Edgar Filing: ITRON INC /WA/

ITRI 10K 12.31.12

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K



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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012



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)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:



Title of each class		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, no par value		NASDAQ Global Select Market
Preferred share purchase rights		NASDAQ Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ý No ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No ý

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 ý No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, 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 ý No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ý

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	ý	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 Act). Yes ¨ No ý

As of June 29, 2012 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter), the aggregate market value of the shares of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant (based on the closing price for the common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market) was $1,616,930,208.

As of January 31, 2013 there were outstanding 39,301,339 shares of the registrant’s common stock, no par value, which is the only class of common stock of the registrant.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The information called for by Part III is incorporated by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company to be held on May 3, 2013.

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Itron, Inc.

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			Page
PART I
	ITEM 1:	BUSINESS	1
	ITEM 1A:	RISK FACTORS	6
	ITEM 1B:	UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS	15
	ITEM 2:	PROPERTIES	15
	ITEM 3:	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	15
	ITEM 4:	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES	15

PART II
	ITEM 5:	MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES	16
	ITEM 6:	SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA	18
	ITEM 7:	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	19
	ITEM 7A:	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	34
	ITEM 8:	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA	36
		Consolidated Statements of Operations	38
		Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	39
		Consolidated Balance Sheets	40
		Consolidated Statements of Equity	41
		Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	42
		Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	43
	ITEM 9:	CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE	82
	ITEM 9A:	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	82
	ITEM 9B:	OTHER INFORMATION	83

PART III
	ITEM 10:	DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE	84
	ITEM 11:	EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION	84
	ITEM 12:	SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS	84
	ITEM 13:	CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE	84
	ITEM 14:	PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES	85

PART IV
	ITEM 15:	EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE	86

SIGNATURES			89

SCHEDULE II:		VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	90

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

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 Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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) rescheduling or cancellations of current customer orders and commitments, 3) changes in estimated liabilities for product warranties and/or litigation, 4) our dependence on customers’ acceptance of new products and their performance, 5) competition, 6) changes in domestic and international laws and regulations, 7) changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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 this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

PART I

ITEM 1: BUSINESS

Available Information

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

General

Itron is a technology company and one of the leading global suppliers of a broad range of standard, advanced, and smart meters and meter communication systems, including networks and communication modules, software, and services. Our communications network platform supports robust and standards-based internet protocol, power-line-carrier, and cellular networks supporting multiple protocols according to our customers' needs around the world. Our software provides mobile and networked meter reading, customer care, billing, distribution design and analysis, forecasting, and load research. Our wide range of services include delivery solutions and managed services on-site or through private cloud solutions.

We were incorporated in 1977 with a focus on meter reading technology. In 2004, we entered the electricity meter manufacturing business with the acquisition of Schlumberger Electricity Metering. In 2007, we expanded our presence in global meter manufacturing and systems with the acquisition of Actaris Metering Systems SA (Actaris).

The following is a discussion of our major products, our markets, and our operating segments. Refer to Item 7: “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for specific segment results.

Our Business

We offer solutions that enable energy utilities to build smart grids to manage assets, secure revenue, lower operational costs, improve customer service, and enable demand response. Our solutions include standard meters and next-generation advanced and smart metering products, systems, and services, which ultimately empower and benefit consumers.

We supply comprehensive solutions to address the unique challenges facing the water industry, including increasing customer demand and resource scarcity. We offer a complete product portfolio for applications in the residential and commercial industrial markets for water and heat.

We classify metering systems into three categories: standard metering, advanced metering systems and technology, and smart metering systems and technology. These categories are described in more detail below:

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Standard Metering

A standard meter measures electricity, natural gas, water, or thermal energy by mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic means, with no built-in remote-reading communication capability. Standard meters require manual reading, which is typically performed by a utility representative or meter reading service provider. Worldwide, we produce standard residential, commercial and industrial (C&I), and transmission and distribution (T&D) electricity, natural gas, water, and heat meters.

Advanced Metering Systems and Technology

Advanced metering uses a one-way communication module embedded in or attached to the meter to collect and store meter data, which is transmitted to handheld computers, mobile units, and/or fixed networks. This allows utilities to collect meter data for billing systems and analyze the data for more efficient resource management and operations. Worldwide, we produce electricity, natural gas, and water advanced metering systems and technology. Communication technologies can vary by region and country and include telephone, RF (radio frequency), cellular, PLC (power line carrier), and Ethernet devices.

Smart Metering Systems and Technology

Smart meters have two-way communication capability to automatically and regularly collect and transmit meter data to support various applications beyond monthly billings. Our smart metering solutions have substantially more features and functions than our advanced metering systems and technology. Smart meters are capable of collecting and storing interval data, remotely connecting and disconnecting, sending detailed information, receiving commands, and may interface with other devices, such as in-home displays, smart thermostats and appliances, home area networks, and advanced control systems.

Bookings and Backlog of Orders

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



Year Ended	Annual Bookings		Total Backlog		12-Month Backlog
	(in millions)
December 31, 2012	$	1,861	$	1,035	$	568
December 31, 2011	2,120		1,296		766
December 31, 2010	2,396		1,620		913

Information on bookings by our operating segments is as follows:



Year Ended	Total Bookings		Energy		Water
	(in millions)
December 31, 2012	$	1,861	$	1,357	$	504
December 31, 2011	2,120		1,610		510
December 31, 2010	2,396		1,866		530

Our Operating Segments

We operate under the Itron brand worldwide and manage and report under two operating segments, Energy and Water. The transition to the new organizational structure, including changes to operations, as well as financial and management systems, was completed in the first quarter of 2012. The segment discussions in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) and our consolidated financial statements have been revised to reflect our new operating segments. Refer to Item 7: "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Item 8: "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," both of which are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Energy operating segment includes our global electricity and gas products, while the Water operating segment includes our global water and heat products.

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Sales and Distribution

We use a combination of direct and indirect sales channels in both operating segments. A direct sales force is utilized for the largest electric, natural gas, and water utilities, with which we have long-established relationships. For smaller utilities, we typically use an indirect sales force that consists of distributors, sales representatives, partners, and meter manufacturer representatives.

No single customer represented more than 10% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. One customer, Southern California Edison, in our Energy operating segment, represented 11% of total company revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010. Our 10 largest customers in each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, accounted for approximately 27%, 33%, and 34% of total revenues, respectively.

Raw Materials

Our products require a wide variety of components and materials, which are subject to price and supply fluctuations. We enter into standard purchase orders in the ordinary course of business, which can vary in terms and can include purchase orders for specific quantities based on market prices, as well as open-ended agreements that provide for estimated quantities over an extended shipment period, typically up to one year at an established unit cost. Although we have multiple sources of supply for most of our material requirements, certain components and raw materials are supplied by sole-source vendors, and our ability to perform certain contracts depends on the availability of these materials. Refer to Item 1A: “Risk Factors”, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for further discussion related to supply risks.

Product Development

Our product development is focused on both improving existing technology and developing innovative new technology for electricity, natural gas, water, and heat meters, data collection software, communication technologies, data warehousing, and knowledge application solutions. We spent approximately $179 million, $161 million, and $139 million on product development in 2012, 2011, and 2010, which represented 8%, 7%, and 6% of total revenues, respectively.

Workforce

As of December 31, 2012, we had approximately 8,500 people in our workforce, including permanent and temporary employees and contractors. We have not experienced significant work stoppages and consider our employee relations to be good.

Competition

We provide a broad portfolio of products, systems, and services to electric, gas and water utility customers globally and, consequently, operate within a large and complex competitive landscape. Some of our competitors have diversified product portfolios and operate in multiple geographic markets, while others focus on specific regional markets and/or certain types of products, including some low-cost suppliers based in China and India that have significant market shares for standard meter sales in their respective home/regional markets. Some of our competitors are part of multinational conglomerates. Our primary competitors for each operating segment are discussed below. We believe that our competitive advantage is based on our in-depth knowledge of the utility industry, our capacity to innovate, our ability to address customer concerns by providing complete end-to-end integrated solutions (including metering, network communications, data collection systems, meter data management software, and other metering software applications), our established customer relationships, and our track record of delivering reliable, accurate, and long-lived products and services. Refer to Item 1A: “Risk Factors” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of the competitive pressures we face.

Energy

We are among the leading global suppliers of electricity and gas metering products, including standard meters, communication and network technologies, and other advanced and smart metering systems and technologies.

Within the electricity business line, our primary global competitors include Landis+Gyr (Toshiba) and Elster (Melrose PLC). Other major competitors for electricity products include Sensus (The Resolute Fund, L.P.) in the North America market, GE Energy (General Electric Company) in the North America and Asia Pacific (APAC) markets, and Echelon in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) market. Each of these companies offer some form of advanced/smart meter technologies as well as standard meters. In addition, we compete with companies that specialize in communication and network technologies that are used with third-party standard meters, including Aclara (ESCO Technologies), Silver Spring Networks, and Trilliant.

Our primary global competitors for gas products include Elster, Sensus, and Landis+Gyr. For gas meter communication modules, we also compete with Aclara primarily in North America.

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Water

We are one of the leading global suppliers of standard and advanced water meters and communication modules. Our primary competitors include Elster, Sensus, Diehl Metering (Diehl Stifung & Co. KG), Neptune Technologies (Roper Industries), and Badger. Each of these companies offers some form of advanced meter technologies and operates in various major world markets, except for Badger and Neptune Technologies, which primarily operate in North America. For water meter communication modules, we also compete with Aclara.

Strategic Alliances

We pursue strategic alliances with other companies in areas where collaboration can produce product advancement and acceleration of entry into new markets. The objectives and goals of a strategic alliance can include one or more of the following: technology exchange, product development, joint sales and marketing, or access to new geographic markets. Refer to Item 1A: “Risk Factors” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of risks associated with strategic alliances.

Intellectual Property

Our patents and patent applications cover a range of technologies, which relate to standard metering, advanced metering systems and technology, smart metering systems and technology, meter data management software, and knowledge application solutions. We also rely on a combination of copyrights and trade secrets to protect our products and technologies.

Disputes over the ownership, registration, and enforcement of intellectual property rights arise in the ordinary course of our business. While we believe patents and trademarks are important to our operations and in the aggregate constitute valuable assets, no single patent or trademark, or group of patents or trademarks, is critical to the success of our business. We license some of our technology to other companies, some of which are our competitors.

Environmental Regulations

In the ordinary course of our business we use metals, solvents, and similar materials that are stored on-site. We believe we are in compliance with environmental laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the operation of our business.

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MANAGEMENT

Set forth below are the names, ages, and titles of our executive officers as of February 21, 2013.



Name	Age	Position
Philip C. Mezey	53	President and Chief Executive Officer
Steven M. Helmbrecht	50	Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
John W. Holleran	58	Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Marcel Regnier	55	President and Chief Operating Officer, Water
Jared P. Serff	45	Vice President, Competitive Resources
Russell E. Vanos	56	Sr. Vice President, Strategy and Business Development
Shannon M. Votava	52	Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Philip C. Mezey is President and Chief Executive Officer, and a member of our Board of Directors. Mr. Mezey was appointed to his current position and to the Board of Directors effective January 1, 2013. Mr. Mezey joined Itron in March 2003 as Managing Director of Software Development for Itron’s Energy Management Solutions Group as part of Itron’s acquisition of Silicon Energy Corp. Mr. Mezey was promoted to Group Vice President and Manager of Software Solutions in 2004. In 2005, Mr. Mezey became Sr. Vice President, Software Solutions, and in 2007 Mr. Mezey became Sr. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Itron North America. Mostly recently, Mr. Mezey served as President and Chief Operating Officer, Energy from March 2011 through December 2012.

Steven M. Helmbrecht is Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Helmbrecht joined Itron in 2002 as Vice President and General Manager, International, and was named Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2005. Previously, Mr. Helmbrecht was Chief Financial Officer of LineSoft Corporation, which was acquired by Itron in 2002.

John W. Holleran is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective January 1, 2013. Mr. Holleran joined Itron in January 2007 as Sr. Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary. Beginning in January 2012, Mr. Holleran served as Itron's Sr. Vice President, Special Projects, and Corporate Secretary.

Marcel Regnier is President and Chief Operating Officer, Water. Mr. Regnier joined Itron in April 2007 as part of our acquisition of Actaris. Mr. Regnier served as Managing Director of Actaris' water and heat business unit from 2001, when Actaris was created as a result of the reorganization of Schlumberger’s operations, until April 2008, when he was promoted to Sr. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Itron International. In March 2011, Mr. Regnier was promoted to his current position.

Jared P. Serff is Vice President, Competitive Resources. Mr. Serff joined Itron in July 2004 upon our acquisition of Schlumberger’s electricity metering business. Mr. Serff spent six years with Schlumberger, the last four of which as Director of Human Resources with Schlumberger’s electricity metering business where he was in charge of personnel for all locations in Canada, Mexico, France, Taiwan, and the United States.

Russell E. Vanos is Sr. Vice President, Strategy and Business Development, effective January 1, 2013. Mr. Vanos joined Itron in 1980 and since then has held various positions in sales, marketing, and operations. Most recently Mr. Vanos served as Vice President, Global Smart Grid Solutions and Business Development from November 2011 through December 2012. Prior to this role Mr. Vanos served as Vice President and General Manager, Sales and Marketing from January 2011 to November 2011 and as Vice President, Marketing from January 2007 through December 2010.

Shannon M. Votava is Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Ms. Votava joined Itron in May 2010 as Assistant General Counsel and was promoted to Vice President and General Counsel on January 1, 2012, and she assumed the responsibilities of Corporate Secretary on January 1, 2013. Before joining Itron, Ms. Votava was Associate General Counsel, Commercial at Cooper Industries plc from October 2008 to April 2010 and General Counsel at Honeywell Electronic Materials, Inc. from 2003 to October 2008.

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ITEM 1A: RISK FACTORS

We are dependent on the utility industry, which has experienced volatility in capital spending.

We derive the majority of our revenues from sales of products and services to utilities. Purchases of our products may be deferred as a result of many factors, including economic downturns, slowdowns in new residential and commercial construction, customers’ access to capital upon acceptable terms, the timing and availability of government subsidies or other incentives, utility specific financial circumstances, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory decisions, weather conditions, and fluctuating interest rates. We have experienced, and may in the future experience, variability in operating results on an annual and a quarterly basis as a result of these factors.

