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Mueller Water Products (MWA)
NYSE:MWA

Mueller Water Products (MWA) AI Stock Analysis

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MWA

Mueller Water Products

(NYSE:MWA)

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Outperform 78 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:78Outperform
Price Target:
$34.00
▲(14.52% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/26/26
The score is driven primarily by strong financial performance (notably margin and profitability improvement with better leverage) and a constructive earnings update with raised FY2026 guidance and solid cash/liquidity. Technicals are supportive but appear extended, while valuation (P/E ~23 and sub-1% yield) is the main moderating factor.
Positive Factors
Margin expansion & profitability
Mueller shows durable multi-year margin expansion and higher profitability driven by pricing and operational leverage. Sustained gross and net margin improvement supports stronger operating cash flow, higher ROE and the ability to fund investments and returns over the medium term.
Strong cash generation & liquidity
High free cash flow conversion and a large cash/liquidity buffer with no near-term maturities provide durable financial flexibility. This supports sustained capex for foundry investments, funds working capital variability, and cushions against cyclical downturns or tariff-driven cost shocks.
Market position & structural demand
As a leading supplier to utilities and municipalities, Mueller benefits from steady replacement and upgrade cycles tied to aging infrastructure. Its wide product breadth and services (metering, leak detection) create recurring maintenance and project revenue that supports medium-term sales stability.
Negative Factors
Tariff and inflation cost pressure
Structural exposure to brass tariffs and elevated input inflation raises sustained cost risk. If price realization lags or tariffs persist, margin compression could recur; ongoing mitigation via efficiencies and pricing must outpace these headwinds to protect long-term profitability.
WMS segment margin weakness
Material profitability deterioration in the WMS segment reflects persistent manufacturing inefficiencies, FX and cost pressures. If segment-level issues persist, they could cap consolidated margin expansion and require incremental capex or restructuring, limiting durable margin sustainability.
Uneven cash conversion & sizable debt
Variability in operating cash conversion and occasional negative free cash flow indicate working-capital and cyclical sensitivity. Although leverage has improved, roughly $450M of debt still exists; combined variability and debt can constrain strategic flexibility during weaker demand periods.

Mueller Water Products (MWA) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Mueller Water Products Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionMueller Water Products Inc. manufactures and markets products and services used in the transmission, distribution, and measurement of water in North America and internationally. Its products and services are used by municipalities, and the residential and non-residential construction industries. It operates through two segments, Infrastructure and Technologies. The company's Infrastructure segment manufactures and sells valves for water and gas systems, including iron gate, butterfly, tapping, check, knife, plug, automatic control, and ball valves; and dry-barrel and wet-barrel fire hydrants and service brass products, as well as a line of pipe repair products, such as clamps and couplings used to repair leaks. This segment offers its products under Canada Valve, Centurion, Ez-Max, Hydro Gate, Hydro-Guard, HYMAX, HYMAX VERSA, Jones, Krausz, Milliken, Mueller, Pratt, Pratt Industrial, Repamax, Repaflex, and Singer brands. Its Technologies segment offers residential and commercial water metering, water leak detection and pipe condition assessment products, systems, and services. It offers products under Echologics, Echoshore, ePulse, Hersey, LeakFinderRT, LeakFinderST, LeakListener, LeakTuner, Mi.Echo, Mi.Data, Mi.Hydrant, Mi.Net, Mueller Systems, and Sentryx brands. The company was founded in 1857 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
How the Company Makes MoneyMueller Water Products generates revenue through the sale of its wide range of water and wastewater products, including valves, hydrants, and metering technologies. The company primarily sells its products to municipalities and water utilities, which are often funded through government contracts and projects. Key revenue streams include direct sales through its distribution network, as well as partnerships with various municipal and industrial clients. Additionally, the company benefits from ongoing maintenance contracts and the provision of smart water management solutions, which enhance its earnings stability. Strategic partnerships with other infrastructure firms and active participation in government projects also contribute to its overall revenue growth.

