UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended December 31, 20192020
    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 (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) 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  No 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  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:
Large accelerated filer                      Accelerated filer           
Non-accelerated filer                      Smaller reporting company      
Emerging growth company     

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes  No
There were 158,035,863158,435,893 shares of $0.01 par value common stock of the registrant outstanding at January 31, 2020,2021, which trade under the ticker symbol MWA on the New York Stock Exchange.




PART I
Item 1.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
December 31,September 30,
December 31,September 30, 20202020
20192019
(in millions, except share amounts) (in millions, except share amounts)
Assets:Assets:Assets:
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$136.8  $176.7  Cash and cash equivalents$220.8 $208.9 
Restricted cashRestricted cash2.2 
Receivables, netReceivables, net132.1  172.8  Receivables, net157.4 180.8 
InventoriesInventories212.9  191.4  Inventories167.2 162.5 
Other current assetsOther current assets25.7  26.0  Other current assets30.3 29.0 
Total current assetsTotal current assets507.5  566.9  Total current assets577.9 581.2 
Property, plant and equipment, netProperty, plant and equipment, net224.5  217.1  Property, plant and equipment, net261.4 253.8 
GoodwillGoodwill97.5  95.7  Goodwill101.1 99.8 
Intangible assetsIntangible assets428.0  433.7  Intangible assets403.8 408.9 
Other noncurrent assetsOther noncurrent assets51.5  23.9  Other noncurrent assets53.3 51.3 
Total assetsTotal assets$1,309.0  $1,337.3  Total assets$1,397.5 $1,395.0 
Liabilities and equity:Liabilities and equity:Liabilities and equity:
Current portion of long-term debtCurrent portion of long-term debt$0.9  $0.9  Current portion of long-term debt$1.1 $1.1 
Accounts payableAccounts payable58.6  84.6  Accounts payable58.2 67.3 
Other current liabilitiesOther current liabilities63.9  93.0  Other current liabilities77.0 86.6 
Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities123.4  178.5  Total current liabilities136.3 155.0 
Long-term debtLong-term debt445.5  445.4  Long-term debt446.6 446.5 
Deferred income taxesDeferred income taxes89.5  87.9  Deferred income taxes99.2 96.5 
Other noncurrent liabilitiesOther noncurrent liabilities55.6  33.2  Other noncurrent liabilities60.2 56.3 
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities714.0  745.0  Total liabilities742.3 754.3 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13.)
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11.)Commitments and contingencies (Note 11.)
Common stock: 600,000,000 shares authorized; 157,889,045 and 157,462,140 shares outstanding at December 31, 2019 and September 30, 2019, respectively1.6  1.6  
Common stock: 600,000,000 shares authorized; 158,315,601 and 158,064,750 shares outstanding at December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020, respectivelyCommon stock: 600,000,000 shares authorized; 158,315,601 and 158,064,750 shares outstanding at December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020, respectively1.6 1.6 
Additional paid-in capitalAdditional paid-in capital1,401.3  1,410.7  Additional paid-in capital1,370.9 1,378.0 
Accumulated deficitAccumulated deficit(775.9) (786.2) Accumulated deficit(697.6)(714.2)
Accumulated other comprehensive lossAccumulated other comprehensive loss(32.0) (36.0) Accumulated other comprehensive loss(19.7)(24.7)
Total Company stockholders’ equity595.0  590.1  
Noncontrolling interest—  2.2  
Total equity595.0  592.3  
Total stockholders’ equityTotal stockholders’ equity655.2 640.7 
Total liabilities and equityTotal liabilities and equity$1,309.0  $1,337.3  Total liabilities and equity$1,397.5 $1,395.0 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
1


MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
Three months ended
Three months endedDecember 31,
December 31, 20202019
20192018
(in millions, except per share amounts)(in millions, except per share amounts)
Net salesNet sales$212.6  $192.8  Net sales$237.4 $212.6 
Cost of salesCost of sales140.0  132.7  Cost of sales159.0 140.0 
Gross profitGross profit72.6  60.1  Gross profit78.4 72.6 
Operating expenses:Operating expenses:Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrativeSelling, general and administrative49.9  41.0  Selling, general and administrative49.2 49.9 
Strategic reorganization and other chargesStrategic reorganization and other charges2.4  3.2  Strategic reorganization and other charges1.4 2.4 
Total operating expensesTotal operating expenses52.3  44.2  Total operating expenses50.6 52.3 
Operating incomeOperating income20.3  15.9  Operating income27.8 20.3 
Other expenses (income):Other expenses (income):Other expenses (income):
Pension costs (benefits) other than service(0.7) (0.1) 
Pension benefit other than servicePension benefit other than service(0.8)(0.7)
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net7.4  5.5  Interest expense, net6.1 7.4 
Walter Energy AccrualWalter Energy Accrual0.2  37.4  Walter Energy Accrual0.2 
Net other expense6.9  42.8  
Income (loss) before income taxes13.4  (26.9) 
Income tax expense (benefit)3.1  (5.9) 
Net income (loss)$10.3  $(21.0) 
Net other expensesNet other expenses5.3 6.9 
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes22.5 13.4 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense5.8 3.1 
Net incomeNet income$16.7 $10.3 
Net income (loss) per share:
Net income per share:Net income per share:
BasicBasic$0.07  $(0.13) Basic$0.11 $0.07 
DilutedDiluted$0.06  $(0.13) Diluted$0.11 $0.06 
Weighted average shares outstanding:Weighted average shares outstanding:Weighted average shares outstanding:
BasicBasic157.7  157.7  Basic158.1 157.7 
DilutedDiluted158.7  158.8  Diluted158.8 158.7 
Dividends declared per shareDividends declared per share$0.0525  $0.0500  Dividends declared per share$0.0550 $0.0525 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
2


MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
Three months ended Three months ended
December 31,December 31,
2019201820202019
(in millions)
Net income (loss)$10.3  $(21.0) 
(in millions)
Net incomeNet income$16.7 $10.3 
Other comprehensive income (loss):Other comprehensive income (loss):Other comprehensive income (loss):
PensionPension0.7  0.5  Pension0.7 0.7 
Income tax effectsIncome tax effects(0.2) (0.1) Income tax effects(0.2)(0.2)
Foreign currency translationForeign currency translation3.5  (1.2) Foreign currency translation4.5 3.5 
4.0  (0.8) 5.0 4.0 
Comprehensive income (loss)$14.3  $(21.8) 
Comprehensive incomeComprehensive income$21.7 $14.3 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
3


MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY 
(UNAUDITED)
Three months ended
Three months endedDecember 31,
December 31,20202019
20192018
(in millions)(in millions)
Common stockCommon stockCommon stock
Balance, beginning of periodBalance, beginning of period$1.6  $1.6  Balance, beginning of period$1.6 $1.6 
Change in common stock at par valueChange in common stock at par value—  —  Change in common stock at par value
Balance, end of periodBalance, end of period1.6  1.6  Balance, end of period1.6 1.6 
Additional paid-in-capital
Additional paid-in capitalAdditional paid-in capital
Balance, beginning of periodBalance, beginning of period1,410.7  1,444.5  Balance, beginning of period1,378.0 1,410.7 
Dividends declaredDividends declared(8.3) (7.9) Dividends declared(8.7)(8.3)
Buyout of noncontrolling interestBuyout of noncontrolling interest(3.2) —  Buyout of noncontrolling interest(3.2)
Shares retained for employee taxesShares retained for employee taxes(0.7) (1.2) Shares retained for employee taxes(0.9)(0.7)
Stock-based compensationStock-based compensation1.3  1.7  Stock-based compensation1.9 1.3 
Stock issued under stock compensation planStock issued under stock compensation plan1.4  3.1  Stock issued under stock compensation plan0.6 1.4 
Balance, end of periodBalance, end of period1,401.3  1,440.2  Balance, end of period1,370.9 1,401.3 
Accumulated deficitAccumulated deficitAccumulated deficit
Balance, beginning of periodBalance, beginning of period(786.2) (850.0) Balance, beginning of period(714.2)(786.2)
Net income (loss)10.3  (21.0) 
Net incomeNet income16.7 10.3 
Cumulative effect of accounting changeCumulative effect of accounting change(0.1)
Balance, end of periodBalance, end of period(775.9) (871.0) Balance, end of period(697.6)(775.9)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance, beginning of periodBalance, beginning of period(36.0) (32.8) Balance, beginning of period(24.7)(36.0)
Other comprehensive income (loss)Other comprehensive income (loss)4.0  (0.8) Other comprehensive income (loss)5.0 4.0 
Balance, end of periodBalance, end of period(32.0) (33.6) Balance, end of period(19.7)(32.0)
Noncontrolling interestNoncontrolling interestNoncontrolling interest
Balance, beginning of periodBalance, beginning of period2.2  1.5  Balance, beginning of period2.2 
Acquisition of joint venture partner’s interestAcquisition of joint venture partner’s interest(2.2) —  Acquisition of joint venture partner’s interest(2.2)
Net income—  0.2  
Balance, end of periodBalance, end of period—  1.7  Balance, end of period
Total stockholders' equityTotal stockholders' equity$595.0  $538.9  Total stockholders' equity$655.2 $595.0 

