ITRI 10Q 3.31.13
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 March 31, 2013

OR
 
o
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 000-22418
ITRON, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Washington
 
91-1011792
(State of Incorporation)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
2111 N Molter Road, Liberty Lake, Washington 99019
(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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
 
Large accelerated filer
x
Accelerated filer
¨
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
¨
 
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 April 30, 2013 there were outstanding 39,532,515 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    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1A: Risk Factors
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6: Exhibits
 
 
 
 


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PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1: Financial Statements (Unaudited)
ITRON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
Revenues
$
447,536

 
$
571,640

Cost of revenues
307,413

 
388,535

Gross profit
140,123

 
183,105

 
 
 
 
Operating expenses
 
 
 
Sales and marketing
48,216

 
49,856

Product development
44,208

 
44,356

General and administrative
33,595

 
36,570

Amortization of intangible assets
10,744

 
11,913

Restructuring expense
1,013

 
789

Total operating expenses
137,776

 
143,484

 
 
 
 
Operating income
2,347

 
39,621

Other income (expense)
 
 
 
Interest income
1,061

 
193

Interest expense
(2,338
)
 
(2,437
)
Other income (expense), net
(817
)
 
(2,176
)
Total other income (expense)
(2,094
)
 
(4,420
)
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
253

 
35,201

Income tax benefit (provision)
3,243

 
(9,629
)
Net income
3,496

 
25,572

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
926

 
219

Net income attributable to Itron, Inc.
$
2,570

 
$
25,353

 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share - Basic
$
0.07

 
$
0.64

Earnings per common share - Diluted
$
0.06

 
$
0.63

 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic
39,420

 
39,913

Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted
39,770

 
40,216

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


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ITRON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(UNAUDITED)

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
Net income
$
3,496

 
$
25,572

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(31,300
)
 
28,541

Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, designated as cash flow hedges
(73
)
 

Pension plan benefit liability adjustment
(380
)
 
23

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(31,753
)
 
28,564

Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(28,257
)
 
54,136

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax:
 
 
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
926

 
219

Foreign currency translation adjustments
(5
)
 

Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interest
921

 
219

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc.
$
(29,178
)
 
$
53,917

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

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ITRON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
(unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
101,561

 
$
136,411

Accounts receivable, net
356,228

 
375,326

Inventories
182,454

 
170,719

Deferred tax assets current, net
33,152

 
33,536

Other current assets
111,015

 
104,958

Total current assets
784,410

 
820,950

 
 
 
 
Property, plant, and equipment, net
248,612

 
255,212

Deferred tax assets noncurrent, net
53,673

 
44,584

Other long-term assets
30,468

 
28,908

Intangible assets, net
221,147

 
238,771

Goodwill
683,215

 
701,016

Total assets
$
2,021,525

 
$
2,089,441

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
197,759

 
$
227,739

Other current liabilities
51,946

 
49,950

Wages and benefits payable
83,567

 
91,802

Taxes payable
13,697

 
9,305

Current portion of debt
20,625

 
18,750

Current portion of warranty
25,150

 
27,115

Unearned revenue
56,174

 
42,712

Total current liabilities
448,918

 
467,373

 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
378,125

 
398,750

Long-term warranty
25,604

 
26,490

Pension plan benefit liability
87,805

 
90,533

Deferred tax liabilities noncurrent, net
14,156

 
16,682

Other long-term obligations
80,263

 
80,100

Total liabilities
1,034,871

 
1,079,928

 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies

 

 
 
 
 
Equity
 
 
 
Preferred stock

 

Common stock
1,299,611

 
1,294,213

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
(66,132
)
 
(34,384
)
Accumulated deficit
(264,292
)
 
(266,862
)
Total Itron, Inc. shareholders' equity
969,187

 
992,967

Noncontrolling interests
17,467

 
16,546

Total equity
986,654

 
1,009,513

Total liabilities and equity
$
2,021,525

 
$
2,089,441

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

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ITRON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
Operating activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
3,496

 
$
25,572

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
24,757

 
27,227

Stock-based compensation
5,096

 
4,198

Amortization of prepaid debt fees
414

 
348

Deferred taxes, net
(9,227
)
 
(69
)
Restructuring expense, non-cash
26

 

Other adjustments, net
196

 
863

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisition:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
8,362

 
20,825

Inventories
(15,944
)
 
(10,994
)
Other current assets
(6,867
)
 
(7,261
)
Other long-term assets
3,549

 
1,308

Accounts payable, other current liabilities, and taxes payable
(14,629
)
 
2,953

Wages and benefits payable
(6,546
)
 
(13,358
)
Unearned revenue
13,474

 
9,740

Warranty
(2,098
)
 
(3,357
)
Other operating, net
(3,464
)
 
(3,992
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
595

 
54,003

 
 
 
 
Investing activities
 
 
 
Acquisitions of property, plant, and equipment
(14,765
)
 
(12,043
)
Business acquisitions, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired
(860
)
 
(860
)
Other investing, net
56

 
283

Net cash used in investing activities
(15,569
)
 
(12,620
)
 
 
 
 
Financing activities
 
 
 
Payments on debt
(18,750
)
 
(13,750
)
Issuance of common stock
1,073

 
978

Repurchase of common stock
(200
)
 
(10,594
)
Other financing, net
634

 
140

Net cash used in financing activities
(17,243
)
 
(23,226
)
 
 
 
 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(2,633
)
 
3,195

Increase (Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(34,850
)
 
21,352

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
136,411

 
133,086

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
101,561

 
$
154,438

 
 
 
 
Non-cash transactions:
 
 
 
Property, plant, and equipment purchased but not yet paid
$
6,890

 
$
9,256

 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Income taxes, net
$
2,671

 
$
10,270

Interest, net of amounts capitalized
1,867

 
2,088

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
March 31, 2013
(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

We were incorporated in the state of Washington in 1977. We provide a portfolio of products and services to utilities for the energy and water markets throughout the world.

Financial Statement Preparation
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 Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 of Itron, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Certain information and notes normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (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 2012 audited financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 22, 2013. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year or for any other fiscal period.

Basis of Consolidation
We consolidate all entities in which we have a greater than 50% ownership interest or in which we exercise control over the operations. We use the equity method of accounting for entities in which we have a 50% or less investment and exercise significant influence. Entities in which we have less than a 20% investment and where we do not exercise significant influence are accounted for under the cost method. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation.

Noncontrolling Interests
In several of our consolidated international subsidiaries, we have joint venture partners, who are minority shareholders. Although these entities are not wholly-owned by Itron, we consolidate them because we have a greater than 50% ownership interest or because we exercise control over the operations. The noncontrolling interest balance is adjusted each period to reflect the allocation of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests, as shown in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The noncontrolling interest balance in our Consolidated Balance Sheets represents the proportional share of the equity of the joint venture entities, which is attributable to the minority shareholders.

Business Acquisitions
On May 1, 2012, we completed the acquisition of SmartSynch, Inc. (SmartSynch). SmartSynch provides smart grid solutions that utilize cellular networks for communications.

In January 2011, we completed the acquisition of a software and consulting services company in France, which included contingent and deferred consideration amounts that were paid in the first quarter of 2012 and 2013. See Business Combinations policy below.

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.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts receivable are recorded for invoices issued to customers in accordance with our contractual arrangements. Interest and late payment fees are minimal. Unbilled receivables are recorded when revenues are recognized upon product shipment or service delivery and invoicing occurs at a later date. We record an allowance for doubtful accounts representing our estimate of the probable losses in accounts receivable at the date of the balance sheet based on our historical experience of bad debts and our specific review of outstanding receivables. Accounts receivable are written-off against the allowance when we believe an account, or a portion thereof, is no longer collectible.

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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.

Derivative Instruments
All derivative instruments, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value as either assets or liabilities. The components and fair values of our derivative instruments are determined using the fair value measurements of significant other observable inputs (Level 2), as defined by GAAP. The net fair value of our derivative instruments may switch between a net asset and a net liability depending on market circumstances at the end of the period. We include the effect of our counterparty credit risk based on current published credit default swap rates when the net fair value of our derivative instruments are in a net asset position and the effect of our own nonperformance risk when the net fair value of our derivative instruments are in a net liability position.

For any derivative designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. For any derivative designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI) and are recognized in earnings when the hedged item affects earnings. For a hedge of a net investment, the effective portion of any unrealized gain or loss from the foreign currency revaluation of the hedging instrument is reported in OCI as a net unrealized gain or loss on derivative instruments. Upon termination of a net investment hedge, the net derivative gain/loss will remain in accumulated OCI until such time when earnings are impacted by a sale or liquidation of the associated operations. Ineffective portions of fair value changes or the changes in fair value of derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedging activities are recognized in other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We classify cash flows from our derivative programs as cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Derivatives are not used for trading or speculative purposes. Our derivatives are with credit worthy multinational commercial banks, with whom we have master netting agreements; however, our derivative positions are not disclosed on a net basis. There are no credit-risk-related contingent features within our derivative instruments. Refer to Note 7 and Note 13 for further disclosures of our derivative instruments and their impact on OCI.

Property, Plant, and Equipment
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 30 years for buildings and improvements and three to ten years for machinery and equipment, computers and software, and furniture. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the term of the applicable lease, including renewable periods if reasonably assured, or over the useful lives, whichever is shorter. Construction in process represents capital expenditures incurred for assets not yet placed in service. Costs related to internally developed software and software purchased for internal uses are capitalized and are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. We have no major planned maintenance activities.

We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. Assets held for sale are classified within other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated. Gains and losses from asset disposals and impairment losses are classified within the Consolidated Statement of Operations according to the use of the asset, except those gains and losses recognized in conjunction with our restructuring activities, which are classified as restructuring expense.

Prepaid Debt Fees
Prepaid debt fees represent the capitalized direct costs incurred related to the issuance of debt and are recorded as noncurrent assets. These costs are amortized to interest expense over the lives of the respective borrowings, including contingent maturity or call features, using the effective interest method, or straight-line method when associated with a revolving credit facility. When debt is repaid early, the related portion of unamortized prepaid debt fees is written off and included in interest expense.

Business Combinations
On the date of acquisition, the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree are recorded at their fair values. The acquiree's results of operations are also included as of the date of acquisition in our consolidated results. Intangible assets that arise from contractual/legal rights, or are capable of being separated, as well as in-process research and development (IPR&D), are measured and recorded at fair value, and amortized over the estimated useful life. IPR&D is not amortized until such time as the associated development projects are completed or terminated. If a development project is completed, the IPR&D is reclassified as a core technology intangible asset and amortized over its estimated useful life. If the development

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project is terminated, the recorded value of the associated IPR&D is immediately expensed. If practicable, assets acquired and liabilities assumed arising from contingencies are measured and recorded at fair value. If not practicable, such assets and liabilities are measured and recorded when it is probable that a gain or loss has occurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The residual balance of the purchase price, after fair value allocations to all identified assets and liabilities, represents goodwill. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Restructuring costs associated with an acquisition are generally expensed in periods subsequent to the acquisition date, and changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and acquired income tax uncertainties, including penalties and interest, after the measurement period are recognized as a component of the provision for income taxes. Our acquisitions may include contingent consideration, which require us to recognize the fair value of the estimated liability at the time of the acquisition. Subsequent changes in the estimate of the amount to be paid under the contingent consideration arrangement are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Cash payments for contingent or deferred consideration are classified within cash flows from investing activities within the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and intangible assets may result from our acquisitions. We use estimates, including estimates of useful lives of intangible assets, the amount and timing of related future cash flows, and fair values of the related operations, in determining the value assigned to goodwill and intangible assets. Our finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives based on estimated discounted cash flows. IPR&D is considered an indefinite-lived intangible asset and is not subject to amortization until the associated projects are completed or terminated. Finite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment at the asset group level when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually, when events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset may be impaired, or at the time when their useful lives are determined to be no longer indefinite.

Goodwill is assigned to our reporting units based on the expected benefit from the synergies arising from each business combination, determined by using certain financial metrics, including the forecasted discounted cash flows associated with each reporting unit.

We test goodwill for impairment each year as of October 1, or more frequently should a significant impairment indicator occur. As part of the impairment test, we may elect to perform an assessment of qualitative factors. If this qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, is less than its carrying amount, or if we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment, we would then proceed with the two-step impairment test. The impairment test involves comparing the fair values of the reporting units to their carrying amounts. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second step is required to measure the goodwill impairment loss amount. This second step determines the current fair values of all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit and then compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. We forecast discounted future cash flows at the reporting unit level using risk-adjusted discount rates and estimated future revenues and operating costs, which take into consideration factors such as existing backlog, expected future orders, supplier contracts, and expectations of competitive and economic environments. We also identify similar publicly traded companies and develop a correlation, referred to as a multiple, to apply to the operating results of the reporting units. These combined fair values are then reconciled to the aggregate market value of our common stock on the date of valuation, while considering a reasonable control premium.

Contingencies
A loss 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 our ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of the ultimate loss. Loss contingencies that we determine to be reasonably possible, but not probable, are disclosed but not recorded. Changes in these factors and related estimates could materially affect our financial position and results of operations. Legal costs to defend against contingent liabilities are expensed as incurred.

Bonus and Profit Sharing
We have various employee bonus and profit sharing plans, which provide award amounts for the achievement of annual financial and nonfinancial targets. If management determines it is probable that the targets will be achieved, and the amounts can be reasonably estimated, a compensation accrual is recorded based on the proportional achievement of the financial and nonfinancial targets. Although we monitor and accrue expenses quarterly based on our progress toward the achievement of the annual targets, the actual results at the end of the year may require awards that are significantly greater or less than the estimates made in earlier quarters.


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Warranty
We offer standard warranties on our hardware products and large application software products. We accrue the estimated cost of new product warranties based on historical and projected product performance trends and costs during the warranty period. Testing of new products in the development stage helps identify and correct potential warranty issues prior to manufacturing. Continuing quality control efforts during manufacturing reduce our exposure to warranty claims. When our quality control efforts fail to detect a fault in one of our products, we 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. When new products are introduced, our process relies on historical averages of similar products until sufficient data is available. As actual experience becomes available, it is used to modify the original estimate to ensure the expected warranty costs are within a range of likely outcomes. Management continually evaluates the sufficiency of the warranty provisions and makes adjustments when necessary. The warranty allowances may fluctuate due to higher than anticipated material, labor, and other costs we may incur to repair or replace projected product failures, and we may incur additional warranty and related expenses in the future with respect to new or established products, which could adversely affect our financial position and results of operations. The long-term warranty balance includes estimated warranty claims beyond one year. Warranty expense is classified within cost of revenues.

Restructuring and Asset Impairments
We record a liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity at its fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred. Employee termination benefits considered postemployement benefits are accrued when the obligation is probable and estimable, such as benefits stipulated by human resource policies and practices or statutory requirements. One-time termination benefits are expensed at the date the employee is notified. If the employee must provide future service greater than 60 days, such benefits are expensed ratably over the future service period. For contract termination costs, we record a liability upon the later of when we terminate a contract in accordance with the contract terms or when we cease using the rights conveyed by the contract.

Asset impairments are determined at the asset group level. An impairment may be recorded for assets that are to be abandoned, are to be sold for less than net book value, or are held for sale in which the estimated proceeds less costs to sell are less than the net book value. We may also recognize impairment on an asset group, which is held and used, when the carrying value is not recoverable and exceeds the asset group's fair value. If an asset group is considered a business, a portion of the Company's goodwill balance is allocated to it based on relative fair value.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans
We sponsor both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans for certain international employees. We recognize a liability for the projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets or an asset for plan assets in excess of the projected benefit obligation. We also recognize the funded status of our defined benefit pension plans on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and recognize as a component of OCI, net of tax, the actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs or credits, if any, that arise during the period but that are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

Share Repurchase Plan
We may repurchase up to $50 million of shares of Itron common stock under a twelve-month program, which was authorized by our Board of Directors on March 8, 2013. Share repurchases are made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions and in accordance with applicable securities laws. Under applicable Washington State law, shares repurchased are retired and not displayed separately as treasury stock on the financial statements. Instead, the value of the repurchased shares is deducted from common stock.

Revenue Recognition
Revenues consist primarily of hardware sales, software license fees, software implementation, project management services, installation, consulting, and post-sale maintenance support. 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) collectability is reasonably assured.

The majority of our revenue arrangements involve multiple deliverables, which combine two or more of the following: hardware, meter reading system software, installation, and/or project management services. Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables are divided into separate units of accounting if the delivered item(s) has value to the customer on a standalone basis 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. The amount allocable to a delivered item is limited to the amount that we are entitled to collect and that is not contingent upon the delivery/performance of additional items. Revenues for each deliverable are then recognized based on the type of deliverable, such as 1) when the products are shipped, 2) services are delivered, 3) percentage-of-completion when implementation services are essential to other deliverables in the arrangement, 4) upon receipt of customer acceptance, or 5) transfer of title and risk of

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loss. The majority of our revenue is recognized when products are shipped to or received by a customer or when services are provided.

We primarily enter into two types of multiple deliverable arrangements, which include a combination of hardware and associated software and services:

Arrangements that do not include the deployment of our smart metering systems and technology are recognized as follows:

Hardware revenues are recognized at the time of shipment, receipt by customer, or, if applicable, upon completion of customer acceptance provisions.
If implementation services are essential to the functionality of the associated software, software and implementation revenues are recognized using either the percentage-of-completion methodology of contract accounting if project costs can be reliably estimated or the completed contract methodology if project costs cannot be reliably estimated.

Arrangements to deploy our smart metering systems and technology are recognized as follows:

Hardware revenues are recognized at the time of shipment, receipt by customer, or, if applicable, upon completion of customer acceptance provisions.
Revenue from associated software and services is recognized using the units-of-delivery method of contract accounting, as the software is essential to the functionality of the related hardware and the implementation services are essential to the functionality of the associated software. This methodology results in the deferral of costs and revenues as professional services and software implementation commence prior to deployment of hardware.

We also enter into multiple deliverable software arrangements that do not include hardware. For this type of arrangement, revenue recognition is dependent upon the availability of vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) of fair value for each of the deliverables. The lack of VSOE, or the existence of extended payment terms or other inherent risks, may affect the timing of revenue recognition for multiple deliverable software arrangements.

Certain of our revenue arrangements include an extended or noncustomary warranty provision that covers all or a portion of a customer’s replacement or repair costs beyond the standard or customary warranty period. Whether or not the extended warranty is separately priced in the arrangement, a portion of the arrangement’s total consideration is allocated to this extended warranty deliverable. This revenue is deferred and recognized over the extended warranty coverage period. Extended or noncustomary warranties do not represent a significant portion of our revenue.We allocate consideration to each deliverable in an arrangement based on its relative selling price. We determine selling price using VSOE, if it exists, otherwise we use third-party evidence (TPE). If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists for a unit of accounting, we use estimated selling price (ESP).

VSOE is generally limited to the price charged when the same or similar product is sold separately or, if applicable, the stated renewal rate in the agreement. If a product or service is seldom sold separately, it is unlikely that we can determine VSOE for the product or service. We define VSOE as a median price of recent standalone transactions that are priced within a narrow range. TPE is determined based on the prices charged by our competitors for a similar deliverable when sold separately.

If we are unable to establish selling price using VSOE or TPE, we use ESP in the allocation of arrangement consideration. The objective of ESP is to determine the price at which we would transact if the product or service were regularly sold by us on a standalone basis. Our determination of ESP involves a weighting of several factors based on the specific facts and circumstances of the arrangement. Specifically, we consider the cost to produce the deliverable, the anticipated margin on that deliverable, the selling price and profit margin for similar parts, our ongoing pricing strategy and policies (as evident in the price list established and updated by management on a regular basis), the value of any enhancements that have been built into the deliverable, and the characteristics of the varying markets in which the deliverable is sold. We analyze the selling prices used in our allocation of arrangement consideration on an annual basis. Selling prices are analyzed on a more frequent basis if a significant change in our business necessitates a more timely analysis or if we experience significant variances in our selling prices.

Unearned revenue is recorded when a customer pays for products or services, but the criteria for revenue recognition have not been met as of the balance sheet date. Unearned revenues of $87.5 million and $74.9 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 related primarily to professional services and software associated with our smart metering contracts, extended or noncustomary warranty, and prepaid post-contract support. Deferred costs are recorded for products or services for which ownership (typically defined as title and risk of loss) has transferred to the customer, but the criteria for revenue recognition have not been met as of the balance sheet date. Deferred costs were $25.2 million and $24.4 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and are recorded within other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


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Hardware and software post-sale maintenance support fees are recognized ratably over the life of the related service contract. Shipping and handling costs and incidental expenses billed to customers are recorded as revenue, with the associated cost charged to cost of revenues. We record sales, use, and value added taxes billed to our customers on a net basis.

Product and Software Development Costs
Product and software development costs primarily include employee compensation and third party contracting fees. We do not capitalize product development costs, and we do not generally capitalize software development expenses due to the immaterial nature of these costs as a result of the relatively short period of time between technological feasibility and the completion of software development.

Stock-Based Compensation
We measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based awards made to employees and directors, including stock options, stock sold pursuant to our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and the issuance of restricted stock units and unrestricted stock awards, based on estimated fair values. The fair value of stock options is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which includes assumptions for the dividend yield, expected volatility, risk-free interest rate, and expected term. For ESPP awards, the fair value is the difference between the market close price of our common stock on the date of purchase and the discounted purchase price. For performance-based restricted stock units and unrestricted stock awards with no market conditions, the fair value is the market close price of our common stock on the date of grant. For restricted stock units with market conditions, the fair value is estimated at the date of award using a Monte Carlo simulation model, which includes assumptions for dividend yield and expected volatility for our common stock and the common stock for companies within the Russell 3000 index, as well as the risk-free interest rate and expected term of the awards. We expense stock-based compensation at the date of grant for unrestricted stock awards. For awards with only a service condition, we expense stock-based compensation, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, using the straight-line method over the requisite service period for the entire award. For awards with performance and service conditions, if vesting is probable, we expense the stock-based compensation, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award. For awards with a market condition, we expense the fair value over the requisite service period. Excess tax benefits are credited to common stock when the deduction reduces cash taxes payable. When we have tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost, they are classified as financing cash inflows in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Income Taxes
We compute our interim income tax provision through the use of an estimated annual effective tax rate (ETR) applied to year-to-date operating results and specific events that are discretely recognized as they occur. In determining the estimated annual ETR, we analyze various factors, including the forecasted mix of earnings in domestic and international jurisdictions, new or revised tax legislation and accounting pronouncements, tax credits, state income taxes, adjustments to valuation allowances, and uncertain tax positions, amount other items. Discrete items, including the effect of changes in tax laws, tax rates, and certain circumstances with respect to valuation allowances or other unusual or non-recurring tax adjustments, are reflected in the period in which they occur as an addition to, or reduction from, the income tax provision, rather than included in the estimated annual ETR.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based upon anticipated future tax consequences, in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate, attributable to: (1) the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases; and (2) operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The calculation of our tax liabilities involves applying complex tax regulations in different jurisdictions to our tax positions. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amount of deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. We do not record tax liabilities on undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries that are permanently reinvested.

We utilize a two step approach to account for uncertain tax positions. A tax position is first evaluated for recognition based on its technical merits. Tax positions that have a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement are then measured to determine amounts to be recognized in the financial statements. This measurement incorporates information about potential settlements with taxing authorities. A previously recognized tax position is derecognized in the first period in which the position no longer meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold or upon expiration of the statute of limitations. We classify interest expense and penalties related to uncertain tax positions and interest income on tax overpayments as part of income tax expense.

Foreign Exchange
Our consolidated financial statements are reported in U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities of international subsidiaries with non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet date, or the last

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business day of the period, if applicable. Revenues and expenses for each subsidiary are translated to U.S. dollars using a weighted average rate for the relevant reporting period. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are included, net of tax, in OCI. Gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations for monetary asset and liability balances that are not denominated in an entity’s functional currency are included within other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Currency gains and losses of intercompany balances deemed to be long-term in nature or designated as a hedge of the net investment in international subsidiaries are included, net of tax, in OCI.

Fair Value Measurements
For assets and liabilities measured at fair value, the GAAP fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used in different valuation methodologies, assigning the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in actively traded markets (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). Level 2 inputs consist of quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in non-active markets; and model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are corroborated by observable market data either directly or indirectly through correlation or other means. Inputs may include yield curves, volatility, credit risks, and default rates.

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. Due to various factors affecting future costs and operations, actual results could differ materially from these estimates.

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Note 2:    Earnings Per Share and Capital Structure

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS):

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
Net income available to common shareholders
$
2,570

 
$
25,353

 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic
39,420

 
39,913

Dilutive effect of stock-based awards
350

 
303

Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted
39,770

 
40,216

Earnings per common share - Basic
$
0.07

 
$
0.64

Earnings per common share - Diluted
$
0.06

 
$
0.63


Stock-based Awards
For stock-based awards, the dilutive effect is calculated using the treasury stock method. Under this method, the dilutive effect 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, if any. Approximately 1.2 million stock-based awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for each of the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, because they were anti-dilutive. These stock-based awards could be dilutive in future periods.

Preferred Stock
We have authorized the issuance of 10 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 outstanding preferred stock would 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. There was no preferred stock issued or outstanding at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Stock Repurchase Plan
On March 8, 2013, the Board authorized a twelve-month repurchase program of up to $50 million of our common stock. As of March 31, 2013, we have repurchased 4,490 shares of our common stock, totaling $200,000, with $49.8 million remaining under the repurchase program. Repurchases are made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, and in accordance with applicable securities laws. Refer to Part II, Item 2: "Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds" for additional information related to our share repurchase program.
Note 3:    Certain Balance Sheet Components
 
Accounts receivable, net
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
(in thousands)
Trade receivables (net of allowance of $6,144 and $7,372)
$
318,223

 
$
329,352

Unbilled receivables
38,005

 
45,974

Total accounts receivable, net
$
356,228

 
$
375,326


At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $19.5 million and $20.0 million were recorded within trade receivables as billed but not yet paid by customers, in accordance with contract retainage provisions. At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, contract retainage amounts that were unbilled and classified as unbilled receivables were $7.6 million and $11.1 million. These contract retainage amounts within trade receivables and unbilled receivables are expected to be collected within the following 12 months.

At March 31, 2013, long-term unbilled receivables totaled $2.5 million. These long-term unbilled receivables are classified within other long-term assets, as collection is not anticipated within the following 12 months but is expected during 2014. We had no billed long-term contract retainage receivables at March 31, 2013, as we expect to collect all contract retainage receivables within

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the following 12 months. We had no long-term unbilled receivables or long-term contract retainage receivables at December 31, 2012.

Allowance for doubtful account activity
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
Beginning balance
$
7,372

 
$
6,049

Provision (release) of doubtful accounts, net
(904
)
 
(60
)
Accounts written-off
(105
)
 
(239
)
Effects of change in exchange rates
(219
)
 
233

Ending balance
$
6,144

 
$
5,983

 
Inventories
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
(in thousands)
Materials
$
102,654

 
$
92,038

Work in process
11,846

 
12,568

Finished goods
67,954

 
66,113

Total inventories
$
182,454

 
$
170,719



Our inventory levels may vary period to period as a result of our factory scheduling and the timing of contract fulfillments, which may include the buildup of finished goods for shipment.

Consigned inventory is held at third-party locations; however, we retain title to the inventory until purchased by the third-party. Consigned inventory, consisting of raw materials and finished goods, was $4.7 million and $5.0 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Property, plant, and equipment, net
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
(in thousands)
Machinery and equipment
$
284,291

 
$
287,791

Computers and software
85,958

 
84,980

Buildings, furniture, and improvements
141,653

 
146,191

Land
24,518

 
25,318

Construction in progress, including purchased equipment
30,108

 
26,097

Total cost
566,528

 
570,377

Accumulated depreciation
(317,916
)
 
(315,165
)
Property, plant, and equipment, net
$
248,612

 
$
255,212


Depreciation expense and capitalized interest
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
Depreciation expense
$
14,013

 
$
15,314

Capitalized interest
43

 


In conjunction with the upgrade of our global enterprise resource planning software systems, we have capitalized $12.3 million within construction in progress. Amounts capitalized include internal labor costs and related benefits, software, third-party consulting fees, and $43,000 of interest.

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Note 4:    Intangible Assets

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

 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
Gross Assets
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
 
Gross Assets
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
 
(in thousands)
Core-developed technology
$
418,123

 
$
(331,603
)
 
$
86,520

 
$
407,024

 
$
(332,763
)
 
$
74,261

Customer contracts and relationships
281,697

 
(154,042
)
 
127,655

 
292,252

 
(154,890
)
 
137,362

Trademarks and trade names
71,004

 
(64,100
)
 
6,904

 
72,770

 
(65,090
)
 
7,680

Other
11,092

 
(11,024
)
 
68

 
11,094

 
(11,026
)
 
68

Total intangible assets subject to amortization
781,916

 
(560,769
)
 
221,147

 
783,140

 
(563,769
)
 
219,371

In-process research and development

 
 
 

 
19,400

 
 
 
19,400

Total intangible assets
$
781,916

 
$
(560,769
)
 
$
221,147

 
$
802,540

 
$
(563,769
)
 
$
238,771


A summary of the intangible asset account activity is as follows:

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
Beginning balance, intangible assets, gross
$
802,540

 
$
749,194

Effect of change in exchange rates
(20,624
)
 
16,518

Ending balance, intangible assets, gross
$
781,916

 
$
765,712


The balance of IPR&D as of December 31, 2012 was related to the SmartSynch acquisition on May 1, 2012, and consisted primarily of projects to upgrade the hardware components of cellular communication modules to be compatible with 3G cellular network standards. Upon completion of these projects in March 2013, we performed a qualitative assessment and determined that it was more than likely that the carrying amount of IPR&D was not impaired. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2013, the carrying amount of IPR&D was reclassified as core-developed technology and will be amortized over its expected useful life of seven years based on the SmartSynch acquisition discounted cash flow valuation model.

Intangible assets of our international subsidiaries are recorded in their respective functional currency; therefore, the carrying amounts of intangible assets increase or decrease, with a corresponding change in accumulated OCI, due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Estimated future annual amortization expense is as follows:

 
Years ending December 31,
Estimated Annual
Amortization
 
(in thousands)
2013 (amount remaining at March 31, 2013)
$
30,901

2014
43,672

2015
35,055

2016
27,306

2017
20,295

Beyond 2017
63,918

Total intangible assets, net
$
221,147


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Note 5:    Goodwill

The following table reflects the goodwill balance as of March 31, 2013:

 
Energy
 
Water
 
Total Company
 
(in thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill before impairment
$
859,454

 
$
414,394

 
$
1,273,848

Accumulated impairment losses
(249,502
)
 
(323,330
)
 
(572,832
)
Goodwill, net
609,952

 
91,064

 
701,016

 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjustments of previous acquisition
(197
)
 

 
(197
)
Effect of change in exchange rates
(15,174
)
 
(2,430
)
 
(17,604
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill before impairment
834,654

 
399,746

 
1,234,400

Accumulated impairment losses
(240,073
)
 
(311,112
)
 
(551,185
)
Goodwill, net
$
594,581

 
$
88,634

 
$
683,215


During the first quarter of 2013, we recorded certain purchase price allocation adjustments related to the SmartSynch acquisition, completed on May 1, 2012, which are reflected as Adjustments of previous acquisition. These adjustments affected the fair value calculation of certain accrued liabilities associated with specific contracts; however, they had no effect on our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 or for the year ended December 31, 2012. These adjustments were not material, and we have not retrospectively adjusted the comparative amounts on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2012. We are continuing to collect information to determine the fair value of certain accrued liabilities, which would affect goodwill. We expect to finalize the purchase price allocation related to the SmartSynch acquisition by April 30, 2013.

Accumulated impairment losses relate to goodwill impairment charges recorded during 2011 as a result of a significant decline in the price of our shares of common stock at the end of September 2011, which reduced our aggregate market value significantly below the carrying value of our net assets as of September 30, 2011.

