Itron, Inc. Form 8-K 5.24.12 New Segments and NCI
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

____________________________

FORM 8-K

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

 
May 24, 2012
 
Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported)
ITRON, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Washington
 
000-22418
 
91-1011792
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)
 
(Commission File No.)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

2111 N. Molter Road, Liberty Lake, WA 99019
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code)

(509) 924-9900
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
        
[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))



Item 8.01 Other Events

As part of Itron, Inc.'s (Itron's or the Company's) global reorganization that was announced in the first quarter of 2011, Itron is now managed and reported under two operating segments, Energy and Water. The Energy operating segment includes Itron's global electricity and gas products, while the Water operating segment includes Itron's global water and heat products. Itron previously reported under two geographic operating segments, Itron North America and Itron International. The transition to the new organizational structure, including changes to operations and financial and operational management systems, was completed in the first quarter of 2012 and has been reflected in the segment reporting in Itron's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 4, 2012. Itron's historical segment information for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 has been restated to reflect the new operating segment structure.

In addition, Itron has changed its presentation of noncontrolling interests in its consolidated financial statements beginning in the first quarter of 2012. The Consolidated Statements of Operations, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Equity, and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows have been revised to reflect the amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests. Itron has not historically presented noncontrolling interests separately in the consolidated financial statements due to immateriality. This change does not impact the historically reported net income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc., the historical basic or diluted earnings (loss) per share balances, or total operating cash flows. However, the change does impact certain amounts within those statements. The amounts reclassified to net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests were previously classified in "other income (expense), net" within the Consolidated Statements of Operations and in "other adjustments, net" within Operating Activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and the Consolidated Statements of Equity have been revised to include the comprehensive income (loss) attributed to the noncontrolling interests. The balance of noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were previously classified in "other long-term obligations."

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the classifications in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, which became effective on January 1, 2012. These reclassifications relate to certain administrative expenses in North America that were previously allocated to cost of revenues and sales and marketing and product development operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 but have been reclassified to general and administrative operating expenses to conform to our worldwide presentation. These reclassifications did not have a material impact on gross profit and had no impact on income (loss) before income taxes, net income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc., earnings (loss) per share, or total equity.

This Current Report on Form 8-K updates Item 1: Business, Item 2: Properties, Item 6: Selected Consolidated Financial Data, Item 7: Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A), and Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K (2011 Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the SEC on February 17, 2012, to reflect the additional financial information described herein.

The following Exhibits to this Current Report on Form 8-K are incorporated herein and indicate revisions made to the 2011 Form 10-K to reflect the changes in operating segments, noncontrolling interests presentation, and reclassifications of certain expenses:

Updated Item 1: Business, filed as Exhibit 99.1
Updated Item 2: Properties, filed as Exhibit 99.2
Updated Item 6: Selected Consolidated Financial Data, filed as Exhibit 99.3
Updated Item 7: MD&A, filed as Exhibit 99.4
Updated Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, filed as Exhibit 99.5, specifically:
New significant accounting policies for noncontrolling interests and reclassifications and a revision to the significant accounting policy for goodwill (Note 1)
Restated segment information (Notes 4, 5, 12, 13, and 16)
A revised reconciliation of income taxes at the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% to the consolidated tax rate to reflect the impact of noncontrolling interests on income (loss) before income taxes (Note 11)
Revised gross profit amounts in the unaudited quarterly results to reflect the impact of the reclassifications (Note 17)

All other items of the 2011 Form 10-K remain unchanged from the versions previously filed with the 2011 Form 10-K. No attempt has been made to update matters in the 2011 Form 10-K except to the extent expressly provided above. For developments since the filing of the 2011 Form 10-K, please refer to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2012, filed with the SEC on May 4, 2012, and the Company's Forms 8-K filed since February 17, 2012, the filing date of the 2011 Form 10-K.




Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)    Exhibits.

Exhibit
 
 
 Number
 
Description
 
 
 
23.1
 
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
 
 
99.1
 
Updated Part I, "Item 1: Business " of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 
 
99.2
 
Updated Part I, "Item 2: Properties" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 
 
99.3
 
Updated Part II, "Item 6: Selected Consolidated Financial Data" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 
 
99.4
 
Updated Part II, "Item 7: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 
 
99.5
 
Updated Part II, "Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 
 
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document.
 
 
 
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
 
 
 
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
 
 
 
101.DEF *
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition.
 
 
 
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
 
 
 
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
 
 
 
*
 
Pursuant to applicable securities laws and regulations, we are deemed to have complied with the reporting obligation relating to the submission of interactive data files in such exhibits and are not subject to liability under any anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws as long as we have made a good faith attempt to comply with the submission requirements and promptly amend the interactive data files after becoming aware that the interactive data files fail to comply with the submission requirements. Users of this data are advised that, pursuant to Rule 406T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed and otherwise are not subject to liability.

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




SIGNATURE

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

 
 
 
 
ITRON, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ STEVEN M. HELMBRECHT
Dated:
May 24, 2012
 
 
Steven M. Helmbrecht
 
 
 
 
Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer




EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
 
 
 Number
 
Description
 
 
 
23.1
 
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
 
 
99.1
 
Updated Part I, "Item 1: Business " of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 
 
99.2
 
Updated Part I, "Item 2: Properties" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 
 
99.3
 
Updated Part II, "Item 6: Selected Consolidated Financial Data" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 
 
99.4
 
Updated Part II, "Item 7: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 
 
99.5
 
Updated Part II, "Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 
 
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.
 
 
 
*
 
Pursuant to applicable securities laws and regulations, we are deemed to have complied with the reporting obligation relating to the submission of interactive data files in such exhibits and are not subject to liability under any anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws as long as we have made a good faith attempt to comply with the submission requirements and promptly amend the interactive data files after becoming aware that the interactive data files fail to comply with the submission requirements. Users of this data are advised that, pursuant to Rule 406T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed and otherwise are not subject to liability.


EX-23.1 E&Y Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


EXHIBIT 23.1


CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

(1) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-40356) pertaining to the Itron, Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive Compensation Plan,

(2) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-89966) pertaining to the Itron, Inc. 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan,

(3) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-97571) pertaining to the Itron, Inc. Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan,

(4) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-115987) pertaining to the Itron, Inc. Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan,

(5) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-125461) pertaining to the Itron, Inc. Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, and the Itron, Inc. Amended and Restated 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan,

(6) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-134749) pertaining to the Itron, Inc. Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan,

(7) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-143048) pertaining to the Itron, Inc. Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, and

(8) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-166601) pertaining to the Itron, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan,

of our reports dated February 16, 2012 (except for Notes 1, 5, 13, and 16, as to which the date is May 24, 2012) with respect to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Itron, Inc., included in this Current Report on Form 8-K.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Seattle, Washington
May 24, 2012



EX-99.1 Updated "Item 1: Business "


EXHIBIT 99.1

ITEM 1:    BUSINESS
Available Information
Documents we provide to the Securities and Exchange Commission (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.
General
Itron is a technology company dedicated to delivering 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 install, implement, operate, and maintain their systems.
We were incorporated in 1977. In 2004, we entered the electricity meter manufacturing business with the acquisition of Schlumberger Electricity Metering. In 2007, we expanded our presence in global meter manufacturing and systems with the acquisition of Actaris Metering Systems SA (Actaris).
The following is a discussion of our major products, our markets, and our operating segments. Refer to Item 7: “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in this Current Report on Form 8-K for specific segment results.
Our Business
Our offerings include electricity, natural gas, and water metering systems, software, and services. We classify metering systems into three categories: standard metering, advanced metering systems and technology, and smart metering systems and technology. These categories are described in more detail below:
Standard Metering
A standard meter measures electricity, natural gas, water, or thermal energy by mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic means, with no built-in remote-reading communication capability. Standard meters require manual reading, which is typically performed by a utility representative or meter reading service provider. Worldwide, we produce standard residential, commercial and industrial (C&I), and transmission and distribution (T&D) electricity, natural gas, water, and heat meters.

Advanced Metering Systems and Technology
Advanced metering uses a communication module embedded in the meter to collect and store detailed meter data, which is transmitted to handheld computers, mobile units, and/or fixed networks, allowing utilities to collect the data for billing systems and analyze the meter data for more efficient resource management and operations. Worldwide, we produce electricity, natural gas, and water advanced metering systems and technology. Depending on the country, communication technologies include telephone, RF (radio frequency), GSM (global system for mobile communications), PLC (power line carrier), and Ethernet devices.
Smart Metering Systems and Technology
Smart meters have two-way communication to automatically and frequently collect and transmit meter data to support various applications beyond monthly billings. Our smart metering solutions have substantially more features and functions than our advanced metering systems and technology. Smart meters are able to collect and store interval data, perform remote connect/disconnect, send detailed information, receive commands, and interface with other devices, such as in-home displays, smart thermostats and appliances, home area networks, advanced control systems, and more.
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-

1



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.
Year Ended
 
Annual Bookings  
 
Total Backlog    
 
12-Month Backlog  
 
 
(in millions)
December 31, 2011
 
$
2,120

 
$
1,296

 
$
766

December 31, 2010
 
2,396

 
1,620

 
913

December 31, 2009
 
1,849

 
1,488

 
807


Information on bookings by our operating segments is as follows:
Year Ended
 
Total Bookings
 
Energy(1)
 
Water(1)
 
 
(in millions)
December 31, 2011
 
$
2,120

 
$
1,610

 
$
510

December 31, 2010
 
2,396

 
1,866

 
530


(1) Effective January 1, 2012, the Company's management and external financial reporting is based on our new operating segments, Energy and Water, instead of our previous operating segments, Itron North America and Itron International. We restated bookings information for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 to conform to our new operating segment structure. However, it is impracticable to obtain bookings information for our new operating segments for the year ended December 31, 2009.

When we sign project agreements to deploy our meter and communication systems, we include these contracts in bookings and backlog when regulatory approvals are received and/or contractual conditions are satisfied.
Our Operating Segments
As part of our global reorganization that was announced in the first quarter of 2011, we now manage and report under two operating segments, Energy and Water. The transition to the new organizational structure, including changes to operations and financial and operational management systems was completed in the first quarter of 2012. Our historical segment information for the years ending December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 has been restated to reflect the new structure. The segment discussions in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) and our consolidated financial statements have been revised to reflect our new operating segments. Refer to Item 7: "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Item 8: "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," both of which are included in this Current Report on Form 8-K.

The Energy operating segment includes our global electricity and gas products, while the Water operating segment includes our global water and heat products.
Sales and Distribution
We use a combination of direct and indirect sales channels in both operating segments. A direct sales force is utilized for the largest electric, natural gas, and water utilities, with which we have long-established relationships. For smaller utilities, we typically use an indirect sales force that consists of distributors, representative agencies, partners, and meter manufacturer representatives.
No single customer represented more than 10% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2009. One customer, Southern California Edison, of our Energy operating segment, represented 11% of total Company revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010. Our 10 largest customers in each of the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 accounted for approximately 33%, 34%, and 17%, of total revenues, respectively.
Raw Materials
Our products require a wide variety of components and materials, which are subject to price and supply fluctuations. We enter into standard purchase orders in the ordinary course of business, which can vary in terms and can include purchase orders for specific quantities based on market prices, as well as open-ended agreements that provide for estimated quantities over an extended shipment period, typically up to one year at an established unit cost. Although we have multiple sources of supply for most of our material requirements, certain components and raw materials are supplied by sole-source vendors, and our ability to perform certain contracts depends on the availability of these materials. Refer to Item 1A: “Risk Factors”, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for further discussion related to supply risks.

2



Product Development
Our product development is focused on both improving existing technology and developing next-generation technology for electricity, natural gas, water, and heat meters, data collection software, communications technologies, data warehousing, and knowledge application solutions. We spent approximately $161 million, $139 million, and $121 million on product development in 2011, 2010, and 2009, which represented 7%, 6%, and 7% of total revenues in those respective years. Certain administrative expenses in North America that were previously allocated to product development have been reclassified to general and administrative operating expenses to conform to our worldwide presentation. These reclassifications did not have a material impact on total product development expenses for 2011, 2010, and 2009.
Workforce
As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately 9,600 people in our workforce, including permanent and temporary employees and contractors. We have not experienced significant work stoppages and consider our employee relations to be good.
Competition
We provide a broad portfolio of products, systems, and services to customers in the utility industry and have a large number of competitors who offer similar products, systems, and services. We believe that our competitive advantage is based on our capability to innovate, our ability to provide complete end-to-end integrated solutions (including metering, network communications, data collection systems, and meter data management software), our established customer relationships, and our track record of delivering reliable, accurate, and long-lived products and services. Refer to Item 1A: “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of the competitive pressures we face.

Our primary competitors include the following companies:
Arad Group
Siemens
Pietro Fiorentini S.p.A.
Badger Meter, Inc.
ESCO Technologies Inc.
Roper Industries, Inc.
Daesung Industrial Co., Ltd.
General Electric Company
Sensus Ltd.
Dandong Dongfa (Group) Co., Ltd.
Holley Group Co., Ltd.
Silver Spring Networks, Inc.
Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG
Jiangxi Sanchuan Water Meter Co., Ltd.
Toshiba Corporation
Echelon Corporation
Minol-ZENNER SA
Trilliant Incorporated
El Sewedy Electric Company
Ningbo Sanxing (Group) Co., Ltd.
 
Elster Group SE
Ningbo Water Meter Co., Ltd.
 
Emerson Electric Company
Oracle Corporation
 
We may compete with divisions or subsidiaries of our competitors.
Strategic Alliances
We pursue strategic alliances with other companies in areas where collaboration can produce product advancement and acceleration of entry into new markets. The objectives and goals of a strategic alliance can include one or more of the following: technology exchange, product development, joint sales and marketing, or access to new geographic markets. Refer to Item 1A: “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of risks associated with strategic alliances.
Intellectual Property
Our patents and patent applications cover a range of technologies, which relate to standard metering, advanced metering systems and technology, smart metering systems and technology, meter data management software, and knowledge application solutions. We also rely on a combination of copyrights and trade secrets to protect our products and technologies. We have registered trademarks for most of our major product lines in the United States and many other countries.
Disputes over the ownership, registration, and enforcement of intellectual property rights arise in the ordinary course of our business. While we believe patents and trademarks are important to our operations and in the aggregate constitute valuable assets, no single patent or trademark, or group of patents or trademarks, is critical to the success of our business. We license some of our technology to other companies, some of which are our competitors.
Environmental Regulations
In the ordinary course of our business we use metals, solvents, and similar materials that are stored on-site. We believe we are in compliance with environmental laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the operation of our business.

3



MANAGEMENT

Set forth below are the names, ages, and titles of our executive officers as of February 16, 2012.
Name
 
Age        
 
Position
LeRoy D. Nosbaum
 
65
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
Steven M. Helmbrecht
 
49
 
Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
John W. Holleran
 
57
 
Sr. Vice President, Special Projects, and Corporate Secretary
Philip C. Mezey
 
52
 
President and Chief Operating Officer, Energy
Marcel Regnier
 
54
 
President and Chief Operating Officer, Water
Jared P. Serff
 
44
 
Vice President, Competitive Resources
Shannon M. Votava
 
51
 
Vice President and General Counsel

LeRoy D. Nosbaum is President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Nosbaum was reappointed as President and Chief Executive Officer and to the Board of Directors on August 31, 2011. Mr. Nosbaum previously served as Itron's Chief Executive Officer from 2000 and additionally as Chairman of the Board from 2002 until his retirement in March 2009. Mr. Nosbaum originally joined Itron in 1996 and had executive responsibilities for manufacturing, product development, operations, and marketing before he was promoted to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Before joining Itron, Mr. Nosbaum was Executive Vice President and General Manager of Metricom Inc., a supplier of wireless data communications networking technology.
Steve M. Helmbrecht is Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Helmbrecht joined Itron in 2002 as Vice President and General Manager, International, and was named Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2005. Previously, Mr. Helmbrecht was Chief Financial Officer of LineSoft Corporation, acquired by Itron in 2002.
John W. Holleran is Sr. Vice President, Special Projects, and Corporate Secretary. Mr. Holleran joined Itron in January 2007 as Sr. Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary. On January 1, 2012, Mr. Holleran transferred his responsibilities as General Counsel to Shannon M. Votava. In 2006, Mr. Holleran was associated with Holleran Law Offices PLLC, and in 2005 was Executive Vice President, Administration, and Chief Legal Officer for Boise Cascade, LLC, the paper and forest products company resulting from the reorganization of Boise Cascade Corporation, in 2004. While with Boise Cascade Corporation, Mr. Holleran most recently served as Sr. Vice President, Human Resources, and General Counsel.
Philip C. Mezey is President and Chief Operating Officer, Energy. Mr. Mezey joined Itron in March 2003 as Managing Director of Software Development for Itron’s Energy Management Solutions Group with Itron’s acquisition of Silicon Energy Corp. Mr. Mezey was promoted to Group Vice President and Manager of Software Solutions in 2004. In 2005, Mr. Mezey became Sr. Vice President Software Solutions and in 2007, Mr. Mezey became Sr. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - Itron North America. In March 2011, Mr. Mezey was promoted to his current position.
Marcel Regnier is President and Chief Operating Officer, Water. Mr. Regnier joined Itron in April 2007 as part of our acquisition of Actaris. Mr. Regnier served as Actaris’ Managing Director of its water and heat business unit from 2001, when Actaris was created as a result of the reorganization of Schlumberger’s operations, until April 2008, when he was promoted to Sr. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - Itron International. In March 2011, Mr. Regnier was promoted to his current position.
Jared P. Serff is Vice President, Competitive Resources. Mr. Serff joined Itron in July 2004 upon our acquisition of Schlumberger’s electricity metering business. Mr. Serff spent six years with Schlumberger, the last four of which were as Director of Human Resources with Schlumberger’s electricity metering business where he was in charge of personnel for all locations in Canada, Mexico, France, Taiwan, and the United States.
Shannon M. Votava is Vice President and General Counsel. Ms. Votava joined Itron in May 2010 as Assistant General Counsel and was promoted to her current position on January 1, 2012. Before joining Itron, Ms. Votava was Associate General Counsel, Commercial at Cooper Industries plc from October 2008 to April 2010 and General Counsel at Honeywell Electronic Materials, Inc. from 2003 to October 2008.




