Edgar Filing: ITRON INC /WA/

ITRI 10Q 3.31.15

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q



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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015



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

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 000-22418

ITRON, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



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

2111 N Molter Road, Liberty Lake, Washington 99019

(509) 924-9900

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.



Large accelerated filer	x	Accelerated filer	¨
Non-accelerated filer	o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company	¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

As of April 30, 2015 there were outstanding 38,450,736 shares of the registrant’s common stock, no par value, which is the only class of common stock of the registrant.

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Itron, Inc.

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	Page
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1: Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Consolidated Statements of Operations	1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	2

Consolidated Balance Sheets	3

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	4

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	5

Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	33

Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	50

Item 4: Controls and Procedures	51


PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1: Legal Proceedings	52

Item 1A: Risk Factors	52

Item 2: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	52

Item 5: Other Information	52

Item 6: Exhibits	53


SIGNATURE	54

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PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1: Financial Statements (Unaudited)

ITRON, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
	(in thousands, except per share data)
Revenues	$	448,247		$	474,795
Cost of revenues	310,048			320,260
Gross profit	138,199			154,535

Operating expenses
Sales and marketing	41,027			47,609
Product development	41,522			44,409
General and administrative	39,585			40,407
Amortization of business acquisition-related intangible assets	7,973			11,070
Restructuring expense	(5,447		)	5,524
Goodwill impairment	—			977
Total operating expenses	124,660			149,996

Operating income	13,539			4,539
Other income (expense)
Interest income	47			97
Interest expense	(2,682		)	(2,909		)
Other income (expense), net	24			(2,498		)
Total other income (expense)	(2,611		)	(5,310		)

Income (loss) before income taxes	10,928			(771		)
Income tax benefit (provision)	(5,563		)	653
Net income (loss)	5,365			(118		)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	455			136
Net income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc.	$	4,910		$	(254	)

Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic	$	0.13		$	(0.01	)
Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted	$	0.13		$	(0.01	)

Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic	38,442			39,235
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted	38,758			39,235

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

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ITRON, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(UNAUDITED)



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Net income (loss)	$	5,365		$	(118	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(61,090		)	(3,374		)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, designated as cash flow hedges	(369		)	(95		)
Net hedging loss (gain) reclassified into net income	255			258
Pension plan benefit liability adjustment	504			97
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(60,700		)	(3,114		)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(55,335		)	(3,232		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	455			136
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc.	$	(55,790	)	$	(3,368	)

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

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ITRON, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)



	March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	(unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	118,084		$	112,371
Accounts receivable, net	324,706			348,389
Inventories	168,161			154,504
Deferred tax assets current, net	37,700			39,115
Other current assets	109,768			104,307
Total current assets	758,419			758,686

Property, plant, and equipment, net	192,781			207,789
Deferred tax assets noncurrent, net	76,479			74,598
Other long-term assets	26,390			28,503
Intangible assets, net	122,431			139,909
Goodwill	462,718			500,820
Total assets	$	1,639,218		$	1,710,305

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	196,117		$	184,132
Other current liabilities	78,683			100,945
Wages and benefits payable	79,443			95,248
Taxes payable	18,740			21,951
Current portion of debt	30,000			30,000
Current portion of warranty	22,256			21,063
Unearned revenue	53,472			43,436
Total current liabilities	478,711			496,775

Long-term debt	331,310			293,969
Long-term warranty	14,809			15,403
Pension plan benefit liability	91,652			101,432
Deferred tax liabilities noncurrent, net	3,289			3,808
Other long-term obligations	72,550			84,437
Total liabilities	992,321			995,824

Commitments and contingencies

Equity
Preferred stock	—			—
Common stock	1,257,796			1,270,045
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(197,214		)	(136,514		)
Accumulated deficit	(431,681		)	(436,591		)
Total Itron, Inc. shareholders' equity	628,901			696,940
Noncontrolling interests	17,996			17,541
Total equity	646,897			714,481
Total liabilities and equity	$	1,639,218		$	1,710,305

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

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ITRON, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Operating activities
Net income (loss)	$	5,365		$	(118	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	19,339			25,592
Stock-based compensation	4,108			4,584
Amortization of prepaid debt fees	390			404
Deferred taxes, net	(4,790		)	(3,915		)
Goodwill impairment	—			977
Restructuring expense, non-cash	267			—
Other adjustments, net	337			32
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	2,028			15,392
Inventories	(23,480		)	(15,827		)
Other current assets	(9,395		)	(1,547		)
Other long-term assets	(54		)	892
Accounts payable, other current liabilities, and taxes payable	3,774			25,303
Wages and benefits payable	(10,343		)	272
Unearned revenue	11,032			16,441
Warranty	2,457			675
Other operating, net	(4,990		)	(2,396		)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(3,955		)	66,761

Investing activities
Acquisitions of property, plant, and equipment	(9,472		)	(8,564		)
Other investing, net	(118		)	167
Net cash used in investing activities	(9,590		)	(8,397		)

Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings	63,000			—
Payments on debt	(22,373		)	(30,625		)
Issuance of common stock	451			310
Repurchase of common stock	(16,341		)	(2,948		)
Other financing, net	1,186			(2,244		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	25,923			(35,507		)

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(6,665		)	(1,335		)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	5,713			21,522
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	112,371			124,805
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	118,084		$	146,327

Non-cash transactions:
Property, plant, and equipment purchased but not yet paid	$	890		$	540

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes, net	$	19,245		$	(891	)
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	2,265			2,460

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

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ITRON, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2015

(UNAUDITED)

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

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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

Financial Statement Preparation

The condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are unaudited and reflect entries necessary for the fair presentation of the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 of Itron, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All entries required for the fair presentation of the financial statements are of a normal recurring nature, except as disclosed.

Certain information and notes normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding interim results. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the 2014 audited financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 20, 2015. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year or for any other fiscal period.

Basis of Consolidation

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

Noncontrolling Interests

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

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.

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.

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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. Ineffective portions of cash flow hedges are recognized in other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. 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 derivative contract counterparties are credit-worthy multinational commercial banks, with whom we have master netting agreements; however, our derivative positions are not recorded on a net basis in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. There are no credit-risk-related contingent features within our derivative instruments. Refer to Note 7 and Note 13 for further disclosures of our derivative instruments and their impact on OCI.

Property, Plant, and Equipment

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

We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. Assets held for sale are classified within other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated. Gains and losses from asset disposals and impairment losses are classified within the Consolidated Statements of Operations according to the use of the asset, except those gains and losses recognized in conjunction with our restructuring activities, which are classified within 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 terms of the respective borrowings, including contingent maturity or call features, using the effective interest method, or straight-line method when associated with a revolving credit facility. When debt is repaid early, the related portion of unamortized prepaid debt fees is written off and included in interest expense.

Business Combinations

On the date of acquisition, the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree are recorded at their fair values. The acquiree's results of operations are also included as of the date of acquisition in our consolidated results. Intangible assets that arise from contractual/legal rights, or are capable of being separated, as well as in-process research and development (IPR&D), are measured and recorded at fair value, and amortized over the estimated useful life. IPR&D is not amortized until such time as the associated development projects are completed or terminated. If a development project is completed, the IPR&D is reclassified as a core technology intangible asset and amortized over its estimated useful life. If the development project is terminated, the recorded value of the associated IPR&D is immediately expensed. If practicable, assets acquired and liabilities assumed arising from contingencies are measured and recorded at fair value. If not practicable, such assets and liabilities are measured and recorded when it is probable that a gain or loss has occurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The residual balance of the purchase price, after fair value allocations to all identified assets and liabilities, represents goodwill.

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Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Restructuring costs associated with an acquisition are generally expensed in periods subsequent to the acquisition date, and changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and acquired income tax uncertainties, including penalties and interest, after the measurement period are recognized as a component of the provision for income taxes. Our acquisitions may include contingent consideration, which require us to recognize the fair value of the estimated liability at the time of the acquisition. Subsequent changes in the estimate of the amount to be paid under the contingent consideration arrangement are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Cash payments for contingent or deferred consideration are classified within cash flows from investing activities within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

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

Goodwill is assigned to our reporting units based on the expected benefit from the synergies arising from each business combination, determined by using certain financial metrics, including the forecasted discounted cash flows associated with each reporting unit. Each reporting unit corresponds with its respective operating segment, effective in the fourth quarter of 2013.

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

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

Contingencies

A loss contingency is recorded if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. We evaluate, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and our ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of the ultimate loss. Loss contingencies that we determine to be reasonably possible, but not probable, are disclosed but not recorded. Changes in these factors and related estimates could materially affect our financial position and results of operations. Legal costs to defend against contingent liabilities are expensed as incurred.

Bonus and Profit Sharing

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

Warranty

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of new products in the development stage helps identify and correct potential warranty issues prior to manufacturing. Quality control efforts during manufacturing reduce our exposure to warranty claims. When testing or quality control efforts fail to detect a fault in one of our products, we may experience an increase in warranty claims. We track warranty claims to identify potential warranty trends. If an unusual trend is noted, an additional warranty accrual would be recorded if a failure event is probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated. When new products are introduced, our process relies on historical averages of similar products until sufficient data are available. As actual experience on new products becomes available, it is used to modify the historical averages to ensure the expected warranty costs are within a range of likely outcomes. Management regularly evaluates the sufficiency of the warranty provisions and makes adjustments when necessary. The warranty allowances may fluctuate due to changes in estimates for material, labor, and other costs we may incur to repair or replace projected product failures, and we may incur additional warranty and related expenses in the future with respect to new or established products, which could adversely affect our 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

We record a liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity under a restructuring project 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 termination of a contract in accordance with the contract terms or the cessation of the use of the rights conveyed by the contract, whichever occurs later.

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

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

From time to time, we may repurchase shares of common stock under programs authorized by our Board of Directors. 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 reported separately as treasury stock on the financial statements; the value of the repurchased shares is deducted from common stock.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues consist primarily of hardware sales, software license fees, software implementation, project management services, installation, consulting, and post-sale maintenance support. Revenues are recognized when (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (3) the sales price is fixed or determinable, and (4) collectability is reasonably assured.

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

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

Hardware revenues are recognized at the time of shipment, receipt by the customer, or, if applicable, upon completion of customer acceptance provisions.

Generally, network software revenue is recognized when shipped if all other revenue recognition criteria are met and services are not essential to the functionality of the software. If implementation services are essential to the functionality of the network software, software and implementation revenues are recognized using the percentage-of-completion methodology of contract accounting when project costs are reliably estimated.

If the data collection system does not use standard Internet protocols and network design services are deemed complex and extensive, revenue from network software and services is recognized using the units-of-delivery method of contract accounting, as network design services and network software are essential to the functionality of the related hardware (network). This methodology results in the deferral of costs and revenues as professional services and software implementation commence prior to deployment of hardware.

In the unusual instances when we are unable to reliably estimate the cost to complete a contract at its inception, we use the completed contract method of contract accounting. Revenues and costs are recognized upon substantial completion when remaining costs are insignificant and potential risks are minimal.

Under contract accounting, if we estimate that the completion of a contract component (unit of accounting) will result in a loss, the loss is recognized in the period in which the loss becomes evident. We reevaluate the estimated loss through the completion of the contract component and adjust the estimated loss for changes in facts and circumstances.

