Topic: How To Invest

Hi: What is your current recommendation on Itron? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

Itron Inc., $40.03, symbol ITRI on Nasdaq (Shares outstanding: 39.3 million; Market cap: $1.6 billion; www.itron.com), sells technology and services to about 8,000 electric, gas and water utilities in 130 countries. These clients use the company’s products to collect and analyze their customers’ consumption data. Itron’s technology helps utilities turn their distribution systems into “smart grids,” which give consumers more control over their consumption, including helping them use power at off-peak hours, when rates tend to be lower. In the three months ended March 31, 2014, Itron’s revenue rose 6.1%, to $474.8 million from $447.5 million a year earlier. The company lost $254,000, or $0.01 a share, compared to a profit of $2.6 million, or $0.06. Excluding unusual items in both years, earnings per share were unchanged at $0.31. The company shipped 6.4 million meters in the quarter, up 4.9% from 6.1 million a year earlier. Itron’s $320.0 million of long-term debt is a reasonable 20% of its market cap. It also holds cash…