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)
Three months ended
Three months endedDecember 31,
December 31, 20202019
20192018
(in millions) (in millions)
Operating activities:Operating activities:Operating activities:
Net income (loss)$10.3  $(21.0) 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net incomeNet income$16.7 $10.3 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
DepreciationDepreciation7.0  6.1  Depreciation7.7 7.0 
AmortizationAmortization7.0  6.0  Amortization7.0 7.0 
Stock-based compensationStock-based compensation1.3  1.7  Stock-based compensation1.9 1.3 
Retirement plansRetirement plans0.7  0.3  Retirement plans(0.5)0.7 
Deferred income taxesDeferred income taxes1.0  (2.2) Deferred income taxes1.6 1.0 
Other, netOther, net(0.4) 1.2  Other, net1.4 (0.4)
Changes in assets and liabilities:Changes in assets and liabilities:Changes in assets and liabilities:
ReceivablesReceivables41.0  57.7  Receivables24.0 41.0 
InventoriesInventories(21.0) (21.9) Inventories(4.8)(21.0)
Other assetsOther assets3.6  (3.5) Other assets(1.3)3.6 
Accounts payableAccounts payable(26.0) (32.0) Accounts payable(9.4)(26.0)
Walter Energy Accrual(22.0) 37.4  
Walter Energy accrualWalter Energy accrual(22.0)
Other current liabilitiesOther current liabilities(12.8) (12.2) Other current liabilities(9.9)(12.8)
Long-term liabilities(2.1) (7.7) 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities(12.4) 9.9  
Other noncurrent liabilitiesOther noncurrent liabilities(0.3)(2.1)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activitiesNet cash provided by (used in) operating activities34.1 (12.4)
Investing activities:Investing activities:Investing activities:
Business acquisitions, net of cash received—  (123.0) 
Capital expendituresCapital expenditures(15.2) (15.9) Capital expenditures(15.6)(15.2)
Proceeds from sales of assetsProceeds from sales of assets0.1  —  Proceeds from sales of assets0.1 0.1 
Net cash used in investing activitiesNet cash used in investing activities(15.1) (138.9) Net cash used in investing activities(15.5)(15.1)
Financing activities:Financing activities:Financing activities:
DividendsDividends(8.3) (7.9) Dividends(8.7)(8.3)
Repayment of Krausz debt—  (13.2) 
Acquisition of joint venture partner’s interestAcquisition of joint venture partner’s interest(5.2) —  Acquisition of joint venture partner’s interest(5.2)
Employee taxes related to stock-based compensationEmployee taxes related to stock-based compensation(0.7) (1.2) Employee taxes related to stock-based compensation(0.9)(0.7)
Common stock issuedCommon stock issued1.4  3.1  Common stock issued0.6 1.4 
Proceeds from financing transactionProceeds from financing transaction3.9 
Deferred financing costs paidDeferred financing costs paid(0.5)
OtherOther—  0.4  Other(0.2)
Net cash used in financing activitiesNet cash used in financing activities(12.8) (18.8) Net cash used in financing activities(5.8)(12.8)
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cashEffect of currency exchange rate changes on cash0.4  (0.5) Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash1.3 0.4 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents(39.9) (148.3) 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period176.7  347.1  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$136.8  $198.8  
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cashNet change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash14.1 (39.9)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of periodCash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period208.9 176.7 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of periodCash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$223.0 $136.8 

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
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20192020
(UNAUDITED)
Note 1.Note. 1Organization and Basis of Presentation
Mueller Water Products, Inc., a Delaware corporation, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, operates in two business segments: Infrastructure and Technologies. Infrastructure manufactures valves for water and gas systems, including butterfly, iron gate, tapping, check, knife, plug and ball valves, as well as dry-barrel and wet-barrel fire hydrants and a broad line of pipe connection and repair products, such as clamps and couplings used to repair leaks. Technologies offers metering systems, leak detection, pipe condition assessment and other related smart-enabled products and services. The “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to Mueller Water Products, Inc. and its subsidiaries. With regard to the Company’s segments, “we,” “us” or “our” may also refer to the segment being discussed.
In July 2014, Infrastructure acquired a 49% ownership interest in an industrial valve joint venture for $1.7 million. Due toAs a result of substantive control features in the operating agreement, all of the joint venture’s assets, liabilities and results of operations were included in our consolidated financial statements. We included an adjustment for the income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in selling, general and administrative expenses. Infrastructure acquired the remaining 51% ownership interest in the business onin October 3, 2019.
On December 3, 2018, we completed our acquisitionWe include the financial statements of Krausz Development Ltd. and subsidiaries (“Krausz”). We include the financial statements of Krausz in our consolidated financial statements on a one-month lag. For the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the consolidated statements of operations and of cash flows exclude the results of Krausz’s operations. Refer to Note 2. for additional disclosures related to the acquisition.
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which require us to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts ofin recording assets, liabilities, sales and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities for the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2019.2020. In our opinion, all normal and recurring adjustments that we consider necessary for a fair financial statement presentation have been made. The condensed consolidated balance sheet data at September 30, 20192020 was derived from audited financial statements, but it does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.
In preparing these financial statements in conformity with GAAP, we have considered and, where appropriate, reflected the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations. The pandemic continues to provide significant challenges to the U.S. and global economies.
Unless the context indicates otherwise, whenever we refer to a particular year, we mean our fiscal year ended or ending September 30 in that particular calendar year.
HR-1, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, was enacted on December 22, 2017 and made significant revisions to federal income tax laws, including lowering the corporate income tax rate to 21% from 35%, effective January 1, 2018.
In 2014,During 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued newstandard ASC 326 - Current Expected Credit Losses to replace the “incurred loss” impairment approach with an “expected loss” approach, which requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. We have completed historical and forward-looking analyses for receivables and adopted this guidance for the recognition of revenue and requiring additional financial statement disclosures.  Oneffective October 1, 2018, we adopted the new guidance related2020. Upon adoption, there was no material impact to revenue recognition from contracts with customers using the modified retrospective approach and no transition adjustment was required. See Note 3. for more information regarding our adoption of this guidance.financial statements.
In 2016, FASB issued new guidance for the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities for those leases currently referred to as operating leases and requiring additional financial statement disclosures. On October 1, 2019, we adopted the new guidance related to leases using the modified retrospective transition method. See Note 4. for more information regarding our adoption of this guidance.
6


In October 2018, we announced the move of our Middleborough, Massachusetts research and development facility to Atlanta to consolidate our resources and accelerate product innovation through creation of a research and development center of excellence for software and electronics. In November 2019, we announced the planned movepurchase of our manufacturing facility in Hammond, Indiana to oura new facility in Kimball Tennessee.Tennessee to support and enhance our investment in our Chattanooga large casting foundry. As a result, we announced subsequent closures of our facilities in Hammond, Indiana and Woodland, Washington. Expenses incurred for these moves wereclosures are primarily personnel-relatedrelated to personnel and inventory and are included in strategicStrategic reorganization and other charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.charges.
Activity in accrued restructuring, reported as part of other current liabilities, is presented below.
Three months ended
December 31,
20192018
(in millions)
Beginning balance$1.7  $0.9  
Expense accrued0.4  2.4  
Amounts paid(0.5) (1.1) 
Ending balance$1.6  $2.2  

Note 2.  Business Combinations
Acquisition of Krausz
On December 3, 2018, we completed our acquisition of Krausz, a manufacturer of pipe couplings, grips and clamps with operations in the United States and Israel, for $140.7 million, net of cash acquired, including the assumption and simultaneous repayment of certain debt of $13.2 million. The acquisition of Krausz was financed with cash on hand.
We have recognized the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated acquisition date fair values, with the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. The accounting for the business combination is considered final. During the quarter, we reduced property, plant and equipment by $0.3 million, which resulted in an increase in goodwill of $0.3 million.
The following is a summary of the fair values of the net assets acquired (in millions):
Assets, net of cash:
Receivables$6.9 
Inventories17.0 
Other current assets0.2 
Property, plant and equipment8.1 
Identified intangible assets:
  Patents32.1 
  Customer relationships8.7 
  Tradenames4.6 
  Favorable leasehold interests2.3 
  Goodwill74.7 
Liabilities:
Accounts payable(5.5)
Other current liabilities(2.9)
Deferred income taxes(5.5)
Fair value of assets acquired, net of liabilities assumed140.7 
Repayment of Krausz debt(13.2)
Consideration paid to seller$127.5 
The goodwill above is attributable to the strategic opportunities and synergies that we expect to arise from the acquisition of Krausz and the value of its workforce. The goodwill is nondeductible for income tax purposes. The intangible assets of $47.7 million consist of indefinite-lived tradenames and patents, customer relationships and favorable leasehold interests with an estimated weighted average useful life of approximately 12 years. We determined the values of the intangible assets using discounted cash flow methods.
Three months ended
December 31,
20202019
(in millions)
Beginning balance$2.8 $1.7 
Expenses related to personnel and other0.2 0.4 
Amounts paid(1.1)(0.5)
Ending balance$1.9 $1.6 
76


New Markets Tax Credit Program-On December 22, 2020, we entered a financing transaction with Wells Fargo Community Investment Holdings, LLC (“Wells Fargo”) related to our brass foundry construction project in Decatur, Illinois under a qualified New Markets Tax Credit program (“NMTC”). The NMTC is a federal program intended to encourage capital investment in qualified lower income communities. Under the NMTC, investors claim federal income tax credits over a period of seven years in connection with qualified investments in the equity of community development entities (“CDE”s), which are privately managed investment institutions that are certified to make qualified low-income community investments, such as in our foundry project.
Under the NMTC, Wells Fargo contributed capital of $4.8 million to an investment fund and we loaned $12.2 million to the fund. Wells Fargo is entitled to the associated tax credits, which are subject to 100% recapture if we do not comply with various regulations and contractual provisions surrounding the foundry project. We have indemnified Wells Fargo for any loss or recapture of tax credits related to the transaction until the seven-year period elapses. We do not anticipate any credit recaptures will be required in connection with this arrangement.
The investment fund contributed $16.5 million cash for a 99.99% stake in a joint venture (“Sub-CDE”) with a CDE. The Sub-CDE then loaned $16.2 million to us, with the use of the loan proceeds restricted to foundry project expenditures. At December 31, 2020, $2.2 million of these restricted proceeds remained, and the restriction on this cash lapsed in January 2021.
This transaction also includes a put/call provision under which we may be obligated or entitled to repurchase Wells Fargo’s interest in the investment fund. We believe that Wells Fargo will exercise its put option in December 2027 for nominal consideration, resulting in our becoming the sole owner of the investment fund, cancelling the related loans, and recognizing an estimated gain of $3.9 million.
We have determined that the investment fund and the Sub-CDE are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and that we are the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. The ongoing activities of the VIEs, namely collecting and remitting interest and fees and administering NMTC compliance, were contemplated in the initial design of the transaction and are not expected to significantly affect economic performance throughout the life of the VIEs. Additionally, we are obligated to deliver tax benefits and provide various other guarantees to Wells Fargo and to absorb the losses of the VIEs. Wells Fargo does not have a material interest in the underling economics of the project. Consequently we have included the financial statements of the VIEs in our consolidated financial statements.
Intercompany transactions between us and the VIEs have been eliminated in consolidation. Wells Fargo’s contribution to the investment fund is consolidated in our financial statements as an Other noncurrent liability due to its redemption features.
Direct costs associated with Wells Fargo’s capital contribution have been netted against the recorded proceeds, resulting in a net cash contribution of $3.9 million. Other direct costs incurred associated with executing the transaction were capitalized and will be recognized as interest expense over the seven-year tax credit period. Incremental costs to maintain the structure during the compliance period will be expensed as incurred.
Note 3.2.    Revenue from Contracts with Customers
We recognize revenue when control of promised products or services is transferred to our customers, in amounts that reflect the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those products or services. We account for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, the payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable. We determine the appropriate revenue recognition for our contracts with customers by analyzing the type, terms and conditions of each contract or arrangement with a customer.
Disaggregation of Revenue
We disaggregate our revenues from contracts with customers by reportable segment (Note 11.(see Note 9.) and further by geographical region as we believe this best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of our revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. Geographical region represents the location of the customer.
Contract Asset and Liability Balances
The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in customer receivables, customer advance payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized. Customer receivables include amounts billed and currently due from customers as well as unbilled amounts (contract assets). Amounts are billed in accordance with contractual terms and unbilled amounts arise when the timing of billing differs from the timing of revenue recognized.
Advance
7