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

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

We allocate consideration to each deliverable in an arrangement based on its relative selling price. We determine selling price using VSOE, if it exists, otherwise we use third-party evidence (TPE). We define VSOE as a median price of recent standalone transactions that are priced within a narrow range. TPE is determined based on the prices charged by our competitors for a similar deliverable when sold separately. If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists for a unit of accounting, we use estimated selling price (ESP) 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. The factors considered include the cost to produce the deliverable, the anticipated margin on that deliverable, our ongoing pricing strategy and policies, and the characteristics of the varying markets in which the deliverable is sold.

We analyze the selling prices used in our allocation of arrangement consideration on an annual basis. Selling prices are analyzed on a more frequent basis if a significant change in our business necessitates a more timely analysis or if we experience significant variances in our selling prices.

Unearned revenue is recorded when a customer pays for products or services, but the criteria for revenue recognition have not been met as of the balance sheet date. Unearned revenues of $86.0 million and $76.6 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 related primarily to professional services and software associated with our smart metering contracts, extended or noncustomary warranty, and prepaid post-contract support. Deferred costs are recorded for products or services for which ownership (typically defined as title and risk of loss) has transferred to the customer, but the criteria for revenue recognition have not been met as of the balance sheet date. Deferred costs were $20.9 million and $24.9 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and are recorded within other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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

Product and Software Development Costs

Product and software development costs primarily include employee compensation and third party contracting fees. We do not capitalize product development costs, and we do not generally capitalize software development expenses as the costs incurred are immaterial for the relatively short period of time between technological feasibility and the completion of software development.

Stock-Based Compensation

We measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based awards made to employees and directors, including stock options, stock sold pursuant to our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and the issuance of restricted stock units and unrestricted stock awards, based on estimated fair values. The fair value of stock options is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which includes assumptions for the dividend yield, expected volatility, risk-free interest rate, and expected term. For ESPP awards, the fair value is the difference between the market close price of our common stock on the date of purchase and the discounted purchase price. The discount provided for ESPP purchases is 5% from the fair market value of the stock at the end of each fiscal quarter and is not considered compensatory. For performance-based restricted stock units and unrestricted stock awards with no market conditions, the fair value is the market close price of our common stock on the date of grant. For restricted stock units with market conditions, the fair value is estimated at the date of award using a Monte Carlo simulation model, which includes assumptions for dividend yield and expected volatility for our common stock and the common stock for companies within the Russell 3000 index, as well as the risk-free interest rate and expected term of the awards. We expense stock-based compensation at the date of grant for unrestricted stock awards. For awards with only a service condition, we expense stock-based compensation, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, using the straight-line method over the requisite service period for the entire award. For awards with performance and service conditions, if vesting is probable, we expense the stock-based compensation, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award. For awards with a market condition, we expense the fair value over the requisite service period. Excess tax benefits are credited to common stock when the deduction reduces cash taxes payable. When we have tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost, they are classified as financing cash inflows in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Income Taxes

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

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

We utilize a two step approach to account for uncertain tax positions. A tax position is first evaluated for recognition based on its technical merits. Tax positions that have a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement are then measured to determine amounts to be recognized in the financial statements. This measurement incorporates information about potential settlements with taxing authorities. A previously recognized tax position is derecognized in the first period in which the position no longer meets the recognition threshold or upon expiration of the statute of limitations. We classify interest expense and penalties related to uncertain tax positions and interest income on tax overpayments as part of income tax expense.

Foreign Exchange

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

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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.

New Accounting Pronouncement

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606 (ASU 2014-09), to supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is currently effective for us on January 1, 2017 using either the retrospective or modified-retrospective transition method. We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements.

On April 7, 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (ASU 2015-03), which will require debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability. ASU 2015-03 is effective for us on January 1, 2016 using the retrospective or transition method. Early adoption is permitted, and we are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2015-03 on our consolidated financial statements.

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Note 2: Earnings Per Share and Capital Structure

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



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014
	(in thousands, except per share data)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	4,910	$	(254	)

Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic	38,442		39,235
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	316		—
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted	38,758		39,235
Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic	$	0.13	$	(0.01	)
Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted	$	0.13	$	(0.01	)

Stock-based Awards

For stock-based awards, the dilutive effect is calculated using the treasury stock method. Under this method, the dilutive effect is computed as if the awards were exercised at the beginning of the period (or at time of issuance, if later) and assumes the related proceeds were used to repurchase common stock at the average market price during the period. Related proceeds include the amount the employee must pay upon exercise, future compensation cost associated with the stock award, and the amount of excess tax benefits, if any. Approximately 1.3 million stock-based awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2015, and approximately 1.6 million stock-based awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2014, because they were anti-dilutive. These stock-based awards could be dilutive in future periods.

Note 3: Certain Balance Sheet Components



Accounts receivable, net	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Trade receivables (net of allowance of $5,939 and $6,195)	$	284,218	$	312,302
Unbilled receivables	40,488		36,087
Total accounts receivable, net	$	324,706	$	348,389

At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $2.8 million and $4.7 million, respectively, were recorded within trade receivables as billed but not yet paid by customers, in accordance with contract retainage provisions. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, contract retainage amounts that were unbilled and classified as unbilled receivables were $3.3 million and $4.0 million, respectively. These contract retainage amounts within trade receivables and unbilled receivables are expected to be collected within the following 12 months.

At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, long-term unbilled receivables totaled $4.0 million and $4.3 million, respectively. These long-term unbilled receivables are classified within other long-term assets, as collection is not anticipated within the following 12 months. We had no long-term billed contract retainage receivables at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.



Allowance for doubtful accounts activity	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	6,195		$	8,368
Provision for doubtful accounts, net	269			606
Accounts written-off	(16		)	(232		)
Effect of change in exchange rates	(509		)	16
Ending balance	$	5,939		$	8,758

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Inventories	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Materials	$	95,277	$	90,557
Work in process	9,374		8,991
Finished goods	63,510		54,956
Total inventories	$	168,161	$	154,504

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

Consigned inventory is held at third-party locations; however, we retain title to the inventory until it is purchased by the third-party. Consigned inventory, consisting of raw materials and finished goods, was $3.1 million and $2.5 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.



Property, plant, and equipment, net	March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Machinery and equipment	$	276,903		$	287,448
Computers and software	98,403			100,212
Buildings, furniture, and improvements	129,321			134,461
Land	20,793			21,186
Construction in progress, including purchased equipment	22,691			21,007
Total cost	548,111			564,314
Accumulated depreciation	(355,330		)	(356,525		)
Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	192,781		$	207,789

Assets of our international subsidiaries are recorded in their respective functional currency; therefore, the carrying amounts of these assets increase or decrease, with a corresponding change in accumulated OCI, due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, depreciation expense is impacted by the fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.



Depreciation expense	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014
	(in thousands)
Depreciation expense	$	11,366	$	14,522

Note 4: Intangible Assets

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



	March 31, 2015							December 31, 2014
	Gross Assets		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Gross Assets		Accumulated Amortization			Net
	(in thousands)
Core-developed technology	$	387,286	$	(347,529	)	$	39,757	$	405,434	$	(359,500	)	$	45,934
Customer contracts and relationships	242,624		(162,637		)	79,987		262,930		(172,755		)	90,175
Trademarks and trade names	64,624		(61,994		)	2,630		68,205		(64,905		)	3,300
Other	11,079		(11,022		)	57		11,579		(11,079		)	500
Total intangible assets	$	705,613	$	(583,182	)	$	122,431	$	748,148	$	(608,239	)	$	139,909

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A summary of intangible asset activity is as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance, intangible assets, gross	$	748,148		$	804,281
Intangible assets impaired	(497		)	—
Effect of change in exchange rates	(42,038		)	(2,073		)
Ending balance, intangible assets, gross	$	705,613		$	802,208

Intangible assets impaired includes purchased software licenses to be sold to others. This amount was expensed as part of cost of revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

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

Estimated future annual amortization expense is as follows:



Years ending December 31,	Estimated Annual Amortization
	(in thousands)
2015 (amount remaining at March 31, 2015)	$	23,956
2016	24,768
2017	18,249
2018	12,558
2019	9,757
Beyond 2019	33,143
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	$	122,431

Note 5: Goodwill

The following table reflects goodwill allocated to each reporting segment as of March 31, 2015:



	Electricity			Gas			Water			Total Company
	(in thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2015
Goodwill before impairment	$	449,668		$	359,485		$	382,655		$	1,191,808
Accumulated impairment losses	(393,981		)	—			(297,007		)	(690,988		)
Goodwill, net	55,687			359,485			85,648			500,820

Effect of change in exchange rates	(2,909		)	(28,826		)	(6,367		)	(38,102		)

Balance at March 31, 2015
Goodwill before impairment	413,862			330,659			344,253			1,088,774
Accumulated impairment losses	(361,084		)	—			(264,972		)	(626,056		)
Goodwill, net	$	52,778		$	330,659		$	79,281		$	462,718

Refer to Note 1 for a description of our reporting units and the methods used to determine the fair values of our reporting units and to determine the amount of any goodwill impairment.

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

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Note 6: Debt

The components of our borrowings were as follows:



	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Credit facility:
USD denominated term loan	$	225,000	$	232,500
Multicurrency revolving line of credit	136,310		91,469
Total debt	361,310		323,969
Less: current portion of debt	30,000		30,000
Long-term debt	$	331,310	$	293,969

Credit Facility

Our credit facility is dated August 5, 2011. The credit facility consists of a $300 million U.S. dollar term loan (the term loan) and a multicurrency revolving line of credit (the revolver) with a principal amount of up to $660 million. Both the term loan and the revolver mature on August 8, 2016. Amounts borrowed under the revolver are classified as long-term and, during the credit facility term, may be repaid and reborrowed until the revolver's maturity, at which time the revolver will terminate, and all outstanding loans, together with all accrued and unpaid interest, must be repaid. Amounts not borrowed under the revolver are subject to a commitment fee, which is paid in arrears on the last day of each fiscal quarter, ranging from 0.20% to 0.40% per annum depending on our total leverage ratio as of the most recently ended fiscal quarter. Amounts repaid on the term loan may not be reborrowed. The credit facility permits us and certain of our foreign subsidiaries to borrow in U.S. dollars, euros, British pounds, or, with lender approval, other currencies readily convertible into U.S. dollars. All obligations under the credit facility are guaranteed by Itron, Inc. and material U.S. domestic subsidiaries and are secured by a pledge of substantially all of the assets of Itron, Inc. and material U.S. domestic subsidiaries, including a pledge of 100% of the capital stock of material U.S. domestic subsidiaries and up to 66% of the voting stock (100% of the non-voting stock) of their first-tier foreign subsidiaries. In addition, the obligations of any foreign subsidiary who is a foreign borrower, as defined by the credit facility, are guaranteed by the foreign subsidiary and by its direct and indirect foreign parents. The credit facility includes debt covenants, which contain certain financial ratio thresholds and place certain restrictions on the incurrence of debt, investments, and the issuance of dividends. We were in compliance with the debt covenants under the credit facility at March 31, 2015.

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

Under the credit facility, we elect applicable market interest rates for both the term loan and any outstanding revolving loans. We also pay an applicable margin, which is based on our total leverage ratio (as defined in the credit agreement). The applicable rates per annum may be based on either: (1) the LIBOR rate or EURIBOR rate, plus an applicable margin, or (2) the Alternate Base Rate, plus an applicable margin. The Alternate Base Rate election is equal to the greatest of three rates: (i) the prime rate, (ii) the Federal Reserve effective rate plus 1/2 of 1%, or (iii) one month LIBOR plus 1%. At March 31, 2015, the interest rate for both the term loan and the USD revolver was 1.68% (the LIBOR rate plus a margin of 1.50%), and the interest rate for the EUR revolver was 1.48% (the EURIBOR rate plus a margin of 1.50%).

