or clients of the Company.

9. Laws, Regulations and Public Ordinances . Consultant shall comply with all federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, and public ordinances governing his work hereunder and shall indemnify, defend and hold the Company harmless from any and all liability, damage, cost, fine, penalty, fee and expense arising from Consultant’s failure to do so.

10. Waiver of Breach . The waiver by any party to this Agreement of a breach of any provision, section or paragraph of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same, or of a different provision, section or paragraph, by any party hereto.

11. Survival . Notwithstanding any expiration or termination of this Agreement, the provisions of Sections 8, 9, and 12-16 hereof shall survive and remain in full force and effect, as shall any other provision hereof that, by its terms or reasonable interpretation thereof, sets forth obligations that extend beyond the termination of this Agreement.

12. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia without regard to its conflicts of law principles.

13. Severability . The un-enforceability or invalidity of any term, provision or section of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms, provisions, or sections hereof, but such remaining terms, provisions or section shall be construed and interpreted in such a manner as to carry out fully the intent of the parties hereto; provided however , that should any judicial body interpreting this Agreement deem any provision hereof to be unreasonably broad in time, territory, scope or otherwise, it is the intent and desire of the parties hereto that such judicial body, to the greatest extent possible, reduce the breadth of such provision to the maximum legally allowable parameters rather than deeming such provision totally unenforceable or invalid.

14. Interpretation . Should a provision of this Agreement require judicial interpretation, it is agreed that the judicial body interpreting or construing the Agreement shall not apply the assumption that the terms hereof shall be more strictly construed against one party by reason of the rule of construction that an instrument is to be construed more strictly against the party which itself or through its agents prepared the agreement, it being agreed that all parties and/or their agents have participated in the preparation hereof.

15. Assignment. Consultant may assign this Agreement to a corporation, partnership or limited liability company that is more than 80% owned by Consultant.


16. Arbitration of Disputes Arising from this Agreement . In the event of any disputes arising out of the terms and/or conditions of this Agreement, Consultant and the Company agree as follows:

(a) Any and all disputes between the parties under this Agreement, sounding in tort, under the contract, or under any applicable code, statute or regulation shall be settled by arbitration in Atlanta, Georgia, or a mutually agreed upon location, in accordance with the Arbitration Rules of Henning Mediation and Arbitration Service, Inc. (“Henning”). The Parties agree that there shall be one arbitrator for the dispute, who is on Henning’s approved list of arbitrators. If the Parties cannot agree upon an arbitrator, the arbitrator will be appointed pursuant to Henning. Each party will bear its own costs of the arbitration, and neither party shall be entitled to recover its costs or attorneys’ fees unless specifically provided for under an applicable statute or regulation.

(b) If the dispute or difference has been referred to arbitration as provided above in Paragraph 15(a), then such dispute or difference will be finally settled by a single arbitrator (the “Arbitrator”) in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, taking into account the need for speed and confidentiality. The Arbitrator will be an attorney or judge with experience in employment disputes and selected pursuant to the applicable rules of the American Arbitration Association.

(c) The place and situs of arbitration will be in Atlanta, Georgia. The Arbitrator will adopt the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, or such other rules as the Arbitrator may deem appropriate to accomplish the need for speed and confidentiality. The parties agree to facilitate the arbitration by (a) making available to each other and to the Arbitrator for inspection and review all documents, books and records as the Arbitrator will determine to be relevant to the dispute, (b) making individuals under their control available to other parties and the Arbitrator and (c) observing strictly the time periods established by the Arbitrator for the submission of evidence and pleadings. The Arbitrator will have the power to render declaratory judgments, as well as to award monetary claims, provided that the Arbitrator will not have the power to act (i) outside the prescribed scope of this Agreement, or (ii) without providing an opportunity to each party to be represented before the Arbitrator.

(d) The Arbitrator’s award will be in writing. The prevailing party will be entitled to an award of costs, including attorneys’ fees, and expenses of the proceedings, and will be entitled to interest in accordance with the substantive law of the forum state. The arbitration judgment will be final and binding on the parties. Judgment on the Arbitrator’s award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.

Consultant and the Company agree and understand that by executing this Agreement and agreeing to this Arbitration provision, they are giving up their rights to trial by jury for any dispute related to this Agreement. MTV (Consultant’s Initials) GEH (Company’s Representative’s Initials)

16. Entire Agreement . This Agreement embodies the entire agreement of the Parties and supersedes all prior agreements between the parties hereto relating to the consulting services and terms described in this Agreement. It may not be changed orally, but only by an agreement in writing signed by the Parties. This Agreement does not in any way void or modify any other valid agreement between the Parties.

