Braun Stacey Associates Inc. reduced its stake in Itron by 5.2% during Q3, selling 11,185 shares and ending the quarter with 205,919 shares valued at approximately 25.65 million dollars. This holding represented 0.45% of Itron’s total shares outstanding. Such a reduction by a prominent institutional investor highlights a subtle shift in portfolio allocations within the scientific and technical instruments sector.

Several smaller institutions adjusted their positions in Itron during the second and third quarters. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors initiated a position valued near 30,000 dollars, Salomon & Ludwin added shares worth about 42,000 dollars, and EverSource Wealth Advisors increased its holding by 25.3%, bringing its stake to 401 shares valued at roughly 53,000 dollars. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management expanded its stake by 343.6% to 346 shares, and Bessemer Group boosted its position by 125.7% to 255 shares. These moves contributed to institutional ownership of 96.19%.

Research houses have recently revised their views on Itron. Stephens upgraded the stock to overweight with a price objective of 130.00, while Weiss Ratings maintained a buy (b-) recommendation. Argus reaffirmed a hold rating, and Robert W. Baird retained a neutral stance but lowered its price target from 137.00 to 118.00. Zacks Research shifted from strong-buy to hold. Out of fourteen analysts covering the name, nine recommend buy and five recommend hold, resulting in a consensus Moderate Buy rating and an average target of 139.00.

In the quarter ended October 30th, Itron reported earnings per share of 1.54, surpassing consensus by 0.06, on revenue of 581.63 million, slightly above expectations. Net margin stood at 10.69%, with return on equity of 17.82%. Year-over-year revenue declined 5.5%, and EPS fell from 1.84 a year earlier. The company set full-year guidance at 6.84 to 6.94 EPS and Q4 targets of 2.15 to 2.25 EPS, while analysts forecast 5.33 EPS for the current fiscal year.