Mueller Industries Inc. announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 29, 2018. For the quarter, the company reported net sales of $645,958,000 compared to $550,363,000 a year ago. Operating income was $33,671,000 compared to $37,481,000 a year ago. Income before income taxes was $27,336,000 compared to $31,864,000 a year ago. Net income attributable to company was $20,292,000 or $0.35 per diluted share compared to $22,258,000 or $0.39 per diluted share a year ago.

For the nine months, the company reported net sales of $1,948,791,000 compared to $1,742,549,000 a year ago. Operating income was $133,007,000 compared to $129,737,000 a year ago. Income before income taxes was $115,836,000 compared to $116,083,000 a year ago. Net income attributable to company was $77,602,000 or $1.35 per diluted share compared to $79,878,000 or $1.39 per diluted share a year ago. Net cash provided by operating activities was $122,515,000 compared to $53,542,000 a year ago. Capital expenditures were $16,685,000 compared to $17,297,000 a year ago.

The company annual effective tax rate for 2018 is expected to be approximately 22%.