Core Viewpoint - Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE:BMI) is recognized as one of the 15 best stocks to buy for the medium term, highlighting its potential for growth and shareholder returns [1]. Dividend and Share Repurchase - Badger Meter declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.40 per share, payable on December 5, 2025, to shareholders of record on November 21, 2025 [2]. - The Board approved a new share repurchase program authorizing up to $75 million of the company's outstanding common stock through November 30, 2028, replacing the previous authorization from February 2023 [3]. Management Insights - Kenneth C. Bockhorst, the Chairman, President, and CEO, emphasized the company's strong balance sheet, free cash flow generation, and durable business model, which position it well to capitalize on industry growth trends [4]. - The company has a history of returning capital to shareholders through dividend growth for 33 consecutive years, indicating a commitment to enhancing long-term shareholder value [4]. Business Overview - Badger Meter develops and manufactures smart water solutions that measure, control, and manage the flow of water and other liquids through pipes, indicating its role in the water management industry [4].

Core Thesis - Badger Meter, Inc. (BMI) is positioned as a stable, growth-oriented investment with a strong dividend history and operational efficiency, making it attractive for long-term investors [2][5]. Financial Performance - BMI's revenue for 2024 is projected to be flat at $826.6 million, while net income is expected to rise by 31%, driven by operational efficiency and margin expansion [3]. - The company has a trailing P/E of 39.16 and a forward P/E of 34.13, indicating a premium valuation relative to earnings [1]. Dividend Growth - BMI has increased its dividend for 33 consecutive years, with recent hikes of 18% in August 2025, 26% in 2024, and 18% in 2023, reflecting a commitment to returning value to shareholders [2]. - The current dividend yield is approximately 0.9%, supported by a conservative payout ratio of 31% [2]. Business Model and Market Position - BMI's business model is characterized by essential, recurring revenue, with 85% of sales derived from mandatory replacements in water measurement [4]. - The company has a growing SaaS segment that has expanded by 28% annually since 2019, contributing about 7% of total sales [4]. Market Opportunities - The U.S. smart water market, along with regulatory mandates and strategic acquisitions like SmartCover, is expected to support high single-digit sales growth and margin expansion [5]. - The global water technology market exceeds $100 billion, providing significant growth potential for BMI [5]. Investor Confidence - Institutional ownership stands at approximately 89%, indicating strong confidence from major investors such as BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street [3]. - Analysts generally rate BMI as a Buy to Strong Buy, with a 12-month price target of $237, suggesting an upside of around 33% from current levels [5].

Core Viewpoint - Badger Meter, Inc. (BMI) has shown a strong stock performance with a year-to-date gain of 14.9%, outperforming the S&P 500 and the Instruments-Control industry [1][2] Group 1: Positive Long-Term Outlook - Increasing demand for digital smart water solutions is driven by regulatory pressures, aging infrastructure, and climate-related challenges [3] - Macroeconomic factors such as replacement-driven demand and the rise of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) adoption are additional growth drivers [3] - BMI is experiencing strong demand for its products, including mechanical and E-Series Ultrasonic meters, ORION Cellular endpoints, and BEACON Software-as-a-Service revenues [4] Group 2: Strategic Acquisitions - BMI's acquisition of SmartCover Systems for $185 million enhances its monitoring solutions and expands its BlueEdge suite [7] - SmartCover contributes $35 million in annual revenues and provides technology that helps utilities monitor sewer levels, reducing costs and protecting public health [8] - The acquisition has already generated $6 million in revenue contribution within months [9] Group 3: Financial Performance - BMI reported a record quarterly free cash flow of $30 million, a 60% increase year over year, supported by improved earnings and effective working capital management [10] - As of March 31, 2025, the company had $131.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, indicating a strong cash position [10] Group 4: Challenges Ahead - Rising expenses and intense competition pose challenges, with ongoing tariff uncertainties expected to impact U.S. manufacturing operations [11] - Tariffs on electronics and components may lead to higher input costs, necessitating selective price increases [12] - The first quarter of 2025 saw SEA expenses rise to $46 million, primarily due to the incorporation of SmartCover [13] Group 5: Market Position and Valuation - BMI's stock is trading at a forward price/earnings ratio of 48.48X, significantly higher than the industry's 18.96X, reflecting its long-term growth potential [16] - Analysts have revised earnings estimates downward by 0.9% for the current quarter, indicating some caution in the market [17] Group 6: Investment Strategy - The company's strong position in the smart water solutions market and strategic acquisitions provide a competitive edge [18] - While the valuation is high and short-term cost pressures exist, robust free cash flow and a solid balance sheet offer financial flexibility [18] - New investors are advised to wait for a better entry point, while existing investors should retain their holdings [19]