4
EX-99.2 Updated "Item 2: Properties"


EXHIBIT 99.2
ITEM 2:    PROPERTIES
The following table lists the number of manufacturing facilities, service and distribution locations, and offices by region.
 
 
Manufacturing
 
Service and Distribution
 
Offices
 
Owned
 
Leased
 
Owned
 
Leased
 
Owned
 
Leased
North America
4

 

 

 
10

 
1

 
19

Europe
14

 
3

 

 
2

 

 
24

Asia/Pacific
2

 
4

 

 
4

 

 
18

Other (rest of world)
2

 
2

 
1

 
1

 

 
10

Total
22

 
9

 
1

 
17

 
1

 
71

Our major manufacturing facilities are owned, while smaller factories are typically leased. Our service and distribution locations typically consist of assembly, service, and/or distribution, and may also include research and development and administrative functions. Our office locations consist primarily of sales and administration functions, and may also include research and development functions.
Our Energy and Water facilities are located throughout the world. We own our headquarters facility, which is located in Liberty Lake, Washington. Our principal properties are owned and in good condition, and we believe our current facilities are sufficient to support our operations.
On October 26, 2011, we announced projects to restructure our manufacturing operations in order to increase efficiency and lower our cost of manufacturing. Under the restructuring, we are implementing projects to close or consolidate several of our manufacturing facilities. Approximately one-third of our 31 global manufacturing locations will be impacted: six manufacturing facilities will be closed or sold, and operations at several other facilities will be reduced.




EX-99.3 Updated "Item 6: Selected Consolidated Finanical Data"


EXHIBIT 99.3

ITEM 6:    SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated financial data below is derived from our consolidated financial statements, which have been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm. This selected consolidated financial and other data represents portions of our financial statements. You should read this information together with Item 7: “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” included in this Current Report on Form 8-K. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of future performance.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011(3)
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
        2007(2)     
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
2,434,124

 
$
2,259,271

 
$
1,687,447

 
$
1,909,613

 
$
1,464,048

Cost of revenues
1,687,666

 
1,558,596

 
1,147,484

 
1,260,586

 
975,373

Gross profit
746,458

 
700,675

 
539,963

 
649,027

 
488,675

Operating income (loss)
(459,183
)
 
184,197

 
45,027

 
109,822

 
46,473

Net income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc.
(510,157
)
 
104,770

 
(2,249
)
 
19,811

 
(22,851
)
Earnings (loss) per common share-Basic
$
(12.56
)
 
$
2.60

 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
0.60

 
$
(0.77
)
Earnings (loss) per common share-Diluted
$
(12.56
)
 
$
2.56

 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
0.57

 
$
(0.77
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding-Basic
40,612

 
40,337

 
38,539

 
33,096

 
29,584

Weighted average common shares outstanding-Diluted
40,612

 
40,947

 
38,539

 
34,951

 
29,584

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Working capital(1)
$
329,632

 
$
178,483

 
$
282,532

 
$
293,296

 
$
249,579

Total assets
2,064,282

 
2,745,797

 
2,854,621

 
2,856,348

 
3,030,457

Total debt
452,502

 
610,941

 
781,764

 
1,151,767

 
1,538,799

Total Itron, Inc. shareholders' equity
906,925

 
1,428,295

 
1,400,514

 
1,058,776

 
790,435

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Financial Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash provided by operating activities
$
252,358

 
$
254,591

 
$
140,787

 
$
193,146

 
$
133,327

Cash used in investing activities
(78,741
)
 
(56,274
)
 
(53,994
)
 
(67,075
)
 
(1,714,416
)
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(209,453
)
 
(148,637
)
 
(114,121
)
 
(63,376
)
 
1,310,360

Capital expenditures
(60,076
)
 
(62,822
)
 
(52,906
)
 
(63,430
)
 
(40,602
)
 
(1)
Working capital represents current assets less current liabilities.

(2)
On April 18, 2007, we completed the acquisition of Actaris Metering Systems SA (Actaris). The Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2007 includes the operating activities of the Actaris acquisition from April 18, 2007 through December 31, 2007.

(3)
During 2011, we incurred a goodwill impairment charge of $584.8 million. In addition, restructuring projects were approved and commenced to increase efficiency and lower our cost of manufacturing, for which we incurred costs of $68.1 million in 2011. Refer to Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 5: Goodwill” and “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 13: Restructuring” included in this Current Report on Form 8-K for further disclosures regarding the goodwill impairment and restructuring charges.



EX-99.4 Updated "Item 7: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"


EXHIBIT 99.4

ITEM 7:    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”
included in this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Overview
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.

As part of our global reorganization that was announced in the first quarter of 2011, we now manage and report under two operating segments, Energy and Water. The transition to the new organizational structure, including changes to operations and financial and operational management systems was completed in the first quarter of 2012. Our historical segment information for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 has been restated to reflect our new 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.

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 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.

Total company revenues increased $174.9 million, or 8%, in 2011, compared with 2010. The revenue growth was driven by our Energy operating segment with an increase of $111.1 million, or 6%, in 2011, compared with 2010, while our Water operating segment increased $63.8 million, or 14%. Revenues increased $571.8 million, or 34%, in 2010, compared with 2009, primarily due to the deployment of our smart metering contracts in North America within the Energy operating segment. Total backlog was $1.3 billion, and twelve-month backlog was $766 million at December 31, 2011.

Total company gross margin decreased 30 basis points in 2011, compared with 2010, primarily due to increased warranty charges in both the Energy and Water operating segments. Certain administrative expenses in North America that were previously allocated to cost of revenues have been reclassified to general and administrative operating expenses to conform to our worldwide presentation. These reclassifications did not have a material impact to gross margin.

As a result of the significant decline in the price of our shares of common stock at the end of September 2011, our aggregate market value was significantly lower than the aggregate carrying value of our net assets. As a result, we performed an impairment test of our goodwill as of September 30, 2011, instead of our annual October 1 testing date, which resulted in a goodwill write-down of $584.8 million in 2011. The goodwill impairment was associated with two reporting units under the prior Itron International segment, Electricity, which is now part of the Energy operating segment, and Water. The goodwill impairment was not deductible for foreign tax purposes and therefore did not reduce the foreign tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2011.

As part of our global segment reorganization, during the second and third quarters of 2011 we performed a comprehensive review of our cost structure. On October 26, 2011, we announced projects to restructure our manufacturing operations in order to increase efficiency and lower our cost of manufacturing. Under the restructuring plan, we are implementing projects to close or consolidate several of our manufacturing facilities. Approximately one-third of our 31 global manufacturing locations will be impacted: six manufacturing facilities will be closed or sold, and operations at several other facilities will be reduced. Overall, we expect to reduce our workforce by approximately 7.5%. We expect to incur pre-tax restructuring charges totaling approximately $75 million to $85 million. A substantial portion of these charges are expected to be paid throughout 2012 and the first half of 2013. In 2012, we anticipate savings of approximately $15 million. We expect to achieve annualized cost savings of approximately $30 million by the end of 2013. 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. Restructuring costs of $68.1 million were recorded in 2011, primarily associated with severance accruals and the impairment of long-lived assets that will be sold.
The diluted loss per share was $12.56 in 2011, which consisted of a loss per share of $14.40 related to the goodwill impairment and a loss per share of $1.68 associated with restructuring charges.

1




Net debt repayments during the year ended December 31, 2011 were $178.1 million, reducing our total debt outstanding from $610.9 million to $452.5 million at December 31, 2011.

Total Company Revenues, Gross Profit and Margin, and Unit Shipments
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
% Change
 
2010
 
% Change
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Revenues
$
2,434,124

 
8%
 
$
2,259,271

 
34%
 
$
1,687,447

Gross Profit
$
746,458

 
7%
 
$
700,675

 
30%
 
$
539,963

Gross Margin
30.7
%
 
 
 
31.0
%
 
 
 
32.0
%
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Revenues by region
 
 
 
 
 
United States and Canada
$
1,182,775

 
$
1,168,523

 
$
606,472

Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)
899,642

 
803,154

 
852,343

Other
351,707

 
287,594

 
228,632

Total revenues
$
2,434,124

 
$
2,259,271

 
$
1,687,447


Revenues
Revenues increased 8%, or $174.9 million, in 2011, compared with 2010. The net translation effect of our operations denominated in foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar accounted for $60.6 million of the increase in revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared with 2010. Revenues increased 34%, or $571.8 million, in 2010, compared with 2009. Consolidated foreign currency fluctuations were minor in 2010, compared with 2009. A more detailed analysis of these fluctuations is provided in Operating Segment Results.

No single customer represented more than 10% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2009. For the year ended December 31, 2010, one customer within our Energy operating segment, Southern California Edison, represented 11% of total revenues. Our 10 largest customers accounted for 33%, 34%, and 17% of total revenues in 2011, 2010, and 2009.

Gross Margins
Gross margin was 30.7% for 2011, compared with 31.0% in 2010, primarily due to warranty charges incurred in both the Energy and Water operating segments. The unfavorable impact of the Water operating segment on the consolidated gross margin was partially offset by the improved gross margin in the Energy operating segment. A more detailed analysis of these fluctuations is provided in Operating Segment Results.


2



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:

 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(units in thousands)
Meters
 
 
 
Standard
19,570

 
20,010

 
21,210

Advanced and smart
9,320

 
8,440

 
3,820

Total meters
28,890

 
28,450

 
25,030

 
 
 
 
 
 
Stand-alone communication modules
 
 
 
 
 
Advanced and smart
6,330

 
5,960

 
3,830



3



Operating Segment Results

For a description of our operating segments, refer to Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 16: Segment Information” in this Current Report on Form 8-K. The following tables and discussion highlight significant changes in trends or components of each operating segment.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
% Change
 
2010
 
% Change
 
2009
 
 
Segment Revenues
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Energy
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Electricity
$
1,239,428

 
5%
 
$
1,185,892

 
56%
 
$
760,688

 
 
Gas
672,999

 
9%
 
615,450

 
22%
 
503,359

 
 
Total Energy
1,912,427

 
6%
 
1,801,342

 
43%
 
1,264,047

 
 
Water
521,697

 
14%
 
457,929

 
8%
 
423,400

 
 
Total revenues
$
2,434,124

 
8%
 
$
2,259,271

 
34%
 
$
1,687,447

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
Gross Profit
 
Gross Margin
 
Gross Profit
 
Gross Margin
 
Gross Profit
 
Gross Margin
Segment Gross Profit and Margin
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Energy
$
578,575

 
30.3%
 
$
541,900

 
30.1%
 
$
382,657

 
30.3%
Water
167,883

 
32.2%
 
158,775

 
34.7%
 
157,306

 
37.2%
Total gross profit and margin
$
746,458

 
30.7%
 
$
700,675

 
31.0%
 
$
539,963

 
32.0%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
Operating
Income (Loss)
 
Operating
Margin
 
Operating
Income (Loss)
 
Operating
Margin
 
Operating
Income (Loss)
 
Operating
Margin
Segment Operating Income (Loss)
and Operating Margin
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Energy
$
(112,831
)
 
(6)%
 
$
184,163

 
10%
 
$
29,914

 
2%
Water
(303,772
)
 
(58)%
 
43,611

 
10%
 
44,630

 
11%
Corporate unallocated
(42,580
)
 
 
 
(43,577
)
 
 
 
(29,517
)
 
 
Total Company
$
(459,183
)
 
(19)%
 
$
184,197

 
8%
 
$
45,027

 
3%

Energy:

Revenues - 2011 vs. 2010
Electricity revenues for 2011 increased by $53.5 million, or 5%, compared with 2010 revenues. Revenues for OpenWay electricity projects increased by $12.6 million, while revenues for prepayment meters in Asia/Pacific and Africa provided the balance of the increase.

Gas revenues increased by $57.5 million, or 9%, in 2011, compared to 2010, driven by increases in smart gas modules in North America and gas meters in Europe and Asia, partially offset by a $26.1 million decrease in OpenWay gas projects.

One customer represented 11% of the Energy operating segment revenues in 2011, and two customers individually represented 14% and 10% of the Energy operating segment revenues in 2010.

Revenues - 2010 vs. 2009
Electricity revenues increased $425.2 million, or 56%, in 2010, primarily due to the deployment of our smart metering contracts in 2010. Specifically, OpenWay electricity projects for 2010 increased by $437.4 million, compared with 2009.

Gas revenues increased $112.1 million, or 22%, in 2010, compared with 2009. The increase was driven primarily by increased smart gas module shipments of $62.9 million in North America and OpenWay gas projects of $30.1 million in 2010.

No single customer represented more than 10% of the Energy operating segment revenues in 2009.


4



Gross Margin - 2011 vs. 2010
Gross margin was 30.3% in 2011, compared with 30.1% in 2010. Increased revenues and margins for smart gas communication modules and non-OpenWay services were partially offset by higher warranty charges of $7.4 million in 2011.

Gross Margin - 2010 vs. 2009
Gross margin decreased 20 basis points in 2010, due to a higher mix of smart metering systems and technology, which had lower margins than advanced metering systems and technology.

Operating Expenses - 2011 vs. 2010
Energy operating expenses in 2011 included a goodwill impairment charge of $254.7 million associated with the Electricity reporting unit, as discussed in Overview. Operating expenses included restructuring expenses of $51.9 million primarily associated with accrued severance and asset impairments. Operating expenses (including sales and marketing, product development, general and administrative, and amortization of intangible assets) increased $27.1 million, or 8%, in 2011, primarily due to increased product development costs for new and enhanced products. This increase was partially offset by scheduled decreases in amortization of intangible assets and decreased bonus, profit sharing, and employee savings plan match expenses. Operating expenses, consisting of sales and marketing, product development, general and administrative, and amortization of intangible assets, as a percentage of revenues were 20% in 2011 and 2010.
 
Operating Expenses - 2010 vs. 2009
Energy operating expenses increased $5.0 million, or 1%, in 2010, primarily due to increased compensation expense from the reinstatement of our bonus, profit sharing, and employee savings plan match, as well as increased product development costs for new and enhanced products. These increased expenses were partially offset by a scheduled decrease in amortization of intangible assets. As a result of higher revenues, operating expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased to 20% in 2010, compared with 28% in 2009.

Water:

Revenues - 2011 vs. 2010
Revenues increased $63.8 million, or 14%, in 2011, primarily driven by increased meter and smart module shipments in Europe. In addition, the net translation effect of foreign currencies into the U.S. dollar accounted for $15.0 million of the increase in revenues.

No single customer represented more than 10% of Water operating segment revenues in 2011, 2010, and 2009.

Revenues - 2010 vs. 2009
Revenues increased $34.5 million, or 8%, in 2010, primarily driven by increased meter and module shipments in Europe and Asia.

