Release Date: May 01, 2025
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- Itron Inc (ITRI, Financial) reported a strong first quarter with revenue of $607 million, adjusted EBITDA of $88 million, and non-GAAP earnings per share of $1.52.
- The company achieved a record gross margin of 35.8%, driven by favorable product mix and operational efficiencies.
- Itron Inc (ITRI) has a robust backlog of $4.7 billion, with Network Solutions and Outcomes segments representing over 95% of total bookings.
- The company continues to see strong customer demand for its grid edge intelligence platform, enhancing infrastructure agility and reliability.
- Itron Inc (ITRI) reported a significant increase in free cash flow to $67 million, reflecting strong operational earnings growth and improved working capital.
Negative Points
- Bookings for the first quarter were $530 million, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 0.9, which may indicate a potential slowdown in future revenue growth.
- The tariff environment remains dynamic, with an estimated EBITDA impact of $15 million for the year, which could affect profitability.
- Device Solutions revenue decreased by 1% year-over-year, indicating potential challenges in this segment.
- The company faces macroeconomic and trade policy uncertainties, which could impact future demand and financial performance.
- Despite strong performance, Itron Inc (ITRI) has not updated its full-year guidance, indicating potential caution regarding future market conditions.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Given the strength of Q1 and expectations for Q2, are you comfortable with the full-year guidance despite the tariff impacts?
A: Thomas Deitrich, CEO, mentioned it's premature to update full-year guidance. While Q1 and Q2 are ahead of expectations, the tariff situation remains dynamic, and they will reassess after Q2 earnings. Joan Hooper, CFO, added that the first half EPS is up 10% versus consensus, indicating a strong start to the year.
Q: How should we think about the segment margins for devices going forward, given the record margins achieved?
A: Joan Hooper, CFO, stated that while it's premature to update long-term targets, they are pleased with the progress. The mix shift and portfolio pruning have contributed to the strong margins, but variability is expected quarter-to-quarter.
Q: Can you provide insights into the regulatory environment for capitalizing software in the rate base?
A: Thomas Deitrich, CEO, explained that the regulatory environment is constructive, with mechanisms varying by state. Performance-based rates are becoming more common, and the company structures deals to align with customer business plans, supporting continued growth in software sales.
Q: What is the impact of tariffs on your financials, and how are you mitigating these effects?
A: Thomas Deitrich, CEO, noted that the $15 million EBITDA impact includes current tariffs and mitigation measures like alternate sourcing and pricing adjustments. The impact is expected to be more pronounced in the latter half of the year.
Q: How do your grid edge intelligence solutions assist in blackout situations like the recent one in Spain and Portugal?
A: Thomas Deitrich, CEO, highlighted that their solutions provide visibility and control at the grid edge, aiding in segmentation, microgrid solutions, and demand response. These capabilities help minimize damage and restore power more quickly during outages.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
