Core Insights - Badger Meter, Inc. (BMI) reported Q4 2025 EPS of $1.14, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.9%, but showing an increase from $1.04 in the same quarter last year [1][11] - Quarterly net sales reached $220.7 million, a 7.6% increase from $205.2 million year-over-year, driven by higher utility water sales, although it fell short of the $230.8 million estimate [1][11] Financial Performance - For the full year 2025, BMI reported sales of $916.7 million, an 11% year-over-year increase, with EPS rising approximately 13% to $4.79 from $4.23 in 2024 [2] - Gross profit for Q4 was $93 million, up from $82.8 million year-over-year, with a gross margin of 42.1%, an increase of 180 basis points [12] - Operating earnings increased around 10% year-over-year to $43.1 million, with operating margin expanding to 19.5% from 19.1% [12] Strategic Developments - Management emphasized that 2025 marked double-digit revenue growth, expanded profit margins, and record free cash flow conversion, driven by sustained demand for smart water management solutions [3][4] - The acquisition of SmartCover in early 2025 enhanced BMI's portfolio with sewer monitoring and stormwater management capabilities, strengthening its long-term growth position [5] Market Dynamics - Utility water sales rose 9% year-over-year, with a 2% increase even excluding SmartCover, driven by customer adoption of digital smart water solutions [7] - Flow instrumentation sales remained flat year-over-year, as growth in water-focused markets was offset by declines in de-emphasized applications [8] Cash Flow and Liquidity - In Q4 2025, BMI generated $54.8 million in net cash from operating activities, compared to $52.1 million a year ago [15] - As of December 31, 2025, the company had $226 million in cash and cash equivalents, with total current liabilities of $150.7 million [15] Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving high single-digit sales growth and continued operating margin expansion in 2026, supported by the growth of its cellular AMI installed base and international expansion opportunities [16][17]