Gross Margin - 2011 vs. 2010
Water gross margin decreased to 32.2% in 2011, compared with 34.7% in 2010, primarily due to a combination of competitive pricing pressures and higher materials costs, including copper, as well as warranty charges of $12.6 million associated with a vendor supplied component.

Gross Margin - 2010 vs. 2009
Gross margin decreased to 34.7% in 2010 from 37.2% in 2009, primarily due to higher material costs, such as brass, and increased warranty expense in 2010.

Operating Expenses - 2011 vs. 2010
Water operating expenses in 2011 included a goodwill impairment charge of $330.1 million associated with the Water reporting unit, as discussed in Overview. Operating expenses included restructuring expenses of $15.3 million primarily associated with accrued severance and asset impairments. Operating expenses (including sales and marketing, product development, general and administrative, and amortization of intangible assets) increased $11.1 million in 2011, compared with 2010. Operating expenses, consisting of sales and marketing, product development, general and administrative, and amortization of intangible assets, as a percentage of revenue were 24%, compared with 25% in 2010.
 
Operating Expenses - 2010 vs. 2009
Operating expenses were $115.2 million, or 25% of revenues, for 2010, compared with $112.7 million, or 27% of revenues, for 2009. The $2.5 million increase was the result of increased sales and marketing, product development, and general and administrative expenses, partially offset by a scheduled reduction in amortization of intangible assets.


5



Corporate unallocated:

Operating expenses not directly associated with an operating segment are classified as “Corporate unallocated.” These expenses decreased 2% to $42.6 million in 2011, compared with 2010, primarily due to decreased bonus and profit sharing expense. Corporate unallocated expenses increased $14.1 million in 2010, compared with 2009, primarily due to increased compensation expense from the reinstatement of our bonus and profit sharing plans.

Operating Expenses

The following table details our total operating expenses in dollars and as a percentage of revenues:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
% of
Revenues
 
2010
 
% of
Revenues
 
2009
 
% of
Revenues
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Sales and marketing
$
185,105

 
8%
 
$
171,035

 
8%
 
$
151,783

 
9%
Product development
161,305

 
7%
 
139,166

 
6%
 
121,032

 
7%
General and administrative
142,908

 
6%
 
137,226

 
6%
 
123,548

 
7%
Amortization of intangible assets
63,394

 
3%
 
69,051

 
3%
 
98,573

 
6%
Restructuring expense
68,082

 
3%
 

 
—%
 

 
—%
Goodwill impairment
584,847

 
24%
 

 
—%
 

 
—%
Total operating expenses
$
1,205,641

 
50%
 
$
516,478

 
23%
 
$
494,936

 
29%

2011 vs. 2010
Operating expenses in 2011 included a goodwill impairment of $584.8 million associated with two of our reporting units, as discussed in Overview. Restructuring expenses were $68.1 million primarily associated with accrued severance and asset impairments. Operating expenses, consisting of sales and marketing, product development, general and administrative, and amortization of intangible assets, increased $36.2 million in 2011, compared with 2010, of which $13.1 million represented the net translation effect of foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar. Operating expenses, consisting of sales and marketing, product development, general and administrative, and amortization of intangible assets, as a percentage of revenue were 23% in 2011 and 2010. Higher costs related to product development for new and enhanced products, as well as higher marketing expense associated with the pursuit of smart grid opportunities were partially offset by a scheduled decrease in amortization of intangible assets.

2010 vs. 2009
Operating expenses increased $21.5 million, or 4%, in 2010, compared with 2009, primarily as a result of increased compensation expense, which was partially offset by lower amortization of intangible assets of $29.5 million and foreign exchange fluctuations of $2.9 million.

Other Income (Expense)

The following table shows the components of other income (expense):
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Interest income
$
862

 
$
592

 
$
1,186

Interest expense
(31,079
)
 
(49,412
)
 
(62,053
)
Amortization of prepaid debt fees
(5,715
)
 
(5,492
)
 
(8,258
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net

 

 
(12,800
)
Other income (expense), net
(6,651
)
 
(5,440
)
 
(10,377
)
Total other income (expense)
$
(42,583
)
 
$
(59,752
)
 
$
(92,302
)

Interest income: Interest income is generated from our cash and cash equivalents. Interest rates have continued to remain low.

Interest expense: Interest expense continues to decline each period as a result of our declining principal balance of debt outstanding.

6



Total debt was $452.5 million, $610.9 million, and $781.8 million at December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Amortization of prepaid debt fees: Amortization of prepaid debt fees in 2011 was higher than 2010 due to the $2.4 million write-off of unamortized prepaid debt fees associated with our 2007 credit facility that was replaced with the 2011 credit facility. Amortization of prepaid debt fees fluctuate each year as debt is repaid early. As debt is repaid early, the related portion of unamortized prepaid debt fees is written-off. Refer to Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 6: Debt” in this Current Report on Form 8-K for additional details related to our long-term borrowings.
Loss on extinguishment of debt: During the first quarter of 2009, we entered into exchange agreements with certain holders of our convertible senior subordinated notes (convertible notes) to issue, in the aggregate, approximately 2.3 million shares of common stock, valued at $132.9 million, in exchange for, in the aggregate, $121.0 million principal amount of the convertible notes, representing 35% of the aggregate principal outstanding at the date of the exchanges. As a result, we recognized a net loss on extinguishment of debt of $10.3 million, calculated as the inducement loss, plus an allocation of advisory fees less the revaluation gain. For a description of the redemption of our subordinated notes and the induced conversion of a portion of our convertible notes, refer to Item 8: "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 6: Debt" included in this Current Report on Form 8-K.
During the second quarter of 2009, we paid the remaining $109.2 million outstanding balance of our senior subordinated notes and recognized a loss on extinguishment of $2.5 million.

Other income (expense), net: Other expenses, net, consist primarily of unrealized and realized foreign currency gains and losses due to balances denominated in a currency other than the reporting entity's functional currency and other non-operating income (expenses). Foreign currency losses, net of hedging, were $4.7 million in 2011, compared with net foreign currency losses of $3.1 million in 2010 and $5.7 million in 2009.

7



Financial Condition

Cash Flow Information:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Operating activities
$
252,358

 
$
254,591

 
$
140,787

Investing activities
(78,741
)
 
(56,274
)
 
(53,994
)
Financing activities
(209,453
)
 
(148,637
)
 
(114,121
)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
(555
)
 
(2,096
)
 
4,831

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
(36,391
)
 
$
47,584

 
$
(22,497
)

Cash and cash equivalents was $133.1 million at December 31, 2011, compared with $169.5 million at December 31, 2010. The decrease in the cash and cash equivalents balance during 2011 was primarily the result of repayments of debt, the repurchase of common stock, and minor business acquisitions in 2011. Cash and cash equivalents was $169.5 million at December 31, 2010, compared with $121.9 million at December 31, 2009, primarily due to improved operating results, partially offset by increased debt repayments.

Operating activities
Cash provided by operating activities in 2011, inclusive of the impact of $12.8 million in cash payments made related to restructuring projects in 2011, was relatively constant when compared with 2010. The $113.8 million increase in cash provided by operating activities for 2010 directly corresponds with the increase in our 2010 net income, compared with 2009.

Investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities in 2011 was $22.5 million higher, compared with 2010. Several business acquisitions totaling $20.1 million contributed to the increase in 2011, while property, plant, and equipment acquisitions in 2011 were comparable with 2010. Acquisitions of property, plant, and equipment in 2010 increased 19%, compared with 2009, as a result of the timing of payments between the two years.

Financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities in 2011 was $60.8 million higher, compared with 2010. During 2011, net repayments on borrowings were $178.1 million compared with $155.2 million in 2010. On October 24, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program of up to $100 million of our common stock through October 23, 2012. During 2011, we repurchased $29.4 million of our common stock. Refer to Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 14: Shareholders' Equity” in this Current Report on Form 8-K for additional details related to our share repurchase program.

During 2010, we repaid $155.2 million in borrowings, compared with $275.8 million in 2009, which included utilizing $160.4 million in net proceeds from a public offering of approximately 3.2 million shares of common stock.

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
Changes in exchange rates on the cash balances of currencies held in foreign denominations resulted in decreases of $555,000 and $2.1 million in 2011 and 2010 and an increase of $4.8 million in 2009. 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.
Non-cash transactions:
During 2009, we completed exchanges with certain holders of our convertible notes in which we issued, in the aggregate, approximately 2.3 million shares of common stock recorded at $123.4 million, in exchange for $107.8 million net carrying amount of the convertible notes and the reversal of deferred taxes of $5.8 million. Refer to Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplemental Data, Note 6: Debt” included in this Current Report on Form 8-K for a further discussion associated with the exchange agreements and the derecognition requirement for induced conversions.

Off-balance sheet arrangements:

We have no off-balance sheet financing agreements or guarantees as defined by Item 303 of Regulation S-K at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 that we believe are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

8




Disclosures about contractual obligations and commitments:

The following table summarizes our known obligations to make future payments pursuant to certain contracts as of December 31, 2011, as well as an estimate of the timing in which these obligations are expected to be satisfied.

 
 
Total
 
Less than
1 year
 
1-3
years
 
3-5
years
 
Beyond
5 years
 
 
(in thousands)
2011 credit facility(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
USD denominated term loan
 
$
318,143

 
$
19,922

 
$
55,568

 
$
242,653

 
$

Multicurrency revolving line of credit
 
176,967

 
2,747

 
6,512

 
167,708

 

Operating lease obligations(2)
 
48,426

 
13,331

 
17,776

 
10,976

 
6,343

Purchase and service commitments(3)
 
232,022

 
231,722

 
295

 
5

 

Other long-term liabilities reflected on the balance sheet
under generally accepted accounting principles(4)
 
129,204

 

 
65,676

 
18,350

 
45,178

Total
 
$
904,762

 
$
267,722

 
$
145,827

 
$
439,692

 
$
51,521

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1) 
Borrowings are disclosed within Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 6: Debt” included in this Current Report on Form 8-K, with the addition of estimated interest expense but not including the amortization of prepaid debt fees.

(2) 
Operating lease obligations are disclosed in Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 12: Commitments and Contingencies” included in this Current Report on Form 8-K and do not include common area maintenance charges, real estate taxes, and insurance charges for which we are obligated.

(3) 
We enter into standard purchase orders in the ordinary course of business that typically obligate us to purchase materials and other items. Purchase orders can vary in terms, which include open-ended agreements that provide for estimated quantities over an extended shipment period, typically up to one year at an established unit cost. Our long-term executory purchase agreements that contain termination clauses have been classified as less than one year, as the commitments are the estimated amounts we would be required to pay at December 31, 2011 if the commitments were canceled.

(4) 
Other long-term liabilities consist of warranty obligations, estimated pension benefit payments, and other obligations. Estimated pension benefit payments include amounts through 2021. Noncurrent unrecognized tax benefits totaling $26.3 million recorded in other long-term liabilities, which include interest and penalties, are not included in the above contractual obligations and commitments table as we cannot reliably estimate the period of cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities.

9



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 $329.6 million at December 31, 2011, compared with $178.5 million at December 31, 2010.

Borrowings
On August 1, 2011, in accordance with the terms of the convertible notes, we repurchased $184.8 million of the convertible notes at their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. On September 30, 2011, we redeemed the remaining $38.8 million of the convertible notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The convertible notes were repurchased and redeemed using a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under our credit facilities.

On August 5, 2011, we entered into an $800 million senior secured credit facility (the 2011 credit facility), which replaced the senior secured credit facility we entered into in 2007. The 2011 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 $500 million. At December 31, 2011, $160 million was outstanding under the revolver, and $44.5 million was utilized by outstanding standby letters of credit, resulting in $295.5 million available for additional borrowings.

For further description of the term loan and the revolver under our 2011 credit facility, refer to Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 6: Debt” included in this Current Report on Form 8-K.

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 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 12: Commitments and Contingencies” included in this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Share Repurchase
On October 24, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program of up to $100 million of our common stock through October 23, 2012. 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 2011, we repurchased $29.4 million of our common stock. Refer to Item 5: “Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details related to our share repurchase program.

Restructuring
On October 26, 2011, we announced projects to restructure our manufacturing operations to increase efficiency and lower our cost of manufacturing. Under the restructuring, we are implementing projects to close or consolidate several of our manufacturing facilities. Approximately one-third of our 31 global manufacturing locations will be impacted: six manufacturing facilities will be closed or sold, and operations at several other facilities will be reduced. Overall, we expect to reduce our global workforce by approximately 7.5%. We expect to incur pre-tax restructuring charges totaling approximately $75 million to $85 million. A substantial portion of these charges are expected to be paid throughout 2012 and the first half of 2013. In 2012, we anticipate savings of approximately $15 million. We expect to achieve annualized cost savings of approximately $30 million by the end of 2013. 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. Restructuring costs of $68.1 million were recorded in 2011, primarily associated with severance accruals and the impairment of long-lived assets that will be sold.

Income Tax
Our tax provision (benefit) as a percentage of income (loss) before tax typically differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35%. Changes in our actual tax rate are subject to several factors, including fluctuations in operating results, new or revised tax legislation and accounting pronouncements, changes in the level of business in domestic and foreign jurisdictions, tax credits (including research and development and foreign tax), state income taxes, adjustments to valuation allowances, timing of payments for accrued expenses, and interest expense and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, among other items. Changes in tax laws and unanticipated tax liabilities could significantly impact our tax rate.

Our tax expense as a percentage of loss before tax was (0.9%) for 2011. Our actual tax rate was lower than the 35% U.S. federal statutory tax rate primarily due to: (1) the impact of the goodwill impairment, which was not deductible; (2) projected earnings in tax jurisdictions with rates lower than 35%; (3) the benefit of certain interest expense deductions; (4) a benefit related to the settlement of foreign tax litigation; and (5) an election under U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 338 with respect to a foreign acquisition in 2007.

10



Our tax expense as a percentage of income before tax was 12.8% for 2010. Our actual tax rate was lower than the 35% U.S. federal statutory tax rate primarily due to: (1) earnings of our subsidiaries outside of the United States in jurisdictions where our effective tax rate is lower than in the United States; and (2) the de-recognition of a reserve for uncertain tax positions due to a change in the method of depreciation for certain foreign subsidiaries.

Our tax benefit as a percentage of loss before tax was 92.7% for 2009. Our actual tax benefit for 2009 was higher than the U.S. federal statutory rate due to a variety of factors, including: (1) lower effective tax rates on certain international earnings due to an election made under Internal Revenue Code Section 338 with respect to the Actaris acquisition in 2007; (2) benefit of foreign interest expense deductions; (3) tax planning and tax elections regarding the repatriation of foreign earnings and the associated foreign tax credits; (4) a decrease in pretax income in high tax jurisdictions for the year; and (5) a refund of taxes previously paid in foreign tax audits.

Our deferred tax assets consist primarily of tax losses and tax credits that can be carried forward.

Our deferred tax assets at December 31, 2011 do not include the tax effect on $53.9 million of tax benefits from employee stock plan exercises. Common stock will be increased by $20.4 million when such excess tax benefits reduce cash taxes payable.

Our cash income tax payments for 2011, 2010, and 2009 were as follows:

 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
U.S. federal taxes paid
$
5,900

 
$
4,060

 
$

State income taxes paid
2,450

 
505

 
559

Foreign and local income taxes paid
19,779

 
25,577

 
31,161

Total income taxes paid
$
28,129

 
$
30,142

 
$
31,720


For 2009 we had operating losses for U.S. federal income tax purposes and did not pay significant cash taxes. Based on current projections, we expect to pay, net of refunds, approximately $8.5 million in U.S. federal taxes, $2.6 million in state taxes, and $19.8 million in foreign and local income taxes in 2012.

As of December 31, 2011, there was $53 million of cash and short-term investments held by foreign subsidiaries that could require repatriation in order to fund U.S. operations. Tax is one of 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.

Other Liquidity Considerations
For a description of our funded and unfunded non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans and our expected 2011 contributions, refer to Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 8: Defined Benefit Pension Plans” included in this Current Report on Form 8-K.

At December 31, 2011, we have accrued $26 million of bonus and profit sharing plans expense for the achievement of annual financial and nonfinancial targets, compared with $45 million at December 31, 2010. These awards will be paid in cash during the first quarter of 2012.

The Company conducts business in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, which have been experiencing significant financial stress. As of December 31, 2011, we had trade receivables in these countries of approximately 2% of consolidated total assets. As of December 31, 2011, we did not have any marketable investments in corporate or sovereign government debt securities in these countries.

