Core Insights - Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE:BMI) is recognized as one of the 13 Best Long Term Low Risk Stocks to Buy Now [1] - Recent analyst actions include a downgrade from Buy to Hold by Argus Research and a price target reduction from $255 to $220 by Seaport Research, although the latter maintains a Buy rating [2] Financial Performance - In Q4 2025, Badger Meter reported sales of $221 million, an 8% increase year-over-year, with base sales growth of 2% [4] - Operating profit margins improved by 40 basis points to 19.5%, while base operating earnings rose 9% year-over-year, lifting base operating margins by 140 basis points to 20.5% [4] - Gross margins expanded by 180 basis points to 42.1% compared to 40.3% a year earlier [4] Business Developments - The company experienced strong customer demand for its cellular AMI solution and is making progress with the SmartCover addition to its BlueEdge smart water management platform [3] - Winning the PRASA AMI project in Puerto Rico has strengthened the company's market position and supports its long-term growth outlook [3]

We came across a bullish thesis on Badger Meter, Inc. on Daniel's Deep Dive’s Substack. In this article, we will summarize the bulls’ thesis on BMI. Badger Meter, Inc.'s share was trading at $146.58 as of January 30th. BMI’s trailing and forward P/E were 30.15 and 27.78 respectively according to Yahoo Finance. RBC Lifts Pentair Target as Earnings Quality, Pricing Power Impress ivan-bandura-Ac97OqAWDvg-unsplash Badger Meter (BMI) operates as a leading provider of smart water infrastructure solutions in t ...

Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE:BMI) is included among the 7 Best Low-Risk Dividend Stocks to Invest in. Badger Meter (BMI) Price Target Reduced by $35 at Seaport Research Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE:BMI) is a global manufacturer and marketer of flow measurement, water quality, control, and related system solutions serving a wide range of end markets worldwide. On January 29, Seaport Research analyst Scott Graham cut Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE:BMI)’s price objective to $220 from $255. The analyst maintained a Buy r ...

Core Viewpoint - Badger Meter, Inc. (BMI) is a prominent player in the flow measurement and control products sector, particularly for water utilities, and is recognized for its innovative smart water solutions and advanced metering infrastructure projects [1] Financial Performance - BMI reported an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.14 for Q4 2025, which was 0.9% below the Zacks Consensus Estimate but an improvement from $1.04 in the previous year [3] - The company's quarterly net sales increased by 7.6% to $220.7 million, driven by a rise in utility water sales, although it fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $230.8 million [3] - For the full year of 2025, BMI achieved sales of $916.7 million, marking an 11% increase from the previous year, with EPS rising approximately 13% to $4.79 compared to $4.23 in 2024 [4][6] - Despite missing earnings expectations, BMI delivered record sales, margin expansion, and cash flow for 2025 [5] Market Outlook - Scott Graham from Seaport Global set a price target of $220 for BMI, indicating a potential upside of 55.46% from its current trading price of $141.52 [2][6] - The current stock price of BMI is $141.62, reflecting a decrease of approximately 3.22%, with a market capitalization of approximately $4.17 billion [5]

Core Insights - Badger Meter, Inc. (BMI) reported Q4 2025 EPS of $1.14, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.9%, but showing an increase from $1.04 in the same quarter last year [1][11] - Quarterly net sales reached $220.7 million, a 7.6% increase from $205.2 million year-over-year, driven by higher utility water sales, although it fell short of the $230.8 million estimate [1][11] Financial Performance - For the full year 2025, BMI reported sales of $916.7 million, an 11% year-over-year increase, with EPS rising approximately 13% to $4.79 from $4.23 in 2024 [2] - Gross profit for Q4 was $93 million, up from $82.8 million year-over-year, with a gross margin of 42.1%, an increase of 180 basis points [12] - Operating earnings increased around 10% year-over-year to $43.1 million, with operating margin expanding to 19.5% from 19.1% [12] Strategic Developments - Management emphasized that 2025 marked double-digit revenue growth, expanded profit margins, and record free cash flow conversion, driven by sustained demand for smart water management solutions [3][4] - The acquisition of SmartCover in early 2025 enhanced BMI's portfolio with sewer monitoring and stormwater management capabilities, strengthening its long-term growth position [5] Market Dynamics - Utility water sales rose 9% year-over-year, with a 2% increase even excluding SmartCover, driven by customer adoption of digital smart water solutions [7] - Flow instrumentation sales remained flat year-over-year, as growth in water-focused markets was offset by declines in de-emphasized applications [8] Cash Flow and Liquidity - In Q4 2025, BMI generated $54.8 million in net cash from operating activities, compared to $52.1 million a year ago [15] - As of December 31, 2025, the company had $226 million in cash and cash equivalents, with total current liabilities of $150.7 million [15] Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving high single-digit sales growth and continued operating margin expansion in 2026, supported by the growth of its cellular AMI installed base and international expansion opportunities [16][17]