Total credit facility repayments were as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014
	(in thousands)
Term loan	$	7,500	$	5,625
Multicurrency revolving line of credit	14,873		25,000
Total credit facility repayments	$	22,373	$	30,625

At March 31, 2015, $136.3 million was outstanding under the credit facility revolver, and $53.0 million was utilized by outstanding standby letters of credit, resulting in $470.7 million available for additional borrowings.

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Unamortized prepaid debt fees were as follows:



	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Unamortized prepaid debt fees	$	1,933	$	2,298

Note 7: Derivative Financial Instruments

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

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

The fair values of our derivative instruments were as follows:



		Fair Value
	Balance Sheet Location	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
		(in thousands)
Asset Derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20
Interest rate swap contracts	Other long-term assets	$	—	$	75
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Other current assets	345		107
Total asset derivatives		$	345	$	182

Liability Derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20
Interest rate swap contracts	Other current liabilities	$	1,255	$	1,317
Interest rate swap contracts	Other long-term obligations	172		—
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Other current liabilities	296		236
Total liability derivatives		$	1,723	$	1,553

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



	2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Net unrealized loss on hedging instruments at January 1,	$	(15,148	)	$	(15,636	)
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedging instruments	(369		)	(95		)
Realized losses reclassified into net income (loss)	255			258
Net unrealized loss on hedging instruments at March 31,	$	(15,262	)	$	(15,473	)

Included in the net unrealized loss on hedging instruments at March 31, 2015 and 2014 is a loss of $14.4 million, net of tax, related to our nonderivative net investment hedge, which terminated in 2011. This loss on our net investment hedge will remain in accumulated OCI until such time when earnings are impacted by a sale or liquidation of the associated foreign operation.

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A summary of the potential effect of netting arrangements on our financial position related to the offsetting of our recognized derivative assets and liabilities under master netting arrangements or similar agreements is as follows:



Offsetting of Derivative Assets
			Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Derivative Financial Instruments			Cash Collateral Received		Net Amount
	(in thousands)
March 31, 2015	$	345	$	(267	)	$	—	$	78

December 31, 2014	$	182	$	(182	)	$	—	$	—



Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities
			Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
	Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Derivative Financial Instruments			Cash Collateral Pledged		Net Amount
	(in thousands)
March 31, 2015	$	1,723	$	(267	)	$	—	$	1,456

December 31, 2014	$	1,553	$	(182	)	$	—	$	1,371

Our derivative assets and liabilities consist of foreign exchange forward and interest rate swap contracts with eight counterparties at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. No derivative asset or liability balance with any of our counterparties was individually significant at March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014. Our derivative contracts with each of these counterparties exist under agreements that provide for the net settlement of all contracts through a single payment in a single currency in the event of default. We have no pledges of cash collateral against our obligations nor have we received pledges of cash collateral from our counterparties under the associated derivative contracts.

Cash Flow Hedges

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

In May 2012, we entered into six forward starting pay-fixed, receive one-month LIBOR interest rate swaps. The interest rate swaps convert $200 million of our LIBOR-based debt from a floating LIBOR interest rate to a fixed interest rate of 1.00% (excluding the applicable margin on the debt) and are effective from July 31, 2013 to August 8, 2016. These cash flow hedges are expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk through the term of the hedge. Consequently, effective changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps are recorded as a component of OCI and are recognized in earnings when the hedged item affects earnings. The amounts paid or received on the hedges are recognized as adjustments to interest expense. The amount of net losses expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months is $1.3 million. At March 31, 2015, our LIBOR-based debt balance was $345.0 million.

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

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The before-tax effect of our cash flow derivative instruments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31 were as follows:



Derivatives in ASC 815-20 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)						Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)							Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
Derivatives in ASC 815-20 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships							Location	Amount						Location	Amount
	2015			2014				2015			2014				2015		2014
	(in thousands)							(in thousands)							(in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31,
Interest rate swap contracts	$	(597	)	$	(155	)	Interest expense	$	(412	)	$	(418	)	Interest expense	$	—	$	—

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Relationships

We are exposed to foreign exchange risk when we enter into non-functional currency transactions, both intercompany and third-party. At each period-end, non-functional currency monetary assets and liabilities are revalued with the change recorded to other income and expense. We enter into monthly foreign exchange forward contracts (a total of 143 contracts were entered into during the three months ended March 31, 2015), which are not designated for hedge accounting, but rather with the intent to reduce earnings volatility associated with certain of these non-functional currency assets and liabilities. The notional amounts of the contracts ranged from $188,000 to $21.0 million, offsetting our exposures to the euro, British pound, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Mexican peso, and various other currencies.

The effect of our foreign exchange forward derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31 was as follows:



Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instrument under ASC 815-20	Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives in Other Income (Expense)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	(2,796	)	$	(848	)

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, Brazil, 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, 2014.

Our defined benefit pension plans are denominated in the functional currencies of the respective countries in which the plans are sponsored; therefore, the balances increase or decrease, with a corresponding change in OCI, due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:



	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Assets
Plan assets in other long-term assets	$	481	$	567

Liabilities
Current portion of pension plan liability in wages and benefits payable	3,833		4,552
Long-term portion of pension plan liability	91,652		101,432

Net pension plan benefit liability	$	95,004	$	105,417

Our net pension plan benefit liability decreased primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared with most foreign currencies at March 31, 2015 as compared with December 31, 2014.

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Our asset investment strategy focuses on maintaining a portfolio using primarily insurance funds, which are accounted for as investments and measured at fair value, in order to achieve our long-term investment objectives on a risk adjusted basis. Our general funding policy for these qualified pension plans is to contribute amounts sufficient to satisfy regulatory funding standards of the respective countries for each plan. We contributed $30,000 and $26,000 to the defined benefit pension plans for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The timing of contributions can vary by plan and from year to year. For 2015, assuming that actual plan asset returns are consistent with our expected rate of return, and that interest rates remain constant, we expect to contribute approximately $388,000 to our defined benefit pension plans. We contributed $375,000 to the defined benefit pension plans for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Net periodic pension benefit costs for our plans include the following components:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Service cost	$	1,089		$	948
Interest cost	620			893
Expected return on plan assets	(136		)	(157		)
Settlements and other	(1		)	(2		)
Amortization of actuarial net loss	497			123
Amortization of unrecognized prior service costs	15			18
Net periodic benefit cost	$	2,084		$	1,823

Note 9: Stock-Based Compensation

We record stock-based compensation expense for awards of stock options and the issuance of restricted stock units and unrestricted stock awards. We expense stock-based compensation primarily using the straight-line method over the requisite service period. For the three months ended March 31, stock-based compensation expense and the related tax benefit were as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014
	(in thousands)
Stock options	$	649	$	554
Restricted stock units	3,326		3,800
Unrestricted stock awards	133		230
Total stock-based compensation	$	4,108	$	4,584

Related tax benefit	$	1,149	$	1,287

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

Subject to stock splits, dividends, and other similar events, 7,473,956 shares of common stock are reserved and authorized for issuance under our Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (Stock Incentive Plan). Awards consist of stock options, restricted stock units, and unrestricted stock awards. At March 31, 2015, 2,752,503 shares were available for grant under the Stock Incentive Plan. The Stock Incentive Plan shares are subject to a fungible share provision such that the authorized share reserve is reduced by (i) one share for every one share subject to a stock option or share appreciation right granted under the Plan and (ii) 1.7 shares for every one share of common stock that was subject to an award other than an option or share appreciation right.

Stock Options

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

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The fair values of stock options granted were estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014
Dividend yield	—	%	—	%
Expected volatility	34.5	%	39.8	%
Risk-free interest rate	1.7	%	1.7	%
Expected term (years)	5.5		5.5

Expected volatility is based on a combination of the historical volatility of our common stock and the implied volatility of our traded options for the related expected term. We believe this combined approach is reflective of current and historical market conditions and is an appropriate indicator of expected volatility. The risk-free interest rate is the rate available as of the award date on zero-coupon U.S. government issues with a term equal to the expected life of the award. The expected life is the weighted average expected life of an award based on the period of time between the date the award is granted and the estimated date the award will be fully exercised. Factors considered in estimating the expected life include historical experience of similar awards, contractual terms, vesting schedules, and expectations of future employee behavior. We have not paid dividends in the past and do not plan to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.

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



	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	Aggregate Intrinsic Value⁽¹⁾		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	(in thousands)				(years)	(in thousands)
Outstanding, January 1, 2014	1,180		$	54.79	4.6	$	1,300
Granted	147		35.19					$	13.64
Exercised	(5	)	35.71			25
Expired	—		—
Outstanding, March 31, 2014	1,322		$	52.68	5.0	$	613

Outstanding, January 1, 2015	1,123		$	51.90	4.4	$	1,676
Granted	204		35.29					$	12.15
Exercised	(2	)	26.65			17
Expired	(1	)	37.40
Outstanding, March 31, 2015	1,324		$	49.39	5.5	$	451

Exercisable, March 31, 2015	922		$	54.84	3.9	$	73

Expected to vest, March 31, 2015	382		$	36.91	9.2	$	357

⁽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 our stock exceeded the exercise price of the outstanding in-the-money options before applicable income taxes, based on our closing stock price on the last business day of the period. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the period is calculated based on our stock price at the date of exercise.

As of March 31, 2015, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested stock options was approximately $4.6 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.2 years.

Restricted Stock Units

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

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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.

Beginning in 2013, the performance-based restricted stock units to be issued under the Long-Term Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Performance Award Agreement) were determined based on (1) our achievement of specified non-GAAP EPS targets, as established by the Board at the beginning of each year for each of the calendar years contained in the performance periods (2-year and 3-year awards in 2013 and 3-year awards in subsequent years) (the performance condition) and (2) our total shareholder return (TSR) relative to the TSR attained by companies that are included in the Russell 3000 Index during the performance periods (the market condition). Compensation expense, net of forfeitures, is recognized on a straight-line basis, and the units vest upon achievement of the performance condition, provided participants are employed by Itron at the end of the respective performance periods. For U.S. participants who retire during the performance period, a pro-rated number of restricted stock units (based on the number of days of employment during the performance period) immediately vest based on the attainment of the performance goals as assessed after the end of the performance period.

Depending on the level of achievement of the performance condition, the actual number of shares to be earned ranges between 0% and 160% of the awards originally granted. At the end of the performance periods, if the performance conditions are achieved at or above threshold, the number of shares earned is further adjusted by a TSR multiplier payout percentage, which ranges between 75% and 125%, based on the market condition. Therefore, based on the attainment of the performance and market conditions, the actual number of shares that vest may range from 0% to 200% of the awards originally granted. Due to the presence of the TSR multiplier market condition, we utilize a Monte Carlo valuation model to determine the fair value of the awards at the grant date. This pricing model uses multiple simulations to evaluate the probability of our achievement of various stock price levels to determine our expected TSR performance ranking. The weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of performance-based restricted stock units granted and the resulting weighted average fair-value are as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
Dividend yield	—		%	—		%
Expected volatility	30.1		%	30.9		%
Risk-free interest rate	0.7		%	0.2		%
Expected term (years)	2.1			1.4

Weighted-average fair value	$	33.46		$	28.88

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

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



	Number of Restricted Stock Units		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Aggregate Intrinsic Value⁽¹⁾
	(in thousands)				(in thousands)
Outstanding, January 1, 2014	658
Granted ⁽²⁾	308		$	35.38
Released	(236	)			$	11,666
Forfeited	(3	)
Outstanding, March 31, 2014	727

Outstanding, January 1, 2015	682
Granted ⁽²⁾	315		$	35.30
Released	(266	)			$	10,888
Forfeited	(22	)
Outstanding, March 31, 2015	709

Vested but not released, March 31, 2015	5				$	181

Expected to vest, March 31, 2015	573				$	20,919


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


⁽²⁾	Restricted stock units granted in 2014 and 2015 do not include awards under the Performance Award Agreement for the respective years, as these awards are not granted until attainment of annual performance goals has been determined at the conclusion of the performance period, which had not occurred as of March 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

At March 31, 2015, unrecognized compensation expense on restricted stock units was $30.6 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.2 years.