Utility industry sales cycles can be lengthy and unpredictable.

The utility industry is subject to substantial government regulation. Regulations have often influenced the frequency of meter replacements. Sales cycles for standalone meter products have typically been based on annual or bi-annual bid-based agreements. Utilities place purchase orders against these agreements as their inventories decline, which can create fluctuations in our sales volumes.

Sales cycles for advanced and smart metering systems are generally long and unpredictable due to several factors, including budgeting, purchasing, and regulatory approval processes that can take several years to complete. Our utility customers typically issue requests for quotes and proposals, establish evaluation processes, review different technical options with vendors, analyze performance and cost/benefit justifications, and perform a regulatory review, in addition to applying the normal budget approval process. Today, governments around the world are implementing new laws and regulations to promote increased energy efficiency, slow or reverse growth in the consumption of scarce resources, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and protect the environment. Many of the legislative and regulatory initiatives encourage utilities to develop a smart grid infrastructure, and some of these initiatives provide for government subsidies, grants, or other incentives to utilities and other participants in their industry to promote transition to smart grid technologies.

Section 1252 of the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005 requires electric utilities to consider offering their customers time-based rates. The Act also directs these utilities and state utility commissions to study and evaluate methods for implementing demand response, to shift consumption away from peak hours, and to improve power generation.

The European Union has issued the EU Energy Package, which includes directives and regulations intended to strengthen consumer rights and protection in the EU energy market. The EU’s 20-20-20 goals include a 20% increase in energy efficiency, a 20% reduction of carbon dioxide emissions compared with 1990 levels, and producing 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. The package requires EU Member States to ensure the implementation of smart metering systems and outlines deployment by 2022, with 80% of electric consumers equipped with smart metering systems by 2020.

While we believe these initiatives will provide opportunities for sales of our products, the pace at which these markets will grow is unknown due to the timing of legislation, regulatory approvals related to the deployment of new technology, capital budgets of utilities, and purchasing decisions by our customers. If government regulations regarding the smart grid and smart metering are delayed, revised to permit lower or different investment levels in metering infrastructure, or terminated altogether, this could have a material adverse effect on our results of operation, cash flow, and financial condition.

A significant portion of our revenue is generated with a limited number of customers.

Historically, our revenues have been concentrated with a limited number of customers, which change over time. Our largest single customer represented 8% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012. We are often a party to large, multi-year contracts that are subject to cancellation or rescheduling by our customers due to many factors, such as extreme, unexpected weather conditions that cause our customers to redeploy resources, convenience, regulatory issues, or acts of terrorism. Cancellation or postponement of one or more of these significant contracts could have a material adverse effect on our financial and operating results. In addition, if a large customer contract is not replaced upon its expiration with new business of similar magnitude, our financial and operating results would be adversely affected.

As we enter into agreements related to the deployment of smart metering systems and technology, the value of certain contracts can be substantially larger than contracts we have had with our customers in the past. These deployments last several years and can exceed the length of prior deployment agreements. The terms and conditions of these smart metering system agreements

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related to testing, contractual liabilities, warranties, performance, and indemnities can be substantially different than the terms and conditions associated with our previous contracts.

Our quarterly results may fluctuate substantially due to several additional factors.

We have experienced variability in quarterly results, including losses, and believe our quarterly results will continue to fluctuate as a result of many factors, including those risks and events included throughout this section. Additional factors that may cause the price of our common stock to decline include:


•	a higher proportion of products sold with fewer features and functionality, resulting in lower revenues and gross margins;


•	a shift in sales channel mix, which could impact the revenue received and commissions paid;


•	a decrease in sales volumes, which could result in lower gross margins as driven by lower absorption of manufacturing costs


•	a change in accounting standards or practices that may impact us to a greater degree than other companies due to our product mix, which would impact revenue recognition, or our borrowing structure;


•	a change in existing taxation rules or practices due to our specific operating structure that may not be comparable to other companies; and


•	a shortfall in sales without a proportional decrease in expenses.

We may face product-failure exposure.

Our products are complex and may contain defects or experience failures due to any number of issues in design, materials, deployment and/or use. If any of our products contain a defect, compatibility or interoperability issue or other error, we may have to devote significant time and resources to find and correct the issue. We provide product warranties for varying lengths of time and establish allowances in anticipation of warranty expenses. In addition, we record contingent liabilities for additional product-failure related costs. These warranty and related product-failure allowances may be inadequate due to product defects, unanticipated component failures, as well as higher than anticipated material, labor, and other costs we may incur to replace projected product failures. A product recall or a significant number of product returns could be expensive; damage our reputation and relationships with utilities, meter and communication vendors, and other third-party vendors; result in the loss of business to competitors; or result in litigation against us. We may incur additional warranty and related expenses in the future with respect to new or established products, which could materially and adversely affect our operations and financial position.

Our customer contracts may contain provisions that could cause us to incur penalties, be liable for damages, and/or incur unanticipated expenses with respect to the functionality, deployment, operation, and availability of our products and services.

In addition to the risk of unanticipated warranty or recall expenses, our customer contracts may contain provisions that could cause us to incur penalties, be liable for damages, including liquidated damages, or incur other expenses, if we experience difficulties with respect to the functionality, deployment, operation, and availability of our products and services. In the event of late deliveries, late or improper installations or operations, failure to meet product or performance specifications or other product defects, or interruptions or delays in our managed service offerings, our customer contracts may expose us to penalties, liquidated damages, and other liabilities. In the event we were to incur contractual penalties, such as liquidated damages or other related costs that exceed our expectations, our business, financial condition, and operating results could be materially and adversely affected.

We depend on our ability to develop new competitive products.

Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to continue to design and manufacture new competitive products and to enhance and sustain our existing products, keep pace with technological advances and changing customer requirements, gain international market acceptance, and manage other factors in the markets in which we sell our products. Product development will require continued investment in order to maintain our competitive position, and the periods in which we incur significant product development costs may drive variability in our quarterly results. We may not have the necessary capital, or access to capital at acceptable terms, to make these investments. We have made, and expect to continue to make, substantial investments in technology development. However, we may experience unforeseen problems in the development or performance of our technologies or products. In addition, we may not meet our product development schedules. New products often require certifications or regulatory approvals before the products can be used and we cannot be certain that our new products will be approved in a timely manner. Finally, we may not achieve market acceptance of our new products and services.

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We are affected by the availability and regulation of radio spectrum and interference with the radio spectrum that we use.

A significant number of our products use radio spectrum, which are subject to regulation by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States. The FCC may adopt changes to the rules for our licensed and unlicensed frequency bands that are incompatible with our business. In the past, the FCC has adopted changes to the requirements for equipment using radio spectrum, and it is possible that the FCC or the U.S. Congress will adopt additional changes.

Although radio licenses are generally required for radio stations, Part 15 of the FCC’s rules permits certain low-power radio devices (Part 15 devices) to operate on an unlicensed basis. Part 15 devices are designed for use on frequencies used by others. These other users may include licensed users, which have priority over Part 15 users. Part 15 devices cannot cause harmful interference to licensed users and must be designed to accept interference from licensed radio devices. In the United States, our advanced and smart metering systems are typically Part 15 devices that transmit information to (and receive information from, if applicable) handheld, mobile, or fixed network systems pursuant to these rules.

The FCC has initiated a rulemaking proceeding in which it is considering adopting “spectrum etiquette” requirements for unlicensed Part 15 devices operating in the 902-928 MHz band, which many of our advanced and smart metering systems utilize. The outcome of the proceeding may require us to make material changes to our equipment.

The FCC has also adopted service rules governing the use of the 1427-1432 MHz band. We use this band with various devices in our network solutions. Among other things, the rules reserve parts of the band for general telemetry, including utility telemetry, and provide that nonexclusive licenses will be issued in accordance with Part 90 rules and the recommendations of frequency coordinators. Telemetry licensees must comply with power limits and out-of-band emission requirements that are designed to avoid interference with other users of the band. The FCC issues licenses on a nonexclusive basis and it is possible that the demand for spectrum will exceed supply.

We depend upon sufficient radio spectrum to be allocated by the FCC for our intended uses. As to the licensed frequencies, there is some risk that there may be insufficient available frequencies in some markets to sustain our planned operations. The unlicensed frequencies are available for a wide variety of uses and may not be entitled to protection from interference by other users who operate in accordance with FCC rules. The unlicensed frequencies are also often the subject of proposals to the FCC requesting a change in the rules under which such frequencies may be used. If the unlicensed frequencies become crowded to unacceptable levels, restrictive, or subject to changed rules governing their use, our business could be materially adversely affected.

We have committed, and will continue to commit, significant resources to the development of products that use particular radio frequencies. Action by the FCC could require modifications to our products. The inability to modify our products to meet such requirements, the possible delays in completing such modifications, and the cost of such modifications all could have a material adverse effect on our future business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Outside of the United States, certain of our products require the use of RF and are subject to regulations in those jurisdictions where we have deployed such equipment. In some jurisdictions, radio station licensees are generally required to operate a radio transmitter and such licenses may be granted for a fixed term and must be periodically renewed. In other jurisdictions, the rules permit certain low power devices to operate on an unlicensed basis. Our advanced and smart metering systems typically transmit to (and receive information from, if applicable) handheld, mobile, or fixed network reading devices in unlicensed bands pursuant to rules regulating such use. Generally, we use the unlicensed Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) bands with the various reading devices in our solutions. In Europe, we generally use the 433 MHz and 868 MHz bands. In the rest of the world, we primarily use the 433 MHz and 2.4000-2.4835 GHz bands, as well as other local unlicensed bands. To the extent we introduce new products designed for use in the United States or another country into a new market, such products may require significant modification or redesign in order to meet frequency requirements and other regulatory specifications. In some countries, limitations on frequency availability or the cost of making necessary modifications may preclude us from selling our products in those countries. In addition, new consumer products may create interference with the performance of our products, which could lead to claims against us.

We may face adverse publicity, consumer or political opposition, or liability associated with our products.

The safety and security of the power grid, the accuracy and protection of the data collected by meters and transmitted via the smart grid, concerns about the safety and perceived health risks of using radio frequency communications, and privacy concerns of monitoring home appliance energy usage have been the focus of recent adverse publicity. Negative publicity and consumer opposition may cause utilities or their regulators to delay or modify planned smart grid initiatives. Smart grid projects may be, or may be perceived as, unsuccessful.

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We may be subject to claims that there are adverse health effects from the radio frequencies utilized in connection with our products. If these claims prevail, our customers could suspend implementation or purchase substitute products, which could cause a loss of sales.

We are facing increasing competition.

We face competitive pressures from a variety of companies in each of the markets we serve. Some of our present and potential future competitors have, or may have, substantially greater financial, marketing, technical, or manufacturing resources and, in some cases, have greater name recognition, customer relationships, and experience. Some competitors may enter markets we serve and sell products at lower prices in order to gain or grow market share. Our competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements. They may also be able to devote greater resources to the development, promotion, and sale of their products and services than we can. Some competitors have made, and others may make, strategic acquisitions or establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties that enhance their ability to address the needs of our prospective customers. It is possible that new competitors or alliances among current and new competitors may emerge and rapidly gain significant market share. Other companies may also drive technological innovation and develop products that are equal in quality and performance or superior to our products, which could put pressure on our market position, reduce our overall sales, and require us to invest additional funds in new technology development. In addition, there is a risk that low-cost providers will enter, or form alliances or cooperative relationships with our competitors, thereby contributing to future price erosion. Some of our products and services may become commoditized and we may have to adjust the prices of some of our products to stay competitive. Should we fail to compete successfully with current or future competitors, we could experience material adverse effects on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

We are subject to regulatory compliance.

We are subject to various governmental regulations in all of the jurisdictions in which we conduct business. Failure to comply with current or future regulations could result in the imposition of substantial fines, suspension of production, alteration of our production processes, cessation of operations, or other actions, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Changes in environmental regulations, violations of such regulations, or future environmental liabilities could cause us to incur significant costs and could adversely affect our operations.

Our business and our facilities are subject to numerous laws, regulations, and ordinances governing, among other things, the storage, discharge, handling, emission, generation, manufacture, disposal, remediation of, and exposure to toxic or other hazardous substances, and certain waste products. Many of these environmental laws and regulations subject current or previous owners or operators of land to liability for the costs of investigation, removal, or remediation of hazardous materials. In addition, these laws and regulations typically impose liability regardless of whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of any hazardous materials and regardless of whether the actions that led to the presence were conducted in compliance with the law. In the ordinary course of our business, we use metals, solvents, and similar materials, which are stored on-site. The waste created by the use of these materials is transported off-site on a regular basis by unaffiliated waste haulers. Many environmental laws and regulations require generators of waste to take remedial actions at, or in relation to, the off-site disposal location even if the disposal was conducted in compliance with the law. The requirements of these laws and regulations are complex, change frequently, and could become more stringent in the future. Failure to comply with current or future environmental regulations could result in the imposition of substantial fines, suspension of production, alteration of our production processes, cessation of operations, or other actions, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. There can be no assurance that a claim, investigation, or liability will not arise with respect to these activities, or that the cost of complying with governmental regulations in the future will not have a material adverse effect on us.

New regulations related to “conflict minerals” may force us to incur additional expenses, may result in damage to our business reputation, and may adversely impact our ability to conduct our business.

In August 2012, under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, the SEC adopted new requirements for companies that use certain minerals and derivative metals (referred to as “conflict minerals,” regardless of their actual country of origin) in their products. Some of these metals are commonly used in electronic equipment and devices, including our products. These new requirements will require companies to investigate, disclose and report whether or not such metals originated from the Democratic Republic of Congo or adjoining countries and will require due diligence efforts in fiscal 2013, with initial disclosure requirements beginning in May 2014. There will be costs associated with complying with these disclosure requirements, including for diligence to determine the sources of conflict minerals used in our products and other potential changes

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to products, processes or sources of supply as a consequence of such verification activities. The implementation of these rules could adversely affect the sourcing, supply, and pricing of materials used in our products.

Our international sales and operations are subject to complex laws relating to foreign corrupt practices and anti-bribery laws, among many others, and a violation of, or change in, these laws could adversely affect our operations.