Customer advance payments and billings in excess of revenue are recognized and recorded as deferred revenue, the majority of which is classified as current based on the timing when we expect to recognize revenue. We reverse these contract liabilities and recognize revenue when we satisfy the related performance obligations. We include current deferred revenue as part of our accrued expenses. Deferred revenues represent contract liabilities and are recorded when customers remit contractual cash payments in advance of us satisfying performance obligations under contractual arrangements. Contract liabilities are reversed when the performance obligation is satisfied and revenue is recognized.Other current liabilities.
The table below represents the balances of our customer receivables and deferred revenues.
December 31,September 30,
December 31,September 30,20202020
20192019
(in millions)(in millions)
Billed receivablesBilled receivables$129.2  $171.0  Billed receivables$156.3 $180.2 
Unbilled receivablesUnbilled receivables5.2  4.5  Unbilled receivables5.3 4.6 
Total customer receivablesTotal customer receivables$134.4  $175.5  Total customer receivables$161.6 $184.8 
Deferred revenuesDeferred revenues$4.4  $4.7  Deferred revenues$5.1 $5.6 
Performance Obligations
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer. Our performance obligations are satisfied at a point in time as related to sales of equipment or over time as related to our software hosting and leak detection monitoring services. Performance obligations are supported by customer contracts, which provide frameworks for the nature of the distinct products or services. We allocate the transaction price of each contract to the performance obligations on the basis of standalone selling price and recognize revenue when, or as, control of the performance obligation transfers to the customers.
We have elected to useMost of our performance obligations are satisfied at a “point in time” for sales of equipment and for provision of one-time services, and we generally recognize such revenue when goods are shipped or when the practical expedient to not adjustservices are provided. The remainder of our performance obligations are satisfied “over time” for our software hosting and leak detection monitoring services, and we generally recognize such revenue ratably as services are provided over the transaction price of a contract for the effects of a significant financing component if, at the inceptionexpected term of the contract, we expect that the period between when we transfer a product or service to a customer and when a customer remits payment will be one year or less.
Revenues from products and services transferred to customers at a point in time represented 98% of our revenues in the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. The revenues recognized at a point in time related to the sale of our products was recognized when the obligations of the terms of our contract were satisfied, which generally occurs upon shipment, when control of the product transfers to the customer.
Revenues from products and services transferred to customers over time represented 2% of our revenues in the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
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contract.
We offer warranties to our customers in the form of assurance-type warranties, which provide assurance that the products provided will function as intended and comply with any agreed-upon specifications. TheseSuch warranties generally cannot be purchased separately. There was no change toWe accrue our expected cost of warranty accounting as a resultat the time of the implementation of the new revenue standard and we will continue to use our current cost accrual method in accordance with GAAP.sale.
Costs to Obtain or Fulfill a Contract
We incur certain incremental costs to obtain a contract, which primarily relate to incremental sales commissions. Our commissions are paid based on either orders andor shipments, and we reserve the right to claw back any commissionscommission in casethe event of product returns or lost collections. AsSince the expected benefit associated with these incremental costs is one year or less based on the nature of the productproducts sold and benefits received,services provided, we have applied a practical expedient and therefore do not capitalize the relatedexpense such costs and expense them as incurred, consistent with our previous accounting treatment.incurred.
Note 4. Leases
We adopted the new leasing standard utilizing the modified retrospective approach on October 1, 2019. Adoption of the new standard resulted in an increase to total assets and liabilities due to the recording of lease right-of-use assets (“ROU”) and lease liabilities related to our operating lease portfolio.
We elected the package of three practical expedients for transition, which include the carry forward of our leases without reassessing whether any contracts are leases or contain leases, lease classification and initial direct costs and applying hindsight when determining the lease term and when assessing impairment of right-of-use assets at the adoption date. This allows us to update our assessments according to new information and changes in facts and circumstances that have occurred since lease inception.
Presentation of Leases
The Company leases certain office, warehouse, manufacturing, distribution, and research and development facilities and equipment under operating leases.
Our leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 14 years. The terms and conditions of our leases may include options to extend or terminate the lease which are considered and included in the lease term when these options are reasonably certain of exercise.
We determine if a contract is (or contains) a lease at inception by evaluating whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset. For all classes of leased assets, we have elected the practical expedient to account for any non-lease components in the contract together with the related lease component in the same unit of account.
ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized in our condensed consolidated balance sheets at the commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term. Additionally, ROU assets include any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, as well as any initial direct costs incurred, and are reduced by any lease incentives received. As most of our operating leases do not provide an implicit rate, we apply our incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of remaining lease payments. Our incremental borrowing rate is determined based on information available at the commencement date of the lease.
Operating leases are included in other noncurrent assets, other current liabilities and noncurrent liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property, plant and equipment, current portion of long-term debt and long-term debt in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.
For all classes of leased assets, we have applied an accounting policy election to exclude short-term leases from recognition in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. A short-term lease has a lease term of 12 months or less at the commencement date and does not include a purchase option that is reasonably certain of exercise. We recognize short-term lease expense in our condensed consolidated income statements on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Our short-term lease expense for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 and short-term lease commitments at December 31, 2019 are immaterial.
We have certain lease contracts with terms and conditions that provide for variability in the payment amount based on changes in facts or circumstances occurring after the commencement date. These variable lease payments are recognized in our condensed consolidated income statements as the obligation is incurred.
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At December 31, 2019, we had no material, legally-binding minimum lease payments for operating leases signed but not yet commenced. We did not have material subleases, leases that imposed significant restrictions or covenants, material related party leases or sale-leaseback arrangements.
The components of lease cost for the three months ended December 31, 2019 are presented below, in millions.
Operating lease cost$1.6 
Finance lease cost0.3 
Total lease expense$1.9 
Supplemental information related to leases for the three months ended December 31, 2019 is presented below, in millions.
Cash Flow Information:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$1.4 
Financing cash flows from finance leases$0.3 
Supplemental information related to leases as of December 31, 2019 is presented below, in millions.
Balance Sheet Information:
Right of use assetsBalance Sheet Caption
Operating leasesOther noncurrent assets$27.2 
Finance leasesPlant, property and equipment2.0 
Total right of use assets$29.2 
Lease liabilitiesBalance Sheet Caption
Operating leases - currentOther current liabilities$4.4 
Operating leases - noncurrentOther noncurrent liabilities24.5
Finance leases - currentCurrent portion of long-term debt0.9
Finance leases - noncurrentLong-term debt1.1
Total lease liabilities$30.9 
Additional supplemental information related to leases as of December 31, 2019 is presented below.
Lease term and discount rate:
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years):
Operating leases8.41
Finance leases2.63
Weighted-average interest rate:
Operating leases5.78 %
Finance leases5.37 %
Total lease liabilities at December 31, 2019 have scheduled maturities as follows:
Operating Leases  Finance Leases  
(in millions)
2020$4.5  $0.9  
20215.1  0.9  
20224.3  0.6  
20233.9  0.2  
20243.7  —  
Thereafter16.1  —  
Total lease payments37.6  2.6  
Less: imputed interest8.7  0.6  
Present value of lease liabilities$28.9  $2.0  

