Q1 2026 Itron Inc Earnings Call

April 28, 2026

Operator: Good day. Thank you for standing by. Welcome to Itron's Q1 2026 Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are on a listen only mode. After the speaker's presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press star 11 on your telephone. You will hear an automated message advising that your hand is raised. Today's call is being recorded. I will now hand the conference over to your speaker host, Vice President of Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Operator: Good day. Thank you for standing by. Welcome to Itron's Q1 2026 Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are on a listen only mode. After the speaker's presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press star one one on your telephone. You will hear an automated message advising that your hand is raised. Today's call is being recorded. I will now hand the conference over to your speaker host, Vice President of Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to ITRON's first quarter 2026 earnings conference call. At this time, all participants on the list and only mode.

Speaker #1: After the speaker's presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press star 1-1 on your telephone.

Speaker #1: You will then hear an automated message advising that your hand is raised. Today's call is being recorded. I will now hand the conference over to your speaker host, Vice President of Investor Relations.

Speaker #1: Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Good morning, and welcome to ITRON's first quarter 2026 earnings conference call. Tom Deitrich, ITRON's president and chief executive officer. And Joan Hooper, senior vice president and chief financial officer will review ITRON's first quarter results, and provide a general business update and outlook.

Paul Vincent: Good morning and welcome to Itron's Q1 2026 Earnings Conference Call. Tom Deitrich, Itron's President and Chief Executive Officer, and Joan Hooper, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will review Itron's Q1 results and provide a general business update and outlook. Earlier today, the company issued a press release announcing its results. This release also includes details related to the conference call and webcast replay information. Accompanying today's call is a presentation that is available through the webcast and on our corporate website under the Investor Relations tab. Following prepared remarks, the call will open for questions using the process the operator described. Before Tom begins, a reminder that our earnings release and financial presentation include non-GAAP financial information that we believe enhances the overall understanding of our current and future performance.

Speaker #2: Earlier today, the company issued a press release announcing its results. This release also includes details related to the conference call and webcast replay information.

Speaker #2: Accompanying today's call is a presentation that is available through the webcast and on our corporate website under the Investor Relations tab. Following prepared remarks, the call will open for questions using the process the operator described.

Speaker #2: Before Tom begins, a reminder that our earnings release and financial presentation include non-GAAP financial information that we believe enhances the overall understanding of our current and future performance.

Speaker #2: Reconciliations of differences between GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures are available in our earnings release and on our Investor Relations website. We will be making statements during this call that are forward-looking.

Paul Vincent: Reconciliations of differences between GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures are available in our earnings release and on our investor relations website. We will be making statements during this call that are forward-looking. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from these expectations because of factors that were presented in today's earnings release and comments made during this conference call, as well as those presented in the Risk Factors section of our Form 10-K and other reports, and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All company comments, estimates, or forward-looking statements are made in a good faith attempt to provide appropriate insight to our current and future operating and financial environment.

Paul Vincent: Reconciliations of differences between GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures are available in our earnings release and on our investor relations website. We will be making statements during this call that are forward-looking. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from these expectations because of factors that were presented in today's earnings release and comments made during this conference call, as well as those presented in the risk factors section of our Form 10-K and other reports, and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All company comments, estimates, or forward-looking statements are made in a good faith attempt to provide appropriate insight to our current and future operating and financial environment.

Speaker #2: These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially. From these expectations, because of factors that were presented in today's earnings release and comments made during this conference call.

Speaker #2: As well as those presented in the risk factors section of our Form 10-K and other reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Speaker #2: All company comments estimates or forward-looking statements are made in a good faith attempt to provide appropriate insight to our current and future operating and financial environment.

Speaker #2: Materials discussed today, April 28th, 2026, may materially change and we do not undertake any duty to update any of our forward-looking statements. Now, please turn to page four of our presentation as our CEO, Tom Deitrich, begins his remarks.

Paul Vincent: Materials discussed today, 28 April 2026, may materially change, and we do not undertake any duty to update any of our forward-looking statements. Now please turn to page four of our presentation as our CEO, Tom Deitrich, begins his remarks.

Speaker #3: Thank you, Paul. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining our call today. ITRON had a solid start to the year. Our first quarter results were ahead of expectations due to strong execution from our teams and some first-half projects progressing ahead of schedule.

Tom Deitrich: Thank you, Paul. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining our call today. Itron had a solid start to the year. Our Q1 results were ahead of expectations due to strong execution from our teams and some H1 projects progressing ahead of schedule. Turning to slide 4 for the highlights. Revenue of $587 million. Adjusted EBITDA of $92 million. Non-GAAP earnings per share of $1.49. Free cash flow of $79 million. Turning to slide 5. While project timing provided a modest tailwind in Q1 revenue, we anticipate the H1 to be consistent with our initial guidance. Overall, the pace of ongoing field deployment of grid edge technology is well aligned to our expectations with no material constraints for labor or materials.

Tom Deitrich: Thank you, Paul. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining our call today. Itron had a solid start to the year. Our Q1 results were ahead of expectations due to strong execution from our teams and some H1 projects progressing ahead of schedule. Turning to slide four for the highlights. Revenue of $587 million. Adjusted EBITDA of $92 million. Non-GAAP earnings per share of $1.49. Free cash flow of $79 million. Turning to slide five. While project timing provided a modest tailwind in Q1 revenue, we anticipate the H1 to be consistent with our initial guidance. Overall, the pace of ongoing field deployment of grid edge technology is well aligned to our expectations with no material constraints for labor or materials.

Speaker #3: Turning to slide four for the highlights, revenue of $587 million, adjusted EBITDA of $92 million, non-GAAP earnings per share of $1.49, and free cash flow of $79 million.

Speaker #3: Turning to slide five, while project timing provided a modest tailwind in Q1 revenue, we anticipate the first half to be consistent with our initial guidance.

Speaker #3: Overall, the pace of ongoing field deployment of grid-edge technology is well aligned to our expectations with no material constraints for labor or materials. The adoption of flexible and intelligent solutions is accelerating, and that is translating into durable compounding growth over time.

Tom Deitrich: The adoption of flexible and intelligent solutions is accelerating, and that is translating into durable compounding growth over time. Our Outcomes segment grew 22% year over year. Total company annual recurring revenue at quarter end was $414 million, up 28% due to strong organic growth, plus our recently acquired Resiliency Solutions segment. More broadly, the size and scope of the opportunity funnel remain outsized from historical levels, driven by the age out of existing infrastructure and new requirements. Grid modernization is inevitable, and we are confident in the multi-year structural investment to add intelligence to the grid, but also understand the market we serve. Our customers continue to work in a complex environment, balancing global uncertainty, affordability concerns, resiliency imperatives, and growing demand variability.

Tom Deitrich: The adoption of flexible and intelligent solutions is accelerating, and that is translating into durable compounding growth over time. Our Outcomes segment grew 22% year-over-year. Total company annual recurring revenue at quarter end was $414 million, up 28% due to strong organic growth, plus our recently acquired Resiliency Solutions segment. More broadly, the size and scope of the opportunity funnel remain outsized from historical levels, driven by the age out of existing infrastructure and new requirements. Grid modernization is inevitable, and we are confident in the multi-year structural investment to add intelligence to the grid, but also understand the market we serve. Our customers continue to work in a complex environment, balancing global uncertainty, affordability concerns, resiliency imperatives, and growing demand variability.