Mueller Water Products Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 04, 2026
(Q1-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 11, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call conveyed a positive tone driven by strong first-quarter financial performance (record net sales, margins, adjusted EBITDA and EPS), robust cash generation, improved leverage and a raised full-year outlook. Operational actions — notably manufacturing efficiencies from foundry changes and recent price increases — supported margin expansion. Headwinds remain from higher tariffs (notably on brass), inflation, certain volume declines (service brass, natural gas, residential), and segment-specific pressures in WMS that compressed margins. On balance, the company’s operational improvements, liquidity, and raised guidance outweigh the challenges, though management flagged ongoing tariff and inflation effects that will require continued mitigation.
Q1-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Quarterly Results
Net sales increased 4.6% to $318.2M; gross profit rose 16.3% to $119.8M; gross margin expanded 380 bps to 37.6%. Company reported first-quarter records for net sales, gross margin, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin.
Adjusted EBITDA and Margins Expansion
Adjusted EBITDA reached a first-quarter record of $72.1M, up 13.5% year-over-year; adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 180 bps to 22.7%. Trailing 12-month adjusted EBITDA was $335M or 23.2% of net sales, a 90 bps improvement.
Profitability and EPS Improvement
Adjusted operating income increased 14.5% to $60.0M with adjusted operating margin up 170 bps to 18.9%. Adjusted net income per diluted share rose 16% to $0.29, a first-quarter record.
Strong Cash Generation and Balance Sheet Flexibility
Net cash provided by operating activities was $61.2M (+$7.1M YoY); free cash flow of $44M (96% of adjusted net income). Ended quarter with $460M cash, $452M total debt, no maturities until June 2029, and $623M total liquidity (including $164M ABL availability).
Raised Full-Year Guidance
Company raised FY2026 guidance: consolidated net sales growth now expected to be 2.8%–4.2% (midpoint +$20M), and increased adjusted EBITDA guidance by $10M at midpoint to $355M–$360M. Midpoint implies adjusted EBITDA margin >24% (greater than 100 bps YoY improvement).
Segment Win — WFS Margin Surge
WFS adjusted operating income increased 28% to $49.4M; adjusted EBITDA grew 26.4% to $56.5M. WFS adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 710 bps to 32.7%, setting a new quarterly record, driven by manufacturing efficiencies and pricing.
Operational Improvements and Strategic Investments
Manufacturing efficiencies (benefits from closure of legacy brass foundry) contributed materially to margin expansion. Capital expenditures of $17.2M in the quarter reflect investment in iron foundries; company reaffirmed FY CapEx guidance of $60M–$65M to drive capacity and further efficiencies.
Commercial Momentum in Specialty and Hydrants
Volume growth in specialty valves and hydrants contributed to results; company expects project-related specialty valve work to grow mid- to high-single-digits and municipal repair & replacement to grow low- to mid-single-digits, offsetting residential weakness.
Negative Updates
Tariff and Inflation Headwinds
Higher tariffs (primarily brass) and inflationary pressures weighed on costs. Company estimates approximately a 3% impact from tariffs in guidance and noted tariffs more than doubled typical low-single-digit inflation rates.
WMS Segment Profitability Pressure
WMS net sales rose 12% to $145.2M, but adjusted operating income decreased 11.2% to $24.5M and adjusted EBITDA declined 9.5% to $29.5M. WMS adjusted EBITDA margin contracted 480 bps to 20.3% due to increased tariffs, manufacturing inefficiencies, higher SG&A and unfavorable foreign currency.
Volume Softness in Key Areas
Slightly lower volumes overall versus prior year with specific volume declines in service brass, natural gas distribution and repair products. Residential construction exposure expected to decline high single-digits, pressuring certain product lines.
Increased SG&A and Operational Charges
Total SG&A for the quarter increased $5.9M YoY to $59.8M driven by higher personnel costs, inflationary pressures and unfavorable FX. Operating income included $3.3M of strategic reorganization and other charges excluded from adjusted results.
Manufacturing Inefficiencies in WMS Near-Term
WMS experienced manufacturing inefficiencies that, together with tariffs and SG&A increases, outweighed pricing benefits in the quarter, contributing to margin contraction despite top-line growth.
Company Guidance
Mueller raised fiscal 2026 guidance, increasing consolidated net‑sales midpoint by $20 million to imply growth of 2.8%–4.2% year‑over‑year and raising adjusted EBITDA by $10 million at the midpoint to a new range of $355M–$360M (implying >24% adjusted EBITDA margin at the midpoint, +100+ bps y/y). Management expects second‑half adjusted EBITDA margin to exceed first half as recently announced price actions phase in (main benefit in fiscal Q3), with price realization in the low‑ to mid‑single digits, slightly positive volumes at the midpoint, an incorporated ~3% tariff headwind net of efficiencies, capital expenditures reaffirmed at $60M–$65M, and free cash flow to exceed 85% of adjusted net income. Supporting Q1 performance and balance‑sheet strength: Q1 net sales $318.2M (+4.6%), gross margin 37.6% (+380 bps), adjusted operating margin 18.9%, adjusted EBITDA $72.1M (22.7% margin) and LTM adjusted EBITDA $335M (23.2% of sales), Q1 free cash flow $44M (96% of adjusted net income), capex YTD $17.2M, total debt $452M, cash $460M, total liquidity $623M (ABL availability $164M), no debt maturities until June 2029 and $450M of 4.0% senior notes.