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Note 5.3. Income Taxes
The reconciliation between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and the effective tax rate is presented below.
Three months ended Three months ended
December 31,December 31,
2019201820202019
U.S. federal statutory income tax rateU.S. federal statutory income tax rate21.0 %21.0 %U.S. federal statutory income tax rate21.0 %21.0 %
Adjustments to reconcile to the effective tax rate:Adjustments to reconcile to the effective tax rate:Adjustments to reconcile to the effective tax rate:
State income taxes, net of federal benefitState income taxes, net of federal benefit4.5  3.3  State income taxes, net of federal benefit4.5 4.5 
Excess tax (benefits) related to stock compensation(1.5) 1.3  
Excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensationExcess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation(0.6)(1.5)
Tax creditsTax credits(1.1) 0.4  Tax credits(1.4)(1.1)
Global Intangible Low-taxed Income0.1  (0.1) 
Foreign income taxes(0.7) —  
Global Intangible Low-Taxed IncomeGlobal Intangible Low-Taxed Income0.6 0.1 
Foreign income tax rate differentialForeign income tax rate differential(0.9)(0.7)
Valuation allowancesValuation allowances(0.7) —  Valuation allowances1.5 (0.7)
OtherOther1.5  (0.3) Other1.1 1.5 
23.1 %25.6 %25.8 %23.1 %
Walter Energy Accrual(0.3) (5.8) 
Remeasurement related to tax law changes—  2.1  
Walter Energy accrualWalter Energy accrual(0.3)
Effective income tax rateEffective income tax rate22.8 %21.9 %Effective income tax rate25.8 %22.8 %
At December 31, 20192020 and September 30, 2019,2020, the gross liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits were $3.5$4.6 million and $3.3$4.5 million, respectively.respectively, and are reflected in Other noncurrent liabilities.
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Note 6.4. Borrowing Arrangements
The components of our long-term debt are presented below.
December 31,September 30,
December 31,September 30, 20202020
20192019
(in millions) (in millions)
5.5% Senior Notes5.5% Senior Notes$450.0  $450.0  5.5% Senior Notes$450.0 $450.0 
ABL Agreement—  —  
Finance leasesFinance leases2.0  2.1  Finance leases2.4 2.5 
452.0  452.1  452.4 452.5 
Less deferred financing costsLess deferred financing costs5.6  5.8  Less deferred financing costs4.7 4.9 
Less current portionLess current portion0.9  0.9  Less current portion1.1 1.1 
Long-term debtLong-term debt$445.5  $445.4  Long-term debt$446.6 $446.5 
5.5% Senior Unsecured Notes. On June 12, 2018, we privately issued $450.0 million of 5.5% Senior Unsecured Notes (“Notes”), which mature in 2026 and bear interest at 5.5%., paid semi-annually. We capitalized $6.6 million of financing costs, which are being amortized over the term of the Notes using the effective interest method. Proceeds from the Notes, along with other cash, were used to repay our Term Loan. Substantially all of our U.S. subsidiaries guarantee the Notes, which are subordinate to borrowings under the ABL. Based on quoted market prices, the outstanding Notes had a fair value of $473.6$466.3 million at December 31, 2019.2020.
ABL Agreement. At December 31, 2019, ourOur asset based lending agreement (“ABL Agreement”) consistedconsists of a revolving credit facility for up to $175$175.0 million of revolving credit borrowings, swing line loans and letters of credit.
The ABL Agreement permits us to increase the size of the credit facility by an additional $150$150.0 million in certain circumstances subject to adequate borrowing base availability. We may borrow up to $25$25.0 million through swing line loans and we are permitted to issue up to $60$60.0 million of letters of credit.
Borrowings under the ABL Agreement bear interest at a floating rate equal to LIBOR, plus aan applicable margin ranging from 125200 to 150225 basis points, or a base rate, as defined in the ABL Agreement, plus aan applicable margin ranging from 25100 to 50125 basis points. At December 31, 2019,2020, the applicable rate was LIBOR plus 125200 basis points.
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The ABL Agreement terminates on July 13, 2021. We pay29, 2025 and provides for a commitment fee for any unused borrowing capacity under the ABL Agreement of 2537.5 basis points per annum. Our obligations under the ABL Agreement are secured by a first-priority perfected lien on all of our U.S. receivables and inventories, certain cash and other supporting obligations. Borrowings are not subject to any financial maintenance covenants unless excess availability is less than the greater of $17.5 million and 10% of the Loan Cap as defined in the ABL Agreement. Excess availability based on December 31, 20192020 data, as reduced by outstanding letters of credit and accrued fees and expenses of $14.5$15.0 million, was $122.0$113.4 million.
Note 7.5. Derivative Financial Instruments
In connection with the acquisition of Singer Valve in 2017, we loaned U.S. dollar-denominated funds to one of our Canadian subsidiaries. Although this intercompany loan has no direct effect on our consolidated financial statements, it creates exposure to currency risk for the Canadian subsidiary. To reduce this exposure, we entered into a U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar swap contract with the Canadian subsidiary and an offsetting Canadian dollar-U.S. dollar swap with a domestic bank. We have not designated these swaps as hedges and we include the changes in their fair values are included in earnings where theyto offset the currency gains and losses associated with the intercompany loan. The values of our currency swap contracts were liabilities of $0.6$1.1 million and $0.3$0.2 million as ofat December 31, 20192020 and September 30, 2019,2020, respectively, and are included in otherOther noncurrent liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.liabilities.
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Note 8.6. Retirement Plans
The components of net periodic benefit cost for our pension plans are presented below.
Three months ended
Three months endedDecember 31,
December 31, 20202019
20192018
(in millions) (in millions)
Service costService cost$0.4  $0.4  Service cost$0.4 $0.4 
Pension costs (benefits) other than service:Pension costs (benefits) other than service:Pension costs (benefits) other than service:
Interest costInterest cost2.8  3.5  Interest cost2.5 2.8 
Expected return on plan assetsExpected return on plan assets(4.2) (4.1) Expected return on plan assets(3.9)(4.2)
Amortization of actuarial net lossAmortization of actuarial net loss0.7  0.5  Amortization of actuarial net loss0.6 0.7 
Pension costs (benefits) other than service(0.7) (0.1) 
Net periodic (benefit) cost$(0.3) $0.3  
Pension benefits other than servicePension benefits other than service(0.8)(0.7)
Net periodic benefitNet periodic benefit$(0.4)$(0.3)
The amortization of actuarial losses, net of tax, is recorded as a component of other comprehensive loss.
Note 9.7. Stock-based Compensation Plans
We have granted various forms of stock-based compensation, including stock options,market-based restricted stock units (“MRSUs”) , restricted stock units, stock options and performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”) and market-based restricted stock units (“MRSUs”) under our Amended and Restated 2006 Mueller Water Products, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (the “2006 Stock Plan”)., Phantom Plan instruments under our Mueller Water Products, Inc. 2012 Phantom Plan, and Employee stock purchase plan instruments under our 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan during the three months ended December 31, 2020 as follows.
Number grantedWeighted average grant date fair value per instrumentTotal grant date fair value
(in millions)
Quarter ended December 31, 2020
    MRSUs234,199 15.39 $3.6 
    Phantom Plan instruments180,987 11.86 2.1 
    Restricted stock units129,081 $11.86 1.5 
    Non-qualified stock options423,405 3.05 1.3 
    PRSUs: 2020 award60,019 11.86 0.7 
                  2019 award84,483 11.86 1.0 
    Employee stock purchase plan instruments40,286 1.92 0.1 
$10.3 
An MRSU award represents a target number of units that may be paid out at the end of a three-year award cycle based on a calculation of our relative total shareholder return (“TSR”) performance as compared with a selected peer group's TSR. Settlements, in our common shares, will range from 0 to 2 times the number of MRSUs granted, depending on our TSR performance relative to that of the peer group.
Compensation expense attributed to MRSUs is based on the fair value of the awards on their respective grant dates, as determined using a Monte Carlo model. The assumptions used to determine the grant-date fair value are indicated below.
December 2, 2020
Variables used in determining grant date fair value:
Dividend yield1.77 %
Risk-free rate0.21 %
Expected term (in years)2.83
The expected dividend yield is based on our estimated annual dividend and our stock price history at the grant date. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon yield in effect at the grant date with a term equal to the expected term. The expected term represents the average period of time the units are expected to be outstanding.

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At December 31, 2020, the outstanding Phantom Plan instruments had a fair value of $12.38 per instrument and our liability for Phantom Plan instruments was $1.3 million and is included within current and noncurrent liabilities.
Stock options generally vest on each anniversary date of the original grant ratably over three years. Compensation expense attributed to stock options is based on the fair value of the awards on their respective grant dates, as determined using a Black-Scholes model. The assumptions used to determine the grant-date fair value are indicated below.
December 2, 2020
Dividend yield2.01 %
Risk-free rate0.66 %
Expected term (in years)6.00
The expected dividend yield is based on our estimated annual dividend and our stock price history at the grant date. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon yield in effect at the grant date with a term equal to the expected term. The expected term represents the average period of time the options are expected to be outstanding.
A PRSU award consists of a number of units that may be paid out at the end of a multi-yearthree year award cycle consisting of a series of annual performance periods coinciding with our fiscal years. After we establish the financial performance targets related to PRSUs for a given performance period, typically during the first quarter of that fiscal year, we consider that portion of a PRSU award to be granted. Thus, each award consists of a grant in the year of award and grants in the designatedtwo following years. Settlements, in our common shares, will range from 0 to 2 times the number of PRSUs granted, depending on our financial performance againstrelative to the targets.
A MRSU award represents a target number of units that may be paid out at the end of a three year award cycle based on a calculation of the Company's relative total shareholder return (“TSR”) performance as compared with a selected peer group's total shareholder return. Settlements, in our common shares, will range from 0 to 2 times the number of MRSUs granted, depending on our TSR performance versus the peer group.
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The per-unit fair value of the MRSU award was $14.94, as determined using a Monte Carlo simulation with the following inputs:
December 31, 2019
Dividend yield 1.87 %
Risk-free rate 1.53 %
Expected term (in years)2.83
We awarded 196,284 stock-settled PRSUs and 147,213 MRSUs in the three months ended December 31, 2019 that are scheduled to settle in 3 years.
We issued 93,647 shares and 181,065103,058 shares of common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively,2020 to settle PRSUs that vested during the periods.
In additionperiod. Additionally, we issued 125,576 and 63,433 shares of common stock to the PRSU activity, 132,303settle restricted stock units vested and stock options exercised, respectively, during the three months ended December 31, 2019, respectively.
We have granted cash-settled Phantom Plan instruments under the Mueller Water Products, Inc. Phantom Plan (“Phantom Plan”). At December 31, 2019, the outstanding Phantom Plan instruments had a fair value of $11.98 per instrument and our liability for Phantom Plan instruments was $1.0 million.
We granted stock-based compensation awards under the 2006 Stock Plan, the Mueller Water Products, Inc. 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and the Phantom Plan during the three months ended December 31, 2019 as follows.
Number grantedWeighted average grant date fair value per instrumentTotal grant date fair value
(in millions)
Restricted stock units  162,433  $11.26  $1.8  
Employee stock purchase plan instruments  39,492  1.97  0.1  
Phantom Plan awards  188,973  11.26  2.1  
PRSUs: 2020 award  58,040  11.26  0.7  
2019 award  102,203  11.26  1.2  
2018 award  44,451  11.26  0.5  
MRSUs  147,213  14.94  2.2  
$8.6  
2020.
Operating income included stock-based compensation expense of $1.9$2.5 million and $1.7$1.9 million during the three months ended December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively. At December 31, 2019,2020, there was approximately $11.8$14.1 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to stock-based compensation arrangements and there were 218,292204,520 PRSUs that have been awarded for the 2021 and 2022 performance periods for which performance goals have not been set.goal achievement cannot yet be determined.
We excluded 108,976258,522 and 165,467 of108,976 stock-based compensation instruments from the calculations of diluted earnings per share for the quartersthree months ended December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively, since their inclusion would have been antidilutive.
11
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Note 10.8. Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
Selected supplemental balance sheetasset information is presented below.
December 31,September 30, December 31,September 30,
20202020
(in millions)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Cash, cash equivalentsCash, cash equivalents$220.8 $208.9 
Restricted cashRestricted cash2.2 
20192019$223.0 $208.9 
(in millions)
Inventories:Inventories:Inventories:
Purchased components and raw materialPurchased components and raw material$100.2  $95.2  Purchased components and raw material$88.3 $87.3 
Work in processWork in process44.1  43.7  Work in process32.9 32.4 
Finished goodsFinished goods68.6  52.5  Finished goods46.0 42.8 
$212.9  $191.4  $167.2 $162.5 
Other current assets:Other current assets:Other current assets:
Maintenance and repair tooling$4.2  $4.2  
Prepaid expensesPrepaid expenses$11.7 $10.9 
Non-trade receivablesNon-trade receivables9.3 8.5 
Maintenance and repair supplies and toolingMaintenance and repair supplies and tooling3.5 3.7 
Income taxesIncome taxes3.1  4.7  Income taxes2.7 5.5 
OtherOther18.4  17.1  Other3.1 0.4 
$25.7  $26.0  $30.3 $29.0 
Property, plant and equipment:Property, plant and equipment:Property, plant and equipment:
LandLand$5.2  $5.2  Land$6.2 $6.2 
BuildingsBuildings68.8  68.9  Buildings81.1 80.4 
Machinery and equipmentMachinery and equipment368.8  362.9  Machinery and equipment411.1 406.3 
Construction in progressConstruction in progress57.0  48.0  Construction in progress67.5 57.4 
499.8  485.0  565.9 550.3 
Accumulated depreciationAccumulated depreciation(275.3) (267.9) Accumulated depreciation(304.5)(296.5)
$224.5  $217.1  $261.4 $253.8 
Other current liabilities:
Compensation and benefits$20.1  $28.5  
Customer rebates10.6  8.7  
Taxes other than income taxes3.1  3.3  
Warranty6.8  6.5  
Income taxes—  0.6  
Environmental1.2  1.2  
Interest1.1  7.3  
Restructuring1.6  1.7  
Walter Energy Accrual—  22.0  
Other noncurrent assets:Other noncurrent assets:
Operating lease right-of-use assetOperating lease right-of-use asset$25.2 $25.6 
Maintenance and repair supplies and toolingMaintenance and repair supplies and tooling18.2 17.5 
Workers compensation reimbursement receivableWorkers compensation reimbursement receivable2.0 2.1 
Pension assetPension asset2.0 0.9 
Note receivableNote receivable1.8 1.8 
Deferred financing feesDeferred financing fees1.7 
OtherOther19.4  13.2  Other2.4 3.4 
$63.9  $93.0  $53.3 $51.3 

