Core Insights - The company reported a 13% year-over-year increase in operating earnings to $46.1 million, with operating margins slightly improving to 19.6% from 19.5% [1] - Excluding the Smart Cover acquisition, base operating earnings rose 15% year-over-year to $46.6 million, and base operating margins expanded by 120 basis points [1] - Total sales for 2025 reached $236 million, reflecting a 13% year-over-year increase, with base sales growth of 8% [2] - The company is increasing its gross margin range from a historical 38%-40% to a new normalized range of 39%-42% due to ongoing structural mix improvements and price increases [1][4] Financial Performance - Gross margins improved by 50 basis points to 40.7% from 40.2% in the prior year quarter, benefiting from structural mix improvements and price increases [1] - Record free cash flow of $48.2 million increased by approximately $6 million year-over-year, largely due to lower cash taxes [7] - Consolidated EPS rose to $1.19, a 10% increase from $1.08 in the prior year quarter [6] Sales and Market Trends - Utility water product line sales increased by 14% year-over-year, or 8% excluding SmartCover, driven by higher ultrasonic meter volumes and increased BEACON Software as a Service sales [2] - The company continues to see healthy activity levels across its pipeline, with expectations of high single-digit average top-line growth over the next five years [12] Strategic Initiatives - The integration of Smart Cover is progressing well, with the company expecting to deliver anticipated cost and sales synergies [14] - The company remains focused on investing in organic growth and maintaining its R&D leadership in the industry [43] Customer Engagement and Market Outlook - Customer feedback from recent trade shows indicates strong interest in the company's BlueEdge suite of solutions, which are seen as critical for utility water infrastructure [8][11] - Despite macroeconomic uncertainties, utility customers are planning for long-term technology adoption to enhance efficiency and resiliency [11][13]