Mueller Water Products Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong multi-year profitability and margin expansion with improving leverage and higher ROE. Main risks are uneven cash conversion (recent operating cash flow below net income) and historical free-cash-flow variability.
Income Statement
86
Very Positive
MWA shows a clear multi-year improvement in profitability and scale. Revenue rose from $1.11B (FY2021) to $1.43B (FY2025 annual), and margins expanded materially (gross margin ~29.7% in FY2023 to ~36.1% in FY2025 annual; net margin ~6.7% to ~13.4% over the same span). TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) profitability remains strong (EBIT margin ~18.9%, net margin ~13.4%). The main watch-out is that the latest growth rate shown for TTM appears unusually high versus prior years, suggesting growth may be more volatile or impacted by how the period is captured.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
Leverage looks manageable and has improved over time: debt-to-equity decreased from ~0.71 (FY2022) to ~0.46 (FY2025 annual and TTM). Equity has grown steadily (about $669M in FY2022 to about $982M in FY2025 annual), supporting a stronger capital base. Returns also strengthened (return on equity ~21.2% in TTM versus ~10–14% in FY2021–FY2024), which is a positive signal. The key downside is that total debt remains sizable at roughly $451M, so the balance sheet is sound but not “debt-light.”
Cash Flow
74
Positive
Cash generation is solid with TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) operating cash flow of ~$226M and free cash flow of ~$174M. Free cash flow generally tracks earnings reasonably well (TTM free cash flow is ~78% of net income). However, cash conversion is not consistently strong across years: operating cash flow has been below net income in the most recent periods (coverage ~0.76 in FY2025 annual and TTM), and the company experienced a weak year in FY2022 with negative free cash flow. Free cash flow growth is also uneven (strong in FY2024, weaker in FY2025 annual), implying some variability in working capital and/or investment spend.
BreakdownTTMSep 2025Sep 2024Sep 2023Sep 2022Sep 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.44B1.43B1.31B1.28B1.25B1.11B
Gross Profit533.50M516.70M459.00M379.50M364.30M358.50M
EBITDA327.40M300.50M250.10M188.90M175.70M177.20M
Net Income199.60M191.70M115.90M85.50M76.60M70.40M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.85B1.84B1.64B1.50B1.50B1.52B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments459.60M431.50M309.90M160.30M146.50M227.50M
Total Debt450.90M451.60M477.50M472.10M473.70M475.50M
Total Liabilities828.60M857.20M825.80M793.50M828.80M823.10M
Stockholders Equity1.02B981.70M810.10M711.50M669.30M694.90M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow173.80M172.00M191.40M61.40M-2.40M94.00M
Operating Cash Flow226.40M219.30M238.80M109.00M52.30M156.70M
Investing Cash Flow-52.30M-47.10M-47.20M-42.10M-54.90M-81.70M
Financing Cash Flow-64.80M-58.30M-46.00M-48.80M-72.00M-58.80M

Mueller Water Products Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price29.69
Price Trends
50DMA
26.97
Positive
100DMA
25.80
Positive
200DMA
25.39
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.86
Positive
RSI
63.93
Neutral
STOCH
46.79
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For MWA, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 29.69 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 29.36, above the 50-day MA of 26.97, and above the 200-day MA of 25.39, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.86 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 63.93 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 46.79 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for MWA.