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Selected supplemental liability information is presented below.
 December 31,September 30,
 20202020
 (in millions)
Other current liabilities:
Compensation and benefits$23.6 $35.5 
Customer rebates12.1 9.6 
Warranty6.5 7.2 
Deferred revenues5.1 5.6 
Refund liability5.1 4.3 
Taxes other than income taxes4.1 3.9 
Operating lease liabilities3.8 4.0 
Accrued settlements3.8 0.2 
CARES Act payroll tax liabilities3.1 
Restructuring1.9 2.8 
Environmental1.2 1.2 
Interest1.1 7.3 
Income taxes0.2 0.2 
Other5.4 4.8 
$77.0 $86.6 
Other noncurrent liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities$23.0 $23.3 
Warranty6.8 7.2 
Transition tax5.2 5.2 
Unrecognized income tax benefits4.6 4.5 
NMTC liability3.9 
Workers compensation3.8 3.8 
Asset retirement obligation3.6 3.5 
CARES Act payroll tax liabilities3.1 3.3 
Deferred development grant2.5 2.5 
Other3.7 3.0 
$60.2 $56.3 
Goodwill
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis each September 1st and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.
The following table summarizes information concerning our goodwill balance for the three months ended December 31, 2020, in millions.
Balance at September 30, 2020$99.8 
Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates1.3 
Balance at December 31, 2020$101.1 

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Note 11.9. Segment Information
Summarized financial information for our segments is presented below. Net sales and operating income associated with certain products have been reclassified as Technologies segment items to confirm to the current period presentation.
Three months ended
Three months endedDecember 31,
December 31,20202019
20192018
(in millions) (in millions)
Net sales, excluding intercompany:Net sales, excluding intercompany:Net sales, excluding intercompany:
InfrastructureInfrastructure$192.8  $172.0  Infrastructure$215.9 $192.3 
TechnologiesTechnologies19.8  20.8  Technologies21.5 20.3 
$212.6  $192.8  $237.4 $212.6 
Operating income (loss):Operating income (loss):Operating income (loss):
InfrastructureInfrastructure$35.7  $30.9  Infrastructure$41.6 $35.5 
TechnologiesTechnologies(2.0) (3.7) Technologies(1.5)(1.8)
CorporateCorporate(13.4) (11.3) Corporate(12.3)(13.4)
$20.3  $15.9  $27.8 $20.3 
Depreciation and amortization:Depreciation and amortization:Depreciation and amortization:
InfrastructureInfrastructure$12.0  $10.1  Infrastructure$12.5 $12.0 
TechnologiesTechnologies2.0  2.0  Technologies2.1 2.0 
CorporateCorporate—  —  Corporate0.1 
$14.0  $12.1  $14.7 $14.0 
Strategic reorganization and other charges:Strategic reorganization and other charges:Strategic reorganization and other charges:
InfrastructureInfrastructure$—  $—  Infrastructure$0.1 $
TechnologiesTechnologies—  —  Technologies
CorporateCorporate2.4  3.2  Corporate1.3 2.4 
$2.4  $3.2  $1.4 $2.4 
Capital expenditures:Capital expenditures:Capital expenditures:
InfrastructureInfrastructure$14.5  $14.8  Infrastructure$14.7 $14.5 
TechnologiesTechnologies0.6  1.1  Technologies0.8 0.6 
CorporateCorporate0.1  —  Corporate0.1 0.1 
$15.2  $15.9  $15.6 $15.2 
Infrastructure disaggregated net revenues:Infrastructure disaggregated net revenues:Infrastructure disaggregated net revenues:
CentralCentral$46.5  $40.3  Central$56.9 $46.4 
NortheastNortheast41.9  37.9  Northeast45.8 41.7 
SoutheastSoutheast39.6  34.7  Southeast38.4 39.4 
WestWest46.0  44.8  West53.4 46.0 
United StatesUnited States174.0  157.7  United States194.5 173.5 
CanadaCanada11.6  9.9  Canada12.1 11.6 
Other international locationsOther international locations7.2  4.4  Other international locations9.3 7.2 
$192.8  $172.0  $215.9 $192.3 
Technologies disaggregated net revenues:Technologies disaggregated net revenues:Technologies disaggregated net revenues:
CentralCentral$4.7  $6.5  Central$4.9 $4.8 
NortheastNortheast6.1  3.4  Northeast3.5 6.3 
SoutheastSoutheast5.8  6.8  Southeast7.3 6.0 
WestWest2.0  2.7  West5.0 2.0 
United StatesUnited States18.6  19.4  United States20.7 19.1 
CanadaCanada0.6  0.2  Canada0.3 0.6 
Other international locationsOther international locations0.6  1.2  Other international locations0.5 0.6 
$19.8  $20.8  $21.5 $20.3 

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Note 12.10. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss is presented below.
  Pension, net of taxForeign currency translationTotal
(in millions)
Balance at September 30, 2019$(36.0) $—  $(36.0) 
Current period other comprehensive income0.5  3.5  $4.0  
Balance at December 31, 2019$(35.5) $3.5  $(32.0) 
  Pension, net of taxForeign currency translationTotal
(in millions)
Balance at September 30, 2020$(32.7)$8.0 $(24.7)
Current period other comprehensive income0.5 4.5 $5.0 
Balance at December 31, 2020$(32.2)$12.5 $(19.7)

Note 13.11. Commitments and Contingencies
We are involved in various legal proceedings that have arisen in the normal course of operations, including the proceedings summarized below. We provide for costs relating to these matters when a loss is probable and the amount is reasonably estimable. Administrative costs related to these matters are expensed as incurred. The effect of the outcome of these matters on our financial statements cannot be predicted with certainty as any such effect depends on the amount and timing of the resolution of such matters. Other than the litigation described below, we do not believe that any of our outstanding litigation would have a material adverse effect on our business or prospects.
Environmental. We are subject to a wide variety of laws and regulations concerning the protection of the environment, both with respect to the operations at many of our properties and with respect to remediating environmental conditions that may exist at our own or other properties. We accrue for environmental expenses resulting from existing conditions that relate to past operations when the costs are probable and reasonably estimable.
In the acquisition agreement pursuant to which a predecessor to Tyco International plc, now Johnson Controls International plc (“Tyco”), sold our businesses to a previous owner in August 1999, Tyco agreed to indemnify us and our affiliates, among other things, for all “Excluded Liabilities.” Excluded Liabilities include, among other things, substantially all liabilities relating to the time prior to August 1999, including environmental liabilities. The indemnity survives indefinitely. Tyco’s indemnity does not cover liabilities to the extent caused by us or the operation of our businesses after August 1999, nor does it cover liabilities arising with respect to businesses or sites acquired after August 1999. Since 2007, Tyco has engaged in multiple corporate restructurings, split-offs and divestitures. While none of these transactions directly affects the indemnification obligations of the Tyco indemnitors under the 1999 acquisition agreement, the result of such transactions is that the assets of, and control over, such Tyco indemnitors has changed. Should any of these Tyco indemnitors become financially unable or fail to comply with the terms of the indemnity, we may be responsible for such obligations or liabilities.
On July 13, 2010, Rohcan Investments Limited, the former owner of property leased by Mueller Canada Ltd. and located in Milton, Ontario, filed suit against Mueller Canada Ltd. and its directors seeking C$10.0 million in damages arising from the defendants’ alleged environmental contamination of the property and breach of lease. Mueller Canada Ltd. leased the property from 1988 through 2008. We are pursuing indemnification from a former owner for certain potential liabilities that are alleged in this lawsuit, and we have accrued for other liabilities not covered by indemnification.  On December 7, 2011, the Court denied the plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment.
The purchaser of U.S. Pipe has been identified as a “potentially responsible party” (“PRP”) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act in connection with a former manufacturing facility operated by U.S. Pipe that was in the vicinity of a proposed Superfund site located in North Birmingham, Alabama. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement relating to our sale of U.S. Pipe, we agreed to indemnify the purchaser for certain environmental liabilities, including those arising out of the former manufacturing site in North Birmingham. Accordingly, the purchaser tendered the matter to us for indemnification, which we accepted. Ultimate liability for the site will depend on many factors that have not yet been determined, including the determination of EPA’s remediation costs, the number and financial viability of the other PRPs (there are four other PRPs currently) and the determination of the final allocation of the costs among the PRPs. Accordingly, becauseSince the amountamounts of such costs cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, no amounts have been accrued for this matter at December 31, 2019.2020.
Walter Energy. On November 18, 2019, we paid approximately $22.2 million to the IRS in final settlement of a tax dispute related to our former parent company, Walter Energy, Inc.

