Core Insights - Itron, Inc. is collaborating with Norgesnett to implement the first edge computing deployment in the Nordic region, utilizing Itron's Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio to modernize the electricity grid [1][2] Group 1: Partnership and Deployment - The partnership aims to enhance visibility and control across the distribution system, supporting Norgesnett's Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) strategy [2] - The initiative will commence in early 2026 with the deployment of 10,000 distributed intelligence (DI)-enabled smart endpoints [4] - The collaboration will provide Norgesnett access to Itron's broader ecosystem, enabling tailored applications for grid modernization [4] Group 2: Technological Advancements - The DI-enabled endpoints will facilitate two-way communication, allowing for remote updates and real-time energy data management [5] - The project aligns with Nordic Innovation's 2030 vision for sustainability and interconnectedness, enabling real-time data analysis to prevent outages and transformer overloads [6] Group 3: Market Context and Growth Drivers - Norway's energy sector is nearly 100% renewable, with electric vehicles (EVs) constituting 96% of new car registrations as of January 2025, positioning the country as a leader in clean energy adoption [3] - Itron's Grid Edge Intelligence platform is experiencing growth due to factors such as data center demand, reindustrialization, and the electrification of transportation and homes [7] - The total backlog for Itron at the end of the fourth quarter was $4.7 billion, indicating strong market demand for grid resiliency and automation solutions [7] Group 4: Financial Performance - Itron's 2024 bookings reached $2.7 billion, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 1:11, with a significant portion of the backlog consisting of grid-edge intelligence platform content [8] - The company anticipates 2025 revenues to be between $2.4 billion and $2.5 billion, reflecting a flat year-over-year growth at the midpoint [8]

Core Viewpoint - Itron Inc (ITRI) has demonstrated resilience in a volatile market, achieving a 16.3% gain over the past year, driven by strong demand for its solutions related to grid resiliency, capacity, safety, and automation [1][6]. Performance Summary - ITRI has outperformed the Electronic Test Equipment industry's decline of 8.5%, as well as the Zacks Computer and Technology sector and the S&P 500 composite's growth of 3.8% and 8.2%, respectively [2]. - The stock closed at $104.76, which is 16% lower than its 52-week high of $124.90, raising questions about potential buying opportunities [5]. Demand and Growth Drivers - Steady market demand and strong operational performance are key growth drivers for Itron [6]. - The Grid Edge Intelligence platform is experiencing momentum, fueled by data center demand, reindustrialization, electrification of transportation and homes, and automation of water infrastructure [7]. - Itron's total backlog at the end of Q4 2024 was $4.7 billion, with 2024 bookings of $2.7 billion, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 1:11 [8]. Revenue Guidance - Itron anticipates 2025 revenues to be between $2.4 billion and $2.5 billion, projecting total revenues of $2,445.1 million for 2025, which is flat year-over-year at the midpoint [9]. Estimate Revisions - Analysts show bullish sentiment towards ITRI, as indicated by solid estimate revision activity, with significant increases in consensus estimates over the past 60 days [10]. Product Launches - Frequent product launches, such as IntelliFLEX and CityEdge, position Itron to capture market share by addressing changing market demands [11][12]. Operational Efficiency - Itron's gross margin improved to 34.9%, expanding by 90 basis points year-over-year due to enhanced operational efficiencies [13]. Valuation - ITRI presents an attractive investment opportunity with a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 18.82X, slightly below the industry average of 21.48X [14]. Investment Outlook - Increasing business pipeline activities and favorable macro trends, combined with a discounted valuation and robust estimate revisions, make ITRI an appealing investment opportunity [17].