Unrestricted Stock Awards

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

The following table summarizes unrestricted stock award activity for the three months ended March 31:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014
	(in thousands, except per share data)
Shares of unrestricted stock granted	3		6

Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	41.56	$	40.63

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 5% 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 ESPP is not considered compensatory, and no compensation expense is recognized for sales of our common stock to employees.

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



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015	2014
	(in thousands)
Shares of stock sold to employees⁽¹⁾	10	14


⁽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.

There were approximately 435,000 shares of common stock available for future issuance under the ESPP at March 31, 2015.

Note 10: Income Taxes

Our tax provision (benefit) as a percentage of income (loss) before tax typically differs from the federal statutory rate of 35%, and may vary from period to period, due to fluctuations in the forecast mix of earnings in domestic and international jurisdictions, new or revised tax legislation and accounting pronouncements, tax credits, state income taxes, adjustments to valuation allowances, and uncertain tax positions, among other items.

Our tax expense for the first three months of 2015 differed from the federal statutory rate of 35% due to the forecasted mix of earnings in domestic and international jurisdictions, valuation allowances, discrete tax items, the benefit of certain interest expense deductions, and benefits of certain acquisition-related elections for tax purposes.

Our tax benefit for the first three months of 2014 was higher than the federal statutory benefit of 35% due to discrete tax benefits recognized.

We classify interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax liabilities and interest income on tax overpayments as components of income tax expense. The net interest and penalties expense recognized were as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014
	(in thousands)
Net interest and penalties expense	$	301	$	(543	)

Accrued interest and penalties recorded were as follows:



	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Accrued interest	$	1,725	$	1,755
Accrued penalties	2,557		2,671

Unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions and the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate were as follows:



	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions	$	27,003	$	28,146
The amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate	25,883		26,980

At March 31, 2015, we are under examination by certain tax authorities for the 2000 to 2013 tax years. The material jurisdictions where we are subject to examination include, among others, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. No material changes have occurred to previously disclosed assessments. We believe we have appropriately accrued for the expected outcome of all tax matters and do not currently anticipate that the ultimate resolution of these examinations will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, future results of operations, or liquidity.

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Based upon the timing and outcome of examinations, litigation, the impact of legislative, regulatory, and judicial developments, and the impact of these items on the statute of limitations, it is reasonably possible that the related unrecognized tax benefits could change from those recorded within the next twelve months. However, at this time, an estimate of the range of reasonably possible adjustments to the balance of unrecognized tax benefits cannot be made.

Note 11: Commitments and Contingencies

Guarantees and Indemnifications

We are often required to obtain standby letters of credit (LOCs) or bonds in support of our obligations for customer contracts. These standby LOCs or bonds typically provide a guarantee to the customer for future performance, which usually covers the installation phase of a contract and may, on occasion, cover the operations and maintenance phase of outsourcing contracts.

Our available lines of credit, outstanding standby LOCs, and bonds were as follows:



	March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
Credit facilities⁽¹⁾
Multicurrency revolving line of credit	$	660,000		$	660,000
Long-term borrowings	(136,310		)	(91,469		)
Standby LOCs issued and outstanding	(52,950		)	(50,399		)
Net available for additional borrowings and LOCs	$	470,740		$	518,132

Unsecured multicurrency revolving lines of credit with various financial institutions
Multicurrency revolving lines of credit	$	99,845		$	106,855
Standby LOCs issued and outstanding	(29,605		)	(28,636		)
Short-term borrowings⁽²⁾	(4,927		)	(4,282		)
Net available for additional borrowings and LOCs	$	65,313		$	73,937

Unsecured surety bonds in force	$	117,554		$	116,306


⁽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.

In 2010 and 2011, Transdata Incorporated (Transdata) filed lawsuits against four of our customers, CenterPoint Energy (CenterPoint), TriCounty Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Tri-County), San Diego Gas & Electric Company (San Diego), and Texas-New Mexico Power Company (TNMP), as well as several other utilities, alleging infringement of three patents owned by Transdata related to the use of an antenna in a meter. Pursuant to our contractual obligations with our customers, we agreed, subject to certain exceptions, to indemnify and defend them in these lawsuits. The complaints seek unspecified damages as well as injunctive relief.

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CenterPoint, Tri-County, San Diego, and TNMP have denied all of the substantive allegations and filed counterclaims seeking a declaratory judgment that the patents are invalid and not infringed. In December 2011, the Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation consolidated all of these cases in the Western District of Oklahoma for pretrial proceedings. On April 17, 2011, the Oklahoma court stayed the litigation pending the resolution of re-examination proceedings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (U.S. PTO). The U.S. PTO has issued re-examination certificates confirming the patentability of the original claims and allowing certain new claims added by Transdata. The parties conducted a claim construction hearing on February 5, 2013 on one claim term -- "electric meter circuitry." After initially adopting the defendants' proposed construction of the term, the Court granted Transdata's motion for reconsideration by order of June 25, 2013 and has adopted Transdata's proposed construction. On October 1, 2013, the Court issued an order construing other claim terms. Fact discovery closed on June 29, 2014. Opening and rebuttal expert reports have been served, and expert depositions have been taken. Both sides have also filed summary judgment motions. The U.S. PTO also instituted re-examinations on all three patents based on new requests but has recently issued Notices of Intent to Issue Re-examination Certificates for each. Petitions for inter partes review were also filed by General Electric (GE), but the Patent Trial and Appeal Board has found two of the three petitions are untimely because, under the Board’s analysis, GE is in privity with a defendant in the pending litigation (and thus was required to file within one year of the beginning of the litigation). No trials are scheduled. 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 is recognized.

Itron and its subsidiaries are parties to various employment-related proceedings in jurisdictions where they do business. None of the proceedings are individually material to Itron, and we believe that we have made adequate provision such that the ultimate disposition of the proceedings will not materially affect Itron's business or financial condition.

Warranty

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



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	36,466		$	45,146
New product warranties	1,800			1,231
Other changes/adjustments to warranties	4,009			2,093
Claims activity	(3,281		)	(2,631		)
Effect of change in exchange rates	(1,929		)	185
Ending balance	37,065			46,024
Less: current portion of warranty	22,256			21,989
Long-term warranty	$	14,809		$	24,035

Total warranty expense is classified within cost of revenues and consists of new product warranties issued, costs related to extended warranty contracts, and other changes and adjustments to warranties. Warranty expense for the three months ended March 31 was as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014
	(in thousands)
Total warranty expense	$	5,809	$	3,324

Warranty expense increased during the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared with the same period in 2014 primarily due to special warranty provisions for several customers.

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Unearned Revenue Related to Extended Warranty

A summary of changes to unearned revenue for extended warranty contracts is as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	34,138		$	33,528
Unearned revenue for new extended warranties	605			848
Unearned revenue recognized	(649		)	(669		)
Effect of change in exchange rates	(194		)	(117		)
Ending balance	33,900			33,590
Less: current portion of unearned revenue for extended warranty	2,971			2,424
Long-term unearned revenue for extended warranty within other long-term obligations	$	30,929		$	31,166

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 were as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014
	(in thousands)
Plan costs	$	6,513	$	6,263

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



	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
IBNR accrual	$	1,987	$	1,924

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

Note 12: Restructuring

2014 Projects

We began implementing these projects in the fourth quarter of 2014, and we expect to substantially complete these projects by the end of 2016. Certain aspects of the projects are subject to a variety of labor and employment laws, rules, and regulations, which could result in a delay in completing the projects at some locations. During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the total expected restructuring costs decreased by approximately $6.9 million. This includes $5.4 million in restructuring expense release, recognized in the first quarter of 2015, primarily resulting from employees, originally identified to be terminated, voluntarily resigning or filling vacant positions in different departments or locations. The remainder of the change in expected costs results from the translation impact of foreign exchange rates.

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The total expected restructuring costs, the restructuring costs recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2015, and the remaining expected restructuring costs as of March 31, 2015 were as follows:



	Total Expected Costs at March 31, 2015		Costs Recognized in Prior Periods		Costs Recognized During the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015			Remaining Costs to be Recognized at March 31, 2015
	(in thousands)
Employee severance costs	$	41,431	$	47,447	$	(6,016	)	$	—
Asset impairments	8,219		7,952		267			—
Other restructuring costs	10,140		401		302			9,437
Total	$	59,790	$	55,800	$	(5,447	)	$	9,437

Segments:
Electricity	$	35,316	$	29,660	$	(3,127	)	$	8,783
Gas	12,918		12,185		502			231
Water	1,249		1,106		117			26
Corporate unallocated	10,307		12,849		(2,939		)	397
Total	$	59,790	$	55,800	$	(5,447	)	$	9,437

The following table summarizes the activity within the restructuring related balance sheet accounts during the three months ended March 31, 2015:



	Accrued Employee Severance			Asset Impairments & Net Loss on Sale or Disposal			Other Accrued Costs			Total
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance, January 1, 2015	$	59,333		$	—		$	3,526		$	62,859
Costs incurred and charged to expense	(6,016		)	267			302			(5,447		)
Cash payments	(3,209		)	—			(480		)	(3,689		)
Non-cash items	—			(267		)	—			(267		)
Effect of change in exchange rates	(5,702		)	—			(98		)	(5,800		)
Ending balance, March 31, 2015	$	44,406		$	—		$	3,250		$	47,656

Other restructuring costs include expenses for employee relocation, professional fees associated with employee severance, and costs to exit the facilities once the operations in those facilities have ceased. 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.

The current portions of the restructuring related liability balances were $40.7 million and $49.1 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The current portion of the liability is classified within "Other current liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The long-term portions of the restructuring related liability balances were $6.9 million and $13.8 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The long-term portion of the restructuring liability is classified within "Other long-term obligations" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and includes facility exit costs and severance accruals.

Asset impairments are determined at the asset group level. Revenues and net operating income from the activities we have exited or will exit under the restructuring plan are not material to our operating segments or consolidated results.

2013 Projects

In September 2013, our management approved projects (the 2013 Projects) to restructure our operations to improve profitability and increase efficiencies. We began implementing these projects in the third quarter of 2013, and we expect to substantially complete project activities by the middle of 2015 and begin recognizing full savings in 2016. While project activities are expected to continue through June 2015, no further costs are expected to be recognized.

The 2013 Projects resulted in approximately $26.2 million of restructuring expense, which was recognized from the third quarter of 2013 through the fourth quarter of 2014.