Mueller Water Products Risk Analysis

Mueller Water Products disclosed 36 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Mueller Water Products reported the most risks in the "Production" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Mueller Water Products Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
80
Outperform
$10.86B32.3118.25%0.70%4.18%16.05%
78
Outperform
$4.64B23.6021.55%1.09%8.75%64.82%
73
Outperform
$11.14B33.4916.49%1.17%3.19%69.89%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
63
Neutral
$5.58B203.281.71%7.81%
60
Neutral
$13.52B85.736.22%5.52%9.03%
60
Neutral
$8.31B-28.79-6.20%0.27%-159.24%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
MWA
Mueller Water Products
29.36
4.82
19.66%
FLS
Flowserve
83.46
33.76
67.92%
GNRC
Generac Holdings
221.21
93.49
73.20%
MIDD
The Middleby
162.13
3.09
1.94%
WTS
Watts Water Technologies
320.87
117.79
58.00%
MIR
Mirion Technologies
21.90
7.22
49.18%

Mueller Water Products Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Mueller Water Products Highlights 2025 Results and Sustainability Progress
Positive
Feb 25, 2026

Mueller Water Products, Inc. operates in the water infrastructure industry, focusing on products and solutions that support municipal water systems, residential construction, and natural gas distribution. Its portfolio spans water flow solutions such as iron gate valves, specialty valves and service brass, and water management solutions including fire hydrants, repair and installation products, metering, leak detection, pressure control and related software, with most sales generated in the United States and a significant share tied to replacing aging municipal infrastructure.

The company reported 2025 net sales of about $1.43 billion, an adjusted EBITDA of $326.2 million, an adjusted EBITDA margin of 22.8%, and adjusted EPS of $1.31, supported by a strong five-year growth record and capital spending aimed at operational improvements. Management highlighted sustainability achievements such as sizable reductions in hazardous waste, extensive use of recycled metal, modest cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and billions of gallons of client water-loss savings identified via EchoShore leak detection, positioning Mueller as a beneficiary of long-term demand driven by aging water infrastructure and supporting its case for continued margin expansion and investment capacity.

The most recent analyst rating on (MWA) stock is a Buy with a $34.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Mueller Water Products stock, see the MWA Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Mueller Water Products Promotes Scott Floyd to CCO
Positive
Feb 23, 2026

On February 17, 2026, Mueller Water Products’ board approved the promotion of longtime executive Scott Floyd to Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, effective February 23, 2026, as part of its ongoing management development and succession plans. Floyd, who has held multiple senior roles since 2019 and been with the company since 1998, received increases to his base salary, bonus target, and long-term equity incentives aligned with his expanded responsibilities, with the company emphasizing both orderly succession and the absence of related-party or conflict-of-interest issues in the appointment.

The compensation package sets Floyd’s base salary at $550,000 with a 70% bonus target and an additional $125,000 equity award for fiscal 2026, positioning him to lead the company’s commercial strategy while maintaining alignment with long-term performance incentives. The move underscores Mueller Water Products’ intent to strengthen its commercial leadership bench and sustain long-term growth by elevating an experienced internal candidate with extensive operational and market-facing experience in its water infrastructure businesses.

The most recent analyst rating on (MWA) stock is a Buy with a $34.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Mueller Water Products stock, see the MWA Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Mueller Water Products Shareholders Back Board and Auditor
Positive
Feb 12, 2026

Mueller Water Products stockholders held their annual meeting on February 9, 2026, where they elected nine directors to serve terms ending in 2027, with all nominees, including Christian A. Garcia and Leland G. Weaver, receiving majority support despite some notable opposition for certain candidates. Shareholders also approved on an advisory basis the compensation of the company’s named executive officers and strongly ratified Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2026, signaling continued backing for the firm’s executive pay practices and audit oversight.

The advisory vote on executive compensation drew solid, though not unanimous, support, indicating general investor alignment with the board on pay while still reflecting a minority of dissenting voices. The overwhelming ratification of Ernst & Young LLP reinforces stability in Mueller Water Products’ financial reporting framework, which may reassure investors and other stakeholders regarding the company’s governance and oversight as it moves through fiscal 2026.

The most recent analyst rating on (MWA) stock is a Buy with a $32.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Mueller Water Products stock, see the MWA Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 26, 2026