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in the United States requires United States companies to comply with an extensive legal framework to prevent bribery of foreign officials. The laws are complex and require that we closely monitor local practices of our overseas offices. The United States Department of Justice has recently heightened enforcement of these laws. In addition, other countries continue to implement similar laws that may have extra-territorial effect. In the United Kingdom, where we have operations, the U.K. Bribery Act imposes significant oversight obligations on us and could impact our operations outside of the United Kingdom. The costs for complying with these and similar laws may be significant and could require significant management time and focus. Any violation of these or similar laws, intentional or unintentional, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Disruption and turmoil in global credit and financial markets, which may be exacerbated by the inability of certain countries to continue to service their sovereign debt obligations, and the possible negative implications of such events for the global economy, may negatively impact our business, operating results, and financial condition.

The recent downgrade of the U.S. credit rating and the possibility that some European Union (EU) member states will default on their debt obligations have contributed to significant uncertainty about the stability of global credit and financial markets. The credit and economic conditions within some EU countries including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, have contributed to the instability in some global credit and financial markets. While the ultimate outcome of these events cannot be predicted, it is possible that such events may have a negative impact on the global economy and our business, operating results, and financial condition.

We are subject to international business uncertainties, obstacles to the repatriation of earnings, and foreign currency fluctuations.

A substantial portion of our revenues is derived from operations conducted outside the United States. International sales and operations may be subjected to risks such as the imposition of government controls, government expropriation of facilities, lack of a well-established system of laws and enforcement of those laws, access to a legal system free of undue influence or corruption, political instability, terrorist activities, restrictions on the import or export of critical technology, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and adverse tax burdens. Lack of availability of qualified third-party financing, generally longer receivable collection periods than those commonly practiced in the United States, trade restrictions, changes in tariffs, labor disruptions, difficulties in staffing and managing international operations, difficulties in imposing and enforcing operational and financial controls at international locations, potential insolvency of international distributors, preference for local vendors, burdens of complying with different permitting standards and a wide variety of foreign laws, and obstacles to the repatriation of earnings and cash all present additional risk to our international operations. Fluctuations in the value of international currencies may impact our operating results due to the translation to the U.S. dollar as well as our ability to compete in international markets. International expansion and market acceptance depend on our ability to modify our technology to take into account such factors as the applicable regulatory and business environment, labor costs, and other economic conditions. In addition, the laws of certain countries do not protect our products or technologies in the same manner as the laws of the United States. There can be no assurance that these factors will not have a material adverse effect on our future international sales and, consequently, on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We depend on certain key vendors and components.

Certain of our products, subassemblies, and system components are procured from limited sources. Our reliance on such limited sources involves certain risks, including the possibility of shortages and reduced control over delivery schedules, quality, costs, and our vendors’ access to capital upon acceptable terms. Any adverse change in the supply, or price, of these components could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, we depend on a small number of contract manufacturing vendors for a large portion of our low-volume manufacturing business and all of our repair services for our domestic handheld meter reading units. Should any of these vendors become unable to perform up to their responsibilities, our operations could be materially disrupted.

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Business interruptions could adversely affect our business.

Our worldwide operations could be subject to hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, fires, extreme weather conditions, medical epidemics or pandemics, or other natural or man-made disasters or business interruptions. The occurrence of any of these business disruptions could seriously harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our key manufacturing facilities are concentrated and in the event of a significant interruption in production at any of our manufacturing facilities, considerable expense, time, and effort could be required to establish alternative production lines to meet contractual obligations, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Asset impairment could result in significant changes that would adversely impact our future operating results.

We have significant intangible assets, long-lived assets, goodwill, and deferred tax assets that are susceptible to valuation adjustments as a result of changes in various factors or conditions.

We assess impairment of amortizable intangible and long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors that could trigger an impairment of such assets include the following:


•	underperformance relative to projected future operating results;


•	changes in the manner or use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business;


•	negative industry or economic trends;


•	decline in our stock price for a sustained period or decline in our market capitalization below net book value; and


•	changes in our organization or management reporting structure, which could result in additional reporting units, requiring greater aggregation or disaggregation in our analysis by reporting unit and potentially alternative methods/assumptions of estimating fair values.

We assess the potential impairment of goodwill each year as of October 1. We also assess the potential impairment of goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Adverse changes in economic conditions or our operations could affect the assumptions we use to calculate the fair value, which in turn could result in an impairment charge in future periods that would impact our results of operations and financial position in that period.

The realization of our deferred tax assets is supported in part by projections of future taxable income. We record valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the extent we believe it is more likely than not that a portion of such assets will not be realized. In making such determinations, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and our ability to carry back losses to prior years. We are required to make assumptions and judgments about potential outcomes that lie outside management’s control. Our most sensitive and critical factors are the projection, source, and character of future taxable income. Realization is not assured, and the amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable 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 may face losses associated with alleged unauthorized use of third party intellectual property.

We may be subject to claims or inquiries regarding alleged unauthorized use of a third party’s intellectual property. An adverse outcome in any intellectual property litigation or negotiation could subject us to significant liabilities to third parties, require us to license technology or other intellectual property rights from others, require us to comply with injunctions to cease marketing or the use of certain products or brands, or require us to redesign, re-engineer, or rebrand certain products or packaging, any of which could affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. If we are required to seek licenses under patents or other intellectual property rights of others, we may not be able to acquire these licenses at acceptable terms, if at all. In addition, the cost of responding to an intellectual property infringement claim, in terms of legal fees, expenses, and the diversion of management resources, whether or not the claim is valid, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

If our products infringe the intellectual property rights of others, we may be required to indemnify our customers for any damages they suffer. We generally indemnify our customers with respect to infringement by our products of the proprietary rights of third parties. Third parties may assert infringement claims against our customers. These claims may require us to initiate or defend protracted and costly litigation on behalf of our customers, regardless of the merits of these claims. If any of these claims succeed, we may be forced to pay damages on behalf of our customers or may be required to obtain licenses for the products they use. If we cannot obtain all necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms, our customers may be forced to stop using our products.

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We may be unable to adequately protect our intellectual property.

While we believe that our patents and other intellectual property have significant value, it is uncertain that this intellectual property or any intellectual property acquired or developed by us in the future will provide meaningful competitive advantages. There can be no assurance that our patents or pending applications will not be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented by competitors or that rights granted thereunder will provide meaningful proprietary protection. Moreover, competitors may infringe our patents or successfully avoid them through design innovation. To combat infringement or unauthorized use of our intellectual property, we may need to commence litigation, which can be expensive and time-consuming. In addition, in an infringement proceeding a court may decide that a patent or other intellectual property right of ours is not valid or is unenforceable, or may refuse to stop the other party from using the technology or other intellectual property right at issue on the grounds that it is non-infringing or the legal requirements for an injunction have not been met. Policing unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult and expensive, and we cannot provide assurance that we will be able to prevent misappropriation of our proprietary rights, particularly in countries that do not protect such rights in the same manner as in the United States.

We are subject to a variety of litigation that could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

From time to time, we are involved in litigation that arises from our business. Litigation may, for example, relate to alleged infringements of intellectual property rights of others. Non-practicing entities may also make infringement claims in order to reach a settlement with us. In addition, these entities may bring claims against our customers, which, in some instances, could result in an indemnification of the customer. Litigation may also relate to product failure or product liability claims, contractual disputes, employment matters, or securities litigation. Litigation can be expensive to defend and can divert the attention of management and other personnel for long periods of time, regardless of the ultimate outcome. We may be required to pay damage awards or settlements or become subject to equitable remedies that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. While we currently maintain insurance coverage, such insurance may not provide adequate coverage against potential claims.

A number of key personnel are critical to the success of our business.

Our success depends in large part on the efforts of our highly qualified technical and management personnel and highly skilled individuals in all disciplines. The loss of one or more of these employees and the inability to attract and retain qualified replacements could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We may not realize the expected benefits from strategic alliances.

We have several strategic alliances with large and complex organizations and other companies with which we work to offer complementary products and services. There can be no assurance we will realize the expected benefits from these strategic alliances. If successful, these relationships may be mutually beneficial and result in shared growth. However, alliances carry an element of risk because, in most cases, we must both compete and collaborate with the same company from one market to the next. Should our strategic partnerships fail to perform, we could experience delays in product development or experience other operational difficulties.

Our acquisitions of and investments in third parties have risks.

We may complete additional acquisitions or make investments in the future, both within and outside of the United States. In order to finance future acquisitions, we may need to raise additional funds through public or private financings, and there are no assurances that such financing would be available at acceptable terms. Acquisitions and investments involve numerous risks such as the diversion of senior management’s attention; unsuccessful integration of the acquired entity’s personnel, operations, technologies, and products; incurrence of significant expenses to meet an acquiree's customer contractual commitments; lack of market acceptance of new services and technologies; or difficulties in operating businesses in international legal jurisdictions. Failure to properly or adequately address these issues could result in the diversion of management’s attention and resources and materially and adversely impact our ability to manage our business. In addition, acquisitions and investments in third parties may involve the assumption of obligations, significant write-offs, or other charges associated with the acquisition. Impairment of an investment, goodwill, or an intangible asset may result if these risks were to materialize. For investments in entities that are not wholly owned by Itron, such as joint ventures, a loss of control as defined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) could result in a significant change in accounting treatment and a change in the carrying value of the entity. There can be no assurances that an acquired business will perform as expected, accomplish our strategic objectives, or generate significant revenues, profits, or cash flows.

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We rely on information technology systems.

Our industry requires the continued operation of sophisticated information technology systems and network infrastructures, which may be subject to disruptions arising from events that are beyond our control. We are dependent on information technology systems, including, but not limited to, networks, applications, and outsourced services. We continually enhance and implement new systems and processes throughout our global operations.

We offer managed services and software utilizing several data center facilities located worldwide. Any damage to, or failure of, these systems could result in interruptions in the services we provide to our utility customers. As we continue to add capacity to our existing and future data centers, we may move or transfer data. Despite precautions taken during this process, any delayed or unsuccessful data transfers may impair the delivery of our services to our utility customers. We also sell vending and pre-payment systems with security features that, if compromised, may lead to claims against us.

We are completing a phased upgrade of our primary enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to allow for greater depth and breadth of functionality worldwide. System conversions are expensive and time consuming undertakings that impact all areas of the Company. While successful implementations of each phase will provide many benefits to us, an unsuccessful or delayed implementation of any particular phase may cost us significant time and resources, as well as expense.

The failure of these systems to operate effectively, problems with transitioning to upgraded or replacement systems, or a breach in security of these systems due to computer viruses, hacking, acts of terrorism, and other causes could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations by harming our ability to accurately forecast sales demand, manage our supply chain and production facilities, achieve accuracy in the conversion of electronic data and records, and report financial and management information on a timely and accurate basis. In addition, due to the systemic internal control features within ERP systems, we may experience difficulties that could affect our internal control over financial reporting.

Changes in tax laws and unanticipated tax liabilities could adversely affect our effective income tax rate and profitability.

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

Our credit facility limits our ability and the ability of many of our subsidiaries to take certain actions.

Our credit facility places restrictions on our ability, and the ability of many of our subsidiaries to, among other things:



• incur more debt;		• pay dividends, make distributions, and repurchase capital stock;
• make certain investments;		• create liens;
• enter into transactions with affiliates;		• enter into sale lease-back transactions;
• merge or consolidate;		• transfer or sell assets.

Our credit facility contains other customary covenants, including the requirement to meet specified financial ratios. Our ability to borrow under our credit facility will depend on the satisfaction of these covenants. Events beyond our control can affect our ability to meet those covenants. Our failure to comply with obligations under our borrowing arrangements may result in declaration of an event of default. An event of default, if not cured or waived, may permit acceleration of required payments against such indebtedness. We cannot be certain we will be able to remedy any such defaults. If our required payments are accelerated, we cannot be certain that we will have sufficient funds available to pay the indebtedness or that we will have the ability to raise sufficient capital to replace the indebtedness on terms favorable to us or at all. In addition, in the case of an event of default under our secured indebtedness such as our credit facility, the lenders may be permitted to foreclose on our assets securing that indebtedness.

Our credit facility is sensitive to interest rate fluctuations that could impact our financial position and results of operations.

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Our ability to service our indebtedness is dependent on our ability to generate cash, which is influenced by many factors beyond our control.

Our ability to make payments on or refinance our indebtedness, fund planned capital expenditures, and continue research and development will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This is dependent on the degree to which we succeed in executing our business plans, which is influenced, in part, by general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, counterparty, and other risks that are beyond our control. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

We are exposed to counterparty default risks with our financial institutions and insurance providers.

The financial strength of some depository institutions has diminished and this trend may continue. If one or more of the depository institutions in which we maintain significant cash balances were to fail, our ability to access these funds might be temporarily or permanently limited, and we could face material liquidity problems and financial losses.

The lenders of our credit facility consist of several participating financial institutions. Our revolving line of credit allows us to provide letters of credit in support of our obligations for customer contracts and provides additional liquidity. If our lenders are not able to honor their line of credit commitments due to the loss of a participating financial institution or other circumstance, we would need to seek alternative financing, which may not be under acceptable terms, and therefore could adversely impact our ability to successfully bid on future sales contracts and adversely impact our liquidity and ability to fund some of our internal initiatives or future acquisitions.

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud.

Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable and accurate financial reports and effectively prevent fraud. We have devoted significant resources and time to comply with the internal control over financial reporting requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In addition, Section 404 under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that our auditors attest to the design and operating effectiveness of our controls over financial reporting. Our compliance with the annual internal control report requirement for each fiscal year will depend on the effectiveness of our financial reporting, data systems, and controls across our operating subsidiaries. Furthermore, an important part of our growth strategy has been, and will likely continue to be, the acquisition of complementary businesses, and we expect these systems and controls to become increasingly complex to the extent that we integrate acquisitions and our business grows. Likewise, the complexity of our transactions, systems, and controls may become more difficult to manage. We cannot be certain that these measures will ensure that we design, implement, and maintain adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future, especially for acquisition targets that may not have been required to be in compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act at the date of acquisition. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, difficulties encountered in their implementation or operation, or difficulties in the assimilation of acquired businesses into our control system could harm our operating results or cause it to fail to meet our financial reporting obligations. Inadequate internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our stock and our access to capital.