We expect to grow through a combination of internal new product development, licensing technology from and to others, distribution agreements, partnership arrangements, and acquisitions of technology or other companies. We expect these activities to be funded with existing cash, cash flow from operations, borrowings, and the 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 the stability of 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” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

11



Contingencies

Refer to Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 12: Commitments and Contingencies” included in this Current Report on Form 8-K.
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. 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 which 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.

On January 1, 2010, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2009‑13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) - Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) and ASU 2009‑14, Software (Topic 985), Certain Revenue Arrangements That Include Software Elements (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) on a prospective basis for new arrangements and arrangements that have been materially modified. This new guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements as we already had the ability to divide the deliverables within our revenue arrangements into separate units of accounting.
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.

For arrangements entered into or materially modified after January 1, 2010, 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.


12



Warranty
We offer standard warranties on our hardware products and large application software products. We accrue the estimated cost of warranty claims based on historical and projected product performance trends and costs. 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. If our quality control efforts fail to detect a fault in one of our products, we could experience an increase in warranty claims. We track warranty claims to identify potential warranty trends. If an unusual trend is noted, an additional warranty accrual may be assessed and recorded when a failure event is probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated. When new products are introduced, our process relies on historical averages until sufficient data are available. As actual experience 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 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 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 postemployment 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. An impairment may be recorded for assets that are abandoned, sold for less than net book value, or held for sale in which the estimated proceeds are less than the net book value less costs to sell. If an asset group is considered a business, the asset group may consist of property, plant, equipment, intangible assets, and goodwill.

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 future 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
We estimate income tax expense in each of the taxing jurisdictions in which we operate. Changes in our actual tax rate are subject to several factors, including fluctuations in operating results, new or revised tax legislation and accounting pronouncements, changes in the level of business in domestic and foreign jurisdictions, tax credits (including research and development and foreign tax), state income taxes, adjustments to valuation allowances, timing of payments for accrued expenses, and interest expense and penalties related to uncertain positions, among other items. Changes in tax laws and unanticipated tax liabilities could significantly impact our tax rate.

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 all 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. Our 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 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.


13



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 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 intangible assets have a finite life and are amortized over their estimated useful lives based on estimated discounted cash flows. Intangible assets are tested for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.

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. Prior to 2012, we had four reporting units: Itron North America (INA), Itron International (INL) Electricity, INL Gas, and INL Water. Effective January 1, 2012, our three new reporting units are Electricity, Gas, and Water. Our new Energy operating segment comprises the Electricity and Gas reporting units, while our new Water operating segment represents one reporting unit. In the first quarter of 2012, we reallocated the goodwill from our former INA segment and reporting unit to the three new reporting units based on the relative fair values of the electricity, gas, and water product lines within INA on January 1, 2012. We also reassigned the goodwill from our former INL Electricity, INL Gas, and INL Water reporting units to the new reporting units, Electricity, Gas, and Water, respectively.

We test goodwill for impairment each year as of October 1, or more frequently should a significant impairment indicator occur. The impairment test for goodwill involves comparing the fair value 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 for a goodwill impairment loss. This step revalues all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit to their current fair values 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 our aggregate market value of our shares of common stock on the date of valuation, while considering a reasonable control premium.

As a result of the significant decline in the price of our shares of common stock at the end of September 2011, our aggregate market value was significantly lower than the aggregate carrying value of our net assets. As a result, we performed an interim impairment test of our goodwill as of September 30, 2011, instead of our annual October 1 testing date. The goodwill impairment did not impact the debt covenants compliance under the Company's existing credit facility.

The goodwill impairment before the reorganization into the new reporting units was associated with two reporting units from the Itron International operating segment. The goodwill balance before and after the goodwill impairment was as follows:



14



Reporting Unit
 
Before Impairment
 
Impairment
 
After Impairment
 
 
(in thousands)
Itron International - Electricity
 
$
363,626

 
$
254,735

 
$
108,891

Itron International - Water
 
389,308

 
330,112

 
59,196

 
 
 
 
$
584,847

 


Following the allocation of goodwill from the previous reporting units to the new reporting units (Electricity, Gas, and Water) on January 1, 2012, the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded the carrying value by a minimum of 35%.

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 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.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans
We sponsor both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans for certain 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 (loss) (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 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 92% of our benefit obligation, we use two discount rates, (separated between shorter and longer duration 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 10% of the highest and lowest yielding bonds within each maturity group. The discount rates derived for our shorter duration euro denominated plans (less than 10 years) and longer duration plans (greater than 10 years) were 4.50% and 5.25%, respectively. The weighted average discount rate used to measure the projected benefit obligation for all of the plans at December 31, 2011 was 5.51%. A change of 25 basis points in the discount rate would change our pension benefit obligation by approximately $2.3 million. The financial and actuarial assumptions used at December 31, 2011 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 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 8: Defined Benefit Pension Plans” for our expected contributions for 2012.


15



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 life. In valuing our stock options, 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 is based on the historical and implied volatility of our own common stock. 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 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.






16
EX-99.5 Updated Part II, "Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data"

EXHIBIT 99.5

ITEM 8:    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Itron, Inc.
Management is responsible for the preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related information appearing in this report. Management believes that the consolidated financial statements fairly reflect the form and substance of transactions and that the financial statements reasonably present our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Management has included in our financial statements amounts based on estimates and judgments that it believes are reasonable under the circumstances.
Management’s explanation and interpretation of our overall operating results and financial position, with the basic financial statements presented, should be read in conjunction with the entire report. The notes to the consolidated financial statements, an integral part of the basic financial statements, provide additional detailed financial information. Our Board of Directors has an Audit/Finance Committee composed of independent directors. The Committee meets regularly with financial management and Ernst & Young LLP to review internal control, auditing, and financial reporting matters.
 
 
 
LeRoy D. Nosbaum
Steven M. Helmbrecht
President and Chief Executive Officer
Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

1



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Itron, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Itron, Inc. as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule, which is included in Itron, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Itron, Inc. at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Itron, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 16, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Seattle, Washington
February 16, 2012, except for Notes 1, 5, 13, and 16, as to which the date is May 24, 2012

2



ITRON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
Revenues
 
$
2,434,124

 
$
2,259,271

 
$
1,687,447

Cost of revenues
 
1,687,666

 
1,558,596

 
1,147,484

Gross profit
 
746,458

 
700,675

 
539,963

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales and marketing
 
185,105

 
171,035

 
151,783

Product development
 
161,305

 
139,166

 
121,032

General and administrative
 
142,908

 
137,226

 
123,548

Amortization of intangible assets
 
63,394

 
69,051

 
98,573

Restructuring expense
 
68,082

 

 

Goodwill impairment
 
584,847

 

 

Total operating expenses
 
1,205,641

 
516,478

 
494,936

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
 
(459,183
)
 
184,197

 
45,027

Other income (expense)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
862

 
592

 
1,186

Interest expense
 
(36,794
)
 
(54,904
)
 
(70,311
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net
 

 

 
(12,800
)
Other income (expense), net
 
(6,651
)
 
(5,440
)
 
(10,377
)
Total other income (expense)
 
(42,583
)
 
(59,752
)
 
(92,302
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
(501,766
)
 
124,445

 
(47,275
)
Income tax (provision) benefit
 
(4,430
)
 
(15,974
)
 
43,825

Net income (loss)
 
(506,196
)
 
108,471

 
(3,450
)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
$
3,961

 
$
3,701

 
$
(1,201
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc.
 
$
(510,157
)
 
$
104,770

 
$
(2,249
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic
 
$
(12.56
)
 
$
2.60

 
$
(0.06
)
Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted
 
$
(12.56
)
 
$
2.56

 
$
(0.06
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic
 
40,612

 
40,337

 
38,539

Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted
 
40,612

 
40,947

 
38,539

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


3


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

 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
(in thousands)
Net income (loss)
 
$
(506,196
)
 
$
108,471

 
$
(3,450
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
1,054

 
(124,304
)
 
40,267

Unrealized gains (losses) on hedging instruments:
 

 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, designated as cash flow hedges
 
1,909

 
(2,930
)
 
(6,776
)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on nonderivative hedging instruments
 
(8,866
)
 
15,825

 
(2,364
)
Net hedging loss (gain) reclassified into net income (loss)
 
2,611

 
7,371

 
8,612

Pension plan benefit liability adjustment
 
852

 
(2,179
)
 
(3,427
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
(2,440
)
 
(106,217
)
 
36,312

Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
(508,636
)
 
2,254

 
32,862

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
3,961

 
3,701

 
(1,201
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(254
)
 
(113
)
 
(725
)
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
3,707

 
3,588

 
(1,926
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc.
 
$
(512,343
)
 
$
(1,334
)
 
$
34,788

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

4



ITRON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
ASSETS
(in thousands)
Current assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
133,086

 
$
169,477

Accounts receivable, net
371,641

 
371,662

Inventories
195,837

 
208,157

Deferred tax assets current, net
58,172

 
55,351

Other current assets
81,618

 
77,570

Total current assets
840,354

 
882,217

 
 
 
 
Property, plant, and equipment, net
262,670

 
299,242

Deferred tax assets noncurrent, net
22,144

 
35,050

Other long-term assets
62,704

 
28,242

Intangible assets, net
239,500

 
291,670

Goodwill
636,910

 
1,209,376

Total assets
$
2,064,282

 
$
2,745,797

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
246,775

 
$
241,949

Other current liabilities
53,734

 
49,690

Wages and benefits payable
93,730

 
110,479

Taxes payable
11,526

 
19,725

Current portion of debt
15,000

 
228,721

Current portion of warranty
52,588

 
24,912

Unearned revenue
37,369

 
28,258

Total current liabilities
510,722

 
703,734

 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
437,502

 
382,220

Long-term warranty
26,948

 
26,371

Pension plan benefit liability
62,449

 
61,450

Deferred tax liabilities noncurrent, net
31,699

 
54,412

Other long-term obligations
73,417

 
78,402

Total liabilities
1,142,737

 
1,306,589

 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies

 

 
 
 
 
Equity
 
 
 
Preferred stock, no par value, 10 million shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding

 

Common stock, no par value, 75 million shares authorized, 40,032 and 40,431 shares issued and outstanding
1,319,222

 
1,328,249

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
(37,160
)
 
(34,974
)
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings
(375,137
)
 
135,020

Total Itron, Inc. shareholders' equity
906,925

 
1,428,295

Noncontrolling interests
14,620

 
10,913

Total equity
921,545

 
1,439,208

Total liabilities and equity
$
2,064,282

 
$
2,745,797

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

5


ITRON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(in thousands)
 
 
Shares        
 
Amount        
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
(Accumulated Deficit)
Retained Earnings
 
Total Itron, Inc. shareholders' equity
 
Noncontrolling interests
 
Total equity
Balances at December 31, 2008
34,486

 
$
992,184

 
$
34,093

 
$
32,499

 
$
1,058,776

 
$
931

 
$
1,059,707

Net loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,249
)
 
(2,249
)
 
(1,201
)
 
(3,450
)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
 
 
 
37,037

 
 
 
37,037

 
(725
)
 
36,312

Transfer of shares to noncontrolling interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8,320

 
8,320

Stock issues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Options exercised
146

 
3,168

 
 
 
 
 
3,168

 
 
 
3,168

Restricted stock awards released
30

 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Issuance of stock-based compensation awards
4

 
254

 
 
 
 
 
254

 
 
 
254

Employee stock purchase plan
62

 
2,934

 
 
 
 
 
2,934

 
 
 
2,934

Stock-based compensation expense
 
 
16,728

 
 
 
 
 
16,728

 
 
 
16,728

Exchange of debt for common stock
2,252

 
123,442

 
 
 
 
 
123,442

 
 
 
123,442

Issuance of common stock
3,163

 
160,424

 
 
 
 
 
160,424

 
 
 
160,424

Balances at December 31, 2009
40,143

 
$
1,299,134

 
$
71,130

 
$
30,250

 
$
1,400,514

 
$
7,325

 
$
1,407,839

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
104,770

 
104,770

 
3,701

 
108,471

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
 
 
 
(106,104
)
 
 
 
(106,104
)
 
(113
)
 
(106,217
)
Stock issues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Options exercised
148

 
5,933

 
 
 
 
 
5,933

 
 
 
5,933

Restricted stock awards released
84

 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Issuance of stock-based compensation awards
5

 
364

 
 
 
 
 
364

 
 
 
364

Employee stock purchase plan
51

 
2,843

 
 
 
 
 
2,843

 
 
 
2,843

Stock-based compensation expense
 
 
18,743

 
 
 
 
 
18,743

 
 
 
18,743

Employee stock plans income tax benefits
 
 
1,232

 
 
 
 
 
1,232

 
 
 
1,232

Balances at December 31, 2010
40,431

 
$
1,328,249

 
$
(34,974
)
 
$
135,020

 
$
1,428,295

 
10,913

 
$
1,439,208

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
(510,157
)
 
(510,157
)
 
3,961

 
(506,196
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
 
 
 
(2,186
)
 
 
 
(2,186
)
 
(254
)
 
(2,440
)
Stock issues and repurchases:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Options exercised
42

 
832

 
 
 
 
 
832

 
 
 
832

Restricted stock awards released
271

 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Issuance of stock-based compensation awards
12

 
469

 
 
 
 
 
469

 
 
 
469

Employee stock purchase plan
99

 
3,793

 
 
 
 
 
3,793

 
 
 
3,793

Stock-based compensation expense
 
 
15,942

 
 
 
 
 
15,942

 
 
 
15,942

Employee stock plans income tax benefits
 
 
(635
)
 
 
 
 
 
(635
)
 
 
 
(635
)
Repurchase of common stock
(823
)
 
(29,428
)
 
 
 
 
 
(29,428
)
 
 
 
(29,428
)
Balances at December 31, 2011
40,032

 
$
1,319,222

 
$
(37,160
)
 
$
(375,137
)
 
$
906,925

 
$
14,620

 
$
921,545

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

6



ITRON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(506,196
)
 
$
108,471

 
$
(3,450
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
129,466

 
131,205

 
155,737

Stock-based compensation
16,411

 
19,107

 
16,982

Amortization of prepaid debt fees
5,715

 
5,492

 
8,258

Amortization of convertible debt discount
5,336

 
10,099

 
9,673

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 
9,960

Deferred taxes, net
(12,985
)
 
(17,992
)
 
(64,216
)
Goodwill impairment
584,847

 

 

Restructuring expense, non-cash (see Note 13)
25,144

 

 

Other adjustments, net
(44
)
 
1,864

 
4,303

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(22,770
)
 
(45,612
)
 
(2,962
)
Inventories
6,389

 
(41,417
)
 
3,535

Other current assets
(3,859
)
 
(7,655
)
 
(14,244
)
Other long-term assets
(17,401
)
 
(8,436
)
 
(4,665
)
Accounts payables, other current liabilities, and taxes payable
22,715

 
40,884

 
9,873

Wages and benefits payable
(19,813
)
 
42,245

 
(8,261
)
Unearned revenue
19,070

 
(2,356
)
 
14,836

Warranty
29,616

 
14,656

 
(5,273
)
Other operating, net
(9,283
)
 
4,036

 
10,701

Net cash provided by operating activities
252,358

 
254,591

 
140,787

 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisitions of property, plant, and equipment
(60,076
)
 
(62,822
)
 
(52,906
)
Business acquisitions, net of cash equivalents acquired
(20,092
)
 

 
(4,317
)
Other investing, net
1,427

 
6,548

 
3,229

Net cash used in investing activities
(78,741
)
 
(56,274
)
 
(53,994
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from borrowings
670,000

 



Payments on debt
(848,054
)
 
(155,163
)
 
(275,796
)
Issuance of common stock
4,625

 
8,776

 
166,372

Repurchase of common stock
(29,428
)
 

 

Other financing, net
(6,596
)
 
(2,250
)
 
(4,697
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(209,453
)
 
(148,637
)
 
(114,121
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(555
)
 
(2,096
)
 
4,831

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(36,391
)
 
47,584

 
(22,497
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
169,477

 
121,893

 
144,390

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
133,086

 
$
169,477

 
$
121,893

 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-cash transactions:
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant, and equipment purchased but not yet paid, net
$
744

 
$
(5,921
)
 
$
3,719

Exchange of debt (face value) for common stock (see Note 6)

 

 
120,984

 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
 
 
Income taxes, net
$
28,128

 
$
30,142

 
$
31,720

Interest, net of amounts capitalized
28,047

 
39,315

 
54,503

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

7


ITRON, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2011

In this Annual Report, 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 consolidated financial statements presented in this Annual Report include the Consolidated Statements of Operations, Comprehensive Income (Loss), Equity, and Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 and the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 of Itron, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

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 have been 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.

Reclassification
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the  classifications in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, which became effective on January 1, 2012. These reclassifications relate to certain administrative expenses in North America that were previously allocated to cost of revenues and sales and marketing and product development operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 but have been reclassified to general and administrative operating expenses to conform to our worldwide presentation.  These reclassifications did not have a material impact on gross profit and had no impact on income (loss) before income taxes, net income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc., earnings (loss) per share, or total equity.

Business Acquisition
In January 2011, we completed the acquisition of Asais S.A.S. and Asais Conseil S.A.S. (collectively Asais), an energy information management software and consulting services provider, located in France. The acquisition consisted of cash and contingent consideration. Additional acquisitions were completed in 2011. These 2011 acquisitions were immaterial to our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. (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.


8


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 14 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 10 years for machinery and equipment, computers and purchased software, and furniture. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized 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 or 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 statement of operations according to the use of the asset, except those recognized in conjunction with our restructuring projects 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 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, are measured and recorded at fair value, and amortized over the estimated useful life. 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.

9


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.

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 intangible assets have a finite life and are amortized over their estimated useful lives based on estimated discounted cash flows. Intangible assets are tested for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.

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. Prior to 2012, we had four reporting units: Itron North America (INA), Itron International (INL) Electricity, INL Gas, and INL Water. Effective January 1, 2012, our three new reporting units are Electricity, Gas, and Water. Our new Energy operating segment comprises the Electricity and Gas reporting units, while our new Water operating segment comprises the Water reporting unit. In the first quarter of 2012, we reallocated the goodwill from our former INA reporting unit to the three new reporting units based on the relative fair values of the electricity, gas, and water product lines within INA on January 1, 2012. We also reassigned the goodwill from our former INL Electricity, INL Gas, and INL Water reporting units to the new reporting units, Electricity, Gas, and Water, respectively.

We test goodwill for impairment each year as of October 1, or more frequently should a significant impairment indicator occur. The impairment test for goodwill involves comparing the fair value 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 for a goodwill impairment loss. This step revalues all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit to their current fair values 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 our aggregate market value of our shares of 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. 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.

Warranty
We offer standard warranties on our hardware products and large application software products. We accrue the estimated cost of warranty claims based on historical and projected product performance trends and costs. 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. If our quality control efforts fail to detect a fault in one of our products, we could experience an increase in warranty claims. We track warranty claims to identify potential warranty trends. If an unusual trend is noted, an additional warranty accrual may be assessed and recorded when a failure event is probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated. Management continually evaluates the sufficiency of the warranty provisions and makes adjustments when necessary. The warranty allowances may fluctuate due to 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

10


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 net are determined at the asset group. An impairment may be recorded for assets that are abandoned, sold for less than net book value, or held for sale in which the estimated proceeds are less than the net book value less costs to sell. If an asset group is considered a business, the asset group may consist of property, plant, equipment, intangible assets, and goodwill.

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 shares of Itron common stock under a twelve-month program authorized by our Board of Directors, which commenced on October 24, 2011. 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. 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 often results in the deferral of costs

11


and revenues as professional services and software implementation typically 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 software arrangements.

Certain of our revenue arrangements include an extended or noncustomary warranty provision which 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.

On January 1, 2010, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2009‑13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) - Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) and ASU 2009‑14, Software (Topic 985), Certain Revenue Arrangements That Include Software Elements (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) on a prospective basis for new arrangements and arrangements that have been materially modified. This new guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements as we already had the ability to divide the deliverables within our revenue arrangements into separate units of accounting.
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.

For arrangements entered into or materially modified after January 1, 2010, 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 we experience significant variances in our selling prices or if a significant change in our business necessitates a more timely analysis.

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 $61.0 million and $42.8 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010 related primarily to professional services and software associated with our smart metering contracts, extended or noncustomary warranty, and prepaid post-contract support. Deferred cost is 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 $11.7 million and $10.0 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010 and are recorded within other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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 generally do not capitalize product and software development expenses due to the relatively short period of time between technological feasibility and the completion of product and software development, and the immaterial nature of these costs.


12


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 life. 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 and unrestricted stock awards, the fair value is the market close price of our common stock on the date of grant. 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, if 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. 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.

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt, Net
Upon partial or full redemption of our borrowings, we recognize a gain or loss for the difference between the cash paid and the net carrying amount of the debt redeemed. Included in the net carrying amount is any unamortized premium or discount from the original issuance of the debt.

Income Taxes
We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method of accounting. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based upon anticipated future tax consequences, in each of the jurisdictions that 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) net 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 tax 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 amounts of deferred tax assets if it is not more likely than not that such assets will be realized. We do not record tax liabilities on undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries that are permanently reinvested.

Foreign Exchange
Our consolidated financial statements are reported in U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities of international subsidiaries with a non-U.S. dollar functional currency are translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet date, or the last business day of the period, if applicable. Revenues and expenses for these subsidiaries 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.

13



Note 2:    Earnings (Loss) Per Share and Capital Structure

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

 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
$
(510,157
)
 
$
104,770

 
$
(2,249
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic
40,612

 
40,337

 
38,539

Dilutive effect of convertible notes

 
103

 

Dilutive effect of stock-based awards

 
507

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted
40,612

 
40,947

 
38,539

Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic
$
(12.56
)
 
$
2.60

 
$
(0.06
)
Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted
$
(12.56
)
 
$
2.56

 
$
(0.06
)

Convertible Notes
Prior to the repayment/redemption of our convertible notes, which was completed during the third quarter of 2011, we were required to settle the principal amount of the convertible notes in cash and could elect to settle the remaining conversion obligation (stock price in excess of conversion price) in cash, shares, or a combination thereof. During the periods in which the convertible notes were outstanding, we included in the EPS calculation the amount of shares it would have taken to satisfy the conversion obligation, assuming that all of the convertible notes were converted. The average quarterly closing prices of our common stock were used as the basis for determining the dilutive effect on EPS. The quarterly average closing prices of our common stock for the first three fiscal quarters of 2011 did not exceed the conversion price of $65.16 and, therefore, did not have an effect on diluted shares outstanding for the year. During two fiscal quarters in the year ended December 31, 2010, the average closing prices of our common stock exceeded the conversion price of $65.16 and, therefore, 103,000 shares were included in the diluted EPS calculation for that year. For the year ended December 31, 2009, there was no effect on diluted shares outstanding as a result of our net loss for the year. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2009, the quarterly closing prices of our common stock did not exceed the conversion price of $65.16.

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. As a result of our net losses for 2011 and 2009, there was no dilutive effect to the weighted average common shares outstanding for these two years. Approximately 1.3 million, 456,000, and 1.0 million stock-based awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 respectively, 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 will be entitled to be paid a preferential amount per share to be determined by the Board of Directors prior to any payment to holders of common stock. Shares of preferred stock may be converted into common stock based on terms, conditions, and rates as defined in the Rights Agreement, which may be adjusted by the Board of Directors. There was no preferred stock sold or outstanding at December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009.

14



Note 3:    Certain Balance Sheet Components
 
Accounts receivable, net
December 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
(in thousands)
Trade receivables (net of allowance of $6,049 and $9,045)
$
328,845

 
$
328,811

Unbilled receivables
42,796

 
42,851

Total accounts receivable, net
$
371,641

 
$
371,662


At December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, $2.5 million and $12.5 million were recorded within trade receivables as billed but not yet paid by customers in accordance with contract retainage provisions. At December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, contract retainage amounts that were unbilled and classified as unbilled receivables were $7.4 million and $2.1 million. These contract retainage amounts within trade receivables and unbilled receivables are expected to be collected within the following 12 months.

At December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, long-term unbilled receivables and long-term retainage contract receivables totaled $31.5 million and $5.9 million. The net increase in long-term other assets from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2011 includes $15.3 million of retainage contract receivables and $10.9 million of unbilled receivables, which were reclassified to long-term as of December 31, 2011 due to delays in reaching certain contract milestones required for payment. These long-term unbilled receivables and retainage contract receivables are classified within other long-term assets as collection is not anticipated within the following 12 months. However, collection is expected within the following 15 months.

Allowance for doubtful account activity
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in thousands)
Beginning balance
$
9,045

 
$
6,339

Provision (release) of doubtful accounts, net
(71
)
 
3,357

Accounts written-off
(2,599
)
 
(456
)
Effects of change in exchange rates
(326
)
 
(195
)
Ending balance
$
6,049

 
$
9,045

 
Inventories
December 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
(in thousands)
Materials
$
112,470

 
$
106,021

Work in process
16,306

 
18,389

Finished goods
67,061

 
83,747

Total inventories
$
195,837

 
$
208,157


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 $7.4 million and $17.6 million at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.


15


Property, plant, and equipment, net
December 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
(in thousands)
Machinery and equipment
$
269,611

 
$
265,113

Computers and purchased software
74,885

 
63,077

Buildings, furniture, and improvements
140,064

 
146,661

Land
26,126

 
35,968

Construction in progress, including purchased equipment
20,687

 
20,531

Total cost
531,373

 
531,350

Accumulated depreciation
(268,703
)
 
(232,108
)
Property, plant, and equipment, net
$
262,670

 
$
299,242


Depreciation expense and capitalized interest
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Depreciation expense
$
66,072

 
$
62,154

 
$
57,164

Capitalized interest

 

 
293

Note 4:    Intangible Assets

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

 
December 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
Gross Assets
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
 
Gross Assets
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
 
(in thousands)
Core-developed technology
$
387,606

 
$
(305,285
)
 
$
82,321

 
$
378,705

 
$
(274,198
)
 
$
104,507

Customer contracts and relationships
278,581

 
(131,418
)
 
147,163

 
282,997

 
(110,539
)
 
172,458

Trademarks and trade names
71,854

 
(62,206
)
 
9,648

 
73,194

 
(59,235
)
 
13,959

Other
11,153

 
(10,785
)
 
368

 
24,256

 
(23,510
)
 
746

Total intangible assets
$
749,194

 
$
(509,694
)
 
$
239,500

 
$
759,152

 
$
(467,482
)
 
$
291,670


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

 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in thousands)
Beginning balance, intangible assets, gross
$
759,152

 
$
806,256

Intangible assets acquired
12,797

 

Assets transferred to held for sale
(4,964
)
 

Assets no longer in use written-off
(8,450
)
 

Effect of change in exchange rates
(9,341
)
 
(47,104
)
Ending balance, intangible assets, gross
$
749,194

 
$
759,152


Intangible assets held for sale are classified within other current assets, are reported at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer amortized. As of December 31, 2011, due to the expected sale of certain operations of the Water operating segment, the net carrying value of intangible assets totaling $2.6 million was transferred from intangible assets to other current assets. Refer to Note 13 for additional disclosure on held for sale assets.

During 2011, certain assets that had been fully amortized and were no longer in use were removed from our asset ledger.

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

16


currency exchange rates.

Estimated future annual amortization expense is as follows:

 
Years ending December 31,
 
Estimated Annual
Amortization
 
 
(in thousands)
2012
 
$
46,399

2013
 
38,213

2014
 
30,853

2015
 
25,442

2016
 
20,916

Beyond 2016
 
77,677

Total intangible assets, net
 
$
239,500

Note 5:    Goodwill

The following table reflects goodwill allocated to each reporting segment at December 31, 2011 and 2010:

 
Energy
 
Water
 
Total Company
 
(in thousands)
Goodwill balance at January 1, 2010
$
855,957

 
$
449,642

 
$
1,305,599

Effect of change in exchange rates
(63,084
)
 
(33,139
)
 
(96,223
)
Goodwill balance at December 31, 2010
$
792,873

 
$
416,503

 
$
1,209,376

 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill acquired
10,251

 

 
10,251

Goodwill impairment
(254,735
)
 
(330,112
)
 
(584,847
)
Other
(981
)
 
(6,739
)
 
(7,720
)
Effect of change in exchange rates
6,458

 
3,392

 
9,850

Goodwill balance at December 31, 2011
$
553,866

 
$
83,044

 
$
636,910


In the preceding table, "Other" includes goodwill reductions related to the pending sales of certain operations of the Company. The goodwill reductions are included in restructuring charges. Refer to Note 13 for additional disclosure on Itron's restructuring costs.

As a result of the significant decline in the price of our shares of common stock at the end of September 2011, our aggregate market value was significantly lower than the aggregate carrying value of our net assets. As a result, we performed an impairment test of our goodwill as of September 30, 2011, instead of our annual October 1 testing date. We recorded an estimated goodwill impairment charge of $540.4 million in the third quarter of 2011, and an additional $44.4 million impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2011 after the finalization of the two-step goodwill impairment test, for a total goodwill impairment charge of $584.8 million. The goodwill impairment charge did not impact debt covenants compliance under the Company's existing credit facility.

The 2011 goodwill impairment, before the reorganization into the new reporting units, was associated with two reporting units from the Itron International operating segment. The goodwill balance before and after the goodwill impairment as of our impairment testing date of September 30, 2011 was as follows:

Reporting Unit
 
Before Impairment
 
Impairment
 
After Impairment
 
 
(in thousands)
Itron International - Electricity1
 
$
363,626

 
$
254,735

 
$
108,891

Itron International - Water2
 
389,308

 
330,112

 
59,196

 
 
 
 
$
584,847

 
 

(1) The Itron International - Electricity reporting unit became a part of the Energy - Electricity reporting unit effective January 1, 2012.


17


(2) The Itron International - Water reporting unit became a part of the Water reporting unit effective January 1, 2012.

Refer to Note 1 for a description of the change in our reporting units, which was effective January 1, 2012, and the methods used to determine the fair value of our reporting units and the amount of the goodwill impairment.
Note 6:    Debt

The components of our borrowings are as follows:

 
December 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
(in thousands)
2011 credit facility
 
 
 
USD denominated term loan
$
292,502

 
$

Multicurrency revolving line of credit
160,000

 

2007 credit facility
 
 
 
USD denominated term loan

 
218,642

EUR denominated term loan

 
174,031

Convertible senior subordinated notes

 
218,268

Total debt
452,502

 
610,941

Current portion of long-term debt
(15,000
)
 
(228,721
)
Long-term debt
$
437,502

 
$
382,220


Credit Facilities
On August 5, 2011, we entered into an $800 million senior secured credit facility (the 2011 credit facility), which replaced the senior secured credit facility we entered into in 2007 (the 2007 credit facility). The 2011 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 $500 million. Both the term loan and the revolver mature on August 8, 2016, and amounts borrowed under the revolver are classified as long-term but may be repaid and reborrowed prior to 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 will be subject to a commitment fee, to be 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 2011 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 2011 credit facility are guaranteed by Itron, Inc. and any material U.S. domestic subsidiaries and are secured by a pledge of substantially all of the assets of Itron, Inc. and any 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 2011 credit facility, are guaranteed by the foreign subsidiary and by its direct and indirect foreign parents. The 2011 credit facility includes covenants, which contain certain financial ratios and place certain restrictions on the incurrence of debt and investments and the issuance of dividends. We were in compliance with the debt covenants under the 2011 credit facility at December 31, 2011.

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 2011 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%, and (iii) one month LIBOR plus 1%. At December 31, 2011, the interest rate for both the term loan and the revolver was 1.55% (the LIBOR rate plus a margin of 1.25%).


18


Total credit facility repayments were as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
2011 credit facility term loan
$
7,500

 
$

 
$

2011 credit facility multicurrency revolving line of credit
40,000

 



2007 credit facility term loans
406,950

 
155,163

 
166,545

2007 credit facility revolving line of credit(1)
170,000

 

 

Total credit facility repayments
$
624,450

 
$
155,163

 
$
166,545

(1) See repayment of the convertible senior subordinated notes below.

At December 31, 2011, $160 million was outstanding under the 2011 credit facility revolver, and $44.5 million was utilized by outstanding standby letters of credit, resulting in $295.5 million available for additional borrowings.

During 2011, unamortized prepaid debt fees of $2.4 million were written-off to interest expense upon repayment of the 2007 credit facility. Prepaid debt fees of approximately $6.6 million were capitalized associated with the 2011 credit facility. Unamortized prepaid debt fees were as follows:
 
December 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
(in thousands)
Unamortized prepaid debt fees
$
6,027

 
$
4,483


Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes
On August 1, 2011, in accordance with the terms of the convertible senior subordinated notes (convertible notes) we repurchased $184.8 million of the convertible notes at their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. On September 30, 2011, we redeemed the remaining $38.8 million of the convertible notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The convertible notes were repurchased and redeemed using $180 million of borrowings under our credit facilities and $44 million of cash on hand.

Our convertible notes were separated between the liability and equity components using our estimated non-convertible debt borrowing rate at the time our convertible notes were issued, which was determined to be 7.38%. This rate also reflected the effective interest rate on the liability component for all periods during which the convertible notes were outstanding. The equity component is retained as a permanent component of our shareholders' equity, and no gain or loss was recognized upon derecognition of the convertible notes as the fair value of the consideration transferred to the holders equaled the fair value of the liability component.

The discount on the liability component was fully amortized in the second quarter of 2011. The carrying amounts of the debt and equity components were as follows:

 
December 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
(in thousands)
Face value of convertible notes
$

 
$
223,604

Unamortized discount

 
(5,336
)
Net carrying amount of debt component
$

 
$
218,268

 
 
 
 
Carrying amount of equity component
$
31,831

 
$
31,831



19


The interest expense relating to both the contractual interest coupon and amortization of the discount on the liability component is as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Contractual interest coupon
$
3,420

 
$
5,590

 
$
5,839

Amortization of the discount on the liability component
5,336

 
10,099

 
9,673

Total interest expense on convertible notes
$
8,756

 
$
15,689

 
$
15,512

In 2009, we entered into exchange agreements with certain holders of our convertible notes to issue, in the aggregate, approximately 2.3 million shares of common stock, valued at $132.9 million, in exchange for, in the aggregate, $121.0 million principal amount of the convertible notes, representing 35% of the aggregate principal outstanding at the date of the exchanges. All of the convertible notes we acquired pursuant to the exchange agreements were retired upon the closing of the exchanges.
The exchange agreements were treated as induced conversions as the holders received a greater number of shares of common stock than would have been issued under the original conversion terms of the convertible notes. At the time of the exchange agreements, none of the conversion contingencies were met. Under the original terms of the convertible notes, the amount payable on conversion was to be paid in cash, and the remaining conversion obligation (stock price in excess of conversion price) was payable in cash or shares of common stock, at our option. Under the terms of the exchange agreements, all of the settlement was paid in shares. The difference in the value of the shares of common stock issued under the exchange agreement and the value of the shares of common stock used to derive the amount payable under the original conversion agreement resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $23.3 million (the inducement loss). Upon derecognition of the convertible notes, we remeasured the fair value of the liability and equity components using a borrowing rate for similar non-convertible debt that would be applicable to us at the date of the exchange agreements. Because borrowing rates increased, the remeasurement of the components of the convertible notes resulted in a gain on extinguishment of $13.4 million (the revaluation gain). As a result, we recognized a net loss on extinguishment of debt of $10.3 million, calculated as the inducement loss, plus an allocation of advisory fees, less the revaluation gain. The remaining settlement consideration of $9.5 million, including an allocation of advisory fees, was recorded as a reduction of common stock.

Senior Subordinated Notes
In 2009, we repaid the remaining $109.2 million outstanding balance on our 7.75% senior subordinated notes and recognized a loss on extinguishment of $2.5 million, which included the remaining unamortized debt discount of $336,000.

Minimum Payments on Debt
 
 
Minimum Payments  
 
(in thousands)
2012
$
15,000

2013
18,750

2014
26,250

2015
30,000

2016
362,502

Total minimum payments on debt
$
452,502

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 14, and Note 15 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”), as defined by FASB ASC 820-10-20, Fair Value Measurements. We have used observable market inputs based on the type of derivative and the nature of the underlying instrument. The key inputs used at December 31, 2011 included foreign exchange spot and forward rates, both of which are available in an active market. We have utilized the mid-market pricing convention for these inputs at December 31, 2011. 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

20


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.

The fair values of our derivative instruments determined using the fair value measurement of significant other observable inputs (Level 2) at December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
December 31,
2011
 
December 31,
2010
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Asset Derivatives
 
 
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward contracts
 
Other current assets
 
$
241

 
$
63

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

 
$
5,845

Interest rate swap contracts
 
Other long-term obligations
 

 
975

Euro denominated term loan *
 
Current portion of debt
 

 
4,402

Euro denominated term loan *
 
Long-term debt
 

 
169,629

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20
 
$

 
$
180,851

 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward contracts
 
Other current liabilities
 
$
222

 
$
457

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liability derivatives
 
 
 
$
222

 
$
181,308


* The euro denominated term loan was a nonderivative financial instrument designated as a hedge of our net investment in international operations. The loan was repaid in August 2011. The euro denominated term loan was recorded at its carrying value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and was not recorded at fair value.

OCI during the reporting period for our derivative and nonderivative instruments designated as hedging instruments (collectively, hedging instruments), net of tax, was as follows:
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in thousands)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on hedging instruments at January 1,
$
(10,034
)
 
$
(30,300
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments
1,909

 
(2,930
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on a nonderivative net investment hedging instrument
(8,866
)
 
15,825

Realized (gains) losses reclassified into net income (loss)
2,611

 
7,371

Net unrealized gain (loss) on hedging instruments at December 31,
$
(14,380
)
 
$
(10,034
)

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. Historically, we have entered into interest rate swaps to achieve a fixed rate of interest on the hedged portion of the debt in order to reduce variability in cash flows.

In 2007, we entered into a pay fixed 6.59% receive three-month Euro Interbank Offered Rate (EURIBOR), plus 2%, amortizing interest rate swap to convert a significant portion of our euro denominated variable-rate term loan to fixed-rate debt, plus or minus the variance in the applicable margin from 2%, through December 31, 2012. The objective of this swap was to protect us from increases in the EURIBOR base borrowing rates. The swap did not protect us from changes to the applicable margin under our credit agreement. Throughout the duration of the hedging relationship, this cash flow hedge was expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk. Consequently, effective changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap were recorded as a component of OCI and were recognized in earnings when the hedged item affected earnings. The

21


amounts paid or received on the hedge were recognized as adjustments to interest expense. The notional amount of the swap was $147.7 million (€112.4 million) as of December 31, 2010. In August 2011, we repaid our 2007 credit facility, which included the euro-denominated term loan. In conjunction with the debt repayment, we paid $2.9 million to terminate the related interest rate swap and the accumulated loss in OCI was reclassified to interest expense.

Our two interest rate swaps with one-year terms, which each converted $100 million of our U.S. dollar term loan from a floating LIBOR interest rate to fixed interest rates of 2.11% and 2.15%, respectively, expired on June 30, 2011. These swaps did not include the additional interest rate margin applicable to our term debt.

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 years ended December 31 are 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
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Interest rate swap contracts
 
$
(4,200
)
 
$
(4,542
)
 
(11,023
)
 
Interest expense
 
$
(7,254
)
 
$
(11,829
)
 
$
(13,975
)
 
Interest expense
 
$
(201
)
 
$
(100
)
 
$
(302
)

Net Investment Hedge
We are exposed to foreign exchange risk through our international subsidiaries. As a result of our acquisition of an international company in 2007, we entered into a euro denominated term loan, which exposed us to fluctuations in the euro foreign exchange rate. Therefore, we designated this foreign currency denominated term loan as a hedge of our net investment in international operations. The non-functional currency term loan was revalued into U.S. dollars at each balance sheet date, and the changes in value associated with currency fluctuations were recorded as adjustments to long-term debt with offsetting gains and losses recorded in OCI. The notional amount of the term loan was $174.0 million (€132.4 million) as of December 31, 2010. The loan was repaid in full in August 2011 as part of our repayment of the 2007 credit facility. The 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.

The before-tax and net of tax effects of our net investment hedge nonderivative financial instrument on OCI for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
 
Nonderivative Financial Instruments in ASC 815-20
Net Investment Hedging Relationships
 
Euro Denominated Term Loan Designated as a Hedge
of Our Net Investment in International Operations
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
(in thousands)
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative (Effective Portion)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Before tax
 
$
(14,278
)
 
$
25,760

 
$
(3,866
)
Net of tax
 
$
(8,866
)
 
$
15,825

 
$
(2,364
)

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, foreign 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 550 contracts were entered into during the year ended December 31, 2011), 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 $50,000 to $72 million, offsetting our exposures from the euro, British pound, Canadian dollar, Czech koruna, Hungarian forint, and various other currencies.


22


The effect of our foreign exchange forward derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
 
Derivatives Not Designated as
Hedging Instrument under ASC 815-20
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives in Other Income (Expense)
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
(in thousands)
Foreign exchange forward contracts
 
$
(2,022
)
 
$
665

 
$
(1,656
)
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, 2011.
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 $520,000 and $519,000 to the defined benefit pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Assuming that actual plan asset returns are consistent with our expected rate of return in 2011 and beyond, and that interest rates remain constant, we expect to contribute approximately $524,000 in 2012 to our defined benefit pension plans.

The following tables summarize the benefit obligation, plan assets, funded status of the defined benefit plans, amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in thousands)
Change in benefit obligation:
 
 
 
Benefit obligation at January 1,
$
71,388

 
$
73,262

Service cost
2,512

 
1,980

Interest cost
3,754

 
3,490

Actuarial loss
(597
)
 
1,710

Benefits paid
(4,898
)
 
(4,403
)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
(1,338
)
 
(5,860
)
Other
1,780

 
1,209

Benefit obligation at December 31,
$
72,601

 
$
71,388

Change in plan assets:
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at January 1,
$
7,694

 
$
7,860

Actual return on plan assets
427

 
210

Company contributions
520

 
519

Benefits paid
(516
)
 
(283
)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
(145
)
 
(612
)
Fair value of plan assets at December 31,
7,980

 
7,694

Ending balance at fair value (net pension plan benefit liability)
$
64,621

 
$
63,694


23


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:
 
 
At December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in thousands)
Plan assets in other long-term assets
$
(449
)
 
$
(412
)
Current portion of pension plan liability in wages and benefits payable
2,621

 
2,656

Long-term portion of pension plan liability
62,449

 
61,450

Net pension plan benefit liability
$
64,621

 
$
63,694

Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (pre-tax) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs consist of:
 
 
At December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in thousands)
Net actuarial gain
$
(3,750
)
 
$
(3,108
)
Net prior service cost
1,131

 
1,206

Amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(2,619
)
 
$
(1,902
)

Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (pre-tax) are as follows:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Net actuarial (gain) loss
$
(597
)
 
$
1,710

 
$
4,049

Settlement gain (loss)
(25
)
 
80

 

Plan asset (gain) loss
(105
)
 
85

 

Amortization of net actuarial gain (loss)
85

 
(26
)
 
509

Amortization of prior service cost
(74
)
 
(3
)
 
(25
)
Other
(1
)
 
1,228

 

Other comprehensive (income) loss
$
(717
)
 
$
3,074

 
$
4,533

The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost during 2012 is $85,000.
Net periodic pension benefit costs for our plans include the following components:

 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Service cost
$
2,512

 
$
1,980

 
$
1,753

Interest cost
3,754

 
3,490

 
3,450

Expected return on plan assets
(322
)
 
(295
)
 
(282
)
Settlements and curtailments
25

 
(80
)
 

Amortization of actuarial net (gain) loss
(85
)
 
26

 
(509
)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service costs
74

 
3

 
25

Net periodic benefit cost
$
5,958

 
$
5,124

 
$
4,437


24


The significant actuarial weighted average assumptions used in determining the benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost for our benefit plans are as follows:
 
 
At and For The Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at end of period:
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
5.51
%
 
5.35
%
 
5.60
%
Expected annual rate of compensation increase
3.38
%
 
3.35
%
 
3.24
%
Actuarial assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the period:
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
5.35
%
 
5.60
%
 
6.12
%
Expected rate of return on plan assets
4.00
%
 
3.96
%
 
4.06
%
Expected annual rate of compensation increase
3.35
%
 
3.24
%
 
3.18
%
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 92% of our benefit obligation, we use two discount rates, (separated between shorter and longer duration 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 10% of the highest and lowest yielding bonds within each maturity group. The discount rates derived for our shorter duration euro denominated plans (less than 10 years) and longer duration plans (greater than 10 years) were 4.50% and 5.25%, respectively.
Our expected rate of return on plan assets is derived from a study of actual historic returns achieved and anticipated future long-term performance of plan assets. While the study primarily gives consideration to recent insurers’ performance and historical returns, the assumption represents a long-term prospective return.
The total accumulated benefit obligation for our defined benefit pension plans was $65.8 million and $65.9 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

We have two plans in which the fair value of plan assets exceeds the respective plan's accumulated benefit obligation. The total obligation and fair value of plan assets, in which the accumulated benefit obligations exceeds the fair value of plan assets, are as follows:
 
Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.
At December 31,
2011
 
2010
 
(in thousands)
Projected benefit obligation
$
66,525

 
$
69,966

Accumulated benefit obligation
60,452

 
64,671

Fair value of plan assets
1,765

 
5,860

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.
The fair values of our plan investments by asset category as of December 31, 2011 are as follows:
 
 
Total             
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
(in thousands)
Cash
$
860

 
$
860

 
$

Insurance funds
7,120

 

 
7,120

Total fair value of plan assets
$
7,980

 
$
860

 
$
7,120

As the plan assets are not significant to our total company assets, no further breakdown is provided.

25


Annual benefit payments, including amounts to be paid from our assets for unfunded plans, and reflecting expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid as follows:
 
Year Ending December 31,
 
Estimated Annual Benefit Payments       
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
2012
 
$
2,913

 
2013
 
3,278

 
2014
 
4,007

 
2015
 
4,101

 
2016
 
4,705

 
2017 - 2021
 
24,470

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 vesting requirement period. For the years ended December 31, stock-based compensation expense and the related tax benefit were as follows:
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Stock options
$
1,445

 
$
3,994

 
$
6,903

Restricted stock units
13,842

 
14,230

 
9,306

Unrestricted stock awards
469

 
364

 
254

ESPP
655

 
519

 
519

Total stock-based compensation
$
16,411

 
$
19,107

 
$
16,982

 
 
 
 
 
 
Related tax benefit
$
4,478

 
$
5,402

 
$
4,329


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

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:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Dividend yield

 

 

Expected volatility
46.5
%
 
48.7
%
 
50.2
%
Risk-free interest rate
1.6
%
 
2.3
%
 
1.8
%
Expected life (years)
4.9

 
4.6

 
4.9


Expected volatility is based on a combination of historical volatility of our common stock and the implied volatility of our traded options for the related expected life period. We believe this combined approach is reflective of current and historical market conditions and 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 date an estimate of the award is fully exercised. Factors considered in estimating the expected life include historical experience of similar awards, 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.

Subject to stock splits, dividends, and other similar events, 3,500,000 shares of common stock are reserved and authorized for

26


issuance under our 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (Stock Incentive Plan). Awards consist of stock options, restricted stock units, and unrestricted stock awards. At December 31, 2011, 2,235,171 shares were available for grant under the Stock Incentive Plan.

Stock Options
Options to purchase our common stock are granted to employees and 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.

A summary of our stock option activity for the years ended December 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, 2009
1,374

 
$
51.53

 
6.99

 
$
25,809

 
 
Granted
50

 
57.96

 
 
 
 
 
$
25.94

Exercised
(146
)
 
21.68

 
 
 
$
4,889

 
 
Forfeited
(92
)
 
84.33

 
 
 
 
 
 
Expired
(7
)
 
57.23

 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2009
1,179

 
$
52.93

 
5.90

 
$
22,863

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable and expected to vest, December 31, 2009
1,168

 
$
52.67

 
5.88

 
$
22,826

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable, December 31, 2009
972

 
$
47.39

 
5.40

 
$
22,343

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Granted
71

 
61.97

 
 
 
 
 
$
27.18

Exercised
(148
)
 
40.51

 
 
 
$
4,532

 
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2010
1,102

 
$
55.21

 
5.58

 
$
10,883

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable and expected to vest, December 31, 2010
1,096

 
$
55.15

 
5.57

 
$
10,883

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable, December 31, 2010
958

 
$
52.63

 
5.18

 
$
10,883

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Granted
113

 
51.12

 
 
 
 
 
$
21.38

Exercised
(42
)
 
19.71

 
 
 
$
1,283

 
 
Forfeited
(63
)
 
58.50

 
 
 
 
 
 
Expired
(1
)
 
7.00

 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2011
1,109

 
$
55.97

 
4.51

 
$
2,323

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable and expected to vest, December 31, 2011
1,103

 
$
56.02

 
4.48

 
$
2,322

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable, December 31, 2011
1,013

 
$
56.42

 
4.07

 
$
2,321

 
 

(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 December 31, 2011, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested stock options was approximately $1.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.9 years.