Goodwill and accumulated impairment losses associated with our international subsidiaries are recorded in their respective functional currency; therefore, the carrying amounts of these balances increase or decrease, with a corresponding change in accumulated OCI, due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
Note 6:    Debt

The components of our borrowings were as follows:

 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
(in thousands)
Credit facility:
 
 
 
USD denominated term loan
$
273,750

 
$
277,500

Multicurrency revolving line of credit
125,000

 
140,000

Total debt
398,750

 
417,500

Less: Current portion of debt
20,625

 
18,750

Long-term debt
$
378,125

 
$
398,750


Credit Facility
Our credit facility is dated August 5, 2011. The credit facility consists of a $300 million U.S. dollar term loan (the term loan) and a multicurrency revolving line of credit (the revolver) with a principal amount of up to $660 million, which was increased from $500 million in April 2012. Both the term loan and the revolver mature on August 8, 2016, and amounts borrowed under the revolver are classified as long-term. Amounts borrowed under the revolver during the credit facility term may be repaid and

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reborrowed until the revolver's maturity, at which time the revolver will terminate, and all outstanding loans, together with all accrued and unpaid interest, must be repaid. Amounts not borrowed under the revolver are subject to a commitment fee, which is paid in arrears on the last day of each fiscal quarter, ranging from 0.20% to 0.40% per annum depending on our total leverage ratio as of the most recently ended fiscal quarter. Amounts repaid on the term loan may not be reborrowed. The credit facility permits us and certain of our foreign subsidiaries to borrow in U.S. dollars, euros, British pounds, or, with lender approval, other currencies readily convertible into U.S. dollars. All obligations under the credit facility are guaranteed by Itron, Inc. and material U.S. domestic subsidiaries and are secured by a pledge of substantially all of the assets of Itron, Inc. and material U.S. domestic subsidiaries, including a pledge of 100% of the capital stock of material U.S. domestic subsidiaries and up to 66% of the voting stock (100% of the non-voting stock) of their first-tier foreign subsidiaries. In addition, the obligations of any foreign subsidiary who is a foreign borrower, as defined by the credit facility, are guaranteed by the foreign subsidiary and by its direct and indirect foreign parents. The credit facility includes debt covenants, which contain certain financial ratios and place certain restrictions on the incurrence of debt, investments, and the issuance of dividends. We were in compliance with the debt covenants under the credit facility at March 31, 2013.

Scheduled principal repayments for the term loan are due quarterly in the amounts of $3.8 million through June 2013, $5.6 million from September 2013 through June 2014, $7.5 million from September 2014 through June 2016, and the remainder due at maturity on August 8, 2016. The term loan may be repaid early in whole or in part, subject to certain minimum thresholds, without penalty.

Under the credit facility, we elect applicable market interest rates for both the term loan and any outstanding revolving loans. We also pay an applicable margin, which is based on our total leverage ratio (as defined in the credit agreement). The applicable rates per annum may be based on either: (1) the LIBOR rate, plus an applicable margin, or (2) the Alternate Base Rate, plus an applicable margin. The Alternate Base Rate election is equal to the greatest of three rates: (i) the prime rate, (ii) the Federal Reserve effective rate plus 1/2 of 1%, or (iii) one month LIBOR plus 1%. At March 31, 2013, the interest rate for both the term loan and the revolver was 1.46% (the LIBOR rate plus a margin of 1.25%).

Total credit facility repayments were as follows:

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
Term loan
$
3,750

 
$
3,750

Multicurrency revolving line of credit
15,000

 
10,000

Total credit facility repayments
$
18,750

 
$
13,750


At March 31, 2013, $125.0 million was outstanding under the credit facility revolver, and $47.8 million was utilized by outstanding standby letters of credit, resulting in $487.2 million available for additional borrowings.

Unamortized prepaid debt fees were as follows:

 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
(in thousands)
Unamortized prepaid debt fees
$
4,978

 
$
5,367

Note 7:    Derivative Financial Instruments

As part of our risk management strategy, we use derivative instruments to hedge certain foreign currency and interest rate exposures. Refer to Note 1, Note 13, and Note 14 for additional disclosures on our derivative instruments.

The fair values of our derivative instruments are determined using the income approach and significant other observable inputs (also known as “Level 2”). We have used observable market inputs based on the type of derivative and the nature of the underlying instrument. The key inputs include interest rate yield curves (swap rates and futures) and foreign exchange spot and forward rates, all of which are available in an active market. We have utilized the mid-market pricing convention for these inputs. We include the effect of our counterparty credit risk based on current published credit default swap rates when the net fair value of our derivative instruments is in a net asset position. We consider our own nonperformance risk when the net fair value of our derivative instruments is in a net liability position by discounting our derivative liabilities to reflect the potential credit risk to our counterparty through applying a current market indicative credit spread to all cash flows.

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The fair values of our derivative instruments at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Asset Derivatives
 
 
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward contracts
 
Other current assets
 
$
185

 
$
146

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liability Derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
 
Other current liabilities
 
$
963

 
$
629

Interest rate swap contracts
 
Other long-term obligations
 
1,854

 
2,096

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward contracts
 
Other current liabilities
 
357

 
114

Total liability derivatives
 
 
 
$
3,174

 
$
2,839


A summary of the potential effect of netting arrangements on our financial position related to the offsetting of our recognized derivative assets and liabilities under master netting arrangements or similar agreements is as follows:
Offsetting of Derivative Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not
Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Cash Collateral Received
 
Net Amount
 
(in thousands)
March 31, 2013
$
185

 
$

 
$
185

 
$
(156
)
 
$

 
$
29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
$
146

 
$

 
$
146

 
$
(135
)
 
$

 
$
11


Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not
Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Cash Collateral Pledged
 
Net Amount
 
(in thousands)
March 31, 2013
$
3,174

 
$

 
$
3,174

 
$
(156
)
 
$

 
$
3,018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
$
2,839

 
$

 
$
2,839

 
$
(135
)
 
$

 
$
2,704


Our derivative assets and liabilities consist of foreign exchange forward and interest rate swap contracts with eight counterparties at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. None of our counterparties were individually significant at March 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012. Our derivative contracts with each of these counterparties exist under agreements that provide for the net settlement of all contracts through a single payment in a single currency in the event of default. We have no pledges of cash collateral against our obligations nor have we received pledges of cash collateral from our counterparties under the associated derivative contracts.


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OCI during the reporting periods for our derivative hedging instruments, net of tax, was as follows:

 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
Net unrealized loss on hedging instruments at January 1,
$
(16,069
)
 
$
(14,380
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments
(73
)
 

Net unrealized loss on hedging instruments at March 31,
$
(16,142
)
 
$
(14,380
)

Included in the net unrealized loss on hedging instruments at March 31, 2013 is a net derivative loss of $14.4 million, net of tax, related to our net investment hedge, which terminated in 2011. This net derivative loss will remain in accumulated OCI until such time when earnings are impacted by a sale or liquidation of the associated foreign operation.

Cash Flow Hedges
As a result of our floating rate debt, we are exposed to variability in our cash flows from changes in the applicable interest rate index. We enter into swaps to achieve a fixed rate of interest on the hedged portion of debt in order to increase our ability to forecast interest expense. The objective of these swaps is to reduce the variability of cash flows from increases in the LIBOR base borrowing rates on our floating rate credit facility. The swaps do not protect us from changes to the applicable margin under our credit facility.

In May 2012, we entered into six forward starting pay-fixed receive one-month LIBOR interest rate swaps. The interest rate swaps convert $200 million of our LIBOR based debt from a floating LIBOR interest rate to a fixed interest rate of 1.00% (excluding the applicable margin on the debt) and are effective July 31, 2013 to August 8, 2016. These cash flow hedges are expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk through the term of the hedge. Consequently, effective changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps are recorded as a component of OCI and will be recognized in earnings when the hedged item affects earnings. The amounts paid or received on the hedges will be recognized as adjustments to interest expense. The amount of net losses expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months is $963,000. At March 31, 2013, our LIBOR based debt balance was $398.8 million.

We will continue to monitor and assess our interest rate risk and may institute additional interest rate swaps or other derivative instruments to manage such risk in the future.

The before-tax effect of our cash flow derivative instruments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31 were as follows:
 
Derivatives in ASC 815-20
Cash Flow
Hedging Relationships
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in OCI on
Derivative  (Effective
Portion)
 
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated
OCI into Income (Effective Portion)
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on
Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
Location
 
Amount
 
Location
 
Amount
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
 
$
(92
)
 
$

 
Interest expense
 
$

 
$

 
Interest expense
 
$

 
$


Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Relationships
We are also exposed to foreign exchange risk when we enter into non-functional currency transactions, both intercompany and third-party. At each period-end, non-functional currency monetary assets and liabilities are revalued with the change recorded to other income and expense. We enter into monthly foreign exchange forward contracts (a total of 118 contracts were entered into during the three months ended March 31, 2013), which are not designated for hedge accounting, with the intent to reduce earnings volatility associated with certain of these non-functional currency assets and liabilities. The notional amounts of the contracts ranged from $258,000 to $11.0 million, offsetting our exposures to the euro, Saudi riyal, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, South African rand, and various other currencies.


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The effect of our foreign exchange forward derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31 was as follows:
 
Derivatives Not Designated as
Hedging Instrument under ASC 815-20
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives in Other Income (Expense)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
(in thousands)
Foreign exchange forward contracts
 
$
214

 
$
(177
)
Note 8:    Defined Benefit Pension Plans

We sponsor both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans for our international employees, primarily in Germany, France, Italy, Indonesia, and Spain, offering death and disability, retirement, and special termination benefits. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by using the projected unit credit method. The measurement date for the pension plans was December 31, 2012.
Our defined benefit pension plans are denominated in the functional currencies of the respective countries in which the plans are sponsored; therefore, the balances increase or decrease, with a corresponding change in OCI, due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
(in thousands)
Assets
 
 
 
Plan assets in other long-term assets
$
223

 
$
227

 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Current portion of pension plan liability in wages and benefits payable
2,979

 
2,899

Long-term portion of pension plan liability
87,805

 
90,533

 
 
 
 
Net pension plan benefit liability
$
90,561

 
$
93,205

Our asset investment strategy focuses on maintaining a portfolio using primarily insurance funds, which are accounted for as investments and measured at fair value, in order to achieve our long-term investment objectives on a risk adjusted basis. Our general funding policy for these qualified pension plans is to contribute amounts sufficient to satisfy regulatory funding standards of the respective countries for each plan. We contributed $42,000 and $321,000 to the defined benefit pension plans for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The timing of when contributions are made can vary by plan and from year to year. For 2013, assuming that actual plan asset returns are consistent with our expected rate of return, and that interest rates remain constant, we expect to contribute approximately $564,000 to our defined benefit pension plans. We contributed $440,000 to the defined benefit pension plans for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Net periodic pension benefit costs for our plans include the following components:

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
Service cost
$
981

 
$
738

Interest cost
800

 
926

Expected return on plan assets
(79
)
 
(85
)
Settlements and other
(814
)
 

Amortization of actuarial net loss
251

 
2

Amortization of unrecognized prior service costs
17

 
17

Net periodic benefit cost
$
1,156

 
$
1,598


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Note 9:    Stock-Based Compensation

We record stock-based compensation expense for awards of stock options, stock sold pursuant to our ESPP, and the issuance of restricted stock units and unrestricted stock awards. We expense stock-based compensation primarily using the straight-line method over the requisite service period. Capitalized stock-based compensation amounts were not material for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012. For the three months ended March 31, stock-based compensation expense and the related tax benefit were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
Stock options
$
473

 
$
272

Restricted stock units
4,235

 
3,516

Unrestricted stock awards
197

 
205

ESPP
191

 
205

Total stock-based compensation
$
5,096

 
$
4,198

 
 
 
 
Related tax benefit
$
1,364

 
$
1,189


We issue new shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options or when vesting conditions on restricted stock units are fully satisfied.

Subject to stock splits, dividends, and other similar events, 3,500,000 shares of common stock are reserved and authorized for issuance under our 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (Stock Incentive Plan). Awards consist of stock options, restricted stock units, and unrestricted stock awards. At March 31, 2013, 509,259 shares were available for grant under the Stock Incentive Plan. The Stock Incentive Plan shares are subject to a fungible share provision such that, with respect to grants made after December 31, 2009, the authorized share reserve is reduced by (i) one share for every one share subject to a stock option or share appreciation right granted under the Plan and (ii) 1.7 shares for every one share of common stock that was subject to an award other than an option or stock appreciation right.

Stock Options
Options to purchase our common stock are granted to employees and members of the Board of Directors with an exercise price equal to the market close price of the stock on the date the Board of Directors approves the grant. Options generally become exercisable in three equal annual installments beginning one year from the date of grant and generally expire 10 years from the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized only for those options expected to vest, with forfeitures estimated based on our historical experience and future expectations.

The fair values of stock options granted were estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Dividend yield

 

Expected volatility
38.1
%
 
42.7
%
Risk-free interest rate
1.0
%
 
0.9
%
Expected term (years)
5.45

 
5.14


Expected volatility is based on a combination of the historical volatility of our common stock and the implied volatility of our traded options for the related expected term. We believe this combined approach is reflective of current and historical market conditions and is an appropriate indicator of expected volatility. The risk-free interest rate is the rate available as of the award date on zero-coupon U.S. government issues with a term equal to the expected life of the award. The expected life is the weighted average expected life of an award based on the period of time between the date the award is granted and the estimated date the award will be fully exercised. Factors considered in estimating the expected life include historical experience of similar awards,

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contractual terms, vesting schedules, and expectations of future employee behavior. We have not paid dividends in the past and do not plan to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.

A summary of our stock option activity for the three months ended March 31 is as follows:
 

Shares
 
Weighted
Average Exercise
Price per Share
 
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value (1)
 
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(years)
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Outstanding, January 1, 2012
1,109

 
$
55.97

 
4.51
 
$
2,323

 
 
Granted
54

 
48.23

 
 
 
 
 
$
18.64

Exercised
(13
)
 
21.60

 
 
 
$
280

 
 
Expired
(1
)
 
48.51

 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, March 31, 2012
1,149

 
$
56.00

 
4.42
 
$
4,638

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, January 1, 2013
1,137

 
$
54.06

 
4.81
 
$
3,815

 
 
Granted
129

 
42.76

 
 
 
 
 
$
15.44

Exercised
(11
)
 
28.92

 
 
 
$
171

 
 
Expired
(3
)
 
48.51

 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, March 31, 2013
1,252

 
$
53.14

 
5.14
 
$
4,805

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable, March 31, 2013
928

 
$
56.63

 
3.59
 
$
3,557

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expected to vest, March 31, 2013
301

 
$
43.17

 
9.57
 
$
1,157

 
 

(1) 
The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding stock options represents amounts that would have been received by the optionees had all in- the-money options been exercised on that date. Specifically, it is the amount by which the market value of Itron’s stock exceeded the exercise price of the outstanding in-the-money options before applicable income taxes, based on our closing stock price on the last business day of the period. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the period is calculated based on our stock price at the date of exercise.

As of March 31, 2013, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested stock options was approximately $4.7 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.6 years.

Restricted Stock Units
Certain employees, senior management, and members of the Board of Directors receive restricted stock units as a component of their total compensation. The fair value of a restricted stock unit is the market close price of our common stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock units generally vest over a three year period. Compensation expense, net of forfeitures, is recognized over the requisite service period.

Subsequent to vesting, the restricted stock units are converted into shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis and issued to employees. We are entitled to an income tax deduction in an amount equal to the taxable income reported by the employees upon vesting of the restricted stock units.

Prior to 2013, the performance-based restricted stock units issued under the Long-Term Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Performance Award Agreement) were determined based on the attainment of certain performance goals after the end of the one-year performance period. During the year, if management determined that it was probable that the targets would be achieved, compensation expense, net of forfeitures, was recognized on a straight-line basis over the annual performance and subsequent vesting period for each separately vesting portion of the award. Performance awards typically vested and were released in three equal installments at the end of each year following attainment of the performance goals. For U.S. participants who retire during the vesting period, unvested restricted stock units immediately vest at the date of retirement for U.S. participants who retire during that period. For the 2012 performance awards, no awards became eligible for vesting as minimum performance thresholds for the 2012 performance year were not met.

For 2013, the performance-based restricted stock units to be issued under the Performance Award Agreement are determined based on (1) our achievement of specified non-GAAP EPS targets, as established at the beginning of each year for each of the calendar years contained in the performance periods (2-year and 3-year awards) (the performance condition) and (2) our total shareholder return (TSR) relative to the TSR attained by companies that are included in the Russell 3000 Index during the performance period

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(the market condition). Compensation expense, net of forfeitures, is recognized on a straight-line basis, and the units vest upon achievement of the performance condition, provided participants are employed by Itron at the end of the respective performance periods. For U.S. participants who retire during the performance period, a pro-rated number of restricted stock units (based on the number of days of employment during the performance period) immediately vest based on the attainment of the performance goals as assessed after the end of the performance period.
Depending on the level of achievement of the performance condition, the actual number of shares to be earned ranges between 0% and 160% of the awards originally granted. At the end of the 2-year and 3-year performance periods, if the performance conditions are achieved at or above threshold, the number of shares earned is further adjusted by a TSR multiplier payout percentage, which ranges between 75% and 125%, based on the market condition. Therefore, based on the attainment of the performance and market conditions, the actual number of shares that vest may range from 0% to 200% of the awards originally granted. Due to the presence of the TSR multiplier market condition, we utilize a Monte Carlo valuation model to determine the fair value of the awards at the grant date. This pricing model uses multiple simulations to evaluate the probability of our achievement of various stock price levels to determine our expected TSR performance ranking. The weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of performance-based restricted stock units awarded and the resulting weighted average fair-value are as follows:

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2013
Dividend yield (1)
%
Expected volatility
39.1
%
Risk-free interest rate
0.3
%
Expected term (years)
2.53

 
 
Weighted-average fair value
$
44.93


(1) 
The valuation model assumes that dividends are reinvested by the issuing entity on a continuous basis.

Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of our common stock for the related expected term. We believe this approach is reflective of current and historical market conditions and is an appropriate indicator of expected volatility. The risk-free interest rate is the rate available as of the award date on zero-coupon U.S. government issues with a term equal to the expected term of the award. The expected term is the term of an award based on the period of time between the date of the award and the date the award is expected to vest. The expected term assumption is based upon the plan's performance period as of the date of the award. We have not paid dividends in the past and do not plan to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.

The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31:

 
Number of
Restricted Stock Units
 
Weighted
Average  Grant
Date Fair Value
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value(1)
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Outstanding, January 1, 2012
625

 
 
 
 
Granted(2)
374

 
$
48.23

 
 
Released
(168
)
 
 
 
$
10,976

Forfeited
(14
)
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, March 31, 2012
817

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, January 1, 2013
774

 
 
 
 
Granted(2)
237

 
$
42.13

 
 
Released
(224
)
 
 
 
$
12,084

Forfeited
(7
)
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, March 31, 2013
780

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vested but not released, March 31, 2013
29

 
 
 
$
1,361

 
 
 
 
 
 
Expected to vest, March 31, 2013
677

 
 
 
$
31,431



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(1) 
The aggregate intrinsic value is the market value of the stock, before applicable income taxes, based on the closing price on the stock release dates or at the end of the period for restricted stock units expected to vest.

(2) 
Restricted stock units granted in 2012 and 2013 do not include awards under the Performance Award Agreement for the respective years, as these awards are not granted until attainment of annual performance goals has been determined at the conclusion of the performance period, which had not occurred as of March 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.

At March 31, 2013, unrecognized compensation expense on restricted stock units was $30.3 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.1 years.

Unrestricted Stock Awards
We grant unrestricted stock awards to members of our Board of Directors as part of their compensation. Awards are fully vested and expensed when granted. The fair value of unrestricted stock awards is the market close price of our common stock on the date of grant.

The following table summarizes unrestricted stock award activity for the three months ended March 31:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Shares of unrestricted stock granted
4,329

 
5,453

 
 
 
 
Weighted average grant date fair value per share
$
45.43

 
$
37.55


Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Under the terms of the ESPP, employees can deduct up to 10% of their regular cash compensation to purchase our common stock at a 15% discount from the fair market value of the stock at the end of each fiscal quarter, subject to other limitations under the plan. The sale of the stock to the employees occurs at the beginning of the subsequent quarter.

The following table summarizes ESPP activity for the three months ended March 31:

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Shares of stock sold to employees(1)
19,819

 
23,057

 
 
 
 
Weighted average fair value per ESPP award(2)
$
6.96

 
$
6.81


(1) 
Stock sold to employees during each fiscal quarter under the ESPP is associated with the offering period ending on the last day of the previous fiscal quarter.

(2) 
Relating to awards associated with the offering period during the three months ended March 31.

At March 31, 2013, all compensation cost associated with the ESPP had been recognized. There were approximately 580,000 shares of common stock available for future issuance under the ESPP at March 31, 2013.
Note 10:    Income Taxes
Our tax provisions as a percentage of income (loss) before tax typically differ from the federal statutory rate of 35%, and may vary from period to period, due to fluctuations in the forecasted mix of earnings in domestic and international jurisdictions, new or revised tax legislation and accounting pronouncements, tax credits, state income taxes, adjustments to valuation allowances, and uncertain tax positions, among other items.

Our tax benefit for the first three months of 2013 reflects the favorable discrete tax benefit for the retroactive extension of the 2012 research and experimentation credit in the amount of $4.0 million. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was signed into law on January 2, 2013 and extended several business tax provisions including the research and experimentation credit. Our annual estimated effective tax rate for 2013 was favorably impacted by a proportionate increase in projected earnings in foreign jurisdictions with tax rates below 35%, the benefit of certain interest expense deductions, and an election under U.S. Internal

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Revenue Code Section 338 with respect to a foreign acquisition in 2007.  Accordingly, our 2013 annual estimated effective tax rate is lower than our 2012 annual estimated effective tax rate.

Our tax provision in 2012 is lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% due to projected earnings in tax jurisdictions with rates lower than 35%, the benefit of certain interest expense deductions, and an election under U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 338 with respect to a foreign acquisition in 2007.

We classify interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax liabilities and interest income on tax overpayments as components of income tax expense. The net interest and penalties expense recognized is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
Net interest and penalties expense
$
171

 
$
287


Accrued interest and penalties recorded are as follows:

 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
(in thousands)
Accrued interest
$
3,139

 
$
3,095

Accrued penalties
3,035

 
3,030


Unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions and the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate are as follows:
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
(in thousands)
Unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions
$
26,981

 
$
26,433

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate
26,353

 
25,852


We believe it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by approximately $1.2 million within the next twelve months due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. At March 31, 2013, we are not able to reasonably estimate the timing of future cash flows relating to our uncertain tax positions.
Note 11:    Commitments and Contingencies

Guarantees and Indemnifications
We are often required to obtain standby letters of credit (LOCs) or bonds in support of our obligations for customer contracts. These standby LOCs or bonds typically 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.


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Our available lines of credit, outstanding standby LOCs, and bonds are as follows:
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
(in thousands)
Credit facilities(1)
 
 
 
Multicurrency revolving line of credit
$
660,000

 
$
660,000

Long-term borrowings
(125,000
)
 
(140,000
)
Standby LOCs issued and outstanding
(47,772
)
 
(54,328
)
Net available for additional borrowings and LOCs
$
487,228

 
$
465,672

 
 
 
 
Unsecured multicurrency revolving lines of credit with various financial institutions
 
 
 
Multicurrency revolving lines of credit
$
96,864

 
$
67,308

Standby LOCs issued and outstanding
(28,056
)
 
(29,906
)
Short-term borrowings(2)
(1,537
)
 
(851
)
Net available for additional borrowings and LOCs
$
67,271

 
$
36,551


 
 
 
Unsecured surety bonds in force
$
137,002

 
$
164,820


(1) 
See Note 6 for details regarding our secured credit facilities.
(2) 
Short-term borrowings are included in "Other current liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In the event any such standby LOC or bond is called, we would be obligated to reimburse the issuer of the standby LOC or bond; however, we do not believe that any outstanding LOC or bond will be called.

We generally provide an indemnification related to the infringement of any patent, copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property right on software or equipment within our sales contracts, 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. We may also provide an indemnification to our customers 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 our indemnifications generally do not limit the maximum potential payments. It is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments under these or similar agreements.

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. A liability is recorded and charged to operating expense 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. Liabilities recorded for legal contingencies at March 31, 2013 were not material to our financial condition or results of operations.

In 2010 and 2011, Transdata Incorporated (Transdata) filed lawsuits against four of our customers, CenterPoint Energy (CenterPoint), TriCounty Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Tri-County), San Diego Gas & Electric Company (San Diego), and Texas-New Mexico Power Company (TNMP), as well as several other utilities, alleging infringement of three patents owned by Transdata related to the use of an antenna in a meter. Pursuant to our contractual obligations with our customers, we agreed, subject to certain exceptions, to indemnify and defend them in these lawsuits. The complaints seek unspecified damages as well as injunctive relief. CenterPoint, Tri-County, San Diego, and TNMP have denied all of the substantive allegations and filed counterclaims seeking a declaratory judgment that the patents are invalid and not infringed. In December 2011, the Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation consolidated all of these cases in the Western District of Oklahoma for pretrial proceedings. On April 17, 2011, the Oklahoma court stayed the litigation pending the resolution of re-examination proceedings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (U.S. PTO). The U.S. PTO has issued re-examination certificates confirming the patentability of the original claims and allowing certain new claims added by TransData. The parties conducted a claim construction hearing on February 5, 2013 on one claim term -- "electric meter circuitry." TransData asserted in the re-examination proceedings that this term should be narrowly interpreted so as to preserve the validity of the patents. The court, by order of February 25, 2013, has rejected TransData's construction and adopted defendants' construction. TransData has moved for reconsideration of the order, and the defendants have moved for summary judgment of invalidity in light of the construction. The remainder of the case has been temporarily stayed pending resolution of these motions. We do not believe this matter will have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition,

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Table of Contents

although an unfavorable outcome could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for the period in which such a loss is recognized.

In June 2011, a lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging infringement of three patents owned by EON Corp. IP Holdings, LLC (EON), related to two-way communication networks, network components, and related software platforms. The complaint seeks unspecified damages as well as injunctive relief. Itron filed a Motion to Sever and Transfer Venue (the Motion) to the Eastern District of Washington, which the court denied in April 2013. The Court has construed key terms of two of the patents and has before it terms of the third patent as well as a motion for summary judgment of indefiniteness on the same patent. We believe these claims are without merit, and we intend to vigorously defend our interests. We do not believe this matter will have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition, although an unfavorable outcome could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for the period in which the claim is resolved.

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

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
Beginning balance
$
53,605

 
$
79,536

New product warranties
861

 
2,129

Other changes/adjustments to warranties
2,027

 
5,831

Claims activity
(5,099
)
 
(11,320
)
Effect of change in exchange rates
(640
)
 
1,075

Ending balance
50,754

 
77,251

Less: current portion of warranty
25,150

 
48,235

Long-term warranty
$
25,604

 
$
29,016


Total warranty expense is classified within cost of revenues and consists of new product warranties issued and other changes and adjustments to warranties. Warranty expense for the three months ended March 31 is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
Total warranty expense
$
2,888

 
$
7,960


Warranty expense decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared with the same period in 2012. Warranty expense during the three months ended March 31, 2012 reflected a charge of $1.8 million related to cell relay battery replacements in North America, as well as charges of $2.3 million related to certain products in Brazil and France.

Extended Warranty
A summary of changes to unearned revenue for extended warranty contracts is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
Beginning balance
$
31,960

 
$
24,448

Unearned revenue for new extended warranties
961

 
2,946

Unearned revenue recognized
(470
)
 
(300
)
Effect of change in exchange rates
(88
)
 
46

Ending balance
32,363

 
27,140

Less: current portion of unearned revenue for extended warranty
2,285

 
1,445

Long-term unearned revenue for extended warranty within Other long-term obligations
$
30,078

 
$
25,695



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Table of Contents

Health Benefits
We are self insured for a substantial portion of the cost of our U.S. 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 expense 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 are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
Plan costs
$
4,838

 
$
5,661


The IBNR accrual, which is included in wages and benefits payable, is as follows:

 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
(in thousands)
IBNR accrual
$
2,391

 
$
2,552


Our IBNR accrual and expenses may fluctuate due to the number of plan participants, claims activity, and deductible limits. For our employees located outside of the United States, health benefits are provided primarily through governmental social plans, which are funded through employee and employer tax withholdings.
Note 12:     Restructuring

During the fourth quarter of 2011, we announced the approval of projects to restructure our manufacturing operations to increase efficiency and lower our cost of manufacturing. We began implementing these projects in the fourth quarter of 2011, and we expect to substantially complete these projects by the end of 2013. Real estate market conditions may impact the timing of our ability to sell some of the manufacturing facilities we have designated for closure and disposal. This may delay the completion of the restructuring projects beyond 2013.

The total expected restructuring costs as of March 31, 2013 were $75.5 million, which is a decrease of approximately $2.4 million from the total expected costs at December 31, 2012. The decrease in expected costs is a result of a majority of the restructuring projects nearing completion with lower asset impairment, exit, and severance costs incurred than had been initially estimated.


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The total expected restructuring costs, the costs recognized in prior periods, the restructuring costs recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2013, and the remaining expected restructuring costs as of March 31, 2013 are as follows:

 
Total Expected Costs at
 March 31, 2013
 
Costs Recognized in Prior Periods
 
Costs Recognized During the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
Remaining Costs to be Recognized at March 31, 2013
 
(in thousands)
Employee severance costs
$
47,658

 
$
44,196

 
$
84

 
$
3,378

Asset impairments
20,331

 
20,305

 
26

 

Other restructuring costs
7,480

 
5,246

 
903

 
1,331

Total
$
75,469

 
$
69,747

 
$
1,013

 
$
4,709

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segments:
 
 

 
 
 
 
Energy
$
52,930

 
$
53,190

 
$
(1,150
)
 
$
890

Water
16,042

 
14,556

 
609

 
877

Corporate unallocated
6,497

 
2,001

 
1,554

 
2,942

Total
$
75,469

 
$
69,747

 
$
1,013

 
$
4,709


Other restructuring costs include expenses to exit the facilities once the operations in those facilities have ceased. Costs associated with restructuring activities are generally presented as restructuring expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, except for certain costs associated with inventory write-downs, which are classified within cost of revenues, and accelerated depreciation expense, which is recognized according to the use of the asset.

The following table summarizes the activity within the restructuring related balance sheet accounts during the three months ended March 31, 2013:

 
Accrued Employee Severance
 
Asset Impairments & Net Loss on Sale or Disposal
 
Other Accrued Costs
 
Total
 
(in thousands)
Beginning balance, January 1, 2013
$
14,498

 
$

 
$
3,216

 
$
17,714

Costs incurred and charged to expense
84

 
26

 
903

 
1,013

Cash payments
(2,190
)
 

 
(432
)
 
(2,622
)
Non-cash items

 
(26
)
 

 
(26
)
Effect of change in exchange rates
(472
)
 

 
(8
)
 
(480
)
Ending balance, March 31, 2013
$
11,920

 
$

 
$
3,679

 
$
15,599


The current portions of the restructuring related liability balances were $11.9 million and $13.2 million as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The current portion of the liability is classified within "Other current liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The long-term portions of the restructuring related liability related balances were $3.7 million and $4.5 million as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The long-term portion of the restructuring liability is classified within "Other long-term liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Asset impairments are determined at the asset group level. Assets held for sale are classified within other current assets and are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or the fair value, less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated or amortized.


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The following table includes assets that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and the related losses recognized during the period:

 
Net Carrying Value
 
Fair Value Measurement (Level 3)
 
Total Loss Recognized in Period
 
(in thousands)
March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
Long-lived assets held for sale
$
3,064

 
$
3,064

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
Long-lived assets held for sale
$
3,184

 
$
3,184

 
$
2


The fair values of the disposal groups included in long-lived assets held for sale were determined based on the estimated proceeds from their expected sales, net of estimated selling costs. Long-lived assets held for sale at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consist of one asset group that includes land, a building, and building improvements.