Speaker #3: Our Outcome segment grew 22% year over year. Total company annual recurring revenue at quarter end was $414 million, up 28% due to strong organic growth plus our recently acquired Resiliency Solution segment.

Speaker #3: More broadly, the size and scope of the opportunity funnel remain outsized from historical levels, driven by the age-out of existing infrastructure and new requirements.

Speaker #3: Grid modernization is inevitable, and we are confident in the multi-year structural investment to add intelligence to the grid, but also understand the market we serve.

Speaker #3: Our customers continue to work in a complex environment balancing global uncertainty, affordability concerns, resiliency imperatives, and growing demand variability. We are confident our product portfolio addresses these disparate needs across electricity, gas, and water systems with flexible implementation models that are well aligned to the specific needs of our utility customers.

Tom Deitrich: We are confident our product portfolio addresses these disparate needs across electricity, gas, and water systems with flexible implementation models that are well-aligned to the specific needs of our utility customers. Turning to slide 6, our Q1 bookings were $476 million, bringing the total backlog to $4.4 billion at quarter end, in line with our expectations. The quarter included several notable wins. We advanced a strategic grid visibility program with Duquesne Light Company. This engagement reflects the growing demand for distributed intelligence and grid edge computing as utilities modernize their networks to improve reliability, resilience, and operational efficiency. Importantly, this program highlights Itron's abilities to deliver an integrated, first-of-its-kind solution that brings together smart devices, software, and communication to support next-generation grid operations. Additionally, an existing customer that is deploying a safety-enhanced meter program has expanded their development of Intellus static gas endpoints.

Speaker #3: Turning to slide six, our first quarter bookings were $476 million, bringing the total backlog to $4.4 billion at quarter end, in line with our expectations.

Speaker #3: The quarter included several notable wins. We advanced a strategic grid visibility program with Duquesne Light Company. This engagement reflects the growing demand for distributed intelligence and grid-edge computing, as utilities modernize their networks to improve reliability, resilience, and operational efficiency.

Speaker #3: Importantly, this program highlights ITRON's abilities to deliver an integrated, first-of-its-kind solution that brings together smart devices, software, and communication to support next-generation grid operations.

Speaker #3: Additionally, an existing customer that is deploying a safety-enhanced meter program has expanded their development of Intellis static gas endpoints. Intellis technology offers numerous safety enhancements which include automatic and remote shutoff capabilities, as well as reliability and efficiency features that benefit the utility and the consumers they serve.

Tom Deitrich: Intellus technology offers numerous safety enhancements, which include automatic and remote shutoff capabilities, as well as reliability and efficiency features that benefit the utility and the consumers they serve. More broadly, this activity is a perfect example of the unique value that Itron's multi-commodity platform creates for customers and benefits our shareholders through diversification across electricity, gas, and water verticals. The integration of Resiliency Solutions segment is on track, and the team is already contributing meaningfully. In worker safety, we established a new contract with a major US electricity utility. The customer required a best-in-class system to protect thousands of field workers at the job site, leveraging intelligent workflows and real-time hazard recognition. The digital construction management team extended a contract with a large natural gas pipeline customer, a strong signal of the customer value of deploying our platform.

Speaker #3: More broadly, this activity is a perfect example of the unique value that ITRON's multi-commodity platform creates for customers. And benefits are shareholders through diversification across electricity, gas, and water verticals.

Speaker #3: The integration of the resiliency solution segment is on track, and the team is already contributing meaningfully. In worker safety, we established a new contract with a major U.S. electricity utility.

Speaker #3: The customer required a best-in-class system to protect thousands of field workers at the job site, leveraging intelligent workflows and real-time hazard recognition. The digital construction management team extended a contract with a large natural gas pipeline customer, a strong signal of the customer value of deploying our platform.

Speaker #3: These are only a few examples of the kind of mission-critical problems that ITRON is uniquely positioned to solve. As a result, our backlog profile continues to evolve in quantity and quality.

Tom Deitrich: These are only a few examples of the kind of mission-critical problems that Itron is uniquely positioned to solve. As a result, our backlog profile continues to evolve in quantity and quality. Outcomes and Resiliency Solutions combined now represent 25% of total backlog, and that share is growing. The reason we are winning is straightforward. We help customers make $1 investment do more. Our solutions are designed to create multiple opportunities for value across the useful life, deepening relationships, expanding our installed base, and generating durable recurring revenue streams. With that, I'll turn it over to Joan to walk through the Q1 financials in detail.

Speaker #3: Outcomes and resiliency solutions combined now represent 25% of total backlog, and that share is growing. The reason we are winning is straightforward. We help customers make one investment dollar do more.

Speaker #3: Our solutions are designed to create multiple opportunities for value across the useful life, deepening relationships, expanding our installed base, and generating durable, recurring revenue streams.

Speaker #3: With that, I'll turn it over to Joan to walk through the first quarter financials in detail.

Speaker #4: Thank you, Tom. Please turn to slide seven for a summary of consolidated GAAP results. First quarter revenue of $587 million was above our outlook range, due to an acceleration of certain first-half project deployments.

Joan Hooper: Thank you, Tom. Please turn to slide 7 for a summary of consolidated GAAP results. Q1 revenue of $587 million was above our outlook range due to an acceleration of certain H1 project deployments. As expected, revenue was down versus last year, primarily due to the timing of large networks projects. Gross margin was 450 basis points higher than last year due to favorable mix and operational efficiencies. GAAP net income of $53 million or $1.18 per diluted share compares to $65 million or $1.42 in the prior year. The decrease was due to higher GAAP operating expenses related to the two recently completed acquisitions, as well as lower interest income. Regarding non-GAAP metrics on slide 8, adjusted gross margin of 40.7% increased 490 basis points versus Q1 of 2025.

Speaker #4: As expected, revenue was down versus last year, primarily due to the timing of large networks projects. Gross margin was 450 basis points higher than last year, due to favorable mix and operational efficiencies.

Speaker #4: GAAP net income of $53 million, or $1.18 per diluted share, compares to $65 million, or $1.42 per diluted share, in the prior year. The decrease was due to higher GAAP operating expenses related to the two recently completed acquisitions, as well as lower interest income.

Speaker #4: Regarding non-GAAP metrics on slide eight, adjusted gross margin of 40.7% increased $490 basis points versus Q1 of 2025. Non-GAAP operating income of $84 million and adjusted EBITDA of $92 million both increased 5% year over year.

Joan Hooper: Non-GAAP operating income of $84 million and adjusted EBITDA of $92 million both increased 5% year-over-year. Non-GAAP net income for the quarter was $68 million or $1.49 per diluted share versus $1.52 a year ago. The year-over-year decline was due to lower interest income, partially offset by higher operating income. Free cash flow was $79 million in Q1 versus $67 million a year ago. The increase was primarily due to lower tax payments. Year-over-year revenue growth by business segment is on slide 9. Device Solutions revenue decreased 9% on a constant currency basis due to the expected decline in legacy electricity products in EMEA and the timing of projects in North America. Networked Solutions revenue decreased 14% on a constant currency basis due to the timing of large deployments.

Speaker #4: Non-GAAP net income for the quarter was $68 million, or $1.49 per diluted share, versus $1.52 a year ago. The year-over-year decline was due to lower interest income, partially offset by higher operating income.

