ITRI Itron Inc

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

---

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

⃞ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
⃞ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

(d)  Exhibits.

The information presented in this Current Report on Form 8-K may contain forward-looking statements and certain assumptions upon which such forward-looking statements are in part based. Numerous important factors, including those factors identified in Itron, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other of the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the fact that the assumptions set forth in this Current Report on Form 8-K could prove incorrect, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit 99.1

Itron Announces Second Quarter 2015 Financial Results

LIBERTY LAKE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--August 5, 2015--Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ:ITRI) announced today financial results for its second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2015. The financial results include:

• Quarterly and six month revenues of $470 million and $918 million;
• Quarterly and six month Electricity segment revenues increased 11 percent and 9 percent;
• Quarterly and six month GAAP net loss per share of 37 cents and 24 cents;
• Quarterly and six month non-GAAP net loss per share of 38 cents and 18 cents;
• A previously announced warranty charge of $23.6 million in the quarter and $26.7 million in the six month period impacted per share results by 38 cents and 43 cents, respectively;
• An unfavorable tax adjustment due to losses in countries with full valuation allowances impacted per share results by approximately 18 cents in the quarter, and 21 cents in the six month period;
• Quarterly and six month adjusted EBITDA of $4 million and $33 million;
• Twelve-month backlog of $791 million and total backlog of $1.4 billion;
• Quarterly bookings of $398 million.

“Revenues for the quarter increased by six percent excluding the impact of foreign currency, however, our earnings were unacceptable,” said Philip Mezey, Itron’s president and chief executive officer. “Strong improvement in the Electricity business was offset by the previously announced warranty cost in the Water segment, as well as weaker than expected Gas gross margin in the EMEA region. In addition, tax expense contributed to the unfavorable earnings. The higher tax rate in the quarter was due to operating losses in countries where deferred tax assets have been impaired. Improved profitability in these countries should result in a lower tax rate for the balance of the year.”

“We are taking aggressive steps to strengthen our quality processes and improve operational performance, including immediate cost control measures to strengthen earnings in the second half of the year,” continued Mr. Mezey. “Itron has a strong competitive position in a growing industry. We are also on track with our restructuring initiatives, which will deliver long-term sustainable cost savings. We are confident that we are taking the right steps to create increased value for shareholders in 2016 and beyond.”

Financial Results - Quarter

Revenues were $470 million for the quarter compared with $489 million in 2014. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates unfavorably impacted revenues by approximately $50 million for the quarter. Excluding the impact from foreign currency, revenues increased $31 million, or 6 percent, compared with the 2014 quarter. The increase in revenues was driven by the Electricity segment, which grew 19 percent year-over-year, on a constant currency basis.

Gross margin for the quarter was 25.2 percent compared with the prior year period margin of 33.3 percent. Increased warranty expense, primarily due to $23.6 million recorded in the Water segment, negatively impacted gross margin by approximately 570 basis points. In addition, lower volumes and an unfavorable product mix in the Gas segment negatively impacted gross margin.

GAAP operating expenses in the quarter were $123 million compared with $131 million in same period of 2014. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates favorably impacted GAAP expenses by approximately $13 million in the quarter. Excluding the impact from foreign currency, expenses in the quarter increased $4 million compared with the prior year quarter. The increase was driven by restructuring, higher sales and marketing expenses in Electricity and increased product development investments in Gas and Water. These increases were partially offset by lower general and administrative costs driven by a recovery of $4.6 million from a litigation matter associated with the 2012 SmartSynch acquisition and lower intangible asset amortization expense.

GAAP operating loss for the quarter was $4 million compared with operating income of $32 million in the same period of 2014. GAAP net loss for the quarter was $14 million, or 37 cents per share, compared with net income of $19 million, or 49 cents per diluted share. The operating and net losses for the quarter were primarily attributable to the Water segment warranty charge and decreased contribution from the Gas segment. Interest expense in the quarter increased $1 million compared with the prior year due to the write-off of unamortized debt fees associated with the refinancing of a previous debt agreement. In addition, despite having a pre-tax net loss, tax expense was recorded due to valuation allowances applied to deferred tax assets in certain jurisdictions. These valuation allowances currently restrict the ability to recognize a tax benefit on losses in these jurisdictions.