Revenues and net operating income from the activities we have exited or will exit under the restructuring plan are not material to our operating segments or consolidated results.
Note 13:    Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

OCI is reflected as a net increase (decrease) to shareholders’ equity and is not reflected in our results of operations. The before-tax amount, income tax (provision) benefit, and net-of-tax amount related to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) during the reporting periods were as follows:

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
Before-tax amount
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
$
(27,447
)
 
$
28,702

Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges
(92
)
 

Pension plan benefits liability adjustment
(546
)
 
19

Total other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
(28,085
)
 
28,721

 
 
 
 
Tax (provision) benefit
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(3,848
)
 
(161
)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges
19

 

Pension plan benefits liability adjustment
166

 
4

Total other comprehensive income (loss) tax (provision) benefit
(3,663
)
 
(157
)
 
 
 
 
Net-of-tax amount
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(31,295
)
 
28,541

Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges
(73
)
 

Pension plan benefits liability adjustment
(380
)
 
23

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
$
(31,748
)
 
$
28,564



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The changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI), net of tax, were as follows:

 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments
 
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Nonderivative Instruments
 
Pension Plan Benefit Liability Adjustments
 
Total
 
(in thousands)
Balances at January 1, 2012
$
(24,718
)
 
$

 
$
(14,380
)
 
$
1,938

 
$
(37,160
)
OCI before reclassifications
28,541

 

 

 

 
28,541

Amounts reclassified from AOCI

 

 

 
23

 
23

Total other comprehensive income (loss)
28,541





 
23

 
28,564

Balances at March 31, 2012
$
3,823

 
$

 
$
(14,380
)
 
$
1,961

 
$
(8,596
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balances at January 1, 2013
$
(3,313
)
 
$
(1,689
)
 
$
(14,380
)
 
$
(15,002
)
 
$
(34,384
)
OCI before reclassifications
(31,295
)
 
(73
)
 

 
(566
)
 
(31,934
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI

 

 

 
186

 
186

Total other comprehensive income (loss)
(31,295
)

(73
)
 

 
(380
)
 
(31,748
)
Balances at March 31, 2013
$
(34,608
)
 
$
(1,762
)
 
$
(14,380
)
 
$
(15,382
)
 
$
(66,132
)

Details about the AOCI components reclassified to the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the reporting periods are as follows:


 
Amount Reclassified from AOCI for the Three Months Ended March 31,(1)
 
Affected Line Item in the Income Statement
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Amortization of defined benefit pension items
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior-service costs
 
$
(17
)
 
$
(17
)
 
(2) 
Actuarial losses
 
(251
)
 
(2
)
 
(2) 
Total, before tax
 
(268
)
 
(19
)
 
Income before income taxes
Tax benefit (provision)
 
82

 
(4
)
 
Income tax provision
Total, net of tax
 
(186
)
 
(23
)
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax
 
$
(186
)
 
$
(23
)
 
Net income

(1)
Amounts in parenthesis indicate debits to the Statements of Operations.
(2) 
These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to Note 8 for additional details.

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Note 14:    Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The fair values at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 do not reflect subsequent changes in the economy, interest rates, and other variables that may affect the determination of fair value.
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
101,561

 
$
101,561

 
$
136,411

 
$
136,411

Foreign exchange forwards
185

 
185

 
146

 
146

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit facility
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
USD denominated term loan
$
273,750

 
$
271,862

 
$
277,500

 
$
275,365

Multicurrency revolving line of credit
125,000

 
123,996

 
140,000

 
138,751

Interest rate swaps
2,817

 
2,817

 
2,725

 
2,725

Foreign exchange forwards
357

 
357

 
114

 
114


The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating fair values:

Cash and cash equivalents: Due to the liquid nature of these instruments, the carrying value approximates fair value (Level 1).

Credit Facility - term loan and multicurrency revolving line of credit: The term loan and revolver are not traded publicly.The fair values, which are valued based upon a hypothetical market participant, are calculated using a discounted cash flow model with Level 2 inputs, including estimates of incremental borrowing rates for debt with similar terms, maturities, and credit profiles. Refer to Note 6 for a further discussion of our debt.

Derivatives: See Note 7 for a description of our methods and assumptions in determining the fair value of our derivatives, which were determined using Level 2 inputs.
Note 15:    Segment Information

We operate under the Itron brand worldwide and manage and report under two operating segments, Energy and Water. The Energy operating segment includes our global electricity and gas businesses, while the Water operating segment includes our global water and heat businesses.

On March 27, 2013, we separated the management of our Energy operating segment into Electricity and Gas to allow each business to develop its own go-to-market strategy, prioritize its marketing and product development requirements, and focus on its strategic investments. As a result, our sales, marketing, and delivery function will be managed under three operating segments - Electricity, Gas, and Water. At the same time, product development and operations will be centralized and managed on a global basis. Although certain management positions of the new operating segments have been identified, the transition to the new organizational structure is ongoing, and we are currently assessing the implications to our operational and financial reporting systems.

We have three measures of segment performance: revenue, gross profit (margin), and operating income (margin). Our operating segments have distinct products, and therefore intersegment revenues are minimal. Corporate operating expenses, interest income, interest expense, other income (expense), and income tax provision (benefit) are not allocated to the segments, nor included in the measure of segment profit or loss. In addition, we allocate only certain production assets and intangible assets to our operating segments. We do not manage the performance of the segments on a balance sheet basis.


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Segment Products
Energy
Standard electricity (electromechanical and electronic) and gas meters; advanced electricity and gas meters and communication modules; smart electricity meters; smart electricity and gas communication modules; prepayment systems, including smart key, keypad, and smart card communication technologies; advanced systems including handheld, mobile, and fixed network collection technologies; smart network technologies; meter data management software; knowledge application solutions; and professional services including implementation, installation, consulting, and analysis.


 
 
Water
Standard water and heat meters; advanced and smart water meters and communication modules; advanced systems including handheld, mobile, and fixed network collection technologies; meter data management software; knowledge application solutions; and professional services including implementation, installation, consulting, analysis, and system management.


Revenues, gross profit, and operating income associated with our segments were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
Revenues
 
 
 
Energy
$
312,678

 
$
437,747

Water
134,858

 
133,893

Total Company
$
447,536

 
$
571,640

 
 
 
 
Gross profit
 
 
 
Energy
$
95,554

 
$
134,603

Water
44,569

 
48,502

Total Company
$
140,123

 
$
183,105

 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
 
 
 
Energy
$
480

 
$
38,164

Water
12,575

 
15,937

Corporate unallocated
(10,708
)
 
(14,480
)
Total Company
2,347

 
39,621

Total other income (expense)
(2,094
)
 
(4,420
)
Income before income taxes
$
253

 
$
35,201


For the three months ended March 31, 2013, no single customer represented more than 10% of the total Company, the Energy operating segment, or the Water operating segment revenues.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, one customer from the Energy operating segment accounted for 11% of the total Company revenues, and two customers each accounted for more than 10% of the Energy operating segment revenues. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of the Water operating segment revenues.

Revenues by region were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
United States and Canada
$
177,206

 
$
284,587

Europe, Middle East, and Africa
211,895

 
220,956

Other
58,435

 
66,097

Total revenues
$
447,536

 
$
571,640



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Depreciation and amortization expense associated with our segments was as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
Energy
$
18,471

 
$
20,656

Water
6,269

 
6,556

Corporate Unallocated
17

 
15

Total Company
$
24,757

 
$
27,227

Note 16:    Subsequent Event

Stock Repurchases
Subsequent to March 31, 2013, we repurchased 65,339 shares of our common stock under the stock repurchase program authorized by the Board of Directors on March 8, 2013. The average price paid per share was $43.34.

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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 for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 22, 2013.

Documents we provide to the SEC are available free of charge under the Investors section of our website at www.itron.com as soon as practicable after they are filed with or furnished to the SEC. In addition, these documents are available at the SEC’s website (http://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, liquidity, and other items. This document reflects our current plans and expectations and is based on information currently available as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. When we use the words “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “project,” “estimate,” “future,” “objective,” “may,” “will,” “will continue,” and similar expressions, they are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions and estimates. These assumptions and estimates could be inaccurate and cause our actual results to vary materially from expected results. Risks and uncertainties include 1) the rate and timing of customer demand for our products, 2) rescheduling or cancellations of current customer orders and commitments, 3) changes in estimated liabilities for product warranties and/or litigation, 4) our dependence on customers' acceptance of new products and their performance, 5) competition, 6) changes in domestic and international laws and regulations, 7) changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, 8) international business risks, 9) our own and our customers' or suppliers' access to and cost of capital, 10) future business combinations, and 11) other factors. You should not solely rely on these forward-looking statements as they are only valid as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We do not have any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement in this document. For a more complete description of these and other risks, refer to Item 1A: “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, which was filed with the SEC on February 22, 2013.

Results of Operations

We are a technology company, offering end-to-end smart metering solutions to electric, natural gas, and water utilities around the world. Our smart metering solutions, meter data management software, and knowledge application solutions bring additional value to a utility’s metering and grid systems. Our professional services help our customers project-manage, install, implement, operate, and maintain their systems.

We have two operating segments. The Energy operating segment includes our global electricity and gas products, while the Water operating segment includes our global water and heat products.

On March 27, 2013, we separated the management of our Energy operating segment into Electricity and Gas to allow each business to develop its own go-to-market strategy, prioritize its marketing and product development requirements, and focus on its strategic investments. As a result, our sales, marketing, and delivery function will be managed under three operating segments - Electricity, Gas, and Water. At the same time, product development and operations will be centralized and managed on a global basis. Although certain management positions of the new operating segments have been identified, the transition to the new organizational structure is ongoing, and we are currently assessing the implications to our operational and financial reporting systems.

We have three measures of segment performance: revenue, gross profit (margin), and operating income (margin). Intersegment revenues were minimal. Corporate operating expenses, interest income, interest expense, other income (expense), and income tax provision (benefit) are not allocated to the segments, nor included in the measure of segment profit or loss. In addition, we allocate only certain production assets and intangible assets to our operating segments. We do not manage the performance of the segments on a balance sheet basis.

Overview

Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were $448 million, compared with $572 million in the same period last year. The decrease in 2013 was the result of significantly lower revenues in the Energy segment, partially offset by a 1% increase

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in the Water segment. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates unfavorably impacted revenues by $5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. Gross margin for the first quarter of 2013 was 31.3%, compared with gross margin of 32.0% for the same period in 2012. Lower volumes and unfavorable product mix in 2013 had a negative impact on gross margin.

Our tax benefit for the first three months of 2013 reflects the favorable discrete tax benefit for the retroactive extension of the 2012 research and experimentation credit in the amount of $4.0 million. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was signed into law on January 2, 2013 and extended several business tax provisions including the research and experimentation credit. Our annual estimated effective tax rate for 2013 was favorably impacted by a proportionate increase in projected earnings in foreign jurisdictions with tax rates below 35%, the benefit of certain interest expense deductions, and an election under U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 338 with respect to a foreign acquisition in 2007. Accordingly, our 2013 annual estimated effective tax rate is lower than our 2012 annual estimated effective tax rate. During the first quarter of 2012, we had a tax provision of 27.4%, based on a percentage of income (loss) before tax, which included minimal discrete benefits.

Total backlog was $1.0 billion and twelve-month backlog was $565 million at March 31, 2013.

On March 8, 2013, our Board of Directors authorized a twelve-month repurchase program of up to $50 million of our common stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, we repurchased 4,490 shares of our common stock for $200,000. Subsequent to March 31, 2013, we repurchased 65,339 shares of our common stock for $2.8 million.

Total Company Revenues, Gross Profit and Margin, and Unit Shipments
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
% Change
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Revenues
$
447,536

 
$
571,640

 
(22)%
Gross Profit
$
140,123

 
$
183,105

 
(23)%
Gross Margin
31.3
%
 
32.0
%
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
Revenues by Region
 
 
 
United States and Canada (North America)
$
177,206

 
$
284,587

Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)
211,895

 
220,956

Other
58,435

 
66,097

Total revenues
$
447,536

 
$
571,640


Revenues
Revenues decreased $124.1 million, or 22%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared with the same period in 2012. This decrease was due to the substantial completion of four of our five largest OpenWay projects in 2012, lower gas module shipments in North America, and lower Energy product shipments in EMEA, the combination of which was partially offset by a slight increase in Water revenues. The net translation effect of our operations denominated in foreign currencies resulted in an unfavorable impact to revenues of $5.0 million in 2013. A more detailed analysis of these fluctuations is provided in Operating Segment Results.

No single customer accounted for more than 10% of total Company revenues during the first quarter of 2013, while one customer, BC Hydro and Power Authority, accounted for 11% of total Company revenues during the first quarter of 2012. Our 10 largest customers accounted for 20% and 33% of total revenues during the first quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Gross Margins
Gross margin for the first quarter of 2013 was 31.3%, compared with gross margin of 32.0% for the same period in 2012. The decline over the prior year was due primarily to lower volumes, partially offset by benefits from manufacturing efficiencies and lower warranty costs, in the Energy operating segment and an increase in professional services, which have lower margins, and unfavorable product mix in the Water operating segment. A more detailed analysis of these fluctuations is provided in Operating Segment Results.

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Table of Contents


Meter and Module Summary
We classify meters into three categories:
Standard metering – no built-in remote reading communication technology
Advanced metering – one-way communication of meter data
Smart metering – two-way communication including remote meter configuration and upgrade (consisting primarily of our OpenWay® technology)

In addition, advanced and smart meter communication modules can be sold separately from the meter. A summary of our meter and communication module shipments is as follows:

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(units in thousands)
Meters
 
 
 
Standard
4,440

 
4,880

Advanced and smart
1,630

 
2,250

Total meters
6,070

 
7,130

 
 
 
 
Stand-alone communication modules
 
 
 
Advanced and smart
1,340

 
1,590



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Table of Contents

Operating Segment Results

For a description of our operating segments, refer to Item 1: “Financial Statements Note 15: Segment Information”.
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
% Change
 
 
Segment Revenues
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Energy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electricity
$
175,763

 
$
284,460

 
(38)%
 
 
Gas
136,915

 
153,287

 
(11)%
 
 
Total Energy
312,678

 
437,747

 
(29)%
 
 
Water
134,858

 
133,893

 
1%
 
 
Total revenues
$
447,536

 
$
571,640

 
(22)%
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Gross
Profit
 
Gross
Margin
 
Gross
Profit
 
Gross
Margin
Segment Gross Profit and Margin
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Energy
$
95,554

 
30.6%
 
$
134,603

 
30.7%
Water
44,569

 
33.0%
 
48,502

 
36.2%
Total gross profit and margin
$
140,123

 
31.3%
 
$
183,105

 
32.0%
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Operating
Income (Loss)
 
Operating
Margin
 
Operating
Income (Loss)
 
Operating
Margin
Segment Operating Income (Loss) and Operating Margin
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Energy
$
480

 
—%
 
$
38,164

 
9%
Water
12,575

 
9%
 
15,937

 
12%
Corporate unallocated
(10,708
)
 
 
 
(14,480
)
 
 
Total Company
$
2,347

 
1%
 
$
39,621

 
7%

Energy:

Revenues - Three months ended March 31, 2013 vs. Three months ended March 31, 2012
Electricity revenues decreased $108.7 million, or 38%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared with the same period in 2012. Revenues in 2013 were lower primarily due to $120.9 million in scheduled decreases in our five largest OpenWay projects in North America, $2.8 million in decreased product shipments in Latin America, and $3.5 million for the currency translation effect of our operations denominated in foreign currencies. These decreases were partially offset by $15.0 million in increased revenues from sources other than the five largest OpenWay projects in North America.

Gas revenues decreased $16.4 million, or 11%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared with the same period in 2012, primarily as the result of $10.4 million in lower product sales in EMEA and $4.8 million in lower product sales and services in North America. The translation effect into U.S. dollars of our operations denominated in foreign currencies had no significant impact on our gas revenues.

No single customer accounted for more than 10% of the Energy operating segment revenues during the first quarter of 2013, while two customers each accounted for more than 10% of the Energy operating segment revenues during the first quarter of 2012.

Gross Margin - Three months ended March 31, 2013 vs. Three months ended March 31, 2012
Energy gross margin was 30.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared with 30.7% for the same period in 2012. During the first quarter of 2013, gross margin decreased slightly over the prior year as benefits from efficiencies from our restructuring projects and lower warranty costs were offset by the impact of lower volumes.


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Table of Contents

Operating Expenses - Three months ended March 31, 2013 vs. Three months ended March 31, 2012
Energy operating expenses decreased $1.4 million, or 1.4%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared with the same period in 2012, primarily due to lower restructuring costs and the favorable foreign currency translation impact of $0.9 million. Operating expenses as a percentage of revenues were 30% for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared with 22% for the same period in 2012.

Water:

Revenues - Three months ended March 31, 2013 vs. Three months ended March 31, 2012
Revenues increased $1.0 million, or 1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared with the same period last year. Excluding the translation effect of a stronger U.S. dollar against most foreign currencies in the first quarter of 2013, as compared with the first quarter of 2012, revenues increased 2%. The increase was driven primarily by $4 million in higher service revenues in North America, partially offset by lower product shipments in Latin America.

No single customer represented more than 10% of the Water operating segment revenues during the first quarter of 2013 and 2012.

Gross Margin - Three months ended March 31, 2013 vs. Three months ended March 31, 2012
Water gross margin decreased to 33.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared with 36.2% for the same period last year, primarily as a result of an increase in professional services in North America, which have a lower gross margin, and unfavorable product mix in other regions.

Operating Expenses - Three months ended March 31, 2013 vs. Three months ended March 31, 2012
Operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2013 decreased by $571,000 over the first quarter of 2012, primarily as the result of lower sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses and scheduled decreases in amortization of intangible assets, partially offset by $1 million in increased product development costs.

Corporate unallocated:

Operating expenses not directly associated with an operating segment are classified as “Corporate unallocated.” These expenses were lower by $3.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013, primarily due to certain costs incurred in 2012, including costs for the SmartSynch acquisition of $2.0 million, management training and development costs, and for preliminary planning costs for our global enterprise resource planning (ERP) software initiative.

Bookings and Backlog of Orders

Bookings for a reported period represent customer contracts and purchase orders received during the period that have met certain conditions, such as regulatory and/or contractual approval. 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 recognized as revenue over the next 12 months. Backlog is not a complete measure of our future revenues as we also receive significant book-and-ship orders. Bookings and backlog may 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, minus revenues, will not equal ending total backlog due to miscellaneous contract adjustments, foreign currency fluctuations, and other factors.
 
Quarter Ended
 
Quarterly
Bookings
 
Ending
Total
Backlog
 
Ending
12-Month
Backlog
 
 
(in millions)
March 31, 2013
 
$
447

 
$
1,029

 
$
565

December 31, 2012
 
467

 
1,035

 
568

September 30, 2012
 
459

 
1,079

 
592

June 30, 2012
 
447

 
1,122

 
637

March 31, 2012
 
488

 
1,221

 
760



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Information on bookings by our operating segments is as follows:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Total Bookings
 
Energy
 
Water
 
 
(in millions)
March 31, 2013
 
$
447

 
$
305

 
$
142

December 31, 2012
 
467

 
345

 
122

September 30, 2012
 
459

 
341

 
118

June 30, 2012
 
447

 
330

 
117

March 31, 2012
 
488

 
341

 
147


Operating Expenses

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
% of
Revenues
 
2012
 
% of
Revenues
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Sales and marketing
$
48,216

 
11%
 
$
49,856

 
9%
Product development
44,208

 
10%
 
44,356

 
8%
General and administrative
33,595

 
8%
 
36,570

 
6%
Amortization of intangible assets
10,744

 
2%
 
11,913

 
2%
Restructuring
1,013

 
—%
 
789

 
—%
Total operating expenses
$
137,776

 
31%
 
$
143,484

 
25%

Operating expenses decreased $5.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, primarily due to certain costs incurred in 2012, including costs for the SmartSynch acquisition of $2.0 million, management training and development costs, and for preliminary planning costs for our global enterprise resource planning (ERP) software initiative. In addition, 2013 includes a scheduled decrease in amortization of intangible assets of $1.2 million and the favorable impact from foreign currency translation of $1.0 million.

Other Income (Expense)

The following table shows the components of other income (expense):
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
Interest income
$
1,061

 
$
193

Interest expense
(1,925
)
 
(2,089
)
Amortization of prepaid debt fees
(413
)
 
(348
)
Other income (expense), net
(817
)
 
(2,176
)
Total other income (expense)
$
(2,094
)
 
$
(4,420
)

Interest income: Interest income is generated from our cash and cash equivalents balances and certain deposits on hand with third parties. Interest income in the three months ended March 31, 2013 includes interest recognized on certain deposits with governmental entities related to tax contingencies.

Interest expense: Interest expense declined due to a lower balance of outstanding debt on our credit facility. Average total debt outstanding was $416.7 million and $445.7 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012, respectively.

Amortization of prepaid debt fees: Amortization of prepaid debt fees for the three months ended March 31, 2013 increased from the same period in 2012 due to fees paid in the second quarter of 2012 associated with the increase in the principal amount of the multicurrency revolving line of credit. Refer to Item 1: “Financial Statements Note 6: Debt” for additional details related to our long-term borrowings.


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Other income (expense), net: Other expenses, net, consist primarily of unrealized and realized foreign currency gains and losses from balances denominated in currencies other than the reporting entity's functional currency and other non-operating income (expenses). Foreign currency losses, net of hedging, were $594,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared with net foreign currency losses of $1.0 million in the same period in 2012.

Financial Condition

Cash Flow Information:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in thousands)
Operating activities
$
595

 
$
54,003

Investing activities
(15,569
)
 
(12,620
)
Financing activities
(17,243
)
 
(23,226
)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
(2,633
)
 
3,195

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
(34,850
)
 
$
21,352


Cash and cash equivalents was $101.6 million at March 31, 2013, compared with $136.4 million at December 31, 2012.

Operating activities
Cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $53.4 million lower, compared with the same period in 2012. This decline was primarily due to (1) a decrease in net income, adjusted for non-cash items, such as depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, and other adjustments, of $33.4 million and (2) a larger increase in working capital, primarily as a result of cash outflows for accounts payable, in 2013 as compared to 2012.

Investing activities
Cash used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $2.9 million higher, compared with the same period in 2012, primarily due to an increase in acquisitions of property, plant, and equipment.

Financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $6.0 million lower, compared with the same period in 2012, as a result of a decrease of $10.4 million in repurchases of our common stock in 2013. This decrease was partially offset by increased repayments of debt in 2013. During the first three months of 2013, we made payments on debt of $18.8 million, compared to $13.8 million during the same period in 2012. Refer to Part II, Item 2: "Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds" for additional details related to our share repurchase program.

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
The effect of exchange rates on the cash balances of currencies held in foreign denominations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was a decrease of $2.6 million, compared with an increase of $3.2 million for the same period in 2012.

Off-balance sheet arrangements:

We have no off-balance sheet financing agreements or guarantees as defined by Item 303 of Regulation S-K at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 that we believe are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Liquidity and Capital Resources:
 
Our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations, borrowings, and sales of common stock. Cash flows may fluctuate and are sensitive to many factors including changes in working capital and the timing and magnitude of capital expenditures and payments on debt. Working capital, which represents current assets less current liabilities, was $335.5 million at March 31, 2013, compared with $353.6 million at December 31, 2012.

Borrowings
In August 2011, we entered into a senior secured credit facility (the credit facility). The credit facility consists of a $300 million U.S. dollar term loan and a multicurrency revolving line of credit (the revolver) with a principal amount of up to $660 million.

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At March 31, 2013, $125.0 million was outstanding under the revolver, and $47.8 million was utilized by outstanding standby letters of credit, resulting in $487.2 million available for additional borrowings.

For further description of the term loan and the revolver under our credit facility, refer to Item 1: “Financial Statements, Note 6: Debt.”

For a description of our letters of credit and performance bonds, and the amounts available for additional borrowings or letters of credit under our lines of credit, including the revolver that is part of our 2011 credit facility, refer to Item 1: “Financial Statements, Note 11: Commitments and Contingencies.”

Share Repurchase
On March 8, 2013, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program of up to $50 million of our common stock through March 7, 2014. Repurchases are made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions and in accordance with applicable securities laws. Depending on market conditions and other factors, these repurchases may be commenced or suspended from time to time without prior notice. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, we repurchased 4,490 shares of our common stock, totaling $200,000, resulting in $49.8 million remaining under the repurchase program. Refer to Part II, Item 2: "Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds" for additional information related to our share repurchase program.

Restructuring
During the fourth quarter of 2011, we announced the approval of projects to restructure our manufacturing operations to increase efficiency and lower our cost of manufacturing. We began implementing these projects in the fourth quarter of 2011, and we expect to substantially complete these projects by the end of 2013.

Total expected costs decreased by approximately $2,365,000 to $75.5 million during the first quarter. A substantial portion of the total expected charges was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2011, and $15.6 million was accrued at March 31, 2013, of which $11.9 million is expected to be paid over the next 12 months. We began to realize benefits from our restructuring projects in 2012, and we expect full realization of cost savings by the end of 2013 and into 2014. Certain projects are subject to a variety of labor and employment laws, rules, and regulations which could result in a delay in implementing projects at some locations. Real estate market conditions may impact the timing of our ability to sell some of the manufacturing facilities we have designated for closure and disposal. This may delay the completion of the restructuring projects beyond 2013. For further details regarding our restructuring activities, refer to Item 1: “Financial Statements, Note 12: Restructuring.”

Other Liquidity Considerations
We have tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards in various jurisdictions that are available to reduce cash taxes. However, utilization of tax credits and net operating losses are limited in certain jurisdictions. Based on current projections, we expect to pay, net of refunds, approximately $500,000 in state taxes and $19.9 million in local and foreign taxes in 2013. We do not expect to make any payments for U.S. federal taxes in 2013. For a discussion of our tax provision and unrecognized tax benefits, see Item 1: “Financial Statements, Note 10: Income Taxes.”

As of March 31, 2013, there was $34.1 million of cash and cash equivalents held by foreign subsidiaries that could be repatriated, if necessary to fund U.S. operations. Tax is one of the many factors that we consider in the management of global cash. Included in the determination of the tax costs in repatriating foreign cash into the United States are the amount of earnings and profits in a particular jurisdiction, withholding taxes that would be imposed, and available foreign tax credits. Accordingly, the amount of taxes that we would need to accrue and pay to repatriate foreign cash could vary significantly.

The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the "Act") was signed into law on January 2, 2013 and extended several business tax provisions including: (1) the active financing income and controlled foreign corporation look-through exceptions to certain foreign income; and (2) the research and experimentation credit. The tax effects of the Act were recognized in the first quarter of 2013.

In several of our consolidated international subsidiaries, we have joint venture partners, who are minority shareholders. Although these entities are not wholly-owned by Itron, Inc, we consolidate them because we have a greater than 50% ownership interest or because we exercise control over the operations. The noncontrolling interest balance in our Consolidated Balance Sheets represents the proportional share of the equity of the joint venture entities, which is attributable to the minority shareholders. Approximately $18.5 million of our consolidated cash balance at March 31, 2013 resides in our joint venture entities. As a result, the minority shareholders of these entities control their proportional share of this cash balance, and there may be limitations on our ability to repatriate cash to the U.S. from these entities.


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For a description of our funded and unfunded non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans and our expected 2013 contributions, refer to Item 1: “Financial Statements, Note 8: Defined Benefit Pension Plans.”

For a description of our bonus and profit sharing plans, including the amounts accrued at March 31, 2013 and the expected timing of payment, refer to Bonus and Profit Sharing within Critical Accounting Estimates below.

General Liquidity Overview
We expect to grow through a combination of internal new product development, licensing technology from and to others, distribution agreements, partnering 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 sale of common stock or other securities. We believe existing sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund our existing operations and obligations for the next 12 months and into the foreseeable future, but offer no assurances. Our liquidity could be affected by unforeseen changes in the energy and water industries, competitive pressures, changes in estimated liabilities for product warranties and/or litigation, future business combinations, capital market fluctuations, international risks, and other factors described under “Risk Factors” within Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, which was filed with the SEC on February 22, 2013, as well as “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” within Item 3 of Part I included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Contingencies

Refer to Item 1: “Financial Statements, Note 11: Commitments and Contingencies”.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Revenue Recognition
The majority of our revenue arrangements involve multiple deliverables, which require us to determine the fair value of each deliverable and then allocate the total arrangement consideration among the separate deliverables based on the relative fair value percentages. Revenues for each deliverable are then recognized based on the type of deliverable, such as 1) when the products are shipped, 2) services are delivered, 3) percentage-of-completion when implementation services are essential to other deliverables in the arrangement, 4) upon receipt of customer acceptance, or 5) transfer of title and risk of loss. A majority of our revenue is recognized when products are shipped to or received by a customer or when services are provided.

Fair value represents the estimated price charged if an element were sold separately. If the fair value of any undelivered element included in a multiple deliverable arrangement cannot be objectively determined, revenue is deferred until all elements are delivered and services have been performed, or until the fair value can be objectively determined for any remaining undelivered elements. We review our fair values on an annual basis or more frequently if a significant trend is noted.

If implementation services are essential to a software arrangement, revenue is recognized using either the percentage-of-completion methodology of contract accounting if project costs can be reliably estimated or the completed contract methodology if project costs cannot be reliably estimated. 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.

Certain of our revenue arrangements include an extended or noncustomary warranty provision that covers all or a portion of a customer’s replacement or repair costs beyond the standard or customary warranty period. Whether or not the extended warranty is separately priced in the arrangement, a portion of the arrangement’s total consideration is allocated to this extended warranty deliverable. This revenue is deferred and recognized over the extended warranty coverage period. Extended or noncustomary warranties do not represent a significant portion of our revenue.

We allocate consideration to each deliverable in an arrangement based on its relative selling price. We determine selling price using vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE), if it exists, otherwise third-party evidence (TPE). If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists for a unit of accounting, we use estimated selling price (ESP).

VSOE is generally limited to the price charged when the same or similar product is sold separately or, if applicable, the stated renewal rate in the agreement. If a product or service is seldom sold separately, it is unlikely that we can determine VSOE for the product or service. We define VSOE as a median price of recent standalone transactions that are priced within a narrow range. TPE is determined based on the prices charged by our competitors for a similar deliverable when sold separately.


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If we are unable to establish selling price using VSOE or TPE, we use ESP in the allocation of arrangement consideration. The objective of ESP is to determine the price at which we would transact if the product or service were sold by us on a standalone basis. Our determination of ESP involves a weighting of several factors based on the specific facts and circumstances of the arrangement. Specifically, we consider the cost to produce the deliverable, the anticipated margin on that deliverable, the selling price and profit margin for similar parts, our ongoing pricing strategy and policies (as evident in the price list established and updated by management on a regular basis), the value of any enhancements that have been built into the deliverable, and the characteristics of the varying markets in which the deliverable is sold. We analyze the selling prices used in our allocation of arrangement consideration on an annual basis. Selling prices are analyzed on a more frequent basis if a significant change in our business necessitates a more timely analysis or if we experience significant variances in our selling prices.

Warranty
We offer standard warranties on our hardware products and large application software products. We accrue the estimated cost of new product warranties based on historical and projected product performance trends and costs during the warranty period. Testing of new products in the development stage helps identify and correct potential warranty issues prior to manufacturing. Continuous quality control efforts during manufacturing reduce our exposure to warranty claims. If our quality control efforts fail to detect a fault in one of our products, we may 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. When new products are introduced, our process relies on historical averages until sufficient data are available. As actual experience on new products becomes available, it is used to modify the historical averages to ensure the expected warranty costs are within a range of likely outcomes. 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 repair or replace projected product failures, and we may incur additional warranty and related expenses in the future with respect to new or established products, which could adversely affect our gross margin. The long-term warranty balance includes estimated warranty claims beyond one year.

Restructuring and Asset Impairments
We record a liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity at its fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred. Employee termination benefits considered post-employment benefits are accrued when the obligation is probable and estimable, such as benefits stipulated by human resource policies and practices or statutory requirements. One-time termination benefits are expensed at the date the employee is notified. If the employee must provide future service greater than 60 days, such benefits are expensed ratably over the future service period. For contract termination costs, we record a liability upon the later of when we terminate a contract in accordance with the contract terms or when we cease using the rights conveyed by the contract.