Speaker #4: Free cash flow was $79 million in Q1 versus $67 million a year ago. The increase was primarily due to lower tax payments. Year-over-year revenue growth by business segment is on slide nine.

Speaker #4: Device solutions revenue decreased 9% on a constant currency basis, due to the expected decline in legacy electricity products in EMEA and the timing of projects in North America.

Speaker #4: Network solutions revenue decreased 14% on a constant currency basis, due to the timing of large deployments. Outcomes revenue increased 20% on a constant currency basis, driven by higher recurring and services revenue.

Joan Hooper: Outcomes revenue increased 20% on a constant currency basis, driven by higher recurring and services revenue. Our new segment, Resiliency Solutions, which includes the Urbint and Locusview acquisitions, contributed $16 million of revenue in Q1. Moving to the non-GAAP year-over-year EPS version on slide 10, our Q1 non-GAAP EPS of $1.49 per diluted share decreased $0.03 year over year. Operating income contributed an increase of $0.05 per share, but this was more than offset by the negative impact of lower interest income at $0.13 per share. Lower tax expense had a positive year-over-year impact of $0.01 per share, and FX share count and other items had a positive impact of $0.04 per share. Turning to slides 11 through 14, I'll review Q1 segment results compared with the prior year.

Joan Hooper: Outcomes revenue increased 20% on a constant currency basis, driven by higher recurring and services revenue. Our new segment, Resiliency Solutions, which includes the Urbint and Locusview acquisitions, contributed $16 million of revenue in Q1. Moving to the non-GAAP year-over-year EPS version on slide 10, our Q1 non-GAAP EPS of $1.49 per diluted share decreased $0.03 year-over-year. Operating income contributed an increase of $0.05 per share, but this was more than offset by the negative impact of lower interest income at $0.13 per share. Lower tax expense had a positive year-over-year impact of $0.01 per share, and FX share count and other items had a positive impact of $0.04 per share. Turning to slides 11 through 14, I'll review Q1 segment results compared with the prior year.

Speaker #4: Our new segment, Resiliency Solutions, which includes the Urban and LocusView acquisitions, contributed $16 million of revenue in Q1. Moving to the non-GAAP year-over-year EPS bridge on slide 10, our Q1 non-GAAP EPS of $1.49 per diluted share decreased 3 cents year over year.

Speaker #4: Operating income contributed an increase of 5 cents per share, but this was more than offset by the negative impact of lower interest income at 13 cents per share.

Speaker #4: Lower tax expense had a positive year-over-year impact of $0.01 per share. FX, share count, and other items had a positive impact of $0.04 per share.

Speaker #4: Turning to slides 11 through 14, I'll review Q1 segment results compared with the prior year. Device solutions revenue was $124 million, with adjusted gross margin of 35.4%, and operating margin of 29.7%.

Joan Hooper: Device Solutions revenue was $124 million, with adjusted gross margin of 35.4% and operating margin of 29.7%. Both margin results are segment-level quarterly records. Adjusted gross margin increased 540 basis points year-over-year, and operating margin was up 550 basis points due to favorable mix and operational efficiencies. Networked Solutions revenue was $351 million, with adjusted gross margin of 40.8% and operating margin of 31.4%. Adjusted gross margin increased 390 basis points year-over-year due to favorable mix and operational efficiencies, and operating margin was up 260 basis points. Outcomes revenue was $96 million, with adjusted gross margin of 41.7% and operating margin of 23.3%.

Speaker #4: Both margin results are segment-level quarterly records. Adjusted gross margin increased 540 basis points year over year, and operating margin was up 550 basis points, due to favorable mix and operational efficiencies.

Speaker #4: Network Solutions revenue was $351 million, with adjusted gross margin of 40.8% and operating margin of 31.4%. Adjusted gross margin increased 390 basis points year over year due to favorable mix and operational efficiencies, and operating margin was up 260 basis points.

Speaker #4: Outcomes revenue was $96 million, with adjusted gross margin of 41.7%, and operating margin of 23.3%. Adjusted gross margin increased 250 basis points year over year, due to a higher margin revenue mix and operating margin increased 510 basis points, due to higher operating leverage.

Joan Hooper: Adjusted gross margin increased 250 basis points year-over-year due to a higher margin revenue mix. Operating margin increased 510 basis points due to higher operating leverage. Resiliency Solutions had revenue of $16 million, adjusted gross margin of 73%, and operating margin of 27%. Turn to slide 15 and I'll review liquidity and debt at the end of Q1. Total debt was $1.61 billion. Cash and equivalents were $713 million.

Speaker #4: Resiliency solutions had revenue of $16 million, adjusted gross margin of 73%, and operating margin of 27%. Turn to slide 15, and I'll review liquidity and debt at the end of Q1.

Speaker #4: Total debt was $1.61 billion, and cash and equivalents were $713 million. Our cash balance declined approximately 300 million versus year-end 2025, due to the net impact of the January acquisition of Locus View, the February issuance of $805 million of zero-interest convertible senior notes, the March $460 million repayment of the company's 2021 convertible senior notes, the February share repurchase of $100 million, and free cash flow generation of $79 million during the first quarter.

Joan Hooper: Our cash balance declined approximately $300 million versus year-end 2025 due to the net impact of the January acquisition of Locusview, the February issuance of $805 million of zero-interest convertible senior notes, the March $460 million repayment of the company's 2021 convertible senior notes, the February share repurchase of $100 million, and free cash flow generation of $79 million during Q1. As of 31 March, net leverage was 2.4 times. Now, please turn to slide 16 for our Q2 outlook. We anticipate Q2 revenue to be within a range of $560 million to $570 million, which at the midpoint is down 7% versus last year. As previously mentioned, Q1 benefited from an acceleration of H1 projects.

Speaker #4: As of March 31st, net leverage was 2.4 times. Now, please turn to slide 16 for our second quarter outlook. We anticipate Q2 revenue to be within a range of $560 to $570 million, which at the midpoint is down 7% versus last year.

Speaker #4: As previously mentioned, Q1 benefited from an acceleration of first-half projects. Our current view of the first half of 2026 is consistent with our thinking when we set the annual outlook back in February.

Joan Hooper: Our current view of H1 2026 is consistent with our thinking when we set the annual outlook back in February. We anticipate Q2 non-GAAP EPS to be within a range of $1.25 to $1.35 per dilute share, which at the midpoint is down approximately 8% year-over-year after normalizing for the tax rate and the level of interest income. I'll turn the call back to Tom.

Speaker #4: We anticipate second quarter non-GAAP EPS to be within a range of $1.25 to $1.35 per diluted share, which at the midpoint is down approximately 8% year over year, after normalizing for the tax rate and the level of interest income.

Speaker #4: Now, I'll turn the call back to Tom.

Speaker #5: Thank you, Joan. Utilities today are managing energy and water systems under increasing strain. Those systems were not designed for the complexity, created by distributed energy resources, increasing industrial and AI-driven demand resource scarcity, and escalating weather volatility.

Tom Deitrich: Thank you, Joan. Utilities today are managing energy and water systems under increasing strain. Those systems were not designed for the complexity created by distributed energy resources, increasing industrial and AI-driven demand, resource scarcity, and escalating weather volatility. At the local level, electricity distribution networks are often significantly underutilized, and our customers draw an important conclusion. While investment in new generation and transmission is essential, the fastest electron available to them is the one they already have. Itron solutions unlock time to power using the existing capacity by working with the right data and the ability to act on it. Itron serves as the intelligence layer for our customers, delivering multipurpose networks, analytics, and applications that give grid operators the visibility to optimize their distribution infrastructure. Industry data suggests utility distribution spending will continue to grow at least through the end of the decade.

