It's that time again. Like clockwork, once a week, we stock enthusiasts here at stockleaf.com must pick one and only one stock that we think is worth noting and this week (for the week of February 15, 2008), Itron (ITRI) has grabbed our attention.
IF you've never heard of Itron, don't feel left out. You're not the only one. Chances are, you've probably never even touched any of the products Itron produces—unless you read meters for a living. Itron is the world's leader in automated meter reading technology, analytic applications for water and energy providers around the globe, and enterprise-wide software platforms. The company operates in three segments: Electricity Metering, Meter Data Collection (both considered Hardware Solutions) and the third is Software Solutions. In addition to providing electric meters for residential analysis, it also provides international meters for commercial and industrial analysis, handheld computers for data collection, software for such data collection, as well as related professional services like consulting, training, implementation, system testing, and software hosting. The company operates as Actaris outside of North America.
The company, headquartered in Washington state, was founded in 1977 and has noteworthy track record.
The stock, which closed on Valentine's Day at 77.74 a share, had its biggest peak between January 2005 and January 2006 but has steadily continued to climb (with minor drops here and there) over the past five years. Its one-year target is estimated at $104.63.
ITRI is scheduled to release 2007 as well as first quarter earnings on February 20 after the market closes. With more than 8,000 utilities relying on Itron's products and services to deliver water and energy around the world, there's no reason to expect those utilities will suddenly find alternative methods—or companies—to help them make good on their promise to those living and working in their communities.
We're not suggesting by any means that ITRI is on sale like some of the other stocks, but if you're looking for a value company with more room to grow, ITRI might just be what your portfolio needs. |