Asset impairments are determined at the asset group level. An impairment may be recorded for assets that are to be abandoned, are to be sold for less than net book value, or are held for sale in which the estimated proceeds are less than the net book value less costs to sell. We may also recognize impairment on an asset group, which is held and used, when the carrying value is not recoverable and exceeds the asset group's fair value. If an asset group is considered a business, a portion of the Company's goodwill balance is allocated to it based on relative fair value.

In determining restructuring charges, we analyze our future operating requirements, including the required headcount by business functions and facility space requirements. Our restructuring costs and any resulting accruals involve significant estimates using the best information available at the time the estimate are made. Our estimates involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control, including real estate market conditions and local labor and employment laws, rules, and regulations. If the amounts and timing of cash flows from restructuring activities are significantly different from what we have estimated, the actual amount of restructuring and asset impairment charges could be materially different, either higher or lower, than those we have recorded.

Income Taxes
The calculation of our annual estimated effective tax rate requires significant judgment and is subject to several factors, including fluctuations in the forecasted mix of earnings in domestic and international jurisdictions, new or revised tax legislation and accounting pronouncements, tax credits, state income taxes, adjustments to valuation allowances, and uncertain tax positions, among other items.

We record valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the extent we believe it is more likely than not that a portion of such assets will not be realized. In making such determinations, we consider available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and our ability to carry back losses to prior years. We are required to make assumptions and judgments about potential outcomes that lie outside management’s control. The most sensitive and critical factors are the projection, source, and character of future taxable income. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will be realized. The

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amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward periods are reduced or current tax planning strategies are not implemented.

We are subject to audit in multiple taxing jurisdictions in which we operate. These audits may involve complex issues, which may require an extended period of time to resolve. We believe we have recorded adequate income tax provisions and reserves for uncertain tax positions.

In evaluating uncertain tax positions, we consider the relative risks and merits of positions taken in tax returns filed and to be filed, considering statutory, judicial, and regulatory guidance applicable to those positions. We make assumptions and judgments about potential outcomes that lie outside management’s control. To the extent the tax authorities disagree with our conclusions and depending on the final resolution of those disagreements, our actual tax rate may be materially affected in the period of final settlement with the tax authorities.

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. Our inventory levels may vary period to period as a result of our factory scheduling and timing of contract fulfillments.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and intangible assets may result from our acquisitions. We use estimates, including estimates of useful lives of intangible assets, the amount and timing of related future cash flows, and fair values of the related operations, in determining the value assigned to goodwill and intangible assets. Our finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives based on estimated discounted cash flows. IPR&D is considered an indefinite-lived intangible asset and is not subject to amortization until the associated projects are completed or terminated. Finite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment at the asset group level when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually, when events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset may be impaired, or at the time when their useful lives are determined to be no longer indefinite.

Goodwill is assigned to our reporting units based on the expected benefit from the synergies arising from each business combination, determined by using certain financial metrics, including the forecasted discounted cash flows associated with each reporting unit.
We test goodwill for impairment each year as of October 1, or more frequently should a significant impairment indicator occur. As part of the impairment test, we may elect to perform an assessment of qualitative factors. If this qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, is less than its carrying amount, or if we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment, we would then proceed with the two-step impairment test. The impairment test involves comparing the fair values of the reporting units to their carrying amounts. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second step is required to measure the goodwill impairment loss amount. This second step determines the current fair values of all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit and then compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. We forecast discounted future cash flows at the reporting unit level using risk-adjusted discount rates and estimated future revenues and operating costs, which take into consideration factors such as existing backlog, expected future orders, supplier contracts, and expectations of competitive and economic environments. We also identify similar publicly traded companies and develop a correlation, referred to as a multiple, to apply to the operating results of the reporting units. These combined fair values are then reconciled to the aggregate market value of our common stock on the date of valuation, while considering a reasonable control premium.


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Based on our most recent annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2012, the percentage by which the estimated fair value of the reporting units exceeded their carrying value and amount of goodwill allocated to each of these reporting units were as follows:

 
 
October 1, 2012
Reporting Unit
 
Goodwill
 
Fair Value Exceeded Carrying Value
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Energy - Electricity
 
$
221,119

 
19
%
Energy - Gas
 
382,563

 
66
%
Water
 
83,750

 
317
%

Changes in market demand, fluctuations in the economies in which we operate, the volatility and decline in the worldwide equity markets, and a further decline in our market capitalization could negatively impact the remaining carrying value of our goodwill, which could have a significant effect on our current and future results of operations and financial condition.

Derivative Instruments
All derivative instruments, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value as either assets or liabilities. The components and fair values of our derivative instruments are determined using the fair value measurements of significant other observable inputs (also known as “Level 2”), as defined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We include the effect of our counterparty credit risk based on current published credit default swap rates when the net fair value of our derivative instruments is in a net asset position and the effect of our own nonperformance risk when the net fair value of our derivative instruments is in a net liability position. Level 2 inputs consist of quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in non-active markets; and model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are corroborated by observable market data either directly or indirectly through correlation or other means (inputs may include yield curves, volatility, credit risks, and default rates). Derivatives are not used for trading or speculative purposes. Our derivatives are with credit worthy multinational financial institutions, with whom we have master netting agreements; however, our derivative positions are not disclosed on a net basis. There are no credit-risk-related contingent features within our derivative instruments.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans
We sponsor both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans for our international employees, primarily in Germany, France, Italy, Indonesia, and Spain. We recognize a liability for the projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets or an asset for plan assets in excess of the projected benefit obligation. We also recognize the funded status of our defined benefit pension plans on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and recognize as a component of other comprehensive income (OCI), net of tax, the actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs or credits, if any, that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

Several economic assumptions and actuarial data are used in calculating the expense and obligations related to these plans. The assumptions are updated annually at December 31 and include the discount rate, the expected remaining service life, the expected rate of return on plan assets, and the rate of future compensation increase. The discount rate is a significant assumption used to value our pension benefit obligation. We determine a discount rate for our plans based on the estimated duration of each plan’s liabilities. For our euro denominated defined benefit pension plans, which represent 94% of our benefit obligation, we use three discount rates, with consideration of the duration of the plans, using a hypothetical yield curve developed from euro-denominated AA-rated corporate bond issues, partially weighted for market value, with minimum amounts outstanding of €250 million for bonds with less than 10 years to maturity and €50 million for bonds with 10 or more years to maturity, and excluding the highest and lowest yielding 10% of bonds within each maturity group. The discount rates used, depending on the duration of the plans, were 2.75%, 3.25% and 3.50%, respectively. The weighted average discount rate used to measure the projected benefit obligation for all of the plans at December 31, 2012 was 3.36%. A change of 25 basis points in the discount rate would change our pension benefit obligation by approximately $4.0 million. The financial and actuarial assumptions used at December 31, 2012 may differ materially from actual results due to changing market and economic conditions and other factors. These differences could result in a significant change in the amount of pension expense recorded in future periods. Gains and losses resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions, including the discount rate, are recognized in OCI in the period in which they occur.

Our general funding policy for these qualified pension plans is to contribute amounts at least sufficient to satisfy funding standards of the respective countries for each plan. Refer to Item 1: “Financial Statements, Note 8: Defined Benefit Pension Plans” for our expected contributions for 2013.

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Contingencies
A loss 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 our ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of the ultimate loss. Loss contingencies that we determine to be reasonably possible, but not probable, are disclosed but not recorded. Changes in these factors and related estimates could materially affect our financial position and results of operations. Legal costs to defend against contingent liabilities are expensed as incurred.

Bonus and Profit Sharing
We have various employee bonus and profit sharing plans, which provide award amounts for the achievement of annual financial and nonfinancial targets. If management determines it probable that the targets will be achieved and the amounts can be reasonably estimated, a compensation accrual is recorded based on the proportional achievement of the financial and nonfinancial targets. Although we monitor and accrue expenses quarterly based on our estimated progress toward the achievement of the annual targets, the actual results at the end of the year may require awards that are significantly greater or less than the estimates made in earlier quarters. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, we accrued $5.3 million for such awards, compared with $6.6 million for the same period in 2012. Awards are typically distributed in the first quarter of the following year.

Stock-Based Compensation
We measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based awards made to employees and directors, including awards of stock options, stock sold pursuant to our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and the issuance of restricted stock units and unrestricted stock awards, based on estimated fair values. The fair value of stock options is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which includes assumptions for the dividend yield, expected volatility, risk-free interest rate, and expected term. The fair value of restricted stock units with a market condition is estimated at the date of award using a Monte Carlo simulation model, which includes assumptions for the dividend yield, expected volatility, risk-free interest rate and the expected term. In valuing our stock options and restricted stock units with a market condition, significant judgment is required in determining the expected volatility of our common stock and the expected life that individuals will hold their stock options prior to exercising. Expected volatility for stock options is based on the historical and implied volatility of our own common stock while the volatility for our restricted stock units with a market condition is based on the historical volatility of our own stock and the stock for companies comprising the market index within the market condition. The expected life of stock option grants is derived from the historical actual term of option grants and an estimate of future exercises during the remaining contractual period of the option. While volatility and estimated life are assumptions that do not bear the risk of change subsequent to the grant date of stock options, these assumptions may be difficult to measure as they represent future expectations based on historical experience. Further, our expected volatility and expected life may change in the future, which could substantially change the grant-date fair value of future awards of stock options and ultimately the expense we record. For ESPP awards, the fair value is the difference between the market close price of our common stock on the date of purchase and the discounted purchase price. For restricted stock units without a market condition and unrestricted stock awards, the fair value is the market close price of our common stock on the date of grant. We consider many factors when estimating expected forfeitures, including types of awards, employee class, and historical experience. Actual results and future estimates may differ substantially from our current estimates. We expense stock-based compensation at the date of grant for unrestricted stock awards. For awards with only a service condition, we expense stock-based compensation, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, using the straight-line method over the requisite service period for the entire award. For awards with both performance and service conditions, we expense the stock-based compensation, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award. Excess tax benefits are credited to common stock when the deduction reduces cash taxes payable. When we have tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost, they are classified as financing cash inflows in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

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Item 3:
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate risks that could impact our financial position and results of operations. As part of our risk management strategy, we may use derivative financial instruments to hedge certain foreign currency and interest rate exposures. Our objective is to offset gains and losses resulting from these exposures with losses and gains on the derivative contracts used to hedge them, therefore reducing the impact of volatility on earnings or protecting the fair values of assets and liabilities. We use derivative contracts only to manage existing underlying exposures. Accordingly, we do not use derivative contracts for trading or speculative purposes.

Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to interest rate risk through our variable rate debt instruments. In May 2012, we entered into six forward starting pay-fixed receive one-month LIBOR interest rate swaps. The interest rate swaps convert $200 million of our LIBOR based debt from a floating LIBOR interest rate to a fixed interest rate of 1.00% (excluding the applicable margin on the debt) and are effective July 31, 2013 to August 8, 2016.

The table below provides information about our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates and the scheduled minimum repayment of principal and the weighted average interest rates at March 31, 2013. Weighted average variable rates in the table are based on implied forward rates in the Reuters U.S. dollar yield curve as of March 31, 2013 and our estimated leverage ratio, which determines our additional interest rate margin at March 31, 2013.

 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
Total
 
Fair Value
 
(in thousands)
Variable Rate Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal: U.S. dollar term loan
$
15,000

 
$
26,250

 
$
30,000

 
$
202,500

 
$

 
$
273,750

 
$
271,862

Average interest rate
1.49
 %
 
1.60
 %
 
1.83
 %
 
2.20
 %
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal: Multicurrency revolving line of credit
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
125,000

 
$

 
$
125,000

 
$
123,996

Average interest rate
1.49
 %
 
1.60
 %
 
1.83
 %
 
2.20
 %
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap on LIBOR based debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average interest rate (Pay)
1.00
 %
 
1.00
 %
 
1.00
 %
 
1.00
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average interest rate (Receive)
0.27
 %
 
0.35
 %
 
0.58
 %
 
0.95
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net/Spread
(0.73
)%
 
(0.65
)%
 
(0.42
)%
 
(0.05
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Based on a sensitivity analysis as of March 31, 2013, we estimate that, if market interest rates average one percentage point higher in 2013 than in the table above, our financial results in 2013 would not be materially impacted.

We continually monitor and assess our interest rate risk and may institute additional interest rate swaps or other derivative instruments to manage such risk in the future.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We conduct business in a number of countries. As a result, over half of our revenues and operating expenses are denominated in foreign currencies, which expose our account balances to movements in foreign currency exchange rates that could have a material effect on our financial results. Our primary foreign currency exposure relates to non-U.S. dollar denominated transactions in our international subsidiary operations, the most significant of which is the euro. Revenues denominated in functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar were 64% of total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared with 56% for the same period in 2012.

We are also exposed to foreign exchange risk when we enter into non-functional currency transactions, both intercompany and third-party. At each period-end, non-functional currency monetary assets and liabilities are revalued, with the change recorded to other income and expense. We enter into monthly foreign exchange forward contracts (a total of 118 contracts were entered into during the three months ended March 31, 2013) not designated for hedge accounting, with the intent to reduce earnings volatility associated with certain of these balances. The notional amounts of the contracts ranged from $258,000 to $11.0 million, offsetting our exposures from the euro, Saudi riyal, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, South African rand, and various other currencies.
In future periods, we may use additional derivative contracts to protect against foreign currency exchange rate risks.

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Item 4:
Controls and Procedures

(a)
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. At March 31, 2013, 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 design and operation 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 as of March 31, 2013, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure the information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

(b)
Changes in internal controls over financial reporting. While we are continuing the process of upgrading our global enterprise resource software systems and information technology infrastructure, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2013 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.



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PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
 

Item 1:
Legal Proceedings
There were no material changes, as defined by Item 103 of Regulation S-K, during the first quarter of 2013.

Item 1A:
Risk Factors
There were no material changes to risk factors during the first quarter of 2013 from those previously disclosed in Item 1A: "Risk Factors" of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, which was filed with the SEC on February 22, 2013.

Item 2:
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
(a) Not applicable.

(b) Not applicable.

(c) Issuer Repurchase of Equity Securities
The table below summarizes information about the Company's purchases of its shares of common stock, based on settlement date, during the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013.
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased(1)
 
Average Price Paid per Share(2)
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
January 1 through January 31
 

 
$

 

 
$
23,131

February 1 through February 28
 

 

 

 

March 1 through March 31
 
4,490

 
44.51

 
4,490

 
49,800

Total
 
4,490

 
$
44.51

 
4,490

 
 
(1) 
On October 24, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program of up to $100 million of our common stock (2011 Repurchase Program). We repurchased $76.9 million of our common stock during the effective period of this program, which ended on February 15, 2013.
On March 8, 2013, the Board authorized a new twelve-month repurchase program of up to $50 million of our common stock (2013 Repurchase Program).
Repurchases are made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, and in accordance with applicable securities laws. No shares were purchased outside of the 2011 and 2013 Repurchase Programs.
(2) 
Includes commissions.

Subsequent to March 31, 2013, we repurchased 65,339 shares of our common stock under the 2013 Repurchase Program. The average price paid per share was $43.34.

Item 5:
Other Information
(a) No information was required to be disclosed in a report on Form 8-K during the first quarter of 2013 that was not reported.

(b) Not applicable.

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Item 6:
Exhibits
 

 
 
 
Exhibit
Number
  
Description of Exhibits
 
 
10.1
 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) Award Notice and Agreement for All Participants (excluding France) for use in connection with the Company's 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.
 
 
 
10.2
 
Form of RSU Award Notice and Agreement for Participants in France for use in connection with the Company's 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.
 
 
 
10.3
 
Form of RSU Award Notice and Agreement for Non-employee Directors for use in connection with the Company's 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.
 
 
 
10.4
 
Form of Long-Term Performance RSU Notice and Agreement for U.S. Participants for use in connection with the Company’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.
 
 
 
10.5
 
Form of Long-Term Performance RSU Notice and Agreement for Participants in France for use in connection with the Company’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.
 
 
 
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.
 
 
101.INS
  
XBRL Instance Document.
 
 
101.SCH
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
 
 
101.CAL
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
 
 
 
101.LAB
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
 
 
101.PRE
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
 
 
 


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Table of Contents

SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
ITRON, INC.
 
 
 
 
May 2, 2013
 
By:
/s/ STEVEN M. HELMBRECHT
Date
 
 
Steven M. Helmbrecht
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

51
ITRI EX-10.1 3.31.13


Exhibit 10.1



ITRON, INC.
2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD NOTICE
ALL PARTICIPANTS (EXCLUDING FRANCE)



Itron, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby grants to Participant a restricted stock unit award (the “Award”). The Award is subject to all the terms and conditions set forth in this Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice (the “Award Notice”), the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, including Appendix A (the “Agreement”) and the Itron, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), all of which are incorporated into the Award Notice in their entirety.

Participant:
«First_Name» «Last_Name»
Grant Date:
«Grant Date»
Number of Restricted Stock Units:
«# of Units»
Vesting Schedule:
The Award will vest with respect to one-third of the Restricted Stock Units on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the Grant Date (each, a “Vest Date”).

Additional Terms/Acknowledgement: This Award is subject to all the terms and conditions set forth in this Award Notice, the Agreement, and the Plan which are attached to and incorporated into this Award Notice in their entirety.

«First_Name» «Last_Name»
I accept this award subject to the terms and conditions stated herein.
«Electronically Signed»
 
Attachments:
 
1.Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement,
including Appendix A
2.2010 Stock Incentive Plan
3.Plan Prospectus




ITRON, INC.
2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
ALL PARTICIPANTS (EXCLUDING FRANCE)

Pursuant to your Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice (the “Award Notice”) and this Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, including Appendix A (this “Agreement”), Itron, Inc. (the “Company”) has granted you a restricted stock unit award (the “Award”) under its 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for the number of restricted stock units indicated in your Award Notice. Capitalized terms not expressly defined in this Agreement but defined in the Plan shall have the same definitions as in the Plan.
The details of the Award are as follows:
1.
Vesting
The Award will vest according to the vesting schedule set forth in the Award Notice (the “Vesting Schedule). One share of Common Stock will be issuable for each restricted stock unit that vests. Restricted stock units that have vested and are no longer subject to forfeiture according to the Vesting Schedule are referred to herein as “Vested Units.” Restricted stock units that have not vested and remain subject to forfeiture under the Vesting Schedule are referred to herein as “Unvested Units.” Except as provided in Sections 2 and 3 below, the Unvested Units will vest (and to the extent so vested cease to be Unvested Units remaining subject to forfeiture) in accordance with the Vesting Schedule (the Unvested and Vested Units are collectively referred to herein as the “Units”). Except as provided in Section 2 below, the Award will terminate and the Unvested Units will be forfeited upon termination of your employment for any reason.
2.
Death or Disability
In the event that your employment terminates during the Units' vesting period by reason of death or Disability, any Unvested Units will accelerate in vesting and become Vested Units upon such termination of employment.
3.
Change in Control Transaction
In the event of a Change in Control Transaction, any Unvested Units will accelerate in vesting and become Vested Units immediately prior to such transaction.
4.
Settlement of Vested Units.
Vested Units shall be settled within 30 days following (a) the applicable Vest Date, or (b) if earlier, the date the Units become vested in connection with (i) the termination of your employment due to death or Disability pursuant to Section 2 above, or (ii) a Change in Control Transaction pursuant to Section 3 above.





5.
Securities Law Compliance

5.1You represent and warrant that you (a) have been furnished with a copy of the prospectus for the Plan and all information which you deem necessary to evaluate the merits and risks of receipt of the Award, (b) have had the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers concerning the information received about the Award and the Company, and (c) have been given the opportunity to obtain any additional information you deem necessary to verify the accuracy of any information obtained concerning the Award and the Company.

5.2You hereby agree that you will in no event sell or distribute all or any part of the shares of Common Stock that you receive pursuant to settlement of this Award (the “Shares”) unless (a) there is an effective registration statement under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and any applicable state and foreign securities laws covering any such transaction involving the Shares or (b) the Company receives an opinion of your legal counsel (concurred with by legal counsel for the Company) stating that such transaction is exempt from registration or the Company otherwise satisfies itself that such transaction is exempt from registration. You understand that the Company has no obligation to you to register the Shares with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any foreign securities regulator and has not represented to you that it will so register the Shares.

5.3You confirm that you have been advised, prior to your receipt of the Shares, that neither the offering of the Shares nor any offering materials have been reviewed by any regulator under the Securities Act or any other applicable securities act (the “Acts”) and that the Shares cannot be resold unless they are registered under the Acts or unless an exemption from such registration is available.

5.4You hereby agree to indemnify the Company and hold it harmless from and against any loss, claim or liability, including attorneys' fees or legal expenses, incurred by the Company as a result of any breach by you of, or any inaccuracy in, any representation, warranty or statement made by you in this Agreement or the breach by you of any terms or conditions of this Agreement.
6.
Transfer Restrictions
Units shall not be sold, transferred, assigned, encumbered, pledged or otherwise disposed of, whether voluntarily or by operation of law.

7.
No Rights as Shareholder
You shall not have voting or other rights as a shareholder of the Company with respect to the Units.
8.
Book Entry Registration of Shares
The Company will issue the Shares by registering the Shares in book entry form with the Company's transfer agent in your name and the applicable restrictions will be noted in the records of the Company's transfer agent and in the book entry system.




9.
Responsibility for Taxes

9.1Regardless of any action the Company or your employer (the “Employer”) take with respect to any and all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other tax-related items related to your participation in the Plan and legally applicable to you (“Tax-Related Items”), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains your responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company and/or the Employer. You further acknowledge that the Company and the Employer (a) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Award, including, but not limited to, the granting or vesting of the Award, the settlement of Vested Units, the issuance of Shares upon settlement of the Vested Units, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired upon settlement of the Vested Units and the receipt of any dividends; and (b) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Award to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if you have become subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction between the Grant Date and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, you acknowledge that the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.
9.2Prior to any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, you will pay or make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and or the Employer to satisfy all Tax-Related Items.
(a)In this regard, you hereby irrevocably appoint Fidelity or any stock plan service provider or brokerage firm designated by the Company for such purpose (the "Agent") as your Agent, and authorize the Agent, to:
(i)
Sell on the open market at the then prevailing market price(s), on your behalf, as soon as practicable on or after the settlement date for any Vested Unit, the minimum number of Shares (rounded up to the next whole number) sufficient to generate proceeds to cover the Tax-Related Items and all applicable fees and commissions due to, or required to be collected by, the Agent;
(ii)
Remit directly to the Company the cash amount necessary to cover the Tax-Related Items;
(iii)
Retain the amount required to cover all applicable fees and commissions due to, or required to be collected by, the Agent, relating directly to the sale of Shares referred to in clause (i) above; and
(iv)
Remit any remaining funds to you.
(b)Alternatively, or in addition to or in combination with the withholding mechanism described in Section 9.2(a), you authorize the Company and/or the Employer, at their discretion, to satisfy the obligations with regard to all Tax-Related Items by:




(i)
requiring you to pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of the Tax-Related Items; and/or
(ii)
withholding any amount of the Tax-Related Items from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or the Employer; and/or
(iii)
withholding in Shares to be issued upon settlement of the Vested Units, provided, however, that if you are a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the Plan Administrator (as constituted to satisfy Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) shall establish the method of withholding from the alternatives (i) - (iii) herein and, if the Plan Administrator does not exercise its discretion prior to the Tax-Related Items withholding event, then you shall be entitled to elect the method of withholding from the alternatives (i) - (iii) herein.
(c)Depending on the withholding method, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable minimum statutory withholding amounts or other applicable withholding rates, including maximum applicable rates, in which case you will receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash and will have no entitlement to the equivalent amount in Shares. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in Shares, for tax purposes, you will be deemed to have been issued the full number of Shares subject to the Vested Units notwithstanding that a number of the Shares are held back solely for the purpose of paying the Tax-Related Items due as a result of any aspect of your participation in the Plan. The Company may refuse to issue or deliver Shares to you if you fail to comply with your obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items.
9.3You acknowledge that the authorization and instruction to the Agent set forth in Section 9.2(a)(i) above to sell Shares to cover the Tax-Related Items is intended to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c)(1)(i)(B) under the Exchange Act and to be interpreted to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange Act (regarding trading of the Company's securities on the basis of material nonpublic information) (a “10b5-1 Plan”). This 10b5-1 Plan is being adopted to permit you to sell a number of Shares issued upon settlement of Vested Units sufficient to pay the Tax-Related Items.
You acknowledge that the broker is under no obligation to arrange for the sale of Shares at any particular price. You further acknowledge that you will be responsible for all brokerage fees and other costs of sale, and you agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any losses, costs, damages, or expenses relating to any such sale. You acknowledge that it may not be possible to sell Shares during the term of this 10b5-1 Plan due to (a) a legal or contractual restriction applicable to you or to the broker, (b) a market disruption, (c) rules governing order execution priority on the NASDAQ or other exchange where the Shares may be traded, (d) a sale effected pursuant to this 10b5-1 Plan that fails to comply (or in the reasonable opinion of the Agent's counsel is likely not to comply) with the Securities Act, or (e) if the Company determines that sales may not be effected under this 10b5-1 Plan. In the event of the Agent's inability to sell Shares, you will continue to be responsible for the Tax-Related Items.





You hereby agree to execute and deliver to the Agent any other agreements or documents as the Agent reasonably deems necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes and intent of the 10b5-1 Plan. You acknowledge that this 10b5-1 Plan is subject to the terms of any policy adopted now or hereafter by the Company governing the adoption of 10b5-1 plans. The Agent is a third party beneficiary of Section 9.2(a)(i) and this 10b5-1 Plan.
10.
Nature of Grant
In accepting the grant, you acknowledge, understand and agree that:
(a)the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature and it may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted by the Plan;
(b)the grant of the Award is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of restricted stock units, or benefits in lieu of restricted stock units, even if restricted stock units have been granted in the past;
(c)all decisions with respect to future grants of restricted stock units, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;
(d)the grant of the Award and your participation in the Plan shall not create a right to employment or be interpreted as forming an employment or service contract with the Employer, the Company or any Related Corporation and shall not interfere with the ability of the Employer, the Company or any Related Corporation to terminate your employment or service relationship (if any);
(e)you are voluntarily participating in the Plan;
(f)the Award and the Shares subject to the Award are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;
(g)the Award and the Shares subject to the Award, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for purposes of calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end of service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;
(h)the future value of the underlying Shares is unknown, indeterminable and cannot be predicted with certainty;
(i)no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of the Award resulting from your ceasing to provide employment or other services to the Company or the Employer (for any reason whatsoever, and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where you are employed or the terms of your employment agreement, if any) and, in consideration of the grant of the Award to which you are otherwise not entitled, you irrevocably agree never to institute any claim against the Company, any Related Corporation or the Employer, waive the ability, if any, to bring any such claim and release the Company, any Related Corporation and the Employer from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, you will be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue




such claim and agree to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claims;
(j)for purposes of the Award, your employment will be considered terminated as of the date you cease to actively provide services to the Company or a Related Corporation; further, in the event of termination of your employment or other services (for any reason whatsoever, whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where you are employed or the terms of your employment agreement, if any), unless otherwise provided in this Agreement or determined by the Company, your right to vest in the Award, if any, will terminate effective as of the date that you are no longer actively providing services and will not be extended by any notice period (e.g., active service would not include any contractual notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where you are employed or the terms of your employment agreement, if any); the Company's Chief Executive Officer shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when you are no longer actively providing services for purposes of the Award (including whether or not you may still be considered to be providing services while on an approved leave of absence);
(k)unless otherwise provided in the Plan or by the Company in its discretion, the Award and the benefits evidenced by this Agreement do not create any entitlement to have the Award or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor to be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any corporate transaction affecting the shares of the Company; and
(l)the following provisions apply only if you are providing services outside the United States:
(i)    the Award and the Shares subject to the Award are not part of normal or expected compensation or salary for any purpose;
(ii)    neither the Company, the Employer nor any Related Corporation shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between your local currency and the United States dollar that may affect the value of the Award or of any amounts due to you pursuant to the settlement of the Award or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon settlement.

11.
No Advice Regarding Grant

The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding your participation in the Plan or your acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares. You are hereby advised to consult with your own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding your participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan. You acknowledge that you have either consulted with competent advisors independent of the Company to obtain advice concerning the receipt of the Award and the acquisition or disposition of any Shares to be issued pursuant to the Award in light of your specific situation or had the opportunity to consult with such advisors but chose not to do so.




12.
Data Privacy
You hereby explicitly and unambiguously consent to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of your personal data as described in this Agreement and any other Award materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer, the Company and its Related Corporations for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan.
You understand that the Company and the Employer may hold certain personal information about you, including, but not limited to, your name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all Awards or any other entitlement to shares of stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in your favor, for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan (“Data”).
You understand that Data will be transferred to Fidelity or such other stock plan service provider as may be selected by the Company in the future, which is assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. You understand that the recipients of Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients' country (e.g., the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than your country. You understand that you may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of Data by contacting your local human resources representative. You authorize the Company, Fidelity and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan. You understand that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage your participation in the Plan. You understand that you may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing your local human resources representative. Further, you understand that you are providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If you do not consent, your employment status or service and career with the Employer will not be adversely affected; the only adverse consequence of refusing or withdrawing your consent is that the Company would not be able to grant you the Award or other equity awards or administer or maintain such awards. Therefore, you understand that refusing or withdrawing your consent may affect your ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of your refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, you understand that you may contact your local human resources representative.




13.
Electronic Delivery and Participation
The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to current or future participation in the Plan by electronic means. You hereby consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agree to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.
14.
Language
If you have received this Agreement (or any portion thereof) or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different from the English version, the English version will control.
15.
General Provisions
15.1Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement will inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company and be binding upon you and your heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.
15.2Section 409A. For purposes of U.S. taxpayers, the settlement of the Units is intended to either be exempt from Section 409A of the Code under the “short-term deferral” exception, and in any event in compliance with Section 409A of the Code, and this Agreement will be interpreted, operated and administered in a manner that is consistent with this intent. In furtherance of this intent, the Plan Administrator may, at any time and without your consent, modify the terms of the Award as it determines appropriate to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and the related U.S. Department of Treasury guidance. The Company makes no representation or covenant to ensure that the Units, settlement of the Units or other payment hereunder are exempt from or compliant with Section 409A of the Code and will have no liability to you or any other party if the settlement of the Units or other payment hereunder that is intended to be exempt from, or compliant with, Section 409A of the Code, is not so exempt or compliant or for any action taken by the Plan Administrator with respect thereto.
15.3Governing Law and Choice of Venue. The Award and the provisions of this Agreement will be construed and administered in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Washington without giving effect to such state's principles of conflict of laws. For the purposes of litigating any dispute that arises under this grant of this Agreement, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of Washington and agree that such litigation shall be conducted in the courts of Spokane County, Washington, or the federal courts for the United States for the Eastern District of Washington, where this grant is made and/or to be performed.
15.4Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable and if any one or more provisions are determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless be binding and enforceable.




15.5Notice.     Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing and sent to the following address:
Itron, Inc.
Attn. General Counsel
2111 N. Molter Road
Liberty Lake, WA USA 99019

16.
Appendix A
Notwithstanding any provisions in this Agreement, the Award shall be subject to any special terms and conditions set forth in Appendix A to this Agreement for your country (“Appendix A”). Moreover, if you relocate to one of the countries included in Appendix A, the special terms and conditions for such country will apply to you, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. Appendix A constitutes part of this Agreement.
17.
Imposition of Other Requirements
The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on your participation in the Plan, on the Award and on any Shares acquired under the Plan, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons, and to require you to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing
18.
Waiver
You acknowledge that a waiver by the Company of breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement, or of any subsequent breach by you or any other Participant.






