Mueller Industries' earnings for the third quarter were 51 cents per diluted share, compared with earnings per diluted share of 50 cents for the same period a year ago.

Mueller Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of copper tube and fittings, announced the results for its third quarter and the nine-month period ended September 29, 2001. Earnings for the third quarter were 51 cents per diluted share, compared with earnings per diluted share of 50 cents for the same period a year ago. Net income for the third quarter was $19.0 million, compared with $19.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2000. Net sales were $253.4 million, compared with net sales of $304.0 million for the comparable 2000 period. Year-to-date, Mueller reported net sales of $816.0 million compared with $950.8 million for the 2000 period. Year-to-date net income was $55.2 million, compared with $75.6 million for the same period of 2000. Earnings per diluted share for the first nine months of 2001 were $1.48, compared with the $1.97 reported a year ago.