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Walter EnergyThe COVID-19 Pandemic. .The pandemic has caused, and is likely to continue to cause, severe economic, market and other disruptions to the U.S. and global economies. We were a memberhave taken and continue to counter such disruption and work to protect the safety of our production workers as essential workers at our various manufacturing plants, distribution centers and R&D centers. We are uncertain of the Walter Energy, Inc (“Walter Energy”) federal tax consolidated group through December 14, 2006, at which time the Company was spun-off from Walter Energy. Until our spin-off from Walter Energy, we joined in the filing of Walter Energy’s consolidated federal income tax return for each taxable year during which we were a memberpotential full magnitude or duration of the consolidated group. As a result, we were jointlybusiness and severally liable foreconomic impacts from the federal income tax liability, if any,unprecedented public health effort to contain and combat the spread of COVID-19, and while the consolidated group for each of those years. In July 2015, Walter Energy filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 ofextent to which the U.S. Bankruptcy Code inpandemic affects our results will depend on future developments, the Northern District of Alabama (“Bankruptcy Case”). The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) alleged that Walter Energy owed substantial amounts (“Walter Tax Liability”), and on January 11, 2016, the IRS filed a proof of claim in the Bankruptcy Case, alleging that Walter Energy owed taxes, interest and penalties in an aggregate amount of $554.3 million. In the proof of claim, the IRS included an alternative calculation in an aggregate amount of $860.4 million.
On November 5, 2019, we agreed to be bound by a settlement agreement between the bankruptcy trustee in the Bankruptcy Case and the IRS to resolve the Walter Tax Liability. On November 18, 2019, the settlement agreement was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of Alabama. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, we contributed approximately $22.2 million to the settlement. All appeal periods have expired, and our liabilities with respect to the Walter Tax Liability have been fully resolved.
Chapman v. Mueller Water Products, et al. In 2017, our warranty analyses identified that certain Technologies radio products produced prior to 2017 and installed in particularly harsh environments had been failing at higher than expected rates. During the quarter ended March 31, 2017, we conducted additional testing of these products and revised our estimates of warranty expenses. As a result, we recorded additional warranty expense of $9.8 million in the second quarter of 2017. During the quarter ended June 30, 2018, we completed a similar analysis and determined, based on this new information, that certain other Technologies products had been failing at higher-than-expected rates as well and that the average cost to repair or replace certain products under warranty was higher than previously estimated. As aoutbreak could result in the third quartermaterial effects to our future financial position, results of 2018, we recorded additional warranty expense of $14.1 million associated with such products. Related to the above warranty expenses, on April 11, 2019, an alleged stockholder filed a putative class action lawsuit against Mueller Water Products, Inc. and certain of our former and current officers (collectively, the “Defendants”) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The proposed class consists of all persons and entities that acquired our securities between May 9, 2016 and August 6, 2018 (the “Class Period”). The complaint alleges violations of the federal securities laws, including, among other things, that we made materially false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts about our business, operations, and prospects during the proposed Class Period. The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages and attorneys’ fees and costs but does not specify the amount. Accordingly, we cannot reasonably estimate the amount of any cost or liabilities related to this matter and therefore no amounts have been accrued related to this matter as of December 31, 2019. Defendants filed their motion to dismiss on November 1, 2019 and second motion to dismiss (in response to the second amended complaint filed on December 24, 2019) on January 31, 2020. We believe the allegations are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against the claims. However, the outcome of this legal proceeding cannot be predicted with certainty.
City of Jackson, MS v. Siemens Industry, Inc., et al.On or about August 22, 2013, Mueller Systems, LLC (“Mueller Systems”) entered into an agreement with Siemens Industries, Inc (“Siemens”) to provide automated meter infrastructure (“AMI”) products and services to Siemens as part of Siemens’ project for the City of Jackson, MS (the “City”). This project included products and services for the City’s water treatment plants, sewer lines and billing system, which were provided by parties other than Mueller Systems (the “Project”).On June 11, 2018, the City filed a lawsuit against Siemens and several of its contractors (excluding Mueller Systems) for multiple claims related to the Project, including claims for fraud, negligence, breach of implied warranty of good workmanship, negligent representation, civil conspiracy, unjust enrichment, breach of contract and breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing (“Siemens Lawsuit”). In the Siemens Lawsuit, the City alleged damages in excess of $450.0 million.On November 12, 2019, the City filed an amended complaint, adding Mueller Systems as a defendant in the Siemens Lawsuit.Mueller Systems is reviewing the claims to determine the portion, if any, of the City’s alleged damages that may be related to Mueller Systems’ AMI products and services. However, there remains a high degree of uncertainty around these claims, as well as their potential effect on Mueller Systems’ future operations, earnings, cash flows and financial condition. Accordingly, at this time, it is not practicable to estimate the magnitude and timing of any possible obligations or payments.liquidity.
Mass Shooting Event at our Henry Pratt Facility in Aurora, Illinois. On February 15, 2019, we experienced a mass shooting event at our Henry Pratt facility in Aurora, Illinois, in which five employees were killed and one employee and six law enforcement officers were injured. Various workers’ compensation claims arising from the event have been made to date, and we anticipate that additional claims may be made, and that liability under such claims, if any, is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or cash flows. However, the possibility of other legal proceedings, and any related effects, arising from this event cannot be predicted with certainty.
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Indemnifications. We are a party to contracts in which it is common for us to agree to indemnify third parties for certain liabilities that arise out of or relate to the subject matter of the contract. In some cases, this indemnity extends to related liabilities arising from the negligence of the indemnified parties, but usually excludes any liabilities caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct. We cannot estimate the potential amount of future payments under these indemnities until events arise that would trigger a liability under the indemnities.
Additionally, in connection with the sale of assets and the divestiture of businesses, such as the divestitures of U.S. Pipe and Anvil, we may agree to indemnify buyers and related parties for certain losses or liabilities incurred by these parties with respect to: (i) the representations and warranties made by us to these parties in connection with the sale and (ii) liabilities related to the pre-closing operations of the assets or business sold. Indemnities related to pre-closing operations generally include certain environmental and tax liabilities and other liabilities not assumed by these parties in the transaction.
Indemnities related to the pre-closing operations of sold assets or businesses normally do not represent additional liabilities to us, but simply serve to protect these parties from potential liability associated with our obligations existing at the time of the sale. As with any liability, we have accrued for those pre-closing obligations that are considered probable and reasonably estimable. Should circumstances change, increasing the likelihood of payments related to a specific indemnity, we will accrue a liability when future payment is probable and the amount is reasonably estimable.
Other Matters. We monitor and analyze our warranty experience and costs periodically and may revise our accruals as necessary. Critical factors in our analyses include warranty terms, specific claim situations, general incurred and projected failure rates, the nature of product failures, product and labor costs, and general business conditions.
We are party to a number of lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business, including product liability cases for products manufactured by us or third parties. While the results of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that the final outcome of such other litigation is not likely to have a materially adverse effect on our business or prospects.
Note 14.12. Subsequent Events
On January 30, 2020,27, 2021, our boardBoard of directorsDirectors declared a dividend of $0.0525$0.0550 per share on our common stock, payable on or about February 20, 202022, 2021 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 10, 2020.
2021.
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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 unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto that appear elsewhere in this report. This report contains certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements that address activities, events or developments that we intend, expect, plan, project, believethe Company intends, expects, plans, projects, believes or anticipateanticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements.statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding outlooks, projections, forecasts, trend descriptions, the COVID-19 pandemic, go-to-market strategies, operational excellence, acceleration of new product development, end market performance, net sales performance, adjusted operating income and adjusted EBITDA performance, margins, capital expenditure plans, litigation outcomes, capital allocation and growth strategies, and future warranty charges. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and assessments made by usthe Company in light of ourthe Company’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments.
Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including the extent, duration and severity of the impact of the pandemic on the Company’s operations and results, including effects on the financial health of customers (including collections), the Company and the financial/capital markets, government-mandated facility closures, COVID-19 related facility closures and other manufacturing restrictions, logistical challenges and supply chain interruptions, potential litigation and claims emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic, and health, safety and employee/labor issues in Company facilities around the world; unexpected or greater than expected increases in costs of raw materials; regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market and competitive conditions; cyclical and changing demand in core markets such as municipal spending; government monetary or fiscal policies; residential and nonresidential construction, and natural gas distribution; manufacturing and product performance; expectations for changes in volumes, continued execution of cost productivity initiatives and improved pricing; warranty exposures (including the adequacy of warranty reserves); the Company’s ability to successfully resolve significant legal proceedings, claims, lawsuits or government investigations; compliance with environmental, trade and anti-corruption laws and regulations; changing regulatory, conditionstrade and tariff conditions; failure to achieve expected cost savings, net sales expectations, profitability expectations and manufacturing efficiencies from our large capital investments in Chattanooga and Kimball, Tennessee and Decatur, Illinois; the failure to integrate and/or realize any of the anticipated benefits of recent acquisitions or divestitures; and other factors that are described underin the section entitled “RISK FACTORS” in Item 1A.1A of ourthe Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2019 and in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.10-Q (all of which risks may be amplified by the pandemic). Forward-looking statements do not guarantee future performance and are only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no duty to update its forward-looking statements except as required by law. Undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements. TheYou are advised to review any further disclosures the Company does not have any intention or obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
Unlessmakes on related subjects in subsequent Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K and other reports filed with the context indicates otherwise, whenever we refer to a particular year, we mean our fiscal year ended or ending September 30 in that particular calendar year. We manage our businessesU.S. Securities and report operations through two business segments, Infrastructure and Technologies, based largely on the products sold and the customers served.Exchange Commission.
Overview
Organization
On October 3, 2005, Walter Energy, Inc (“Walter Energy”) acquired all outstanding shares of capital stock representing the Mueller Co. and Anvil businesses and contributed them to its U.S. Pipe business to form Mueller Water Products, Inc. (“Mueller” or the “Company”). In June 2006, we completed an initial public offering of 28,750,000 shares of Series A common stock and in December 2006, Walter Energy distributed to its shareholders all of its equity interests in Mueller, completing our spin-off. We subsequently sold our U.S. Pipe and Anvil businesses in 2012 and 2017, respectively.
Business
We estimate approximately 60-65% of our 20192020 net sales were for repair and replacement directly related to municipal water infrastructure spending, approximately 25-30% were related to residential construction activity and less than 10% were related to natural gas utilities.utilities spending.
We expect the operating environment during our two primary end markets, repairfiscal year 2021 to continue to be very challenging due to the uncertainty around the depth and replacementduration of water infrastructure, driven by municipal spending, and new water infrastructure installation, driven bythe pandemic. We anticipate that growth in the residential construction to growend market will help offset anticipated challenges in the low single digits during 2020.project-related portion of the municipal market. In January 2020,2021, Blue Chip Economic Indicators forecasted a 4%7% increase in housing starts for calendar 20202021 compared to the prior year.year primarily due to the low interest rate environment in the United States.
17