APPENDIX A
 
ITRON, INC.
2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
ALL PARTICIPANTS (EXCLUDING FRANCE)


Terms and Conditions

This Appendix A includes additional terms and conditions that govern the grant of the restricted stock unit award (the “Award”) under the Itron, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) in the countries listed below. Capitalized terms not expressly defined in this Appendix A but defined in the Plan or the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (the “Agreement”) shall have the same definitions as in the Plan and/or the Agreement, as applicable.

Notifications

This Appendix A also includes information regarding exchange control and other issues of which you should be aware with respect to your participation in the Plan. The information is based on the exchange control, securities and other laws in effect in the respective countries as of February 2013. Such laws are often complex and change frequently. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that you not rely on the information herein as the only source of information relating to the consequences of participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date at the time that the Award vests or the Shares acquired under the Plan are sold.

In addition, the information contained herein is general in nature and may not apply to your particular situation and the Company is not in a position to assure you of a particular result. Accordingly, you are advised to seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant laws in your country may apply to your situation.

Finally, if you are a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which you are currently working, or if you transfer employment or residency to another country after the Award is granted, the information contained herein may not be applicable to you.






ARGENTINA

Notifications

Securities Law Notification. Neither the Award nor the underlying Shares are publicly offered or listed on any stock exchange in Argentina. The offer is private and not subject to the supervision of any Argentine governmental authority.

Exchange Control Notification. In the event that you transfer proceeds from the sale of Shares into Argentina within 10 days of receipt (i.e., the proceeds have not been held in the offshore bank or brokerage account for at least 10 days prior to transfer), you must deposit 30% of the proceeds into a non-interest bearing account in Argentina for 365 days. The Argentine bank handling the transaction may request certain documentation in connection with your request to transfer proceeds into Argentina, including evidence of the sale and proof that no funds were remitted out of Argentina to acquire the Shares. If the bank determines that the 10-day rule or any other rule or regulation promulgated by the Argentine Central Bank has not been satisfied, it will require that 30% of the proceeds be placed in a non-interest bearing dollar denominated mandatory deposit account for a holding period of 365 days.

Please note that exchange control regulations in Argentina are subject to frequent change. You should consult with your personal legal advisor regarding any exchange control obligations you may have in connection with your participation in the Plan.


AUSTRALIA

Notifications
Securities Law Notification. If you acquire Shares under the Plan and subsequently offer the Shares for sale to a person or entity resident in Australia, such an offer may be subject to disclosure requirements under Australian law and you should obtain legal advice regarding any applicable disclosure requirements prior to making any such offer.


AUSTRIA

Notifications

Consumer Protection Notification. You may be entitled to revoke acceptance of the Award on the basis of the Austrian Consumer Protection Act (the “Act”) under the conditions listed below, if the Act is considered to be applicable to the Agreement and the Plan:

(i)    If you accept the Award outside the business premises of the Company, you may be entitled to revoke your acceptance of the Award, provided the revocation is made within one (1) week after such acceptance of the Award.





(ii)    The revocation must be in written form to be valid. It is sufficient if you return the Agreement to the Company or the Company's representative with language which can be understood as a refusal to conclude or honor the Agreement, provided the revocation is sent within the period discussed above.

Exchange Control Notification. If you hold Shares acquired under the Plan outside of Austria, you may be required to submit a report to the Austrian National Bank either on an annual basis or on a quarterly basis, depending on the value of the Shares. In addition, a separate reporting requirement may apply when you sell Shares acquired under the Plan if the cash proceeds are held outside of Austria, depending on the transaction volume of all of your accounts abroad. You should consult with your personal legal advisor regarding any exchange control reporting obligations you may have in connection with your participation in the Plan.

BELGIUM

Notifications

Foreign Account Reporting Notification. If you are a Belgian resident, you are required to report any bank or brokerage accounts held outside of Belgium on your annual tax return.


BRAZIL

Terms and Conditions
Compliance with the Law. In accepting the grant of the Award, you acknowledge your agreement to comply with applicable Brazilian laws and to pay any and all applicable tax associated with the Award and the sale of the Shares acquired under the Plan.
Notifications

Exchange Control Notification. If you are a resident or domiciled in Brazil, you will be required to submit an annual declaration of assets and rights held outside of Brazil to the Central Bank of Brazil if the aggregate value of such assets and rights is equal to or greater than US$100,000. Assets and rights that must be reported include Shares acquired under the Plan.


CANADA

Terms and Conditions

Vesting. This provision supplements Section 1 of the Agreement:

The grant of the Award does not provide any right for you to receive a cash payment and the




Vested Units will be settled in Shares only.

Nature of Grant. The following provision replaces Section 10(j) of the Agreement:
For purposes of the Award, your employment or service relationship will be considered terminated as of the earlier of:  (i) the date your employment with the Company and its Related Corporations is terminated, (ii) the date you receive written notice of termination from the Company or the Employer, regardless of any notice period or period of pay in lieu of such notice mandated under the employment laws in the jurisdiction where you are employed or the terms of your employment agreement, if any, or (iii) the date you are no longer actively employed by or actively providing services to the Company or any of its Related Corporations and, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Agreement or determined by the Company, your right to vest in the Award, if any, will terminate as of such date; the Company's Chief Executive Officer shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when you are no longer actively employed or actively providing services for purposes of the Award (including whether you may still be considered to be actively employed or actively providing services while on a leave of absence).
Notifications

Securities Law Notification. You are permitted to sell Shares acquired under the Plan through the designated broker appointed under the Plan, if any, provided the resale of Shares acquired under the Plan takes place outside of Canada through the facilities of a stock exchange on which the Shares are listed. The Shares are currently listed on the NASDAQ.


CHILE

Notifications
Securities Law Notification. Pursuant to Ruling No. 99 of 2001 issued by the Chilean Superintendence of Securities (“CSS”), neither the Units nor any Shares that may be issued under the Plan will be registered with the Registry of Securities held by the CSS nor are they under the control or supervision of the CSS.
Exchange Control Notification. You are not required to repatriate proceeds obtained from the sale of Shares or from dividends to Chile; however, if you decide to repatriate proceeds from the sale of Shares and the amount of the proceeds to be repatriated exceeds US$10,000, you must use the Formal Exchange Market (i.e., a commercial bank or registered foreign exchange office) to repatriate the proceeds into Chile.
Further, if the value of your aggregate investments held outside of Chile exceeds US$5,000,000 (including the value of Shares acquired under the Plan) at any time in the relevant calendar year, you must report the status of such investments annually to the Central Bank.
Tax Reporting and Registration Notification. You must file Tax Form 1851 “Annual Sworn Statement Regarding Investments Held Abroad” in relation to any Shares acquired under the




Plan that are held abroad. In addition, if you wish to receive credit in Chile for any tax paid abroad on any dividends received pursuant to the Shares, you must register the acquisition of Shares with the Chilean Internal Revenue Service (the “CIRS”) and also file Tax Form 1853 “Annual Sworn Statement Regarding Credits for Taxes Paid Abroad.” These forms must be submitted through the CIRS web page at www.sii.cl.
Registration of the acquisition of Shares with the CIRS will also provide evidence of the acquisition price of the Shares which you will need when the Shares are sold. It may also be possible for you to provide other evidence in the form of the Agreement or a report of the price paid for the Shares and the number of Shares acquired and sold; however, neither the Company nor Fidelity (or any other stock plan service provider designated by the Company) are under any obligation to provide you with such a report. You should consult with your personal legal and tax advisors regarding how to register with the CIRS (if desired).


CHINA

Terms and Conditions

Vesting. This provision supplements Section 1 of the Agreement.
To facilitate compliance with applicable laws or regulations in China, you agree and acknowledge that the Company or the Agent is entitled to (a) immediately sell all Shares issued to you upon settlement of the Vested Units (on your behalf pursuant to this authorization), either at the time the Vested Units are settled or when you cease employment with the Employer, the Company or a Related Corporation, or (b) require that any Shares acquired under the Plan be held with the Agent until the Shares are sold. You also agree to sign any forms and/or consents required by the Agent to effectuate the sale of Shares in case you cease employment and you acknowledge that the Agent is under no obligation to arrange for the sale of the Shares at any particular price. In any event, when the Shares acquired under the Plan are sold, the proceeds of the sale of the Shares, less any applicable Tax-Related Items and broker's fees or commissions, will be remitted to you in accordance with applicable exchange control law and regulations, as further described below.

Exchange Control Requirements.  You understand and agree that, pursuant to local exchange control requirements, you will be required to repatriate the cash proceeds from the sale of the Shares acquired under the Plan to China. You further understand that, under local law, such repatriation of the cash proceeds may need to be effectuated through a special exchange control account established by the Company, a Related Corporation or the Employer, and you hereby consent and agree that any cash proceeds from the sale of Shares acquired under the Plan may be transferred to such special account prior to being delivered to you. You also understand that the Company will deliver the proceeds to you as soon as possible, but there may be delays in distributing the funds to you due to exchange control requirements in China. Proceeds may be paid to you in U.S. dollars or local currency at the Company's discretion. If the proceeds are paid to you in U.S. dollars, you will be required to set up a U.S. dollar bank account in China




so that the proceeds may be deposited into this account. If the proceeds are paid to you in local currency, the Company is under no obligation to secure any particular exchange conversion rate and the Company may face delays in converting the proceeds to local currency due to exchange control restrictions. You further agree to comply with any other requirements that may be imposed by the Company in the future in order to facilitate compliance with exchange control requirements in China.


CZECH REPUBLIC

Notifications

Exchange Control Notification. Upon request of the Czech National Bank (the “CNB”), you may need to report the following to the CNB: foreign direct investments, financial credits from abroad, investment in foreign securities and associated collection and payments (Shares and proceeds from the sale of Shares may be included in this reporting requirement).


GERMANY

Notifications
Exchange Control Notification. You must report any cross-border payments in excess of €12,500 to the German Federal Bank on a monthly basis.

HUNGARY

There are no country-specific provisions.


INDIA

Notifications
Exchange Control Notification. You understand that you must repatriate any proceeds from the sale of Shares acquired under the Plan to India within ninety (90) days of receipt. You will receive a foreign inward remittance certificate (“FIRC”) from the bank where you deposit the foreign currency. You should maintain the FIRC as evidence of the repatriation of the proceeds in the event the Reserve Bank of India or the Employer requests proof of repatriation. You are also responsible for complying with any other exchange control laws in India that may apply to the Award or the Shares acquired under the Plan.





Foreign Assets Reporting Notification You are required to declare any foreign bank accounts and any foreign financial assets (including Shares  acquired under the Plan) in your annual tax return. 


INDONESIA

Notifications
Exchange Control Information. If you remit funds (including proceeds from the sale of Shares) into Indonesia, the Indonesian bank through which the transaction is made will submit a report of the transaction to the Bank of Indonesia for statistical reporting purposes. For transactions of US$10,000 or more, a more detailed description of the transaction must be included in the report and you may be required to provide information about the transaction (e.g., the relationship between you and the transferor of the funds, the source of the funds, etc.) to the bank in order for the bank to complete the report.


ITALY

Terms and Conditions

Data Privacy. This provision replaces Section 12 of the Agreement:

You understand that the Employer, the Company and any Related Corporation may hold certain personal information about you, including, but not limited to, your name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company or any Related Corporation, details of all Awards or any other entitlement to shares of stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in your favor and will process such data for the exclusive purpose of implementing, managing and administering the Plan (“Data”) and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

You also understand that providing the Company with Data is mandatory for compliance with local law and necessary for the performance of the Plan and that your refusal to provide such Data would make it impossible for the Company to perform its contractual obligations and may affect your ability to participate in the Plan. The controller of personal data processing is Itron, Inc. with registered offices at 2111 N. Molter Road, Liberty Lake, Washington 99019, U.S.A., and, pursuant to Legislative Decree no. 196/2003, its representative in Italy is Baerbel Wouters, with registered offices at Via Gorky, 105, 20092 Cinisello Balsamo, Milan, Italy.
You understand that Data will not be publicized, but it may be accessible by the Employer and its internal and external personnel in charge of processing of such Data and by the data processor (the “Processor”), if any. An updated list of Processors and other transferees of Data is available upon request from the Employer. Furthermore, Data may be transferred




to banks, other financial institutions, or brokers involved in the management and administration of the Plan. You understand that Data may also be transferred to the independent registered public accounting firm engaged by the Company. You further understand that the Company and/or any Related Corporation will transfer Data among themselves as necessary for the purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan, and that the Company and/or any Related Corporation may each further transfer Data to third parties assisting the Company in the implementation, administration, and management of the Plan, including any requisite transfer of Data to a broker or other third party with whom you may elect to deposit any Shares acquired upon vesting of the Units. Such recipients may receive, possess, use, retain, and transfer Data in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering, and managing your participation in the Plan. You understand that these recipients may be acting as controllers, Processors or persons in charge of processing, as the case may be, in accordance with local law and may be located in or outside the European Economic Area in countries such as in the United States that might not provide the same level of protection as intended under Italian data privacy laws. Should the Company exercise its discretion in suspending all necessary legal obligations connected with the management and administration of the Plan, it will delete Data as soon as it has completed all the necessary legal obligations connected with the management and administration of the Plan.
You understand that Data processing related to the purposes specified above shall take place under automated or non-automated conditions, anonymously when possible, that comply with the purposes for which Data is collected and with confidentiality and security provisions as set forth by applicable laws and regulations, with specific reference to Legislative Decree no. 196/2003.
The processing activity, including communication, the transfer of Data abroad, including outside of the European Economic Area, as herein specified and pursuant to applicable laws and regulations, does not require your consent thereto as the processing is necessary to the performance of contractual obligations related to implementation, administration and management of the Plan. You understand that, pursuant to Section 7 of the Legislative Decree no. 196/2003, you have the right to, including but not limited to, access, delete, update, correct, or terminate, for legitimate reason, the Data processing. You should contact the Employer in this regard.
Furthermore, you are aware that Data will not be used for direct marketing purposes. In addition, Data provided can be reviewed and questions or complaints can be addressed by contacting your human resources department.

Plan Document Acknowledgment. In accepting the grant of the Award, you acknowledge that you have received a copy of the Plan and the Agreement and have reviewed the Plan and the Agreement, including this Appendix A, in their entirety and fully understand and accept all provisions of the Plan and the Agreement, including this Appendix A.

You further acknowledge that you have read and specifically and expressly approve the following




sections of the Agreement and this Appendix A: Section 1: Vesting; Section 3: Change in Control Transaction; Section 9: Responsibility for Taxes; Section 10: Nature of Grant; Section 13: Electronic Delivery and Participation; Section 14: Language; Section 15.3: Governing Law and Choice of Venue; Section 17: Imposition of Other Requirements; and the Data Privacy provision above.

Notifications
Exchange Control Notification. You are required to report in your annual tax return: (a) any transfers of cash or Shares to or from Italy exceeding €10,000; (b) any foreign investments or investments held outside of Italy exceeding €10,000 if such investments (e.g., Shares) may give rise to taxable income in Italy; and (c) the amount of the transfers to and from Italy which have had an impact during the calendar year on your foreign investments or investments held outside of Italy. You may be exempt from the requirement in (a) if the transfer or investment is made through an authorized broker resident in Italy, as the broker will generally comply with the reporting obligation on your behalf.

KOREA

Notifications

Exchange Control Notification. If you realize US$500,000 or more from the sale of Shares in a single transaction, you must repatriate the sale proceeds to Korea within eighteen (18) months of the sale.


LUXEMBOURG

Notifications

Exchange Control Notification. You are required to report any inward or outward remittances of funds to the Banque Central de Luxembourg and/or the Service Central de La Statistique et des Études Économiques within fifteen (15) working days following the month during which the transaction occurred. If a Luxembourg financial institution is involved in the transaction, it generally will fulfill the reporting obligation on your behalf; otherwise, you will have to report the transaction yourself.


MALAYSIA

Notifications

Securities Law Notification. You should be aware of the Malaysian insider trading rules summarized below.





Under the Malaysian Capital Markets and Services Act, 2007, you are prohibited from acquiring Shares or rights to Shares (e.g., an Award) or selling Shares when you are in possession of information which is not generally available and which you know or should know will have a material effect on the Company's stock price once such information is generally available.

Director Notification Obligation. If you are a director of a Malaysian Related Corporation, you are subject to certain notification requirements under the Malaysian Companies Act, 1965. Among these requirements is an obligation to notify the Malaysian Related Corporation in writing when you acquire or dispose of an interest (e.g., an Award or Shares) in the Company or a Related Corporation. Such notifications must be made within fourteen (14) days of acquiring or disposing of any interest in the Company or a Related Corporation.


MEXICO

Terms and Conditions

Acknowledgement of the Agreement. By accepting the Award, you acknowledge that you have received a copy of the Plan, the Award Notice, and the Agreement, including this Appendix A, which you have reviewed. You acknowledge further that you accept all the provisions of the Plan, the Award Notice, and the Agreement, including this Appendix A. You also acknowledge that you have read and specifically and expressly approve the terms and conditions set forth in the “Nature of Grant” section of the Agreement, which clearly provide as follows:
(1)
Your participation in the Plan does not constitute an acquired right;
(2)
The Plan and your participation in it are offered by the Company on a wholly discretionary basis;
(3)
Your participation in the Plan is voluntary; and
(4)
The Company and its Related Corporations are not responsible for any decrease in the value of any Shares acquired upon settlement of the Award.
Labor Law Acknowledgement and Policy Statement. By accepting the Award, you acknowledge that Itron, Inc., with registered offices at 2111 N. Molter Road, Liberty Lake, Washington 99019, United States of America, is solely responsible for the administration of the Plan. You further acknowledge that your participation in the Plan, the grant of the Award and any acquisition of Shares under the Plan do not constitute an employment relationship between you and Itron, Inc. because you are participating in the Plan on a wholly commercial basis and your sole employer is Itron Servicios, S.A. de C.V. (“Itron-Mexico”). Based on the foregoing, you expressly acknowledge that the Plan and the benefits that you may derive from participation in the Plan do not establish any rights between you and your Employer, Itron-Mexico, and do not form part of the employment conditions and/or benefits provided by Itron-Mexico, and any modification of the Plan or its termination shall not constitute a change or impairment of the terms and conditions of your employment.




You further understand that your participation in the Plan is the result of a unilateral and discretionary decision of the Company; therefore, the Company reserves the absolute right to amend and/or discontinue your participation in the Plan at any time, without any liability to you.
Finally, you hereby declare that you do not reserve to yourself any action or right to bring any claim against Itron, Inc. for any compensation or damages regarding any provision of the Plan or the benefits derived under the Plan, and you therefore grant a full and broad release to the Company, its Related Corporations, branches, representation offices, shareholders, officers, agents or legal representatives, with respect to any claim that may arise.
Spanish Translation
Reconocimiento del Acuerdo. Al aceptar el Premio, usted reconoce que ha recibido una copia del Plan, la notificación del Premio, y el Acuerdo, inclusive este anexo A, el cual ha tenido oportunidad de revisar. Usted reconoce, además, que acepta todas las disposiciones del Plan, la Notificación del Premio y el Acuerdo, incluyendo este anexo A. Usted también reconoce que ha leído y de forma expresa aprueba los términos y condiciones establecidos en la seccion denominada “Naturaleza del Premio” del Acuerdo, que claramente dispone lo siguiente:
(1)
Su participación en el Plan no constituye un derecho adquirido;
(2)
El Plan y su participación en el Plan se ofrecen por la Compañía en forma totalmente discrecional;
(3)
Su participación en el Plan es voluntaria; y
(4)
La Compañía y sus Subsidiarias o Afiliadas no son responsables de ninguna disminución en el valor de las acciones adquiridas en la obtención del Premio.
Reconocimiento de Ausencia de Relación Laboral y Declaración de la Política. Al aceptar el Premio, usted reconoce que Itron, Inc, con domicilio social en 2111 N. Molter Road, Liberty Lake, Washington 99019, Estados Unidos de América, es el único responsable de la administración del Plan. Además, usted acepta que su participación en el Plan, la concesión del Premio y cualquier adquisición de acciones en el marco del Plan no constituyen una relación laboral entre usted y Itron, Inc. porque usted está participando en el Plan en su totalidad sobre una base comercial y su único empleador es Itron Servicios, S.A. de C.V. (“Itron-Mexico”). Derivado de lo anterior, usted expresamente reconoce que el Plan y los beneficios que pueden derivarse de la participación en el Plan no establece ningún derecho entre usted y su Empleador, Itron-Mexico, y que no forman parte de las condiciones de empleo y / o prestaciones previstas por Itron-Mexico, y cualquier modificación del Plan o la terminación de su contrato no constituirá un cambio o deterioro de los términos y condiciones de su empleo.
Además, usted receonoce que su participación en el Plan es derivada de una decisión discrecional y unilateral de la Compañía, por lo que la Compañía se reserva el derecho absoluto




a modificar y / o suspender su participación en el Plan en cualquier momento, sin responsabilidad alguna para con usted.
Finalmente, usted manifiesta que no se reserva ninguna acción o derecho que origine una demanda en contra de Itron, Inc., por cualquier compensación o daño en relación con cualquier disposición del Plan o de los beneficios derivados del mismo, y en consecuencia usted otorga un amplio y total finiquito a la Compañía, sus Subsidiarias o Afiliadas, sucursales, oficinas de representación, sus accionistas, directores, agentes y representantes legales con respecto a cualquier demanda que pudiera surgir.


NETHERLANDS

Notifications

Securities Law Notification. You should be aware of the Dutch insider-trading rules which may impact the sale of Shares acquired under the Plan. In particular, you may be prohibited from effectuating certain transactions if you have inside information about the Company.
 
Under Article 5:56 of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act, anyone who has "inside information" related to an issuing company is prohibited from effectuating a transaction in securities in or from the Netherlands. “Inside information” is defined as knowledge of specific information concerning the issuing company to which the securities relate or the trade in securities issued by such company, which has not been made public and which, if published, would reasonably be expected to affect the share price, regardless of the development of the price. The insider could be any employee of the Company or a Related Corporation in the Netherlands who has inside information as described herein.

Given the broad scope of the definition of inside information, certain employees working at the Company or a Related Corporation in the Netherlands may have inside information and, thus, would be prohibited from effectuating a transaction in securities in the Netherlands at a time when they have such inside information.
 
If you are uncertain whether the insider-trading rules apply to you, you should consult your personal legal advisor.

POLAND

Notifications
Exchange Control Notification. If you transfer funds in excess of €15,000 into Poland in connection with the sale of Shares acquired under the Plan, the funds must be transferred via a bank account. You are required to retain the documents connected with a foreign exchange transaction for a period of five (5) years, as measured from the end of the year in which such transaction occurred. Additionally, if you hold Shares acquired under the Plan and/or keep a bank account abroad, you may have reporting duties to the National Bank of Poland depending




on the value of your assets held abroad. You should consult with your personal legal advisor to determine what you must do to fulfill any applicable reporting duties.

PORTUGAL

Language Consent. You hereby expressly declare that you have full knowledge of the English language and have read, understood and fully accepted and agreed with the terms and conditions established in the Plan and the Agreement.
Conhecimento da Lingua. Você expressamente declara ter pleno conhecimento do idioma inglês e ter lido, entendido e totalmente aceito e concordou com os termos e condições estabelecidas no plano e no acordo.

Notifications

Exchange Control Notification. If you acquire Shares upon settlement of the Vested Units, the acquisition of the Shares should be reported to the Banco de Portugal for statistical purposes. If the Shares are deposited with a commercial bank or financial intermediary in Portugal, such bank or financial intermediary will submit the report on your behalf. If the Shares are not deposited with a commercial bank or financial intermediary in Portugal, you are responsible for submitting the report to the Banco de Portugal.

RUSSIA

Notifications

Exchange Control Notification. You must repatriate to Russia the proceeds from the sale of Shares and any cash dividends received in relation to the Shares within a reasonably short time of receipt. Such funds must be initially credited to you through a foreign currency account opened in your name at an authorized bank in Russia. After the funds are initially received in Russia, they may be further remitted to foreign banks subject to the following limitations: (i) the foreign account may be opened only for individuals; (ii) the foreign account may not be used for business activities; and (iii) you must give notice to the Russian tax authorities about the opening or closing of each foreign account within one month of the account opening or closing, as applicable.
Securities Law Notification. The Agreement, the Plan and all other materials you may receive regarding the Award and participation in the Plan do not constitute advertising or an offering of securities in Russia. The issuance of Shares under the Plan has not and will not be registered in Russia and, therefore, the Shares described in any Plan documents may not be offered or placed in public circulation in Russia. In no event will Shares be delivered to you in Russia; all Shares acquired under the Plan will be maintained on your behalf in the United States. You are not permitted to sell Shares directly to a Russian legal entity or resident.







SINGAPORE

Notifications

Securities Law Notification. The grant of the Award is being made pursuant to the “Qualifying Person” exemption” under section 273(1)(f) of the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289, 2006 Ed.) (“SFA”). The Plan has not been lodged or registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. You should note that the Award is subject to section 257 of the SFA and you will not be able to make (i) any subsequent sale of the Shares in Singapore or (ii) any offer of such subsequent sale of the Shares subject to the Award in Singapore, unless such sale or offer is made pursuant to the exemptions under Part XIII Division 1 Subdivision (4) (other than section 280) of the SFA. The Shares are currently traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, which is located outside of Singapore, under the ticker symbol “ITRI” and Shares acquired under the Plan may be sold through this exchange.

In addition, you should be aware of the Singaporean insider-trading rules which may impact your acquisition or disposal of Shares or rights to Shares under the Plan. Under the Singaporean insider-trading rules, you are prohibited from acquiring or selling Shares or rights to Shares (e.g., an Award under the Plan) when you are in possession of information which is not generally available and which you know or should know will have a material effect on the Company's stock price once such information is generally available.

Director Notification Requirement. If you are a director, associate director or shadow director1 of a Singapore Related Corporation, you are subject to certain notification requirements under the Singapore Companies Act, regardless of whether you are a Singapore resident or employed in Singapore. Among these requirements is the obligation to notify the Singapore Related Corporation in writing when you receive or dispose of an interest (e.g., Units, Shares) in the Company or a Related Corporation. These notifications must be made within two (2) business days of acquiring or disposing of any interest in the Company or any Related Corporation or within two (2) business days of becoming a director, associate director or shadow director if such an interest exists at that time.


SOUTH AFRICA

Terms and Conditions

Responsibility for Taxes. The following provision supplements Section 9 of the Agreement:

In accepting the grant of the Award, you agree that, immediately upon vesting of the Award, you will notify the Employer of the amount of any gain realized. If you fail to advise the Employer of the gain realized upon vesting, you may be liable for a fine. You will be solely responsible for paying any difference between the actual tax liability resulting from the Award and the amount withheld by the Company or the Employer.


1 A shadow director is an individual who is not on the board of directors of the Singapore Related Corporation but who has sufficient control so that the board of directors of the Singapore Related Corporation acts in accordance with the directions and instructions of the individual.




Notifications

Exchange Control Notification. You are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with any applicable exchange control laws and regulations in South Africa. Because exchange control regulations change frequently and without notice, you should consult your legal advisor prior to the acquisition or sale of Shares to ensure compliance with current regulations. Neither the Company nor the Employer has any obligation to obtain any applicable exchange control approval or complete any applicable exchange control filings on your behalf. You (not the Company nor the Employer) will be liable for any fines or penalties resulting from your failure to comply with any applicable requirements.


SPAIN

Terms and Conditions

Nature of Grant. The following provision supplements Section 10 of the Agreement:

In accepting the grant of the Award, you consent to participation in the Plan and acknowledge that you have received a copy of the Plan.

You understand that the Company has unilaterally, gratuitously and in its sole discretion decided to grant Awards to individuals who may be employees of the Company or a Related Corporation throughout the world. The decision is limited and entered into based upon the express assumption and condition that any grant will not bind the Company or a Related Corporation, other than as expressly set forth in the Agreement. Consequently, you understand that the Award is granted on the assumption and condition that the Award and any Shares acquired upon settlement of the Vested Units are not part of any employment contract (whether with the Company or a Related Corporation) and shall not be considered a mandatory benefit, salary for any purpose (including severance compensation), or any other right whatsoever.
Additionally, you understand that the vesting of the Award is expressly conditioned on your continued and active rendering of service to the Company or a Related Corporation such that if your employment terminates for any reason (including for the reasons listed below but excluding the reasons specified in Section 2 of the Agreement), the Award will cease vesting immediately effective as of the date of termination of your employment.  This will be the case, for example, even if (1) you are considered to be unfairly dismissed without good cause; (2) you are dismissed for disciplinary or objective reasons or due to a collective dismissal; (3) you terminate employment due to a change of work location, duties or any other employment or contractual condition; (4) you terminate employment due to unilateral breach of contract of the Company or any of its Related Corporations; or (5) your employment terminates for any other reason (excluding the reasons specified in Section 2 of the Agreement).  Consequently, upon termination of your employment for any of the above reasons, you will automatically lose any rights to the Award granted to you to the extent that the Units subject to the Award have not yet become Vested Units as of the date of your termination of employment, as described in the Agreement.






You acknowledge that you have read and specifically accept the conditions referred to in Section 1 of the Agreement.
Finally, you understand that this grant would not be made to you but for the assumptions and conditions referred to herein; thus, you acknowledge and freely accept that should any or all of the assumptions be mistaken or should any of the conditions not be met for any reason, then the grant of the Award shall be null and void.

Notifications
Securities Law Notification. No “offer to the public,” as defined under Spanish Law, has taken place or will take place in the Spanish territory in connection with the Award. The Plan, the Agreement (including this Appendix) and any other documents evidencing the grant of the Award have not been, nor will they be, registered with the Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (the Spanish securities regulator), and none of those documents constitutes a public offering prospectus.
Exchange Control Notification. You must declare the acquisition, ownership and disposition of stock in a foreign company (including Shares acquired under the Plan) to the Spanish Dirección General de Comercio e Inversiones (the “DGCI”), which is a department of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. Generally, the declaration must be filed in January; however, if the value of the Shares acquired under the Plan or the amount of the sale proceeds exceeds €1,502,530, the declaration must be filed within one month of the acquisition or sale, as applicable.

When receiving foreign currency payments derived from the ownership of Shares (i.e., dividends or sale proceeds) exceeding €50,000, you must inform the financial institution receiving the payment of the basis upon which such payment is made. You will need to provide the following information: (i) your name, address, and tax identification number; (ii) the name and corporate domicile of the Company; (iii) the amount of the payment and the currency used; (iv) the country of origin; (v) the reasons for the payment; and (vi) any further information that may be required.

In addition, you are required to declare electronically to the Bank of Spain any securities accounts (including brokerage accounts held abroad), as well as the Shares held, depending on the amount of the transactions during the relevant year or the balances in such accounts as of December 31 of the relevant year.
Foreign Assets Reporting Notification. You may be required to report assets or rights deposited or held outside of Spain (including Shares acquired under the Plan or cash proceeds from the sale of Shares acquired under the Plan), depending on the value of such right or asset.  This obligation applies to rights and assets held as of December 31 and requires that information on such rights and assets be included in your tax return filed with the Spanish tax authorities the following year. 

SWEDEN

There are no country-specific provisions.







SWITZERLAND

Notifications

Securities Law Notification. The grant of the restricted stock units under the Plan is considered a private offering in Switzerland and is, therefore, not subject to registration in Switzerland.

THAILAND

Notifications

Exchange Control Notification. You must repatriate any funds received pursuant to the Plan (e.g., proceeds from the sale of Shares) to Thailand immediately upon receipt if the amount of such funds is equal to or greater than US$50,000 in a single transaction. In this case, you must (i) convert such funds to Thai Baht or deposit the funds in a foreign exchange account with a commercial bank in Thailand within 360 days of repatriation and (ii) report the inward remittance by submitting a Foreign Exchange Transaction Form to an authorized agent (i.e., a commercial bank authorized by the Bank of Thailand to engage in the purchase, exchange and withdrawal of foreign currency).


UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Notifications
Securities Law Notification. The Agreement, the Plan, and other incidental communication materials related to the Award are intended for distribution only to employees of the Company and its Related Corporations for the purposes of an incentive scheme. The Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority and the Central Bank have no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with this statement. Neither the Ministry of Economy nor the Dubai Department of Economic Development have approved this statement nor taken steps to verify the information set out in it, and have no responsibility for it. The securities to which this statement relate may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the securities offered should conduct their own due diligence on the securities. If you do not understand the contents of the  Agreement or the Plan, you should consult an authorized financial adviser.







