Core Insights - Itron, Inc. (ITRI) has deployed its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Essentials for water in Tucson, Arizona, aimed at modernizing the city's water infrastructure and supporting long-term sustainability goals [1][9] - The AMI Essentials solution includes 250,000 smart water communication modules, cellular Network-as-a-Service (NaaS), and the Temetra meter data management system, enhancing operational efficiency and community engagement [2][9] Technology and Implementation - The AMI Essentials for water is tailored for small- and medium-sized water utilities, providing a comprehensive solution that integrates smart meters, advanced connectivity, and data management tools [2] - Tucson's water supply challenges, particularly its reliance on Colorado River water, are addressed through the One Water 2100 Plan, which emphasizes water resiliency and sustainability [3] - The system allows for real-time data collection, enabling Tucson Water to detect leaks quickly and provide consumers with access to their usage data, thereby promoting water conservation [4][9] Operational Benefits - Automated data collection eliminates the need for manual meter readings, resulting in significant time and resource savings [5] - The deployment of Itron Cellular 500W modules will convert existing meters into smart meters, capturing and transmitting consumption data every 15 minutes [6] - Temetra, the cloud-based meter data management platform, will unify readings from various meter types and provide insights into water usage and non-revenue water loss [7] Market Challenges - Itron faces margin pressure due to increasing competition in the AMI sector, particularly in North America, which may lead to lower meter prices [8] - In Europe, the presence of numerous service providers offering complete deployments poses a challenge for Itron to maintain a pricing premium as a comprehensive solution provider [8]

Core Insights - Tucson Water is partnering with Itron, Inc. to implement Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Essentials for water, aimed at enhancing water conservation efforts and improving operational efficiency [1][2][5] Group 1: Project Overview - The AMI project began in Q3 2025 and is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2029, aligning with Tucson's One Water 2100 Plan for sustainable water management [2][6] - Itron's solution includes 250,000 smart water communication modules, cellular Network-as-a-Service (NaaS), and Temetra meter data management, facilitating a comprehensive transformation of Tucson's water utility operations [2][4] Group 2: Key Benefits - Water Conservation: The AMI solution will help identify potential leaks and provide detailed consumption data, empowering customers to make informed water usage decisions [4][5] - Enhanced Customer Service: The system will proactively alert the city of unusual spikes in water usage, enabling swift responses to reduce water loss [4][5] - Improved Operational Efficiency: The modules will automatically collect and transmit data, optimizing resource use and saving time for the utility [4][6] Group 3: Technological Components - Itron Cellular 500W Modules will transform existing water meters into smart meters, collecting data every 15 minutes [4] - Itron's Cellular NaaS will manage the network and software, ensuring secure data collection and management [4] - Temetra, Itron's cloud-based platform, will unify meter readings and support proactive infrastructure management [4][6] Group 4: Strategic Importance - The deployment of AMI is seen as a crucial investment for Tucson Water, enhancing reliability and resilience in water management [5][6] - The initiative reflects Tucson's commitment to responsible water stewardship and community-driven conservation strategies [2][5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings of $47.8 million or $2.97 per share, an increase of $0.15 per share or 5.3% over 2023 [7][15] - The consolidated return on equity was 9.4%, reflecting effective cost management and regulatory outcomes [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electric adjusted gross margin for the year was $107.3 million, an increase of $3.2 million compared to 2023, driven by higher distribution rates and customer growth [16] - Gas adjusted gross margin for the year was $166.9 million, an increase of $12.4 million compared to 2023, also supported by higher distribution rates and customer growth [17][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 60% of the company's gas customers were under decoupled rates, which supported gas adjusted gross margin by approximately $0.28 per share in 2024 [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company completed the acquisition of Bangor Natural Gas for $70.9 million, which is expected to be earnings accretive in the long run [10][11] - A five-year investment plan through 2029 totals approximately $980 million, which is 46% higher than the previous five years, aimed at growing the rate base [22] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management reaffirmed guidance for long-term earnings growth, dividend growth, and rate base growth, with adjusted earnings guidance for 2025 expected to be in the range of $3.01 to $3.17 per share [9][21] - The company expects capital spending of approximately $176 million in 2025 for strategic system investments [23] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend increase of $0.025 per share, bringing the annual dividend to $1.8 per share in 2025, a 5.9% increase from 2024 [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk through the strategy for the distribution rate case at UES and the potential customer bill impact? - Management indicated that customer bill impacts will not be known until the case is filed, expected in the second quarter [33][34] Question: Regarding the five-year capital plan, how should equity issuance timing be considered? - Management stated that while 13% of the capital plan will come from equity, there are no immediate plans for equity issuance [35][37]