A sharp rally, a sudden reversal, record cash flow, and one institutional trim -- all raise a bigger question about where Itron fits in a long-term portfolio right now.Aristotle Capital Boston cut its stake in Itron (ITRI 1.00%) by 123,119 shares in the third quarter, contributing to a reduction in the overall position value of about $18.35 million, according to a November 14 SEC filing.What HappenedAccording to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing dated November 14, Aristotle Capital Bost ...

Core Insights - Spire Inc. has approved a quarterly dividend increase of 5.1%, raising it from 78.5 cents to 82.5 cents, resulting in an annual dividend of $3.30 per share, payable on January 5, 2026 [1][10] Dividend History and Growth - Spire has raised its dividend five times in the last five years, with an annualized dividend growth rate of 4.67% over this period [2] - The company has consistently paid dividends since 1946 and has increased its annual dividend rate for the past 23 years [3] Financial Outlook and Investments - For fiscal 2025, Spire's capital spending is projected to be $875 million, an increase from the previous estimate of $840 million, with significant allocations to various regions [4] - Over the next decade, Spire plans to invest approximately $7.4 billion, supporting a 7-8% annual rate-base growth [4] Customer Base Expansion - Spire is experiencing growth in its natural gas customer base, both organically and through acquisitions, including an agreement to acquire Piedmont Natural Gas' Tennessee local distribution company, expected to add over 200,000 customers [5] Technological Advancements - The company is investing in smart meters, having installed over 350,000 advanced meters in fiscal 2024, benefiting a total of 850,000 customers [6] Industry Context - Domestic-focused, rate-regulated gas distribution utilities, like Spire, are stable performers, allowing for dividend hikes and share buybacks, with other utilities also raising their dividend rates in 2025 [7] - Current dividend yields for comparable companies are 1.96% for Atmos Energy, 2.69% for National Fuel Gas Company, and 4.34% for UGI Corporation, all higher than the S&P 500 composite's yield of 1.51% [8] Stock Performance - In the past year, Spire's shares have risen by 32.9%, outperforming its industry's growth of 10.3% [11]

Core Viewpoint - The Zacks Utilities sector is expected to see a 0.7% increase in earnings for Q2 2025, driven by higher revenues of 7.5%, supported by new rates, cost-saving initiatives, and customer growth [1] Group 1: Earnings Expectations - MDU Resources Group is anticipated to benefit from customer growth in electric and natural gas sectors, with an Earnings ESP of +20% and a Zacks Rank 2, despite a projected earnings decrease of 59.4% year-over-year [7][8] - ONE Gas is expected to report earnings of $1.75 per share, reflecting a 37.8% increase from the previous year, supported by new rates and infrastructure investments, with an Earnings ESP of +3.22% and a Zacks Rank 2 [9][10] - Sempra Energy's earnings are projected at 83 cents per share, a decrease of 6.7% from the prior year, benefiting from renewable energy investments and data center demand, with an Earnings ESP of +0.60% and a Zacks Rank 2 [11] - Spire is expected to show an improvement in fiscal third-quarter earnings, with a projected loss of 9 cents per share, indicating a 35.7% improvement year-over-year, supported by advanced meter installations and customer growth, with an Earnings ESP of +14.81% and a Zacks Rank 3 [12][13] Group 2: Factors Influencing Performance - Utility providers are benefiting from higher electricity rates, acquisitions, cost reductions, and energy-efficiency programs, which enhance their overall performance [3] - The installation of smart meters is improving operational efficiency and customer engagement, leading to reduced costs and increased revenue [4] - The growing demand from data centers, particularly those supporting artificial intelligence, is significantly increasing electricity consumption, positively impacting utility revenues [5] - Economic improvements in service territories are creating fresh demand for utility services, further boosting revenues [4][5][6]

Core Insights - Itron reported a significant earnings beat with non-GAAP earnings per share at $1.62, exceeding analyst estimates of $1.35, while GAAP revenue was slightly below expectations at $607 million, down from $609 million year-over-year [1][2][5] Financial Performance - Non-GAAP EPS increased by 33.9% year-over-year from $1.21 in Q2 2024 to $1.62 in Q2 2025 [2] - GAAP revenue was $607 million, a decrease of 0.3% from $609 million in Q2 2024 [2] - Gross margin improved to 36.9%, up 2.3 percentage points from 34.6% in Q2 2024 [2][8] - Free cash flow more than doubled to $91 million from $45 million in Q2 2024, reflecting a 102.2% increase [2] - Adjusted EBITDA grew by 16.9% year-over-year to $90 million [2] Business Segments - Device Solutions revenue declined by 5% due to lower legacy electricity product sales, partially offset by increased water sales [5] - Networked Solutions revenue saw a 1% decline, attributed to shipment timing and the absence of one-time revenue recognized in Q2 2024 [5] - Outcomes segment, which includes utility software and data analytics, grew by 9% year-over-year, with a gross margin of 39.2% [6] Strategic Focus - Itron is focusing on technological innovation, investing in research and development for edge intelligence hardware and software applications [4] - The company emphasizes software and recurring revenue as key components of its value proposition, alongside supply chain management and strategic partnerships [4] Operational Highlights - The company achieved record profitability in Q2 2025, with a significant increase in cash and equivalents year-to-date [8] - Total long-term debt was reduced, enhancing the balance sheet, while the backlog rose to $4.5 billion, providing medium-term revenue visibility [9] Future Outlook - Itron updated its FY2025 guidance, projecting revenue between $2.35 billion and $2.4 billion and non-GAAP diluted EPS between $6.00 and $6.20 [10] - For Q3 2025, expected revenue is between $570 million and $585 million, with non-GAAP diluted EPS between $1.45 and $1.55 [10]