UNITED KINGDOM

Terms and Conditions

Vesting. This provision supplements Section 1 of the Agreement:

The grant of the Award does not provide any right for you to receive a cash payment and the Vested Units will be settled in Shares only.

Responsibility for Taxes. The following provision supplements Section 9 of the Agreement:

If payment or withholding of the income tax due is not made within ninety (90) days of the event giving rise to the liability or such other period specified in Section 222(1)(c) of the U.K. Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 (the “Due Date”), the amount of any uncollected income tax will constitute a loan owed by you to the Employer, effective on the Due Date. You agree that the loan will bear interest at the then-current official rate of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (“HMRC”), it will be immediately due and repayable, and the Company or the Employer may recover it at any time thereafter by any of the means referred to in Section 9.2 of the Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if you are a director or executive officer of the Company (within the meaning of Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act), you will not be eligible for such a loan to cover the income tax due. In the event that you are a director or executive officer and the income tax due is not collected from or paid by you by the Due Date, the amount of any uncollected income tax will constitute a benefit to you on which additional income tax and national insurance contributions may be payable. You acknowledge that you ultimately will be responsible for reporting and paying any income tax due on this additional benefit directly to HMRC under the self-assessment regime and for paying the Company or the Employer (as applicable) for the value of any employee NICs due on this additional benefit. You further acknowledge that the Company or the Employer may recover such amounts from you by any of the means referred to in Section 9.2 of the Agreement.

Joint Election. As a condition of your participation in the Plan, you agree to accept any liability for secondary Class 1 national insurance contributions (the “Employer's Liability”) which may be payable by the Company and/or the Employer in connection with the Award and any event giving rise to Tax-Related Items.  To accomplish the foregoing, you agree to execute the following joint election with the Company (the “Joint Election”), the form of such Joint Election being formally approved by HMRC, and any other consent or elections required to accomplish the transfer of the Employer's Liability to you. You further agree to execute such other joint elections as may be required between yourself and any successor to the Company and/or the Employer. You further agree that the Company and/or the Employer may collect the Employer's Liability by any of the means set forth in Section 9.2 of the Agreement.

If you do not enter into a Joint Election prior to vesting of the Award or any other event giving rise to Tax-Related Items, you will forfeit the Units and any benefits in connection with the Award, and any Shares that have been issued will be returned to the Company at no cost to the Company, without any liability to the Company and/or the Employer.






ITRON, INC.
2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
Important Note on the Joint Election to Transfer
Employer National Insurance Contributions

As a condition of participation in the Itron, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the vesting of the restricted stock unit award (the “Award”) that has been granted to you by Itron, Inc. (the “Company”), you are required to enter into a joint election to transfer to you any liability for employer national insurance contributions (the “Employer's Liability”) that may arise in connection with the Award, or in connection with future restricted stock unit awards, granted to you by the Company under the Plan (the “Joint Election”).
If you do not agree to enter into the Joint Election, the Award will be worthless, as (under the terms of the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement) you will not be able to vest in the Award or receive any benefit in connection with the Award.
By entering into the Joint Election:
you agree that any Employer's Liability that may arise in connection with or pursuant to the vesting of the Award (and the acquisition of shares of the Company's common stock) or other taxable events in connection with the Award will be transferred to you; and
you authorise the Company and/or your employer to recover an amount sufficient to cover this liability by any method set forth in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement and/or the Joint Election.

Indicating your acceptance of the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement indicates your agreement to be bound by the terms of the Joint Election.

Please read the terms of the Joint Election carefully before
accepting the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement
and the Joint Election.

Please print and keep a copy of the Joint Election
for your records.





ITRON, INC.
2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

Restricted Stock Units
for Employees in the United Kingdom

FORM OF ELECTION TO TRANSFER THE EMPLOYER'S SECONDARY
CLASS 1 NATIONAL INSURANCE LIABILITY TO THE EMPLOYEE

1.
Parties

This Election is between:
(A)
You, the individual who has obtained access to this Election (the “Employee”), who is employed by one of the employing companies listed in the attached schedule (the “Employer”), and who is eligible to receive a restricted stock unit award pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Itron, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), and
(B)
Itron, Inc. of 2111 N. Molter Road, Lake Liberty, Washington 99019, U.S.A. (the “Company”) which may grant restricted stock unit awards under the Plan and is entering this Election on behalf of the Employer.
2.
Purpose of Election

2.1
This Election relates to the Employer's secondary Class 1 national insurance contributions (the “Employer's Liability”) which may arise on the occurrence of a "Taxable Event" pursuant to section 4(4)(a) or paragraph 3B(1A) of Schedule 1 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992, including but not limited to:

(i)
the acquisition of securities pursuant to the restricted stock unit award (pursuant to section 477(3)(a) ITEPA); and/or

(ii)
the assignment or release of the restricted stock unit award in return for consideration (pursuant to section 477(3)(b) ITEPA); and/or

(iii)
the receipt of a benefit in connection with the restricted stock unit award other than a benefit within (i) or (ii) above (pursuant to section 477(3)(c) ITEPA).
In this Election, ITEPA means the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003.
2.2
This Election is made in accordance with paragraph 3B(1) of Schedule 1 to the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992.

2.3
This Election applies to all restricted stock unit awards granted to the Employee under the Plan, on or after 6 May 2010 up to the termination date of the Plan.

2.4
This Election does not apply in relation to any liability, or any part of any liability, arising as a result of regulations being given retrospective effect by virtue of section 4B(2) of either the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992, or the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992.






2.5
This Election will not apply to the extent that it relates to relevant employment income which is employment income of the earner by virtue of Chapter 3A of Part 7 of ITEPA 2003 (employment income: securities with artificially depressed market value).

3.
The Election

The Employee and the Company jointly elect that the entire liability of the Employer to pay the Employer's Liability on the Taxable Event is hereby transferred to the Employee. The Employee understands that by clicking on the acceptance of the Restricted Stock Unit Award button where indicated, he or she will become personally liable for the Employer's Liability covered by this Election.

4.
Payment of the Employer's Liability

4.1
Notwithstanding that pursuant to this Election, the Employer's Liability is transferred to the Employee, the Employee authorises the Employer and the Employer agrees, to remit the Employer's Liability to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (“HMRC”) on behalf of the Employee within 14 days following the end of the UK Income Tax month during which the Taxable Event occurs, or within 17 days following the end of the UK Income Tax month during which the Taxable Event occurs, if submitted electronically. The Employee agrees to pay to the Employer the Employer's Liability on demand at any time on or after the Taxable Event.

4.2
Without limitation to Clause 4.1 above, the Employee hereby authorises the Company and/or the Employer to collect the Employer's Liability from the Employee at any time on or after the Taxable Event:

(i)
by deduction from salary or any other payment payable to the Employee at any time on or after the date of the Taxable Event; and/or
(ii)
directly from the Employee by payment in cash or cleared funds; and/or
(iii)
by arranging, on behalf of the Employee, for the sale of some of the securities which the Employee is entitled to receive in respect of the restricted stock unit award; and/or
(iv)
through any other method set forth in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement entered into between the Employee and the Company.
4.3
The Company hereby reserves for itself and the Employer the right to withhold the transfer of any securities to the Employee until full payment of the Employer's Liability is received.


5.    Duration of Election

5.1
The Employee and the Company agree to be bound by the terms of this Election regardless of whether the Employee is transferred abroad or is not employed by the UK Employer on the date on which the Employer's Liability becomes due.

5.2    This Election will continue in effect until the earliest of the following:





(i)
such time as both the Employee and the Company agree in writing that it should cease to have effect;
(ii)
the date the Company serves written notice on the Employee terminating its effect;
(iii)
the date HMRC withdraws approval of this Form of Election; or
(iv)
the date the Election ceases to have effect in accordance with its terms in respect of any outstanding restricted stock unit awards granted under the Plan.

Acceptance by the Employee
The Employee acknowledges that by clicking on the acceptance of the Restricted Stock Unit Award button where indicated, the Employee agrees to be bound by the terms of this Election as stated above.
Acceptance by the Company
The Company acknowledges that by arranging for the scanned signature of an authorised representative to appear on this Election, the Company agrees to be bound by the terms of this Election as stated above.
[INSERT SCANNED SIGNATURE]

[Name]
[Title]
Itron, Inc.
[Date]







Schedule to Form of Election - Employing Companies

The Employing Companies to which this Form of Election relates are:
(1)    Itron Metering Solutions UK Limited
Registered Office:
Langer Road,
Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 2ER
United Kingdom
Company Number:
04274515
Corporation Tax District:
 
Corporation Tax Reference:
 
PAYE District:
 
PAYE Reference:
 






UNITED STATES

There are no country-specific provisions.



ITRI EX-10.2 3.31.13


Exhibit 10.2



ITRON, INC.
2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD NOTICE
FOR PARTICIPANTS IN FRANCE


Itron, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby grants to Participant a restricted stock unit award (the “Award”). The Award is subject to all the terms and conditions set forth in this Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice (the “Award Notice”), the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (the “Agreement”), the Itron, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “U.S. Plan”) and the Rules of the Itron, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan for the Grant of Restricted Stock Units to Participants in France (the “French RSU Plan” and together with the U.S. Plan, the “Plan”), all of which are incorporated into the Award Notice in their entirety.

Participant:
«First_Name» «Last_Name»
Date of Grant:
«Grant Date»
Number of Restricted Stock Units:
«# of Units»
Vesting Schedule:
The Award will vest in full on the second anniversary of the Date of Grant (the “Vesting Date”), except in certain exceptional circumstances.
Restriction on Sale of Shares:
Any Shares acquired pursuant to the Award cannot be sold prior to the second anniversary of the Vesting Date or during Closed Periods (as defined in the Agreement), except in certain exceptional circumstances.

Additional Terms/Acknowledgement: This Award is subject to all the terms and conditions set forth in this Award Notice, the Agreement, and the Plan which are attached to and incorporated into this Award Notice in their entirety.

By accepting this Award Notice and Agreement providing for the terms and conditions of my grant, I confirm having read and understood the documents relating to this grant (the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, the U.S. Plan, the French RSU Plan and the U.S. Plan Prospectus) which were provided to me in English language. I accept the terms of those documents accordingly.
En acceptant la présente Notice d'Attribution et le Contrat décrivant les termes et conditions de mon attribution, je confirme ainsi avoir lu et compris les documents relatifs à cette attribution (le Contrat d'Attribution d'Actions Gratuites, le Plan Américain, le Sous-Plan pour la France et le




Prospectus Américain) qui m'ont été communiqués en langue anglaise. J'en accepte les termes en connaissance de cause.

«First_Name» «Last_Name»
I accept this Award subject to the terms and conditions stated herein.
«Electronically Signed»
 
Attachments:
 
1. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement
2. U.S. Plan
3. French RSU Plan
4. U.S. Plan Prospectus
 


2




ITRON, INC.
2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
FOR PARTICIPANTS IN FRANCE

Pursuant to your Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice (the “Award Notice”) and this Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (this “Agreement”), Itron, Inc. (the “Company”) has granted you a restricted stock unit award (the “Award”) under its 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “U.S. Plan”) and the Rules of the Itron, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan for the Grant of Restricted Stock Units to Participants in France (the “French RSU Plan” and together with the U.S. Plan, the “Plan”) for the number of restricted stock units indicated in your Award Notice. Capitalized terms not expressly defined in this Agreement but defined in the Plan shall have the same definitions as in the Plan.
The Award is intended to qualify for the specific tax and social security treatment in France applicable to shares granted for no consideration under Sections L. 225-197-1 to
L. 225-197-6 of the French Commercial Code, as amended. However, certain events may affect the qualified status of the Award and the Company does not make any undertaking or representation to maintain the qualified status of the Award. If the Award does not retain its qualified status, the specific tax and social security treatment will not apply and you will be required to pay your portion of social security contributions resulting from the Award.
Moreover, if you relocate to another country, any special terms and conditions applicable to restricted stock unit awards granted in such country will apply to you, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons.
In addition, the Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on the Award and any Shares acquired under the Plan, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons, and to require you to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing.
The details of the Award are as follows:
1.
Vesting and Settlement

The Award will vest according to the vesting schedule set forth in the Award Notice (the “Vesting Schedule). Restricted stock units that have vested and are no longer subject to forfeiture according to the Vesting Schedule are referred to herein as “Vested Units.” Restricted stock units that have not vested and remain subject to forfeiture under the Vesting Schedule are referred to herein as “Unvested Units.” Except as provided in Section 3 below, the Unvested Units will vest (and to the extent so vested cease to be Unvested Units remaining subject to forfeiture) in accordance with the Vesting Schedule (the Unvested and Vested Units are collectively referred to herein as the “Units”).

3



Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, as soon as practicable after the Vesting Date, the Company will settle the Vested Units by issuing to you one Share for each Vested Unit, subject to the provisions of Section 6 below.
2.
Change in Control Transaction

In the event of a Change in Control Transaction, any Unvested Units will accelerate in vesting and become Vested Units immediately prior to such transaction. This may trigger the loss of the specific French tax and social insurance contributions regime.
3.
Termination of Employment

If your employment terminates during the Units' vesting period by reason of death, the Units will become transferable to your heirs. The Company will issue the Shares subject to the Units to your heirs upon their request, provided they contact the Company with such a request within six (6) months following your death. If your heirs do not request the issuance of the Shares within six (6) months of your death, the Units will be forfeited to the Company.
If your employment terminates during the Units' vesting period by reason of Disability (and such Disability meets the definition of Disability in both the French RSU Plan and the U.S. Plan), any Unvested Units will accelerate in vesting and become Vested Units upon such termination of employment.
If your employment terminates during the Units' vesting period for any reason other than death or Disability, any Unvested Units will be forfeited to the Company.
4.
No Rights as Shareholder

You shall not have voting or other rights as a shareholder of the Company with respect to the Units.
5.
Transferability of Units

Units shall not be sold, transferred, assigned, encumbered, pledged or otherwise disposed of, whether voluntarily or by operation of law.
6.
Transferability of Shares

6.1Holding Period

You are required to hold the Shares issued pursuant to the vesting of the Units for two years as measured from the Vesting Date or such other period as is required to comply with the minimum mandatory holding period applicable to Shares underlying French-qualified Restricted Stock Units (the “Holding Period”) in order to benefit from the specific French tax and social insurance contributions regime, even if you are no longer an employee or corporate officer, as applicable, of a French Entity or otherwise employed by the Company or a Subsidiary, if applicable. As from the





end of the Holding Period, the corresponding Shares shall be freely transferable, subject to applicable legal and regulatory provisions in force and in particular to the provisions of Section 6.2 below.
This Holding Period requirement shall not apply to your heirs should they acquire Shares under the Plan pursuant to Section 3 above nor shall it apply if you terminate employment due to Disability (as defined in the French RSU Plan).
6.2Closed Period

As long as the Award and the Shares issued upon vesting of the Units maintain their qualified status and to the extent such restriction is applicable under French law, the Shares may not be sold during a Closed Period which currently includes:
Ten quotation days preceding and three quotation days following the disclosure to the public of the consolidated financial statements or the annual statements of the Company; and
Any period during which the corporate management of the Company possesses material information which could, if disclosed to the public, significantly impact the quotation of the Shares, until ten quotation days after the day such information is disclosed to the public.
This Closed Period restriction shall not apply to your heirs should they acquire Shares under the Plan pursuant to Section 3 above nor shall it apply if you terminate employment due to Disability (as defined in the French RSU Plan).
6.3Shareholding Restrictions

If you qualify as a managing corporate officer (i.e.,mandataires sociaux,” Président du Conseil d'Administration, Directeur Général, Directeur Général Délégué, Membre du Directoire, Gérant de Sociétés par actions) or have a comparable position in any other company within the Company group, and if the Award is granted to you in such capacity, you are subject to shareholding restrictions and you must hold 20% of the Shares issued upon vesting of the Units and not sell such Shares until you cease to serve as a managing corporate officer (or cease to have a comparable position as described herein), if required under French law.
6.4Compliance with Transfer Restrictions

To ensure compliance with the restrictions on the transfer of Shares described in Sections 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3. above, the Company may require that the Shares be held with Fidelity or any brokerage firm designated by the Company (or according to any procedure implemented by the Company) until such Shares are sold.
7.
Securities Law Compliance

7.1You represent and warrant that you (a) have been furnished with a copy of the prospectus for the Plan and all information which you deem necessary to evaluate the merits and risks of receipt of the Award, (b) have had the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers concerning





the information received about the Award and the Company, and (c) have been given the opportunity to obtain any additional information you deem necessary to verify the accuracy of any information obtained concerning the Award and the Company.

7.2You hereby agree that you will in no event sell or distribute all or any part of the Shares unless (a) there is an effective registration statement under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and any applicable state and foreign securities laws covering any such transaction involving the Shares or (b) the Company receives an opinion of your legal counsel (concurred with by legal counsel for the Company) stating that such transaction is exempt from registration or the Company otherwise satisfies itself that such transaction is exempt from registration. You understand that the Company has no obligation to you to register the Shares with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any foreign securities regulator and has not represented to you that it will so register the Shares.

7.3You confirm that you have been advised, prior to your receipt of the Shares, that neither the offering of the Shares nor any offering materials have been reviewed by any regulator under the Securities Act or any other applicable securities act (the “Acts”) and that the Shares cannot be resold unless they are registered under the Acts or unless an exemption from such registration is available.

7.4You hereby agree to indemnify the Company and hold it harmless from and against any loss, claim or liability, including attorneys' fees or legal expenses, incurred by the Company as a result of any breach by you of, or any inaccuracy in, any representation, warranty or statement made by you in this Agreement or the breach by you of any terms or conditions of this Agreement.

8.
Book Entry Registration of Shares
The Company will issue the Shares by registering the Shares in book entry form with the Company's transfer agent in your name and the applicable restrictions will be noted in the records of the Company's transfer agent and in the book entry system.
9.
Responsibility for Taxes

9.1Regardless of any action the Company or your employer (the “Employer”) take with respect to any and all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other tax-related items related to your participation in the Plan and legally applicable to you (“Tax-Related Items”), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains your responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company and/or the Employer. You further acknowledge that the Company and the Employer (a) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Award, including, but not limited to, the granting or vesting of the Award, the settlement of Vested Units, the issuance of Shares upon settlement of the Vested Units, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired upon settlement of the Vested Units and the receipt of any dividends; and (b) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Award to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax and/or social insurance contribution result. Further, if you have become subject to tax and/or social insurance contributions in more than one jurisdiction between the Date of Grant and the date of any relevant taxable or tax





withholding event, as applicable, you acknowledge that the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.

9.2Prior to any relevant taxable or tax and/or social insurance contribution withholding event, as applicable, you will pay or make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and or the Employer to satisfy all Tax-Related Items.

(a)In this regard, you hereby irrevocably appoint Fidelity or any stock plan service provider or brokerage firm designated by the Company for such purpose (the "Agent") as your Agent, and authorize the Agent, to:

(i)
Sell on the open market at the then prevailing market price(s), on your behalf, as soon as practicable on or after the settlement date for any Vested Unit, the minimum number of Shares (rounded up to the next whole number) sufficient to generate proceeds to cover the Tax-Related Items and all applicable fees and commissions due to, or required to be collected by, the Agent;

(ii)
Remit directly to the Company the cash amount necessary to cover the Tax-Related Items;

(iii)
Retain the amount required to cover all applicable fees and commissions due to, or required to be collected by, the Agent, relating directly to the sale of Shares referred to in clause (i) above; and

(iv)
Remit any remaining funds to you.

(b)Alternatively, or in addition to or in combination with the withholding mechanism described in Section 9.2(a), you authorize the Company and/or the Employer, at their discretion, to satisfy the obligations with regard to all Tax-Related Items by:

(i)
requiring you to pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of the Tax-Related Items; and/or

(ii)
withholding any amount of the Tax-Related Items from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or the Employer, within legal limits; and/or

(iii)
withholding in Shares to be issued upon settlement of the Vested Units, provided, however, that if you are a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the Plan Administrator (as constituted to satisfy Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) shall establish the method of withholding from the alternatives (i) - (iii) herein and, if the Plan Administrator does not exercise its discretion prior to the Tax-Related Items withholding event, then you shall





be entitled to elect the method of withholding from the alternatives (i) - (iii) herein.

(c)Depending on the withholding method, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable minimum statutory withholding amounts or other applicable withholding rates, including maximum applicable rates, in which case you will receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash and will have no entitlement to the equivalent amount in Shares. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in Shares, for tax and/or social insurance contribution purposes, you will be deemed to have been issued the full number of Shares subject to the Vested Units notwithstanding that a number of the Shares are held back solely for the purpose of paying the Tax-Related Items due as a result of any aspect of your participation in the Plan. The Company may refuse to issue or deliver Shares to you if you fail to comply with your obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items.

9.3You acknowledge that the authorization and instruction to the Agent set forth in Section 9.2(a)(i) above to sell Shares to cover the Tax-Related Items is intended to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c)(1)(i)(B) under the Exchange Act and to be interpreted to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange Act (regarding trading of the Company's securities on the basis of material nonpublic information) (a “10b5-1 Plan”). This 10b5-1 Plan is being adopted to permit you to sell a number of Shares issued upon settlement of Vested Units sufficient to pay the Tax-Related Items.

You acknowledge that the broker is under no obligation to arrange for the sale of Shares at any particular price. You further acknowledge that you will be responsible for all brokerage fees and other costs of sale, and you agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any losses, costs, damages, or expenses relating to any such sale. You acknowledge that it may not be possible to sell Shares during the term of this 10b5-1 Plan due to (a) a legal or contractual restriction applicable to you or to the broker, (b) a market disruption, (c) rules governing order execution priority on the NASDAQ or other exchange where the Shares may be traded, (d) a sale effected pursuant to this 10b5-1 Plan that fails to comply (or in the reasonable opinion of the Agent's counsel is likely not to comply) with the Securities Act, or (e) if the Company determines that sales may not be effected under this 10b5-1 Plan. In the event of the Agent's inability to sell Shares, you will continue to be responsible for the Tax-Related Items.
You hereby agree to execute and deliver to the Agent any other agreements or documents as the Agent reasonably deems necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes and intent of the 10b5-1 Plan. You acknowledge that this 10b5-1 Plan is subject to the terms of any policy adopted now or hereafter by the Company governing the adoption of 10b5-1 plans. The Agent is a third party beneficiary of Section 9.2(a)(i) and this 10b5-1 Plan.
10.
Nature of Grant
In accepting the grant, you acknowledge, understand and agree that:





(a)the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature and it may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted by the Plan;

(b)the grant of the Award is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of restricted stock units, or benefits in lieu of restricted stock units, even if restricted stock units have been granted in the past;

(c)all decisions with respect to future grants of restricted stock units, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;

(d)the grant of the Award and your participation in the Plan shall not create a right to employment or be interpreted as forming an employment or service contract with the Employer, the Company or any Related Corporation and shall not interfere with the ability of the Employer, the Company or any Related Corporation to terminate your employment or service relationship (if any);

(e)you are voluntarily participating in the Plan;

(f)the Award and the Shares subject to the Award are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;

(g)the Award and the Shares subject to the Award, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including but not limited to, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end of service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;

(h)the future value of the underlying Shares is unknown, indeterminable and cannot be predicted with certainty;

(i)no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of the Award resulting from your ceasing to provide employment or other services to the Company or the Employer (for any reason whatsoever, and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where you are employed or the terms of your employment agreement, if any) and, in consideration of the grant of the Award to which you are otherwise not entitled, you irrevocably agree never to institute any claim against the Company, any Related Corporation or the Employer, waive the ability, if any, to bring any such claim and release the Company, any Related Corporation and the Employer from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, you will be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue such claim and agree to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claims;

(j)for purposes of the Award, your employment will be considered terminated as of the date you cease to actively provide services to the Company or a Related Corporation; further, in the event of termination of your employment or other services (for any reason whatsoever, and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where you are





employed or the terms of your employment agreement, if any), unless otherwise provided in this Agreement or determined by the Company, your right to vest in the Award, if any, will terminate effective as of the date that you are no longer actively providing services and will not be extended by any notice period (e.g., active service would not include any contractual notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where you are employed or the terms of your employment agreement, if any); the Company's Chief Executive Officer shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when you are no longer actively providing services for purposes of the Award (including whether or not you may still be considered to be providing services while on an approved leave of absence);

(k)unless otherwise provided in the Plan or by the Company in its discretion, the Award and the benefits evidenced by this Agreement do not create any entitlement to have the Award or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor to be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any corporate transaction affecting the shares of the Company; and
(l)    neither the Company, the Employer nor any Related Corporation shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between your local currency and the United States dollar that may affect the value of the Award or of any amounts due to you pursuant to the settlement of the Award or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon settlement.
11.
No Advice Regarding Grant

The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding your participation in the Plan or your acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares. You are hereby advised to consult with your own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding your participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan. You acknowledge that you have either consulted with competent advisors independent of the Company to obtain advice concerning the receipt of the Award and the acquisition or disposition of any Shares to be issued pursuant to the Award in light of your specific situation or had the opportunity to consult with such advisors but chose not to do so.
12.
Data Privacy
 
You hereby explicitly and unambiguously consent to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of your personal data as described in this Agreement and any other Award materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer, the Company and its Related Corporations for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan.
You understand that the Company and the Employer may hold certain personal information about you, including, but not limited to, your name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all Awards or any other entitlement





to shares of stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in your favor, for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan (“Data”).
You understand that Data will be transferred to Fidelity or such other stock plan service provider as may be selected by the Company in the future, which is assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. You understand that the recipients of Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients' country (e.g., the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than France. You understand that you may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of Data by contacting your local human resources representative. You authorize the Company, Fidelity and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan. You understand that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage your participation in the Plan. You understand that you may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing your local human resources representative. Further, you understand that you are providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If you do not consent, your employment status or service and career with the Employer will not be adversely affected; the only adverse consequence of refusing or withdrawing your consent is that the Company would not be able to grant you the Award or other equity awards or administer or maintain such awards. Therefore, you understand that refusing or withdrawing your consent may affect your ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of your refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, you understand that you may contact your local human resources representative.
13.
Electronic Delivery and Participation

The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to current or future participation in the Plan by electronic means. You hereby consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agree to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.
14.
Language

If you have received this Agreement (or any portion thereof) or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different from the English version, the English version will control.





15.
General Provisions

15.1Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement will inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company and be binding upon you and your heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

15.2Section 409A. For purposes of U.S. taxpayers, the settlement of the Units is intended to either be exempt from Section 409A of the Code under the “short-term deferral” exception, and in any event in compliance with Section 409A of the Code, and this Agreement will be interpreted, operated and administered in a manner that is consistent with this intent. In furtherance of this intent, the Plan Administrator may, at any time and without your consent, modify the terms of the Award as it determines appropriate to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and the related U.S. Department of Treasury guidance. The Company makes no representation or covenant to ensure that the Units, settlement of the Units or other payment hereunder are exempt from or compliant with Section 409A of the Code and will have no liability to you or any other party if the settlement of the Units or other payment hereunder that is intended to be exempt from, or compliant with, Section 409A of the Code, is not so exempt or compliant or for any action taken by the Plan Administrator with respect thereto.

15.3Governing Law and Choice of Venue. The Award and the provisions of this Agreement will be construed and administered in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Washington without giving effect to such state's principles of conflict of laws. For the purposes of litigating any dispute that arises under this grant of this Agreement, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of Washington and agree that such litigation shall be conducted in the courts of Spokane County, Washington, or the federal courts for the United States for the Eastern District of Washington, where this grant is made and/or to be performed.

15.4Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable and if any one or more provisions are determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless be binding and enforceable.

15.5Notice.     Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing and sent to the following address:
Itron, Inc.
Attn. General Counsel
2111 N. Molter Road
Liberty Lake, WA 99019
USA

16.
Waiver
You acknowledge that a waiver by the Company of breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement, or of any subsequent breach by you or any other Participant.



ITRI EX-10.3 3.31.13


Exhibit 10.3



ITRON, INC.
2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD NOTICE
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS

Itron, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby grants to Participant a restricted stock unit award (the “Award”). The Award is subject to all the terms and conditions set forth in this Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice (the “Award Notice”), the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, including Appendix A (the “Agreement”) and the Itron, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), all of which are incorporated into the Award Notice in their entirety.

Participant:
«First_Name» «Last_Name»
Grant Date:
«Grant Date»
Number of Restricted Stock Units:
«# of Units»
Vesting Schedule:
The Award will vest with respect to one-third of the Restricted Stock Units on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the Grant Date (each, a “Vest Date”).

Additional Terms/Acknowledgement: This Award is subject to all the terms and conditions set forth in this Award Notice, the Agreement, and the Plan which are attached to and incorporated into this Award Notice in their entirety.

«First_Name» «Last_Name»
I accept this Award subject to the terms and conditions stated herein.
«Electronically Signed»
 
Attachments:
 
1. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement,
including Appendix A
2. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan
3. Plan Prospectus





ITRON, INC.
2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS

Pursuant to your Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice (the “Award Notice”) and this Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, including Appendix A (this “Agreement”), Itron, Inc. (the “Company”) has granted you a restricted stock unit award (the “Award”) under its 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for the number of restricted stock units indicated in your Award Notice. Capitalized terms not expressly defined in this Agreement but defined in the Plan shall have the same definitions as in the Plan.
The details of the Award are as follows:

1.
Vesting

The Award will vest according to the vesting schedule set forth in the Award Notice (the “Vesting Schedule). One share of Common Stock will be issuable for each restricted stock unit that vests. Restricted stock units that have vested and are no longer subject to forfeiture according to the Vesting Schedule are referred to herein as “Vested Units.” Restricted stock units that have not vested and remain subject to forfeiture under the Vesting Schedule are referred to herein as “Unvested Units.” Except as provided in Sections 2 and 3 below, the Unvested Units will vest (and to the extent so vested cease to be Unvested Units remaining subject to forfeiture) in accordance with the Vesting Schedule (the Unvested and Vested Units are collectively referred to herein as the “Units”). Except as provided in Section 2 below, the Award will terminate and the Unvested Units will be forfeited in the event you cease to serve as a member of the Board (a “Non-Employee Director”) for any reason, including, for the avoidance of any doubt, if you are not elected or nominated to continue to serve as a Non-Employee Director or if you are removed as a Non-Employee Director for cause.

2.
Death or Disability

In the event that you cease to serve as a Non-Employee Director during the Units' vesting period by reason of death or Disability, any Unvested Units will accelerate in vesting and become Vested Units upon such cessation of service.

3.
Change in Control Transaction

In the event of a Change in Control Transaction, any Unvested Units will accelerate in vesting and become Vested Units immediately prior to such transaction.






4.
Settlement of Vested Units.

Vested Units shall be settled within 30 days following (a) the applicable Vest Date, or (b) if earlier, the date the Units become vested in connection with (i) the cessation of your services as a Non-Employee Director due to death or Disability pursuant to Section 2 above, or (ii) a Change in Control Transaction pursuant to Section 3 above.

5.
Securities Law Compliance

5.1You represent and warrant that you (a) have been furnished with a copy of the prospectus for the Plan and all information which you deem necessary to evaluate the merits and risks of receipt of the Award, (b) have had the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers concerning the information received about the Award and the Company, and (c) have been given the opportunity to obtain any additional information you deem necessary to verify the accuracy of any information obtained concerning the Award and the Company.

5.2You hereby agree that you will in no event sell or distribute all or any part of the shares of Common Stock that you receive pursuant to settlement of this Award (the “Shares”) unless (a) there is an effective registration statement under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and any applicable state and foreign securities laws covering any such transaction involving the Shares or (b) the Company receives an opinion of your legal counsel (concurred with by legal counsel for the Company) stating that such transaction is exempt from registration or the Company otherwise satisfies itself that such transaction is exempt from registration. You understand that the Company has no obligation to you to register the Shares with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any foreign securities regulator and has not represented to you that it will so register the Shares.