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Note 13: Shareholder's Equity

Preferred Stock

We have authorized the issuance of 10 million shares of preferred stock with no par value. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the affairs of the corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of any outstanding preferred stock would be entitled to be paid a preferential amount per share to be determined by the Board of Directors prior to any payment to holders of common stock. There was no preferred stock issued or outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Stock Repurchase Plan

On February 7, 2014, Itron's Board of Directors (the Board) authorized a 12-month repurchase program of up to $50 million in shares of our common stock, to begin on March 8, 2014, upon the expiration of the previous stock repurchase program. From March 8, 2014 through December 31, 2014, we repurchased 910,990 shares of our common stock, totaling $36.7 million. From January 1, 2015 through February 2015, we repurchased 335,251 shares of our common stock which fully utilized the remaining $13.3 million authorized under the program.

On February 19, 2015, the Board authorized a new repurchase program of up to $50 million of our common stock over a 12-month period, beginning February 19, 2015. From February 19, 2015 through March 31, 2015, we repurchased 84,000 shares of our common stock, totaling $3.1 million, and $46.9 million remains under the current program for future purchases.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

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



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Before-tax amount
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(61,544	)	$	(3,523	)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	(597		)	(155		)
Net hedging loss (gain) reclassified into net income	412			418
Pension plan benefits liability adjustment	511			139
Total other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	(61,218		)	(3,121		)

Tax (provision) benefit
Foreign currency translation adjustment	454			149
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	228			60
Net hedging loss (gain) reclassified into net income	(157		)	(160		)
Pension plan benefits liability adjustment	(7		)	(42		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss) tax (provision) benefit	518			7

Net-of-tax amount
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(61,090		)	(3,374		)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	(369		)	(95		)
Net hedging loss (gain) reclassified into net income	255			258
Pension plan benefits liability adjustment	504			97
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$	(60,700	)	$	(3,114	)

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



	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments			Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Nonderivative Instruments			Pension Plan Benefit Liability Adjustments			Total
	(in thousands)
Balances at January 1, 2014	$	3,799		$	(1,256	)	$	(14,380	)	$	(9,885	)	$	(21,722	)
OCI before reclassifications	(3,374		)	(95		)	—			(2		)	(3,471		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—			258			—			99			357
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,374		)	163			—			97			(3,114		)
Balances at March 31, 2014	$	425		$	(1,093	)	$	(14,380	)	$	(9,788	)	$	(24,836	)

Balances at January 1, 2015	$	(86,534	)	$	(768	)	$	(14,380	)	$	(34,832	)	$	(136,514	)
OCI before reclassifications	(61,090		)	(369		)	—			(1		)	(61,460		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—			255			—			505			760
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(61,090		)	(114		)	—			504			(60,700		)
Balances at March 31, 2015	$	(147,624	)	$	(882	)	$	(14,380	)	$	(34,328	)	$	(197,214	)

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



	Amount Reclassified from AOCI⁽¹⁾
	Three Months Ended March 31,						Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
	2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Amortization of defined benefit pension items
Prior-service costs	$	(15	)	$	(18	)	⁽²⁾
Actuarial losses	(497		)	(123		)	⁽²⁾
Total, before tax	(512		)	(141		)	Income (loss) before income taxes
Tax benefit (provision)	7			42			Income tax benefit (provision)
Total, net of tax	(505		)	(99		)	Net income (loss)

Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$	(505	)	$	(99	)	Net income (loss)


⁽¹⁾	Amounts in parenthesis indicate debits to the Consolidated Statements of Operations.


⁽²⁾	These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to Note 8 for additional details.

Refer to Note 7 for additional details related to derivative activities that resulted in reclassification of AOCI to the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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Note 14: Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The fair values at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 do not reflect subsequent changes in the economy, interest rates, and other variables that may affect the determination of fair value. The following table presents the fair values of our financial instruments as of the balance sheet dates:



	March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
			(in thousands)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	118,084	$	118,084	$	112,371	$	112,371
Foreign exchange forwards	345		345		107		107
Interest rate swaps	—		—		75		75

Liabilities
Credit facility
USD denominated term loan	$	225,000	$	224,278	$	232,500	$	231,645
Multicurrency revolving line of credit	136,310		135,744		91,469		91,124
Interest rate swaps	1,427		1,427		1,317		1,317
Foreign exchange forwards	296		296		236		236

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

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

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

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

Note 15: Segment Information

We operate under the Itron brand worldwide and manage and report under three operating segments, Electricity, Gas, and Water. Our Water operating segment includes both our global water and heat solutions. This structure allows each segment to develop its own go-to-market strategy, prioritize its marketing and product development requirements, and focus on its strategic investments. Our sales, marketing, and delivery functions are managed under each segment. Our product development and manufacturing operations are managed on a worldwide basis to promote a global perspective in our operations and processes and yet still maintain alignment with the segments.

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

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Segment Products



Electricity	Standard electricity (electromechanical and electronic) meters; advanced electricity meters and communication modules; smart electricity meters; smart electricity 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; installation; implementation; and professional services including consulting and analysis.

Gas	Standard gas meters; advanced gas meters and communication modules; smart gas meters; smart 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; installation; implementation; and professional services including consulting and analysis.

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

Revenues, gross profit, and operating income associated with our segments were as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Revenues
Electricity	$	193,852		$	180,218
Gas	125,089			146,109
Water	129,306			148,468
Total Company	$	448,247		$	474,795

Gross profit
Electricity	$	55,120		$	42,740
Gas	43,516			58,406
Water	39,563			53,389
Total Company	$	138,199		$	154,535

Operating income (loss)
Electricity	$	2,396		$	(22,969	)
Gas	13,592			25,724
Water	8,097			20,643
Corporate unallocated	(10,546		)	(18,859		)
Total Company	13,539			4,539
Total other income (expense)	(2,611		)	(5,310		)
Income before income taxes	$	10,928		$	(771	)

For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, no single customer represented more than 10% of total Company or the Electricity, Gas, or Water operating segment revenues.

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Revenues by region were as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014
	(in thousands)
United States and Canada	$	231,136	$	200,370
Europe, Middle East, and Africa	174,654		223,504
Other	42,457		50,921
Total revenues	$	448,247	$	474,795

Depreciation and amortization expense associated with our segments was as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014
	(in thousands)
Electricity	$	9,147	$	12,767
Gas	5,326		6,649
Water	4,793		6,094
Corporate Unallocated	73		82
Total Company	$	19,339	$	25,592

Note 16: Subsequent Event

Stock Repurchases

Subsequent to March 31, 2015, we repurchased 52,775 shares of our common stock under the stock repurchase program authorized by the Board of Directors on February 19, 2015. The average price paid per share was $36.79.

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

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes included in this report and with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 20, 2015.

Documents we provide to the SEC are available free of charge under the Investors section of our website at www.itron.com as soon as practicable after they are filed with or furnished to the SEC. In addition, these documents are available at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov), at the SEC’s Headquarters at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549, or by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

Certain Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements concerning our operations, financial performance, revenues, earnings growth, liquidity, and other items. This document reflects our current plans and expectations and is based on information currently available as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. When we use the words “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “project,” “estimate,” “future,” “objective,” “may,” “will,” “will continue,” and similar expressions, they are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions and estimates. These assumptions and estimates could be inaccurate and cause our actual results to vary materially from expected results. Risks and uncertainties include 1) the rate and timing of customer demand for our products, 2) changes in estimated liabilities for product warranties and/or litigation, 3) changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, 4) rescheduling or cancellations of current customer orders and commitments, 5) our dependence on customers' acceptance of new products and their performance, 6) competition, 7) changes in domestic and international laws and regulations, 8) international business risks, 9) our own and our customers' or suppliers' access to and cost of capital, 10) future business combinations, and 11) other factors. You should not solely rely on these forward-looking statements as they are only valid as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We do not have any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement in this document. For a more complete description of these and other risks, refer to Item 1A: “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, which was filed with the SEC on February 20, 2015.

Results of Operations

We are a technology company, offering end-to-end smart metering solutions to electric, natural gas, and water utilities around the world. Our smart metering solutions, meter data management software, and knowledge application solutions bring additional value to a utility’s metering and grid systems. Our professional services help our customers project-manage, install, implement, operate, and maintain their systems. We operate under the Itron brand worldwide and manage and report under three operating segments, Electricity, Gas, and Water. Our Water operating segment includes both our global water and heat solutions. This structure allows each segment to develop its own go-to-market strategy, prioritize its marketing and product development requirements, and focus on its strategic investments. Our sales, marketing, and delivery functions are managed under each segment. Our product development and manufacturing operations are managed on a worldwide basis to promote a global perspective in our operations and processes and yet still maintain alignment with the segments.

We have three measures of segment performance under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP): revenue, gross profit (margin), and operating income (margin). In addition, we measure segment performance using non-GAAP operating income. Intersegment revenues are minimal. Certain operating expenses are allocated to the operating segments based upon internally established allocation methodologies. Interest income, interest expense, other income (expense), income tax provision (benefit), and certain corporate operating expenses are not allocated to the segments, nor included in the measures of segment performance. See pages 47-49 for information about our non-GAAP measures and reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures.

Overview

Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were $448 million compared with $475 million in the same period last year. Total revenue was unfavorably impacted by $43.6 million due to changes in foreign exchange rates. Apart from the foreign exchange impact, revenues increased in the Electricity segment by $25.6 million and decreased by $8.5 million in the Gas segment. Water segment revenues were flat. Gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was 30.8%, compared with 32.5% for the same period in 2014. Gross margin was lower in 2015 as the result of declines in the Gas and Water segments, partially offset by an improvement in Electricity.

GAAP operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were lower by $25.3 million compared with the same period in 2014. Total operating expenses were favorably impacted by $14.7 million due to changes in foreign exchange rates. Apart from

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the foreign exchange impact, operating expense categories were lower in 2015 as compared with 2014, with the largest decreases in restructuring expense, sales and marketing expense, and amortization expense.

Total backlog was $1.4 billion and twelve-month backlog was $779 million at March 31, 2015.

In November 2014, our management approved restructuring projects (2014 Projects) to restructure our Electricity business and related general and administrative activities, along with certain Gas and Water activities, to improve operational efficiencies and reduce expenses. The 2014 Projects include consolidation of certain facilities and reduction of our global workforce. We began implementing these projects in the fourth quarter of 2014, and we expect to substantially complete these projects by the end of 2016. Certain aspects of the projects are subject to a variety of labor and employment laws, rules, and regulations, which could result in a delay in completing the projects at some locations. During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the total expected restructuring costs decreased by approximately $6.9 million. This includes $5.4 million in restructuring expense release, recognized in the first quarter of 2015, primarily resulting from employees, originally identified to be terminated, voluntarily resigning or filling vacant positions in different departments or locations. The remainder of the change in expected costs results from the translation impact of foreign exchange rates.

Total Company GAAP and Non-GAAP Highlights and Unit Shipments



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014			% Change
	(in thousands, except margin and per share data)
GAAP
Revenues	$	448,247		$	474,795		(6)%
Gross Profit	$	138,199		$	154,535		(11)%
Operating Expense	$	124,660		$	149,996		(17)%
Operating Income	$	13,539		$	4,539		198%
Other Income (Expense)	$	(2,611	)	$	(5,310	)	(51)%
Income tax benefit (provision)	$	(5,563	)	$	653		N/A
Net income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc.	$	4,910		$	(254	)	N/A

Non-GAAP ⁽¹⁾
Operating Expense	$	119,810		$	131,936		(9)%
Operating Income	$	18,389		$	22,599		(19)%
Net Income	$	7,811		$	12,243		(36)%

GAAP Margins and Earnings Per Share
Gross Margin	30.8		%	32.5		%
Operating Margin	3.0		%	1.0		%
Basic EPS	$	0.13		$	(0.01	)
Diluted EPS	$	0.13		$	(0.01	)

Non-GAAP Earnings Per Share ⁽¹⁾
Diluted EPS	$	0.20		$	0.31


⁽¹⁾	These measures exclude certain expenses that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating results. See pages 47-49 for information about these non-GAAP measures and reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures.