As expected, fewer operating days in the fourth quarter and previously communicated project pacing effects resulted in a 6% sequential decline in utility water sales versus the third quarter of 2025. The term project pacing is intended to describe typical variation in activity driven by periodic changes in our active customer base and whether or not we act as prime contractor in what we refer to as turnkey projects. Simply put, the sequential quarterly sales decline between the third and fourth quarters of ...

Don't Be Fooled By Badger Meter's Rise, There's More To Go“The sequential quarterly sales decline … has everything to do with the calendar and quarter-specific customer and project mix, and very little to do with other influences, such as underlying market conditions,” Weltzien said, adding that recent congressional actions supported state revolving fund funding “consistent with historic levels.”Utility water product line sales rose 9% year over year, or 2% excluding SmartCover. Weltzien noted a 6.6% sequen ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for Q4 2025 reached $221 million, an 8% year-over-year increase, with base sales growth of 2% [7] - Operating profit margins increased by 40 basis points to 19.5%, while base operating profit margins expanded by 140 basis points to 20.5% [9] - Consolidated EPS rose to $1.14, a 10% increase from $1.04 in the prior year quarter [12] - Record quarterly free cash flow of $50.8 million, up approximately $3.4 million year-over-year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Utility water product line sales increased by 9% year-over-year, or 2% excluding SmartCover [7] - Flow instrumentation product line sales remained flat year-over-year, with modest growth in water-focused end markets [9] - SmartCover generated $40 million in sales for 2025, representing a 25% annualized growth [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 17% compounded annual growth rate over the past five years, with software revenue exceeding $74 million, accounting for 8% of total sales [19] - The U.S. market for meters is approximately 6 million units per year, with Badger Meter holding about 30% market share [35][38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its cellular AMI technology as a foundation for real-time insights and analytics, expanding through the Blue Edge suite of smart water management solutions [15] - The PRASA AMI project is expected to be one of the largest deployments globally, with a focus on enhancing market leadership in cellular AMI technology [15][16] - The company emphasizes long-term growth driven by secular trends in the water industry, with a conviction of high single-digit sales growth over the next five years [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the impact of fewer operating days and project pacing effects on Q4 sales, indicating that these factors are typical in the industry [8][29] - The company expects project pacing dynamics to continue into the first half of 2026, with a higher growth rate anticipated in the second half as awarded projects commence [23][61] - Management remains confident in achieving high single-digit growth despite potential fluctuations in project timing and market conditions [54][57] Other Important Information - The company has a clean balance sheet with over $225 million in cash, providing financial flexibility for reinvestment [20] - The company has increased its dividend for 33 consecutive years and repurchased $15 million in shares in Q4 [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Did the company see the full impact of project conclusions in Q4? - Management indicated that project pacing and timing can vary, and the second half of the year was expected to show lower growth than the first half due to these factors [27][29] Question: What is the size of the U.S. market for meters? - Management confirmed that the U.S. market is approximately 6 million meters per year, with Badger Meter's share around 30% [35][38] Question: How does the company view gross margins moving forward? - Management noted that while gross margins are strong, there are headwinds expected from turnkey projects and commodity prices, but structural mix will continue to positively impact margins [42][44] Question: How is the PRASA project funded? - The project is partially funded by FEMA dollars in response to Hurricane Maria, which also drives the Buy American requirement for manufacturing [70] Question: What is the expected timeline for the PRASA project? - Management indicated that large AMI projects typically span five years, with variability in deployment timing due to various factors [47][48]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for Q4 2025 reached $221 million, an 8% year-over-year increase, with base sales growth of 2% [7] - Operating profit margins increased by 40 basis points to 19.5%, while base operating profit margins expanded by 140 basis points to 20.5% [9] - Consolidated EPS rose to $1.14, a 10% increase from $1.04 in the prior year quarter [12] - Record quarterly free cash flow of $50.8 million, up approximately $3.4 million year-over-year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Utility water product line sales increased by 9% year-over-year, or 2% excluding SmartCover [7] - Flow instrumentation product line sales remained flat year-over-year, with modest growth in water-focused end markets [9] - SmartCover generated $40 million in sales for 2025, representing a 25% annualized growth [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 17% compounded annual growth rate over the past five years, with software revenue exceeding $74 million, accounting for 8% of total sales [19] - The U.S. market for meters is approximately 6 million units per year, with Badger Meter holding about 30% market share [35][38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its