Non-GAAP operating expenses, which exclude amortization of intangibles, restructuring charges, acquisition related expenses and goodwill impairment, were $123 million for the quarter compared with $128 million in the prior year quarter. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates favorably impacted Non-GAAP expenses by approximately $13 million in the quarter. Excluding the foreign currency impact, expenses increased by $8 million driven by higher sales and marketing costs in Electricity, increased product development investments in Gas and Water and higher general and administrative expenses due to employee related benefits and information technology support.

Non-GAAP operating loss was $5 million for the quarter compared with operating income of $35 million in the same period in 2014. Non-GAAP net loss for the quarter was $15 million, or 38 cents per share, compared with net income of $21 million, or 54 cents per diluted share in the prior year quarter. The Non-GAAP operating and net loss for the quarter were primarily attributable to the Water segment warranty charge and decreased contribution from the Gas segment. In addition, despite having a pre-tax net loss, tax expense was recorded due to valuation allowances applied to deferred tax assets in certain jurisdictions. These valuation allowances currently restrict the ability to recognize a tax benefit on losses in these jurisdictions.

Free cash flow was $10 million for the quarter compared with negative $10 million in the prior year quarter. Free cash flow for the quarter was positively impacted by timing of accounts payable disbursements, offset by increased inventory to support future production requirements.

During the quarter, the company repurchased 188,775 shares of Itron common stock at an average price of $36.25 per share pursuant to Board authorization to repurchase up to $50 million of Itron common stock during a 12-month period beginning February 2015. As of June 30, 2015, the company had repurchased 272,775 shares of Itron common stock at an average price of $36.30 per share, since the inception of the plan.

The company recently concluded discussions with several work councils in Europe regarding its restructuring plans and expects the pace of activities to accelerate. Adjustments to restructuring expense were made during the quarter to reflect changes in estimates and assumptions following labor negotiations. The company continues to expect annualized savings of approximately $40 million upon completion of the restructuring activities by the end of 2016.

Financial Results – Six Months

Revenues were $918 million for the first six months of 2015, compared with $964 million in the 2014 period. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates unfavorably impacted revenues by $94 million for the first six months. Excluding the impact from foreign currency, revenues increased $48 million, or 5 percent, compared with the 2014 period. The increase in revenues was driven by the Electricity segment, which grew nearly 17 percent year-over-year, on a constant currency basis.

Gross margin for the first six months of 2015 was 28.0 percent compared with 32.9 percent in 2014. Increased warranty expenses, primarily due to $26.7 million recorded in the Water segment, negatively impacted gross margin by approximately 320 basis points. In addition, lower volumes and an unfavorable product mix in the Gas segment negatively impacted gross margin.

GAAP operating expenses for the six month period were $247 million compared with $281 million in the prior year period. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates favorably impacted GAAP expenses by approximately $28 million for the six month period. Excluding the impact from foreign currency, expenses in the six month period decreased $6 million compared with the 2014 period. The decrease was driven by lower intangible asset amortization expense and adjustments to restructuring reserves.

GAAP operating income for the six month period was $10 million compared with $36 million in the 2014 period. GAAP net loss in the first six months was $9 million, or 24 cents per share, compared with net income of $19 million, or 48 cents per share, in the 2014 period. The decrease in GAAP net earnings compared with the prior year period was driven by lower gross profit in the Water and Gas segments and an increased effective tax rate and expense as a result of valuation allowances applied to deferred tax assets in certain jurisdictions. These valuation allowances currently restrict the ability to recognize a tax benefit on losses in these jurisdictions.

Non-GAAP operating expenses, which exclude amortization of intangibles, restructuring charges, acquisition related expenses and goodwill impairment, for the six month period were $243 million compared with $260 million in the prior year period. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates favorably impacted Non-GAAP expenses by approximately $25 million in the six month period. Excluding the foreign currency impact, expenses increased due to higher sales and marketing expenses in both the Electricity and Water segments, increased product development investments in Gas and Water and higher general and administrative expenses due to employee related benefits and professional services.

Non-GAAP operating income for the first six months of 2015 was $13 million compared with $58 million in 2014. Non-GAAP net loss for the first six months of 2015 was $7 million, or 18 cents per share, compared with non-GAAP net income of $34 million, or 85 cents per diluted share, in 2014. The decrease in non-GAAP operating income for the six month period was attributable to lower gross profit. Non-GAAP net income for the year was negatively impacted by a higher effective tax rate driven primarily by the valuation allowances applied to deferred tax assets in certain jurisdictions. These valuation allowances currently restrict the ability to recognize a tax benefit on losses in these jurisdictions.

During the first six months of 2015, free cash flow was negative $3 million compared with positive $48 million in 2014. The decrease over the prior year was primarily due to lower earnings and increased inventory levels.

Financial Guidance

Itron’s guidance for the full year 2015 is as follows:

• Revenue between $1.85 and $1.95 billion
• Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share between $1.00 and $1.30

The company’s guidance includes the effect of the $26.7 million Water warranty charge recorded in the first half of the year, accounting for 43 cents of decreased earnings per share. The guidance assumes a Euro to U.S. dollar average exchange rate of $1.12 in 2015 compared with an average rate of $1.33 in 2014, a gross margin of approximately 30 percent and average shares outstanding of approximately 38.5 million for the year. The company also anticipates modest upward pressure on its previously provided guidance of 37 percent non-GAAP effective tax rate for the full year.

The guidance reflects the company’s expectation for improvement in results in the second half of 2015 when compared with the first half. Earnings are expected to improve due to increased revenue supported by contracted backlog; higher gross margin reflecting additional volumes across all segments, product cost reductions and factory efficiencies in Gas in the fourth quarter; immediate cost reductions in all categories of discretionary spending; and a lower effective tax rate than realized in the first half of the year.

Earnings Conference Call

Itron will host a conference call to discuss the financial results and guidance contained in this release at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on Aug. 5, 2015. The call will be webcast in a listen-only mode. Webcast information and conference call materials will be made available 10 minutes before the start of the call and will be accessible on Itron’s website at http://investors.itron.com/events.cfm. A replay of the audio webcast will be available within 90 minutes of the conclusion of the live call and available for one year at http://investors.itron.com/events.cfm. A telephone replay of the conference call will be available through Aug. 10, 2015. To access the telephone replay, dial (888) 203-1112 (Domestic) or (719) 457-0820 (International) and enter passcode 5299205.

About Itron

Itron is a world-leading technology and services company dedicated to the resourceful use of energy and water. We provide comprehensive solutions that measure, manage and analyze energy and water. Our broad product portfolio includes electricity, gas, water and thermal energy measurement devices and control technology; communications systems; software; as well as managed and consulting services. With thousands of employees supporting nearly 8,000 customers in more than 100 countries, Itron applies knowledge and technology to better manage energy and water resources. Together, we can create a more resourceful world. Join us: www.itron.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements concerning our expectations about operations, financial performance, sales, earnings and cash flows. These statements reflect our current plans and expectations and are based on information currently available. The statements rely on a number of assumptions and estimates, which could be inaccurate, and which are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to vary materially from those anticipated. Risks and uncertainties include the rate and timing of customer demand for our products, rescheduling of current customer orders, changes in estimated liabilities for product warranties, changes in laws and regulations, our dependence on new product development and intellectual property, future acquisitions, changes in estimates for stock-based and bonus compensation, increasing volatility in foreign exchange rates, international business risks and other factors that are more fully described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and other reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Itron undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, including our business outlook.

Non-GAAP Financial Information

To supplement our consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP, we use certain non-GAAP financial measures, including non-GAAP operating expense, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow. We provide these non-GAAP financial measures because we believe they provide greater transparency and represent supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision making. Specifically, these non-GAAP financial measures are provided to enhance investors’ overall understanding of our current financial performance and our future anticipated performance by excluding infrequent or non-cash costs, particularly those associated with acquisitions. We exclude certain costs in our non-GAAP financial measures as we believe the net result is a measure of our core business. Non-GAAP performance measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our non-GAAP financial measures may be different from those reported by other companies. A more detailed discussion of why we use non-GAAP financial measures, the limitations of using such measures, and reconciliations between non-GAAP and the nearest GAAP financial measures are included in this press release.

Statements of operations, segment information, balance sheets, cash flow statements and reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures follow.

Itron, Inc.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The accompanying press release contains non-GAAP financial measures. To supplement our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, we use certain non-GAAP financial measures, including non-GAAP operating expense, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow. The presentation of this financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures please see the table captioned “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to Most Directly Comparable GAAP Financial Measures.”

We use these non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision making and as a means for determining executive compensation. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance and ability to service debt by excluding certain expenses that may not be indicative of our recurring core operating results. These non-GAAP financial measures facilitate management’s internal comparisons to our historical performance as well as comparisons to our competitors’ operating results. Our executive compensation plans exclude non-cash charges related to amortization of intangibles acquired through a business acquisition and non-recurring discrete cash and non-cash charges that are infrequent in nature such as purchase accounting adjustments, restructuring charges or goodwill impairment charges. We believe that both management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our performance and when planning, forecasting and analyzing future periods. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors because they provide greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision making and because they are used by our institutional investors and the analyst community to analyze the health of our business.

Non-GAAP operating expense and non-GAAP operating income – We define non-GAAP operating expense as operating expense excluding certain expenses related to the amortization of intangible assets acquired through a business acquisition, restructuring, acquisitions and goodwill impairment. We define non-GAAP operating income as operating income excluding the expenses related to the amortization of intangible assets acquired through a business acquisition, restructuring, acquisitions and goodwill impairment. We consider these non-GAAP financial measures to be useful metrics for management and investors because they exclude the effect of expenses that are related to previous acquisitions and restructurings. By excluding these expenses, we believe that it is easier for management and investors to compare our financial results over multiple periods and analyze trends in our operations. For example, in certain periods expenses related to amortization of intangible assets may decrease, which would improve GAAP operating margins, yet the improvement in GAAP operating margins due to this lower expense is not necessarily reflective of an improvement in our core business. There are some limitations related to the use of non-GAAP operating expense and non-GAAP operating income versus operating expense and operating income calculated in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP operating expense and non-GAAP operating income exclude some costs that are recurring. Additionally, the expenses that we exclude in our calculation of non-GAAP operating expense and non-GAAP operating income may differ from the expenses that our peer companies exclude when they report the results of their operations. We compensate for these limitations by providing specific information about the GAAP amounts we have excluded from our non-GAAP operating expense and non-GAAP operating income and evaluating non-GAAP operating expense and non-GAAP operating income together with GAAP operating expense and GAAP operating income.

Non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted EPS – We define non-GAAP net income as net income excluding the expenses associated with amortization of intangible assets acquired through a business acquisition, restructuring, acquisitions, goodwill impairment and amortization of debt placement fees. We define non-GAAP diluted EPS as non-GAAP net income divided by the weighted average shares, on a diluted basis, outstanding during each period. We consider these financial measures to be useful metrics for management and investors for the same reasons that we use non-GAAP operating income. The same limitations described above regarding our use of non-GAAP operating income apply to our use of non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted EPS. We compensate for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP amounts excluded from these non-GAAP measures and evaluating non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted EPS together with GAAP net income and GAAP diluted EPS.

Adjusted EBITDA – We define adjusted EBITDA as net income (a) minus interest income, (b) plus interest expense, depreciation and amortization of business acquisition related intangible asset expenses, restructuring expense, acquisition related expense, goodwill impairment and (c) exclude the tax expense or benefit. We believe that providing this financial measure is important for management and investors to understand our ability to service our debt as it is a measure of the cash generated by our core business. Management uses adjusted EBITDA as a performance measure for executive compensation. A limitation to using adjusted EBITDA is that it does not represent the total increase or decrease in the cash balance for the period and the measure includes some non-cash items and excludes other non-cash items. Additionally, the items that we exclude in our calculation of adjusted EBITDA may differ from the items that our peer companies exclude when they report their results. We compensate for these limitations by providing a reconciliation of this measure to GAAP net income.

Free cash flow – We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less cash used for acquisitions of property, plant and equipment. We believe free cash flow provides investors with a relevant measure of liquidity and a useful basis for assessing our ability to fund our operations and repay our debt. The same limitations described above regarding our use of adjusted EBITDA apply to our use of free cash flow. We compensate for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP amounts and reconciling to free cash flow.

The accompanying tables have more detail on the GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to the non-GAAP financial measures and the related reconciliations between these financial measures.

CONTACT:
Itron, Inc.
Barbara Doyle, 509-891-3443
Vice President, Investor Relations
or
Marni Pilcher, 509-891-3847
Director, Investor Relations