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014
	(in thousands)
Revenues by Region
United States and Canada (North America)	$	231,136	$	200,370
Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)	174,654		223,504
Other	42,457		50,921
Total revenues	$	448,247	$	474,795

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The 2015 revenues in EMEA region and Other region were adversely impacted by $35.6 million and $6.8 million, respectively, due to changes in foreign exchange rates.

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.

Our revenue is driven significantly by sales of meters and communication modules. A summary of our meter and communication module shipments is as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015	2014
	(units in thousands)
Meters
Standard	4,740	4,850
Advanced and smart	1,540	1,520
Total meters	6,280	6,370

Stand-alone communication modules
Advanced and smart	1,310	1,350

Revenues

Revenues decreased $26.5 million, or 6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with the same period in 2014. Total revenue was unfavorably impacted by $43.6 million due to changes in foreign exchange rates. Apart from the foreign exchange impact, revenues increased in the Electricity segment by $25.6 million and decreased by $8.5 million in the Gas segment. Water segment revenues were flat. A more detailed analysis of revenue fluctuations is provided in Operating Segment Results.

No single customer accounted for more than 10% of total Company revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014. Our 10 largest customers accounted for 23% of total revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 20% of total revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Gross Margins

Gross margin for the first quarter of 2015 was 30.8%, compared with 32.5% for the same period in 2014. The reduction in gross margin 2015 was driven by declines in the Gas and Water segments, offset partially by improvement in the Electricity segment. A more detailed analysis of these fluctuations is provided in Operating Segment Results.

Operating Expenses



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014		% Change
	(in thousands)			(in thousands)
Sales and marketing	$	41,027		$	47,609	(14)%
Product development	41,522			44,409		(7)%
General and administrative	39,585			40,407		(2)%
Amortization of business acquisition-related intangible assets	7,973			11,070		(28)%
Restructuring	(5,447		)	5,524		N/A
Goodwill impairment	—			977		N/A
Total operating expenses	$	124,660		$	149,996	(17)%

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Operating expenses decreased $25.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. This decrease was primarily the result of favorable foreign exchange impact of $14.7 million, as well as a decrease in restructuring expense. A more detailed analysis of operating expenses fluctuations is provided in Operating Segment Results.

Non-GAAP Operating Expenses

Total non-GAAP operating expenses, as a percentage of revenues, was 27% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and was 28% for the same period in 2014. For non-GAAP purposes, general and administrative expense excludes acquisition-related costs, which were $2.3 million and $489,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. In 2015, acquisition costs represented primarily legal costs associated with the product development contract litigation from the SmartSynch, Inc. acquisition, which was settled in February 2015. The improvement in non-GAAP operating expenses in 2015 was driven by a $12.2 million benefit of changes in foreign exchange rates.

Other Income (Expense)

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



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014			% Change
	(in thousands)
Interest income	$	47		$	97		(52)%
Interest expense	(2,292		)	(2,505		)	(9)%
Amortization of prepaid debt fees	(390		)	(404		)	(3)%
Other income (expense), net	24			(2,498		)	N/A
Total other income (expense)	$	(2,611	)	$	(5,310	)	(51)%

Interest income: Interest income is generated from our cash and cash equivalents balances and certain deposits on hand with third parties. Interest income is lower as the result of lower interest rates for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared with the same period in 2014.

Interest expense: Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 decreased due to a lower outstanding debt balance. Average total debt outstanding was $342.8 million and $375.0 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

Amortization of prepaid debt fees: Amortization of prepaid debt fees for the three months ended March 31, 2015 remained consistent with the same period in 2014. Refer to Item 1: “Financial Statements Note 6: Debt” for additional details related to our long-term borrowings.

Other income (expense), net: Other expenses, net, consist primarily of unrealized and realized foreign currency gains and losses from balances denominated in currencies other than the reporting entity's functional currency and other non-operating income (expenses). As a result of currency movements in certain markets in which we do business, foreign currency gains, net of hedging, were $177,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with foreign currency losses, net of hedging, of $2.1 million in the same period in 2014.

Income Tax Benefit (Provision)

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the income tax provision was $5.6 million compared with an income tax benefit of $653,000 in the same period in 2014. Our tax expense for the first three months of 2015 differed from the federal statutory rate of 35% due to the forecasted mix of earnings in domestic and international jurisdictions, valuation allowances, discrete tax items, the benefit of certain interest expense deductions, and benefits of certain acquisition-related elections for tax purposes. Our tax benefit for the first three months of 2014 was higher than the federal statutory benefit of 35% due to discrete tax benefits recognized.

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Operating Segment Results

For a description of our operating segments, refer to Item 1: “Financial Statements Note 15: Segment Information”.



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014		% Change
Segment Revenues	(in thousands)
Electricity	$	193,852		$	180,218	8%
Gas	125,089			146,109		(14)%
Water	129,306			148,468		(13)%
Total revenues	$	448,247		$	474,795	(6)%

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015					2014
	Gross Profit			Gross Margin		Gross Profit			Gross Margin
Segment Gross Profit and Margin	(in thousands)					(in thousands)
Electricity	$	55,120		28.4%		$	42,740		23.7%
Gas	43,516			34.8%		58,406			40.0%
Water	39,563			30.6%		53,389			36.0%
Total gross profit and margin	$	138,199		30.8%		$	154,535		32.5%

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014		% Change
Segment Operating Expenses	(in thousands)
Electricity	$	52,724		$	65,709	(20)%
Gas	29,924			32,682		(8)%
Water	31,466			32,746		(4)%
Corporate unallocated	10,546			18,859		(44)%
Total operating expenses	$	124,660		$	149,996	(17)%

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015					2014
	Operating Income (Loss)			Operating Margin		Operating Income (Loss)			Operating Margin
Segment Operating Income (Loss) and Operating Margin	(in thousands)					(in thousands)
Electricity	$	2,396		1%		$	(22,969	)	(13)%
Gas	13,592			11%		25,724			18%
Water	8,097			6%		20,643			14%
Corporate unallocated	(10,546		)			(18,859		)
Total Company	$	13,539		3%		$	4,539		1%



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015					2014
	Non-GAAP Operating Income (Loss)			Non-GAAP Operating Margin		Non-GAAP Operating Income (Loss)			Non-GAAP Operating Margin
Non-GAAP Segment Operating Income (Loss) ⁽¹⁾	(in thousands)					(in thousands)
Electricity	$	6,048		3%		$	(15,925	)	(9)%
Gas	16,064			13%		28,110			19%
Water	9,762			8%		23,426			16%
Corporate unallocated	(13,485		)			(13,012		)
Total Company	$	18,389		4%		$	22,599		5%


⁽¹⁾	These measures exclude certain expenses that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating results. See pages 47-49 for information about these non-GAAP measures and reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures.

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Electricity:

Revenues - Three months ended March 31, 2015 vs. Three months ended March 31, 2014

Electricity revenues increased $13.6 million, or 8%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with the same period in 2014. Foreign exchange rates negatively impacted Electricity revenues by $12.0 million. Apart from foreign currency impacts, other drivers impacting revenues include increased product shipments and professional services in North America totaling $20.1 million and $11.3 million, respectively, partially offset by lower product revenue in our EMEA region of $5.2 million.

No single customer accounted for more than 10% of the Electricity operating segment revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

Gross Margin - Three months ended March 31, 2015 vs. Three months ended March 31, 2014

Electricity gross margin was 28.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with 23.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2014. In 2015, gross margin increased 470 basis points over the prior year, primarily as the result of more favorable product mix, as well as reduced warranty costs. In addition, 2014 included a net charge of $2.5 million on an OpenWay project in North America, and there were no such charges in 2015. Gross margin improved in all regions.

Operating Expenses - Three months ended March 31, 2015 vs. Three months ended March 31, 2014

Electricity operating expenses decreased $13.0 million, or 20%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with the same period in 2014. Operating expenses were favorably impacted by $5.4 million of foreign exchange rate changes. Apart from foreign exchange impact, operating expenses decreased primarily due to a decrease of $2.6 million in restructuring expense and $1.4 million in lower amortization of intangible asset expense, as well as reduced sales and marketing and product development costs totaling $2.6 million. Additionally, in 2014, we recognized a goodwill impairment charge of $1.0 million. There were no goodwill impairment charges in 2015. These improvements were partially offset by an increase of $1.9 million, from $442,000 in 2014 to $2.3 million in 2015, in acquisition-related costs, which are classified within general and administrative expense. In 2015, acquisition-related costs represented primarily legal costs associated with the product development contract litigation from the SmartSynch, Inc. acquisition, which was settled in February 2015.

Non-GAAP Operating Expenses - Three months ended March 31, 2015 vs. Three months ended March 31, 2014

Total non-GAAP operating expenses, as a percentage of revenues, was 25% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and was 33% for the same period in 2014. Acquisition-related costs are excluded from general and administrative expenses for non-GAAP purposes. The overall improvement in non-GAAP operating expenses, represented by the lower ratio as a percentage of revenue, in 2015 was driven by increased revenues, cost reductions resulting from our restructuring projects, and lower litigation and other reserves.

Gas:

Revenues - Three months ended March 31, 2015 vs. Three months ended March 31, 2014

Gas revenues decreased $21.0 million, or 14%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with the first quarter of 2014. Foreign exchange rates had an unfavorable impact of $12.5 million in the first quarter of 2015. Apart from foreign currency impacts, this decrease was primarily driven by decreased product shipments of $8.0 million in EMEA.

No single customer accounted for more than 10% of the Gas operating segment revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

Gross Margin - Three months ended March 31, 2015 vs. Three months ended March 31, 2014

Gas gross margin was 34.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with 40.0% for the same period in 2014. This decrease of 520 basis points was driven by lower volumes and less favorable product mix in EMEA and North America and $1.2 million of increased warranty expense.

Operating Expenses - Three months ended March 31, 2015 vs. Three months ended March 31, 2014

Gas operating expenses decreased $2.8 million, or 8%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with the same period in 2014. Foreign currency exchange rates had a $3.6 million favorable impact to operating expenses. In addition to the foreign currency impact, there was $1.5 million in lower sales and marketing and amortization of intangible assets expenses, partially offset by higher general and administrative expenses and restructuring costs during the quarter.

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Non-GAAP Operating Expenses - Three months ended March 31, 2015 vs. Three months ended March 31, 2014

Total non-GAAP operating expenses, as a percentage of revenues, was 22% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and was 21% for the same period in 2014. The total as a percentage of revenue increased in 2015 as the result of lower revenues during the period.

Water:

Revenues - Three months ended March 31, 2015 vs. Three months ended March 31, 2014

Revenues decreased $19.2 million, or 13%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with the first quarter of 2014. This was the result of $19.2 million unfavorable foreign exchange impact. In addition to the foreign exchange impact, modest increases in EMEA and Asia/Pacific totaling $2.2 million were entirely offset by a decline in Latin America.

No single customer represented more than 10% of the Water operating segment revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

Gross Margin - Three months ended March 31, 2015 vs. Three months ended March 31, 2014

Water gross margin decreased to 30.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with 36.0% for the same period last year, primarily as the result of $4.4 million of increased warranty cost and a less favorable product mix in EMEA and Latin America.