Speaker #5: At the local level, electricity distribution networks are often significantly underutilized and our customers draw an important conclusion: while investment in new generation and transmission is essential, the fastest electron available to them is the one they already have.

Speaker #5: ITRON's solutions unlock time to power, using the existing capacity by working with the right data and the ability to act on it. ITRON serves as the intelligence layer for our customers, delivering multipurpose networks analytics and applications that give grid operators the visibility to optimize their distribution infrastructure.

Speaker #5: Industry data suggests utility distribution spending will continue to grow at least through the end of the decade. We believe this represents a durable structural trend and that modernization will benefit consumers while reducing waste across the system.

Tom Deitrich: We believe this represents a durable structural trend and that modernization will benefit consumers while reducing waste across the system. I am encouraged by our team's strong execution this quarter. The operating environment remains volatile domestically and globally. That volatility creates risks. We have built a more resilient business and are delivering consistent results through these crosswinds. Our focus is unchanged. Backlog quality, recurring revenue growth, margin discipline, cash generation, and, above all, ensuring our customers are successful with every engagement. Itron is well positioned for a multi-year grid build-out that has already begun and is expected to continue for years to come. Thank you for joining us today. Operator, please open the line for some questions.

Speaker #5: I am encouraged by our team's strong execution this quarter. The operating environment remains volatile, domestically and globally, and that volatility creates risks. We have built a more resilient business and are delivering consistent results through these crosswinds.

Speaker #5: Our focus is unchanged: backlog quality, recurring revenue growth, margin discipline, cash generation, and above all, ensuring our customers are successful with every engagement. Itron is well positioned for a multi-year grid buildout that has already begun and is expected to continue for years to come.

Speaker #5: Thank you for joining us today. Operator, please open the line for some questions.

Speaker #6: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, as a reminder to ask a question at this time, you will need to press star 11 on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced.

Operator: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, as a reminder, to ask a question at this time, you will need to press star one one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. To withdraw your question, simply press star one one again. Please stand by while we compile the attendee roster. First question coming from the line of Noah Kaye with Oppenheimer. Your line is now open.

Speaker #6: To withdraw your question, simply press star 11 again. Please stand by while we compile the Q&A roster. Now, first question coming from the line of Noah Kaye with Oppenheimer.

Speaker #6: Your line is now open.

Noah Kaye: Thanks so much. You know, first, just hoping to get a little bit more color on what kind of drove the acceleration of a project timing in Q1. And then, you know, you were very helpful in noting, you know, the H1 as a whole is kind of consistent with what you'd assumed in February. What the guidance had implied in February was, you know, a pickup in the H2. Can you just sort of help us kind of think through what might be impacting the step down in run rate in Q2, and then what might account for a pickup in the H2 of the year?

Speaker #7: Thanks so much. First, just hoping to get a little bit more color on what kind of drove the acceleration of a project timing in 1Q.

Speaker #7: And then you were very helpful in noting the first half as a whole is kind of consistent with February. The guidance had implied in February was a pickup in the back half.

Speaker #7: So can you just sort of help us kind of think through what might be impacting the step-down and run rate in 2Q and then what might account for a pickup in the back half of the year?

Speaker #8: Yeah, let me start and then Tom may want to comment. So yeah, we did mention in our prepared remarks that Q1 was better than we had guided to because of an acceleration of projects from the first half of the year.

Joan Hooper: Let me start and then Tom may wanna comment. Yeah, we did mention in our prepared remarks that Q1 was better than we had guided to because of an acceleration of projects from the H1 of the year. It was primarily in the Networked Solutions business, but also a little bit in Device Solutions. If you take the combination of our Q1 actuals with the, call it the midpoint of our Q2 guidance, it's actually slightly higher than what we would have expected back in February. Slightly higher on revenue, and actually higher on gross margin, EBITDA, and EPS. The H1 is shaping up as expected. Obviously the question in terms of it's more back-end loaded, yes, we knew that when we entered the year. We talked about it on last quarter's call.

Speaker #8: It was primarily in the networks business, but also a little bit in devices. And so if you take the combination of our Q1 actuals with the, call it, the midpoint of our Q2 guidance, it's actually slightly higher than what we would have expected back in February, slightly higher on revenue, and actually higher on gross margin, EBITDA, and EPS.

Speaker #8: So the first half is shaping up as expected. So obviously, the question in terms of it's more back and loaded. Yes, we knew that when we entered the year.

Speaker #8: We talked about it on last quarter's call. What would drive an uptick in the second half of the year isn't project deployments primarily in networks.

Joan Hooper: What would drive an uptick in H2 of the year is project deployments primarily in Networked Solutions. Certainly Outcomes continues to grow. We would expect that. Same thing for Resiliency Solutions. Devices is roughly flat. That growth is gonna have to happen from Networked Solutions deployments. Tom, I don't know if you want to say anything.

Speaker #8: Certainly, outcomes continues to grow. We would expect that. Same thing for resiliency solutions, devices is roughly flat. So that growth is going to have to happen from networks deployments.

Speaker #8: Tom, I don't know if I understand the thing.

Speaker #5: Yeah, I would add just a bit on the operational side of things. What we saw in Q1 was no constraints when it comes to supply chain.

Tom Deitrich: I would add just a bit on the operational side of things. What we saw in Q1 was no constraints when it comes to supply chain. Material was fine, labor was fine, customer deployments were ticking along quite nicely, and that led to some of the overage that you saw in the network space primarily. Turns were at the level that we expected. We went in and I think even commented on this in our previous call that turns were expected to be a little bit higher, and indeed they were. All in all, the market was well aligned to our expectations within the normal pull, push and pull, where some of the network deployments were moving a little bit faster.

Speaker #5: So material was fine. Labor was fine. Customer deployments were ticking along quite nicely. And that led to some of the overage that you saw in the network space primarily.

Speaker #5: Turns were at the level that we expected. We went in and I think even commented on this in our previous call that turns were expected to be a little bit higher.

Speaker #5: And indeed, they were. So all in all, the market was well aligned to our expectations within the normal push and pull where some of the network deployments were moving a little bit faster.

Speaker #7: Very helpful. Thanks. And then, Tom, you mentioned the outsized funnel. I wondered if you could give us a little bit more commentary on the behavior patterns you're seeing now among customers.

Noah Kaye: Very helpful. Thanks. Then, you know, Tom, you mentioned the outsized funnel. Wondered if you could give us a little bit more commentary on, you know, the behavior patterns you're seeing now among customers. I think in particular, one question, you know, I know DOE recently provided a list to Congress of grid projects that seem to be reinstated under the SPARK program. Maybe just talk a little bit about the potential impact from that as you look at the bookings trajectory over the course of the year.

Speaker #7: And I think in particular, one question, no DOE recently provided a list to Congress of grid projects that seem to be reinstated under the SPARC program.

Speaker #7: Maybe just talk a little bit about potential impact from that as you look at the bookings trajectory over the course of the year.

Speaker #5: Sure. So maybe a broad brush view on the market specifically, and then jump into the specifics on the SPARC program. I would say that if I look at it on a vertical basis, water in Europe continues to be strong above the historical levels.

