Mueller Water Products, Inc. 10-K

Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK We are exposed to various market risks, including potential losses arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates, such as various commodity prices and foreign exchange rates. We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Our primary financial instruments are cash and cash equivalents. This includes cash in banks and highly rated, liquid money market investments. We believe those instruments are not subject to material potential near-term losses in future earnings from reasonably possible near-term changes in market rates or prices. Commodity Price Risk Our products are made using various purchased components and several basic raw materials, including brass ingot, scrap steel, sand and resin. We expect prices for these items to fluctuate based on marketplace demand and our product margins and level of profitability may fluctuate whether or not we pass changes in purchased component and raw material costs on to our customers. Infrastructure experienced a 13% decrease in the average cost per ton of scrap steel and a 9% decrease in the average cost of brass ingot in 2020 compared to 2019. Technologies was also favorably affected by the 9% decrease in the average cost of brass ingot. See “Item 1A. RISK FACTORS-The prices of our purchased components and raw materials can be volatile.” 33 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Currency Risk Our principal assets, liabilities and operations outside the U.S. are in Israel, Canada and China. These assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at currency exchange rates in effect at the end of each period, with the effect of such translation reflected in other comprehensive loss. Our stockholders’ equity will fluctuate depending upon the weakening or strengthening of the U.S. dollar against these non-U.S. currencies. Net sales and expenses of these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the average currency exchange rate during the period. At September 30, 2020, $222.5 million of our net assets were denominated in non-U.S. currencies.