Operating Expenses - Three months ended March 31, 2015 vs. Three months ended March 31, 2014

Operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 decreased by $1.3 million, or 4%, over the first quarter of 2014, primarily as the result of $4.3 million in favorable impact from foreign exchange rates. Apart from foreign currency impact, there was $3.6 million in increased sales and marketing, product development, and general and administrative costs. Additionally, amortization of intangible assets decreased in 2015 as scheduled, by $334,000.

Non-GAAP Operating Expenses - Three months ended March 31, 2015 vs. Three months ended March 31, 2014

Total non-GAAP operating expenses, as a percentage of revenues, was 23% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 20% for the same period in 2014. The increase in operating expenses in 2015 as a percentage of revenue was driven by a decline in revenues during the period.

Corporate unallocated:

Operating expenses not directly associated with an operating segment are classified as “Corporate unallocated.” These expenses decreased by $8.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 due to $7.5 million in lower restructuring expense, as well as favorable foreign exchange rate impact of $1.4 million.

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 products and services for contracts and purchase orders at period end. Twelve-month backlog represents the portion of total backlog that we estimate will be recognized as revenue over the next 12 months. Backlog is not a complete measure of our future revenues as we also receive significant book-and-ship orders. Bookings and backlog may fluctuate significantly due to the timing of large project awards. In addition, annual or multi-year contracts are subject to rescheduling and cancellation by customers due to the long-term nature of the contracts. Beginning total backlog, plus bookings, minus revenues, will not equal ending total backlog due to miscellaneous contract adjustments, foreign currency fluctuations, and other factors.



Quarter Ended	Quarterly Bookings		Ending Total Backlog		Ending 12-Month Backlog
	(in millions)
March 31, 2015	$	424	$	1,438	$	779
December 31, 2014	648		1,486		747
September 30, 2014	514		1,345		700
June 30, 2014	478		1,330		675
March 31, 2014	745		1,333		614

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Information on bookings by our operating segments is as follows:



Quarter Ended	Total Bookings		Electricity		Gas		Water
	(in millions)
March 31, 2015	$	424	$	191	$	109	$	124
December 31, 2014	648		167		348		133
September 30, 2014	514		247		128		139
June 30, 2014	478		197		142		139
March 31, 2014	745		463		135		147

Financial Condition

Cash Flow Information:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Operating activities	$	(3,955	)	$	66,761
Investing activities	(9,590		)	(8,397		)
Financing activities	25,923			(35,507		)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(6,665		)	(1,335		)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	$	5,713		$	21,522

Cash and cash equivalents was $118.1 million at March 31, 2015, compared with $112.4 million at December 31, 2014.

Operating activities

Cash used by operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $4.0 million compared with $66.8 million of cash provided during the same period in 2014. The decreased cash flow was due to $23.3 million in increased payments of other current liabilities, including litigation payments and restructuring accrual release during the first three months of 2015, as well as $10.6 million of increased wages and benefits payments due to 2014 variable compensation payouts paid in 2015. Cash paid for taxes increased $20.1 million, due to a significant payment made in North America based on 2014 results. In addition, net accounts receivable collections were $13.4 million less in 2015 as compared with 2014, while inventory build up was $7.7 million higher. These uses of cash were partially offset by $8.6 million of lower payments of accounts payable during the period due to payment timing.

Investing activities

Cash used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $1.2 million higher compared with the same period in 2014, primarily due to an increase in the acquisition of property, plant, and equipment of $908,000.

Financing activities

Net cash provided by financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $25.9 million, compared with a cash use of $35.5 million for the same period in 2014. The increased cash provided by financing activities is primarily a result of draws on our revolving line of credit of $63.0 million in the first three months of 2015 while no draws occurred during the same period in 2014. In addition, debt repayments decreased by $8.3 million. This was partially offset by $13.4 million in increased share repurchases. Refer to Part II, Item 2: "Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds" for additional details related to our share repurchase program.

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

The effect of exchange rates on the cash balances of currencies held in foreign denominations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was a decrease of $6.7 million, compared with a decrease of $1.3 million for the same period in 2014. The increased impact of exchange rates is the result of a strengthening of the dollar compared with most foreign currencies during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)

To supplement our consolidated statements of cash flows presented on a GAAP basis, we use the non-GAAP measure of free cash flow to analyze cash flows generated from our operations. The presentation of non-GAAP free cash flow is not meant to be

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considered in isolation or as an alternative to net income as an indicator of our performance, or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. We calculate free cash flows, using amounts from our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014			% Change
	(in thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(3,955	)	$	66,761		N/A
Acquisitions of property, plant, and equipment	(9,472		)	(8,564		)	11%
Free cash flow	$	(13,427	)	$	58,197		N/A

Free cash flow (non-GAAP) decreased almost exclusively as a result of cash used in operating activities. See the cash flow discussion of operating activities above.

Off-balance sheet arrangements:

We have no off-balance sheet financing agreements or guarantees as defined by Item 303 of Regulation S-K at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 that we believe are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Liquidity and Capital Resources:

Our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations, borrowings, and sales of common stock. Cash flows may fluctuate and are sensitive to many factors including changes in working capital and the timing and magnitude of capital expenditures and payments on debt. Working capital, which represents current assets less current liabilities, was $279.7 million at March 31, 2015, compared with $261.9 million at December 31, 2014.

Borrowings

Our credit facility consists of a $300 million U.S. dollar term loan and a multicurrency revolving line of credit (the revolver) with a principal amount of up to $660 million. At March 31, 2015, $136.3 million was outstanding under the revolver, and $53.0 million was utilized by outstanding standby letters of credit, resulting in $470.7 million available for additional borrowings.

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

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

Share Repurchase

Repurchases are made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions and in accordance with applicable securities laws. Refer to Part II, Item 2: "Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds" for additional information related to our share repurchase program.

Restructuring

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restructuring costs decreased by approximately $6.9 million. This includes $5.4 million in restructuring expense release, recognized in the first quarter of 2015, primarily resulting from employees, originally identified to be terminated, voluntarily resigning or filling vacant positions in different departments or locations. The remainder of the change in expected costs results from the translation impact of foreign exchange rates.

At March 31, 2015, the current and long-term portions of the restructuring related liability balances were $40.7 million and $6.9 million, respectively. For further details regarding our restructuring activities, refer to Item 1: “Financial Statements, Note 12: Restructuring.”

Other Liquidity Considerations

We have tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards in various jurisdictions that are available to reduce cash taxes. However, utilization of tax credits and net operating losses are limited in certain jurisdictions. Based on current projections, we expect to pay, net of refunds, approximately $1.1 million in state taxes, $21.3 million in U.S federal taxes, and $11.9 million in local and foreign taxes in 2015. For a discussion of our tax provision and unrecognized tax benefits, see Item 1: “Financial Statements, Note 10: Income Taxes.”

We have not provided U.S. deferred taxes related to the cash in certain foreign subsidiaries because our investment is considered permanent in duration. As of March 31, 2015, there was $47.5 million of cash and short-term investments held by certain foreign subsidiaries in which we are permanently reinvested for tax purposes. If this cash were repatriated to fund U.S. operations, additional tax costs may be required. Tax is one of the many factors that we consider in the management of global cash. Included in the determination of the tax costs in repatriating foreign cash into the United States are the amount of earnings and profits in a particular jurisdiction, withholding taxes that would be imposed, and available foreign tax credits. Accordingly, the amount of taxes that we would need to accrue and pay to repatriate foreign cash could vary significantly.

In several of our consolidated international subsidiaries, we have joint venture partners, who are minority shareholders. Although these entities are not wholly-owned by Itron, Inc, we consolidate them because we have a greater than 50% ownership interest or because we exercise control over the operations. The noncontrolling interest balance in our Consolidated Balance Sheets represents the proportional share of the equity of the joint venture entities, which is attributable to the minority shareholders. Approximately $30.2 million of our consolidated cash balance at March 31, 2015 is held in our joint venture entities. As a result, the minority shareholders of these entities control their proportional share of this cash balance, and there may be limitations on our ability to repatriate cash to the United States from these entities.

For a description of our funded and unfunded non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans and our expected 2015 contributions, refer to Item 1: “Financial Statements, Note 8: Defined Benefit Pension Plans.”

For a description of our bonus and profit sharing plans, including the amounts accrued at March 31, 2015 and the expected timing of payment, refer to Bonus and Profit Sharing within Critical Accounting Estimates below.

General Liquidity Overview

We expect to grow through a combination of internal new product development, licensing technology from and to others, distribution agreements, partnering arrangements, and acquisitions of technology or other companies. We expect these activities to be funded with existing cash, cash flow from operations, borrowings, and the sale of common stock or other securities. We believe existing sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund our existing operations and obligations for the next 12 months and into the foreseeable future, but offer no assurances. Our liquidity could be affected by the stability of the electricity, gas, and water industries, competitive pressures, changes in estimated liabilities for product warranties and/or litigation, future business combinations, capital market fluctuations, international risks, and other factors described under “Risk Factors” within Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, which was filed with the SEC on February 20, 2015, as well as “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” within Item 3 of Part I included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Contingencies

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

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Critical Accounting Estimates

Revenue Recognition

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

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

If implementation services are essential to a software arrangement, revenue is recognized using either the percentage-of-completion methodology of contract accounting if project costs can be reliably estimated or the completed contract methodology if project costs cannot be reliably estimated. The estimation of costs through completion of a project is subject to many variables such as the length of time to complete, changes in wages, subcontractor performance, supplier information, and business volume assumptions. Changes in underlying assumptions/estimates may adversely or positively affect financial performance.

Under contract accounting, if we estimate that the completion of a contract component (unit of accounting) will result in a loss, the loss is recognized in the period in which the loss becomes evident. We reevaluate the estimated loss through the completion of the contract component, and adjust the estimated loss for changes in facts and circumstances.

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 we use third-party evidence (TPE). We define VSOE as a median price of recent standalone transactions that are priced within a narrow range. TPE is determined based on the prices charged by our competitors for a similar deliverable when sold separately. If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists for a unit of accounting, we use estimated selling price (ESP). 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. The factors considered include the cost to produce the deliverable, the anticipated margin on that deliverable, our ongoing pricing strategy and policies, and the characteristics of the varying markets in which the deliverable is sold.

Warranty

We offer standard warranties on our hardware products and large application software products. We accrue the estimated cost of new product warranties based on historical and projected product performance trends and costs during the warranty period. Testing of new products in the development stage helps identify and correct potential warranty issues prior to manufacturing. Quality control efforts during manufacturing reduce our exposure to warranty claims. When testing or quality control efforts fail to detect a fault in one of our products, we may experience an increase in warranty claims. We track warranty claims to identify potential warranty trends. If an unusual trend is noted, an additional warranty accrual would be recorded if a failure event is probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated. When new products are introduced, our process relies on historical averages of similar products until sufficient data are available. As actual experience on new products becomes available, it is used to modify the historical averages to ensure the expected warranty costs are within a range of likely outcomes. Management regularly evaluates the sufficiency of the warranty provisions and makes adjustments when necessary. The warranty allowances may fluctuate due to changes in estimates for material, labor, and other costs we may incur to repair or replace projected product failures, and we may incur additional warranty and related expenses in the future with respect to new or established products, which could adversely

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affect our financial position and results of operations. The long-term warranty balance includes estimated warranty claims beyond one year.