cellular AMI technology as a foundation for real-time insights and analytics, expanding through the Blue Edge suite of smart water management solutions [15] - The PRASA AMI project is expected to be one of the largest deployments globally, with a focus on enhancing market leadership in cellular AMI technology [15][16] - The company emphasizes long-term growth driven by ongoing demand for smart water management solutions and the integration of SmartCover into its operations [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving high single-digit sales growth over the next five years, despite potential project pacing dynamics in the near term [24] - The company does not foresee significant impacts from federal funding constraints on its growth trajectory [24] - Management acknowledged the fluid nature of global tariff and trade conditions but indicated that they have reached price-cost parity on tariff-related impacts [10][11] Other Important Information - The company has a clean balance sheet with over $225 million in cash, providing financial flexibility for reinvestment [20] - The company has increased its dividend for 33 consecutive years and repurchased $15 million in shares in Q4 2025 [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Did the company see the full impact of project conclusions in Q4? - Management noted that project pacing can vary, and the second half of the year experienced lower growth than the first half due to fewer operating days and project timing [27][29] Question: How does the company view the U.S. market size and its share? - Management confirmed that the U.S. market is approximately 6 million meters per year, with Badger Meter's share around 30% [35][38] Question: What is the expected impact of the PRASA project on revenue? - Management stated that while the PRASA project is significant, it will not add to the long-term growth outlook, which remains focused on high single-digit growth [17][24] Question: How does the company plan to manage gross margins in 2026? - Management indicated that while there are headwinds from commodity prices and project mix, they expect structural mix to positively impact margins [42][44] Question: How is the PRASA project funded? - The project is partially funded by FEMA dollars in response to Hurricane Maria, which also drives the Buy American requirement for manufacturing [70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for Q4 2025 reached $221 million, an 8% year-over-year increase, with base sales growth of 2% [6] - Operating earnings grew by 10% year-over-year, with operating profit margins increasing by 40 basis points to 19.5% [9] - Consolidated EPS was $1.14, a 10% increase from $1.04 in the prior year quarter [12] - Record quarterly free cash flow of $50.8 million, up approximately $3.4 million year-over-year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Utility water product line sales increased by 9% year-over-year, or 2% excluding SmartCover [6] - Flow instrumentation product line sales were flat year-over-year, with modest growth in water-focused end markets [9] - SmartCover generated $40 million in sales for 2025, representing a 25% annualized growth [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market for meters is approximately 6 million units per year, with Badger Meter holding about 30% market share [35] - 85% of the U.S. market is replacement-driven, indicating a stable demand for Badger Meter's products [63] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its cellular AMI technology as a foundation for real-time insights and analytics, expanding through the Blue Edge suite of smart water management solutions [14] - The PRASA AMI project is expected to be one of the largest deployments globally, with a focus on E-Series ultrasonic meters and ORION cellular AMI radios [15] - The company is committed to maintaining a clean balance sheet with over $225 million in cash, allowing for organic and inorganic growth investments [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving high single-digit sales growth over the next five years, despite potential project pacing dynamics in 2026 [24] - The company does not foresee significant impacts from federal funding constraints on its growth trajectory [23] - Management highlighted the importance of long-term trends in the water industry, which support demand for smart water management solutions [22] Other Important Information - The company successfully integrated SmartCover into its operations, with expectations for earnings accretion in 2026 [21] - SG&A expenses in Q4 were $49.9 million, with a year-over-year increase primarily due to the SmartCover acquisition [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Did the company see the full impact of project conclusions in Q4? - Management noted that project pacing can vary, and the second half of the year was expected to show lower growth due to fewer working days and project completions [27][28] Question: What is the expected growth rate for 2026? - Management anticipates a lower growth rate in the first half of 2026, with a higher growth rate expected in the second half due to awarded projects [30][31] Question: How does the company view the U.S. market size and its share? - Management confirmed that the U.S. market size is around 6 million meters per year, with Badger Meter's share remaining approximately 30% [35][38] Question: What is the expected impact of the PRASA project on revenue? - Management refrained from sizing the revenue impact of the PRASA project, emphasizing the variability in project deployment timelines [18][19] Question: How does the company manage pricing in relation to tariffs? - Management indicated that pricing adjustments have primarily been through list price increases, without temporary tariff add-ons, maintaining a clean pricing strategy [56][57]