5.3You confirm that you have been advised, prior to your receipt of the Shares, that neither the offering of the Shares nor any offering materials have been reviewed by any regulator under the Securities Act or any other applicable securities act (the “Acts”) and that the Shares cannot be resold unless they are registered under the Acts or unless an exemption from such registration is available.

5.4You hereby agree to indemnify the Company and hold it harmless from and against any loss, claim or liability, including attorneys' fees or legal expenses, incurred by the Company as a result of any breach by you of, or any inaccuracy in, any representation, warranty or statement made by you in this Agreement or the breach by you of any terms or conditions of this Agreement.

6.
Transfer Restrictions

Units shall not be sold, transferred, assigned, encumbered, pledged or otherwise disposed of, whether voluntarily or by operation of law.






7.
No Rights as Shareholder

You shall not have voting or other rights as a shareholder of the Company with respect to the Units.

8.
Book Entry Registration of Shares

The Company will issue the Shares by registering the Shares in book entry form with the Company's transfer agent in your name and the applicable restrictions will be noted in the records of the Company's transfer agent and in the book entry system.

9.
Responsibility for Taxes

9.1Regardless of any action the Company takes with respect to any and all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other tax-related items related to your participation in the Plan and legally applicable to you (“Tax-Related Items”), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains your responsibility and may exceed the amount, if any, actually withheld by the Company. You further acknowledge that the Company (a) makes no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Award, including, but not limited to, the granting or vesting of the Award, the settlement of Vested Units, the issuance of Shares upon settlement of the Vested Units, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired upon settlement of the Vested Units and the receipt of any dividends; and (b) does not commit to and is under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Award to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if you have become subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction between the Grant Date and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, you acknowledge that the Company may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.

9.2Prior to any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, you will pay or make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company to satisfy any withholding obligation the Company may have with respect to Tax-Related Items.

(a)In this regard, to the extent the Company has a withholding obligation with respect to Tax-Related Items, you hereby irrevocably appoint Fidelity or any stock plan service provider or brokerage firm designated by the Company for such purpose (the "Agent") as your Agent, and authorize the Agent, to:

(i)
Sell on the open market at the then prevailing market price(s), on your behalf, as soon as practicable on or after the settlement date for any Vested Unit, the minimum number of Shares (rounded up to the next whole number) sufficient to generate proceeds to cover the Tax-Related Items and all applicable fees and commissions due to, or required to be collected by, the Agent;






(ii)
Remit directly to the Company the cash amount necessary to cover the Tax-Related Items;

(iii)
Retain the amount required to cover all applicable fees and commissions due to, or required to be collected by, the Agent, relating directly to the sale of Shares referred to in clause (i) above; and

(iv)
Remit any remaining funds to you.

(b)The Plan Administrator (as constituted to satisfy Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) may establish prior to the Tax-Related Items withholding event a method of withholding from among the alternatives described in (i) - (iii) below as an alternative method or as an additional method that will be used in combination with the withholding mechanism described in Section 9.2(a):

(i)
requiring you to pay to the Company any amount of the Tax-Related Items; and/or

(ii)
withholding any amount of the Tax-Related Items from other cash remuneration paid to you by the Company; and/or

(iii)
withholding in Shares to be issued upon settlement of the Vested Units.

(c)Depending on the withholding method, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable minimum statutory withholding amounts or other applicable withholding rates, including maximum applicable rates, in which case you will receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash and will have no entitlement to the equivalent amount in Shares. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in Shares, for tax purposes, you will be deemed to have been issued the full number of Shares subject to the Vested Units notwithstanding that a number of the Shares are held back solely for the purpose of paying the Tax-Related Items due as a result of any aspect of your participation in the Plan. The Company may refuse to issue or deliver Shares to you if you fail to comply with your obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items.

9.3You acknowledge that the authorization and instruction to the Agent set forth in Section 9.2(a)(i) above to sell Shares to cover the Tax-Related Items is intended to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c)(1)(i)(B) under the Exchange Act and to be interpreted to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange Act (regarding trading of the Company's securities on the basis of material nonpublic information) (a “10b5-1 Plan”). This 10b5-1 Plan is being adopted to permit you to sell a number of Shares issued upon settlement of Vested Units sufficient to pay the Tax-Related Items.

You acknowledge that the broker is under no obligation to arrange for the sale of Shares at any particular price. You further acknowledge that you will be responsible for all brokerage fees and other costs of sale, and you agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any losses, costs, damages, or expenses relating to any such sale. You acknowledge that it may not be possible





to sell Shares during the term of this 10b5-1 Plan due to (a) a legal or contractual restriction applicable to you or to the broker, (b) a market disruption, (c) rules governing order execution priority on the NASDAQ or other exchange where the Shares may be traded, (d) a sale effected pursuant to this 10b5-1 Plan that fails to comply (or in the reasonable opinion of the Agent's counsel is likely not to comply) with the Securities Act, or (e) if the Company determines that sales may not be effected under this 10b5-1 Plan. In the event of the Agent's inability to sell Shares, you will continue to be responsible for the Tax-Related Items.

You hereby agree to execute and deliver to the Agent any other agreements or documents as the Agent reasonably deems necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes and intent of the 10b5-1 Plan. You acknowledge that this 10b5-1 Plan is subject to the terms of any policy adopted now or hereafter by the Company governing the adoption of 10b5-1 plans. The Agent is a third party beneficiary of Section 9.2(a)(i) and this 10b5-1 Plan.

10.
Nature of Grant

In accepting the grant, you acknowledge, understand and agree that:

(a)the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature and it may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted by the Plan;

(b)the grant of the Award is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of restricted stock units, or benefits in lieu of restricted stock units, even if restricted stock units have been granted in the past;

(c)all decisions with respect to future grants of restricted stock units, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;

(d)the grant of the Award and your participation in the Plan will not create a right to continued service on the Board or derogate from any right of the Company's shareholders to remove you from the Board at any time in accordance with the bylaws of the Company and any applicable law;

(e)the Award and your participation in the Plan will not be interpreted to form an employment contract with the Company or any Related Corporation;

(f)you are voluntarily participating in the Plan;

(g)the future value of the underlying Shares is unknown, indeterminable and cannot be predicted with certainty;

(h)no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of the Award resulting from you ceasing to be a Non-Employee Director (for any reason whatsoever) and you irrevocably agree never to institute any claim against the Company, waive the ability, if





any, to bring any such claim and release the Company from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, you will be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue such claim and agree to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claims;

(i)unless otherwise provided in the Plan or by the Company in its discretion, the Award and the benefits evidenced by this Agreement do not create any entitlement to have the Award or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor to be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any corporate transaction affecting the shares of the Company; and

(l)    the Company shall not be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between your local currency and the United States dollar that may affect the value of the Award or of any amounts due to you pursuant to the settlement of the Award or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon settlement.

11.
No Advice Regarding Grant

The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding your participation in the Plan or your acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares. You are hereby advised to consult with your own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding your participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan. You acknowledge that you have either consulted with competent advisors independent of the Company to obtain advice concerning the receipt of the Award and the acquisition or disposition of any Shares to be issued pursuant to the Award in light of your specific situation or had the opportunity to consult with such advisors but chose not to do so.

12.
Data Privacy
You hereby explicitly and unambiguously consent to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of your personal data as described in this Agreement and any other Award materials by and among, as applicable, the Company and its Related Corporations for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan.

You understand that the Company may hold certain personal information about you, including, but not limited to, your name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all Awards or any other entitlement to shares of stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in your favor, for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan (“Data”).

You understand that Data will be transferred to Fidelity or such other stock plan service provider as may be selected by the Company in the future, which is assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. You understand that the recipients of Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients' country (e.g., the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than your





country. You understand that you may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of Data by contacting the Company's Corporate Secretary. You authorize the Company, Fidelity and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan. You understand that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage your participation in the Plan. You understand that you may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing the Company's Corporate Secretary. Further, you understand that you are providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis and that refusing or withdrawing your consent may affect your ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of your refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, you understand that you may contact the Company's Corporate Secretary.

13.
Electronic Delivery and Participation

The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to current or future participation in the Plan by electronic means. You hereby consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agree to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.

14.
Language

If you have received this Agreement (or any portion thereof) or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different from the English version, the English version will control.

15.
General Provisions

15.1Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement will inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company and be binding upon you and your heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

15.2Section 409A. For purposes of U.S. taxpayers, the settlement of the Units is intended to be exempt from Section 409A of the Code under the “short-term deferral” exception, and in any event in compliance with Section 409A of the Code, and this Agreement will be interpreted, operated and administered in a manner that is consistent with this intent. In furtherance of this intent, the Plan Administrator may, at any time and without your consent, modify the terms of the Award as it determines appropriate to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and the related U.S. Department of Treasury guidance. The Company makes no representation or covenant to ensure that the Units, settlement of the Units or other payment hereunder are exempt from or compliant with Section 409A of the Code and will have no liability to you or any other party if the settlement of the Units or other payment hereunder that is intended to be exempt from, or compliant





with, Section 409A of the Code, is not so exempt or compliant or for any action taken by the Plan Administrator with respect thereto.

15.3Governing Law and Choice of Venue. The Award and the provisions of this Agreement will be construed and administered in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Washington without giving effect to such state's principles of conflict of laws. For the purposes of litigating any dispute that arises under this grant of this Agreement, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of Washington and agree that such litigation shall be conducted in the courts of Spokane County, Washington, or the federal courts for the United States for the Eastern District of Washington, where this grant is made and/or to be performed.

15.4Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable and if any one or more provisions are determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless be binding and enforceable.

15.5Notice.     Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing and sent to the following address:

Itron, Inc.
Attn. General Counsel
2111 N. Molter Road
Liberty Lake, WA USA 99019

16.
Appendix A

Notwithstanding any provisions in this Agreement, the Award shall be subject to any special terms and conditions set forth in Appendix A to this Agreement for your country (“Appendix A”). Moreover, if you relocate to one of the countries included in Appendix A, the special terms and conditions for such country will apply to you, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. Appendix A constitutes part of this Agreement.

17.
Imposition of Other Requirements

The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on your participation in the Plan, on the Award and on any Shares acquired under the Plan, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons, and to require you to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing

18.
Waiver

You acknowledge that a waiver by the Company of breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement, or of any subsequent breach by you or any other Participant.





APPENDIX A
 
ITRON, INC.
2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS


Terms and Conditions

This Appendix A includes additional terms and conditions that govern the grant of the restricted stock unit award (the “Award”) under the Itron, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) in the countries listed below. Capitalized terms not expressly defined in this Appendix A but defined in the Plan or the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (the “Agreement”) shall have the same definitions as in the Plan and/or the Agreement, as applicable.

Notifications

This Appendix A also includes information regarding exchange control and other issues of which you should be aware with respect to your participation in the Plan. The information is based on the exchange control, securities and other laws in effect in the respective countries as of February 2013. Such laws are often complex and change frequently. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that you not rely on the information herein as the only source of information relating to the consequences of participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date at the time that the Award vests or the Shares acquired under the Plan are sold.

In addition, the information contained herein is general in nature and may not apply to your particular situation and the Company is not in a position to assure you of a particular result. Accordingly, you are advised to seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant laws in your country may apply to your situation.

Finally, if you are a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which you are currently working, or if you transfer residency to another country after the Award is granted, the information contained herein may not be applicable to you.







CANADA

Terms and Conditions

Vesting. This provision supplements Section 1 of the Agreement:

The grant of the Award does not provide any right for you to receive a cash payment and the Vested Units will be settled in Shares only.

Notifications

Securities Law Notification. You are permitted to sell Shares acquired under the Plan through the designated broker appointed under the Plan, if any, provided the resale of Shares acquired under the Plan takes place outside of Canada through the facilities of a stock exchange on which the Shares are listed. The Shares are currently listed on the NASDAQ.


UNITED STATES

There are no country-specific provisions.




ITRI EX-10.4 3.31.13


Exhibit 10.4




ITRON, INC.
2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
LONG TERM PERFORMANCE
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD NOTICE
FOR U.S. PARTICIPANTS
Itron, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby grants to Participant a performance restricted stock unit award (the “Award”). The Award is subject to all the terms and conditions set forth in this Long Term Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice (the “Award Notice”), the Long Term Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, including Appendices A and B (the “Agreement”), and the Itron, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), all of which are incorporated into the Award Notice in their entirety.

Participant:
«First_Name» «Last_Name»
Grant Date:
«Grant Date»
Performance Periods:
January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015 (“Three-Year Performance Period”)
January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014 (“Two-Year Performance Period”)
Number of Long-Term Performance Restricted Stock Units (“PSUs”):

            
The actual number of PSUs that vest shall be determined based on the attainment of the performance goals specified in Appendix A, as assessed by the Plan Administrator as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of the applicable Performance Period.

The aggregate target number of PSUs for both the Three-Year and Two-Year Performance Periods is «# of Units (the “Target PSUs”).
Two-thirds of the Target PSUs shall be eligible to vest based on attainment of the performance goals applicable to the Three-Year Performance Period.
One-third of the Target PSUs shall be eligible to vest based on attainment of the performance goals applicable to the Two-Year Performance Period.
Additional Terms/Acknowledgement: This Award is subject to all the terms and conditions set forth in this Award Notice, the Agreement and the Plan which are attached to and incorporated into this Award Notice in their entirety.






«First_Name» «Last_Name»
I accept this Award subject to the terms and conditions stated herein.
«Electronically Signed»
 
Attachments:
 
1. Long-Term Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, including Appendices A and B
2. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan
3. Plan Prospectus
 






ITRON, INC.
2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
LONG TERM PERFORMANCE
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
FOR U.S. PARTICIPANTS

Pursuant to your Long Term Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice (the “Award Notice”) and this Long Term Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, including Appendices A and B (this “Agreement”), Itron, Inc. (the “Company”) has granted you a performance restricted stock unit award (the “Award”) under its 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). Capitalized terms not expressly defined in this Agreement but defined in the Plan shall have the same definitions as in the Plan, as applicable.
The details of the Award are as follows:
1.
Number of Units Subject to Award

This Award is a performance-based award, the vesting of which is based on the attainment of the performance goals set by the Plan Administrator at the beginning of the performance periods set forth in the Award Notice (each, a “Performance Period”) and at the beginning of each Annual EPS Performance Period (as defined in Appendix A), in accordance with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code in the case of any Award that is intended to constitute “qualified-performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) (4)(C) of the Code. The performance goals are set forth in Appendix A (or will be communicated to you as described in Appendix A) and the aggregate target number of PSUs for both Performance Periods (the “Target PSUs”) is set forth in the Award Notice and in Appendix A.
2.
Vesting

The Award will vest to the extent the performance goals set forth in Appendix A are attained for the applicable Performance Period, as determined by the Plan Administrator. The Plan Administrator shall determine as soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event within thirty (30) days, after the end of the applicable Performance Period, the attainment level of the performance goals. One share of Common Stock will be issuable for each PSU that vests. PSUs that have vested are referred to herein as “Vested PSUs.” PSUs that have not vested and remain subject to forfeiture are referred to herein as “Unvested PSUs.” The Unvested and Vested PSUs are collectively referred to herein as the “PSUs.” The Award will terminate and the Unvested PSUs will be subject to forfeiture upon termination of your employment as set forth in Section 3.1.





3.
Termination of Employment; Change in Control Transaction

3.1    Termination of Employment
If your employment terminates during a Performance Period by reason of (a) death or (b) Disability, you will become eligible to receive that number of PSUs that vest based on the actual attainment of the performance goals as assessed after the end of the corresponding Performance Period and such PSUs shall be settled in accordance with Section 4 below.
If your employment terminates for any other reason during a Performance Period, any Unvested PSUs will be forfeited upon termination of your employment.
3.2    Change in Control Transaction
In the event of a Change in Control Transaction during a Performance Period, the number of PSUs that shall vest under the Award shall be the greater of (a) the portion of the Target PSUs corresponding to the applicable Performance Period or (b) the actual number of PSUs that vest as determined based on the attainment of the performance goals if the Plan Administrator determines that the attainment of the performance goals is determinable as of the date of the Change in Control Transaction, pro-rated based on the number of calendar days between the beginning of the applicable Performance Period and the date of the Change in Control Transaction and such PSUs shall vest immediately prior to the Change in Control Transaction but shall be settled in accordance with Section 4 below.
4.
Settlement of Vested Units.

Vested PSUs shall be settled within sixty (60) days following the end of the applicable Performance Period or, if earlier, immediately prior to a Change in Control Transaction.
5.
Securities Law Compliance

5.1You represent and warrant that you (a) have been furnished with a copy of the prospectus for the Plan and all information which you deem necessary to evaluate the merits and risks of receipt of the Award, (b) have had the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers concerning the information received about the Award and the Company, and (c) have been given the opportunity to obtain any additional information you deem necessary to verify the accuracy of any information obtained concerning the Award and the Company.

5.2You hereby agree that you will in no event sell or distribute all or any part of the shares of Common Stock that you receive pursuant to settlement of this Award (the “Shares”) unless (a) there is an effective registration statement under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and any applicable state and foreign securities laws covering any such transaction involving the Shares or (b) the Company receives an opinion of your legal counsel (concurred with by legal counsel for the Company) stating that such transaction is exempt from registration or the Company otherwise satisfies itself that such transaction is exempt from registration. You understand that the Company has no obligation to you to register the Shares with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any foreign securities regulator and has not represented to you that it will so register the Shares.






5.3You confirm that you have been advised, prior to your receipt of the Shares, that neither the offering of the Shares nor any offering materials have been reviewed by any regulator under the Securities Act or any other applicable securities act (the “Acts”) and that the Shares cannot be resold unless they are registered under the Acts or unless an exemption from such registration is available.

5.4You hereby agree to indemnify the Company and hold it harmless from and against any loss, claim or liability, including attorneys' fees or legal expenses, incurred by the Company as a result of any breach by you of, or any inaccuracy in, any representation, warranty or statement made by you in this Agreement or the breach by you of any terms or conditions of this Agreement.

6.Transfer Restrictions

PSUs shall not be sold, transferred, assigned, encumbered, pledged or otherwise disposed of, whether voluntarily or by operation of law.
7.
No Rights as Shareholder

You shall not have voting or other rights as a shareholder of the Company with respect to the PSUs.
8.
Book Entry Registration of Shares

The Company will issue the Shares by registering the Shares in book entry form with the Company's transfer agent in your name and the applicable restrictions will be noted in the records of the Company's transfer agent and in the book entry system.
9.
Responsibility for Taxes

9.1Regardless of any action the Company or your employer (the “Employer”) take with respect to any and all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other tax-related items related to your participation in the Plan and legally applicable to you (“Tax-Related Items”), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains your responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company and/or the Employer. You further acknowledge that the Company and the Employer (a) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Award, including, but not limited to, the granting or vesting of the Award, the settlement of Vested PSUs, the issuance of Shares upon settlement of the Vested PSUs, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired upon settlement of the Vested PSUs and the receipt of any dividends; and (b) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Award to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if you have become subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction between the Grant Date and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, you acknowledge that the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.






9.2Prior to any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, you will pay or make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and or the Employer to satisfy all Tax-Related Items.

(a)In this regard, you hereby irrevocably appoint Fidelity or any stock plan service provider or brokerage firm designated by the Company for such purpose (the “Agent”) as your Agent, and authorize the Agent, to:

(i)
Sell on the open market at the then prevailing market price(s), on your behalf, as soon as practicable on or after the settlement date for any Vested Unit, a number of Shares (rounded up to the next whole number) sufficient to generate proceeds to cover the Tax-Related Items and all applicable fees and commissions due to, or required to be collected by, the Agent;

(ii)
Remit directly to the Company the cash amount necessary to cover the Tax-Related Items;

(iii)
Retain the amount required to cover all applicable fees and commissions due to, or required to be collected by, the Agent, relating directly to the sale of Shares referred to in clause (i) above; and

(iv)
Remit any remaining funds to you.

(b)Alternatively, or in addition to or in combination with the withholding mechanism described in Section 9.2(a), you authorize the Company and/or the Employer, at their discretion, to satisfy the obligations with regard to all Tax-Related Items by:

(i)
requiring you to pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of the Tax-Related Items; and/or

(ii)
withholding any amount of the Tax-Related Items from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or the Employer; and/or

(iii)
withholding in Shares to be issued upon settlement of the Vested PSUs provided, however, that if you are a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the Plan Administrator (as constituted to satisfy Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) shall establish the method of withholding from the alternatives (i) - (iii) herein and, if the Plan Administrator does not exercise its discretion prior to the Tax-Related Items withholding event, then you shall be entitled to elect the method of withholding from the alternatives (i) - (iii) herein.
(c)Depending on the withholding method, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable minimum statutory withholding amounts or other applicable withholding rates, including maximum applicable rates, in which case you will receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash and will have no entitlement to the equivalent amount in Shares. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in Shares, for tax purposes, you will be deemed to have been issued the full number of Shares subject to the Vested PSUs notwithstanding that





a number of the Shares are held back solely for the purpose of paying the Tax-Related Items due as a result of any aspect of your participation in the Plan. The Company may refuse to issue or deliver Shares to you if you fail to comply with your obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items.

9.3You acknowledge that the authorization and instruction to the Agent set forth in Section 9.2(a)(i) above to sell Shares to cover the Tax-Related Items is intended to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c)(1)(i)(B) under the Exchange Act and to be interpreted to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange Act (regarding trading of the Company's securities on the basis of material nonpublic information) (a “10b5-1 Plan”). This 10b5-1 Plan is being adopted to permit you to sell a number of Shares issued upon settlement of Vested PSUs sufficient to pay the Tax-Related Items.

You acknowledge that the broker is under no obligation to arrange for the sale of Shares at any particular price. You further acknowledge that you will be responsible for all brokerage fees and other costs of sale, and you agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any losses, costs, damages, or expenses relating to any such sale. You acknowledge that it may not be possible to sell Shares during the term of this 10b5-1 Plan due to (a) a legal or contractual restriction applicable to you or to the broker, (b) a market disruption, (c) rules governing order execution priority on the NASDAQ or other exchange where the Shares may be traded, (d) a sale effected pursuant to this 10b5-1 Plan that fails to comply (or in the reasonable opinion of the Agent's counsel is likely not to comply) with the Securities Act, or (e) if the Company determines that sales may not be effected under this 10b5-1 Plan. In the event of the Agent's inability to sell Shares, you will continue to be responsible for the Tax-Related Items.
You hereby agree to execute and deliver to the Agent any other agreements or documents as the Agent reasonably deems necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes and intent of the 10b5-1 Plan. You acknowledge that this 10b5-1 Plan is subject to the terms of any policy adopted now or hereafter by the Company governing the adoption of 10b5-1 plans. The Agent is a third party beneficiary of Section 9.2(a)(i) and this 10b5-1 Plan.
10.
Nature of Grant
In accepting the grant, you acknowledge, understand and agree that:
(a)the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature and it may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted by the Plan;
(b)the grant of the Award is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of performance restricted stock units, or benefits in lieu of performance restricted stock units, even if performance restricted stock units have been granted in the past;

(c)all decisions with respect to future grants of performance restricted stock units, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;






(d)the grant of the Award and your participation in the Plan shall not create a right to employment or be interpreted as forming an employment or service contract with the Employer, the Company or any Related Corporation and shall not interfere with the ability of the Employer, the Company or any Related Corporation to terminate your employment or service relationship (if any);

(e)you are voluntarily participating in the Plan;

(f)the Award and the Shares subject to the Award are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;

(g)the Award and the Shares subject to the Award, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for purposes of calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end of service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;

(h)the future value of the underlying Shares is unknown, indeterminable and cannot be predicted with certainty;

(i)no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of the Award resulting from your ceasing to provide employment or other services to the Company or the Employer (for any reason whatsoever, and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where you are employed or the terms of your employment agreement, if any) and, in consideration of the grant of the Award to which you are otherwise not entitled, you irrevocably agree never to institute any claim against the Company, any Related Corporation or the Employer, waive the ability, if any, to bring any such claim and release the Company, any Related Corporation and the Employer from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, you will be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue such claim and agree to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claims;

(j)for purposes of the Award, your employment will be considered terminated as of the date you cease to actively provide services to the Company or a Related Corporation; further, in the event of termination of your employment or other services (for any reason whatsoever, whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where you are employed or the terms of your employment agreement, if any), unless otherwise provided in this Agreement or determined by the Company, your right to vest in the Award, if any, will terminate effective as of the date that you are no longer actively providing services and will not be extended by any notice period (e.g., active service would not include any contractual notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where you are employed or the terms of your employment agreement, if any); the Company's Chief Executive Officer shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when you are no longer actively providing services for purposes of the Award (including whether or not you may still be considered to be providing services while on an approved leave of absence); and

(k)unless otherwise provided in the Plan or by the Company in its discretion, the Award and the benefits evidenced by this Agreement do not create any entitlement to have the Award or any





such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor to be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any corporate transaction affecting the shares of the Company.

11.No Advice Regarding Grant

The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding your participation in the Plan or your acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares. You are hereby advised to consult with your own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding your participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan. You acknowledge that you have either consulted with competent advisors independent of the Company to obtain advice concerning the receipt of the Award and the acquisition or disposition of any Shares to be issued pursuant to the Award in light of your specific situation or had the opportunity to consult with such advisors but chose not to do so.
12.
Data Privacy

You hereby explicitly and unambiguously consent to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of your personal data as described in this Agreement and any other Award materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer, the Company and its Related Corporations for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan.
You understand that the Company and the Employer may hold certain personal information about you, including, but not limited to, your name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all Awards or any other entitlement to shares of stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in your favor, for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan (“Data”).
You understand that Data will be transferred to Fidelity or such other stock plan service provider as may be selected by the Company in the future, which is assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. You understand that the recipients of Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients' country (e.g., the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than your country. You understand that you may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of Data by contacting your local human resources representative. You authorize the Company, Fidelity and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan. You understand that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage your participation in the Plan. You understand that you may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing your local human resources representative. Further, you understand that you are providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If you do not consent, your employment status or service and career with the Employer will not be adversely affected; the only adverse consequence of refusing or withdrawing your consent is that the Company would not be able to grant you the Award or other equity awards or administer or maintain such





awards. Therefore, you understand that refusing or withdrawing your consent may affect your ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of your refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, you understand that you may contact your local human resources representative.
13.
Electronic Delivery and Participation

The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to current or future participation in the Plan by electronic means. You hereby consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agree to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.
14.
Language

If you have received this Agreement or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different from the English version, the English version will control.
15.
General Provisions

15.1Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement will inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company and be binding upon you and your heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

15.2Section 409A. For purposes of U.S. taxpayers, the PSUs and the settlement of the PSUs are intended to be exempt or comply with Section 409A of the Code, and this Agreement will be interpreted, operated and administered in a manner that is consistent with this intent. In furtherance of this intent, the Plan Administrator may, at any time and without your consent, modify the terms of the Award as it determines appropriate to comply with the requirements of, or qualify for an exemption from, Section 409A of the Code and the related U.S. Department of Treasury guidance or to mitigate any additional tax, interest and/or penalties that may apply under Section 409A of the Code if exemption or compliance is not practicable. The Company makes no representation or covenant to ensure that the PSUs, settlement of the PSUs or other payment hereunder are exempt from or compliant with Section 409A of the Code and neither the Company nor any of its affiliates shall under any circumstances have any liability to you or any other party if the settlement of the PSUs or other payment hereunder that is intended to be exempt from or compliant with Section 409A of the Code is not so exempt or compliant or for any action taken by the Plan Administrator with respect thereto.

15.3Governing Law and Choice of Venue. The Award and the provisions of this Agreement will be construed and administered in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Washington without giving effect to such state's principles of conflict of laws. For the purposes of litigating any dispute that arises under this grant of this Agreement, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of Washington and agree that such litigation shall be conducted in the courts of Spokane County, Washington, or the federal courts for the United States for the Eastern District of Washington, where this grant is made and/or to be performed.






15.4Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable and if any one or more provisions are determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless be binding and enforceable.

15.5Notice.     Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing and sent to the following address:

Itron, Inc.
Attn. General Counsel
2111 N. Molter Road
Liberty Lake, WA USA 99019

16.
Appendix B

Notwithstanding any provisions in this Agreement, the Award shall be subject to any special terms and conditions set forth in Appendix B to this Agreement for your country (“Appendix B”). Moreover, if you relocate to one of the countries included in Appendix B, the special terms and conditions for such country will apply to you, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. Appendix B constitutes part of this Agreement.
17.
Imposition of Other Requirements

The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on your participation in the Plan, on the Award and on any Shares acquired under the Plan, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons, and to require you to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing.
18.    Waiver
You acknowledge that a waiver by the Company of breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement, or of any subsequent breach by you or any other Participant.
19.    Repayment/Clawback/Recovery
If Participant is subject to the Company's Incentive Repayment Policy (the “Repayment Policy”) at any time between the Grant Date and the date the PSUs are settled, any Shares, payment or benefit made under the Award shall be subject to repayment in accordance with the provisions of the Repayment Policy. In addition, any Shares, payment or benefit made under the Award will be subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy that the Company is required to adopt pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which the Company's securities are listed or as is otherwise required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other applicable law.






APPENDIX A

ITRON, INC.
2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
LONG TERM PERFORMANCE
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD NOTICE


Appendix A sets forth the performance goals for the performance restricted stock unit award (the Award) under the Itron, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the Plan) evidenced by the Long Term Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (the Agreement) to which it is attached. Capitalized terms not expressly defined in this Appendix A but defined in the Plan or the Agreement shall have the same definitions as in the Plan and/or the Agreement, as applicable. Please refer to the schedule that is attached to Appendix A for supplemental information explaining the operation of the performance goals applicable to the Award.
The aggregate target number of PSUs for both the Three-Year and Two-Year Performance Periods is: «# of Units» (the “Target PSUs”).
Two-thirds of the Target PSUs shall be eligible to vest based on attainment of the performance goals applicable to the Three-Year Performance Period.
One-third of the Target PSUs shall be eligible to vest based on attainment of the performance goals applicable to the Two-Year Performance Period.
The actual number of PSUs that shall vest is based on the level of attainment of a combination of the following two performance goals: non-GAAP Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) of the Company as calculated for purposes of the Company's earnings release as described in the Company's public filings and Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) of the Company during the applicable Performance Period as further described below.
The total number of PSUs that is eligible to vest under this Award is between 0% - 200% of the Target PSUs based on attainment of the EPS performance goal and the TSR performance goal. The total number of PSUs that will actually vest will be equal to the sum of (i) the EPS-Based Vested PSUs, plus (ii) the product of (x) the TSR Performance Goal Multiplier, multiplied by (y) the EPS-Based Vested PSUs (as these terms are defined and further described below).
Any PSUs that vest shall be settled in accordance with Section 4 of the Agreement.
EPS Performance Goal:
A number of PSUs that is equal to between 0% - 160% of the Target PSUs is eligible to vest based on the attainment of EPS performance goals in accordance with the following terms:
An annual “EPS Performance Goal” (including “Threshold Goal” and “Maximum Goal”) shall be established at the beginning of each year for each of the calendar years contained in the Performance Periods (each, an “Annual EPS Performance Period”). Immediately following the end





of each Annual EPS Performance Period, the Plan Administrator shall assess the attainment level of the Company's EPS against the annual EPS Performance Goal corresponding to the Annual EPS Performance Period and assign a percentage of attainment of between 0% - 160% (with attainment between the Threshold Goal and Maximum Goal subject to interpolation). The number of PSUs that is eligible to vest at the end of the applicable Performance Period based on the attainment of the EPS Performance Goal shall be equal to the product of (a) the average of the attainment level of the EPS Performance Goal for each of the Annual EPS Performance Periods contained in the applicable Performance Period (expressed as a percentage), multiplied by (b) the portion of the Target PSUs for the corresponding Performance Period (the “EPS-Based Vested PSUs”).
No PSUs will become eligible for vesting if the Company's EPS is below the Threshold Goal.