Tom Deitrich: Sure. Maybe a broad brush view on the market specifically and then jump into the specifics on the SPARK program. I would say that if I look at it on a vertical basis, water in Europe continues to be strong above the historical levels. I think it's fairly well documented. Water in the US is a little bit slower. That's a smaller segment for us overall. Where our strength is in water continues to perform well, and you see that primarily in the Device Solutions segment, which is I would say punching a little bit above its weight, more pushing 120s rather than the 100 to 110 level where we had sort of anchored expectations. On the gas side of things, gas in North America is particularly strong.

Speaker #5: I think it's fairly well documented. Water in the US is a little bit slower. That's a smaller segment for us overall. So where our strength is in water continues to perform well.

Speaker #5: And you see that primarily in the Devices segment, which is, I would say, punching a little bit above its weight—more pushing 120s rather than the 100 to 110 level where we had sort of anchored expectations.

Speaker #5: On the gas side of things, gas in North America is particularly strong. There are more than 5x the number of endpoints that are in flight at the moment on the gas side.

Tom Deitrich: There's more than 5x the number of endpoints that are in flight at the moment on the gas side. That is much higher than what historical levels are. That absolutely is a very bright spot overall. Electricity, strong in Asia Pacific, in line with expectations in North America. A lot of activities that you can see in the press with some of the early movers in the electricity space, really coming back out into the marketplace for activities in, let's call it H2 2026 into 2027, 2028 kind of timeframe. Across the board, though, strength in Outcomes and Resiliency Solutions. Outcomes, up 22% year over year, ARR up 28% year over year.

Speaker #5: That is much, much higher than what historical levels are. So that absolutely is a very bright spot overall. Electricity, strong in Asia-Pacific. In line with expectations in North America, a lot of activities that you can see in the press with some of the early movers in the electricity space really coming back out into the marketplace for activities in, let's call it, back half of 26 into 27, 28 kind of timeframe.

Speaker #5: Across the board, though, strength in Outcomes and Resiliency solutions. So Outcomes up 22% year over year. ARR up 28% year over year. Feel really good about that part of the strategy playing through and working out nicely for us.

Tom Deitrich: Feel really good about that part of the strategy playing through and working out nicely for us. Our portfolio really sings to the way the market is operating these days. We have the ability to work with our customers depending on what sort of pressures they may have in the marketplace, whether it's regulatory oriented or whether it is particular resiliency needs. We've got the tools in the toolbox to be able to help them. On the government funding side of things, you are correct. Some time ago, some of those GRIP projects were put on hold or air quotes canceled. There are still some state attorney generals that are suing over that those quote-unquote cancellations.

Speaker #5: Our portfolio really sings to the way the market is operating these days. We have the ability to work with our customers depending on what sort of pressures they may have in the marketplace.

Speaker #5: Whether it's regulatory-oriented or whether it is particular resiliency needs. We've got the tools in the toolbox to be able to help them. On the government funding side of things, you are correct.

Speaker #5: Some time ago, some of those grid GRIP projects were put on hold or air quotes canceled that there are still some state attorney generals that are suing over that those quote-unquote cancellations.

Speaker #5: But by and large, most of the activities are kind of being replaced now with this new DOE program called SPARC, which clearly is part of that electricity market view that I talked about just a second ago.

Tom Deitrich: By and large, most of the activities are kind of being replaced now with this new DOE program called SPARK, which clearly is part of that electricity market view that I talked about just a second ago. In general, we have not seen any cancellations, even because of some of the things or projects that were put on hold. Customers need to do these things. They weren't discretionary. It was only a question of how they would work through all of the things that were going on in the marketplace. Feel very good about the inevitability of intelligence in the grid, and we're very, very well positioned to benefit over the years to come.

Speaker #5: In general, we have not seen any cancellations, even because of some of the things—projects that were put on hold. Customers need to do these things.

Speaker #5: They weren't discretionary. It was only a question of how they would work through all of the things that were going on in the marketplace.

Speaker #5: So feel very good about the inevitability of intelligence in the grid. And we're very, very well positioned to benefit over the years to come.

Speaker #7: Okay. Thanks. I'll turn it over.

Noah Kaye: Okay, thanks. I'll turn it over.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Now, next question. Coming from the lineup, Ben Keller with Bayer Dealiness now open.

Operator: Thank you. Our next question coming from the line of Ben Kallo with Baird. Your line is now open.

Speaker #8: Hey guys, thanks for taking my question. Just adding on to Noah's question there—just as you think about the activity, Tom, and I know it's hard to predict—but can you kind of give us your thoughts about next year and the original targets that you had laid out at the Analyst Day, and just anything that's changed, plus or minus, since the last time you updated us?

Ben Kallo: Hey, guys. Thanks for taking my question. Just adding on to Noah's question there, just as, you know, you think about the activity, Tom, and I know it's hard to predict, but just, you know, can you kinda give us, like, your thoughts about, you know, next year and just, you know, the original targets that you had laid out at the Analyst Day and just, you know, anything that's changed, you know, plus or minus since the last time, you updated us? I have a follow-up.

Speaker #8: And I have a follow-up.

Speaker #5: Absolutely. I would say that no change from how we commented on things in our prior earnings call. Still, we are very much ahead of those '27 targets when it comes to things like gross margin, EBITDA, cash flow, and EPS.

Tom Deitrich: Absolutely. Yeah. I would say that no change from how we commented on things in our prior earnings call. Still, we are very much ahead of those 27 targets when it comes to things like gross margin, EBITDA, cash flow, EPS. Revenue probably towards the low end of that range is what we commented before. Nothing's changed in the market that would pull us away from that view. The large opportunities that were part of my color commentary to Nova's question really gives us the view as to what the market looks like. The build-out of the grid itself and infrastructure in general is absolutely structural. It's inevitable.

Speaker #5: Revenue, probably towards a low end of that range is what we commented before. Nothing's changed in the market that would pull us away from that view.

Speaker #5: The large opportunities that were part of my color commentary to Noah's question really gives us the view as to what the market looks like.

Speaker #5: This buildout of the grid itself and infrastructure in general is absolutely structural. It's inevitable. It really will happen over the years ahead. And we're in a position to benefit from it.

Tom Deitrich: It really will happen over the years ahead, and we're in a position to benefit from it.

Speaker #8: Before zeroing in on that 25% backlog for outcomes and resiliency, could you talk maybe how much of that is recurring revenue? Because if I add that up with your current recurring revenue, you got to a big number depending on what you assume.

Ben Kallo: Following, zeroing in on that 25% backlog for Outcomes and Resiliency, could you talk maybe how much of that is recurring revenue? Because if I add that up with your current recurring revenue, you got to a big number, depending on what you assume. Just, you know, what percentage of that 25% is actual recurring revenue versus some of the services part of it?

Speaker #8: But just what percentage of that 25% is actual recurring revenue versus some of the services part of it?

Speaker #5: Yeah. So our outcome segment generally runs somewhere between two-thirds to three-quarters recurring revenue. That percentage probably drifts northward over the years ahead. Resiliency solutions, the vast majority of it is recurring revenue overall.