Restructuring

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

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

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

Income Taxes

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

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

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

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

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets may result from our business acquisitions. Intangible assets may also result from the purchase of assets and intellectual property where we do not acquire a business. We use estimates, including estimates of useful lives of intangible assets, the amount and timing of related future cash flows, and fair values of the related operations, in determining the value assigned to goodwill and intangible assets. Our finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives based on estimated discounted cash flows. In-process research and development (IPR&D) is considered an indefinite-lived

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intangible asset and is not subject to amortization until the associated projects are completed or terminated. Finite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment at the asset group level when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually, when events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset may be impaired, or at the time when their useful lives are determined to be no longer indefinite.

Goodwill is assigned to our reporting units based on the expected benefit from the synergies arising from each business combination, determined by using certain financial metrics, including the forecast discounted cash flows associated with each reporting unit. The reporting units are aligned with our reporting segments, effective in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Based on our qualitative analysis as of October 1, 2014, we determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the Electricity, Gas and Water reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values. As a result, it was not necessary to complete the two-step impairment test for those reporting units.

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.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

We sponsor both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans for our international employees, primarily in Germany, France, Italy, Indonesia, Brazil, 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 the rate of future compensation increase. The discount rate is a significant assumption used to value our pension benefit obligation. We determine a discount rate for our plans based on the estimated duration of each plan’s liabilities. For our euro denominated defined benefit pension plans, which represent 94% of our benefit obligation, we use two discount rates, with consideration of the duration of the plans, using a hypothetical yield curve developed from euro-denominated AA-rated corporate bond issues, partially weighted for market value, with minimum amounts outstanding of €500 million for bonds with less than 10 years to maturity and €50 million for bonds with 10 or more years to maturity, and excluding the highest and lowest yielding 10% of bonds within each maturity group. The discount rates used, depending on the duration of the plans, were 1.50% and 2.00%, respectively. The weighted average discount rate used to measure the projected benefit obligation for all of the plans at December 31, 2014 was 2.36%. A change of 25 basis points in the discount rate would change our pension benefit obligation by approximately $5.2 million. The financial and actuarial assumptions used at December 31, 2014 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.

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Our general funding policy for these qualified pension plans is to contribute amounts at least sufficient to satisfy funding standards of the respective countries for each plan. Refer to Item 1: “Financial Statements, Note 8: Defined Benefit Pension Plans” for our expected contributions for 2015.

Contingencies

Bonus and Profit Sharing

We have various employee bonus and profit sharing plans, which provide award amounts for the achievement of annual financial and nonfinancial targets. If management determines it probable that the targets will be achieved and the amounts can be reasonably estimated, a compensation accrual is recorded based on the proportional achievement of the financial and nonfinancial targets. Although we monitor and accrue expenses quarterly based on our estimated progress toward the achievement of the annual targets, the actual results at the end of the year may require awards that are significantly greater or less than the estimates made in earlier quarters. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, we accrued $7.9 million compared with $7.7 million for the same period in 2014. Awards are typically distributed in the first quarter of the following year.

Stock-Based Compensation

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

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Non-GAAP Measures

Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP), which we supplement with certain non-GAAP financial information. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related GAAP measures, and other companies may define such measures differently. We encourage investors to review our financial statements and publicly-filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure. These non-GAAP measures exclude the impact of certain expenses that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating results. We use these non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision making and/or as a means for determining executive compensation. These non-GAAP financial measures facilitate management's internal comparisons to our historical performance.

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

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

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Reconciliation of GAAP Measures to Non-GAAP Measures

The table below reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures of net income and diluted EPS, free cash flow, operating income, operating expense, and operating income by segment with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.



(Unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)

TOTAL COMPANY RECONCILIATIONS				Three Months Ended March 31,
				2015			2014
	NON-GAAP NET INCOME & DILUTED EPS
		GAAP net income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc.		$	4,910		$	(254	)
			Amortization of intangible assets	7,973			11,070
			Amortization of debt placement fees	365			379
			Restructuring expense	(5,447		)	5,524
			Acquisition-related expenses	2,324			489
			Goodwill impairment	—			977
			Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments⁽¹⁾	(2,314		)	(5,942		)
		Non-GAAP net income		$	7,811		$	12,243

		Non-GAAP diluted EPS		$	0.20		$	0.31

		Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted		38,758			39,512

⁽¹⁾ The income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments is calculated using the statutory tax rates for the relevant jurisdictions if no valuation allowance exists. If a valuation allowance exists, there is no tax impact to the non-GAAP adjustment

	FREE CASH FLOW
			Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(3,955	)	$	66,761
			Acquisitions of property, plant, and equipment	(9,472		)	(8,564		)
		Free Cash Flow		$	(13,427	)	$	58,197

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(Unaudited; in thousands)

TOTAL COMPANY RECONCILIATIONS (Continued)				Three Months Ended March 31,
				2015			2014
	NON-GAAP OPERATING INCOME
		GAAP operating income		$	13,539		$	4,539
			Amortization of intangible assets	7,973			11,070
			Restructuring expense	(5,447		)	5,524
			Acquisition-related expenses	2,324			489
			Goodwill impairment	—			977
		Non-GAAP operating income		$	18,389		$	22,599

	NON-GAAP OPERATING EXPENSE
		GAAP operating expense		$	124,660		$	149,996
			Amortization of intangible assets	(7,973		)	(11,070		)
			Restructuring expense	5,447			(5,524		)
			Acquisition-related expenses	(2,324		)	(489		)
			Goodwill impairment	—			(977		)
		Non-GAAP operating expense		$	119,810		$	131,936

SEGMENT RECONCILIATIONS				Three Months Ended March 31,
				2015			2014
	NON-GAAP OPERATING INCOME - ELECTRICITY
		Electricity - GAAP operating income (loss)		$	2,396		$	(22,969	)
			Amortization of intangible assets	4,455			6,155
			Restructuring expense	(3,127		)	(530		)
			Acquisition-related expenses	2,324			442
			Goodwill impairment	—			977
		Electricity - Non-GAAP operating income (loss)		$	6,048		$	(15,925	)

	NON-GAAP OPERATING INCOME - GAS
		Gas - GAAP operating income		$	13,592		$	25,724
			Amortization of intangible assets	1,970			2,689
			Restructuring expense	502			(303		)
		Gas - Non-GAAP operating income		$	16,064		$	28,110

	NON-GAAP OPERATING INCOME - WATER
		Water - GAAP operating income		$	8,097		$	20,643
			Amortization of intangible assets	1,548			2,226
			Restructuring expense	117			557
		Water - Non-GAAP operating income		$	9,762		$	23,426

	NON-GAAP OPERATING INCOME - CORPORATE UNALLOCATED
		Corporate unallocated - GAAP operating loss		$	(10,546	)	$	(18,859	)
			Restructuring expense	(2,939		)	5,800
			Acquisition-related expenses	—			47
		Corporate unallocated - Non-GAAP operating loss		$	(13,485	)	$	(13,012	)

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Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

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

Interest Rate Risk

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

The table below provides information about our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates and the scheduled minimum repayment of principal and the weighted average interest rates at March 31, 2015. Weighted average variable rates in the table are based on implied forward rates in the Reuters U.S. dollar yield curve as of March 31, 2015 and our estimated leverage ratio, which determines our additional interest rate margin at March 31, 2015.



	2015			2016			2017			2018			2019			Total		Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Variable Rate Debt
Principal: U.S. dollar term loan	$	22,500		$	202,500		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	225,000	$	224,278
Average interest rate	1.79		%	2.23		%	—		%	—		%	—		%

Principal: Multicurrency revolving line of credit	$	—		$	136,310		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	136,310	$	135,744
Average interest rate	1.75		%	2.14		%	—		%	—		%	—		%

Interest rate swap on LIBOR-based debt
Average interest rate (Pay)	1.00		%	1.00		%	—		%	—		%	—		%
Average interest rate (Receive)	0.29		%	0.73		%	—		%	—		%	—		%
Net/Spread	(0.71		)%	(0.27		)%	—		%	—		%	—		%

Based on a sensitivity analysis as of March 31, 2015, we estimate that, if market interest rates average one percentage point higher in 2015 than in the table above, our financial results in 2015 would not be materially impacted.

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

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We conduct business in a number of countries. As a result, over half of our revenues and operating expenses are denominated in foreign currencies, which expose our account balances to movements in foreign currency exchange rates that could have a material effect on our financial results. Our primary foreign currency exposure relates to non-U.S. dollar denominated transactions in our international subsidiary operations, the most significant of which is the euro. Revenues denominated in functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar were 54% of total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared with 60% for the same respective period in 2014.

We are also exposed to foreign exchange risk when we enter into non-functional currency transactions, both intercompany and third-party. At each period-end, non-functional currency monetary assets and liabilities are revalued, with the change recorded to other income and expense. We enter into monthly foreign exchange forward contracts (a total of 143 contracts were entered into during the three months ended March 31, 2015) 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 $188,000 to $21.0 million, offsetting our exposures from the euro, British pound, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Mexican peso, and various other currencies.

In future periods, we may use additional derivative contracts to protect against foreign currency exchange rate risks.

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Item 4: Controls and Procedures

(a)

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. At March 31, 2015, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on that evaluation, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that as of March 31, 2015, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure the information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

(b)

Changes in internal controls over financial reporting. In the ordinary course of business, we review our system of internal control over financial reporting and make changes to our applications and processes to improve such controls and increase efficiency, while ensuring that we maintain an effective internal control environment. Changes may include such activities as implementing new, more efficient applications and automating manual processes. We are currently upgrading our global enterprise resource software applications at our locations outside of the United States. We will continue to upgrade our financial applications in stages, and we believe the related changes to processes and internal controls will allow us to be more efficient and further enhance our internal control over financial reporting.

Additionally, we have established a shared services center in Europe, and we are currently transitioning certain finance and accounting activities within our EMEA locations to the shared services center in a staged approach. The implementation of our shared services is ongoing, and we believe the related changes to processes and internal controls will allow us to be more efficient and further enhance our internal control over financial reporting.

There have been no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2015 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II: OTHER INFORMATION



Item 1:	Legal Proceedings

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



Item 1A:	Risk Factors

There were no material changes to risk factors during the first quarter of 2015 from those previously disclosed in Item 1A: "Risk Factors" of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, which was filed with the SEC on February 20, 2015.



Item 2:	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(a) Not applicable.

(b) Not applicable.

The table below summarizes information about our repurchases of our equity securities, based on settlement date, during the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015.



Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased⁽¹⁾	Average Price Paid per Share⁽²⁾		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
					(in thousands)
January 1 through January 31	330,000	$	39.64	330,000	$	203
February 1 through February 28	12,251	37.29		12,251	49,746
March 1 through March 31	77,000	36.41		77,000	46,942
Total	419,251	$	38.98	419,251


⁽¹⁾	On February 19, 2015, Itron's Board authorized a new repurchase program of up to $50 million of our common stock over a 12-month period beginning February 19, 2015. Repurchases are made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, and in accordance with applicable securities laws. No shares were purchased outside of this plan.


⁽²⁾	Includes commissions.



Item 5:	Other Information

(a) No information was required to be disclosed in a report on Form 8-K during the first quarter of 2015 that was not reported.

(b) Not applicable.

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Item 6:	Exhibits




Exhibit Number		Description of Exhibits

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

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

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

101.INS		XBRL Instance Document.

101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.

101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.

101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.

101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.

101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.

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SIGNATURE

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



	ITRON, INC.

May 4, 2015	By:	/s/ W. MARK SCHMITZ
Date		W. Mark Schmitz
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer