Itron, Inc.
(
ITRI
) has launched a new thermal energy meter - The Itron
CF-UltraMaxx V meter that will facilitate utilities to measure
energy accurately in heating and cooling systems as well as
provide data about usage patterns.
This new meter is available in capsule or in inline versions
and is easy to install. It is capable of measuring very high and
low energy flow for residential areas. Equipped with advanced
smart metering features, the meter can provide detailed
information about the operation of heating and cooling systems
over a time period, including flow rate, volume, consumption and
tariffs. It has flexible communications options and can be
customized to meet both customers' specifications as well the
area where the meter is to be installed.
Furthermore, the meter offers two major innovations - a unique
removable calculator that can be fixed on the meter in any
position and a patented sensor sealing. The calculator ensures a
high level of readability and the sensor sealing protects the
meter against fraud.
Given its operating range, accuracy, flexibility, long
life-expectancy, this new thermal energy meter is an exciting new
offering for Itron's customers and will provide an edge over the
other thermal energy meters available in the market.
Itron's third quarter 2012 adjusted earnings were 97 cents per
share compared with 92 cents in the year-earlier quarter.
Adjusted earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 94
cents per share. Total revenues during the quarter fell 18.1% to
$504.1 million, lagging behind the Zacks Consensus Estimate of
$525 million.
The company is undertaking restructuring initiatives to
increase its efficiency and lower manufacturing costs. It
anticipates annualized cost savings of $15 million in 2012, which
is expected to further increase to $30 million in 2013.
But at the same time, Itron expects to book associated pre-tax
charges in the range of $75-$80 million, a major portion of which
will be incurred in the fourth quarter of 202. Therefore, higher
operating expenses are likely to create margin headwinds in
fiscal 2012 and first half of 2013. Moreover, the competition of
the OpenWay projects is expected to impact revenues negatively in
the next three quarters.
Itron currently retains a short-term Zacks Rank #4. (Sell).
Stocks in the same industry that are expected to perform strongly
are
National Instruments Corporation
(
NATI
) and
Teradyne Inc.
(
TER
) which hold a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Liberty Lake, Washington-based Itron Inc., along with its
subsidiaries, is one of the principal technology providers to the
energy and water industries worldwide. It produces electricity,
gas, water, and heat meters, data collection and utility software
solutions along with various other associated metering products
for residential, commercial and industrial and transmission and
distribution customers.
ITRON INC (ITRI): Free Stock Analysis Report
NATL INSTRS CP (NATI): Free Stock Analysis
Report
TERADYNE INC (TER): Free Stock Analysis
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