Tom Deitrich: Yeah. Our Outcomes segment generally runs somewhere between 2/3 to 3/4 recurring revenue. That percentage probably drifts northward over the years ahead. Resiliency Solutions, the vast majority of it is recurring revenue overall. That gives you a sense of what it looks like. The only caution I would give you is that backlog number that we quote is a multi-year backlog. It usually plays out over, call it, you know, 3 to 4-year kind of timeframe, depending on the mix of projects that are inside of there. All in all, again, our portion of a business which is recurring revenue continues to grow, $414 at the end of the quarter, up 28% year over year.

Speaker #5: So that gives you a sense of what it looks like. The only caution I would give you is that backlog number that we quote is multi-year backlog.

Speaker #5: So usually plays out over, call it, three to four-year kind of timeframe depending on the mix of projects that are inside of there. But all in all, again, our portion of business, which is recurring revenue, continues to grow 414 at the end of the quarter, up 28% year over year.

Speaker #5: Still very much on track for that growth to continue in the quarters ahead.

Tom Deitrich: Still very much on track for that growth to continue in the quarters ahead.

Speaker #9: And just one comment, Ben, you may just to clarify. Recurring revenue can include services revenue as well. It's not just software.

Joan Hooper: just one comment, Ben, you made, just to clarify.

Ben Kallo: Sure.

Joan Hooper: Recurring revenue can include services revenue as well. It's not just software.

Speaker #8: Right. Okay. Got it. Last thing, just on the acquisition front—just because of multiples for, especially, software-type companies changing, going down—how do you guys think about capital allocation, and then just being inquisitive here?

Ben Kallo: Right. Okay, got it. Last thing, just, you know, on the acquisition front, just because of multiples for especially software type companies, you know, changing, going down, how do you guys think about, you know, capital allocation and then just being acquisitive here? Thank you.

Speaker #8: Thank you.

Speaker #9: Yeah. I would say our first priority in 26 is the successful integration of urban and locus few. Things are on track, but we certainly have some additional work to do to integrate systems and things of that nature.

Joan Hooper: Yeah, I would say our first priority in 2026 is the successful integration of Urbint and Locusview. Things are on track, but we certainly have some additional work to do to integrate systems and things of that nature. That would be our first priority. We will opportunistically look at other things that come our way, but we're not actively going to seek something to buy in 2026. We do feel good about our balance sheet and our ability to act on something if it comes along.

Speaker #9: That would be our first priority. We will opportunistically look at other things that come our way, but we're not actively going to seek something to buy in 26.

Speaker #9: We do feel good about our balance sheet and our ability to act on something if it comes along.

Speaker #8: Great. Thank you.

Ben Kallo: Great. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Our next question. Coming from the lineup, Martin Malloy with Johnson Rice & Company. Alana is now open.

Operator: Thank you. Our next question coming from the line of Martin Malloy with Johnson Rice & Company. Your line is now open.

Speaker #10: Good morning. Thank you for taking my question. My first question was on the recent acquisitions—Urban and Locus, a few—and if you could maybe give us some perspective on progress in terms of revenue synergies, with your wide customer platform being able to sell through some of those services.

Martin Malloy: Good morning. Thank you for taking my questions. First question was on the recent acquisitions, Urbint and Locusview. If you could maybe give us some perspective on progress in terms of revenue synergies with your wide customer platform being able to sell through some of those services. Any anecdotal evidence about how that's going would be helpful.

Marty Malloy: Good morning. Thank you for taking my questions. First question was on the recent acquisitions, Urbint and Locusview. If you could maybe give us some perspective on progress in terms of revenue synergies with your wide customer platform being able to sell through some of those services. Any anecdotal evidence about how that's going would be helpful.

Speaker #10: Any anecdotal evidence about how that's going would be helpful.

Speaker #9: Yeah. I would say that the results to date have not really been any synergies per se. So what you're seeing in our resiliency solutions is the businesses we bought from urban and locus few.

Joan Hooper: Yeah. I would say the results to date have not really been any synergies per se. What you're seeing in our Resiliency Solutions is the businesses we bought from Urbint and Locusview. Certainly over time, we would expect the ability to do that. We're really trying to ensure in these early days that we're not getting in the way of them running their business. We haven't spent a lot of time trying to build synergies. We wanna get all the integration and the plumbing in place before we start doing that. Everything you saw in Resiliency Solutions is kind of the businesses we bought with no contribution from Itron.

Speaker #9: Certainly, over time, we would expect the ability to do that. But we're really trying to ensure in these early days that we're not getting in the way of them running their business.

Speaker #9: And so we haven't spent a lot of time trying to build synergies. We want to get all the integration and the plumbing in place before we start doing that.

Speaker #9: So everything you saw in resiliency solutions is kind of the businesses we bought with no contribution from ITRON.

Speaker #10: Okay. And then just with your commentary about pipeline and conference in the customer need for your solutions, could you talk about book-to-bill and when that might trend back over one?

Martin Malloy: Okay. Just with your commentary about pipeline and confidence in the customer need for your solutions, could you talk about book to bill and when that might trend back over 1?

Marty Malloy: Okay. Just with your commentary about pipeline and confidence in the customer need for your solutions, could you talk about book to bill and when that might trend back over 1?

Speaker #5: Yeah. The pipeline is at or very near all-time records. That buildup of pipeline we saw over, let's say, the last year, 18 months, and no signs that anything is coming off the boil there.

Tom Deitrich: Yeah. The pipeline is at or very near all-time records. That buildup of pipeline we saw over, let's say the last year, 18 months, and no signs that anything is coming off the boil there. Feel very good about the pipeline, the opportunities in the portfolio in terms of where we are well-positioned. Bookings in the networking space are inherently a bit lumpy. They do move around quarter to quarter, depending on size of individual projects. Remember that when you do a large project, it's generally a 3 to 4-year kind of thing. It does yield a certain lumpiness to it. The Outcomes Resiliency Solutions, that's a bit more normalized, the same with devices itself.

Speaker #5: Feel very good about the pipeline, the opportunities, and the portfolio in terms of where we are well positioned. Bookings in the networking space are inherently a bit lumpy.

Speaker #5: They do move around quarter to quarter. Depending on size of individual projects, remember that when you do a large project, it's generally a three to four-year kind of thing.

Speaker #5: So it does yield a certain lumpiness to it. The outcomes resiliency solution, that's a bit more normalized. The same with devices. Itself. So still feel great about where we are portfolio-wise and we'll look to capitalize on the inevitable growth in the marketplace in the quarters ahead.

Tom Deitrich: Still feel great about where we are portfolio-wise, and we'll look to capitalize on the inevitable growth in the marketplace in the quarters ahead.

Speaker #10: Thank you.

Martin Malloy: Thank you.

Marty Malloy: Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Our next question. Coming from the lineup, Scott Graham with Seaport Research Partners. Alana is now open.

Operator: Thank you. Our next question coming from the line of Scott Graham with Seaport Research Partners. Your line is now open.

Scott Graham: Hey, good morning. Thank you for taking my question. I wanted to talk about, you know, I know you don't update your full year guide until Q2. I guess, you know, obviously we have the, you know, timing issue with respect to how things just work in your business. T&D spending is expected to be up double-digit this year, and your organic guidance is sort of like -4% to flat, which, you know, implies an increase, an uptick in H2 of the year. How are you feeling about that uptick right now, Tom? I know your pipeline of opportunities is increasing, but that doesn't necessarily translate to H2 of this year. I'm just wondering how you feel about, you know, H2.

Speaker #11: Hey, good morning. Thank you for taking my question. I wanted to talk about I know you don't update your full-year guide until the second quarter, but I guess obviously we have timing issue with respect to how things just work in your business.