We have continued to incur additional costs to address the pandemic as discussed herein, including costs associated with unfavorable volume variances, voluntary emergency paid leave, additional cleaning, disinfectants and sanitation materials for our employees and at our facilities. We expect to continue to incur such costs, which may be significant, as we continue to implement operational changes in response to this pandemic. All of our facilities are operational and our teams have worked effectively to address the few temporary closures we have experienced. The pandemic also caused supply chain disruption that has resulted in higher costs in the manufacture of our products. We expect these conditions to persist in the near term and may worsen until the pandemic abates.
Infrastructure
OnIn December 3, 2018, we completed our acquisition of Krausz Development Ltd. and subsidiaries (“Krausz”), a manufacturer of pipe couplings, grips and clamps with operations in the United States and Israel, for $140.7 million, net of cash acquired, including the assumption and simultaneous repayment of certain debt of $13.2 million.Israel. We include financial results of Krausz in our consolidated financial statements on a one-month lag. For the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the consolidated statements of operations and of cash flows exclude the results of Krausz’s operations.
OnIn October 3, 2019, we acquired the noncontrolling interest of our previously existing joint venture operation for a negotiated purchase price of $5.4 million.
Technologies
The municipal market is the key end market for Technologies. The businesses in Technologies are project-oriented and depend on customer adoption of their technology-based products and services.
18
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Results of Operations
Three Months Ended December 31, 20192020 Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 20182019
Three months ended December 31, 2020
Three months ended December 31, 2019 InfrastructureTechnologiesCorporate  Total    
InfrastructureTechnologiesCorporate  Total    
(in millions) (in millions)
Net salesNet sales$192.8  $19.8  $—  $212.6  Net sales$215.9 $21.5 $— $237.4 
Gross profitGross profit$68.2  $4.4  $—  $72.6  Gross profit73.7 4.7 — $78.4 
Operating expenses:Operating expenses:Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrativeSelling, general and administrative32.5  6.4  11.0  49.9  Selling, general and administrative32.0 6.2 11.0 49.2 
Strategic reorganization and other chargesStrategic reorganization and other charges—  —  2.4  2.4  Strategic reorganization and other charges0.1 — 1.3 1.4 
32.5  6.4  13.4  52.3  32.1 6.2 12.3 50.6 
Operating income (loss)Operating income (loss)$35.7  $(2.0) $(13.4) 20.3  Operating income (loss)$41.6 $(1.5)$(12.3)27.8 
Non-operating expenses:Non-operating expenses:Non-operating expenses:
Pension costs (benefits) other than service(0.7) 
Pension benefit other than servicePension benefit other than service(0.8)
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net7.4  Interest expense, net6.1 
Walter Energy Accrual0.2  
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes13.4  Income before income taxes22.5 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense3.1  Income tax expense5.8 
Net incomeNet income$10.3  Net income$16.7 
Three months ended December 31, 2019(1)
Three months ended December 31, 2018 InfrastructureTechnologiesCorporateTotal
InfrastructureTechnologiesCorporateTotal
(in millions) (in millions)
Net salesNet sales$172.0  $20.8  $—  $192.8  Net sales$192.3 $20.3 $— $212.6 
Gross profitGross profit$56.8  $3.3  $—  $60.1  Gross profit68.0 4.6 — $72.6 
Operating expenses:Operating expenses:Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrativeSelling, general and administrative25.9  7.0  8.1  41.0  Selling, general and administrative32.5 6.4 11.0 49.9 
Strategic reorganization and other chargesStrategic reorganization and other charges—  —  3.2  3.2  Strategic reorganization and other charges— — 2.4 2.4 
25.9  7.0  11.3  44.2  32.5 6.4 13.4 52.3 
Operating income (loss)Operating income (loss)$30.9  $(3.7) $(11.3) 15.9  Operating income (loss)$35.5 $(1.8)$(13.4)20.3 
Pension costs (benefits) other than service(0.1) 
Pension benefit other than servicePension benefit other than service(0.7)
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net5.5  Interest expense, net7.4 
Walter Energy Accrual37.4  
Loss before income taxes(26.9) 
Income tax benefit(5.9) 
Net loss$(21.0) 
Walter Energy accrualWalter Energy accrual0.2 
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes13.4 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense3.1 
Net incomeNet income$10.3 
(1) Net sales, gross profit, and SG&A expenses associated with certain products have been reclassified as Technologies segment items to conform to the current period presentation.(1) Net sales, gross profit, and SG&A expenses associated with certain products have been reclassified as Technologies segment items to conform to the current period presentation.
Consolidated Analysis
Net sales for the quarterthree months ended December 31, 20192020 increased 10.3%11.7 percent or $19.8$24.8 million to $212.6$237.4 million from $192.8$212.6 million primarily due to Krausz sales, as well as higher pricing andincreased shipment volumes at Infrastructure.across most of our product lines and higher pricing.
Gross profit for the quarterthree months ended December 31, 20192020 increased $12.5$5.8 million to $72.6$78.4 million from $60.1$72.6 million in the prior year period, primarily due to increased shipment volumes and higher pricing, product mixwhich were offset by $1.5 million of expenses related to the pandemic, including certain unfavorable volume variances treated as period costs, voluntary emergency paid leave for employees and the addition of Krausz, which was partially offset byadditional sanitation and cleaning fees, and higher costs associated with tariffs and inflation. Gross margin was 34.1%33.0% for the quarterthree months ended December 31, 20192020 compared to 31.2%34.1% in the prior year period.
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Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) for the quarterthree months ended December 31, 2019 increased2020 decreased to $49.9$49.2 million from $41.0$49.9 million in the prior year period due primarily to temporary expense reductions related to the inclusion of Krausz’s SG&A expenses as well as IT-related activities,pandemic, including reduced travel, trade shows and events. These benefits were partially offset by increases in other personnel-related costs and professional fees.expenses. SG&A as a percentage of net sales was 23.5%20.7% and 21.3%23.5% in the quartersthree months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and 2018, respectively. Krausz related expenses accounted for approximately half of the increase.
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Strategic reorganization and other charges were $2.4 million in the quarterthree months ended December 31, 20192020 were $1.4 million, which primarily related to legal and professional service expenses, and were $3.2$2.4 million in the prior year period.
Interest expense, net increased $1.9declined $1.3 million in the quarterthree months ended December 31, 20192020 compared to the prior year period primarily due to a non-cash adjustment to capitalized interest in the quarter and decreased interest income.prior year. The components of net interest expense net are provided below.
Three months ended
Three months endedDecember 31,
December 31,20202019
20192018
(in millions) (in millions)
NotesNotes$6.2  $6.2  Notes$6.2 $6.2 
Deferred financing costs amortizationDeferred financing costs amortization0.30.3Deferred financing costs amortization0.3 0.3 
ABL AgreementABL Agreement0.10.1ABL Agreement0.2 0.1 
Capitalized interest, including adjustment1.3
Other interest expense0.3
Capitalized interestCapitalized interest(0.6)1.3 
Other interest costOther interest cost0.2 — 
7.9  6.9  6.3 7.9 
Interest incomeInterest income(0.5) (1.4) Interest income(0.2)(0.5)
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net$7.4  $5.5  Interest expense, net$6.1 $7.4 
The reconciliation between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and the effective tax rate is presented below.
Three months ended Three months ended
December 31,December 31,
2019201820202019
U.S. federal statutory income tax rateU.S. federal statutory income tax rate21.0 %21.0 %U.S. federal statutory income tax rate21.0 %21.0 %
Adjustments to reconcile to the effective tax rate:Adjustments to reconcile to the effective tax rate:Adjustments to reconcile to the effective tax rate:
State income taxes, net of federal benefitState income taxes, net of federal benefit4.5  3.3  State income taxes, net of federal benefit4.5 4.5 
Excess tax (benefits) related to stock compensation(1.5) 1.3  
Excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensationExcess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation(0.6)(1.5)
Tax creditsTax credits(1.1) 0.4  Tax credits(1.4)(1.1)
Global Intangible Low-taxed IncomeGlobal Intangible Low-taxed Income0.1  (0.1) Global Intangible Low-taxed Income0.6 0.1 
Foreign income taxes(0.7) —  
Foreign income tax rate differentialForeign income tax rate differential(0.9)(0.7)
Valuation allowanceValuation allowance(0.7) —  Valuation allowance1.5 (0.7)
OtherOther1.5  (0.3) Other1.1 1.5 
23.1 %25.6 %25.8 %23.1 %
Walter Energy accrualWalter Energy accrual(0.3) (5.8) Walter Energy accrual— (0.3)%
Transition tax—  2.1  
Effective income tax rateEffective income tax rate22.8 %21.9 %Effective income tax rate25.8 %22.8 %
Segment Analysis
Infrastructure
Net sales for the quarterthree months ended December 31, 20192020 increased 12.1%12.3 percent to $192.8$215.9 million compared to $172.0 million in the prior year period due to the inclusion of Krausz net sales as well as higher pricing and increased shipment volumes.
Gross profit for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 increased to $68.2 million from $56.8$192.3 million in the prior year period primarily due to higher shipment volumes across most of our product lines as well as higher pricing.
Gross profit for the inclusionthree months ended December 31, 2020 increased to $73.7 million from $68.0 million in the prior year period primarily due to increased shipment volumes, partially offset by $1.4 million of Krausz gross profitexpenses related to the pandemic, including certain unfavorable volume variances treated as period costs, and higher sales pricing.costs associated with inflation. Gross margin was 35.4%34.1% for the quarterthree months ended December 31, 2019 compared to 33.0%2020 and was 35.4% in the prior year period.
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SG&A for the quarterthree months ended December 31, 2019 increased2020 decreased to $32.5$32.0 million from $25.9$32.5 million in the prior year period. This increasedecrease was due primarily dueto temporary expense reductions of $1.4 million related to the inclusion of Krausz’s SG&A expenses. SG&A as a percentage of net sales was 16.9%pandemic, including reduced travel, trade shows and 15.1% for the quarters ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Technologies
Net sales in the quarter ended December 31, 2019 decreased to $19.8 million from $20.8 million in the prior year period, driven by lower shipment volumes at Metrology, which wereevents, partially offset by higher volumes at Echologics.
Gross profitincreases in the quarter ended December 31, 2019 increased to $4.4 million compared to $3.3 million in the prior year period.
SG&A decreased to $6.4 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2019 compared to $7.0 million in the prior year period due to reduced marketing andother personnel-related expenses. SG&A as a percentage of net sales was 32.3%14.8% and 33.7%16.9% for the quartersthree months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Technologies
Net sales in the three months ended December 31, 2020 increased to $21.5 million from $20.3 million in the prior year period, primarily due to higher shipment volumes of our metering and 2018,leak detection-related products.
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Gross profit in the three months ended December 31, 2020 was $4.7 million and was $4.6 million in the prior year period.
SG&A decreased to $6.2 million from $6.4 million in the prior year period primarily due to temporary expense reductions related to the pandemic, including reduced travel, trade shows and events. SG&A as a percentage of net sales was 28.8% and 31.5% for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Corporate
SG&A was $11.0 million in each of the quarterthree months ended December 31, 20192020 and was $8.1 million in the prior year period. This increase was primarily due to IT-related activities, personnel-related costs and professional fees.2019.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We had cash, and cash equivalents and restricted cash on hand of $136.8$223.0 million at December 31, 20192020 and $122.0$113.4 million of additional borrowing capacity under our ABL Agreement based on December 31, 20192020 data. Undistributed earnings from our subsidiaries in Canada, China, and Israel are considered to be permanently invested outside the United States. At December 31, 2019,2020, cash and cash equivalents included $12.1$13.1 million, $4.3$6.7 million and $17.5$21.7 million in Canada, China and Israel, respectively.
We declared a quarterly dividend of $0.055 per share on January 28, 2021, payable on February 22, 2021, which will result in an estimated $8.7 million cash outlay.
We did not repurchase any shares of our outstanding common stock during the quarterthree months ended December 31, 20192020 and have $150had $145.0 million remaining on our share repurchase authorization.
The ABL Agreement and Notes contain customary representations and warranties, covenants and provisions governing an event of default.  The covenants restrict our ability to engage in certain specified activities, including but not limited to the payment of dividends and the redemption of our common stock.
Cash flows from operating activities are categorized below.
Three months ended
Three months endedDecember 31,
December 31,20202019
20192018
(in millions) (in millions)
Collections from customersCollections from customers$253.6  $242.3  Collections from customers$261.5 $253.6 
Disbursements, other than interest and income taxesDisbursements, other than interest and income taxes(231.4) (220.4) Disbursements, other than interest and income taxes(214.3)(231.4)
Walter Tax accrual payment(22.2) —  
Walter Energy paymentWalter Energy payment— (22.2)
Interest payments, netInterest payments, net(12.0) (11.7) Interest payments, net(12.4)(12.0)
Income tax payments, netIncome tax payments, net(0.4) (0.3) Income tax payments, net(0.7)(0.4)
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities$(12.4) $9.9  
Cash provided by operating activitiesCash provided by operating activities$34.1 $(12.4)
Collections from customers were higher during the three months ended December 31, 20192020 compared to the prior year period primarily due to increasednet sales as well as collections of acquired Krausz receivables.growth.
IncreasedDecreased disbursements, other than interest and income taxes, during the three months ended December 31, 20192020 primarily reflect increased expenses, differencesthe results of improvements in the timing of expenditures and payments of acquired Krausz payables.working capital management. Additionally, we disbursed $22.2 million related to the final settlement of the Walter Tax.tax matter in the prior year period.
Capital expenditures were $15.2$15.6 million in the three months ended December 31, 2019 compared to $15.92020 and were $15.2 million in the prior year period. These expenditures were primarily investment in announcedassociated with previously-announced large capital projects. We estimate 2020For fiscal 2021, we have provided guidance that our capital expenditures willare expected to be between $80$80.0 million and $90$90.0 million.
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We anticipate that our existing cash, cash equivalents and borrowing capacity combined with our expected operating cash flows will be sufficient to meet our anticipated operating expenses, income tax payments, capital expenditures and debt service obligations as they become due through December 31, 2020. However,2021.
We believe that additional borrowings through various financing alternatives remain available if required. The future effects of the pandemic cannot be predicted with certainty and may increase our ability to make these payments will depend partly upon our future operating performance, which will be affected by general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, businessborrowing costs and other factors beyondcosts of capital or otherwise adversely affect our control.financial condition and liquidity, and we cannot guarantee that we will have access to external financing at times and on terms we consider acceptable, or at all, or that we will not experience other liquidity issues going forward.
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ABL Agreement
At December 31, 2019,2020, the ABL Agreement consisted of a revolving credit facility for up to $175$175.0 million of revolving credit borrowings, swing line loans and letters of credit. The ABL Agreement permits us to increase the size of the credit facility by an additional $150$150.0 million in certain circumstances subject to adequate borrowing base availability. We may borrow up to $25$25.0 million through swing line loans and may have up to $60$60.0 million of letters of credit outstanding.
BorrowingsIn July 2020, the maturity of the ABL Agreement was extended to July 29, 2025 and borrowings under the amended ABL Agreement bear interest at a floating rate equal to LIBOR, plus aan applicable margin ranging from 125200 to 150225 basis points, or a base rate, as defined in the ABL Agreement, plus a margin ranging from 25100 to 50125 basis points. At December 31, 2019,2020, the applicable LIBOR-based margin was 125200 basis points.
The amended ABL Agreement terminates on July 13, 2021. We payagreement also calls for a commitment fee for any unused borrowing capacity under the ABL Agreement of 2537.5 basis points, per annum.annually, on undrawn amounts.
The ABL Agreement is subject to mandatory prepayments if total outstanding borrowings under the ABL Agreement are greater than the aggregate commitments under the revolving credit facility or if we dispose of overdue accounts receivable in certain circumstances. The borrowing base under the ABL Agreement is equal to the sum of (a) 85% of the value of eligible accounts receivable and (b) the lesser of (i) 70% of the value of eligible inventories or (ii) 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of the value of eligible inventories, less certain reserves. Prepayments can be made at any time with no penalty.
Substantially all of our U.S. subsidiaries are borrowers under the ABL Agreement and are jointly and severally liable for any outstanding borrowings. Our obligations under the ABL Agreement are secured by a first-priority perfected lien on all of our U.S. inventories, accounts receivable, certain cash and other supporting obligations.
Borrowings are not subject to any financial maintenance covenants unless excess availability is less than the greater of $17.5 million and 10% of the Loan Cap under the ABL Agreement.
5.5% Senior Unsecured Notes
On June 12, 2018, we privately issued $450.0 million of Senior Unsecured Notes (“Notes”), which mature in June 2026 and bear interest at 5.5%, paid semi-annually. Substantially all of our U.S. subsidiaries guarantee the Notes, which are subordinate to borrowings under the ABL. Based on quoted market prices, the outstanding Notes had a fair value of $473.6$466.3 million at December 31, 2019.2020.
An indenture securing the Notes (“Indenture”) contains customary covenants and events of default, including covenants that limit our ability to incur certain debt and liens, pay dividends and certain other restricted payments and make investments. There are no financial maintenance covenants associated with the Indenture. We believe we were compliant with these covenants at December 31, 2019 and expect to remain in compliance through December 31, 2020.
We may redeem some or all of the Notes at any time or from time to time prior to June 15, 2021 at certain “make-whole” redemption prices (as set forth in the Indenture) and on or after June 15, 2021 at specified redemption prices (as set forth in the Indenture). Additionally, we may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes at any time or from time to time prior to June 15, 2021 with the net proceeds of specified equity offerings at specified redemption prices (as set forth in the Indenture). Upon a change in control (as defined in the Indenture), we will be required to offer to purchase the Notes at a price equal to 101% of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes.
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Our corporate credit rating and the credit rating for our debt are presented below. These ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agencies.
Moody’s  Standard & Poor’s Moody’s  Standard & Poor’s
December 31,September 30,December 31,September 30,December 31,September 30,December 31,September 30,
20192019201920192020202020202020
Corporate credit ratingCorporate credit ratingBa2Ba2BBBBCorporate credit ratingBa2Ba2BBBB
ABL AgreementABL AgreementNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedABL AgreementNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated
NotesNotesBa3Ba3BBBBNotesBa3Ba3BBBB
OutlookOutlookStableStableStableStableOutlookStableStableStableStable