TSR Performance Goal Multiplier:
The number of PSUs that is eligible to vest may be greater or less than the number of EPS-Based Vested PSUs depending on the level of attainment of Company TSR performance relative to the TSR attained by companies comprising the Russell 3000 Index (such increase or decrease to the number of PSUs eligible to vest, the “TSR Performance Goal Multiplier,” and the index, the “Peer Group TSR”). For purposes of calculating the Company's TSR, the value of the Common Stock on the first day of each of the Performance Periods shall be deemed to be the average of the closing price of the Common Stock for the 20 trading days ending on the first trading day of the applicable Performance Period and the value of the Common Stock for the last day of each of the Performance Periods shall be deemed to be the average of the closing price of the Common Stock for the 20 trading days ending on the last trading day of the applicable Performance Period. The TSR Performance Goal Multiplier shall be between 0.75 and 1.25, as determined in accordance with the following schedule:
If Company TSR is at or below the 25% percentile of the Peer Group TSR, the TSR Performance Goal Multiplier shall be equal to 0.75.
If Company TSR is at the 50% percentile of the Peer Group TSR, the TSR Performance Goal Multiplier shall be equal to 1.
If Company TSR is at or above the 75th percentile of the Peer Group TSR, the TSR Performance Goal Multiplier shall be equal to 1.25.

If Company TSR is above the 25th or below the 75th percentile of the Peer Group TSR, the attainment between the goals shall be subject to interpolation.

If the Award is intended to constitute “qualified performance-based compensation,” within the meaning of Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code, the Plan Administrator shall determine and certify the actual level of attainment of the performance goals and the number of PSUs that become eligible for vesting in accordance with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code. The performance goals shall be adjusted per the 2013 Long-Term Performance Plan Guidelines, as approved by the Plan Administrator, provided that the Plan Administrator may also adjust the performance goals in a manner that would result in a decrease to the number of PSUs that would otherwise become eligible for vesting. Further, in determining the number of PSUs that become eligible for vesting, the Plan Administrator has the discretion to reduce (including to zero), but not increase, the number of PSUs that would otherwise become eligible for vesting.







ITRON, INC.
2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
LONG TERM PERFORMANCE
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD NOTICE

Terms and Conditions
Appendix B includes additional terms and conditions that govern the grant of the restricted stock unit award (the “Award”) under the Itron, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) in the countries listed below. Capitalized terms not expressly defined in this Appendix B but defined in the Plan or the Long Term Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (the “Agreement”) shall have the same definitions as in the Plan and/or the Agreement, as applicable.
Notifications
This Appendix B also includes information regarding exchange control and other issues of which you should be aware with respect to your participation in the Plan. The information is based on the exchange control, securities and other laws in effect in the respective countries as of February 2013. Such laws are often complex and change frequently. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that you not rely on the information herein as the only source of information relating to the consequences of participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date at the time that the Award vests or the Shares acquired under the Plan are sold.
In addition, the information contained herein is general in nature and may not apply to your particular situation and the Company is not in a position to assure you of a particular result. Accordingly, you are advised to seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant laws in your country may apply to your situation.
Finally, if you are a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which you are currently working, or if you transfer employment or residency to another country after the Award is granted, the information contained herein may not be applicable to you.






UNITED STATES
Terms and Conditions
Termination of Employment. This provision supplements Section 3.1 of the Agreement:
If your employment terminates during a Performance Period by reason of Retirement, you shall be eligible to receive a prorated number of PSUs that vest based on the actual attainment of the performance goals as assessed after the end of the corresponding Performance Period and such PSUs shall be settled in accordance with Section 4. The prorated portion shall be calculated by multiplying the number of PSUs that vest based on actual attainment of the performance goal by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be equal to the number of the calendar days you were actively employed with the Company and/or a Related Corporation during the applicable Performance Period and the denominator of which shall be the number of calendar days in the applicable Performance Period.
For purposes of this Agreement, “Retirement” shall mean a termination of employment (other than an involuntary termination for Cause) (a) on or after your 65th birthday or (b) on or after your 55th birthday if you have, at such time, been employed by the Company and/or a Related Corporation for at least ten (10) years.



ITRI EX-10.5 3.31.13


Exhibit 10.5

ITRON, INC.
2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
LONG TERM PERFORMANCE
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD NOTICE
FOR PARTICIPANTS IN FRANCE
Itron, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby grants to Participant a performance restricted stock unit award (the “Award”). The Award is subject to all the terms and conditions set forth in this Long Term Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice (the “Award Notice”), the Long Term Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, including Appendix A (the “Agreement”), the Itron, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “U.S. Plan”), and the Rules of the Itron, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan for the Grant of Restricted Stock Units to Participants in France (the “French RSU Plan” and together with the U.S. Plan, the “Plan”), all of which are incorporated into the Award Notice in their entirety.
Participant:
«First_Name» «Last_Name»
Grant Date:
«Grant Date»
Performance Periods:




Time-Based Vesting Dates:
January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014 (“Two-Year Performance Period”)
January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015 (“Three-Year Performance Period”)

Second anniversary of the Grant Date with respect to the Two-Year Performance Period.
 Last day of the Performance Period with respect to the Three-Year Performance Period.
Number of Long-Term Performance Restricted Stock Units (“PSUs”):

            
The actual number of PSUs that vest shall be determined based on Participant's continued employment through the applicable Time-Based Vesting Date and the attainment of the performance goals specified in Appendix A, as assessed by the Plan Administrator as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of the applicable Performance Period.
The aggregate target number of PSUs for both the Three-Year and Two-Year Performance Periods is «# of Units  (the Target PSUs”).








            

Two-thirds of the Target PSUs shall be eligible to vest based on attainment of the performance goals applicable to the Three-Year Performance Period.
One-third of the Target PSUs shall be eligible to vest based on attainment of the performance goals applicable to the Two-Year Performance Period.
Restriction on Sale of Shares:
Any Shares acquired pursuant to the Award cannot be sold prior to the second anniversary of the date the Shares are issued to you or during Closed Periods (as described in the Agreement), except in certain exceptional circumstances.

Additional Terms/Acknowledgement: This Award is subject to all the terms and conditions set forth in this Award Notice, the Agreement and the Plan which are attached to and incorporated into this Award Notice in their entirety.

By accepting this Award Notice and Agreement providing for the terms and conditions of my grant, I confirm having read and understood the documents relating to this grant (the Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, including Appendix A, the U.S. Plan, the French RSU Plan and the U.S. Plan Prospectus) which were provided to me in English language. I accept the terms of those documents accordingly.
En acceptant la présente Notice d'Attribution et le Contrat décrivant les termes et conditions de mon attribution, je confirme ainsi avoir lu et compris les documents relatifs à cette attribution (le Contrat d'Attribution d'Actions Gratuites soumises à des Conditions de Performance, incluant l'Annexe A, le Plan Américain, le Sous-Plan pour la France et le Prospectus Américain) qui m'ont été communiqués en langue anglaise. J'en accepte les termes en connaissance de cause.

«First_Name» «Last_Name»
I accept this Award subject to the terms and conditions stated herein.
«Electronically Signed»
 
Attachments:
 
1. Long-Term Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, including Appendix A
2. U.S. Plan
3. French RSU Plan
4. U.S. Plan Prospectus
 






ITRON, INC.
2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
LONG TERM PERFORMANCE
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
FOR PARTICIPANTS IN FRANCE

Pursuant to your Long Term Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice (the “Award Notice”) and this Long Term Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, including Appendix A (this “Agreement”), Itron, Inc. (the “Company”) has granted you a performance restricted stock unit award (the “Award”) under its 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “U.S. Plan”) and the Rules of the Itron, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan for the Grant of Restricted Stock Units to Participants in France (the “French RSU Plan” and together with the U.S. Plan, the “Plan”). Capitalized terms not expressly defined in this Agreement but defined in the Plan shall have the same definitions as in the Plan, as applicable.
The Award is intended to qualify for the specific tax and social security treatment in France applicable to shares granted for no consideration under Sections L. 225-197-1 to
L. 225-197-6 of the French Commercial Code, as amended. However, certain events may affect the qualified status of the Award and the Company does not make any undertaking or representation to maintain the qualified status of the Award. If the Award does not retain its qualified status, the specific tax and social security treatment will not apply and you will be required to pay your portion of social security contributions resulting from the Award.
Moreover, if you relocate to another country, any special terms and conditions applicable to restricted stock unit awards granted in such country will apply to you, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons.
In addition, the Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on the Award and any Shares acquired under the Plan, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons, and to require you to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing.
The details of the Award are as follows:
1.
Number of Units Subject to Award

This Award is a performance-based award, the vesting of which is based both on your continued employment through the applicable Time-Based Vesting Date and on the attainment of the performance goals set by the Plan Administrator at the beginning of the performance periods set forth in the Award Notice (each, a “Performance Period”) and at the beginning of each Annual EPS Performance Period (as defined in Appendix A), in accordance with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code in the case of any Award that is intended to constitute “qualified-performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) (4)(C) of the Code. The performance goals are set forth in Appendix A





(or will be communicated to you as described in Appendix A) and the aggregate target number of PSUs for both Performance Periods (the “Target PSUs”) is set forth in the Award Notice and in Appendix A.

2.
Vesting

The Award will vest based on your continued employment through the applicable Time-Based Vesting Date and to the extent the performance goals set forth in Appendix A are attained for the applicable Performance Period, as determined by the Plan Administrator. The Plan Administrator shall determine as soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event within thirty (30) days, after the end of the applicable Performance Period, the attainment level of the performance goals.

One share of Common Stock will be issuable for each PSU that vests. PSUs that have vested are referred to herein as “Vested PSUs.” PSUs that have not vested and remain subject to forfeiture are referred to herein as “Unvested PSUs.” The Unvested and Vested PSUs are collectively referred to herein as the “PSUs.” The Award will terminate and the Unvested PSUs will be subject to forfeiture upon termination of your employment as set forth in Section 3.1.

3.
Termination of Employment; Change in Control Transaction

3.1    Termination of Employment

If your employment terminates during a Performance Period by reason of death, the number of PSUs that vest based on the actual attainment of the performance goals as assessed after the end of the corresponding Performance Period and such PSUs shall be settled in accordance with Section 4 below. The Company will issue the Shares subject to such PSUs to your heirs in the year following the end of the applicable Performance Period, provided they contact the Company to request the issuance of the Shares within six (6) months following your death. If your heirs do not request the issuance of the Shares within six (6) months of your death, all of the PSUs will be forfeited to the Company.

If your employment terminates during a Performance Period by reason of Disability (as defined in the French RSU Plan), you will become eligible to receive that number of PSUs that vest based on the actual attainment of the performance goals as assessed after the end of the corresponding Performance Period and such PSUs shall be settled in accordance with Section 4 below.

If your employment terminates for any other reason during a Performance Period, any Unvested PSUs will be forfeited upon termination of your employment.

3.2    Change in Control Transaction

In the event of a Change in Control Transaction during a Performance Period, the number of PSUs that shall vest under the Award shall be the greater of (a) the portion of the Target PSUs corresponding to the applicable Performance Period or (b) the actual number of PSUs that vest as determined based on the attainment of the performance goals if the Plan Administrator determines that the attainment of the performance goals is determinable as of the date of the Change in Control Transaction, pro-rated based on the number of calendar days between the beginning of the applicable Performance Period and the date of the Change in Control Transaction and such PSUs shall vest





immediately prior to the Change in Control Transaction but shall be settled in accordance with Section 4 below.

The acceleration in vesting and settlement of the Award as provided in this Section 3.2 may trigger the loss of the specific French tax and social insurance contributions regime.

4.
Settlement of Vested PSUs.

Vested PSUs shall be settled within 60 days following the applicable Time-Based Vesting Date, provided, however, that in the case of a Change in Control Transaction occurring prior to the applicable Time-Based Vesting Date, vested PSUs shall be settled immediately prior to the Change in Control Transaction.

5.
Securities Law Compliance

5.1You represent and warrant that you (a) have been furnished with a copy of the prospectus for the Plan and all information which you deem necessary to evaluate the merits and risks of receipt of the Award, (b) have had the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers concerning the information received about the Award and the Company, and (c) have been given the opportunity to obtain any additional information you deem necessary to verify the accuracy of any information obtained concerning the Award and the Company.

5.2You hereby agree that you will in no event sell or distribute all or any part of the shares of Common Stock that you receive pursuant to settlement of this Award (the “Shares”) unless (a) there is an effective registration statement under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and any applicable state and foreign securities laws covering any such transaction involving the Shares or (b) the Company receives an opinion of your legal counsel (concurred with by legal counsel for the Company) stating that such transaction is exempt from registration or the Company otherwise satisfies itself that such transaction is exempt from registration. You understand that the Company has no obligation to you to register the Shares with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any foreign securities regulator and has not represented to you that it will so register the Shares.

5.3You confirm that you have been advised, prior to your receipt of the Shares, that neither the offering of the Shares nor any offering materials have been reviewed by any regulator under the Securities Act or any other applicable securities act (the “Acts”) and that the Shares cannot be resold unless they are registered under the Acts or unless an exemption from such registration is available.


5.4You hereby agree to indemnify the Company and hold it harmless from and against any loss, claim or liability, including attorneys' fees or legal expenses, incurred by the Company as a result of any breach by you of, or any inaccuracy in, any representation, warranty or statement made by you in this Agreement or the breach by you of any terms or conditions of this Agreement.






6.Transfer Restrictions

PSUs shall not be sold, transferred, assigned, encumbered, pledged or otherwise disposed of, whether voluntarily or by operation of law.

6.1Holding Period

You are required to hold the Shares issued pursuant to the vesting of the PSUs for two years as measured from the date the Shares are issued to you in accordance to Section 4 above or such other period as is required to comply with the minimum mandatory holding period applicable to Shares underlying French-qualified Restricted Stock Units (the “Holding Period”) in order to benefit from the specific French tax and social insurance contributions regime, even if you are no longer an employee or corporate officer, as applicable, of a French Entity or otherwise employed by the Company or a Subsidiary, if applicable. As from the end of the Holding Period, the corresponding Shares shall be freely transferable, subject to applicable legal and regulatory provisions in force and in particular to the provisions of Section 6.2 below.

This Holding Period requirement shall not apply to your heirs should they acquire Shares under the Plan pursuant to Section 3.1 above nor shall it apply if you terminate employment due to Disability (as defined in the French RSU Plan).

6.2Closed Period

As long as the Award and the Shares issued upon settlement of the vested PSUs maintain their qualified status and to the extent such restriction is applicable under French law, the Shares may not be sold during a Closed Period which currently includes:

Ten quotation days preceding and three quotation days following the disclosure to the public of the consolidated financial statements or the annual statements of the Company; and

Any period during which the corporate management of the Company possesses material information which could, if disclosed to the public, significantly impact the quotation of the Shares, until ten quotation days after the day such information is disclosed to the public. This Closed Period restriction shall not apply to your heirs should they acquire Shares under the Plan pursuant to Section 3.1 above nor shall it apply if you terminate employment due to Disability (as defined in the French RSU Plan).

6.3Shareholding Restrictions

If you qualify as a managing corporate officer (i.e.,mandataires sociaux,” Président du Conseil d'Administration, Directeur Général, Directeur Général Délégué, Membre du Directoire, Gérant de Sociétés par actions) or have a comparable position in any other company within the Company group, and if the Award is granted to you in such capacity, you are subject to shareholding restrictions and you must hold 20% of the Shares issued upon vesting of the PSUs and not sell such Shares until you cease to serve as a managing corporate officer of the Company (or cease to have a comparable position as described herein), if required under French law.






7.
No Rights as Shareholder

You shall not have voting or other rights as a shareholder of the Company with respect to the PSUs.

8.
Book Entry Registration of Shares

The Company will issue the Shares by registering the Shares in book entry form with the Company's transfer agent in your name and the applicable restrictions will be noted in the records of the Company's transfer agent and in the book entry system.

9.
Responsibility for Taxes

9.1Regardless of any action the Company or your employer (the “Employer”) take with respect to any and all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other tax-related items related to your participation in the Plan and legally applicable to you (“Tax-Related Items”), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains your responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company and/or the Employer. You further acknowledge that the Company and the Employer (a) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Award, including, but not limited to, the granting or vesting of the Award, the settlement of Vested PSUs, the issuance of Shares upon settlement of the Vested PSUs, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired upon settlement of the Vested PSUs and the receipt of any dividends; and (b) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Award to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if you have become subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction between the Grant Date and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, you acknowledge that the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.

9.2Prior to any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, you will pay or make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and or the Employer to satisfy all Tax-Related Items.

(a)In this regard, you hereby irrevocably appoint Fidelity or any stock plan service provider or brokerage firm designated by the Company for such purpose (the “Agent”) as your Agent, and authorize the Agent, to:

(i)
Sell on the open market at the then prevailing market price(s), on your behalf, as soon as practicable on or after the settlement date for any Vested Unit, a number of Shares (rounded up to the next whole number) sufficient to generate proceeds to cover the Tax-Related Items and all applicable fees and commissions due to, or required to be collected by, the Agent;






(ii)
Remit directly to the Company the cash amount necessary to cover the Tax-Related Items;

(iii)
Retain the amount required to cover all applicable fees and commissions due to, or required to be collected by, the Agent, relating directly to the sale of Shares referred to in clause (i) above; and

(iv)
Remit any remaining funds to you.

(b)Alternatively, or in addition to or in combination with the withholding mechanism described in Section 9.2(a), you authorize the Company and/or the Employer, at their discretion, to satisfy the obligations with regard to all Tax-Related Items by:

(i)
requiring you to pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of the Tax-Related Items; and/or

(ii)
withholding any amount of the Tax-Related Items from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or the Employer; and/or

(iii)
withholding in Shares to be issued upon settlement of the Vested PSUs provided, however, that if you are a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the Plan Administrator (as constituted to satisfy Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) shall establish the method of withholding from the alternatives (i) - (iii) herein and, if the Plan Administrator does not exercise its discretion prior to the Tax-Related Items withholding event, then you shall be entitled to elect the method of withholding from the alternatives (i) - (iii) herein.

(c)Depending on the withholding method, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable minimum statutory withholding amounts or other applicable withholding rates, including maximum applicable rates, in which case you will receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash and will have no entitlement to the equivalent amount in Shares. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in Shares, for tax and/or social insurance contribution purposes, you will be deemed to have been issued the full number of Shares subject to the Vested PSUs notwithstanding that a number of the Shares are held back solely for the purpose of paying the Tax-Related Items due as a result of any aspect of your participation in the Plan. The Company may refuse to issue or deliver Shares to you if you fail to comply with your obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items.

9.3You acknowledge that the authorization and instruction to the Agent set forth in Section 9.2(a)(i) above to sell Shares to cover the Tax-Related Items is intended to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c)(1)(i)(B) under the Exchange Act and to be interpreted to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange Act (regarding trading of the Company's securities on the basis of material nonpublic information) (a “10b5-1 Plan”). This 10b5-1 Plan is being adopted to permit you to sell a number of Shares issued upon settlement of Vested PSUs sufficient to pay the Tax-Related Items.






You acknowledge that the broker is under no obligation to arrange for the sale of Shares at any particular price. You further acknowledge that you will be responsible for all brokerage fees and other costs of sale, and you agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any losses, costs, damages, or expenses relating to any such sale. You acknowledge that it may not be possible to sell Shares during the term of this 10b5-1 Plan due to (a) a legal or contractual restriction applicable to you or to the broker, (b) a market disruption, (c) rules governing order execution priority on the NASDAQ or other exchange where the Shares may be traded, (d) a sale effected pursuant to this 10b5-1 Plan that fails to comply (or in the reasonable opinion of the Agent's counsel is likely not to comply) with the Securities Act, or (e) if the Company determines that sales may not be effected under this 10b5-1 Plan. In the event of the Agent's inability to sell Shares, you will continue to be responsible for the Tax-Related Items.

You hereby agree to execute and deliver to the Agent any other agreements or documents as the Agent reasonably deems necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes and intent of the 10b5-1 Plan. You acknowledge that this 10b5-1 Plan is subject to the terms of any policy adopted now or hereafter by the Company governing the adoption of 10b5-1 plans. The Agent is a third party beneficiary of Section 9.2(a)(i) and this 10b5-1 Plan.

10.
Nature of Grant

In accepting the grant, you acknowledge, understand and agree that:

(a)the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature and it may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted by the Plan;

(b)the grant of the Award is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of performance restricted stock units, or benefits in lieu of performance restricted stock units, even if performance restricted stock units have been granted in the past;

(c)all decisions with respect to future grants of performance restricted stock units, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;

(d)the grant of the Award and your participation in the Plan shall not create a right to employment or be interpreted as forming an employment or service contract with the Employer, the Company or any Related Corporation and shall not interfere with the ability of the Employer, the Company or any Related Corporation to terminate your employment or service relationship (if any);
 
(e)you are voluntarily participating in the Plan;

(f)the Award and the Shares subject to the Award are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;

(g)the Award and the Shares subject to the Award, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose including, but not limited to, calculating





any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end of service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;

(h)the future value of the underlying Shares is unknown, indeterminable and cannot be predicted with certainty;

(i)no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of the Award resulting from your ceasing to provide employment or other services to the Company or the Employer (for any reason whatsoever, and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where you are employed or the terms of your employment agreement, if any) and, in consideration of the grant of the Award to which you are otherwise not entitled, you irrevocably agree never to institute any claim against the Company, any Related Corporation or the Employer, waive the ability, if any, to bring any such claim and release the Company, any Related Corporation and the Employer from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, you will be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue such claim and agree to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claims;

(j)for purposes of the Award, your employment will be considered terminated as of the date you cease to actively provide services to the Company or a Related Corporation; further, in the event of termination of your employment or other services (for any reason whatsoever and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where you are employed or the terms of your employment agreement, if any), unless otherwise provided in this Agreement or determined by the Company, your right to vest in the Award, if any, will terminate effective as of the date that you are no longer actively providing services and will not be extended by any notice period (e.g., active service would not include any contractual notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where you are employed or the terms of your employment agreement, if any); the Company's Chief Executive Officer shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when you are no longer actively providing services for purposes of the Award (including whether or not you may still be considered to be providing services while on an approved leave of absence);

(k)unless otherwise provided in the Plan or by the Company in its discretion, the Award and the benefits evidenced by this Agreement do not create any entitlement to have the Award or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor to be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any corporate transaction affecting the shares of the Company; and

(l)neither the Company, the Employer nor any Related Corporation shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between your local currency and the United States dollar that may affect the value of the Award or of any amounts due to you pursuant to the settlement of the PSUs or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon settlement.

11.No Advice Regarding Grant

The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding your participation in the Plan or your acquisition or sale of the





underlying Shares. You are hereby advised to consult with your own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding your participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan. You acknowledge that you have either consulted with competent advisors independent of the Company to obtain advice concerning the receipt of the Award and the acquisition or disposition of any Shares to be issued pursuant to the Award in light of your specific situation or had the opportunity to consult with such advisors but chose not to do so.

12.
Data Privacy

You hereby explicitly and unambiguously consent to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of your personal data as described in this Agreement and any other Award materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer, the Company and its Related Corporations for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan.

You understand that the Company and the Employer may hold certain personal information about you, including, but not limited to, your name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all Awards or any other entitlement to shares of stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in your favor, for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan (“Data”).

You understand that Data will be transferred to Fidelity or such other stock plan service provider as may be selected by the Company in the future, which is assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. You understand that the recipients of Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients' country (e.g., the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than France. You understand that you may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of Data by contacting your local human resources representative. You authorize the Company, Fidelity and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan. You understand that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage your participation in the Plan. You understand that you may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing your local human resources representative. Further, you understand that you are providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If you do not consent, your employment status or service and career with the Employer will not be adversely affected; the only adverse consequence of refusing or withdrawing your consent is that the Company would not be able to grant you the Award or other equity awards or administer or maintain such awards. Therefore, you understand that refusing or withdrawing your consent may affect your ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of your refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, you understand that you may contact your local human resources representative.





13.
Electronic Delivery and Participation

The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to current or future participation in the Plan by electronic means. You hereby consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agree to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.

14.
Language

If you have received this Agreement (or any portion thereof) or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different from the English version, the English version will control.

15.
General Provisions

15.1Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement will inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company and be binding upon you and your heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

15.2Section 409A. For purposes of U.S. taxpayers, the PSUs and the settlement of the PSUs are intended to be exempt or comply with Section 409A of the Code, and this Agreement will be interpreted, operated and administered in a manner that is consistent with this intent. In furtherance of this intent, the Plan Administrator may, at any time and without your consent, modify the terms of the Award as it determines appropriate to comply with the requirements of, or qualify for an exemption from, Section 409A of the Code and the related U.S. Department of Treasury guidance or to mitigate any additional tax, interest and/or penalties that may apply under Section 409A of the Code if exemption or compliance is not practicable. The Company makes no representation or covenant to ensure that the PSUs, settlement of the PSUs or other payment hereunder are exempt from or compliant with Section 409A of the Code and neither the Company nor any of its affiliates shall under any circumstances have any liability to you or any other party if the settlement of the PSUs or other payment hereunder that is intended to be exempt from or compliant with Section 409A of the Code is not so exempt or compliant or for any action taken by the Plan Administrator with respect thereto.

15.3Governing Law and Choice of Venue. The Award and the provisions of this Agreement will be construed and administered in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Washington without giving effect to such state's principles of conflict of laws. For the purposes of litigating any dispute that arises under this grant of this Agreement, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of Washington and agree that such litigation shall be conducted in the courts of Spokane County, Washington, or the federal courts for the United States for the Eastern District of Washington, where this grant is made and/or to be performed.

15.4Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable and if any one or more provisions are determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless be binding and enforceable.






15.5Notice.     Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing and sent to the following address:

Itron, Inc.
Attn. General Counsel
2111 N. Molter Road
Liberty Lake, WA USA 99019

16.    Waiver

You acknowledge that a waiver by the Company of breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement, or of any subsequent breach by you or any other Participant.

17.    Repayment/Clawback/Recovery

If Participant is subject to the Company's Incentive Repayment Policy (the “Repayment Policy”) at any time between the Grant Date and the date the PSUs are settled, any Shares, payment or benefit made under the Award shall be subject to repayment in accordance with the provisions of the Repayment Policy. In addition, any Shares, payment or benefit made under the Award will be subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy that the Company is required to adopt pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which the Company's securities are listed or as is otherwise required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other applicable law.





APPENDIX A

ITRON, INC.
2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
LONG TERM PERFORMANCE
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD NOTICE


Appendix A sets forth the performance goals for the performance restricted stock unit award (the Award) under the Itron, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the Plan) evidenced by the Long Term Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (the Agreement) to which it is attached. Capitalized terms not expressly defined in this Appendix A but defined in the Plan or the Agreement shall have the same definitions as in the Plan and/or the Agreement, as applicable. Please refer to the schedule that is attached to Appendix A for supplemental information explaining the operation of the performance goals applicable to the Award.
The aggregate target number of PSUs for both the Three-Year and Two-Year Performance Periods is: «# of Units» (the “Target PSUs”).
Two-thirds of the Target PSUs shall be eligible to vest based on attainment of the performance goals applicable to the Three-Year Performance Period.
One-third of the Target PSUs shall be eligible to vest based on attainment of the performance goals applicable to the Two-Year Performance Period.
The actual number of PSUs that shall vest is based on the level of attainment of a combination of the following two performance goals: non-GAAP Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) of the Company as calculated for purposes of the Company's earnings release as described in the Company's public filings and Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) of the Company during the applicable Performance Period as further described below.
The total number of PSUs that is eligible to vest under this Award is between 0% - 200% of the Target PSUs based on attainment of the EPS performance goal and the TSR performance goal. The total number of PSUs that will actually vest will be equal to the sum of (i) the EPS-Based Vested PSUs, plus (ii) the product of (x) the TSR Performance Goal Multiplier, multiplied by (y) the EPS-Based Vested PSUs (as these terms are defined and further described below).
Any PSUs that vest shall be settled in accordance with Section 4 of the Agreement.
EPS Performance Goal:
A number of PSUs that is equal to between 0% - 160% of the Target PSUs is eligible to vest based on the attainment of EPS performance goals in accordance with the following terms:
An annual “EPS Performance Goal” (including “Threshold Goal” and “Maximum Goal”) shall be established at the beginning of each year for each of the calendar years contained in the Performance Periods (each, an “Annual EPS Performance Period”). Immediately following the end





of each Annual EPS Performance Period, the Plan Administrator shall assess the attainment level of the Company's EPS against the annual EPS Performance Goal corresponding to the Annual EPS Performance Period and assign a percentage of attainment of between 0% - 160% (with attainment between the Threshold Goal and Maximum Goal subject to interpolation). The number of PSUs that is eligible to vest at the end of the applicable Performance Period based on the attainment of the EPS Performance Goal shall be equal to the product of (a) the average of the attainment level of the EPS Performance Goal for each of the Annual EPS Performance Periods contained in the applicable Performance Period (expressed as a percentage), multiplied by (b) the portion of the Target PSUs for the corresponding Performance Period (the “EPS-Based Vested PSUs”).
No PSUs will become eligible for vesting if the Company's EPS is below the Threshold Goal.

TSR Performance Goal Multiplier:
The number of PSUs that is eligible to vest may be greater or less than the number of EPS-Based Vested PSUs depending on the level of attainment of Company TSR performance relative to the TSR attained by companies comprising the Russell 3000 Index (such increase or decrease to the number of PSUs eligible to vest, the “TSR Performance Goal Multiplier,” and the index, the “Peer Group TSR”). For purposes of calculating the Company's TSR, the value of the Common Stock on the first day of each of the Performance Periods shall be deemed to be the average of the closing price of the Common Stock for the 20 trading days ending on the first trading day of the applicable Performance Period and the value of the Common Stock for the last day of each of the Performance Periods shall be deemed to be the average of the closing price of the Common Stock for the 20 trading days ending on the last trading day of the applicable Performance Period. The TSR Performance Goal Multiplier shall be between 0.75 and 1.25, as determined in accordance with the following schedule:
If Company TSR is at or below the 25% percentile of the Peer Group TSR, the TSR Performance Goal Multiplier shall be equal to 0.75.
If Company TSR is at the 50% percentile of the Peer Group TSR, the TSR Performance Goal Multiplier shall be equal to 1.
If Company TSR is at or above the 75th percentile of the Peer Group TSR, the TSR Performance Goal Multiplier shall be equal to 1.25.

If Company TSR is above the 25th or below the 75th percentile of the Peer Group TSR, the attainment between the goals shall be subject to interpolation.

If the Award is intended to constitute “qualified performance-based compensation,” within the meaning of Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code, the Plan Administrator shall determine and certify the actual level of attainment of the performance goals and the number of PSUs that become eligible for vesting in accordance with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code. The performance goals shall be adjusted per the 2013 Long-Term Performance Plan Guidelines, as approved by the Plan Administrator, provided that the Plan Administrator may also adjust the performance goals in a manner that would result in a decrease to the number of PSUs that would otherwise become eligible for vesting. Further, in determining the number of PSUs that become eligible for vesting, the Plan Administrator has the discretion to reduce (including to zero), but not increase, the number of PSUs that would otherwise become eligible for vesting.



ITRI EX-31.1 3.31.13


Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Philip C. Mezey, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Itron, Inc.;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting, which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

b)
Any fraud, whether or not material that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 
ITRON, INC.
 
 
By:
 
/s/ PHILIP C. MEZEY
Philip C. Mezey
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: May 2, 2013


ITRI EX-31.2 3.31.13


Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Steven M. Helmbrecht, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Itron, Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting, which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
ITRON, INC.
 
 
By:
 
/s/ STEVEN M. HELMBRECHT
Steven M. Helmbrecht
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Date: May 2, 2013


ITRI EX-32.1 3.31.13


Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

The certification set forth below is being submitted in connection with the Quarterly Report of Itron, Inc. (the Company) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013 (the Report) for the purpose of complying with Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
 
Philip C. Mezey, the Chief Executive Officer and Steven M. Helmbrecht, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each certifies that to the best of his knowledge:
 
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 
/s/ PHILIP C. MEZEY
Philip C. Mezey
President and Chief Executive Officer
May 2, 2013
 
/s/ STEVEN M. HELMBRECHT 
Steven M. Helmbrecht
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
May 2, 2013