Restricted Stock Units
Certain employees and senior management receive restricted stock units as a component of their total compensation. The fair value

27


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 vesting 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.

The restricted stock units issued under the Long Term Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Performance Award Agreement) are determined based on the attainment of annual performance goals after the end of the calendar year performance period. During the year, if management determines that it is probable that the targets will be achieved, compensation expense, net of forfeitures, is 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 vest and are 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 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. 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 U.S. participants who are or will become retirement eligible during either the annual performance or vesting period, compensation expense is accelerated and recognized over the greater of the performance period (one year) or through the participant’s retirement eligible date. For the 2011 performance awards, 61,500 restricted stock units became eligible for vesting with a grant date fair value of $56.73.

The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity for the years ended December 31:

 
Number of
Restricted Stock Units
 
Weighted
Average  Grant
Date Fair Value
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value(1)
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Outstanding, January 1, 2009
313

 
 
 
 
Granted
60

 
$
69.39

 
 
Released
(30
)
 
 
 
$
1,956

Forfeited
(17
)
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2009
326

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Granted(2)
360

 
$
62.45

 
 
Released
(84
)
 
 
 
$
5,733

Forfeited
(14
)
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2010
588

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Granted(2)
355

 
$
54.71

 
 
Released
(271
)
 
 
 
$
20,413

Forfeited
(47
)
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2011
625

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expected to vest, December 31, 2011
541

 
 
 
$
19,347


(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) 
These restricted stock units include 61,500 shares for the 2011 awards and 132,980 shares for the 2010 awards under the Performance Award Agreement, which are eligible for vesting at December 31 of each respective year.

At December 31, 2011, unrecognized compensation expense on restricted stock units was $18.3 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.8 years.

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


28


The following table summarizes unrestricted stock award activity for the years ended December 31:
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Shares of unrestricted stock issued
11,397

 
5,662

 
4,284

 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average grant date fair value
$
41.19

 
$
64.35

 
$
59.40


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 years ended December 31:

 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Shares of stock sold to employees(1)
98,653

 
51,210

 
61,407

 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average fair value per ESPP award(2)
$
6.22

 
$
9.27

 
$
8.54


(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 years ended December 31.

At December 31, 2011, all compensation cost associated with the ESPP had been recognized. There were approximately 98,000 shares of common stock available for future issuance under the ESPP at December 31, 2011.
Note 10:    Defined Contribution, Bonus, and Profit Sharing Plans

Defined Contribution Plans
In the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, and certain other countries, we make contributions to defined contribution plans. For our U.S. employee savings plan, which represents a majority of our contribution expense, we provide a 50% match on the first 6% of the employee salary deferral, subject to statutory limitations. In 2009, we temporarily suspended the U.S. employee savings plan match from April 1 through December 31. For our international defined contribution plans, we provide various levels of contributions, based on salary, subject to stipulated or statutory limitations. The expense for our defined contribution plans was as follows:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Defined contribution plans expense
$
7,228

 
$
6,217

 
$
3,380


Bonus and Profit Sharing Plans
We have employee bonus and profit sharing plans in which many of our employees participate. These plans provide award amounts for the achievement of annual performance and financial targets. Actual award amounts are determined at the end of the year if the performance and financial targets are met. As the bonuses are being earned during the year, we estimate a compensation accrual each quarter based on the progress towards achieving the goals, the estimated financial forecast for the year, and the probability of achieving results. Bonus and profit sharing plans expense was as follows:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Bonus and profit sharing plans expense
$
28,926

 
$
46,782

 
$
13,316


29



Note 11:    Income Taxes

The following table summarizes the provision (benefit) for U.S. federal, state, and foreign taxes on income from continuing operations:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
5,472

 
$
10,486

 
$

State and local
2,045

 
765

 

Foreign
9,898

 
22,715

 
20,392

Total current
17,415

 
33,966

 
20,392

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred:
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
17,861

 
7,216

 
(39,311
)
State and local
(2,099
)
 
3,340

 
(3,341
)
Foreign
(37,265
)
 
(31,743
)
 
(28,118
)
Total deferred
(21,503
)
 
(21,187
)
 
(70,770
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in valuation allowance
8,518

 
3,195

 
6,553

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes
$
4,430

 
$
15,974

 
$
(43,825
)

A reconciliation of income taxes at the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% to the consolidated actual tax rate is as follows:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
$
125,010

 
$
173,032

 
$
34,946

Foreign
(626,776
)
 
(48,587
)
 
(82,221
)
Total income (loss) before income taxes
$
(501,766
)
 
$
124,445

 
$
(47,275
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expected federal income tax provision (benefit)
$
(175,618
)
 
$
43,556

 
$
(16,546
)
Asset impairments
207,054

 

 

Change in valuation allowance
8,518

 
3,195

 
6,553

Stock-based compensation
951

 
1,541

 
1,648

Foreign earnings
(19,222
)
 
(14,986
)
 
(18,224
)
Tax credits
(6,877
)
 
(9,746
)
 
(23,224
)
Uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties
(3,996
)
 
(10,242
)
 
12,053

Change in tax rates
(1,522
)
 
(1,428
)
 
482

U.S. tax provision (benefit) of foreign branch income (loss)
(1,156
)
 
333

 
(6,262
)
State income tax provision (benefit), net of federal effect
(768
)
 
1,968

 
(3,193
)
U.S. tax provision on foreign earnings

 
279

 
7,932

Other, net
(2,934
)
 
1,504

 
(5,044
)
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes
$
4,430

 
$
15,974

 
$
(43,825
)

Our tax provision for 2011 and 2010 and tax benefit for 2009 reflect benefits associated with lower statutory tax rates on foreign earnings as compared with our U.S. federal statutory rate, foreign interest expense deductions and an election under U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 338 with respect to our foreign acquisition in 2007. No foreign tax benefit was recorded for the goodwill

30


impairment charge in 2011. During 2010 we de-recognized a reserve for an uncertain tax position due to a change in the method of depreciation for certain foreign subsidiaries. In 2009 we recorded a benefit for foreign tax credit carryforwards resulting from the election to claim foreign taxes as a credit instead of deductions on our 2007 and 2008 U.S. federal income tax returns.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following:
 
 
At December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in thousands)
Deferred tax assets
 
 
 
Loss carryforwards(1)
$
61,330

 
$
53,213

Accrued expenses
27,103

 
30,798

Warranty reserves
21,230

 
10,332

Tax credits(2)
17,481

 
46,801

Equity compensation
10,526

 
11,206

Depreciation and amortization
9,241

 
10,916

Pension plan benefits expense
6,677

 
6,897

Inventory valuation
4,252

 
5,254

Other deferred tax assets, net
2,654

 
4,162

Total deferred tax assets
160,494

 
179,579

Valuation allowance
(29,953
)
 
(24,600
)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
130,541

 
154,979

 
 
 
 
Deferred tax liabilities
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
(71,889
)
 
(89,166
)
Convertible debt

 
(19,844
)
Tax effect of accumulated translation
(2,733
)
 
(2,782
)
Other deferred tax liabilities, net
(7,885
)
 
(7,645
)
Total deferred tax liabilities
(82,507
)
 
(119,437
)
Net deferred tax assets
$
48,034

 
$
35,542

 
(1) 
For tax return purposes at December 31, 2011, we had U.S. federal loss carryforwards of $29.8 million that expire during the years 2020 through 2026. The remaining portion of the loss carryforwards are composed primarily of losses in various foreign jurisdictions. The majority of these losses can be carried forward indefinitely. At December 31, 2011, there was a valuation allowance of $30.0 million primarily associated with foreign loss carryforwards.

(2) 
For tax return purposes at December 31, 2011, we had: (1) federal and state research and development tax credits of $28.1 million, which begin to expire in 2020; (2) alternative minimum tax credits of $2.5 million that are carried forward indefinitely; and (3) foreign tax credits of $4.9 million, which begin to expire in 2019.

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 all 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. Our 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, net of valuation allowance, will be realized. The 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.

Our deferred tax assets at December 31, 2011 do not include the tax effect on $53.9 million of excess tax benefits from employee stock plan exercises. Common stock will be increased by $20.4 million when such excess tax benefits reduce cash taxes payable.

We do not provide U.S. deferred taxes on temporary differences related to our foreign investments that are considered permanent in duration. These temporary differences consist primarily of undistributed foreign earnings of $42.1 million and $21.3 million at

31


December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Foreign taxes have been provided on these undistributed foreign earnings. Determination of the amount of any unrecognized deferred income tax liability on these temporary differences are not practicable because of the complexities of the hypothetical calculation.

We are subject to income tax in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in evaluating our tax positions and determining our provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We establish reserves for tax-related uncertainties based on estimates of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. These reserves are established when we believe that certain positions might be challenged despite our belief that our tax return positions are fully supportable. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the outcome of tax audits. The provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve positions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
 
Unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2009
$
37,644

Gross increase to positions in prior years
8,958

Gross decrease to positions in prior years
(4,360
)
Gross increases to current period tax positions
5,471

Audit settlements
(2,032
)
Effect of change in exchange rates
525

Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2009
$
46,206

 
 
Gross increase to positions in prior years
2,037

Gross decrease to positions in prior years
(11,700
)
Gross increases to current period tax positions
13,743

Audit settlements
(2,049
)
Decrease related to lapsing of statute of limitations
(4,002
)
Effect of change in exchange rates
(2,060
)
Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2010
$
42,175

 
 
Gross increase to positions in prior years
2,132

Gross decrease to positions in prior years
(16,603
)
Gross increases to current period tax positions
1,866

Audit settlements
(1,871
)
Decrease related to lapsing of statute of limitations
(2,888
)
Effect of change in exchange rates
(74
)
Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011
$
24,737


 
At December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
The amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate
$
24,451

 
$
30,832

 
$
46,206


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 (benefit) recognized is as follows:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Net interest and penalties expense (benefit)
$
(795
)
 
$
498

 
$
1,476



32


 
At December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in thousands)
Accrued interest
$
3,781

 
$
4,403

Accrued penalties
2,766

 
3,233


We believe it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by approximately $10.5 million within the next twelve months due to the expiration of the statute of limitations, and completion of examinations by taxing authorities. At December 31, 2011, we are not able to reasonably estimate the timing of future cash flows relating to our uncertain tax positions.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states and foreign jurisdictions. We are subject to income tax examination by tax authorities in our major tax jurisdictions as follows:
 
Tax Jurisdiction
  
Years Subject to Audit    
U.S. federal
  
Subsequent to 1998
France
  
Subsequent to 2008
Germany
  
Subsequent to 2005
Spain
  
Subsequent to 2005
United Kingdom
  
Subsequent to 2005
Note 12:    Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments
Operating lease rental expense for factories, service and distribution locations, offices, and equipment was as follows:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Rental expense
$
18,513

 
$
15,530

 
$
15,882


Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2011, under noncancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year are as follows:
 
 
Minimum Payments    
 
(in thousands)
2012
$
13,331

2013
10,061

2014
7,715

2015
5,735

2016
5,241

Beyond 2016
6,343

Future minimum lease payments
$
48,426


Rent expense is recognized straight-line over the lease term, including renewal periods if reasonably assured. We lease most of our sales and distribution locations, and administration offices. Our leases typically contain renewal options similar to the original terms with lease payments that increase based on the consumer price index.

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


33


Our available lines of credit, outstanding standby LOC’s, and bonds are as follows:

 
December 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
(in thousands)
Credit facilities(1)
 
 
 
Multicurrency revolving line of credit
$
500,000

 
$
240,000

Long-term borrowings
(160,000
)
 

Standby LOC’s issued and outstanding
(44,549
)
 
(43,540
)
Net available for additional borrowings and LOC’s
$
295,451

 
$
196,460

 
 
 
 
Unsecured multicurrency revolving lines of credit with various financial institutions
 
 
 
Multicurrency revolving line of credit
$
67,968

 
$
49,122

Standby LOC’s issued and outstanding
(28,733
)
 
(21,784
)
Short-term borrowings(2)

 
(66
)
Net available for additional borrowings and LOC’s
$
39,235

 
$
27,272

 
 
 
 
Unsecured surety bonds in force
$
139,954

 
$
120,109


(1) 
Refer to 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 December 31, 2011 were not material to our financial condition or results of operations.

In 2010 and 2011, Transdata Incorporated (Transdata) filed lawsuits against three of our customers, CenterPoint Energy (CenterPoint), TriCounty Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Tri-County), and San Diego Gas & Electric Company (San Diego), 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 these customers, we agreed to indemnify and defend them in these lawsuits. The complaints seek unspecified damages as well as injunctive relief. CenterPoint, Tri-County, and San Diego 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. 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 such a loss would be recognized.

On February 23, 2011, a class action lawsuit was filed in U.S. Federal Court for the Eastern District of Washington alleging a violation of federal securities laws relating to a restatement of our financial results for the quarters ended March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2010. These revisions were made primarily to defer revenue that had been incorrectly recognized on one contract due to a misinterpretation of an extended warranty obligation. The effect was to reduce revenue and earnings in each of the first three quarters of the year. For the first nine months of 2010, total revenue was reduced by $6.1 million and diluted EPS was reduced

34


by $0.11. We believe the facts and legal claims alleged are without merit and we intend to vigorously defend our interests.

In March 2011, a lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of the State of Washington, in and for Spokane County against certain officers and directors seeking unspecified damages on behalf of Itron, Inc. The complaint alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary obligations to Itron with respect to the restatement of Itron's financial results for the quarters ended March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2010. This lawsuit is a shareholder derivative action that purports to assert claims on behalf of Itron, Inc. Defendants believe they have valid defenses and intend to defend themselves vigorously.

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. 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:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in thousands)
Beginning balance
$
51,283

 
$
33,873

New product warranties
8,305

 
12,981

Other changes/adjustments to warranties
50,104

 
25,598

Reclassification from other current liabilities

 
2,878

Claims activity
(28,565
)
 
(24,040
)
Effect of change in exchange rates
(1,591
)
 
(7
)
Ending balance
79,536

 
51,283

Less: current portion of warranty
52,588

 
24,912

Long-term warranty
$
26,948

 
$
26,371


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 the years ended December 31 is as follows:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Total warranty expense
$
49,851

 
$
38,579

 
$
15,409


Warranty charges for the year ended December 31, 2011 reflect $12.6 million associated with a defective vendor supplied component, $4.7 million due to corrective actions for specific customers, and $6.6 million resulted from the identification of a specific batch of C&I meters that were manufactured with a misaligned automated solder-feeder. Warranty expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 also reflects the benefit of an $8.6 million insurance recovery associated with the settlement of product claims in Sweden in 2010. The increase in warranty expense in 2010 was primarily the result of $14.4 million recorded for arbitration claims in Sweden, which were settled in the third quarter of 2010.


35


Extended Warranty
A summary of changes to unearned revenue for extended warranty contracts is as follows:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
(in thousands)
Beginning balance
$
14,637

 
$
5,870

Unearned revenue for new extended warranties
11,099

 
10,308

Unearned revenue recognized
(1,233
)
 
(1,541
)
Effect of change in exchange rates
(55
)
 

Ending balance
24,448

 
14,637

Less: current portion of unearned revenue for extended warranty
1,305

 
1,130

Long-term unearned revenue for extended warranty within Other long-term obligations
$
23,143

 
$
13,507


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:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Plan costs
$
24,331

 
$
20,548

 
$
19,802


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

 
December 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
(in thousands)
IBNR accrual
$
2,460

 
$
2,056


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 13:     Restructuring

On October 26, 2011, our management announced the approval of projects to restructure our manufacturing operations to increase efficiency and lower our cost of manufacturing. Under the restructuring, we are implementing projects to close or consolidate several of our manufacturing facilities. Approximately one-third of our 31 global manufacturing locations will be impacted: six manufacturing facilities will be closed or sold, and operations at several other facilities will be reduced. Overall, we expect to reduce our workforce by approximately 7.5%.

We began implementing these projects in the fourth quarter of 2011, and we expect to substantially complete these projects by the end of 2013. 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. Future 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, recognized, and remaining restructuring related costs as of December 31, 2011 are as follows:

36


 
Total Expected Costs
 
Costs Recognized
 
Remaining Costs to be Recognized
 
(in thousands)
Employee severance costs
$
52,031

 
$
42,530

 
$
9,501

Asset impairments
25,547

 
25,144

 
403

Other restructuring costs
7,913

 
408

 
7,505

Total
$
85,491

 
$
68,082

 
$
17,409

 
 
 
 
 
 
Segments:
 
 
 
 
 
Energy
$
62,603

 
$
51,873

 
$
10,730

Water
17,491

 
15,321

 
2,170

Corporate unallocated
5,397

 
888

 
4,509

Total
$
85,491

 
$
68,082

 
$
17,409


Costs associated with restructuring activities are generally presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as "Restructuring," 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.

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 fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated or amortized.

During the fourth quarter of 2011, as part of our restructuring plans, within our Water operating segment, we classified a small facility and the long-lived assets associated with the business as held for sale. As a result, approximately $3.6 million from property, plant, and equipment, $2.6 million from intangible assets, and $6.7 million from goodwill were transferred to "Other current assets" as of December 31, 2011. The carrying value of these assets was reduced by $12.1 million and charged to restructuring expense to reflect the estimated selling price less costs to sell.

For our Water operating segment, we also recognized an impairment charge of $328,000 related to property, plant and equipment to be disposed of, which are not classified as held for sale.

Asset impairments within our Energy operating segment include:

1.
Impairments of $7.8 million on the land and buildings at three manufacturing sites, each designated as an asset group and classified as held and used;
2.
Impairments of $3.9 million of machinery and equipment, computers, and purchased software to be disposed of; and
3.
Impairments of $1.0 million of goodwill associated with a business to be sold.

The following table summarizes the activity within the restructuring related balance sheet accounts during the year ended December 31, 2011:
 
Accrued Employee Severance
 
Asset Impairments & Net Gain (Loss) on Sale or Disposal
 
Other Accrued Costs
 
Total
 
(in thousands)
Beginning balance, January 1
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Costs incurred and charged to expense
42,530

 
25,144

 
408

 
68,082

Cash payments
(12,798
)
 

 
(8
)
 
(12,806
)
Non-cash items

 
(25,144
)
 

 
(25,144
)
Effect of change in exchange rates
(1,564
)
 

 
(1
)
 
(1,565
)
Ending balance, December 31
$
28,168

 
$

 
$
399

 
$
28,567



37


The current and long-term portions of the restructuring related liability balance as of December 31, 2011 were $25.6 million and $3.0 million, which are classified within "Other current liabilities" and "Other long-term liabilities", respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In conjunction with our restructuring projects, certain long-lived assets have been impaired and are recognized at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. The following table includes long-lived assets held for sale and long-lived assets held and used that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2011, and the related recognized losses for the year ended December 31, 2011:
 
Net Carrying Value
 
Fair Value Measurement (Level 3)
 
Total Loss Recognized
 
(in thousands)
Long-lived assets held for sale
$
898

 
$
898

 
$
13,151

Long-lived assets held and used
8,558

 
8,558

 
7,754

 
 
 
 
 
$
20,905


Long-lived assets held for sale encompass two disposal groups, each representing a business. Long lived assets consist of land, building, machinery and equipment, intangible assets, and goodwill. The fair value of the disposal groups was determined based on the expected proceeds from their pending sales. Selling costs for these business are not material. Goodwill in the amount of $7.7 million associated with these businesses was fully impaired, which is included in the total loss recognized. The net book value of intangible assets totaling $2.6 million was substantially impaired and included in the loss recognized.

Long-lived assets held and used consist of land and buildings. The fair value of these assets was determined based on the market approach using similar properties in their respective geographies.

We expect to achieve annualized cost savings of approximately $30 million by the end of 2013. In 2012, we anticipate annualized savings of approximately $15 million. Revenues and net operating income from the activities we will exit are not material to our operating segments or consolidated results.
Note 14:     Shareholders’ Equity
Shareholder Rights Plan
On November 4, 2002, the Board of Directors authorized the implementation of a Shareholder Rights Plan and declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (Right) for each outstanding share of common stock, without par value. The Rights will separate from the common stock and become exercisable following the earlier of (i) the close of business on the tenth business day after a public announcement that a person or group (including any affiliate or associate of such person or group) has acquired beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding common shares and (ii) the close of business on such date, if any, as may be designated by the Board of Directors following the commencement of, or first public disclosure of an intent to commence, a tender or exchange offer for outstanding common shares, which could result in the offeror becoming the beneficial owner of 15% or more of the outstanding common shares (the earlier of such dates being the distribution date). After the distribution date, each Right will entitle the holder to purchase, for $160, one one-hundredth (1/100) of a share of Series R Cumulative Participating Preferred Stock of the Company (a Preferred Share) with economic terms similar to that of one common share.
In the event a person or group becomes an acquiring person, the Rights will entitle each holder of a Right to purchase, for the purchase price, that number of common shares equivalent to the number of common shares, which at the time of the transaction would have a market value of twice the purchase price. Any Rights that are at any time beneficially owned by an acquiring person will be null and void and nontransferable and any holder of any such Right will be unable to exercise or transfer any such Right. If, at any time after any person or group becomes an acquiring person, we are acquired in a merger or other business combination with another entity, or if 50% or more of its assets or assets accounting for 50% or more of its net income or revenues are transferred, each Right will entitle its holder to purchase, for the purchase price, that number of shares of common stock of the person or group engaging in the transaction having a then current market value of twice the purchase price. At any time after any person or group becomes an acquiring person, but before a person or group becomes the beneficial owner of more than 50% of the common shares, the Board of Directors may elect to exchange each Right for consideration per Right consisting of one-half of the number of common shares that would be issuable at such time on the exercise of one Right and without payment of the purchase price. At any time prior to any person or group becoming an acquiring person, the Board of Directors may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $0.01 per Right, subject to adjustment as provided in the Rights Agreement. The Rights are not exercisable until the distribution date and will expire on December 11, 2012, unless earlier redeemed or exchanged by us.

38


The terms of the Rights and the Rights Agreement may be amended without the approval of any holder of the Rights, at any time prior to the distribution date. Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof will have no rights as a shareholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right to vote or receive dividends. In order to preserve the actual or potential economic value of the Rights, the number of Preferred Shares or other securities issuable upon exercise of the Right, the purchase price, the redemption price, and the number of Rights associated with each outstanding common share are all subject to adjustment by the Board of Directors pursuant to certain customary antidilution provisions. The Rights distribution should not be taxable for federal income tax purposes. Following an event that renders the Rights exercisable or upon redemption of the Rights, shareholders may recognize taxable income.
Stock Repurchase Plan
On October 24, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized a twelve-month repurchase program of up to $100 million of our common stock, which will expire on October 23, 2012. Repurchases are made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, and in accordance with applicable securities laws. Refer to Note 18 for additional disclosures on our stock repurchase plan.
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss) is reflected as a net increase (decrease) to shareholders’ equity and is not reflected in our results of operations. The changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), 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
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
(in thousands)
Balances at December 31, 2008
$
57,173

 
$
(10,797
)
 
$
(18,975
)
 
$
6,692

 
$
34,093

Current period other comprehensive income (loss)
40,992

 
1,836


(2,364
)

(3,427
)
 
37,037

Balances at December 31, 2009
$
98,165

 
$
(8,961
)


$
(21,339
)


$
3,265

 
$
71,130

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current period other comprehensive income (loss)
(124,191
)
 
4,441

 
15,825

 
(2,179
)
 
(106,104
)
Balances at December 31, 2010
$
(26,026
)
 
$
(4,520
)
 
$
(5,514
)
 
$
1,086

 
$
(34,974
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current period other comprehensive income (loss)
1,308

 
4,520

 
(8,866
)
 
852

 
(2,186
)
Balances at December 31, 2011
$
(24,718
)
 
$

 
$
(14,380
)
 
$
1,938

 
$
(37,160
)


39


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:

 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Before-tax amount
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
$
1,101

 
$
(121,031
)
 
$
47,706

Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges
3,054

 
(4,541
)
 
(11,023
)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on a nonderivative net investment hedging instrument
(14,278
)
 
25,760

 
(3,866
)
Net hedging (gain) loss reclassified into net income (loss)
4,200

 
11,829

 
13,975

Pension plan benefits liability adjustment
717

 
(3,074
)
 
(4,533
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
(5,206
)
 
(91,057
)
 
42,259

 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax (provision) benefit
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
207

 
(3,160
)
 
(6,714
)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges
(1,145
)
 
1,611

 
4,247

Net unrealized gain (loss) on a nonderivative net investment hedging instrument
5,412

 
(9,935
)
 
1,502

Net hedging (gain) loss reclassified into net income (loss)
(1,589
)
 
(4,458
)
 
(5,363
)
Pension plan benefits liability adjustment
135

 
895

 
1,106

Total other comprehensive income (loss) tax (provision) benefit
3,020

 
(15,047
)
 
(5,222
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net-of-tax amount
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
1,308

 
(124,191
)
 
40,992

Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges
1,909

 
(2,930
)
 
(6,776
)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on a nonderivative net investment hedging instrument
(8,866
)
 
15,825

 
(2,364
)
Net hedging (gain) loss reclassified into net income (loss)
2,611

 
7,371

 
8,612

Pension plan benefits liability adjustment
852

 
(2,179
)
 
(3,427
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
$
(2,186
)
 
$
(106,104
)
 
$
37,037

Note 15:    Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The fair values at December 31, 2011 and 2010 do not reflect subsequent changes in the economy, interest rates, tax rates, and other variables that may affect the determination of fair value.
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
Assets
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
133,086

 
$
133,086

 
$
169,477

 
$
169,477

Foreign exchange forwards
241

 
241

 
63

 
63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 credit facility
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
USD denominated term loan
$
292,502

 
$
296,856

 
$

 
$

Multicurrency revolving line of credit
160,000

 
163,269

 

 

2007 credit facility
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
USD denominated term loan

 

 
218,642

 
219,462

EUR denominated term loan

 

 
174,031

 
174,684

Convertible senior subordinated notes

 

 
218,268

 
236,461

Interest rate swaps

 

 
6,820

 
6,820

Foreign exchange forwards
222

 
222

 
457

 
457


40


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.

2011 Credit Facility - term loan and multicurrency revolving line of credit: The term loan and revolver, which we entered into on August 5, 2011, are not traded publicly. The fair value is calculated using a discounted cash flow model with significant inputs that are corroborated by observable market data, 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.
2007 Credit Facility - term loans: On August 8, 2011, we repaid the remaining balance on our 2007 credit facility using proceeds from our 2011 credit facility. At December 31, 2010, the fair value was based on quoted prices from recent trades of the term loans. Refer to Note 6 for a further discussion of our debt.
Convertible senior subordinated notes: During 2011, the convertible notes were repurchased and redeemed using a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under our credit facilities. At December 31, 2010, the fair value was based on quoted prices from recent broker trades of the convertible notes. Refer to Note 6 for a further discussion of our debt.
Derivatives: Refer to Note 7 for a description of our methods and assumptions in determining the fair value of our derivatives, which were determined using fair value measurements of significant other observable inputs (Level 2).
Note 16:    Segment Information

As part of the global reorganization we announced in the first quarter of 2011, Itron is now managed and reporting under two operating segments, Energy and Water. A transition to the new organizational structure, including changes to operations and financial and operational management systems, was completed in the first quarter of 2012. Therefore, financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 and all prior period segment information has been restated to reflect our new 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.

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.

Due to a decline in our market capitalization in September 2011, an impairment test of goodwill was performed as of September 30, 2011, instead of our October 1 testing date, resulting in a goodwill write-down of $584.8 million during 2011. The goodwill impairment was associated with two reporting units, Electricity from the Energy operating segment and Water.

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.



41


Revenues, gross profit, and operating income associated with our segments were as follows:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
Energy
$
1,912,427

 
$
1,801,342

 
$
1,264,047

Water
521,697

 
457,929

 
423,400

Total Company
$
2,434,124

 
$
2,259,271

 
$
1,687,447

 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
 
 
 
 
 
Energy
$
578,575

 
$
541,900

 
$
382,657

Water
167,883

 
158,775

 
157,306

Total Company
$
746,458

 
$
700,675

 
$
539,963

 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
Energy
$
(112,831
)
 
$
184,163

 
$
29,914

Water
(303,772
)
 
43,611

 
44,630

Corporate unallocated
(42,580
)
 
(43,577
)
 
(29,517
)
Total Company
(459,183
)
 
184,197

 
45,027

Total other income (expense)
(42,583
)
 
(59,752
)
 
(92,302
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
$
(501,766
)
 
$
124,445

 
$
(47,275
)

For the year ended December 31, 2011, no single customer represented more than 10% of total Company or the Water operating segment revenues, and one customer accounted for more than 10% of the Energy operating segment revenues.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, one customer from the Energy operating segment accounted 11% of total Company revenues, and two customers each accounted for more than 10% of the Energy operating segment revenues. No single customer represented more than 10% of the Water operating segment revenues in 2010.

For the year ended December 31, 2009, no single customer represented more than 10% of total Company or operating segment revenues.

Revenues by region were as follows:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
United States and Canada
$
1,182,775

 
$
1,168,523

 
$
606,472

Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)
899,642

 
803,154

 
852,343

Other
351,707

 
287,594

 
228,632

Total revenues
$
2,434,124

 
$
2,259,271

 
$
1,687,447


Property, plant, and equipment, net, by geographic area were as follows:
 
 
At December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
United States
$
107,153

 
$
115,499

 
$
116,081

Outside United States
155,517

 
183,743

 
202,136

Total property, plant, and equipment, net
$
262,670

 
$
299,242

 
$
318,217



42


Depreciation and amortization expense associated with our segments was as follows:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Energy
$
97,135

 
$
97,827

 
$
114,030

Water
32,313

 
33,376

 
41,698

Corporate Unallocated
18

 
2

 
9

Total Company
$
129,466

 
$
131,205

 
$
155,737

Note 17: Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
 
 
First Quarter 
 
Second Quarter   
 
Third Quarter
 
Fourth Quarter    
 
Total Year
 
(in thousands, except per common share and stock price data)
  2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of operations data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
563,691

 
$
612,401

 
$
615,555

 
$
642,477

 
$
2,434,124

Gross profit
184,978

 
191,951

 
176,996

 
192,533

 
746,458

Net income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc.
27,120

 
34,436

 
(517,082
)
 
(54,631
)
 
(510,157
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic
$
0.67

 
$
0.85

 
$
(12.70
)
 
$
(1.35
)
 
$
(12.56
)
Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted
$
0.66

 
$
0.84

 
$
(12.70
)
 
$
(1.35
)
 
$
(12.56
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock Price:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
High
64.04

 
55.99

 
49.40

 
38.49

 
64.04

Low
51.12

 
46.68

 
29.50

 
27.52

 
27.52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of operations data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
497,623

 
$
567,339

 
$
573,651

 
$
620,658

 
$
2,259,271

Gross profit
157,667

 
174,668

 
182,363

 
185,977

 
700,675

Net income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc.
25,250

 
25,311

 
27,639

 
26,570

 
104,770

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic
$
0.63

 
$
0.63

 
$
0.68

 
$
0.66

 
$
2.60

Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted
$
0.62

 
$
0.61

 
$
0.68

 
$
0.65

 
$
2.56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock Price:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
High
75.96

 
81.95

 
66.87

 
67.58

 
81.95

Low
59.12

 
61.60

 
52.05

 
52.03

 
52.03

 

During 2011, we incurred a goodwill impairment charge of $584.8 million. In addition, restructuring projects were approved to increase efficiency and lower our cost of manufacturing, for which we incurred costs of $68.1 million in 2011. Refer to Note 5 and Note 13 for further disclosures on the goodwill impairment and restructuring charges, respectively.

43



Note 18:    Subsequent Events

Stock Repurchase
Subsequent to December 31, 2011 and through February 16, 2012, we repurchased 282,090 shares of our common stock, including 60,200 shares executed during December 2011 but settled in January 2012, under the stock repurchase program authorized by the Board of Directors on October 24, 2011. The average price paid per share was $37.56.

Business Acquisition
On February 15, 2012, we signed an Agreement and Plan of Merger (Merger Agreement) with SmartSynch, Inc. (SmartSynch). SmartSynch is a provider of point-to-point smart grid solutions that utilize cellular networks for communications. We have partnered with SmartSynch for more than a decade, delivering integrated solutions to some of our largest smart grid customers. Our technologies are complementary and together provide options to tailor solutions for multiple customer scenarios.

The estimated total purchase price of SmartSynch is approximately $100 million in cash. Completion of this acquisition is expected in the second quarter of 2012.













44