Speaker #11: T&D spending is expected to be up double-digit this year, and your organic guidance is sort of like minus four to flat, which implies an increase and uptick in the second half of the year.

Speaker #11: How are you feeling about that uptick right now, Tom? I know your pipeline of opportunities is increasing, but that doesn't necessarily translate to the second half of this year.

Speaker #11: I'm just wondering how you feel about the second half. Is it possible that that could second half sales could be down given the book the TTM book-to-bill being below 0.9?

Scott Graham: Is it possible that H2 sales could be down given the, the book, the TTM book-to-bill being below 0.9? Maybe any color on that would be helpful.

Speaker #11: Maybe any color on that would be helpful.

Speaker #5: Yeah. I would say that we expected the year to be back half loaded. That was part of the initial guidance. First half, as Joan commented earlier, in line—I guess slightly better than where we set the view as to what we had.

Tom Deitrich: I would say that we expected the year to be back half loaded. That was part of the initial guidance H1, as Joan commented earlier, in line, I guess, slightly better than where we set, you know, the view as to what we had. Nothing has changed in the marketplace at all. H2 guidance definitely implies an uptick in the rate of network deployments. You saw even in Q1 how that can happen pretty quickly, and we're well-positioned to be able to continue to do that. We think we've got supply chain flexibility and labor flexibility to be able to go make that happen. We will support our customers overall.

Speaker #5: So, nothing has changed in the marketplace at all. Second half guidance definitely implies an uptick in the rate of network deployments. You saw even in the first quarter how that can happen pretty quickly, and we're well positioned to be able to continue to do that.

Speaker #5: We think we've got supply chain flexibility and labor flexibility to be able to go make that happen. So, we will support our customers overall, but I think first half ahead of expectations is already a pretty good place for us to anchor our view for the year.

Tom Deitrich: I think H1 ahead of expectations is already a pretty good place for us to anchor our view for the year.

Speaker #10: Okay. Well, thank you for that. That makes sense. The second staying on the second half, I just want to make sure I understand what is going on with sort of the backlog and how purchase orders being written against that backlog are sort of shaping the second half.

Scott Graham: Okay. Well, thank you for that. That makes sense. Staying on H2, I just wanna make sure I understand what is going on with the sort of the backlog and how purchase orders being written against that backlog are sort of shaping H2. In other words, last couple quarters you talked about how you know, you would have a booking in the backlog, and you would only be writing a smaller purchase order because the utility was focused on, you know, high bang for the buck. I don't need to focus on something 5 years from now, this sort of thing. What type of risks is inherent in that in your thinking that H2 sales will be up?

Speaker #10: In other words, last couple of quarters you talked about how you would have a booking in the backlog and you would only be writing a smaller purchase order because the utility was focused on high bang for the buck.

Speaker #10: I don't need to focus on something five years from now. This sort of thing. What type of risks does is inherent in that in your thinking that the second half sales will be up?

Speaker #10: What is the risk to that relative to that chopping up of the purchase orders?

Scott Graham: What is the risk to that relative to that chopping up of the purchase orders?

Speaker #5: Sure. If I'm understanding and following your question, I would say that there are multiple things to think about there. We commented earlier that we expected turns business to be higher, and that's what we will continue to expect.

Tom Deitrich: Sure. If I'm understanding and following your question, I would say that there's multiple things to think about there. We commented earlier that we expected turns business to be higher, and that's what we will continue to expect. The needle mover is network deployments for H2. In general, there's backlog there. It just needs to be converted, and that is based on the timing of deployments. That very much is something that we work with our customers on an ongoing basis. Same answer as sort of what I commented on earlier. You can see how these things tend to move through the pipe quicker.

Speaker #5: But the needle mover is network deployments for the second half of the year. In general, there's backlog there; it just needs to be converted, and that is based on the timing of deployments.

Speaker #5: And that very much is something that we work with our customers on an ongoing basis. So same answer as sort of what I commented on earlier.

Speaker #5: You can see how these things tend to move through the pipe quicker. You saw that already in our first quarter results when projects start to go well.

Tom Deitrich: You saw that already in our Q1 results. When projects start to go well, everyone gains confidence, and you can accelerate the deployments overall. The table is set for it to happen. We'll work with our customers to make sure we continue to support our portion of the program.

Speaker #5: Everyone gains confidence and you can accelerate the deployments overall. So the table is set for it to happen. We'll work with our customers to make sure we continue to support our portion of the program.

Speaker #10: Thanks, Tom. Appreciate it.

Scott Graham: Thanks, Tom. Appreciate it.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Our next question, coming from the lineup: Bobby Salper with Raymond James. Alana, you are now open.

Operator: Thank you. Our next question coming from the line of Bobby Silver with Raymond James. Your line is now open.

Speaker #12: Hey, thanks for taking the question. I was wondering if you talk about the definitional differences between RPO and backlog.

Bobby Silver: Hey, thanks for taking the question. I was wondering if you'd talk about the definitional differences between RPO and backlog.

Speaker #5: Sure. So RPO is a portion of our revenue footnotes in our 10-Qs and 10-Ks. It starts with the total backlog that we report, and it backs off contracts that have a termination for convenience clause.

Joan Hooper: Sure. RPO is a portion of our revenue footnotes in our 10-Qs and 10-Ks. It starts with the total backlog that we report, and it backs off contracts that have a termination for convenience clause. Often the termination for convenience is governed by regulatory bodies, meaning the contract has to be structured that way. It's a function of the structure of the contract, and therefore, at any given quarter, the mix of the contracts and backlog will dictate how much is backed out to get what we call a net 606 backlog, which I think you referred to as, you know, the remaining performance obligations. Importantly, we do not use that to forecast revenue. We do use our full backlog because those contracts, while technically some may be cancelable, nobody ever cancels.

Speaker #5: So, often the termination for convenience is governed by regulatory bodies, meaning the contract has to be structured that way. So, it's a function of the structure of the contract, and therefore at any given quarter, the mix of the contracts and backlog will dictate how much is backed out to get what we call a net 606 backlog, which I think you referred to as the remaining performance obligations.

Speaker #5: Importantly, we do not use that to forecast revenue. We do use our full backlog because those contracts while technically some may be cancelable, nobody ever cancels.

Speaker #5: So if you looked at our historical backlog, you haven't seen big adjustments to the backlog for cancellation. So it really is a function of the 606 literature on revenue and it affects our 606 revenue models, etc.

Joan Hooper: If you looked at our historical backlog, you haven't seen big adjustments to the backlog for cancellation. It really is a function of the ASC 606 literature on revenue, and it affects our ASC 606 revenue models, et cetera, but does not impact how we look at revenue flowing into the P&L. We use the gross backlog, which is also in that footnote.

Speaker #5: but does not impact how we look at revenue flowing into the P&L. So we use the gross backlog which is also in that footnote.

Speaker #12: Okay. Understood. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. And then on the gross margin front, is there a good way to handicap what I think you've been calling out customer mixed benefits for a couple of quarters?

Bobby Silver: Okay. Mm-hmm. Understood. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Then on the gross margin front, is there a good way to handicap what, I think you've been calling out customer mix benefits for a couple of quarters, like what the customer mix benefit is in gross margins versus what the, I guess, ongoing recurring gross margin of the business would be?

Speaker #12: What the customer mixed benefit is in gross margins versus what the, I guess, ongoing recurring gross margin in the business would be?

Speaker #5: Sure. So what you saw was the last of some of that pre-inflation run-up backlog rolling out of our total backlog. Recall a couple of years ago inflation spiked and we had some contracts that were priced pre-inflation with limited flexibility on pricing.

Tom Deitrich: Sure. What you saw was the last of some of that pre-inflation run up backlog rolling out of our total backlog. You recall a couple years ago, inflation spiked, and what we had some contracts that were priced pre-inflation with limited flexibility on pricing. That stuff has now fully played through, and that certainly has helped the margin profile as we knew it would. All of the self-help that we've done over the years with factory consolidation and portfolio pruning obviously showing through, and really proud of how the team has handled the demand levels that we've seen in terms of managing cost structure and making sure that we had the material in place to fulfill things. Really good operational efficiencies there.

Speaker #5: That stuff has now fully played through and that certainly has helped the margin profile as we knew it would. All of the self-help that we've done over the years with factory consolidation and portfolio pruning obviously showing through and really proud of how the team has handled the demand levels that we've seen in terms of managing cost structure and making sure that we had material in place to fulfill things.

Speaker #5: So, really good operational efficiencies there. So, what you saw in gross margin in Q1 was obviously a bit ahead of expectations based on some really good execution.

Tom Deitrich: What you saw in gross margin in Q1 was obviously a bit ahead of expectations based on some really good execution. I think that where we anchored our gross margin targets from our 2027 targets, the Devices business will be materially ahead. The Networks business maybe towards the upper end of that range and Outcomes, it'll depend on the mix as we scale up that business. Resiliency Solutions, clearly, it's a strong gross margin. As that business scales, it'll pull the entire company average upward.

Speaker #5: I think that where we anchored our gross margin targets from our 27 targets the devices business will be materially ahead the networks business maybe towards the upper end of that range and outcomes it'll depend on the mix as we scale up that business.

Speaker #5: Resiliency solutions clearly is strong gross margin and as that business scales it'll pull the entire company average upward.

Speaker #12: All right. Thank you. I appreciate it. If I could just ask a clarifying question on one of the comments you just made on the devices gross margin.

Bobby Silver: All right. Thank you. I appreciate it. If I could just ask a clarifying question on one of the comments you just made on the devices gross margin. When you say it's ahead, does that just mean it's better than your original expectations, or should the assumption be that goes back to what the previous kind of long-term target was?

Speaker #12: When you say it's ahead, is that just meaning it's better than your original expectations or should the assumption be that goes back to what the previous kind of long-term target was?

Speaker #5: Good clarification. To make sure I'm clear, it is ahead of those 27 targets, and we believe it stays at roughly the level that it is at now.

Tom Deitrich: Good clarification. Make sure I'm clear. It is ahead of those 2027 targets, and we believe it stays at roughly the level that it is at now. You know, I think that number that you saw the last couple of quarters is more the level that that business can operate. There can be quarter-to-quarter variation, but I think you're in the right zip code.

Speaker #5: So I think that number that you saw the last couple of quarters is more the level that that business can operate. There can be quarter-to-quarter variation, but I think you're in the right zip code.

Speaker #12: Understood. Thank you.

Bobby Silver: Understood. Thank you.

Operator: Thank you. I see one question just came in coming from the line of Joseph Osha with Guggenheim Partners.

Speaker #1: Thank you. And I see one question just came in coming from the lineup. Joseph Osho with Guggenheim Partners. Alana is now open.

Joseph Osha: Hi. Yeah, thank you. Just to follow up a bit on the previous question, as you just pointed out, Tom, resiliency is gross margin accretive. You know, it's a high growth business. It's kind of growing into that operating cost footprint. I assume there's a lot of R&D there. Can you give us maybe some sense as to when resiliency might be getting closer to the corporate average at the operating margin level? Thanks.

Speaker #13: Hi. Yeah, thank you. Just to follow up a bit on the previous question, as you just pointed out, Tom, resiliency is gross margin accretive.

Speaker #13: It's a high-growth business. It's kind of growing into that operating cost footprint. I assume there's a lot of R&D there. Can you give us maybe some sense as to when Resiliency might be getting closer to the corporate average at the operating margin level?

Speaker #13: Thanks.

Speaker #5: Yeah. I can try to answer that not specific on numbers, but if you go back and look at what I commented on February call, we indicated that resiliency solutions was immediately accretive to ITRON's revenue growth, gross margins, and EBITDA.

Tom Deitrich: I can try to answer that. Not specific on numbers, but if you go back and look at what I commented on in the February call, we indicated that Resiliency Solutions was immediately accretive to Itron's revenue growth, gross margins, and EBITDA, dilutive to 2026 EPS due to the less interest income. On an operational basis, accretive in 2026, and by the time we're into 2027, completely accretive on an EPS level. Don't have a specific answer on operating income, but they're progressing nicely. What drags them down operationally today is just a higher OpEx structure, which they'll grow into. We're really looking to encourage them to continue spending R&D and building out their platforms.

Speaker #5: Dilutive to 2026 EPS due to the less interest income. But on an operational basis, accretive in '26 and by the time we're into '27 completely accretive on an EPS level.

Speaker #5: So don't have a specific answer on operating income, but they're progressing nicely. What drags them down operationally today is just a higher OPEX structure which they'll grow into.

Speaker #5: So we're really looking to encourage them to continue spending R&D and building out their platforms.

Speaker #13: But it would be would it be fair to say stipulating that obviously everything you're saying is reasonable that simply at the percentage level it's going to take them a while to kind of grow into that high R&D budget even though it is accretive as you point out?

Joseph Osha: Would it be fair to say, stipulating that obviously everything you saying is reasonable, that simply at the percentage level, it's gonna take them a while to kind of grow into that high R&D budget, even though it is accretive, as you point out?

Speaker #5: Yeah. Again, I think over time we'll look for synergies in R&D across all the segments. And so hard to give a precise answer in terms of when does our R&D budget go down and therefore their operating income percent go up.

Tom Deitrich: Yeah. Again, I think over time, we'll look for synergies in R&D across all the segments. So hard to give a precise answer in terms of when does our R&D budget go down and therefore their operating income percent go up? Certainly, we expect them to scale, and we believe it was two attractive acquisitions that we'll execute on accordingly.

Joan Hooper: Yeah. Again, I think over time, we'll look for synergies in R&D across all the segments. So hard to give a precise answer in terms of when does our R&D budget go down and therefore their operating income percent go up? Certainly, we expect them to scale, and we believe it was two attractive acquisitions that we'll execute on accordingly.

Speaker #5: But certainly we expect them to scale and we believe it was too attractive acquisitions that we'll execute on accordingly.

Speaker #13: Okay. Thank you very much.

Joseph Osha: Okay. Thank you very much.

Operator: Thank you. I'm showing no further questions. I will now turn the call back over to Mr. Tom Deitrich for any closing remarks.

Speaker #1: Thank you. And I am showing no further questions. I will now turn the call back over to Mr. Tom Deitrich for any closing remarks.

Speaker #5: Thank you, Lydia. Thank you, everyone, for joining our call today. We look forward to updating you again next quarter.

Tom Deitrich: Thank you, Olivia. Thank you, everyone, for joining our call today. We look forward to updating you again next quarter.

Operator: This concludes today's conference call. Thank you for your participation, and you may now disconnect.

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