17. Code Section 409A . This Agreement is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and guidance issued thereunder (“Section 409A”), to the extent Section 409A may be applicable, and shall be construed accordingly. Any payments or distributions payable to Consultant under this Agreement upon a “separation from service” (as defined for purposes of Section 409A) of amounts classified as “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A, and not exempt from Section 409A, shall in no event be made or commence until six (6) months after such separation from service. Each payment under this Agreement (whether of cash, property or benefits) shall be treated as a separate payment for


purposes of Section 409A. Where this Agreement provides that a payment will be made upon a specified date or during a specified period, such date or period will be the Section 409A “payment date” or “payment period”, but actual payment will be made no later than the latest date permitted under Section 409A (generally, by the later of the end of the calendar year in which the payment date falls, or the fifteenth day of the third calendar month after the payment date occurs). Any reimbursements paid or in-kind benefits provided under this Agreement, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, shall be made as soon as practicable but no later than 90 days after Consultant submits evidence of such expenses to the Company (which payment date shall in no event be later than the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred). The amount of such reimbursements or benefits during any calendar year shall not affect reimbursements or benefits provided in any other calendar year, and the right to any reimbursements shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have executed this Agreement this 14th day of July, 2008.

 

MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS, INC.     CONSULTANT
By:  

/s/ Gregory E. Hyland

   

/s/ Michael T. Vollkommer

Its:   President and Chief Executive Officer    
July 14, 2008     July 14, 2008


EXHIBIT A

Support and Services of Consultant

Consultant will provide to the Company such financial strategy, treasury, accounting, financial reporting or other advice as may be requested by the Company or its officers. Consultant shall be available during normal business hours and at other reasonable times to answer questions asked by the officers of the Company or members of its Board of Directors. Consultant shall use best efforts to provide services to the Company consistent with services previously performed, and shall provide such services in a workmanlike and professional manner.

EXHIBIT B

Time, Compensation and Location

 

1) For the two monthly periods from July 16, 2008 to August 15, 2008 and from August 16, 2008 to September 15, 2008, services will be reimbursed at a rate of $10,000 per period. The first such payment, in the amount of $10,000, shall be made upon execution of this Agreement, but no later than July 31, 2008. The next such payment, in the amount of $10,000, shall be made on August 16, 2008. In the event that the Parties agree that Consultant shall perform services in excess of 40 hours in any such period, Consultant shall be compensated at a rate of $250 per hour for each additional hour worked.

 

2)

For the four monthly periods from September 16, 2008 to January 15, 2009 (and for any subsequent similar period during which the Agreement has been extended), Consultant shall be compensated at a rate of $250 per hour. Consultant shall provide Company with a written summary of the hours worked during each monthly period, and services will be reimbursed in such amount on the 30 th of each month, with the last such payment to be made on January 30, 2009 (subject to extension).

 

3) Consultant shall be responsible for payment of all taxes and/or other required deduction payments. All reasonable out of pocket expenditures associated with this engagement will be fully reimbursed including, air travel, hotels, meals, and transportation.

 

4) Services will be primarily performed at the offices of Mueller Water Products, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia and by telephone or internet. Consultant will be available during normal business hours and at other reasonable times to answer questions asked by the officers of the Company or members of its Board of Directors.

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Gregory E. Hyland, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mueller Water Products, Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: August 11, 2008     By:  

/s/ GREGORY E. HYLAND

      Gregory E. Hyland
      Chief Executive Officer

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Evan L. Hart, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mueller Water Products, Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: August 11, 2008     By:  

/s/ EVAN L. HART

      Evan L. Hart
      Chief Financial Officer

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

The certification set forth below is being submitted in connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mueller Water Products, Inc. (the “Report”) for the purpose of complying with Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

I, Gregory E. Hyland, the Chief Executive Officer of Mueller Water Products, Inc., certify that, to the best of my knowledge:

 

  1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act; and

 

  2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Mueller Water Products, Inc.

 

Date: August 11, 2008   By:  

/s/ GREGORY E. HYLAND

    Gregory E. Hyland
    Chief Executive Officer

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

The certification set forth below is being submitted in connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mueller Water Products, Inc. (the “Report”) for the purpose of complying with Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

I, Evan L. Hart, the Chief Financial Officer of Mueller Water Products, Inc., certify that, to the best of my knowledge:

 

  1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act; and

 

  2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Mueller Water Products, Inc.

 

Date:   August 11, 2008     By:  

/s/ EVAN L. HART

        Evan L. Hart
        Chief Financial Officer