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as “structured financefinance” or “special purposepurpose” entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. In addition, at December 31, 20192020 we did not have any undisclosed borrowings, debt, derivative contracts or synthetic leases. Therefore, we were not exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could have arisen had we engaged in such relationships.
We use letters of credit and surety bonds in the ordinary course of business to ensure the performance of contractual obligations. At December 31, 2019,2020, we had $13.8 million of letters of credit and $22.7$42.7 million of surety bonds outstanding.
Seasonality
Our business is dependent upon the construction industry, which is seasonal due to the impact of cold weather conditions. Net sales and operating income have historically been lowest in the quarterlythree month periods ending December 31 and March 31 when the northern United States and all of Canada generally face weather conditions that restrict significant construction activity.
Item 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
During the quarterthree months ended December 31, 2019,2020, we continued our multi-year implementation of upgrades to our enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and the implementation of a new information technology system for processing of payroll and employee-related transactions.
Aside from the above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our employees began working remotely in March 2020 and continued to do so as of the date of this filing. This change to our working environment has not had a material effect on our internal control over financial reporting. We will continue monitoring and assessing any impacts from the pandemic on our internal controls.
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded, based on an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) by our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our 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 our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to be effective under circumstances where they should reasonably be expected to operate effectively, there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Because of the inherent limitations in any control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

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PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Refer to the information provided in Note 13.12. to the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements presented in Item 1. of Part I of this report.
Item 1A.     RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in PART I, “Item 1A. RISK FACTORS” in our Annual Report, , each of which could materially affect our business, financial condition or operating results. These described risks are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not known to us or that we deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results.
Our operations and results may be negatively impacted by the coronavirus outbreak
We operate two facilities in China – one in Jingmen and the other in Taicang. Our Jingmen facility is located in the Hubei Province, where the coronavirus is believed to have originated. The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” and the U.S. Department of State has instructed travelers to avoid all nonessential travel to China. As a result of these measures, and after consultation with governmental and health authorities, we have temporarily closed our facilities in Jingmen and Taicang. Although there are still too many variables and uncertainties regarding the coronavirus outbreak to fully assess the potential impact on our business, we believe that our existing inventory levels and other operations will be able to meet customer commitments and demand for the next few months. However, a prolonged shutdown of our Chinese operations, or other facilities in China that are engaged directly or indirectly in our supply chain, could have a negative effect on our results and supply chain, and broader global effects of potentially reduced consumer confidence and other macro issues could also have a negative effect on our overall business.
Item 2.    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
During the quarterthree months ended December 31, 2019,2020, shares were surrendered to us to pay the tax withholding obligations of participants in connection with the lapsing of restrictions on restricted stock units as follows:
PeriodTotal number of shares purchasedAverage price paid per shareTotal number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programsMaximum dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs (in millions)
October 1-31, 2019—  $—  —  —  
November 1-30, 201931,656  11.25  —  —  
December 1-31, 201932,037  11.26  —  —  
Total63,693  $—  —  —  
PeriodTotal number of shares purchasedAverage price paid per shareTotal number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programsMaximum dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs (in millions)
October 1-31, 2020— $— — $145.0 
November 1-30, 202023,867 12.13 — 145.0 
December 1-31, 202054,956 11.84 — 145.0 
Total78,823 $— — 145.0 
We did not repurchase shares of our common stock during the quarterthree months ended December 31, 20192020 under our share repurchase authorization, and we have $150had $145 million remaining under this authorization.
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Item 6.     EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. Document
10.1
10.20.4
31.1* 
31.2* 
32.1* 
32.2* 
101*
104*Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its iXBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
*     Filed with this quarterly report
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:February 5, 20204, 2021By:/s/ Michael S. Nancarrow
  Michael S. Nancarrow
  Chief Accounting Officer

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