During the third quarter, Braun Stacey Associates Inc. reduced its holding in Itron by 5.2%, selling 11,185 shares and ending the period with 205,919 shares valued at $25.65 million, representing approximately 0.45% of the company’s outstanding stock. Other institutions also adjusted their stakes: Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors initiated a position worth $30,000 in the second quarter; Bessemer Group increased its holding by 125.7% to 255 shares valued at $34,000; Salomon & Ludwin added a new stake of $42,000 in the third quarter; Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management grew its position by 343.6% to 346 shares worth $46,000; and EverSource Wealth Advisors boosted its share count by 25.3% to 401 shares valued at $53,000. Institutional and hedge fund ownership stands at 96.19%.

Recent research firm reports reflect a tilt toward positive sentiment. Stephens upgraded Itron shares from “equal weight” to “overweight” with a $130 price target, while Weiss Ratings maintained a “buy (b-)” rating. Argus and Robert W. Baird both reaffirmed hold/neutral stances, with Baird adjusting its price objective down from $137 to $118. Conversely, Zacks Research moved the stock from “strong-buy” to “hold.” Overall, nine analysts recommend buy and five rate it hold, yielding a consensus view of moderate buy with an average target of $139.

In its latest quarter, Itron reported diluted earnings of $1.54 per share, surpassing consensus estimates by $0.06, on revenue of $581.6 million versus forecasted $578.5 million. Net margin stood at 10.69% and return on equity at 17.82%, despite a 5.5% year-over-year revenue decline. For the upcoming fiscal year, management has set guidance of $6.84 to $6.94 in earnings per share and expects fourth-quarter earnings between $2.15 and $2.25. Analysts anticipate full-year EPS of $5.33.

Senior vice presidents John F. Marcolini and Donald L. Reeves III each reduced their holdings on November 24, selling 553 and 536 shares respectively at an average price of $96.51 per share. Marcolini’s sale lowered his position by 3.84% to 13,843 shares, while Reeves’s transaction represented a 2.73% reduction to 19,068 shares. In total, insiders have disposed of 2,971 shares valued at $286,731 over the past three months, leaving insider ownership at approximately 1.45%.