Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2006

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from            to            

Commission file number 0-22418

 


ITRON, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Washington   91-1011792
(State of incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

2818 North Sullivan Road

Spokane Valley, Washington 99216-1897

(509) 924-9900

(Address and telephone number of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

   Yes  ¨    No  x   

As of June 30, 2006, there were outstanding 25,491,538 shares of the registrant’s common stock, no par value, which is the only class of common stock of the registrant.

 



Table of Contents

Itron, Inc.

Table of Contents

 

     Page
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

     Item 1: Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

   1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

   2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   3

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   4

     Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   31

     Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   43

     Item 4: Controls and Procedures

   43

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

  

     Item 1: Legal Proceedings

   44

     Item 1A: Risk Factors

   44

     Item 4: Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   44

     Item 5: Other Information

   44

     Item 6: Exhibits

   44

SIGNATURE

   45


Table of Contents

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1: Financial Statements (Unaudited)

ITRON, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2006     2005     2006     2005  
     (in thousands, except per share data)  

Revenues

        

Sales

   $ 151,977     $ 122,811     $ 294,911     $ 227,013  

Service

     11,833       12,312       24,452       24,580  
                                

Total revenues

     163,810       135,123       319,363       251,593  

Cost of revenues

        

Sales

     88,118       70,810       169,960       130,009  

Service

     6,660       7,574       13,597       13,847  
                                

Total cost of revenues

     94,778       78,384       183,557       143,856  
                                

Gross profit

     69,032       56,739       135,806       107,737  

Operating expenses

        

Sales and marketing

     16,321       13,529       31,802       26,768  

Product development

     14,920       11,414       27,790       23,328  

General and administrative

     12,519       11,770       24,641       21,736  

Amortization of intangible assets

     7,612       9,715       14,925       19,431  

Restructurings

     -           -           -           390  
                                

Total operating expenses

     51,372       46,428       99,158       91,653  
                                

Operating income

     17,660       10,311       36,648       16,084  

Other income (expense)

        

Interest income

     360       94       722       98  

Interest expense

     (2,585 )     (6,385 )     (8,331 )     (10,952 )

Other income (expense), net

     (241 )     454       (689 )     555  
                                

Total other income (expense)

     (2,466 )     (5,837 )     (8,298 )     (10,299 )
                                

Income before income taxes

     15,194       4,474       28,350       5,785  

Income tax (provision) benefit

     (4,990 )     4,839       (11,077 )     4,345  
                                

Net income

   $ 10,204     $ 9,313     $ 17,273     $ 10,130  
                                

Earnings per share

        

Basic net income per share

   $ 0.40     $ 0.41     $ 0.68     $ 0.46  
                                

Diluted net income per share

   $ 0.39     $ 0.38     $ 0.66     $ 0.43  
                                

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

        

Basic

     25,415       22,811       25,237       22,135  

Diluted

     26,360       24,416       26,216       23,677  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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ITRON, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

 

    

June 30,

2006

   December 31,
2005
     (in thousands)
ASSETS      

Current assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $              46,587    $            33,638

Accounts receivable, net

     89,046      104,428

Inventories

     59,979      49,456

Deferred income taxes, net

     20,627      23,194

Other

     23,598      10,941
             

Total current assets

     239,837      221,657

Property, plant and equipment, net

     75,475      77,623

Intangible assets, net

     118,161      123,293

Goodwill

     119,504      116,032

Deferred income taxes, net

     52,330      48,955

Other

     8,664      11,324
             

Total assets

   $ 613,971    $ 598,884
             
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      

Current liabilities

     

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 49,418    $ 46,215

Wages and benefits payable

     20,058      23,732

Current portion of debt

     -          4,376

Current portion of warranty

     7,927      8,497

Unearned revenue

     26,376      22,758
             

Total current liabilities

     103,779      105,578

Long-term debt

     124,274      160,186

Project financing debt

     -          2,367

Warranty

     9,027      6,779

Contingent purchase price

     5,882      -    

Other obligations

     7,927      6,440
             

Total liabilities

     250,889      281,350

Commitments and contingencies

     

Shareholders’ equity

     

Preferred stock

     -          -    

Common stock

     339,640      312,046

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net

     1,552      871

Retained earnings

     21,890      4,617
             

Total shareholders’ equity

     363,082      317,534
             

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 613,971    $ 598,884
             

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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ITRON, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2006     2005  
     (in thousands)  

Operating activities

    

Net income

   $ 17,273     $ 10,130  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     22,291       26,124  

Employee stock plans income tax benefits

     11,686       7,047  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     (8,371 )     -      

Stock-based compensation

     4,096       220  

Amortization of prepaid debt fees

     3,155       3,048  

Deferred income taxes, net

     (953 )     (12,380 )

Other, net

     435       828  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

    

Accounts receivable

     18,038       4,324  

Inventories

     (9,575 )     (892 )

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     1,142       2,179  

Wages and benefits payable

     (3,623 )     2,696  

Unearned revenue

     4,230       (4,110 )

Warranty

     1,678       (181 )

Other long-term obligations

     (181 )     (644 )

Other, net

     (4,550 )     (1,800 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     56,771       36,589  

Investing activities

    

Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment

     109       2,642  

Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment

     (14,420 )     (5,276 )

Proceeds from the sale of an investment in affiliate

     1,000       -      

Business acquisitions, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired

     (7,778 )     -      

Other, net

     335       478  
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (20,754 )     (2,156 )

Financing activities

    

Payments on debt

     (42,703 )     (108,178 )

Issuance of common stock

     11,326       72,318  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     8,371       -      

Prepaid debt fees

     (62 )     (267 )

Other, net

     -           28  
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (23,068 )     (36,099 )

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     12,949       (1,666 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     33,638       11,624  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 46,587     $ 9,958  
                

Non-cash operating and investing transactions:

    

Property, plant and equipment purchased but not yet paid

   $ 3,103     $ -      

Non-cash affects of acquisitions (Note 4)

    

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid during the period for:

    

Income taxes

   $ 833     $ 1,294  

Interest

     5,623       8,088  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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ITRON, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

June 30, 2006

(Unaudited)

In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Itron” and the “Company” refer to Itron, Inc.

Note 1:    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are unaudited and reflect entries necessary for the fair presentation of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, of Itron and our consolidated subsidiaries. All entries required for the fair presentation of the financial statements are of a normal recurring nature. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation.

We consolidate all entities in which we have a greater than 50% ownership interest. We also consolidate entities in which we have a 50% or less investment and over which we have control. We account for entities in which we have a 50% or less investment and exercise significant influence under the equity method of accounting. Entities in which we have less than a 20% investment and do not exercise significant influence are accounted for under the cost method. We consider for consolidation any variable interest entity of which we are the primary beneficiary. We are not the primary beneficiary of any variable interest entities.

On April 1, 2006, we completed the acquisition of Quantum Consulting, Inc., which is reported within our Software Solutions segment. On June 1, 2006, we completed the acquisition of ELO Sistemas e Tecnologia Ltda., located in Brazil, which is reported within our Electricity Metering segment. The operating results of these acquisitions are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements commencing on the date of each acquisition (see Note 4).

Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding interim results. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the 2005 audited financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on February 24, 2006. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year or for any other fiscal period.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid instruments with remaining maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are recorded for invoices issued to customers in accordance with our contractual arrangements. Unbilled receivables are recorded when revenues are recognized upon product shipment or service delivery and invoicing occurs at a later date. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on our historical experience of bad debts. Accounts receivable are written-off against the allowance when we believe an account, or a portion thereof, is no longer collectible.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out method. Cost includes raw materials and labor, plus applied direct and indirect costs, including those costs required under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 151, Inventory Costs—an amendment of ARB 43, Chapter 4, (SFAS 151), which was effective for inventory costs incurred on or after January 1, 2006. SFAS 151 did not have a material effect on our financial statements. Service inventories consist primarily of subassemblies and components necessary to support post-sale maintenance. A large portion of our low-volume manufacturing and all of our repair services for domestic handheld meter reading units are provided by an outside vendor, Servatron. At December 31, 2005, we had a 30% equity interest in Servatron, which we sold back to Servatron in the first quarter of 2006 (see Note 11). Consigned inventory held by Servatron totaled $3.8 million at June 30, 2006 and $2.9 million at December 31, 2005.

 

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Property, Plant and Equipment and Equipment used in Outsourcing

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally thirty years for buildings and three to five years for equipment, computers and furniture. Leasehold improvements are capitalized over the term of the applicable lease, including renewable periods if reasonably assured, or over the useful lives, whichever is shorter. Project management costs incurred in connection with installation and equipment used in outsourcing contracts are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the useful life or the term of the contract. Costs related to internally developed software and software purchased for internal uses are capitalized in accordance with Statement of Position 98-1, Accounting for Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. We have no major planned maintenance activities.

In the second quarter of 2006, we capitalized approximately $400,000 of interest costs related to qualified expenditures for improvements to our new corporate headquarters facility, which will be substantially complete as of September 30, 2006. The amount capitalized is based on interest rates in place during the construction period.

We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. There were no significant impairments in the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. If there was an indication of impairment, management would prepare an estimate of future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If these cash flows were less than the carrying amount of the assets, an impairment loss would be recognized to write down the assets to their estimated fair value. Assets held for sale are classified within other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated.

Prepaid Debt Fees

Prepaid debt fees represent direct costs incurred related to the issuance of long-term debt and are recorded in other noncurrent assets. These costs are amortized to interest expense over the lives of the respective borrowings using the effective interest method. When debt is repaid early, the portion of unamortized prepaid debt fees related to the early principal repayment is written-off and included in interest expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Acquisitions

In accordance with SFAS 141, Business Combinations, we utilize the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. Business combinations accounted for under the purchase method include the results of operations of the acquired business from the date of acquisition. Net assets of the company acquired and intangible assets that arise from contractual/legal rights, or are capable of being separated, are recorded at their fair values at the date of acquisition. The balance of the purchase price after fair value allocations represents goodwill. Negative goodwill resulting from contingent consideration is recorded as a liability. If the contingent payments are made, they are applied against the liability. Amounts allocated to in-process research and development (IPR&D) are expensed in the period of acquisition.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill is tested for impairment as of October 1 of each year, or more frequently, if a significant event occurs under the guidance of SFAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Intangible assets with a finite life are amortized based on estimated discounted cash flows over estimated useful lives and tested for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. We use estimates in determining the value of goodwill and intangible assets, including estimates of useful lives of intangible assets, discounted future cash flows and fair values of the related operations. We forecast discounted future cash flows at the reporting unit level based on estimated future revenues and operating costs, which take into consideration factors such as existing backlog, expected future orders, supplier contracts and general market conditions.

Warranty

We offer industry standard warranties on our hardware products and large application software products. Standard warranty accruals represent the estimated cost of projected warranty claims and are based on historical and projected product performance trends, business volume assumptions, supplier information and other business and economic projections. Thorough testing of new products in the development stage helps identify and correct potential warranty issues prior to manufacturing. Continuing quality control efforts during manufacturing limit our exposure to warranty claims. If our quality control efforts fail to detect a fault in one of our products, we could experience an increase in warranty claims. We track

 

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warranty claims to identify potential warranty trends. If an unusual trend is noted, an additional warranty accrual may be assessed and recorded when a failure event is probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated. Management continually evaluates the sufficiency of the warranty provisions and makes adjustments when necessary. The warranty allowances may fluctuate due to changes in estimates for material, labor and other costs we may incur to replace projected product failures, and we may incur additional warranty and related expenses in the future with respect to new or established product. The long-term warranty balance includes estimated warranty claims beyond one year.

A summary of the warranty accrual account activity is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2006     2005     2006     2005  
     (in thousands)  

Beginning balance

   $ 15,111     $ 11,287     $ 15,276     $ 13,574  

Electricity Metering acquisition adjustments

     -           (130 )     -           (2,128 )

New product warranties

     734       883       1,319       1,468  

Other changes/adjustments to warranties

     3,147       771       4,512       1,489  

Claims activity

     (2,038 )     (1,547 )     (4,153 )     (3,139 )
                                

Ending balance, June 30

     16,954       11,264       16,954       11,264  

Less: current portion of warranty

     (7,927 )     (6,148 )     (7,927 )     (6,148 )
                                

Long-term warranty

   $ 9,027     $ 5,116     $ 9,027     $ 5,116  
                                

Total warranty expense, which consists of new product warranties issued and other changes and adjustments to warranties, totaled approximately $3.9 million and $1.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 and approximately $5.8 million and $3.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Warranty expense is classified within cost of sales.

Health Benefits

We are self insured for a substantial portion of the cost of employee group health insurance. We purchase insurance from a third party, which provides individual and aggregate stop loss protection for these costs. Each reporting period, we record the costs of our health insurance plan including paid claims, the change in the estimate of incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims, taxes and administrative fees (collectively the plan costs). Plan costs were approximately $4.8 million and $3.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 and approximately $7.1 million and $7.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The IBNR accrual, which is included in wages and benefits payable, was $2.0 million and $2.1 million at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. Fluctuations in the IBNR accrual are the result of claims activity.

Contingencies

An estimated loss for a contingency is recorded if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. We evaluate, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of loss. Changes in these factors could materially affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recorded for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of our assets and liabilities. These deferred taxes are measured using the tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. We establish a valuation allowance for the portion of the deferred tax asset when we believe it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be utilized. Deferred tax liabilities have been recorded on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries.

Foreign Exchange

Our condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are denominated in foreign currencies and are translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet date. Revenues, costs of revenues and expenses for these subsidiaries are translated using a weighted average rate for the relevant reporting period. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are included, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. Gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations for balances

 

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that are not denominated in the local currency are included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations unless those balances arose from intercompany transactions deemed to be long-term in nature. Currency gains and losses for this exception are included, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity.

Revenue Recognition

Sales consist of hardware, software license fees, custom software development, field and project management service and engineering, consulting, implementation, installation and professional service revenues. Service revenues include post-sale maintenance support and outsourcing services. Outsourcing services encompass installation, operation and maintenance of meter reading systems to provide meter information to a customer for billing and management purposes. Outsourcing services can be provided for systems we own as well as those owned by our customers.

Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables are divided into separate units of accounting if the delivered item(s) have value to the customer on a standalone basis, there is objective and reliable evidence of fair value of the undelivered item(s) and delivery/performance of the undelivered item(s) is probable. The total arrangement consideration is allocated among the separate units of accounting based on their relative fair values and the applicable revenue recognition criteria considered for each unit of accounting. For our standard contract arrangements that combine deliverables such as hardware, meter reading system software, installation and project management services, each deliverable is generally considered a single unit of accounting. The amount allocable to a delivered item is limited to the amount that we are entitled to bill and collect and is not contingent upon the delivery/performance of additional items.

Revenues are recognized when (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (3) the sales price is fixed or determinable and (4) collectibility is reasonably assured. Hardware revenues are generally recognized at the time of shipment, receipt by customer, or, if applicable, upon completion of customer acceptance provisions. For software arrangements with multiple elements, revenue recognition is also dependent upon the availability of vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE) of fair value for each of the elements. The lack of VSOE, or the existence of extended payment terms or other inherent risks, may affect the timing of revenue recognition for software arrangements. If implementation services are essential to a software arrangement, revenue is recognized using either the percentage of completion methodology if project costs can be estimated or the completed contract methodology if project costs cannot be reliably estimated. Hardware and software post-sale maintenance support fees are recognized ratably over the life of the related service contract. Under outsourcing arrangements, revenue is recognized as services are provided. Certain consulting services are recognized as services are performed.

Unearned revenue is recorded for products or services that have not been provided but have been invoiced under contractual agreements or paid for by a customer, or when products or services have been provided but the criteria for revenue recognition have not been met.

Product and Software Development Expenses

Product and software development expenses primarily include payroll and third party contracting fees. For software we develop to be marketed or sold, financial accounting standards require the capitalization of development costs after technological feasibility is established. Due to the relatively short period of time between technological feasibility and the completion of product development, and the immaterial nature of these costs, we do not capitalize software development. Product and software development costs are generally expensed when incurred.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share (EPS) is calculated using net income (loss) divided by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS except that the weighted average common shares outstanding are increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive stock-based awards had been exercised. Diluted EPS assumes that common shares were issued upon the exercise of stock-based awards for which the market price exceeded the exercise price, less shares that could have been repurchased with the related proceeds (treasury stock method). Related proceeds include the amount the employee must pay upon exercise, future compensation cost associated with the stock award and the amount of excess tax benefits. Shares that are contingently issuable are included in the dilutive EPS calculation as of the beginning of the period when all necessary conditions have been satisfied. In periods when we report a net loss, diluted net loss per share is the same as basic net loss per share.

Stock-Based Compensation

On January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS 123(R), Share-Based Payment, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all stock-based awards made to employees and directors based on estimated fair values. SFAS 123(R) supersedes Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. In

 

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March 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 107 (SAB 107) relating to SFAS 123(R). We have applied the provisions of SAB 107 in our adoption of SFAS 123(R).

We adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method, which requires the application of the accounting standard as of January 1, 2006, the first day of our fiscal year 2006. Our condensed consolidated financial statements, as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, reflect the impact of SFAS 123(R). In accordance with the modified prospective transition method, our condensed consolidated financial statements for prior periods have not been restated to reflect, and do not include the impact of, SFAS 123(R).

Stock-based compensation expense recognized under SFAS 123(R) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 was $2.0 million and $4.1 million, respectively, before income taxes, which includes awards of stock options, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) and restricted and unrestricted stock. The related total tax benefit was $277,000 and $549,000, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006. There was no stock-based compensation capitalized at June 30, 2006. Stock-based compensation expense of $71,000 and $220,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 was related to stock grants and employee stock purchases that we had been recognizing under previous accounting standards. There was no stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock options recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2005. We expense stock-based compensation using the straight-line method.

The adoption of SFAS 123(R) resulted in incremental stock-based compensation expense and a corresponding decrease to pre-tax income of $1.9 million and $3.8 million for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2006. A substantial portion of our stock-based compensation cannot be expensed for tax purposes. This resulted in a decrease to income after tax of $1.7 million, or $0.07 per basic and $0.06 per diluted share for the quarter and $3.4 million, or $0.13 per basic and diluted share year to date. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), we presented all tax benefits resulting from the exercise of stock options as operating cash inflows. Under SFAS 123(R), the benefits of tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized are classified as financing cash inflows rather than operating cash inflows, on a prospective basis. Cash provided by operating activities decreased and cash provided by financing activities increased by $8.4 million, respectively, related to excess tax benefits from stock awards exercised during the six month period ended June 30, 2006.

The following table shows the effect on net earnings and earnings per share, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, had compensation cost been recognized based upon the estimated fair value on the grant date of stock options and ESPP in accordance with SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-based Compensation, as amended by SFAS 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure. Disclosures for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2006 are not presented because the amounts are recognized in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30, 2005
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2005
 
     (in thousands, except per share data)  

Net income

    

As reported

   $ 9,313     $ 10,130  

Deduct: stock-based compensation, net of tax

     (1,938 )     (3,069 )
                

Pro forma net income

   $ 7,375     $ 7,061  
                

Basic net income per share

    

As reported

   $ 0.41     $ 0.46  
                

Pro forma

   $ 0.32     $ 0.32  
                

Diluted net income per share

    

As reported

   $ 0.38     $ 0.43  
                

Pro forma

   $ 0.30     $ 0.30  
                

 

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The fair value of stock options and ESPP awards issued during the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 were estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions.

 

     Employee Stock Options
     Three Months Ended June 30,    Six Months Ended June 30,
     2006    2005    2006    2005

Dividend yield

   -          -          -          -      

Expected volatility

   41.6%    58.6%    41.6%    59.0%

Risk-free interest rate

   4.9%    3.7%    4.9%    3.7%

Expected life (years)

   4.37    3.40    4.37    3.40
     ESPP
     Three Months Ended June 30,    Six Months Ended June 30,
     2006    2005 (1)    2006    2005

Dividend yield

   -          -        -          -      

Expected volatility

   54.0%    -        48.2%    50.9%

Risk-free interest rate

   4.7%    -        4.4%    2.5%

Expected life (years)

   0.25    -        0.25    0.25

 

(1) There was no ESPP activity for the three month period ended June 30, 2005.

For 2006, expected price volatility is based on a combination of historical volatility of the Company’s stock and the implied volatility of its traded options, for the related vesting period. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), expected stock price volatility was estimated using only historical volatility. The risk-free interest rate is the rate available as of the award date on zero-coupon U.S. government issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the award. The expected life is the weighted average expected life for the entire award based on the fixed period of time between the date the award is granted and the date the award is fully exercised. Factors to be considered in estimating the expected life are historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. We have not paid dividends in the past and do not plan to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future.

For restricted and unrestricted stock, the fair value is the market close price of the stock on the grant date.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Because of various factors affecting future costs and operations, actual results could differ from estimates.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In February of 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Instruments—An Amendment of FASB Statements 133 and 140 (SFAS 155). SFAS 155 amends SFAS 133 to allow financial instruments that have embedded derivatives to be accounted for as a whole, if the holder elects to account for the whole instrument on a fair value basis, and provides additional guidance on the applicability of SFAS 133 and SFAS 140 to certain financial instruments and subordinated concentrations of credit risk. SFAS 155 is effective for all hybrid financial instruments acquired or issued by us on or after January 1, 2007. The adoption of SFAS 155 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In July 2006, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB 109, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We have not yet determined the impact of the adoption of FIN 48 on our results of operations or financial condition.

 

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Note 2:    Earnings Per Share and Capital Structure

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,    Six Months Ended June 30,
     2006    2005    2006    2005
     (in thousands, except per share data)
Basic earnings per share:            

Net income available to common shareholders

   $ 10,204    $ 9,313    $ 17,273    $ 10,130
                           

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

     25,415      22,811      25,237      22,135
                           

Basic net income per share

   $ 0.40    $ 0.41    $ 0.68    $ 0.46
                           
Diluted earnings per share:            

Net income available to common shareholders

   $ 10,204    $ 9,313    $ 17,273    $ 10,130
                           

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

     25,415      22,811      25,237      22,135

Effect of dilutive securities: stock-based awards

     945      1,605      979      1,542
                           

Adjusted weighted average number of shares outstanding

     26,360      24,416      26,216      23,677
                           

Diluted net income per share

   $ 0.39    $ 0.38    $ 0.66    $ 0.43
                           

The dilutive effect of stock-based awards is calculated using the treasury stock method. Under this method, EPS is computed as if the awards were exercised at the beginning of the period (or at time of issuance, if later) and assumes the related proceeds were used to repurchase common stock at the average market price during the period. Related proceeds include the amount the employee must pay upon exercise, future compensation cost associated with the stock award and the amount of excess tax benefits. Weighted average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution, include the incremental shares that would be issued upon the assumed exercise of stock-based awards. At June 30, 2006 and 2005, we had stock-based awards outstanding of approximately 1.8 million and 3.2 million at average option exercise prices of $22.99 and $19.76, respectively. Approximately 27,000 and 10,000 stock-based awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, because they were anti-dilutive. Approximately 41,000 and 201,000 stock-based awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, because they were anti-dilutive. These stock-based awards could be dilutive in future periods.

We have authorized 10.0 million shares of preferred stock with no par value. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of any preferred stock at the time outstanding will be entitled to be paid a preferential amount per share to be determined by the Board of Directors prior to any payment to holders of common stock. Shares of preferred stock may be converted into common stock based on terms, conditions, rates and subject to such adjustments set by the Board of Directors. There was no preferred stock issued or outstanding at June 30, 2006 and 2005.

 

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Note 3:    Certain Balance Sheet Components

Accounts receivable, net

 

     At June 30, 2006    At December 31, 2005
     (in thousands)

Trade (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $469 and $598)

   $                          80,923    $                          96,106

Unbilled revenue

     8,123      8,322
             

Total accounts receivable, net

   $ 89,046    $ 104,428
             

A summary of the allowance for doubtful accounts activity is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2006     2005     2006     2005  
     (in thousands)  

Beginning balance

   $ 379     $ 1,091     $            598     $         1,312  

Provision (benefit) for doubtful accounts

     92       (62 )     (105 )     (157 )

Recoveries

     -           -           -           -      

Accounts charged off

     (2 )     (318 )     (24 )     (444 )
                                

Ending balance, June 30

   $     469     $ 711     $ 469     $ 711  
                                

Inventories

A summary of the inventory balances is as follows:

 

     At June 30, 2006    At December 31, 2005
     (in thousands)

Materials

   $                          25,034    $ 25,744

Work in process

     4,394      5,832

Finished goods

     29,063      16,241
             

Total manufacturing inventories

     58,491      47,817

Service inventories

     1,488      1,639
             

Total inventories

   $ 59,979    $ 49,456
             

Other current assets

Assets held for sale are classified within other current assets and are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated. As of March 31, 2006, our headquarters building in Spokane Valley was listed for sale. As a result, the net carrying value of the Spokane Valley facility of approximately $8.5 million was transferred from property, plant and equipment to other current assets.

 

Property, plant and equipment, net    At June 30, 2006     At December 31, 2005  
     (in thousands)  

Machinery and equipment

   $                         53,452     $ 47,709  

Equipment used in outsourcing

     16,042       16,086  

Computers and purchased software

     35,452       34,736  

Buildings, furniture and improvements

     39,046       45,611  

Land

     2,482       4,217  
                

Total cost

     146,474       148,359  

Accumulated depreciation

     (70,999 )     (70,736 )
                

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 75,475     $ 77,623  
                

Depreciation expense was $3.8 million and $3.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Depreciation expense was $7.4 million and $6.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

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On December 30, 2005, we completed the purchase of a building in Liberty Lake, Washington, which will become our corporate headquarters in the third quarter of 2006. We expect to invest approximately $11 million in capital improvements, of which $4.3 million had been incurred through June 30, 2006. For the three months ended June 30, 2006, we capitalized interest costs of approximately $400,000 relating to improvements to our new corporate headquarters.

Note 4: Business Combinations

Quantum Consulting, Inc.

On April 1, 2006, we completed the acquisition of Quantum Consulting, Inc. (Quantum), an energy consulting firm. The acquisition expands our consulting services related to energy efficiency, planning design and market research in our Software Solutions segment. The preliminary purchase price, net of cash acquired of $81,000, is summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

Cash consideration, net of cash acquired

   $             3,919

Direct transaction costs

     491
      

Total purchase price

   $ 4,410
      

Of the purchase price consideration, $800,000 was retained in an escrow account for working capital adjustments and indemnifications made by Quantum. The amounts in escrow will be released at predetermined intervals through April 2008. Additional contingent consideration of up to $1.0 million will be paid to Quantum shareholders if certain defined financial targets are achieved in 2006, 2007 and 2008. These additional payments will increase the purchase price and goodwill at the time the financial targets are achieved. An additional payment will also be made to Quantum shareholders, of up to $1.0 million, if certain key individuals remain employees through March 2009. A substantial portion of the payment will be recognized as compensation expense over the retention period.

The following financial information reflects a preliminary allocation of the purchase price based on estimated fair values of assets and liabilities as of the date of acquisition. We are reviewing fixed assets, deferred taxes and intangible assets and expect to finalize the fair value adjustments by the end of 2006. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill.

 

     Fair Value   Useful Life
     (in thousands)   (in months)

Fair value of net assets assumed

   $ 446  

Identified intangible assets - amortizable

    

Non-compete agreements

     670   48

Contract backlog

     360   36

Goodwill

     2,934  
        

Total net assets acquired

   $ 4,410  
        

The values assigned to the identified intangible assets were estimated using the income approach. Under the income approach, the fair value reflects the present value of the projected cash flows that are expected to be generated. The intangible assets will be amortized over the estimated useful lives of the estimated discounted cash flows assumed in the valuation models. Goodwill and intangible assets were allocated to our Software Solutions segment in accordance with SFAS 142.

ELO Sistemas e Tecnologia Ltda.

On June 1, 2006, we completed the acquisition of ELO Sistemas e Tecnologia Ltda. (ELO) for an initial cash payment of approximately $1.9 million, subject to a working capital adjustment. Cash consideration also included the settlement of a $637,000 payable from ELO to us for inventory purchased by ELO prior to the acquisition. Additional contingent consideration will be payable if certain financial targets are achieved over the next five years. Operations will reside in Campinas, Brazil, located near São Paulo, and include sales, manufacturing, service and maintenance, consulting and administrative functions related to meters, automatic meter reading (AMR) technology and related systems in South America. The preliminary purchase price, which includes direct transaction costs, net of cash acquired of $7,000, is summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

Cash consideration, net of cash acquired

   $             2,542

Direct transaction costs

     1,017
      

Total purchase price

   $ 3,559
      

 

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The purchase price was allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. The estimated fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed exceeded the initial cash consideration paid by approximately $5.8 million, resulting in negative goodwill. In a business combination with contingent consideration, the lesser of the maximum amount of contingent consideration or the total amount of negative goodwill should be recorded as a liability. As the purchase agreement does not limit the maximum contingent consideration payable, the full amount of the negative goodwill was recorded as a long-term liability. If contingent payments are made, we will apply the payments against the contingent liability. Payments in excess of the contingent liability balance, if any, will be recorded as goodwill.

The following financial information reflects a preliminary allocation of the purchase price based on estimated fair values of assets and liabilities as of the date of acquisition. There may be contingent liabilities we have not yet identified. We are performing a review of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including intangible assets and the associated lives, and expect to finalize a majority of the fair value adjustments by the end of 2006.

 

     Fair Value     Useful Life
     (in thousands)     (in months)

Fair value of net assets assumed

   $ 733    

Identified intangible assets - amortizable

    

Customer relationships/contracts

     6,697     180

Contract backlog

     1,903     12

Contingent purchase price liability

     (5,774 )  
          

Total net assets acquired

   $ 3,559    
          

The values assigned to the identified intangible assets were estimated using the income approach. Under the income approach, the fair value reflects the present value of the projected cash flows that are expected to be generated. The intangible assets will be amortized over the estimated useful lives of the estimated discounted cash flows assumed in the valuation models. Goodwill and intangible assets were allocated to our Electricity Metering segment in accordance with SFAS 142. Due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, the contingent purchase price liability can increase or decrease, with a corresponding change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The contingent purchase price liability was approximately $5.9 million at June 30, 2006.

Pro forma results are not presented for the acquisitions of Quantum and ELO because neither acquisition had a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

Note 5:    Identified Intangible Assets

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of our intangible assets, other than goodwill, are as follows:

 

     At June 30, 2006    At December 31, 2005
     Gross Assets    Accumulated
Amortization
    Net    Gross Assets    Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
     (in thousands)

Core-developed technology

   $         154,330    $ (65,793 )   $           88,537    $         154,330    $ (54,064 )   $         100,266

Patents

     7,088      (4,875 )     2,213      7,088      (4,690 )     2,398

Capitalized software

     5,065      (5,065 )     -          5,065      (5,065 )     -    

Distribution and production rights

     3,935      (3,302 )     633      3,935      (3,220 )     715

Customer contracts

     15,573      (7,441 )     8,132      8,750      (7,028 )     1,722

Trademarks and tradenames

     25,710      (9,826 )     15,884      25,710      (7,634 )     18,076

Other

     9,420      (6,658 )     2,762      6,450      (6,334 )     116
                                           

Total identified intangible assets

   $ 221,121    $ (102,960 )   $ 118,161    $ 211,328    $ (88,035 )   $ 123,293
                                           

Identified intangible assets increased during the second quarter of 2006 as a result of the Quantum and ELO acquisitions. The carrying amount of intangible assets can also increase or decrease, with a corresponding change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates for those intangible assets owned by our foreign subsidiaries. At June 30, 2006, the intangible assets purchased in the ELO acquisition increased approximately $163,000 as a result of a change in foreign currency rates. Intangible asset amortization expense was approximately

 

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$7.6 million and $9.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Intangible asset amortization expense was approximately $14.9 million and $19.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Estimated annual amortization expense is as follows:

 

     Estimated Annual
Amortization
     (in thousands)

2006

   $ 15,981

2007

     25,530

2008

     22,139

2009

     18,678

2010

     13,012

Beyond 2010

     22,821
      

Total identified intangible assets, net

   $ 118,161
      

Note 6:    Goodwill

During the second quarter of 2006, we completed the acquisition of Quantum and recorded a preliminary allocation of the purchase price, resulting in $2.9 million of estimated goodwill. On July 1, 2004, we completed the acquisition of our Electricity Metering business and continued to make adjustments to the purchase price through June 2005 as the valuation of assets and liabilities were finalized. Goodwill decreased $1.7 million in the first half of 2005 primarily due to a $2.1 million adjustment related to the warranty accrual associated with the Electricity Metering acquisition. Goodwill balances can also increase or decrease, with a corresponding change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

The following table reflects goodwill allocated to each reporting segment during the first six months of 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

     Hardware Solutions              
     Meter Data
Collection
    Electricity
Metering
    Software
Solutions
    Total Company  
     (in thousands)  

Goodwill balance, January 1, 2005

   $               73,337     $               26,236     $               17,898     $             117,471  

Goodwill adjustments

     -           (1,758 )     -           (1,758 )

Effect of change in exchange rates

     (122 )     (49 )     (30 )     (201 )
                                

Goodwill balance, June 30, 2005

   $ 73,215     $ 24,429     $ 17,868     $ 115,512  
                                

Goodwill balance, January 1, 2006

   $ 73,532     $ 24,555     $ 17,945     $ 116,032  

Goodwill acquired

     -           -           2,934       2,934  

Effect of change in exchange rates

     282       187       69       538  
                                

Goodwill balance, June 30, 2006

   $ 73,814     $ 24,742     $ 20,948     $ 119,504  
                                

 

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Note 7:    Debt

The components of our borrowings are as follows:

 

     At June 30,
2006
   At December 31,
2005
 
     (in thousands)  

Senior Secured Credit Facility

     

Term Loan

   $                     -        $             24,676  

Revolving Credit Line

     -          -      

Real Estate Term Note

     -          14,800  

Senior Subordinated Notes

     124,274      124,226  

Project Financing Debt

     -          3,227  
               
     124,274      166,929  

Current Portion of Debt

     -          (4,376 )
               

Total Long-term Debt

   $ 124,274    $ 162,553  
               

Senior Secured Credit Facility

At December 31, 2005, we had $24.7 million remaining on our original $185 million seven-year senior secured term loan (term loan), which we repaid during the first quarter of 2006. The term loan was part of our senior secured credit facility (credit facility), which originated on July 1, 2004 to finance the acquisition of our Electricity Metering business. The credit facility also includes a $55 million five-year senior secured revolving credit line (revolver). We have the ability to increase the revolver to $75 million at a future date. Our letter of credit limit under the credit facility is $55 million and can be increased to $65 million at a future date. The credit facility is guaranteed by all of our operating subsidiaries, except for our foreign subsidiaries and an outsourcing project finance subsidiary, all of which are wholly owned.

At June 30, 2006, there were no borrowings outstanding under the revolver and $22.5 million was utilized by outstanding standby letters of credit resulting in $32.5 million available for additional borrowings. Revolver borrowings can be made at any time through June 2009, at which time any borrowings outstanding must be repaid. We were in compliance with all of our debt covenants at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005. Our debt covenants require us to maintain certain consolidated leverage and coverage ratios on a quarterly basis, as well as customary covenants that place restrictions on the incurrence of debt, the payment of dividends, certain investments and mergers.

Interest rates on the revolver vary depending on our consolidated leverage ratio and are based on the London InterBank Offering Rate (LIBOR) plus 2.0% to 3.0%, or Prime plus 1.0% to 2.0%, payable at various intervals depending on the term of the borrowing. The annual commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolver varies from 0.25% to 0.50%. We incur annual letter of credit fees based on (a) a fronting fee of 0.125% and (b) a letter of credit fee that varies from 1.0% to 2.0%.

Prepaid debt fees for all our outstanding borrowings are amortized over the respective terms using the effective interest method. Total unamortized prepaid debt fees were approximately $5.8 million and $8.9 million at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.

Real Estate Term Note

On December 30, 2005, we signed a real estate term note (real estate note) for $14.8 million, secured by real property, with principal payments of $740,000, plus interest, payable quarterly, commencing April 1, 2006 and continuing through January 1, 2011. During the first quarter of 2006, we made an optional prepayment of $10.0 million on the real estate note. During April 2006, we completed the repayment of the real estate note.

Senior Subordinated Notes

Our senior subordinated notes consist of $125 million aggregate principal amount of 7.75% notes, issued in May 2004 and due in 2012. The notes were discounted to a price of 99.265 to yield 7.875%, with a balance of $124.3 million at June 30, 2006. The notes are registered with the SEC and are generally transferable. The discount on the notes is accreted and the prepaid debt fees are amortized over the life of the notes. Fixed interest payments of approximately $4.8 million are required every six months, in May and November. The notes are subordinated to our credit facility and are guaranteed by all of our operating subsidiaries, except for our foreign subsidiaries and an outsourcing project finance subsidiary, all of which are wholly owned. The notes contain covenants, which place restrictions on the incurrence of debt, the payment of dividends,

 

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certain investments and mergers. Some or all of the notes may be redeemed at our option at any time on or after May 15, 2008, at their principal amount plus a specified premium. At any time prior to May 15, 2007, we may, at our option, redeem up to 35% of the notes, at 107.75%, with the proceeds of certain sales of our common stock.

Project Financing

In May 1998, in conjunction with project financing for one of our outsourcing contracts, we issued a note secured by the assets of the project with monthly interest payments at an annual interest rate of 7.6%, maturing May 31, 2009. During April 2006, we repaid the balance of the project financing loan, which included $107,000 in prepayment fees.

Note 8:    Restructurings

In 2004, we incurred restructuring costs associated with the implementation of a new internal organizational structure, which resulted in staffing reductions and other restructuring expenses. These accrued costs were fully paid to employees by December 31, 2005. We have incurred lease termination costs in prior years. Accrued liabilities and expenses associated with these restructuring efforts for the six months ended June 30, 2005 consisted of the following:

 

     Severance and
Related Costs
    Lease Termination
and Related Costs
 
     (in thousands)  

Accrual balance at December 31, 2004

   $                      2,317     $ 175  

Addition/adjustments to accruals

     390       (109 )

Cash payments

     (2,668 )     -      
                

Accrual balance at June 30, 2005

   $ 39     $ 66  
                

The liability for employee severance is recorded within wages and benefits payable and the liability for lease terminations is recorded within accrued expenses. Lease termination and related costs are dependent on our ability to sublease vacant space and are reported as general and administrative expenses. The remaining $39,000 severance related liability at June 30, 2005 was paid as of December 31, 2005. There was no restructuring activity during the three and six months ended June 30, 2006. The accrued liability for lease termination and related costs was $50,000 at June 30, 2006.

Note 9:    Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rates differ from the federal statutory rate of 35%, and can vary from period to period, due to fluctuations in operating results, new or revised tax legislation and accounting pronouncements, research credits and state income taxes.

We estimate that our 2006 annual effective income tax rate will be approximately 42%. Our effective income tax rate was 33% and 39%, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006. The rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 is lower than the estimated annual rate due to tax benefits for certain state and Canadian credits and the realization of deferred tax assets related to a foreign subsidiary. Both the six month and estimated 2006 annual effective income tax rates are higher than the statutory rate due to state income taxes and the implementation of SFAS 123(R).

Our 2005 annual effective income tax rate of 34% was lower than the statutory tax rate due to the benefit of research credits. In the second quarter of 2005, we completed a research credit study for the years 1997 – 2004, recognizing a $5.9 million net tax credit as an offset to the provision for income taxes. Due primarily to this credit, we had a net tax benefit for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005.

Our estimated 2006 annual effective income tax rate does not include a federal research credit, as the credit expired on December 31, 2005. Congress is currently discussing extension and/or revision of the research credit. As of June 30, 2006, the research credit had not been extended or reinstated by Congress. If the research credit is reinstated by Congress, our effective annual income tax rate for 2006 is expected to be lower than the current estimated rate of 42%.

 

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Note 10:    Stock-Based Compensation

Stock Option Plans

At June 30, 2006, we had three stock-based compensation plans in effect, only one of which we are currently granting options under. Stock options to purchase the Company’s common stock are granted at the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant upon approval by our Board of Directors. Options generally become exercisable in three or four equal installments beginning a year from the date of grant and generally expire 10 years from the date of grant.

The fair value of each stock option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of options granted are evaluated regularly to reflect market conditions and actual trends. Compensation expense is recognized only for those options expected to vest, with forfeitures estimated at the date of grant based on our historical experience and future expectations. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), the effect of forfeitures on the pro forma expense amounts was recognized as the forfeitures occurred.

The expense related to stock options recognized under SFAS 123(R) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 was $1.8 million and $3.6 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, we issued 30,000 shares with a weighted average fair value of $25.82. A summary of our stock option activity during the six months ended June 30, 2006 is as follows:

 

     Shares
Subject to
Options
   Weighted Average
Exercise Price per
Share
   Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
     (in thousands)         (years)    (in thousands)

Outstanding, January 1, 2006

   2,443    $ 21.24      

Granted

   30      63.56      

Exercised

   591      17.12      

Forfeited

   46      32.04      

Expired

   -          -          
                 

Outstanding, June 30, 2006

   1,836    $ 22.99    7.25    $ 66,741
                       

Exercisable and expected to vest, June 30, 2006

   1,747    $ 22.48    7.21    $ 64,375
                       

Exercisable, June 30, 2006

   964    $ 17.26    6.25    $ 40,478
                       

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above is before applicable income taxes, based on our closing stock price of $59.26 as of the last business day of the period ended June 30, 2006, which represents amounts that would have been received by the optionees had all options been exercised on that date. As of June 30, 2006, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested stock options was approximately $9.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 19 months. During the six months ended June 30, 2006, the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $24.7 million and the total fair value of options vested was $23.6 million.

We issue new shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options.

As of June 30, 2006, there were 1,024,944 shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to stock-based awards. Additional information regarding options outstanding as of June 30, 2006, is as follows:

 

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     Outstanding Options    Exercisable Options
    

Shares

(in 000’s)

  

Remaining

Life

(years)

  

Weighted

Average

Price

  

Shares

(in 000’s)

  

Weighted

Average

Price

Range of Exercise Prices               

$ 4.87 - $ 6.75

   116    3.44    $ 6.41    116    $ 6.41

$ 7.00 - $ 8.34

   233    4.42      7.21    233      7.21

$13.60 - $20.00

   207    6.53      16.03    172      15.40

$20.03 - $26.65

   762    7.76      21.23    299      20.74

$30.32 - $37.40

   465    8.83      37.38    144      37.32

$42.62 - $70.99

   53    9.57      54.44    -          -    
                            
   1,836    7.25    $ 22.99    964    $ 17.26
                            

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

We are authorized to issue shares of common stock to our eligible employees who have completed three months of service, work more than 20 hours each week and are employed more than five months in any calendar year. Employees who own 5% or more of our common stock are not eligible to participate in the ESPP. Under the terms of the ESPP, eligible employees can choose payroll deductions each year of up to 10% of their regular cash compensation. Such deductions are applied toward the discounted purchase price of our common stock. The purchase price of the common stock is 85% of the fair market value of the stock at the end of each fiscal quarter. We had no unrecognized compensation cost associated with the second quarter 2006 offering of stock under this plan. Under the ESPP, we sold 23,460 and 15,589 shares to employees in the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The expense related to ESPP recognized under SFAS 123(R) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 was approximately $112,000 and $192,000, respectively.

Long-Term Performance Plan

We have a Long-Term Performance Plan (LTPP) for senior management with restricted stock awards contingent on the attainment of yearly goals payable in the Company’s common stock with a three-year cliff vesting period. Restricted stock awards are granted in the year following attainment, as approved by our Board of Directors. The value of an award is based on a percentage of the participant’s base salary and is dependent on performance objectives for the period. We currently have two active plans, one for 2005 and another for 2006.

The award for 2005 was $1.8 million, with 30,542 shares issued on February 15, 2006, at a weighted average grant-date fair value of $59.16. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 approximately $84,000 and $79,000 were recognized as expense. As of June 30, 2006, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to the 2005 LTPP was approximately $832,000, which will be recognized through December 31, 2008. For the 2006 yearly goals and associated award, approximately $53,000 and $95,000 were recognized as expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006. A summary of the restricted stock activity during the six months ended June 30, 2006 is as follows:

 

     Restricted Shares  
     (in thousands)  

Nonvested, January 1, 2006

   -      

Granted

   30,542  

Vested

   (806 )

Forfeited

   (6,937 )
      

Nonvested, June 30, 2006

   22,799  
      

Board of Directors’ Compensation

We issue unrestricted stock awards to our Board of Directors as part of the Board of Directors’ compensation. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, we issued 420 and 3,396 of unrestricted stock awards to our Board of Directors, with a weighted average grant-date fair value of $70.99 and $44.09, respectively. The expense related to these awards for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 was $30,000 and $150,000, respectively. All awards were fully vested and expensed when granted.

 

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Note 11:    Related Party Transactions

At December 31, 2005, we had a 30% equity interest in Servatron, a company that serves both as a contract manufacturer for our low volume products and as our handheld service repair depot. During February 2006, we received a dividend of $193,000, which was recorded as a return on investment. During March 2006, we sold our equity interest back to Servatron for $1.0 million, recognizing a loss of $242,000. At March 31, 2006, we had no ownership in Servatron. Our Chief Executive Officer continues to serve as a board member of Servatron. We sublease a portion of our Spokane Valley facility, which is currently held for sale (Note 3), to Servatron.

During the first quarter of 2006, our Chief Financial Officer became a board member of a financial institution, which is a 3.6% participant in our $55 million revolver.

Note 12:    Commitments and Contingencies

Guarantees and Indemnifications

Under FASB Interpretation 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, we record a liability for certain types of guarantees and indemnifications for agreements entered into or amended subsequent to December 31, 2002. No liabilities were required to be recorded for agreements entered into as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005.

We maintain bid and performance bonds for certain customers. Bonds in force were $2.7 million and $3.0 million at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. Bid bonds guarantee that we will enter into a contract consistent with the terms of the bid. Performance bonds provide a guarantee to the customer for future performance, which usually covers the installation phase of a contract and may on occasion cover the operations and maintenance phase of outsourcing contracts.

We also have standby letters of credit to guarantee our performance under certain contracts. The outstanding amounts of standby letters of credit were $22.5 million and $22.6 million at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.

At December 31, 2005, we guaranteed lease payments for certain equipment leased by Servatron, which had a maximum future lease obligation of approximately $83,000. The lease and our guarantee terminated in the second quarter of 2006.

We generally provide within our sales contracts an indemnification related to the infringement of any patent, copyright, trademark or other intellectual property right on software or equipment, which indemnifies the customer from and pays the resulting costs, damages and attorney’s fees awarded against a customer with respect to such a claim provided that (a) the customer promptly notifies us in writing of the claim and (b) we have the sole control of the defense and all related settlement negotiations. The terms of the indemnification normally do not limit the maximum potential future payments. We also provide an indemnification for third party claims resulting from damages caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of our employees/agents in connection with the performance of certain contracts. The terms of the indemnification generally do not limit the maximum potential payments.

Legal Matters

We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims of which the outcomes are subject to significant uncertainty. Our policy is to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes related to legal matters, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the liability required, if any, for these contingencies is made after an analysis of each known issue in accordance with SFAS 5, Accounting for Contingencies, and related pronouncements. In accordance with SFAS 5, a liability is recorded when we determine that a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Additionally, we disclose contingencies for which a material loss is reasonably possible, but not probable. At June 30, 2006, there were no material contingencies requiring accrual or disclosure.

 

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Note 13:    Segment Information

We have two operating groups (Hardware Solutions and Software Solutions) and three segments. Software Solutions is a single segment and Hardware Solutions is comprised of two segments, Meter Data Collection and Electricity Metering. For these three segments, management has three primary measures of segment performance: revenue, gross profit (margin) and operating income. Revenues for each segment are reported according to product lines. There are no inter-segment revenues. Within Hardware Solutions, cost of sales includes materials, direct labor, warranty expense and an overhead allocation. Software cost of sales include distribution and documentation costs for applications sold, along with other labor and operating costs for custom software development, project management, consulting and systems support. Hardware and software cost of services include materials, labor and overhead. Operating expenses directly associated with each segment may include sales, marketing, product development or administrative expenses.

Corporate operating expenses, interest income, interest expense, other income (expense), amortization expense and income tax expense (benefit) are not allocated to the segments, nor included in the measure of segment profit or loss. We do not allocate assets and liabilities to our segments. Prior to January 1, 2006, Itron Electricity Metering, Inc., or Electricity Metering, was a wholly owned subsidiary with separately identifiable assets and liabilities. Effective January 1, 2006, Electricity Metering merged with Itron, Inc. Approximately 50% and 65% of depreciation expense was allocated to the segments at June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, with the remaining portion unallocated. Unallocated depreciation increased in 2006, compared with 2005, due to the purchase of our new corporate headquarters facility at the end of 2005, which is not allocated to the segments.

We classify sales in the United States and Canada as domestic revenues. International revenues were $9.2 million and $9.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 and $14.4 million and $17.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Segment Products

 

Segment

  

Major Products

Hardware Solutions—
Meter Data Collection:

   Residential and commercial AMR standalone modules, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) equipment, contract manufacturing and royalties for our AMR technology in other vendors’ electricity meters, mobile and network AMR data collection technologies, handheld computers for meter data collection or mobile workforce applications and related installation, implementation and maintenance support services.

HardwareSolutions—
Electricity Metering:

   Residential, commercial and industrial (C&I) and generation, transmission and distribution (GT&D) electricity meters and related installation, implementation and other services.
Software Solutions:    Software applications for commercial, industrial and residential meter data collection and management, distribution system design and optimization, energy and water management, asset optimization, mobile workforce solutions, forecasting and related implementation, consulting and maintenance support services.

 

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Segment Information

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2006     2005     2006     2005  
     (in thousands)  

Revenues

        

Hardware Solutions

        

Meter Data Collection

   $ 60,110     $ 62,192     $ 121,861     $ 111,868  

Electricity Metering

     88,467       60,622       168,845       114,728  
                                

Total Hardware Solutions

     148,577       122,814       290,706       226,596  

Software Solutions

     15,233       12,309       28,657       24,997  
                                

Total Company

   $   163,810     $   135,123     $   319,363     $   251,593  
                                

Gross profit

        

Hardware Solutions

        

Meter Data Collection

   $ 25,464     $ 27,288     $ 54,167     $ 48,332  

Electricity Metering

     37,017       24,710       68,926       48,987  
                                

Total Hardware Solutions

     62,481       51,998       123,093       97,319  

Software Solutions

     6,551       4,741       12,713       10,418  
                                

Total Company

   $ 69,032     $ 56,739     $ 135,806     $ 107,737  
                                

Operating income (loss)

        

Hardware Solutions

        

Meter Data Collection

   $ 19,658     $ 21,917     $ 42,791     $ 37,945  

Electricity Metering

     33,199       20,437       61,774       40,326  

Other unallocated costs

     (9,706 )     (6,184 )     (18,433 )     (12,205 )
                                

Total Hardware Solutions

     43,151       36,170       86,132       66,066  

Software Solutions

     (3,335 )     (2,922 )     (5,824 )     (5,574 )

Corporate unallocated

     (22,156 )     (22,937 )     (43,660 )     (44,408 )
                                

Total Company

     17,660       10,311       36,648       16,084  

Total other income (expense)

     (2,466 )     (5,837 )     (8,298 )     (10,299 )
                                

Income before income taxes

   $ 15,194     $ 4,474     $ 28,350     $ 5,785  
                                

Revenues from AMR related to electricity meters can be reflected in either our Meter Data Collection or Electricity Metering segments. Included in Meter Data Collection are standalone electric AMR modules that can be attached to electromechanical electricity meters in the field or manufactured by others, AMR circuit boards we manufacture that are embedded in other vendors’ electronic electricity meters and royalties for licensing our electric AMR technology. Included in Electricity Metering revenue are sales of our electronic meters with our embedded AMR technology as well as some contract manufacturing for incorporating other vendors’ AMR technology into our electronic meters.

One customer, Progress Energy, accounted for 19% and 21% of total Company revenues, and 36% and 39% of Electricity Metering segment revenues, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively.

One customer, Piedmont Natural Gas, accounted for 16% and 14% of Meter Data Collection segment revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively.

No customers represented more than 10% of Software Solutions segment revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006.

No customers represented more than 10% of total Company revenues or individual segment revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005.

 

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Note 14:    Other Comprehensive Income

Other comprehensive income adjustments are reflected as an increase (decrease) to shareholders’ equity and are not reflected in the results of operations. Operating results adjusted to reflect other comprehensive income items during the period, net of tax, were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2006    2005     2006    2005  
     (in thousands)  

Net income

   $     10,204    $       9,313     $     17,273    $     10,130  

Change in foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax

     791      (197 )     681      (462 )
                              

Total other comprehensive income

   $ 10,995    $ 9,116     $ 17,954    $ 9,668  
                              

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, was approximately $1.6 million and $871,000 at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively, and consisted of the adjustments for foreign currency translation as indicated above.

Note 15: Consolidating Financial Information

The credit facility and the senior subordinated notes are guaranteed by all of our operating subsidiaries, except for our foreign subsidiaries and an outsourcing project finance subsidiary, all of which are wholly owned. The guarantees are joint and several, full, complete and unconditional. There are currently no restrictions on the ability of the subsidiary guarantors to transfer funds to the parent company. The following consolidating financial information has been prepared and presented pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10, “Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or Being Registered.”

During the second quarter of 2006, we acquired Quantum and ELO, which are reflected within parent and within the non-guarantor subsidiaries, respectively, in the condensed consolidated financial statements commencing on the date of each acquisition (see Note 4).

Effective January 1, 2006, the legal entity holding the U.S. operations of our Electricity Metering business (a guarantor subsidiary) was merged into the parent company. As a result of this merger, the assets, liabilities and operations of this guarantor subsidiary have been combined with the parent company as of and for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2006. In addition, as a result of our legal entity merger on January 1, 2006, we have restated the parent and guarantor subsidiary information for the 2005 periods presented to reflect the new legal entity structure.

In addition, we have five wholly owned domestic guarantor subsidiaries, which were established for various business purposes. Two of these subsidiaries have no assets or operations. The other three subsidiaries hold investments totaling $8.4 million and $7.3 million in related non-guarantor subsidiaries at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. Due to the small nature of these guarantor subsidiaries, we have combined them with the parent company as of January 1, 2006. The net income (loss) from guarantor subsidiaries was ($40,000) and $61,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, and ($43,000) and $76,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

Three Months Ended June 30, 2006

 

     Parent     Combined
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
     (in thousands)  

Revenues

        

Sales

   $            143,953     $               12,267     $ (4,243 )   $ 151,977  

Service

     14,124       2,922       (5,213 )     11,833  
                                

Total revenues

     158,077       15,189       (9,456 )     163,810  

Cost of revenues

        

Sales

     85,772       6,466       (4,120 )     88,118  

Service

     6,136       5,726       (5,202 )     6,660  
                                

Total cost of revenues

     91,908       12,192       (9,322 )     94,778  
                                

Gross profit

     66,169       2,997       (134 )     69,032  

Operating expenses

        

Sales and marketing

     14,773       1,548       -           16,321  

Product development

     15,035       107       (222 )     14,920  

General and administrative

     11,646       750                         123                     12,519  

Amortization of intangible assets

     7,404       208       -           7,612  
                                

Total operating expenses

     48,858       2,613       (99 )     51,372  
                                

Operating income

     17,311       384       (35 )     17,660  

Other income (expense)

        

Interest income

     368       46       (54 )     360  

Interest expense

     (2,416 )     (223 )     54       (2,585 )

Other income (expense), net

     (305 )     29       35       (241 )
                                

Total other income (expense)

     (2,353 )     (148 )     35       (2,466 )
                                

Income before income taxes

     14,958       236       -           15,194  

Income tax (provision) benefit

     (5,594 )     604       -           (4,990 )

Equity in earnings of

        

non-guarantor subsidiaries

     840       -           (840 )     -      
                                

Net income

   $ 10,204     $ 840     $ (840 )   $ 10,204  
                                

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

Three Months Ended June 30, 2005

 

     Parent     Combined
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
     (in thousands)  

Revenues

        

Sales

   $            118,983     $ 11,221     $             (7,393 )   $           122,811  

Service

     11,465       1,976       (1,129 )     12,312  
                                

Total revenues

     130,448       13,197       (8,522 )     135,123  

Cost of revenues

        

Sales

     69,356       9,068       (7,614 )     70,810  

Service

     6,787       1,171       (384 )     7,574  
                                

Total cost of revenues

     76,143       10,239       (7,998 )     78,384  
                                

Gross profit

     54,305       2,958       (524 )     56,739  

Operating expenses

        

Sales and marketing

     12,391       1,138       -           13,529  

Product development

     11,417       522       (525 )     11,414  

General and administrative

     11,233       537       -           11,770  

Amortization of intangible assets

     9,715       -           -           9,715  

Restructurings

     (6 )     6       -           -      
                                

Total operating expenses

     44,750       2,203       (525 )     46,428  
                                

Operating income

     9,555       755       1       10,311  

Other income (expense)

        

Interest income

     252       3       (161 )     94  

Interest expense

     (6,315 )     (231 )     161       (6,385 )

Other income (expense), net

     330       125       (1 )     454  
                                

Total other income (expense)

     (5,733 )     (103 )     (1 )     (5,837 )
                                

Income before income taxes

     3,822       652       -           4,474  

Income tax (provision) benefit

     4,926       (87 )     -           4,839  

Equity in earnings of

        

non-guarantor subsidiaries

     565       -           (565 )     -      
                                

Net income

   $ 9,313     $ 565     $ (565 )   $ 9,313  
                                

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

Six Months Ended June 30, 2006

 

     Parent     Combined
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
     (in thousands)  

Revenues

        

Sales

   $            279,921     $ 24,786     $             (9,796 )   $           294,911  

Service

     29,111       5,331       (9,990 )     24,452  
                                

Total revenues

     309,032       30,117       (19,786 )     319,363  

Cost of revenues

        

Sales

     166,232       13,553       (9,825 )     169,960  

Service

     12,452       10,927       (9,782 )     13,597  
                                

Total cost of revenues

     178,684       24,480       (19,607 )     183,557  
                                

Gross profit

     130,348       5,637       (179 )     135,806  

Operating expenses

        

Sales and marketing

     28,915       2,887       -           31,802  

Product development

     27,880       248       (338 )     27,790  

General and administrative

     23,222       1,260       159       24,641  

Amortization of intangible assets

     14,717       208       -           14,925  
                                

Total operating expenses

     94,734       4,603       (179 )     99,158  
                                

Operating income

     35,614       1,034       -           36,648  

Other income (expense)

        

Interest income

     708       94       (80 )     722  

Interest expense

     (8,100 )     (311 )     80       (8,331 )

Other income (expense), net

     (676 )     (13 )     -           (689 )
                                

Total other income (expense)

     (8,068 )     (230 )     -           (8,298 )
                                

Income before income taxes

     27,546       804       -           28,350  

Income tax (provision) benefit

     (11,508 )     431       -           (11,077 )

Equity in earnings of

        

non-guarantor subsidiaries

     1,235       -           (1,235 )     -      
                                

Net income

   $ 17,273     $ 1,235     $ (1,235 )   $ 17,273  
                                

 

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Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

Six Months Ended June 30, 2005

 

     Parent     Combined
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
     (in thousands)  

Revenues

        

Sales

   $            220,707     $ 20,334     $             (14,028 )   $             227,013  

Service

     22,327       3,943       (1,690 )     24,580  
                                

Total revenues

     243,034       24,277       (15,718 )     251,593  

Cost of revenues

        

Sales

     128,003       16,265       (14,259 )     130,009  

Service

     12,334       1,949       (436 )     13,847  
                                

Total cost of revenues

     140,337       18,214       (14,695 )     143,856  
                                

Gross profit

     102,697       6,063       (1,023 )     107,737  

Operating expenses

        

Sales and marketing

     24,376       2,392       -           26,768  

Product development

     23,246       1,105       (1,023 )     23,328  

General and administrative

     20,893       843       -           21,736  

Amortization of intangible assets

     19,431       -           -           19,431  

Restructurings

     197       193       -           390  
                                

Total operating expenses

     88,143       4,533       (1,023 )     91,653  
                                

Operating income

     14,554       1,530       -           16,084  

Other income (expense)

        

Interest income

     498       6       (406 )     98  

Interest expense

     (10,797 )     (561 )     406       (10,952 )

Other income (expense), net

     451       104       -           555  
                                

Total other income (expense)

     (9,848 )     (451 )     -           (10,299 )
                                

Income before income taxes

     4,706       1,079       -           5,785  

Income tax (provision) benefit

     4,654       (309 )     -           4,345  

Equity in earnings of

        

non-guarantor subsidiaries

     770       -           (770 )     -      
                                

Net income

   $ 10,130     $ 770     $ (770 )   $ 10,130  
                                

 

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Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

June 30, 2006

 

    Parent     Combined
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations     Consolidated
    (in thousands)
ASSETS        

Current assets

       

Cash and cash equivalents

  $            35,973     $ 10,614   $             -         $             46,587

Accounts receivable, net

    76,213       12,833     -           89,046

Intercompany accounts receivable

    7,170       5,755     (12,925 )     -    

Inventories

    57,766       2,213     -           59,979

Deferred income taxes, net

    19,857       770     -           20,627

Other

    21,886       1,712     -           23,598

Intercompany other

    2,883       3,500     (6,383 )     -    
                           

Total current assets

    221,748       37,397     (19,308 )     239,837

Property, plant and equipment, net

    71,460       4,015     -           75,475

Intangible assets, net

    109,546       8,615     -           118,161

Goodwill

    106,239       13,265     -           119,504

Deferred income taxes, net

    50,145       2,185     -           52,330

Intercompany notes receivable

    6,533       1,298     (7,831 )     -    

Other

    36,920       1,059     (29,315 )     8,664
                           

Total assets

  $ 602,591     $ 67,834   $ (56,454 )   $ 613,971
                           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY        

Current liabilities

       

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

  $ 44,659     $ 4,759   $ -         $ 49,418

Intercompany accounts payable

    5,754       7,171     (12,925 )     -    

Wages and benefits payable

    18,748       1,310     -           20,058

Current portion of warranty

    7,287       640     -           7,927

Short-term intercompany advances

    3,500       2,883     (6,383 )     -    

Unearned revenue

    24,934       1,442     -           26,376
                           

Total current liabilities

    104,882       18,205     (19,308 )     103,779

Long-term debt

    124,274       -         -           124,274

Intercompany notes payable

    1,298       6,533     (7,831 )     -    

Warranty

    9,027       -         -           9,027

Contingent purchase price

    5,882       -         -           5,882

Other obligations

    70       7,857     -           7,927
                           

Total liabilities

    245,433       32,595     (27,139 )     250,889

Shareholders’ equity

       

Preferred stock

    -           -         -           -    

Common stock

    339,640       29,261     (29,261 )     339,640

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net

    (4,372 )     5,924     -           1,552

Retained earnings

    21,890       54     (54 )     21,890
                           

Total shareholders’ equity

    357,158       35,239     (29,315 )     363,082
                           

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $ 602,591     $ 67,834   $ (56,454 )   $ 613,971
                           

 

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Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

December 31, 2005

 

    Parent     Combined
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated
    (in thousands)
ASSETS        

Current assets

       

Cash and cash equivalents

  $            28,064     $ 5,574     $             -         $             33,638

Accounts receivable, net

    96,707       7,721       -           104,428

Intercompany accounts receivable

    3,460       8,977       (12,437 )     -    

Inventories

    46,792       2,664       -           49,456

Deferred income taxes, net

    22,895       299       -           23,194

Other

    8,575       2,366       -           10,941

Intercompany other

    227       3,500       (3,727 )     -    
                             

Total current assets

    206,720       31,101       (16,164 )     221,657

Property, plant and equipment, net

    74,097       3,526       -           77,623

Intangible assets, net

    123,233       60       -           123,293

Goodwill

    103,305       12,727       -           116,032

Deferred income taxes, net

    47,987       1,806       (838 )     48,955

Intercompany notes receivable

    1,966       -           (1,966 )     -    

Other

    38,200       48       (26,924 )     11,324
                             

Total assets

  $ 595,508     $ 49,268     $ (45,892 )   $ 598,884
                             
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY        

Current liabilities

       

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

  $ 44,720     $ 1,495     $ -         $ 46,215

Intercompany accounts payable

    8,966       3,471       (12,437 )     -    

Wages and benefits payable

    22,761       971       -           23,732

Current portion of debt

    3,516       860       -           4,376

Current portion of warranty

    7,972       525       -           8,497

Short-term intercompany advances

    -           3,727       (3,727 )     -    

Unearned revenue

    21,801       957       -           22,758
                             

Total current liabilities

    109,736       12,006       (16,164 )     105,578

Long-term debt

    160,186       -           -           160,186

Project financing debt

    -           2,367       -           2,367

Intercompany notes payable

    -           1,966       (1,966 )     -    

Warranty

    6,708       71       -           6,779

Deferred income taxes, net

    -           838       (838 )     -    

Other obligations

    6,333       107       -           6,440
                             

Total liabilities

    282,963       17,355       (18,968 )     281,350

Shareholders’ equity

       

Preferred stock

    -           -           -           -    

Common stock

    312,047       28,132       (28,133 )     312,046

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net

    (4,119 )     4,962       28       871

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

    4,617       (1,181 )     1,181       4,617
                             

Total shareholders’ equity

    312,545       31,913       (26,924 )     317,534
                             

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $ 595,508     $ 49,268     $ (45,892 )   $ 598,884
                             

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Six Months Ended June 30, 2006

 

    Parent     Combined
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
    (in thousands)  

Operating activities

       

Net income

  $            17,273     $ 1,235     $             (1,235 )   $             17,273  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

       

Depreciation and amortization

    21,734       557       -           22,291  

Employee stock plans income tax benefits

    11,686       -           -           11,686  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

    (8,371 )     -           -           (8,371 )

Stock-based compensation

    4,096       -           -           4,096  

Amortization of prepaid debt fees

    3,107       48       -           3,155  

Deferred income taxes, net

    712       (1,665 )     -           (953 )

Equity in earnings (losses) of non-guarantor subsidiaries

    (1,235 )     -           1,235       -      

Other, net

    453       (18 )     -           435  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

       

Accounts receivable

    22,357       (4,319 )     -           18,038  

Inventories

    (10,974 )     1,399       -           (9,575 )

Long-term note receivable, net

    1,298       (1,298 )     -           -      

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    (17 )     1,159       -           1,142  

Wages and benefits payable

    (3,590 )     (33 )     -           (3,623 )

Unearned revenue

    3,755       475       -           4,230  

Warranty

    1,634       44       -           1,678  

Other long-term obligations

    (1,008 )     827       -           (181 )

Intercompany transactions, net

    (6,922 )     6,922       -           -      

Other, net

    (5,069 )     519       -           (4,550 )
                               

Net cash provided by operating activities

    50,919       5,852       -           56,771  

Investing activities

       

Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment

    56       53       -           109  

Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment

    (13,787 )     (633 )     -           (14,420 )

Proceeds from the sale of an investment in affiliate

    1,000       -           -           1,000  

Business acquisitions, net

    (5,347 )     (2,431 )     -           (7,778 )

Cash transferred to parent

    -           (946 )     946       -      

Cash transferred to non-guarantor subsidiaries

    (100 )     -           100       -      

Intercompany notes, net

    (4,567 )     -           4,567       -      

Other, net

    (1,370 )     1,705       -           335  
                               

Net cash used in investing activities

    (24,115 )     (2,252 )     5,613       (20,754 )

Financing activities

       

Payments on debt

    (39,476 )     (3,227 )     -           (42,703 )

Issuance of common stock

    11,326       -           -           11,326  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

    8,371       -           -           8,371  

Prepaid debt fees

    (62 )     -           -           (62 )

Cash transferred from parent

    -           100       (100 )     -      

Cash transferred from non-guarantor subsidiaries

    946       -           (946 )     -      

Intercompany notes payable

    -           4,567       (4,567 )     -      
                               

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    (18,895 )     1,440       (5,613 )     (23,068 )

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

    7,909       5,040       -           12,949  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    28,064       5,574       -           33,638  
                               

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 35,973     $ 10,614     $ -         $ 46,587  
                               

Non-cash operating and financing transactions:

       

Property, plant and equipment purchased but not yet paid

  $ 3,082     $ 21     $ -         $ 3,103  

Non-cash affects of acquisitions (Note 4)

       

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

       

Cash paid during the period for:

       

Income taxes

  $ 637     $ 196     $ -         $ 833  

Interest

    5,440       183       -           5,623  

 

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Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Six Months Ended June 30, 2005

 

    Parent     Combined
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
    (in thousands)  

Operating activities

       

Net income

  $            10,130     $ 770     $             (770 )   $             10,130  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

       

Depreciation and amortization

    25,685       439       -           26,124  

Employee stock plans income tax benefits

    7,047       -           -           7,047  

Stock-based compensation

    220       -           -           220  

Amortization of prepaid debt fees

    3,048       -           -           3,048  

Deferred income taxes, net

    (12,427 )     47       -           (12,380 )

Equity in earnings (losses) of guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries

    (770 )     -           770       -      

Other, net

    887       (59 )     -           828  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

       

Accounts receivable

    3,848       476       -           4,324  

Inventories

    (605 )     (287 )     -           (892 )

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    3,057       (878 )     -           2,179  

Wages and benefits payable

    3,248       (552 )     -           2,696  

Unearned revenue

    (4,441 )     331       -           (4,110 )

Warranty

    3       (184 )     -           (181 )

Other long-term obligations

    (644 )     -           -           (644 )

Intercompany transactions, net

    (521 )     521       -           -      

Other, net

    (1,621 )     (179 )     -           (1,800 )
                               

Net cash provided by operating activities

    36,144       445       -           36,589  

Investing activities

       

Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment

    7       2,635       -           2,642  

Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment

    (5,308 )     32       -           (5,276 )

Cash transferred to parent

    -           (1,580 )     1,580       -      

Cash transferred to non-guarantor subsidiaries

    (85 )     -           85       -      

Intercompany notes, net

    3,140       -           (3,140 )     -      

Other, net

    (1,287 )     351       1,414       478  
                               

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    (3,533 )     1,438       (61 )     (2,156 )

Financing activities

       

Payments on debt

    (107,787 )     (391 )     -           (108,178 )

Issuance of common stock

    72,318       1,414       (1,414 )     72,318  

Prepaid debt fees

    (267 )     -           -           (267 )

Intercompany notes, net

    -           (3,140 )     3,140       -      

Cash received from non-guarantor subsidiaries

    1,580       -           (1,580 )     -      

Cash received from parent

    -           85       (85 )     -      

Other, net

    -           28       -           28  
                               

Net cash used in financing activities

    (34,156 )     (2,004 )     61       (36,099 )

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    (1,545 )     (121 )     -           (1,666 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    5,854       5,770       -           11,624  
                               

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 4,309     $ 5,649     $ -         $ 9,958  
                               

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

       

Cash paid during the period for:

       

Income taxes

  $ 1,079     $ 215     $ -         $ 1,294  

Interest

    7,941       147       -           8,088  

 

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Item 2:    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Itron” and the “Company” refer to Itron, Inc.

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes included in this report, and with our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 24, 2006.

Our SEC filings are available free of charge under the Investor Relations section of our website at www.itron.com as soon as practicable after they are filed with or furnished to the SEC. In addition, our filings are available at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov) and at the SEC’s Headquarters at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549, or by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

Certain Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements concerning our operations, financial performance, revenues, earnings growth, estimated stock-based compensation expense, cost reduction programs and other items. These statements reflect our current plans and expectations and are based on information currently available as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. When included in this discussion, the words “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projects,” “estimates,” “future,” “objective,” “may,” “will,” “will continue” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, these words are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking 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. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, 1) the rate and timing of customer demand for our products, 2) delays, rescheduling or cancellations of current customer orders, 3) changes in estimated liabilities for product warranties, 4) changes in laws and regulations (including Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensing actions), 5) our dependence on new product development and intellectual property, 6) future acquisitions, including potential disruptions in operations associated with integration activities and performance expectations and 7) other factors. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We do not have any obligation or undertaking to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. For a more complete description of these and other risks, see “Risk Factors” within Item 1A included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, which was filed with the SEC on February 24, 2006.

Results of Operations

We derive the majority of our revenues from sales of products and services to utilities. Sales revenues may include hardware, software licenses, custom software development, field and project management services and engineering, consulting and installation services. Service revenues include post-sale maintenance support and outsourcing services. Outsourcing services encompass installation, operation and maintenance of meter reading systems to provide meter information to a customer for billing and management purposes for systems we own as well as those owned by our customers. Hardware cost of sales are based on standard costs, which include materials, direct labor, warranty expense and an overhead allocation, as well as variances from standard costs. Software cost of sales include distribution and documentation costs for applications sold, along with other labor and operating costs for custom software development, project management, consulting and systems support. Hardware and software cost of services include materials, labor and overhead.

Highlights

New orders in the first six months of 2006 were $313 million, 6% higher than the $294 million in new orders in the first six months of 2005, driven primarily by new orders for automatic meter reading (AMR), in particular two large orders for gas AMR and one large order for electricity meters with AMR. Total backlog was $351 million at June 30, 2006, compared with $243 million at June 30, 2005. Backlog shippable over the next twelve months was $225 million, up from $151 million a year ago. Approximately $33 million of shippable and total backlog at June 30, 2006 is related to a contract with one customer, Progress Energy, the majority of which will be recognized as revenue prior to December 31, 2006.

Operating margins improved during the second quarter and first six months of 2006, compared with the same periods last year as revenue growth was higher than growth in operating expenses, and due to less intangible asset amortization expense in 2006. Operating cash flows were higher in 2006 with the majority of cash flow used to pay down debt. At June 30, 2006, we had $124.3 million of total debt, compared with $170.1 million in total debt at June 30, 2005.

 

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On January 1, 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 123(R), Share-Based Payment, (SFAS 123(R)), which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards. We recognized $2.0 million and $4.1 million in stock-based compensation expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively, compared with $71,000 and $220,000 for the same periods in 2005. The primary increase in stock-based compensation expense is due to the expensing of stock awards prospectively.

Revenues and Gross Margins

Total Revenues and Gross Margins

The following tables summarize our revenues, gross profit and gross margin for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2006.

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,         Six Months Ended June 30,
     2006    2005    % Change         2006    2005    % Change
     (millions)              (millions)     

Revenues

                    

Sales

   $ 152.0    $ 122.8    24%       $ 294.9    $ 227.0    30%

Service

     11.8      12.3    -4%         24.5      24.6    1%
                                    

Total revenues

   $        163.8    $        135.1    21%       $        319.4    $        251.6    27%
                                    

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
    2006   2005   2006   2005
   

Gross

Profit

  Gross
Margin
 

Gross

Profit

  Gross
Margin
 

Gross

Profit

  Gross
Margin
 

Gross

Profit

  Gross
Margin
    (millions)       (millions)       (millions)       (millions)    

Gross Profit and Margin

               

Sales

  $ 63.9   42%   $ 52.0   42%   $ 124.9   42%   $ 97.0   43%

Service

    5.1   44%     4.7   38%     10.9   44%     10.7   44%
                               

Total gross profit and margin

  $ 69.0   42%   $ 56.7   42%   $ 135.8   43%   $ 107.7   43%
                               

Revenues

Sales revenues increased $29.2 million and $67.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, compared with the same periods in 2005, as a result of increased hardware sales, including electricity meters, AMR gas modules and installation. Service revenues, consisting primarily of maintenance contracts, remained comparable in 2006 with 2005.

One customer, Progress Energy, represented 19% and 21% of total revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively. No customer represented more than 10% of total revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005. The 10 largest customers accounted for approximately 43% and 42% of total revenues during the three and six months ended June 30, 2006. During the same periods in 2005, our 10 largest customers accounted for approximately 23% and 20%, respectively.

Gross Margins

As a percentage of revenue, sales gross margin for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 remained constant, compared with the same periods in 2005, although we experienced a shift in product mix. Service gross margin increased for the three months ended June 30, 2006, compared with the three months ended June 30, 2005, primarily due to lower outsourcing costs, but remained constant for the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared with the same period in 2005.

Segment Revenues, Gross Profit and Margin and Operating Income (Loss)

We have two operating groups (Hardware Solutions and Software Solutions) and three segments. Software Solutions is a single segment and Hardware Solutions is comprised of two segments, Meter Data Collection and Electricity Metering. For these three segments, management has three primary measures of segment performance: revenue, gross profit (margin) and operating income. Revenues for each segment are reported according to product lines. There are no inter-segment revenues. Within Hardware Solutions, cost of sales includes materials, direct labor, warranty expense and an overhead allocation. Software Solutions cost of sales include distribution and documentation costs for applications sold, along with other labor

 

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and operating costs for custom software development, project management, consulting and systems support. Hardware and software cost of services include materials, labor and overhead. Operating expenses directly associated with each segment may include sales, marketing, product development or administrative expenses.

Corporate operating expenses, interest income, interest expense, other income (expense), amortization expense and income tax expense (benefit) are not allocated to the segments, nor included in the measure of segment profit or loss. We do not allocate assets and liabilities to our segments. Prior to January 1, 2006, Itron Electricity Metering, Inc., or Electricity Metering, was a wholly owned subsidiary with separately identifiable assets and liabilities. Effective January 1, 2006, Electricity Metering merged with Itron, Inc. Approximately 50% and 65% of depreciation expense was allocated to the segments at June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, with the remaining portion unallocated. Unallocated depreciation increased in 2006, compared with 2005, due to the purchase of our new corporate headquarters facility at the end of 2005, which is not allocated to the segments.

We classify sales in the United States and Canada as domestic revenues. International revenues were $9.2 million and $9.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 and $14.4 million and $17.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Segment Products

 

Segment

  

Major Products

HardwareSolutions—
Meter Data Collection:

   Residential and commercial AMR standalone modules, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) equipment, contract manufacturing and royalties for our AMR technology in other vendors’ electricity meters, mobile and network AMR data collection technologies, handheld computers for meter data collection or mobile workforce applications and related installation, implementation and maintenance support services.

Hardware Solutions—
Electricity Metering:

   Residential, commercial and industrial (C&I) and generation, transmission and distribution (GT&D) electricity meters and related installation, implementation and other services.

Software Solutions:

   Software applications for commercial, industrial and residential meter data collection and management, distribution system design and optimization, energy and water management, asset optimization, mobile workforce solutions, forecasting and related implementation, consulting and maintenance support services.

Revenues from AMR related to electricity meters can be reflected in either our Meter Data Collection or Electricity Metering segments. Included in Meter Data Collection are standalone electric AMR modules that can be attached to electromechanical electricity meters in the field or manufactured by others, AMR circuit boards we manufacture that are embedded in other vendors’ electronic electricity meters and royalties for licensing our electric AMR technology. Included in Electricity Metering revenues are sales of our electronic meters with our embedded AMR technology as well as some contract manufacturing for incorporating other vendors’ AMR technology into our electronic meters.

 

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The following tables and discussion highlight significant changes in trends or components of each segment.

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,        Six Months Ended June 30,
     2006     2005     % Change        2006     2005     % Change
     (millions)              (millions)      

Segment Revenues

               

Hardware Solutions

               

Meter Data Collection

   $          60.1     $          62.2     -3%      $        121.9     $        111.9     9%

Electricity Metering

     88.4       60.6     46%        168.8       114.7     47%
                                       

Total Hardware Solutions

     148.5       122.8     21%        290.7       226.6     28%

Software Solutions

     15.3       12.3     24%        28.7       25.0     15%
                                       

Total Company

   $ 163.8     $ 135.1     21%      $ 319.4     $ 251.6     27%
                                       

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
    2006   2005   2006   2005
   

Gross

Profit

    Gross
Margin
 

Gross

Profit

    Gross
Margin
 

Gross

Profit

    Gross
Margin
 

Gross

Profit

    Gross
Margin
Segment Gross Profit and Margin   (millions)         (millions)         (millions)         (millions)      

Hardware Solutions

               

Meter Data Collection

  $ 25.5     42%   $ 27.3     44%   $ 54.2     44%   $ 48.3     43%

Electricity Metering

    37.0     42%     24.7     41%     68.9     41%     49.0     43%
                                       

Total Hardware Solutions

    62.5     42%     52.0     42%     123.1     42%     97.3     43%

Software Solutions

    6.5     42%     4.7     38%     12.7     44%     10.4     42%
                                       

Total Company

  $ 69.0     42%   $ 56.7     42%   $ 135.8     43%   $ 107.7     43%
                                       
    Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
    2006   2005   2006   2005
    Operating
Income
    Operating
Margin
  Operating
Income
    Operating
Margin
  Operating
Income
    Operating
Margin
  Operating
Income
    Operating
Margin
Segment Operating Income (Loss)
    and Operating Margin
  (millions)         (millions)         (millions)         (millions)      

Hardware Solutions

               

Meter Data Collection

  $ 19.6     33%   $ 22.0     35%   $ 42.7     35%   $ 38.0     34%

Electricity Metering

    33.2     38%     20.4     34%     61.8     37%     40.3     35%

Other unallocated costs

    (9.7 )       (6.2 )       (18.4 )       (12.2 )  
                                       

Total Hardware Solutions

    43.1     29%     36.2     29%     86.1     30%     66.1     29%

Software Solutions

    (3.3 )   -22%     (3.0 )   -24%     (5.8 )   -20%     (5.6 )   -22%

Corporate unallocated

    (22.2 )       (22.9 )       (43.7 )       (44.4 )  
                                       

Total Company

  $ 17.6     11%   $ 10.3     8%   $ 36.6     11%   $ 16.1     6%
                                       

 

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    Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
    2006   2005   2006   2005
Unit Shipments by Segment   (in thousands)

Meter Data Collection

       

AMR standalone modules

  1,000   1,125                  2,075                  1,900

Licensed AMR (other vendors’ meters)

  50   125   175   300

Electricity Metering

       

Total meters

  1,850   1,125   3,575   2,200

With Itron AMR

  1,300   425   2,500   800

With other AMR

  225   225   375   425

Total units with Itron AMR (1)

  2,350   1,675   4,750   3,000

(1) Includes Itron AMR standalone modules, Itron meters with Itron AMR and other vendors’ electronic electricity meters with Itron AMR.

Hardware SolutionsMeter Data Collection:    Meter Data Collection revenues decreased $2.1 million, or 3%, in the second quarter of 2006, compared with the same period in 2005. Shipments of standalone gas AMR modules increased, offset primarily by lower shipments of standalone electric AMR modules. Meter Data Collection revenues increased $10.0 million, or 9%, for the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared with the same period in 2005, due to increased shipments of standalone gas AMR modules, offset primarily by fewer shipments of standalone electric AMR modules. Standalone electric AMR module shipments have declined in 2006 due to increasing sales of electricity meters with embedded AMR.

Gross margins decreased two percentage points in the second quarter of 2006, compared with the second quarter of 2005, but increased one percentage point on a year-to-date basis in 2006. Gross margins can fluctuate from period to period primarily due to changes in the mix of product sold, manufacturing volumes and provisions for product warranties.

One customer, Piedmont Natural Gas, accounted for 16% and 14% of Meter Data Collection segment revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively. There were no customers that represented more than 10% of Meter Data Collection revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005.

Hardware SolutionsElectricity Metering:    Electricity Metering revenues increased $27.8 million and $54.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, compared with the same periods in 2005, due to a 64 % and 63% increase in the number of meters shipped in each period, respectively. The growth in meter shipments in 2006 was primarily related to shipments under a contract with Progress Energy for 2.7 million residential meters with AMR, which was signed in the third quarter of 2005. Approximately 70% of meters shipped in each period in 2006 were equipped with our AMR technology compared with 38% and 36%, respectively, for the three and six month periods in 2005.

Electricity Metering gross margin was 42% for the second quarter of 2006, compared with 41% in 2005. Year-to-date, Electricity Metering gross margin was 41% in 2006 compared with 43% in 2005. Gross margin fluctuations from period to period reflect changes in the mix of meters sold, such as residential vs. C&I, AMR meters vs. non-AMR meters, changes in manufacturing volumes and changes in the amount of installation and other related services. In particular, for the six months ended 2006, lower gross margin reflects a higher proportion of installation revenues compared with meter sales.

Progress Energy represented 36% and 39% of Electricity Metering revenues for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2006. There were no customers that represented more than 10% of Electricity Metering revenues in the three and six months ended June 30, 2005.

Hardware Solutions—Total operating expenses:    Total Hardware Solutions operating expenses were $19.4 million and $37.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, compared with $15.8 million and $31.2 million for the same periods in 2005. In the 2006 periods, these costs were 13% of total Hardware Solutions revenues compared with 13% and 14% of total Hardware Solutions revenues in the three and six month periods in 2005.

Software Solutions:    Revenues increased $3.0 million and $3.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, compared with the same periods in 2005, due to increases in software license sales for a broad mix of products. Gross margins for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 increased four and two percentage points, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2005, due to a proportionately higher content of revenues from software licenses. Software licenses were 28% and 27% of segment revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively, compared with 21% in each of the same periods in 2005.

 

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There were no customers that represented more than 10% of Software Solutions revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005.

Gross profit for Software Solutions is not yet sufficient to cover current operating expenses due primarily to significant investments in product development. In 2006, operating expenses include approximately $800,000 in expenses related to the relocation of operations from Vancouver, B.C. to our headquarters in Spokane and approximately $600,000 associated with stock-based compensation. Stock-based compensation was approximately $1.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. There was no stock-based compensation expense in 2005.

Corporate unallocated:    Operating expenses not directly associated with a segment are classified as “Corporate unallocated.” The largest single component of these is amortization of intangible assets, which was $7.6 million and $14.9 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with $9.7 million and $19.4 million for the same periods in 2005.

New Order Bookings and Backlog

Bookings for a reported period represent contracts and purchase orders received during the specified period. Total backlog represents committed but undelivered contracts and purchase orders at period end. Twelve-month backlog represents the portion of total backlog that we estimate will be earned over the next twelve months. Bookings and backlog exclude maintenance-related activity. Backlog is not a complete measure of our future business as we have a significant portion of our business that is book-and-ship. Bookings and backlog can fluctuate significantly due to the timing of large project awards. In addition, annual or multi-year contracts are subject to rescheduling and cancellation by customers due to the long-term nature of the contracts. Beginning total backlog, plus bookings, less sales revenues will not always equal ending total backlog due to miscellaneous contract adjustments and other factors.

Information on new orders during the quarter and backlog at quarter-end is summarized as follows:

 

Quarter Ended

   Total
Bookings
   Total
Backlog
   12-Month
Backlog
     (in millions)

June 30, 2006

   $ 107    $         351    $ 225

March 31, 2006

     206      387      241

December 31, 2005

     149      324      188

September 30, 2005

     212      325      198

June 30, 2005

     177      243      151

March 31, 2005

     117      190      116

December 31, 2004

     128      179      97

September 30, 2004

     98      177      104

 

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Operating Expenses

The following table details our total operating expenses in dollars and as a percentage of revenues.

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
    2006   % of
Revenue
  2005   % of
Revenue
  2006   % of
Revenue
  2005   % of
Revenue
    (millions)       (millions)       (millions)       (millions)    

Operating Expenses

               

Sales and marketing

  $ 16.3   10%   $ 13.6   10%   $ 31.8   10%   $ 26.8   11%

Product development

    14.9   9%     11.4   8%     27.8   9%     23.3   9%

General and administrative

    12.6   7%     11.8   9%     24.7   8%     21.8   8%

Amortization of intangibles assets

    7.6   5%     9.7   7%     14.9   4%     19.4   8%

Restructurings

    -       -         -       -         -       -         0.4   -    
                                       

Total operating expenses

  $ 51.4           31%   $ 46.5           34%   $ 99.2           31%   $ 91.7           36%
                                       

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, operating expenses included approximately $1.8 million and $3.6 million associated with our January 1, 2006 adoption of SFAS 123(R), which requires expensing of stock-based compensation. While total operating expenses increased, they decreased as a percentage of revenue due to higher sales volumes.

Other Income (Expense)

The following table shows the components of other income (expense).

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2006     2005     2006     2005  
     (in thousands)  

Interest income

   $ 360     $ 94     $            722     $              98  

Interest expense

     (2,202 )     (4,047 )     (5,176 )     (7,904 )

Amortization of prepaid debt fees

     (383 )     (2,338 )     (3,155 )     (3,048 )

Other income (expense), net

     (241 )     454       (689 )     555  
                                

Total other income (expense)

   $ (2,466 )   $ (5,837 )   $ (8,298 )   $ (10,299 )
                                

Interest income consists primarily of interest earned from operating cash balances. Our average operating cash balances were $38.9 million and $41.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with $15.7 million and $14.9 million for the same periods in 2005, respectively.

The reduction in interest expense is the result of lower outstanding borrowings and capitalized interest. Average outstanding borrowings were $124.6 million and $139.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, compared with $217.2 million and $243.3 million for the same period in 2005, respectively. In the second quarter of 2006, we capitalized approximately $400,000 of interest costs related to qualified expenditures for improvements to our new corporate headquarters facility, which will be substantially complete as of September 30, 2006. The amount capitalized is based on interest rates in place during the construction period and we expect to capitalize a similar amount in the third quarter. Amortization of prepaid debt fees has fluctuated as a result of voluntary prepayments of our senior secured term loan.

Other income (expense) consists primarily of foreign currency gains and losses, which can vary from period to period, as well as other non-operating events or transactions. During the six months ended June 30, 2006, other income (expense) also included a $242,000 loss on the sale of our investment in Servatron, which was recorded in the first quarter. During the second quarter of 2005, other income (expense) included a state tax refund of $500,000.

 

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Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rates differ from the federal statutory rate of 35%, and can vary from period to period, due to fluctuations in operating results, new or revised tax legislation and accounting pronouncements, research credits and state income taxes.

We estimate that our 2006 annual effective income tax rate will be approximately 42%. Our effective income tax rate was 33% and 39%, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006. The rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 is lower than the estimated annual rate due to tax benefits for certain state and Canadian credits and the realization of deferred tax assets related to a foreign subsidiary. Both the six month and estimated 2006 annual effective income tax rates are higher than the statutory rate due to state income taxes and the implementation of SFAS 123(R).

Our 2005 annual effective income tax rate of 34% was lower than the statutory tax rate due to the benefit of research credits. In the second quarter of 2005, we completed a research credit study for the years 1997 – 2004, recognizing a $5.9 million net tax credit as an offset to the provision for income taxes. Due primarily to this credit, we had a net tax benefit for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005.

Our estimated 2006 annual effective income tax rate does not include a federal research credit, as the credit expired on December 31, 2005. Congress is currently discussing extension and/or revision of the research credit. As of June 30, 2006, the research credit had not been extended or reinstated by Congress. If the research credit is reinstated by Congress, our effective annual income tax rate for 2006 is expected to be lower than the current estimated rate of 42%.

As a matter of course, we are subject to audit by various taxing authorities. From time to time, these audits may result in proposed assessments where the ultimate resolution may result in additional taxes. We regularly assess our position with regard to individual tax exposures and we believe that our tax positions comply with applicable tax law and that we have adequately provided for these matters.

Financial Condition

Cash Flow Information:

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2006     2005  
     (in millions)  

Operating activities

   $ 56.8     $ 36.6  

Investing activities

     (20.8 )     (2.2 )

Financing activities

     (23.1 )     (36.1 )
                

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

   $ 12.9     $ (1.7 )
                

Operating activities:    Cash provided by operating activities increased $20.2 million in the first half of 2006, compared with the same period in 2005. Increased revenues generated an additional $89.8 million in cash, which was offset by an increase of $64.8 million in cash paid to suppliers and employees. In addition, we paid $3.6 million less in net interest and taxes. In 2006 excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation associated with our January 1, 2006 adoption of SFAS 123(R) are reflected in financing activities.

Investing activities:    In the first half of 2006, property, plant and equipment purchases were $14.4 million, compared with $5.3 million in the first half of 2005. The increase in 2006 is primarily related to capital improvements to our new corporate headquarters and an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system upgrade. Also, in 2005, proceeds of $2.6 million were received from the sale of our manufacturing facility in Quebec, Canada. Investing activities in the first half of 2006 also included $7.8 million used for the Quantum Consulting, Inc. (Quantum) and ELO Sistemas e Tecnologia Ltda. (ELO) acquisitions with no similar activity in the first half of 2005.

Financing activities:    During the first half of 2006, we paid off various debt balances from December 31, 2005, including $24.7 million on our term loan, $14.8 million on our real estate term note and $3.2 million of project financing debt. In the first half of 2005 we made $107.8 million in payments on the term note, $59.8 million of which were from net proceeds from an equity offering in May 2005. Cash generated from the exercise of stock-based awards was $11.3 million during the first half of 2006, compared with $12.5 million for the same period in 2005. Financing activities in the first half of 2006 included $8.4 million in excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation associated with our January 1, 2006 adoption of SFAS 123(R).

 

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We had no off-balance sheet financing agreements at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, except for operating lease commitments.

Liquidity, Sources and Uses of Capital:

We have historically funded our operations and growth with cash flow from operations, borrowings and issuances of our stock. At June 30, 2006, we had $46.6 million in cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are invested in investments rated A or better by Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s. We are exposed to changes in interest rates on cash equivalents.

At December 31, 2005, we had $24.7 million remaining on our original $185 million seven-year senior secured term loan (term loan), which we repaid during the first quarter of 2006. The term loan was part of our senior secured credit facility (credit facility), which originated on July 1, 2004 to finance the acquisition of our Electricity Metering business. The credit facility also includes a $55 million five-year senior secured revolving credit line (revolver). We have the ability to increase the revolver to $75 million at a future date. Our letter of credit limit under the credit facility is $55 million and can be increased to $65 million at a future date. The credit facility is guaranteed by all of our operating subsidiaries, except for our foreign subsidiaries and an outsourcing project finance subsidiary, all of which are wholly owned.

At June 30, 2006, there were no borrowings outstanding under the revolver and $22.5 million was utilized by outstanding standby letters of credit resulting in $32.5 million available for additional borrowings. Revolver borrowings can be made at any time through June 2009, at which time any borrowings outstanding must be repaid. We were in compliance with all of our debt covenants at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005. Our debt covenants require us to maintain certain consolidated leverage and coverage ratios on a quarterly basis, as well as customary covenants that place restrictions on the incurrence of debt, the payment of dividends, certain investments and mergers.

Interest rates on the revolver vary depending on our consolidated leverage ratio and are based on the London InterBank Offering Rate (LIBOR) plus 2.0% to 3.0%, or Prime plus 1.0% to 2.0%, payable at various intervals depending on the term of the borrowing. The annual commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolver varies from 0.25% to 0.50%. We incur annual letter of credit fees based on (a) a fronting fee of 0.125% and (b) a letter of credit fee that varies from 1.0% to 2.0%.

Prepaid debt fees for all our outstanding borrowings are amortized over the respective terms using the effective interest method. Unamortized prepaid debt fees were approximately $5.8 million and $8.9 million at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.

Our senior subordinated notes consist of $125 million aggregate principal amount of 7.75% notes, issued in May 2004 and due in 2012. The notes were discounted to a price of 99.265 to yield 7.875%, with a balance of $124.3 million at June 30, 2006. The notes are registered with the SEC and are generally transferable. The discount on the notes is accreted and the prepaid debt fees are amortized over the life of the notes. Fixed interest payments of approximately $4.8 million are required every six months, in May and November. The notes are subordinated to our credit facility and are guaranteed by all of our operating subsidiaries, except for our foreign subsidiaries and an outsourcing project finance subsidiary, all of which are wholly owned. The notes contain covenants, which place restrictions on the incurrence of debt, the payment of dividends, certain investments and mergers. Some or all of the notes may be redeemed at our option at any time on or after May 15, 2008, at their principal amount plus a specified premium. At any time prior to May 15, 2007, we may, at our option, redeem up to 35% of the notes, at 107.75%, with the proceeds of certain sales of our common stock.

The real estate term note we signed on December 31, 2005 for $14.8 million was repaid in April 2006. The project financing note, which had a balance of $3.2 million at December 31, 2005, was repaid in April 2006.

We maintain bid and performance bonds for certain customers. Bonds in force were $2.7 million and $3.0 million at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. Bid bonds guarantee that we will enter into a contract consistent with the terms of the bid. Performance bonds provide a guarantee to the customer for future performance, which usually covers the installation phase of a contract and may on occasion cover the operations and maintenance phase of outsourcing contracts.

We have employee bonus and profit sharing plans, based on performance and financial targets. Actual award amounts are determined at the end of the year if the targets are met. As the bonuses are being earned during the year, we estimate a compensation accrual each quarter based on the progress towards achieving the goals, the estimated financial forecast for the year and the probability of achieving various results. An accrual is recorded if management deems it probable that a target will be achieved and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Although we monitor our annual forecast and the progress towards achievement of goals, the actual results at the end of the year may warrant a bonus award that is significantly greater or less than the assessments made in earlier quarters. We accrued approximately $2.5 million and $2.2 million under these plans for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, and $5.0 million and $3.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

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Our net deferred tax assets consist of accumulated net operating losses and tax credits, some of which are limited by Internal Revenue Code Sections 382 and 383 (Section 382 and Section 383). The limited deferred tax assets resulted primarily from acquisitions. We expect to utilize tax loss carryforwards and available tax credits to offset taxes otherwise due on regular taxable income in upcoming years. During 2006, we expect to pay approximately $2.7 million in cash for federal alternative minimum tax, international taxes and various state tax obligations.

Working capital at June 30, 2006 was $136.1 million compared with $116.1 million at December 31, 2005. A portion of the increase of $20.0 million in working capital resulted from an $8.5 million reclassification of our Spokane Valley headquarters’ facility to assets held for sale within other current assets at June 30, 2006.

We expect to continue to expand our operations and grow our business through a combination of internal new product development, licensing technology from or to others, distribution agreements, partnership arrangements and acquisitions of technology or other companies. We expect these activities to be funded with existing cash, cash flow from operations, borrowings and the issuance of common stock or other securities. We believe existing sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund our existing operations and obligations for at least the next year and foreseeable future, but offer no assurances. Our liquidity could be affected by the stability of the energy and water industries, competitive pressures, international risks, intellectual property claims and other factors described under “Risk Factors” within Item 1A to Part 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, which was filed with the SEC on February 24, 2006, as well as in our “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” within Item 3 of Part 1 included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Contingencies

We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims of which the outcomes are subject to significant uncertainty. Our policy is to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes related to legal matters, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the liability required, if any, for these contingencies is made after an analysis of each known issue in accordance with SFAS 5, Accounting for Contingencies, and related pronouncements. In accordance with SFAS 5, a liability is recorded when we determine that a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Additionally, we disclose contingencies for which a material loss is reasonably possible, but not probable. At June 30, 2006, there were no material contingencies requiring accrual or disclosure.

We generally provide within our sales contracts an indemnification related to the infringement of any patent, copyright, trademark or other intellectual property right on software or equipment, which indemnifies the customer from and pays the resulting costs, damages and attorney’s fees awarded against a customer with respect to such a claim provided that (a) the customer promptly notifies us in writing of the claim and (b) we have the sole control of the defense and all related settlement negotiations. The terms of the indemnification normally do not limit the maximum potential future payments. We also provide an indemnification for third party claims resulting from damages caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of our employees/agents in connection with the performance of certain contracts. The terms of the indemnification generally do not limit the maximum potential payments.

Critical Accounting Policies

Revenue Recognition: The majority of our revenues are recognized when products are shipped to or received by a customer or when services are provided. We have certain customer arrangements with multiple elements. For such arrangements, we determine the estimated fair value of each element and then allocate the total arrangement consideration among the separate elements based on the relative fair value percentages. Revenues for each element are then recognized based on the type of element, such as 1) when the products are shipped, 2) services are delivered, 3) percentage of completion when implementation services are essential to the software performance, 4) upon customer acceptance provisions or 5) transfer of title. Fair values represent the estimated price charged when an item is sold separately. We review our fair values on an annual basis or more frequently if a significant trend is noted.

We recognize revenue for delivered elements when the delivered elements have standalone value and we have objective and reliable evidence of fair value for each undelivered element. In the absence of fair value of a delivered element, we allocate revenue first to the fair value of the undelivered elements and the residual revenue to the delivered elements. If the fair value of any undelivered element included in a multiple element arrangement cannot be objectively determined, revenue is deferred until all elements are delivered and services have been performed, or until fair value can objectively be determined for any remaining undelivered elements.

Under outsourcing arrangements, revenue is recognized as services are provided. Hardware and software post-sale maintenance support fees are recognized ratably over the performance period. Certain consulting services are recognized as

 

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services are performed. Revenue can vary significantly from period to period based on the timing of orders and the application of revenue recognition criteria. Use of the percentage of completion method for revenue recognition requires estimating the cost to complete a project. The estimation of costs through completion of a project is subject to many variables such as the length of time to complete, changes in wages, subcontractor performance, supplier information and business volume assumptions. Changes in underlying assumptions/estimates may adversely or positively affect financial performance.

Unearned revenue is recorded for products or services when the criteria for revenue recognition have not been met. The majority of unearned revenue relates to annual billing terms for post-sale maintenance and support agreements.

Warranty: We offer industry standard warranties on our hardware products and large application software products. Standard warranty accruals represent the estimated cost of projected warranty claims and are based on historical and projected product performance trends, business volume assumptions, supplier information and other business and economic projections. Thorough testing of new products in the development stage helps identify and correct potential warranty issues prior to manufacturing. Continuing quality control efforts during manufacturing limit our exposure to warranty claims. If our quality control efforts fail to detect a fault in one of our products, we could experience an increase in warranty claims. We track warranty claims to identify potential warranty trends. If an unusual trend is noted, an additional warranty accrual may be assessed and recorded when a failure event is probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated. Management continually evaluates the sufficiency of the warranty provisions and makes adjustments when necessary. The warranty allowances may fluctuate due to changes in estimates for material, labor and other costs we may incur to replace projected product failures, and we may incur additional warranty and related expenses in the future with respect to new or established products.

Inventories: Items are removed from inventory using the first-in, first-out method. Inventories include raw materials, sub-assemblies and finished goods. Inventory amounts include the cost to manufacture the item, such as the cost of raw materials, labor and other applied direct and indirect costs. We also review idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted materials to determine if abnormal amounts should be recognized as current-period charges. We review our inventory for obsolescence and marketability. If the estimated market value, which is based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions, falls below the original cost, the inventory value is reduced to the market value. If technology rapidly changes or actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, inventory write-downs may be required.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets: Goodwill and intangible assets result from our acquisitions. We use estimates in determining the value of goodwill and intangible assets, including estimates of useful lives of intangible assets, discounted future cash flows and fair values of the related operations. We test goodwill for impairment each year as of October 1, under the guidance of SFAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. We forecast discounted future cash flows at the reporting unit level, which consists of our segments, based on estimated future revenues and operating costs, which take into consideration factors such as existing backlog, expected future orders, supplier contracts and general market conditions. Changes in our forecasts or cost of capital may result in asset value adjustments, which could have a significant effect on our current and future results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Intangible assets with a finite life are amortized based on estimated discounted cash flows over estimated useful lives and are tested for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Stock-based Compensation: As of January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS 123(R), which requires us to measure compensation cost for stock-based awards at fair value and recognize compensation over the service period for awards expected to vest. The estimation of stock awards that will ultimately vest requires us to approximate the number of options that will be forfeited prior to completing their vesting requirement (forfeitures). We consider many factors when estimating expected forfeitures, including types of awards, employee class and historical experience. To the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from our current estimates, such amounts will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period estimates are revised. We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which requires the input of assumptions, including the estimated length of time employees will retain their vested stock options before exercising them (expected term) and the estimated volatility of the Company’s common stock price over the expected term.

Deferred Income Taxes: We estimate the expected realizable value of deferred tax assets. As of June 30, 2006, we have a valuation allowance of $1.1 million to reduce our deferred tax assets relating to certain net operating losses and federal tax credits as we believe it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized. We do not have a valuation allowance on any other deferred tax asset because we believe that the assets are more likely than not to be realized. While we have considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the appropriateness of a valuation allowance, in the event we were to determine that we would have a change in the realization of the net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset or valuation allowance would be made.

Compensation Plans: We have compensation plans that offer a range of award amounts for the achievement of various annual performance and financial targets. Actual award amounts will be determined at the end of the year if the performance

 

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and financial targets are met. As the bonuses are being earned during the year, we must estimate a compensation accrual each quarter based on the progress towards achieving the goals, the estimated financial forecast for the year and the probability of achieving various results. An accrual is recorded if management deems it probable that a target will be achieved and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Although we monitor our annual forecast and the progress towards achievement of goals, the actual results at the end of the year may warrant a bonus award that is significantly greater or less than the assessments made in earlier quarters.

Legal Contingencies: We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims of which the outcomes are subject to significant uncertainty. Our policy is to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes related to legal matters, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the liability required, if any, for these contingencies is made after an analysis of each known issue in accordance with SFAS 5, and related pronouncements. In accordance with SFAS 5, a liability is recorded when we determine that a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Additionally, we disclose contingencies for which a material loss is reasonably possible, but less than probable.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In February of 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Instruments—An Amendment of FASB Statements 133 and 140 (SFAS 155). SFAS 155 amends SFAS 133 to allow financial instruments that have embedded derivatives to be accounted for as a whole, if the holder elects to account for the whole instrument on a fair value basis, and provides additional guidance on the applicability of SFAS 133 and SFAS 140 to certain financial instruments and subordinated concentrations of credit risk. SFAS 155 is effective for all hybrid financial instruments acquired or issued by the company on or after January 1, 2007. The adoption of SFAS 155 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In July 2006, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB 109, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We have not yet determined the impact of the adoption of FIN 48 on our results of operations or financial condition.

 

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Item 3:    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk:    We had no outstanding debt subject to variable interest rates at June 30, 2006. We held no derivative instruments at June 30, 2006.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk:    We conduct business in a number of foreign countries and, therefore, face exposure to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates. International revenues were 6% and 5% of total revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively. Since we have not used derivative instruments to manage foreign currency exchange rate risks, the consolidated results of operations in U.S. dollars are subject to fluctuation as foreign exchange rates change. In addition, our foreign currency exchange rate exposures may change over time as business practices evolve and could have a material effect on our financial results.

Our primary exposure is related to non-U.S. dollar denominated sales, cost of sales and operating expenses in our foreign subsidiary operations. This means we are subject to changes in the consolidated results of operations expressed in U.S. dollars. Other international business, consisting primarily of shipments from the United States to international distributors and customers in the Pacific Rim and Latin America, is predominantly denominated in U.S. dollars, which reduces our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. In some cases where sales from the United States are not denominated in U.S. dollars, we may hedge our foreign exchange risk by selling the expected foreign currency receipts forward. There have been, and there may continue to be, large period-to-period fluctuations in the relative portions of international revenues that are denominated in foreign currencies.

Risk-sensitive financial instruments in the form of intercompany trade receivables are mostly denominated in U.S. dollars, while intercompany notes may be denominated in local foreign currencies. As foreign currency exchange rates change, intercompany trade receivables may affect current earnings, while intercompany notes may be revalued and result in unrealized translation gains or losses that are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Because our earnings are affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, we have performed a sensitivity analysis assuming a hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in the value of the dollar relative to the currencies in which our transactions are denominated. At June 30, 2006, the analysis indicated that such market movements would not have had a material effect on our consolidated results of operations or on the fair value of any risk-sensitive financial instruments. The model assumes foreign currency exchange rates will shift in the same direction and relative amount. However, exchange rates rarely move in the same direction. This assumption may result in the overstatement or understatement of the effect of changing exchange rates on assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency. Consequently, the actual effects on operations in the future may differ materially from results of the analysis for the six months ended June 30, 2006. We may, in the future, experience greater fluctuations in U.S. dollar earnings from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We will continue to monitor and assess the effect of currency fluctuations and may institute hedging alternatives.

Item 4:    Controls and Procedures

 

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2006, the end of the period covered by this report.

 

(b) Changes in internal control. There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2006 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1:    Legal Proceedings

We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims of which the outcomes are subject to significant uncertainty. Our policy is to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes related to legal matters, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the liability required, if any, for these contingencies is made after an analysis of each known issue in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 5, Accounting for Contingencies. In accordance with SFAS 5, a liability is recorded when we determine that a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Additionally, we disclose contingencies for which a material loss is reasonably possible, but less than probable. At June 30, 2006, there were no material contingencies requiring accrual or disclosure.

Item 1A:    Risk Factors

There were no material changes during the second quarter of 2006 from risk factors as previously disclosed in Item 1A included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, which was filed with the SEC on February 24, 2006.

Item 4:    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Itron held its annual meeting of shareholders on May 9, 2006. One director, Charles H. Gaylord, Jr., was elected for a term of two years and three directors, Michael B. Bracy, Thomas S. Foley and Graham M. Wilson were elected for a term of three years. Ted C. DeMerritt, Jon E. Eliassen, Thomas S. Glanville, Sharon L. Nelson and LeRoy D. Nosbaum continued their terms as directors and Mary Ann Peters retired from the board. The following summarizes all matters voted on at the meeting.

Matter 1: The vote for the nominated directors was as follows:

 

NOMINEE

   IN FAVOR    WITHHELD

Charles H. Gaylord, Jr.

   22,599,492    508,084

Michael B. Bracy

   21,347,999    1,759,577

Thomas S. Foley

   20,502,077    2,605,499

Graham M. Wilson

   20,296,500    2,811,076

Matter 2: Approval of amendment to the Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan to increase the authorized shares.

 

 IN FAVOR

 

AGAINST

 

ABSTAIN

 

BROKER NON-VOTES

15,270,777

  5,614,325   16,411   2,206,063

Item 5:    Other Information

(a) No information was required to be disclosed in a report on Form 8-K during the second quarter of 2006 that was not reported.

(b) Not applicable.

Item 6:    Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number
  

Description of Exhibits

10.4   

Amended and Restated Stock Option Grant Program for Non-Employee Directors.

12.1   

Statement re Computation of Ratios.

31.1   

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2   

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1   

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Spokane Valley, State of Washington, on the 26th day of July, 2006.

 

    ITRON, INC.
By:  

/s/ STEVEN M. HELMBRECHT

 

Steven M. Helmbrecht

Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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