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ITEM 1B: UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2: PROPERTIES

The following table lists the number of manufacturing facilities, service and distribution locations, and offices by region.



	Manufacturing		Service and Distribution		Offices
	Owned	Leased	Owned	Leased	Owned	Leased
North America	3	—	—	6	1	18
Europe	10	4	—	2	3	24
Asia/Pacific	2	4	—	4	—	20
Other	2	2	1	1	—	10
Total	17	10	1	13	4	72

Our major manufacturing facilities are owned, while smaller factories are typically leased. Our service and distribution locations typically consist of assembly, service, and/or distribution, and may also include product development and administrative functions. Our office locations consist primarily of sales and administration functions, and may also include research and development functions. Our Energy facilities are located throughout the world, and our Water facilities are located primarily in Asia/Pacific and Europe, with the balance primarily in South America. We own our headquarters facility, which is located in Liberty Lake, Washington. Our principal properties are owned and in good condition, and we believe our current facilities are sufficient to support our operations.

In October 2011, we announced projects to restructure our manufacturing operations in order to increase efficiency and lower our cost of manufacturing, including projects to close or consolidate several of our manufacturing facilities. As part of the restructuring in North America, one owned manufacturing facility and one leased distribution facility were vacated during 2012. The manufacturing facility is fully leased to an unrelated third party. Both of these facilities are excluded from the table above because they do not currently contribute to our operations. In addition, three facilities in Europe ceased manufacturing operations during 2012. These three facilities were transferred to the "Offices" category in the table above. These facilities are expected to be sold in the future.

An additional manufacturing facility in Europe was vacated in 2012 when the operations and personnel transferred to a new leased manufacturing facility. The vacant facility is expected to be sold, and, because the facility does not contribute to our operations, it has been excluded from the table above.

ITEM 3: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There are no material pending legal proceedings, as defined by Item 103 of Regulation S-K, at December 31, 2012.

ITEM 4: MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

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PART II

ITEM 5: MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information for Common Stock

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. The following table reflects the range of high and low common stock sales prices for the four quarters of 2012 and 2011 as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market.



	2012				2011
	High		Low		High		Low
First Quarter	$	48.23	$	36.60	$	64.04	$	51.12
Second Quarter	$	45.42	$	33.50	$	55.99	$	46.68
Third Quarter	$	45.85	$	38.28	$	49.40	$	29.50
Fourth Quarter	$	45.26	$	38.71	$	38.49	$	27.52

Performance Graph

The following graph compares the five-year cumulative total return to shareholders on our common stock with the five-year cumulative total return of our peer group of companies used for the year ended December 31, 2012 and the NASDAQ Composite Index.

* $100 invested on 12/31/07 in stock or index, including investment of dividends.

Fiscal years ending December 31.

The above presentation assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2007 in the common stock of Itron, Inc., the peer group, and the NASDAQ Composite Index, with all dividends reinvested. With respect to companies in the peer group, the returns of each such corporation have been weighted to reflect relative stock market capitalization at the beginning of each annual period plotted. The stock prices shown above for our common stock are historical and not necessarily indicative of future price performance.

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Each year, we reassess our peer group to identify global companies that are either direct competitors or have similar industry and business operating characteristics. Our 2012 peer group includes the following publicly traded companies: Badger Meter, Inc., Echelon Corporation, ESCO Technologies Inc., National Instruments Corporation, and Roper Industries, Inc. Cooper Industries, Ltd. and Elster Group SE are no longer included in our peer group because they were acquired by other companies in 2012.

Issuer Repurchase of Equity Securities

The table below summarizes information about the Company's purchases of its shares of common stock, based on settlement date, during the quarterly period ended December 31, 2012.



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)
October 1 through October 31	157,772	$	42.73	157,772	$	23,131
November 1 through November 30	—	—		—	23,131
December 1 through December 31	—	—		—	23,131
Total	157,772	$	42.73	157,772

⁽¹⁾

On October 24, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized a twelve-month repurchase program of up to $100 million of our common stock. On September 13, 2012, the Board approved the extension of the expiration date of the stock repurchase program until February 15, 2013, or until the aggregate limit of $100 million of outstanding common stock has been repurchased, whichever occurs first. 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.

We did not repurchase any stock from January 1, 2013 through February 15, 2013, when the stock repurchase program expired.

Holders

At January 31, 2013, there were 272 holders of record of our common stock.

Dividends

Since the inception of the Company, we have not declared or paid cash dividends. We intend to retain future earnings for the development of our business and do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

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ITEM 6: SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected consolidated financial data below is derived from our consolidated financial statements, which have been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm. These selected consolidated financial and other data represent portions of our financial statements. You should read this information together with Item 7: “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of future performance.



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011⁽²⁾			2010			2009			2008
	(in thousands, except per share data)
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data
Revenues	$	2,178,178		$	2,434,124		$	2,259,271		$	1,687,447		$	1,909,613
Cost of revenues	1,463,031			1,687,666			1,558,596			1,147,484			1,260,586
Gross profit	715,147			746,458			700,675			539,963			649,027
Operating income (loss)	151,126			(459,183		)	184,197			45,027			109,822
Net income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc.	108,275			(510,157		)	104,770			(2,249		)	19,811
Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic	$	2.73		$	(12.56	)	$	2.60		$	(0.06	)	$	0.60
Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted	$	2.71		$	(12.56	)	$	2.56		$	(0.06	)	$	0.57
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic	39,625			40,612			40,337			38,539			33,096
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted	39,934			40,612			40,947			38,539			34,951

Consolidated Balance Sheets Data
Working capital⁽¹⁾	$	353,577		$	329,632		$	178,483		$	282,532		$	293,296
Total assets	2,089,441			2,064,282			2,745,797			2,854,621			2,856,348
Total debt	417,500			452,502			610,941			781,764			1,151,767
Total Itron, Inc. shareholders' equity	992,967			906,925			1,428,295			1,400,514			1,058,776

Other Financial Data
Cash provided by operating activities	$	205,090		$	252,358		$	254,591		$	140,787		$	193,146
Cash used in investing activities⁽³⁾	(125,445		)	(78,741		)	(56,274		)	(53,994		)	(67,075		)
Cash used in financing activities	(77,528		)	(209,453		)	(148,637		)	(114,121		)	(63,376		)
Capital expenditures	(50,543		)	(60,076		)	(62,822		)	(52,906		)	(63,430		)


⁽¹⁾	Working capital represents current assets less current liabilities.


⁽²⁾	During 2011, we incurred a goodwill impairment charge of $584.8 million. In addition, restructuring projects were approved and commenced to increase efficiency and lower our cost of manufacturing, for which we incurred costs of $68.1 million in 2011.


⁽³⁾	On May 1, 2012, we completed our acquisition of SmartSynch, Inc. for $77.7 million in cash (net of $6.7 million of cash and cash equivalents acquired).

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ITEM 7: MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Overview

We are a technology company, offering end-to-end smart metering solutions to electric, natural gas, and water utilities around the world. Our smart metering solutions, meter data management software, and knowledge application solutions bring additional value to a utility’s metering and grid systems. Our professional services help our customers project-manage, install, implement, operate, and maintain their systems.

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

The Energy operating segment includes our global electricity and gas products, while the Water operating segment includes our global water and heat products.

On May 1, 2012, we completed our acquisition of SmartSynch, Inc. (SmartSynch). SmartSynch provides smart grid solutions that utilize cellular networks for communications. The acquisition strengthens our cellular communications offerings, and we believe the acquisition brings greater choice to utility customers across the spectrum of smart metering deployments. For further details regarding the acquisition of SmartSynch, refer to Item 8: "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 17: Business Combinations."

We have three measures of segment performance: revenue, gross profit (margin), and operating income (margin). Intersegment revenues were minimal. Corporate operating expenses, interest income, interest expense, other income (expense), and income tax provision (benefit) are not allocated to the segments, nor included in the measure of segment profit or loss.

Revenues decreased 11% in 2012, compared with 2011. The revenue decrease was due primarily to the completion of several large OpenWay® projects in the Energy segment, partially offset by a 1% increase in revenues in the Water segment. Revenues increased 8% in 2011, compared with 2010. The 2011 revenue growth was driven by our Energy operating segment with an increase of $111.1 million, or 6%, in revenues in 2011, compared with 2010, while our Water operating segment increased $63.8 million, or 14%, from 2010.

Total backlog was $1.0 billion and twelve-month backlog was $568 million at December 31, 2012.

Total company gross margin increased 210 basis points in 2012, compared with 2011. Gross margin improvement over the prior year was driven by lower warranty costs in both the Energy and Water segments. Additionally, benefits from our restructuring actions and manufacturing efficiencies offset the impact of decreased volumes. Total company gross margin decreased 30 basis points in 2011, compared with 2010, primarily due to increased warranty charges in the Energy and Water operating segments.

Our restructuring projects continue as planned, and we expect to substantially complete these projects by the end of 2013, although we expect the disposition of certain manufacturing sites may require additional time beyond that date. Since the announcement of these projects in October 2011, we have incurred $69.8 million in costs, representing approximately 90% of the total expected costs. Total expected costs decreased by $7.7 million from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2012, primarily as the result of gains on the dispositions of fixed assets and a correction to the amount of goodwill allocated to one of our non-core businesses sold as part of the restructuring process. In addition, expected severance costs were reduced as the result of certain employees, in positions that were eliminated under the restructuring project, filling vacant positions within the Company. Net restructuring expense of $1.7 million was recognized in 2012, primarily related to severance and environmental cleanup costs for sites expected to be sold, offset by the $5.4 million correction to the goodwill impairment. Restructuring expenses of $68.1 million were recognized in 2011, associated with severance accruals, the impairment of long-lived assets that will be sold, and other facility exit costs. For further details regarding the correction of the goodwill impairment, refer to Item 8: "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 5: Goodwill." We have begun to realize benefits from our restructuring projects during 2012, and we expect full realization of the cost savings by the end of 2013 and into 2014. 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.

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Total Company Revenues, Gross Profit and Margin, and Unit Shipments



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			% Change	2011			% Change	2010
	(in thousands)				(in thousands)				(in thousands)
Revenues	$	2,178,178		(11)%	$	2,434,124		8%	$	2,259,271
Gross Profit	$	715,147		(4)%	$	746,458		7%	$	700,675
Gross Margin	32.8		%		30.7		%		31.0		%



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Revenues by region
United States and Canada	$	1,014,739	$	1,182,775	$	1,168,523
Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)	878,615		899,642		803,154
Other	284,824		351,707		287,594
Total revenues	$	2,178,178	$	2,434,124	$	2,259,271

Revenues

Revenues decreased 11%, or $255.9 million, in 2012, compared with 2011. Revenues in 2012 were lower, primarily driven by the substantial completion of four of our five largest OpenWay projects in the Energy segment and by $92.2 million in the unfavorable net translation impact of operations denominated in foreign currencies, partially offset by an increase in Water revenues during the year. Revenues increased 8%, or $174.9 million, in 2011, compared with 2010. The net translation effect of our operations denominated in foreign currencies accounted for $60.6 million of the increase in revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared with 2010. A more detailed analysis of these fluctuations is provided in Operating Segment Results.

No single customer represented more than 10% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. For the year ended December 31, 2010, one customer within our Energy operating segment, Southern California Edison, represented 11% of total revenues. Our 10 largest customers accounted for 27%, 33%, and 34% of total revenues in 2012, 2011, and 2010.

Gross Margins

Gross margin was 32.8% for 2012, compared with 30.7% in 2011. The improvement was primarily the result of lower warranty costs in 2012 in both the Energy and Water segments, which positively impacted gross margin by 170 basis points. Benefits from our restructuring projects and manufacturing efficiencies offset the impact of decreased volumes. Gross margin decreased by 30 basis points in 2011 when compared with 2010, primarily due to warranty charges incurred in the Energy and Water operating segments. A more detailed analysis of these fluctuations is provided in Operating Segment Results.

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)

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In addition, advanced and smart meter communication modules can be sold separately from the meter. A summary of our meter and communication module shipments is as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012	2011	2010
	(units in thousands)
Meters
Standard	17,920	19,570	20,010
Advanced and smart	8,030	9,320	8,440
Total meters	25,950	28,890	28,450

Stand-alone communication modules
Advanced and smart	6,460	6,330	5,960

Operating Segment Results

For a description of our operating segments, refer to Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 16: Segment Information” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following tables and discussion highlight significant changes in trends or components of each operating segment.



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			% Change	2011			% Change	2010
Segment Revenues	(in thousands)				(in thousands)				(in thousands)
Energy
Electricity	$	1,024,340		(17)%	$	1,239,428		5%	$	1,185,892
Gas	627,193			(7)%	672,999			9%	615,450
Total Energy	1,651,533			(14)%	1,912,427			6%	1,801,342
Water	526,645			1%	521,697			14%	457,929
Total revenues	$	2,178,178		(11)%	$	2,434,124		8%	$	2,259,271

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012				2011				2010
	Gross Profit			Gross Margin	Gross Profit			Gross Margin	Gross Profit			Gross Margin
Segment Gross Profit and Margin	(in thousands)				(in thousands)				(in thousands)
Energy	$	530,396		32.1%	$	578,575		30.3%	$	541,900		30.1%
Water	184,751			35.1%	167,883			32.2%	158,775			34.7%
Total gross profit and margin	$	715,147		32.8%	$	746,458		30.7%	$	700,675		31.0%

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012				2011				2010
	Operating Income (Loss)			Operating Margin	Operating Income (Loss)			Operating Margin	Operating Income (Loss)			Operating Margin
Segment Operating Income (Loss) and Operating Margin	(in thousands)				(in thousands)				(in thousands)
Energy	$	135,369		8%	$	(112,831	)	(6)%	$	184,163		10%
Water	59,210			11%	(303,772		)	(58)%	43,611			10%
Corporate unallocated	(43,453		)		(42,580		)		(43,577		)
Total Company	$	151,126		7%	$	(459,183	)	(19)%	$	184,197		8%

Energy:

Revenues - 2012 vs. 2011

Electricity revenues for 2012 decreased by $215.1 million, or 17%, compared with 2011 revenues. The decrease was primarily driven by $207.6 million in lower OpenWay project revenue in North America, as four of our five largest OpenWay projects were substantially completed during 2012. This revenue decrease in North America was partially offset by $21.8 million of revenue

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increase as a result of the SmartSynch acquisition in May 2012. Lower prepayment meter shipments drove a decrease of $27.3 million in our Asia/Pacific region, which was partially offset by $23.0 million in higher revenue from increased product shipments and service in EMEA. The net translation effect of our operations in foreign currencies negatively impacted 2012 revenues by $34.4 million.

Gas revenues decreased by $45.8 million, or 7%, in 2012, compared to 2011, including $27.7 million for the impact of unfavorable exchange rates for our revenues denominated in foreign currencies. The decrease was driven by lower communication module shipments and lower service revenue, partially offset by increased gas meter shipments, particularly smart meters. The overall decrease is due to typical period-to-period fluctuations in timing of customer projects.

One customer represented 11% of the Energy operating segment revenues in 2012, and a different customer represented 11% of the Energy operating segment revenues in 2011.

Revenues - 2011 vs. 2010

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

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

Two customers individually represented 14% and 10% of the Energy operating segment revenues in 2010.

Gross Margin - 2012 vs. 2011

Gross margin was 32.1% in 2012, compared with 30.3% in 2011. The improved margin was primarily driven by $23.8 million in lower warranty expense in 2012, as well as improved manufacturing efficiencies, global procurement, and the realization of the benefits of our restructuring activities.

Gross Margin - 2011 vs. 2010

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

Operating Expenses - 2012 vs. 2011

Energy operating expenses decreased by $296.4 million, or 43%, for 2012 when compared to 2011, primarily due to the goodwill impairment of $254.7 million recognized in 2011for the Electricity reporting unit and $48.9 million in lower restructuring expenses in 2012. Foreign exchange rates also favorably impacted operating expenses by $17.0 million. Sales and marketing and product development expenses increased over prior year by $31.6 million, primarily as the result of the development of new and enhanced products and in preparation for sales opportunities in developing markets. Operating expenses, consisting of sales and marketing, product development, general and administrative, and amortization of intangible assets, as a percentage of revenues, were 24% in 2012 and 20% in 2011.

Operating Expenses - 2011 vs. 2010

Energy operating expenses in 2011 included a goodwill impairment charge of $254.7 million associated with the Electricity reporting unit. Operating expenses included restructuring expenses of $51.9 million primarily associated with accrued severance and asset impairments. Operating expenses for sales and marketing, product development, general and administrative, and amortization of intangible assets increased $27.1 million, or 8%, in 2011, primarily due to increased product development costs for new and enhanced products. This increase was partially offset by scheduled decreases in amortization of intangible assets and decreased bonus, profit sharing, and employee savings plan match expenses. Operating expenses, consisting of sales and marketing, product development, general and administrative, and amortization of intangible assets, as a percentage of revenues were 20% in 2011 and 2010.

Water:

Revenues - 2012 vs. 2011

Revenues increased $4.9 million, or 1%, in 2012, while the translation effect of a stronger U.S. dollar against most foreign currencies during 2012 negatively impacted revenues by 6%. All regions provided increases during 2012.

No single customer represented more than 10% of the Water operating segment's revenues in 2012, 2011, and 2010.

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Revenues - 2011 vs. 2010

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

Gross Margin - 2012 vs. 2011

Water gross margin increased to 35.1% in 2012, compared with 32.2% in 2011, primarily driven by $12.4 million in lower warranty expense in 2012 and favorable product mix, which were partially offset by lower margin services for a large project in North America.

Gross Margin - 2011 vs. 2010

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

Operating Expenses - 2012 vs. 2011

In 2012, Water operating expenses were $125.6 million compared to $471.7 million in 2011, including the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates of $7.6 million. Operating expenses in 2011 included a goodwill impairment charge of $330.1 million and $15.9 million in higher restructuring costs. Sales and marketing expenses in 2012 were $6.2 million higher than in 2011 due to investments in preparation for opportunities in developing markets. Product development expenses in 2012 were $4.5 million higher than in 2011 as the result of development of new and enhanced products to meet the demands of various markets. Operating expenses, consisting of sales and marketing, product development, general and administrative, and amortization of intangible assets, as a percentage of revenues, were 24% in 2012 and 2011.

Operating Expenses - 2011 vs. 2010

Water operating expenses in 2011 included a goodwill impairment charge of $330.1 million associated with the Water reporting unit. Operating expenses included restructuring expenses of $15.3 million primarily associated with accrued severance and asset impairments. Operating expenses for sales and marketing, product development, general and administrative, and amortization of intangible assets increased $11.1 million in 2011, compared with 2010. Operating expenses, consisting of sales and marketing, product development, general and administrative, and amortization of intangible assets, as a percentage of revenue were 24% in 2011, compared with 25% in 2010.

Corporate unallocated:

Operating expenses not directly associated with an operating segment are classified as “Corporate unallocated.” These expenses increased 2% to $43.5 million in 2012, compared with 2011, primarily due to acquisition related expenses for the SmartSynch acquisition, for management training and development costs in connection with the implementation of a new organizational structure, and for preliminary planning costs, prior to application development, for our global enterprise resource planning (ERP) software initiative. These increases were partially offset by lower corporate IT related and marketing spending. Corporate unallocated expenses decreased 2% to $42.6 million in 2011, compared with 2010, primarily due to decreased bonus and profit sharing expense.

Operating Expenses

The following table details our total operating expenses in dollars and as a percentage of revenues:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		% of Revenues	2011		% of Revenues	2010		% of Revenues
	(in thousands)			(in thousands)			(in thousands)
Sales and marketing	$	197,603	9%	$	185,105	8%	$	171,035	8%
Product development	178,653		8%	161,305		7%	139,166		6%
General and administrative	138,290		6%	142,908		6%	137,226		6%
Amortization of intangible assets	47,810		2%	63,394		3%	69,051		3%
Restructuring expense	1,665		—%	68,082		3%	—		—%
Goodwill impairment	—		—%	584,847		24%	—		—%
Total operating expenses	$	564,021	26%	$	1,205,641	50%	$	516,478	23%

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2012 vs. 2011

Operating expenses decreased $641.6 million in 2012, compared with 2011. The 2011 operating expenses included $584.8 million of goodwill impairment charges associated with the Electricity and Water reporting units, as well as $68.1 million of restructuring expenses, which represented the majority of total expected expenses under our restructuring project initiated in 2011. Operating expenses for sales and marketing, product development, general and administrative, and amortization of intangible assets represented 26% of revenues in 2012, compared with 23% in 2011. Sales and marketing and product development expenses increased in 2012 compared with 2011, primarily due to increased product development costs for new and enhanced products and investments in targeted geographies in anticipation of sales opportunities. The increase was partially offset by favorable foreign currency translation effects and scheduled decreases in amortization of intangible assets.

2011 vs. 2010

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

Other Income (Expense)

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(in thousands)
Interest income	$	952		$	862		$	592
Interest expense	(8,518		)	(31,079		)	(49,412		)
Amortization of prepaid debt fees	(1,597		)	(5,715		)	(5,492		)
Other income (expense), net	(5,744		)	(6,651		)	(5,440		)
Total other income (expense)	$	(14,907	)	$	(42,583	)	$	(59,752	)

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

Interest expense: Interest expense declined each period as a result of our principal balance of debt outstanding, as well as lower interest rates beginning in August 2011. Total debt was $417.5 million, $452.5 million, and $610.9 million at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. In August 2011, we refinanced our credit facility. The interest rate on our 2011 credit facility was 1.47% at December 31, 2012. The weighted average interest rate on the borrowings under our 2007 credit facility at the time of refinancing (August 2011) was 4.75% (including the effect of an interest rate swap).

Amortization of prepaid debt fees: Amortization of prepaid debt fees in 2012 was lower than in 2011 by $4.1 million, primarily driven by the write-off of $2.4 million of prepaid debt fees in 2011 upon the refinancing of the 2007 credit facility. In addition, we incurred lower prepaid debt fees with the 2011 credit facility. Amortization of prepaid debt fees in 2011 was higher than 2010 due to the $2.4 million write-off of unamortized prepaid debt fees associated with our 2007 credit facility that was replaced with the 2011 credit facility. Amortization of prepaid debt fees fluctuate each year as debt is repaid early. As debt is repaid early, the related portion of unamortized prepaid debt fees is written-off. Refer to Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 6: Debt” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K 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 due to balances denominated in a currency other than the reporting entity's functional currency. Foreign currency losses, net of hedging, were $3.8 million in 2012, compared with net foreign currency losses of $4.7 million in 2011 and $3.1 million in 2010.

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Financial Condition

Cash Flow Information:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(in thousands)
Operating activities	$	205,090		$	252,358		$	254,591
Investing activities	(125,445		)	(78,741		)	(56,274		)
Financing activities	(77,528		)	(209,453		)	(148,637		)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	1,208			(555		)	(2,096		)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	3,325		$	(36,391	)	$	47,584

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2012 was comparable to the prior year due to several offsetting factors, including lower net repayments on debt in 2012, compared with 2011, partially offset by increases in business acquisitions and repurchases of common stock and a decrease in cash provided by operating activities in 2012. Cash and cash equivalents was $133.1 million at December 31, 2011, compared with $169.5 million at December 31, 2010. The decrease in the cash and cash equivalents balance during 2011 was primarily the result of repayments of debt, the repurchase of common stock, and minor business acquisitions in 2011.

Operating activities

Cash provided by operating activities in 2012 was $47.3 million lower compared with 2011. This decline was primarily due to: (1) a decline in operating income, exclusive of non-cash items, such as goodwill impairment, depreciation and amortization, and non-cash restructuring expense, and (2) the net increase in working capital balances of $23.9 million in 2012, compared with a net decrease in working capital balances of $4.7 million in 2011. Cash provided by operating activities in 2011, inclusive of the impact of $12.8 million in cash payments made related to restructuring projects in 2011, was relatively constant when compared with 2010.

Investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities in 2012 was $46.7 million higher compared with 2011. The increase in investing activities during 2012 was the result of business acquisitions of $79.0 million, primarily related to the SmartSynch acquisition, as compared with business acquisitions of $20.1 million in 2011. The increase in cash used in business acquisitions in 2012 was partially offset by a decrease in acquisitions of property, plant, and equipment to $50.5 million in 2012, compared with $60.1 million in 2011. Refer to Item 8: "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 17: Business Combinations" for additional information regarding the acquisition of SmartSynch.

Net cash used in investing activities in 2011 was $22.5 million higher compared with 2010. Several business acquisitions totaling $20.1 million contributed to the increase in 2011, while property, plant, and equipment acquisitions in 2011 were comparable with 2010.

Financing activities

Net cash used in financing activities in 2012 was $131.9 million lower compared with 2011. During 2012, net repayments on borrowings were $35.0 million, compared with $178.1 million in 2011. On October 24, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized a twelve-month repurchase program of up to $100 million of our common stock, which, on September 13, 2012, was extended until February 15, 2013. During 2012, we repurchased $47.4 million of our common stock, compared with $29.4 million in 2011. We did not repurchase any stock from January 1, 2013 through February 15, 2013, when the stock repurchase program expired.

Net cash used in financing activities in 2011 was $60.8 million higher compared with 2010. During 2011, net repayments on borrowings were $178.1 million compared with $155.2 million in 2010. During 2011, we repurchased $29.4 million of our common stock, with no repurchases occurring in 2010. Refer to Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 14: Shareholders' Equity” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details related to our share repurchase program.

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

Changes in exchange rates on the cash balances of currencies held in foreign denominations resulted in an increase of $1.2 million and decreases of $555,000 and $2.1 million in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. 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.

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Off-balance sheet arrangements:

We have no off-balance sheet financing agreements or guarantees as defined by Item 303 of Regulation S-K at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 that we believe are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Disclosures about contractual obligations and commitments:

The following table summarizes our known obligations to make future payments pursuant to certain contracts as of December 31, 2012, as well as an estimate of the timing in which these obligations are expected to be satisfied.



	Total		Less than 1 year		1-3 years		3-5 years		Beyond 5 years
	(in thousands)
Credit Facilities⁽¹⁾
USD denominated term loan	$	292,421	$	22,829	$	64,424	$	205,168	$	—
Multicurrency revolving line of credit	148,889		2,105		4,884		141,900		—
Operating lease obligations⁽²⁾	64,497		17,214		26,387		17,928		2,968
Purchase and service commitments⁽³⁾	184,826		180,515		3,929		382		—
Other long-term liabilities reflected on the balance sheet under generally accepted accounting principles⁽⁴⁾	104,252		—		49,960		23,338		30,954
Total	$	794,885	$	222,663	$	149,584	$	388,716	$	33,922


⁽¹⁾	Borrowings are disclosed within Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 6: Debt” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, with the addition of estimated interest expense but not including the amortization of prepaid debt fees.


⁽²⁾	Operating lease obligations are disclosed in Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 12: Commitments and Contingencies” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and do not include common area maintenance charges, real estate taxes, and insurance charges for which we are obligated.

⁽³⁾

We enter into standard purchase orders in the ordinary course of business that typically obligate us to purchase materials and other items. Purchase orders can vary in terms, which include open-ended agreements that provide for estimated quantities over an extended shipment period, typically up to one year at an established unit cost. Our long-term executory purchase agreements that contain termination clauses have been classified as less than one year, as the commitments are the estimated amounts we would be required to pay at December 31, 2012 if the commitments were canceled.

⁽⁴⁾

Other long-term liabilities consist of warranty obligations, estimated pension benefit payments, and other obligations. Estimated pension benefit payments include amounts from 2014-2022. Long-term unrecognized tax benefits totaling $23.9 million (net of pre-payments), which include accrued interest and penalties, are not included in the above contractual obligations and commitments table as we cannot reliably estimate the period of cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities. Additionally, because the amount and timing of the future cash outflows are uncertain, deferred revenue totaling $32.2, which includes deferred revenue related to extended warranty guarantees, is not included in the table. For further information on defined benefit pension plans, income taxes, and warranty obligations and deferred revenue for extended warranties, see Item 8: "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," Notes 8, 11, and 12, respectively, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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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 $353.6 million at December 31, 2012, compared with $329.6 million at December 31, 2011.

Borrowings

In August 2011, we entered into an $800 million senior secured credit facility (the 2011 credit facility), which replaced the senior secured credit facility we entered into in 2007. The 2011 credit facility was increased to $960 million on April 2, 2012. The 2011 credit facility consists of a $300 million U.S. dollar term loan and a multicurrency revolving line of credit (the revolver) with a principal amount of up to $660 million, which was increased from $500 million on April 2, 2012. At December 31, 2012, $140 million was outstanding under the revolver, and $54.3 million was utilized by outstanding standby letters of credit, resulting in $465.7 million available for additional borrowings.

For further description of the term loan and the revolver under our 2011 credit facility, refer to Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 6: Debt” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

For a description of our letters of credit and performance bonds, and the amounts available for additional borrowings or letters of credit under our lines of credit, including the revolver that is part of our 2011 credit facility, refer to Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 12: Commitments and Contingencies” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Restructuring

During the fourth quarter of 2011, we announced the approval of projects to restructure our manufacturing operations to increase efficiency and lower our cost of manufacturing. We began implementing the projects in the fourth quarter of 2011, and we expect to substantially complete these projects by the end of 2013.

Total expected costs decreased by approximately $7.7 million during 2012 to $77.8 million as of December 31, 2012. This decrease was primarily the result of gains on the dispositions of fixed assets and a correction to the amount of goodwill allocated to one of our non-core businesses sold as part of the restructuring process. In addition, expected severance costs were reduced as the result of certain employees, in positions that were eliminated under the restructuring plan, filling vacant positions within the Company. For further details regarding the correction of the goodwill impairment, refer to Item 8: "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 5: Goodwill" included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. A substantial portion of the total expected restructuring charges was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2011, and $17.7 million was accrued at December 31, 2012, of which $13.2 million is expected to be paid over the next 12 months. We have begun to realize benefits from our restructuring projects during 2012, and we expect full realization of the cost savings by the end of 2013 and into 2014. Certain projects are subject to a variety of labor and employment laws, rules, and regulations that could result in a delay in implementing projects at some locations. Real estate market conditions may impact the timing of our ability to sell some of the manufacturing facilities we have designated for closure and disposal. This may delay the completion of the restructuring projects beyond 2013. For further details regarding our restructuring activities, refer to Item 8: "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 13: Restructuring" included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Income Tax

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

Our tax expense as a percentage of income before tax was 19.1% for 2012. Our actual tax rate was lower than the 35% U.S. federal statutory tax rate primarily due to: (1) earnings of our subsidiaries outside of the United States in jurisdictions where our statutory tax rate is lower than in the United States; (2) the benefit of certain interest expense deductions; (3) a benefit related to the release of reserves for uncertain tax positions; and (4) benefits of certain acquisition related elections for tax purposes.

Our tax expense as a percentage of loss before tax was (0.9%) for 2011. Our actual tax rate was lower than the 35% U.S. federal statutory tax rate primarily due to: (1) the impact of the goodwill impairment, which was not deductible; (2) earnings of our subsidiaries outside of the United States in jurisdictions where our statutory tax rate is lower than in the United States; (3) the

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benefit of certain interest expense deductions; (4) a benefit related to the settlement of foreign tax litigation; and (5) benefits of certain acquisition related elections for tax purposes.

Our tax expense as a percentage of income before tax was 12.8% for 2010. Our actual tax rate was lower than the 35% U.S. federal statutory tax rate primarily due to: (1) earnings of our subsidiaries outside of the United States in jurisdictions where our statutory tax rate is lower than in the United States; (2) the benefit of certain interest expense deductions; and (3) the de-recognition of a reserve for uncertain tax positions due to a change in the method of depreciation for certain foreign subsidiaries

Our deferred tax assets consist primarily of tax losses and temporary differences related to depreciation, amortization and accrued expenses.

Our deferred tax assets at December 31, 2012 do not include the tax effect on $55.2 million of excess tax benefits from employee stock plan exercises. Common stock will be increased by $21.0 million when such excess tax benefits reduce cash taxes payable.

Our cash income tax payments for 2012, 2011, and 2010 were as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
U.S. federal taxes paid	$	15,500	$	5,900	$	4,060
State income taxes paid	2,831		2,450		505
Foreign and local income taxes paid	22,468		19,779		25,577
Total income taxes paid	$	40,799	$	28,129	$	30,142

Based on current projections, we expect to pay, net of refunds, approximately $400,000 in state taxes and $28.9 million in foreign and local income taxes in 2013. Currently, we do not expect to pay any U.S. federal taxes in 2013.

As of December 31, 2012, there was $41.1 million of cash and short-term investments held by certain foreign subsidiaries that could be repatriated to fund U.S. operations, and additional tax costs may be required. Tax is one of many factors that we consider in the management of global cash. Included in the determination of the tax costs in repatriating foreign cash into the United States are the amount of earnings and profits in a particular jurisdiction, withholding taxes that would be imposed, and available foreign tax credits. Accordingly, the amount of taxes that we would need to accrue and pay to repatriate foreign cash could vary significantly.

The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the "Act") was signed into law on January 2, 2013 and extended several business tax provisions including: (1) the active financing income and controlled foreign corporation look-through exceptions to certain foreign income; and (2) the research and experimentation credit. The tax effects of the Act will be recognized in the first quarter of 2013.

Other Liquidity Considerations

For a description of our funded and unfunded non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans and our expected 2013 contributions, refer to Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 8: Defined Benefit Pension Plans” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

At December 31, 2012, we have accrued $22.1 million of bonus and profit sharing plans expense for the achievement of annual financial and nonfinancial targets, compared with $26.0 million at December 31, 2011. These awards will be paid in cash during the first quarter of 2013.

The Company conducts business in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, which have been experiencing significant financial stress. As of December 31, 2012, we had trade receivables in these countries of approximately 1% of consolidated total assets, compared with approximately 2% as of December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we did not have any marketable investments in corporate or sovereign government debt securities in these countries.

We expect to grow through a combination of internal new product development, licensing technology from and to others, distribution agreements, partnership arrangements, and acquisitions of technology or other companies. We expect these activities to be funded with existing cash, cash flow from operations, borrowings, and the sale of common stock or other securities. We believe existing sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund our existing operations and obligations for the next 12 months and into the foreseeable future, but offer no assurances. Our liquidity could be affected by the stability of the energy and water industries, competitive

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pressures, changes in estimated liabilities for product warranties and/or litigation, future business combinations, capital market fluctuations, international risks, and other factors described under “Risk Factors” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Contingencies

Refer to Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 12: Commitments and Contingencies” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Revenue Recognition

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

We allocate consideration to each deliverable in an arrangement based on its relative selling price. We determine selling price using vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE), if it exists, otherwise third-party evidence (TPE). If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists for a unit of accounting, we use estimated selling price (ESP).

VSOE is generally limited to the price charged when the same or similar product is sold separately or, if applicable, the stated renewal rate in the agreement. If a product or service is seldom sold separately, it is unlikely that we can determine VSOE for the product or service. We define VSOE as a median price of recent standalone transactions that are priced within a narrow range. TPE is determined based on the prices charged by our competitors for a similar deliverable when sold separately.

If we are unable to establish selling price using VSOE or TPE, we use ESP in the allocation of arrangement consideration. The objective of ESP is to determine the price at which we would transact if the product or service were sold by us on a standalone basis. Our determination of ESP involves a weighting of several factors based on the specific facts and circumstances of the arrangement. Specifically, we consider the cost to produce the deliverable, the anticipated margin on that deliverable, the selling price and profit margin for similar parts, our ongoing pricing strategy and policies (as evident in the price list established and updated by management on a regular basis), the value of any enhancements that have been built into the deliverable, and the characteristics of the varying markets in which the deliverable is sold. We analyze the selling prices used in our allocation of arrangement consideration on an annual basis. Selling prices are analyzed on a more frequent basis if a significant change in our business necessitates a more timely analysis or if we experience significant variances in our selling prices.

Warranty

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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 may be assessed and recorded when a failure event is probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated. When new products are introduced, our process relies on historical averages until sufficient data are available. As actual experience 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 continually 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 gross margin. The long-term warranty balance includes estimated warranty claims beyond one year.

Restructuring and Asset Impairments

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

Asset impairments are determined at the asset group level. An impairment may be recorded for assets that are to be abandoned, sold for less than net book value, or held for sale in which the estimated proceeds are less than the net book value less costs to sell. 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. An asset group may consist of many inter-related assets and liabilities. If an asset group is considered a business, a portion of the Company's goodwill balance is allocated to it based on relative fair value.

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 estimates are made. Our estimates involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control, including future real estate market conditions and local labor and employment laws, rules, and regulations. If the amounts and timing of cash flows from restructuring activities are significantly different from what we have estimated, the actual amount of restructuring charges, including asset impairments, could be materially different, either higher or lower, than those we have previously recorded.

Income Taxes

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

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

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

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.

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Inventories

Items are removed from inventory using the first-in, first-out method. Inventories include raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods. Inventory amounts include the cost to manufacture the item, such as the cost of raw materials, labor, and other applied direct and indirect costs. We also review idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted materials to determine if abnormal amounts should be recognized as current-period charges. We review our inventory for obsolescence and marketability. If the estimated market value, which is based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions, falls below the original cost, the inventory value is reduced to the market value. If technology rapidly changes or actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, inventory write-downs may be required. Our inventory levels may vary period to period as a result of our factory scheduling and timing of contract fulfillments.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets result from our acquisitions. We use estimates, including estimates of useful lives of intangible assets, the amount and timing of related future cash flows, and fair values of the related operations, in determining the value assigned to goodwill and intangible assets. Our intangible assets have a finite life and are amortized over their estimated useful lives based on estimated discounted cash flows. Intangible assets are tested for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Goodwill is assigned to our reporting units based on the expected benefit from the synergies arising from each business combination, determined by using certain financial metrics, including the forecasted discounted cash flows associated with each reporting unit. Prior to 2012, we had four reporting units: Itron North America (INA), Itron International (INL) Electricity, INL Gas, and INL Water. Effective January 1, 2012, our three reporting units are Electricity, Gas, and Water. Our Energy operating segment comprises the Electricity and Gas reporting units, while our Water operating segment comprises the Water reporting unit. In the first quarter of 2012, we reallocated the goodwill from our former INA reporting unit to the three new reporting units based on the relative fair values of the electricity, gas, and water product lines within INA on January 1, 2012. We also reassigned the goodwill from our former INL Electricity, INL Gas, and INL Water reporting units to the new reporting units, Electricity, Gas, and Water, respectively.

We test goodwill for impairment each year as of October 1, or more frequently should a significant impairment indicator occur. The impairment test for goodwill involves comparing the fair value of the reporting units to their carrying amounts. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second step is required to measure for a goodwill impairment loss. This step revalues all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit to their current fair values and then compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.

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

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

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



Reporting Unit	Before Impairment		Impairment		After Impairment
	(in thousands)
Itron International - Electricity	$	363,626	$	254,735	$	108,891
Itron International - Water	389,308		330,112		59,196
			$	584,847

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Based on our most recent annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2012, the percentage by which the estimated fair value of the reporting units exceeded their carrying value and amount of goodwill allocated to each of these reporting units were as follows:



	October 1, 2012
Reporting Unit	Goodwill		Fair Value Exceeded Carrying Value
	(in thousands)
Energy - Electricity	$	221,119	19	%
Energy - Gas	382,563		66	%
Water	83,750		317	%

Changes in market demand, fluctuations in the economies in which we operate, the volatility and decline in the worldwide equity markets, and a further decline in our market capitalization could negatively impact the remaining carrying value of our goodwill, which could have a significant effect on our current and future results of operations and financial condition.

Derivative Instruments

All derivative instruments, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value as either assets or liabilities. The components and fair values of our derivative instruments are determined using the fair value measurements of significant other observable inputs (also known as “Level 2”), as defined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We include the effect of our counterparty credit risk based on current published credit default swap rates when the net fair value of our derivative instruments is in a asset position and the effect of our own nonperformance risk when the net fair value of our derivative instruments is in a liability position. Level 2 inputs consist of quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in non-active markets, and model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are corroborated by observable market data either directly or indirectly through correlation or other means (inputs may include yield curves, volatility measures, credit risks, and default rates). Derivatives are not used for trading or speculative purposes. Our derivatives are with credit worthy multinational commercial banks, with whom we have master netting agreements; however, our derivative positions are not disclosed on a net basis. There are no credit risk related contingent features within our derivative instruments.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

We sponsor both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans for certain international employees, primarily in Germany, France, Italy, Indonesia, and Spain. We recognize a liability for the projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets or an asset for plan assets in excess of the projected benefit obligation. We also recognize the funded status of our defined benefit pension plans on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and recognize as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI), net of tax, the actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs or credits, if any, that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

Several economic assumptions and actuarial data are used in calculating the expense and obligations related to these plans. The assumptions are updated annually at December 31 and include the discount rate, the expected remaining service life, the expected rate of return on plan assets, and rate of future compensation increase. The discount rate is a significant assumption used to value our pension benefit obligation. We determine a discount rate for our plans based on the estimated duration of each plan’s liabilities. For our euro denominated defined benefit pension plans, which represent 94% of our benefit obligation, we use three 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 €250 million for bonds with less than 10 years to maturity and €50 million for bonds with 10 or more years to maturity, and excluding the highest and lowest yielding 10% of bonds within each maturity group. The discount rates used, depending on the duration of the plans, were 2.75%, 3.25% and 3.50%, respectively. The weighted average discount rate used to measure the projected benefit obligation for all of the plans at December 31, 2012 was 3.36%. A change of 25 basis points in the discount rate would change our pension benefit obligation by approximately $4.0 million. The financial and actuarial assumptions used at December 31, 2012 may differ materially from actual results due to changing market and economic conditions and other factors. These differences could result in a significant change in the amount of pension expense recorded in future periods. Gains and losses resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions, including the discount rate, are recognized in OCI in the period in which they occur.

Our general funding policy for these qualified pension plans is to contribute amounts at least sufficient to satisfy funding standards of the respective countries for each plan. Refer to Item 8: “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 8: Defined Benefit Pension Plans” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for our expected contributions for 2013.

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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.

Stock-Based Compensation

We measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based awards made to employees and directors, including awards of stock options, stock sold pursuant to our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and the issuance of restricted stock units and unrestricted stock awards, based on estimated fair values. The fair value of stock options is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which includes assumptions for the dividend yield, expected volatility, risk-free interest rate, and expected life. In valuing our stock options, significant judgment is required in determining the expected volatility of our common stock and the expected life that individuals will hold their stock options prior to exercising. Expected volatility is based on the historical and implied volatility of our own common stock. The expected life of stock option grants is derived from the historical actual term of option grants and an estimate of future exercises during the remaining contractual period of the option. While volatility and estimated life are assumptions that do not bear the risk of change subsequent to the grant date of stock options, these assumptions may be difficult to measure as they represent future expectations based on historical experience. Further, our expected volatility and expected life may change in the future, which could substantially change the grant-date fair value of future awards of stock options and, ultimately, the expense we record. For ESPP awards, the fair value is the difference between the market close price of our common stock on the date of purchase and the discounted purchase price. For restricted stock units and unrestricted stock awards, the fair value is the market close price of our common stock on the date of grant. We consider many factors when estimating expected forfeitures, including types of awards, employee class, and historical experience. Actual results and future estimates may differ substantially from our current estimates. We expense stock-based compensation at the date of grant for unrestricted stock awards. For awards with only a service condition, we expense stock-based compensation, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, using the straight-line method over the requisite service period for the entire award. For awards with both performance and service conditions, we expense the stock-based compensation, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award. Excess tax benefits are credited to common stock when the deduction reduces cash taxes payable. When we have tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost, they are classified as financing cash inflows in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

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ITEM 7A: 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 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 estimated cash interest payments over the remaining lives of our debt at December 31, 2012. Weighted average variable rates in the table are based on implied forward rates in the Reuters U.S. dollar yield curve as of December 31, 2012 and our estimated leverage ratio, which determines our additional interest rate margin at December 31, 2012.



	2013			2014			2015			2016			2017			Total		Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Variable Rate Debt
Principal: U.S. dollar term loan	$	18,750		$	26,250		$	30,000		$	202,500		$	—		$	277,500	$	275,365
Average interest rate	1.48		%	1.60		%	1.83		%	2.21		%	—		%

Principal: Multicurrency revolving line of credit	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	140,000		$	—		$	140,000	$	138,751
Average interest rate	1.48		%	1.60		%	1.83		%	2.21		%	—		%

Interest rate swap on LIBOR based debt
Average interest rate (pay)	1.00		%	1.00		%	1.00		%	1.00		%	—		%
Average interest rate (receive)	0.25		%	0.35		%	0.58		%	0.96		%	—		%
Net/spread	(0.75		)%	(0.65		)%	(0.42		)%	(0.04		)%	—		%

Based on a sensitivity analysis as of December 31, 2012, we estimate that, if market interest rates average one percentage point higher in 2013 than in the table above, our financial results in 2013 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 was 59% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared with 58% and 50% for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

We are also exposed to foreign exchange risk when we enter into non-functional currency transactions, both intercompany and third-party. At each period-end, foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are revalued with the change recorded to other income and expense. We enter into monthly foreign exchange forward contracts (a total of 560 contracts were entered into during the year ended December 31, 2012), not designated for hedge accounting, with the intent to reduce earnings volatility associated

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with certain of these balances. The notional amounts of the contracts ranged from $120,000 to $51 million, offsetting our exposures from the euro, British pound, Canadian dollar, Czech koruna, Hungarian forint, 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 8: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

REPORT OF MANAGEMENT

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Itron, Inc.

Management is responsible for the preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related information appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management believes that the consolidated financial statements fairly reflect the form and substance of transactions and that the financial statements reasonably present our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Management has included in our financial statements amounts based on estimates and judgments that it believes are reasonable under the circumstances.

Management’s explanation and interpretation of our overall operating results and financial position, with the basic financial statements presented, should be read in conjunction with the entire report. The notes to the consolidated financial statements, an integral part of the basic financial statements, provide additional detailed financial information. Our Board of Directors has an Audit/Finance Committee composed of independent directors. The Committee meets regularly with financial management and Ernst & Young LLP to review internal control, auditing, and financial reporting matters.




Philip C. Mezey	Steven M. Helmbrecht
President and Chief Executive Officer	Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Itron, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Itron, Inc. as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Itron, Inc. at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Itron, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 21, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Seattle, Washington

February 21, 2013

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ITRON, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS



	Year Ended December 31,
		2012			2011			2010
		(in thousands, except per share data)
Revenues		$	2,178,178		$	2,434,124		$	2,259,271
Cost of revenues		1,463,031			1,687,666			1,558,596
Gross profit		715,147			746,458			700,675

Operating expenses
Sales and marketing		197,603			185,105			171,035
Product development		178,653			161,305			139,166
General and administrative		138,290			142,908			137,226
Amortization of intangible assets		47,810			63,394			69,051
Restructuring expense		1,665			68,082			—
Goodwill impairment		—			584,847			—
Total operating expenses		564,021			1,205,641			516,478

Operating income (loss)		151,126			(459,183		)	184,197
Other income (expense)
Interest income		952			862			592
Interest expense		(10,115		)	(36,794		)	(54,904		)
Other income (expense), net		(5,744		)	(6,651		)	(5,440		)
Total other income (expense)		(14,907		)	(42,583		)	(59,752		)

Income (loss) before income taxes		136,219			(501,766		)	124,445
Income tax provision		(25,995		)	(4,430		)	(15,974		)
Net income (loss)		110,224			(506,196		)	108,471
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		1,949			3,961			3,701
Net income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc.		$	108,275		$	(510,157	)	$	104,770

Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic		$	2.73		$	(12.56	)	$	2.60
Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted		$	2.71		$	(12.56	)	$	2.56

Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic		39,625			40,612			40,337
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted		39,934			40,612			40,947

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

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ITRON, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)



	Year Ended December 31,
		2012			2011			2010
		(in thousands)
Net income (loss)		$	110,224		$	(506,196	)	$	108,471

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		21,382			1,054			(124,304		)
Unrealized gains (losses) on hedging instruments:
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, designated as cash flow hedges		(1,689		)	1,909			(2,930		)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on nonderivative hedging instruments		—			(8,866		)	15,825
Net hedging loss (gain) reclassified into net income (loss)		—			2,611			7,371
Pension plan benefit liability adjustment		(16,940		)	852			(2,179		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		2,753			(2,440		)	(106,217		)

Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		112,977			(508,636		)	2,254

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax:
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		1,949			3,961			3,701
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(23		)	(254		)	(113		)
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interest		1,926			3,707			3,588

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc.		$	111,051		$	(512,343	)	$	(1,334	)

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

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ITRON, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



	December 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(in thousands)
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	136,411		$	133,086
Accounts receivable, net	375,326			371,641
Inventories	170,719			195,837
Deferred tax assets current, net	33,536			58,172
Other current assets	104,958			81,618
Total current assets	820,950			840,354

Property, plant, and equipment, net	255,212			262,670
Deferred tax assets noncurrent, net	44,584			22,144
Other long-term assets	28,908			62,704
Intangible assets, net	238,771			239,500
Goodwill	701,016			636,910
Total assets	$	2,089,441		$	2,064,282

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	227,739		$	246,775
Other current liabilities	49,950			53,734
Wages and benefits payable	91,802			93,730
Taxes payable	9,305			11,526
Current portion of debt	18,750			15,000
Current portion of warranty	27,115			52,588
Unearned revenue	42,712			37,369
Total current liabilities	467,373			510,722

Long-term debt	398,750			437,502
Long-term warranty	26,490			26,948
Pension plan benefit liability	90,533			62,449
Deferred tax liabilities noncurrent, net	16,682			31,699
Other long-term obligations	80,100			73,417
Total liabilities	1,079,928			1,142,737

Commitments and contingencies

Equity
Preferred stock, no par value, 10 million shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding	—			—
Common stock, no par value, 75 million shares authorized, 39,277 and 40,032 shares issued and outstanding	1,294,213			1,319,222
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(34,384		)	(37,160		)
Accumulated deficit	(266,862		)	(375,137		)
Total Itron, Inc. shareholders' equity	992,967			906,925
Noncontrolling interests	16,546			14,620
Total equity	1,009,513			921,545
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,089,441		$	2,064,282

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

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ITRON, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(in thousands)



	Shares		Amount			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)			Total Itron, Inc. Shareholders' Equity			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity
Balances at December 31, 2009	40,143		$	1,299,134		$	71,130		$	30,250		$	1,400,514		$	7,325		$	1,407,839
Net income									104,770			104,770			3,701			108,471
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax						(106,104		)				(106,104		)	(113		)	(106,217		)
Stock issues:
Options exercised	148		5,933									5,933						5,933
Restricted stock awards released	84		—									—						—
Issuance of stock-based compensation awards	5		364									364						364
Employee stock purchase plan	51		2,843									2,843						2,843
Stock-based compensation expense			18,743									18,743						18,743
Employee stock plans income tax benefits			1,232									1,232						1,232
Balances at December 31, 2010	40,431		$	1,328,249		$	(34,974	)	$	135,020		$	1,428,295		$	10,913		$	1,439,208

Net loss									(510,157		)	(510,157		)	3,961			(506,196		)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax						(2,186		)				(2,186		)	(254		)	(2,440		)
Stock issues and repurchases:
Options exercised	42		832									832						832
Restricted stock awards released	271		—									—						—
Issuance of stock-based compensation awards	12		469									469						469
Employee stock purchase plan	99		3,793									3,793						3,793
Stock-based compensation expense			15,942									15,942						15,942
Employee stock plans income tax deficiencies			(635		)							(635		)				(635		)
Repurchase of common stock	(823	)	(29,428		)							(29,428		)				(29,428		)
Balances at December 31, 2011	40,032		$	1,319,222		$	(37,160	)	$	(375,137	)	$	906,925		$	14,620		$	921,545

Net income									108,275			108,275			1,949			110,224
Other comprehensive income, net of tax						2,776						2,776			(23		)	2,753
Stock issues and repurchases:
Options exercised	54		1,188									1,188						1,188
Restricted stock awards released	275		—									—						—
Issuance of stock-based compensation awards	17		769									769						769
Employee stock purchase plan	101		3,593									3,593						3,593
Stock-based compensation expense			18,743									18,743						18,743
Employee stock plans income tax deficiencies			(1,861		)							(1,861		)				(1,861		)
Repurchase of common stock	(1,202	)	(47,441		)							(47,441		)				(47,441		)
Balances at December 31, 2012	39,277		$	1,294,213		$	(34,384	)	$	(266,862	)	$	992,967		$	16,546		$	1,009,513

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

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ITRON, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011				2010
	(in thousands)
Operating activities
Net income (loss)	$	110,224		$	(506,196	)		$	108,471
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	109,471			129,466				131,205
Stock-based compensation	19,512			16,411				19,107
Amortization of prepaid debt fees	1,597			5,715				5,492
Amortization of convertible debt discount	—			5,336				10,099
Deferred taxes, net	(6,775		)	(12,985		)		(17,992		)
Goodwill impairment	—			584,847				—
Restructuring expense (recovery), non-cash	(4,839		)	25,144				—
Other adjustments, net	(189		)	(44		)		1,864
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	36,300			(22,770		)		(45,612		)
Inventories	28,253			6,389				(41,417		)
Other current assets	(20,052		)	(3,859		)		(7,655		)
Other long-term assets	10,578			(17,401		)		(8,436		)
Accounts payables, other current liabilities, and taxes payable	(47,367		)	22,715				40,884
Wages and benefits payable	(8,967		)	(19,813		)		42,245
Unearned revenue	12,009			19,070				(2,356		)
Warranty	(25,919		)	29,616				14,656
Other operating, net	(8,746		)	(9,283		)		4,036
Net cash provided by operating activities	205,090			252,358				254,591

Investing activities
Acquisitions of property, plant, and equipment	(50,543		)	(60,076		)		(62,822		)
Business acquisitions, net of cash equivalents acquired	(79,017		)	(20,092		)		—
Other investing, net	4,115			1,427				6,548
Net cash used in investing activities	(125,445		)	(78,741		)		(56,274		)

Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings	80,000			670,000			—	—
Payments on debt	(115,002		)	(848,054		)		(155,163		)
Issuance of common stock	4,781			4,625				8,776
Repurchase of common stock	(47,441		)	(29,428		)		—
Other financing, net	134			(6,596		)		(2,250		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(77,528		)	(209,453		)		(148,637		)

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	1,208			(555		)		(2,096		)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	3,325			(36,391		)		47,584
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	133,086			169,477				121,893
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	136,411		$	133,086			$	169,477

Non-cash transactions:
Property, plant, and equipment purchased but not yet paid	$	8,843		$	6,739			$	5,995

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes, net	$	40,799		$	28,128			$	30,142
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	8,536			28,047				39,315

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

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ITRON, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2012

In this Annual Report, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Itron,” and the “Company” refer to Itron, Inc.

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

We were incorporated in the state of Washington in 1977. We provide a portfolio of hardware and software products and services to utilities for the energy and water markets throughout the world.

Financial Statement Preparation

The consolidated financial statements presented in this Annual Report include the Consolidated Statements of Operations, Comprehensive Income (Loss), Equity, and Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 and the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 of Itron, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Basis of Consolidation

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

Noncontrolling Interests

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

Reclassifications

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

Business Acquisitions

On May 1, 2012, we completed the acquisition of SmartSynch, Inc. (SmartSynch). SmartSynch provides smart grid solutions that utilize cellular networks for communications. We have included supplemental pro forma financial information related to the acquisition in Note 17: Business Combinations.

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid instruments with remaining maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition to be cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are recorded for invoices issued to customers in accordance with our contractual arrangements. Interest and late payment fees are minimal. Unbilled receivables are recorded when revenues are recognized upon product shipment or service delivery and invoicing occurs at a later date. We record an allowance for doubtful accounts representing our estimate of the probable

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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 include raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out method. Cost includes raw materials and labor, plus applied direct and indirect costs.

Derivative Instruments

For any derivative designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. For any derivative designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI) and are recognized in earnings when the hedged item affects earnings. For a hedge of a net investment, the effective portion of any unrealized gain or loss from the foreign currency revaluation of the hedging instrument is reported in OCI as a net unrealized gain or loss on derivative instruments. Upon termination of a net investment hedge, the net derivative gain/loss will remain in accumulated OCI until such time when earnings are impacted by a sale or liquidation of the associated operations. Ineffective portions of fair value changes or the changes in fair value of derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedging activities are recognized in other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We classify cash flows from our derivative programs as cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Derivatives are not used for trading or speculative purposes. Our derivatives are with credit worthy multinational commercial banks, with whom we have master netting agreements; however, our derivative positions are not disclosed on a net basis. There are no credit-risk-related contingent features within our derivative instruments. Refer to Note 7 and Note 14 for further disclosures of our derivative instruments and their impact on OCI.

Property, Plant, and Equipment

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

We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset 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 Statement of Operations according to the use of the asset, except those gains and losses recognized in conjunction with our restructuring activities, which are classified as restructuring expense.

Prepaid Debt Fees

Prepaid debt fees represent the capitalized direct costs incurred related to the issuance of debt and are recorded as noncurrent assets. These costs are amortized to interest expense over the lives of the respective borrowings, including contingent maturity or call features, using the effective interest method, or straight-line method when associated with a revolving credit facility. When debt is repaid early, the related portion of unamortized prepaid debt fees is written-off and included in interest expense.

Business Combinations

On the date of acquisition, the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree are recorded at their fair values. The acquiree's results of operations are also included as of the date of acquisition in our consolidated results.

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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. 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 acquisitions. We use estimates, including estimates of useful lives of intangible assets, the amount and timing of related future cash flows, and fair values of the related operations, in determining the value assigned to goodwill and intangible assets. Our intangible assets have finite lives and are amortized over their estimated useful lives based on estimated discounted cash flows. 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.

Goodwill is assigned to our reporting units based on the expected benefit from the synergies arising from each business combination, determined by using certain financial metrics, including the forecasted discounted cash flows associated with each reporting unit. Prior to 2012, we had four reporting units: Itron North America (INA), Itron International (INL) Electricity, INL Gas, and INL Water. Effective January 1, 2012, our three reporting units are Electricity, Gas, and Water. Our Energy operating segment consists of the Electricity and Gas reporting units, while our Water operating segment consists of the Water reporting unit. In the first quarter of 2012, we reallocated the goodwill from our former INA reporting unit to the three new reporting units based on the relative fair values of the electricity, gas, and water product lines within INA on January 1, 2012. We also reassigned the goodwill from our former INL Electricity, INL Gas, and INL Water reporting units to the new reporting units, Electricity, Gas, and Water, respectively.

We test goodwill for impairment each year as of October 1, or more frequently should a significant impairment indicator occur. The impairment test involves comparing the fair value of the reporting units to their carrying amounts. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second step is required to measure for a goodwill impairment loss. This second step revalues all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit to their current fair values and then compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill to the carrying amount of that goodwill. Then 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

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

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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 require awards that are significantly greater or less than the estimates made in earlier quarters.

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. Continuous quality control efforts during manufacturing reduce our exposure to warranty claims. When our 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 may be assessed and recorded when a failure event is probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated. When new products are introduced, our process relies on historical averages of similar products until sufficient data is available. As actual experience on new products becomes available, it is used to modify the original estimate to ensure the expected warranty costs are within a range of likely outcomes. Management continually evaluates the sufficiency of the warranty provisions and makes adjustments when necessary. The warranty allowances may fluctuate due to 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 and Asset Impairments

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

Asset impairments 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. An asset group may consist of many inter-related assets and liabilities. If an asset group is considered a business, a portion of the Company's goodwill balance is allocated to it based on relative fair value.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

We sponsor both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans for certain international employees. We recognize a liability for the projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets or an asset for plan assets in excess of the projected benefit obligation. We also recognize the funded status of our defined benefit pension plans on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and recognize as a component of OCI, net of tax, the actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs or credits, if any, that arise during the period but that are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

Share Repurchase Plan

We may repurchase shares of Itron common stock under a twelve-month program, which was authorized by our Board of Directors

on October 24, 2011. Share repurchases are made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions and in accordance with applicable securities laws. Under applicable Washington State law, shares repurchased are retired and not displayed separately as treasury stock on the financial statements. Instead, the value of the repurchased shares is deducted from common stock. On September 13, 2012, the Board approved the extension of the expiration date of the stock repurchase program until February 15, 2013, or until the aggregate limit of $100 million of outstanding common stock has been repurchased, whichever occurred first. We did not repurchase any stock from January 1, 2013 through February 15, 2013, when the stock repurchase program expired.

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/

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

We primarily enter into two types of multiple deliverable arrangements, which include a combination of hardware and associated software and services:


•	Arrangements that do not include the deployment of our smart metering systems and technology are recognized as follows:


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


◦	If implementation services are essential to the functionality of the associated software, software and implementation revenues are recognized using either the percentage-of-completion methodology of contract accounting if project costs can be reliably estimated or the completed contract methodology if project costs cannot be reliably estimated.


•	Arrangements to deploy our smart metering systems and technology are recognized as follows:


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

◦

Revenue from associated software and services is recognized using the units-of-delivery method of contract accounting, as the software is essential to the functionality of the related hardware and the implementation services are essential to the functionality of the associated software. This methodology results in the deferral of costs and revenues as professional services and software implementation commence prior to deployment of hardware.

We also enter into multiple deliverable software arrangements that do not include hardware. For this type of arrangement, revenue recognition is dependent upon the availability of vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) of fair value for each of the deliverables. The lack of VSOE, or the existence of extended payment terms or other inherent risks, may affect the timing of revenue recognition for 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). If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists for a unit of accounting, we use estimated selling price (ESP).

If we are unable to establish selling price using VSOE or TPE, we use ESP in the allocation of arrangement consideration. The objective of ESP is to determine the price at which we would transact if the product or service were regularly sold by us on a standalone basis. Our determination of ESP involves a weighting of several factors based on the specific facts and circumstances of the arrangement. Specifically, we consider the cost to produce the deliverable, the anticipated margin on that deliverable, the selling price and profit margin for similar parts, our ongoing pricing strategy and policies (as evident in the price list established and updated by management on a regular basis), the value of any enhancements that have been built into the deliverable, and the characteristics of the varying markets in which the deliverable is sold. We analyze the selling prices used in our allocation of arrangement consideration on an annual basis. Selling prices are analyzed on a more frequent basis if 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 $74.9 million and $61.0 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011

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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 $24.4 million and $11.7 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011 and are recorded within other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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

Product and Software Development Costs

Product and software development costs primarily include employee compensation and third party contracting fees. We do not capitalize product development costs, and we do not generally capitalize software development expenses due to the immaterial nature of these costs as a result of 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 life. For ESPP awards, the fair value is the difference between the market close price of our common stock on the date of purchase and the discounted purchase price. For restricted stock units and unrestricted stock awards, the fair value is the market close price of our common stock on the date of grant. We expense stock-based compensation at the date of grant for unrestricted stock awards. For awards with only a service condition, we expense stock-based compensation, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, using the straight-line method over the requisite service period for the entire award. For awards with both performance and service conditions, if probable we expense the stock-based compensation, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award. Excess tax benefits are credited to common stock when the deduction reduces cash taxes payable. When we have tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost, they are classified as financing cash inflows in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Income Taxes

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

Foreign Exchange

Our consolidated financial statements are reported in U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities of international subsidiaries with 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 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-

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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.

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

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011			2010
	(in thousands, except per share data)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	108,275	$	(510,157	)	$	104,770

Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic	39,625		40,612			40,337
Dilutive effect of convertible notes	—		—			103
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	309		—			507
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted	39,934		40,612			40,947
Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic	$	2.73	$	(12.56	)	$	2.60
Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted	$	2.71	$	(12.56	)	$	2.56

Convertible Notes

Prior to the repayment/redemption of our convertible notes, which was completed during the third quarter of 2011, we were required to settle the principal amount of the convertible notes in cash and could elect to settle the remaining conversion obligation (stock price in excess of conversion price) in cash, shares, or a combination thereof. During the periods in which the convertible notes were outstanding, we included in the EPS calculation the amount of shares it would have taken to satisfy the conversion obligation, assuming that all of the convertible notes were converted. The average quarterly closing prices of our common stock were used as the basis for determining the dilutive effect on EPS. The quarterly average closing prices of our common stock for the first three fiscal quarters of 2011 did not exceed the conversion price of $65.16 and, therefore, did not have an effect on diluted shares outstanding for the year. During two fiscal quarters in the year ended December 31, 2010, the average closing prices of our common stock exceeded the conversion price of $65.16 and, therefore, 103,000 shares were included in the diluted EPS calculation for that year.

Stock-based Awards

For stock-based awards, the dilutive effect is calculated using the treasury stock method. Under this method, the dilutive effect is computed as if the awards were exercised at the beginning of the period (or at time of issuance, if later) and assumes the related proceeds were used to repurchase common stock at the average market price during the period. Related proceeds include the amount the employee must pay upon exercise, future compensation cost associated with the stock award, and the amount of excess tax benefits, if any. As a result of our net loss for 2011 there was no dilutive effect to the weighted average common shares outstanding for that year. Approximately 1.1 million, 1.3 million, and 456,000 stock-based awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 respectively, because they were anti-dilutive. These stock-based awards could be dilutive in future periods.

Preferred Stock

We have authorized the issuance of 10 million shares of preferred stock with no par value. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the affairs of the corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of any outstanding preferred stock will be entitled to be paid a preferential amount per share to be determined by the Board of Directors prior to any payment to holders of common stock. There was no preferred stock sold or outstanding at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

Note 3: Certain Balance Sheet Components



Accounts receivable, net	December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(in thousands)
Trade receivables (net of allowance of $7,372 and $6,049)	$	329,352	$	328,845
Unbilled receivables	45,974		42,796
Total accounts receivable, net	$	375,326	$	371,641

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, $20.0 million and $2.5 million were recorded within trade receivables as billed but not yet paid by customers in accordance with contract retainage provisions. At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, contract retainage

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amounts that were unbilled and classified as unbilled receivables were $11.1 million and $7.4 million. These contract retainage amounts within trade receivables and unbilled receivables are expected to be collected within the following 12 months.

We had no long-term unbilled receivables or long-term retainage contracts at December 31, 2012 as we expect to bill and collect all contract retainage receivables within the following 12 months. At December 31, 2011, long-term unbilled receivables and long-term retainage contract receivables totaled $31.5 million.



Allowance for doubtful account activity	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	6,049		$	9,045
Provision (release) of doubtful accounts, net	1,851			(71		)
Accounts written-off	(595		)	(2,599		)
Effects of change in exchange rates	67			(326		)
Ending balance	$	7,372		$	6,049



Inventories	December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(in thousands)
Materials	$	92,038	$	112,470
Work in process	12,568		16,306
Finished goods	66,113		67,061
Total inventories	$	170,719	$	195,837

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

Consigned inventory is held at third-party locations; however, we retain title to the inventory until purchased by the third-party. Consigned inventory, consisting of raw materials and finished goods, was $5.0 million and $7.4 million at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.



Property, plant, and equipment, net	December 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(in thousands)
Machinery and equipment	$	287,791		$	269,611
Computers and software	84,980			74,885
Buildings, furniture, and improvements	146,191			140,064
Land	25,318			26,126
Construction in progress, including purchased equipment	26,097			20,687
Total cost	570,377			531,373
Accumulated depreciation	(315,165		)	(268,703		)
Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	255,212		$	262,670



Depreciation expense	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Depreciation expense	$	61,661	$	66,072	$	62,154

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Note 4: Intangible Assets

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



	December 31, 2012							December 31, 2011
	Gross Assets		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Gross Assets		Accumulated Amortization			Net
	(in thousands)
Core-developed technology	$	407,024	$	(332,763	)	$	74,261	$	387,606	$	(305,285	)	$	82,321
Customer contracts and relationships	292,252		(154,890		)	137,362		278,581		(131,418		)	147,163
Trademarks and trade names	72,770		(65,090		)	7,680		71,854		(62,206		)	9,648
Other	11,094		(11,026		)	68		11,153		(10,785		)	368
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	783,140		(563,769		)	219,371		749,194		(509,694		)	239,500
In-process research and development	19,400					19,400		—					—
Total intangible assets	$	802,540	$	(563,769	)	$	238,771	$	749,194	$	(509,694	)	$	239,500

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance, intangible assets, gross	$	749,194		$	759,152
Intangible assets acquired	43,400			12,797
Assets transferred to held for sale	—			(4,964		)
Assets no longer in use written-off	(100		)	(8,450		)
Effect of change in exchange rates	10,046			(9,341		)
Ending balance, intangible assets, gross	$	802,540		$	749,194

Intangible assets acquired in 2012 are based on the preliminary purchase price allocation relating to our acquisition of SmartSynch on May 1, 2012. SmartSynch's intangible assets include IPR&D, which is not amortized until such time as the associated development projects are completed. These projects are expected to be completed in the next six months. Refer to Note 17 for additional information regarding this acquisition.

Intangible assets held for sale are classified within other current assets, are reported at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer amortized. As of December 31, 2011, due to the expected sale of certain operations of the Water operating segment , the net carrying value of intangible assets totaling $2.6 million was transferred from intangible assets to other current assets. These assets were disposed of during 2012. Refer to Note 13 for additional disclosure on held for sale assets.

During 2012 and 2011, certain assets that had been fully amortized and were no longer in use were removed from our asset ledger.

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

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Estimated future annual amortization expense is as follows:



Years ending December 31,	Estimated Annual Amortization
	(in thousands)
2013	$	42,526
2014	38,099
2015	31,122
2016	24,615
2017	18,206
Beyond 2017	64,803
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	$	219,371

Note 5: Goodwill

The following table reflects goodwill allocated to each reporting segment at December 31, 2012 and 2011:



	Energy			Water			Total Company
	(in thousands)
Goodwill balance at January 1, 2011	$	792,873		$	416,503		$	1,209,376
Goodwill acquired	10,251			—			10,251
Goodwill impairment	(254,735		)	(330,112		)	(584,847		)
Other	(981		)	(6,739		)	(7,720		)
Effect of change in exchange rates	6,458			3,392			9,850
Goodwill balance at December 31, 2011	553,866			83,044			636,910

Goodwill acquired	46,101			—			46,101
Other	3,994			773			4,767
Effect of change in exchange rates	5,991			7,247			13,238

Balance at December 31, 2012
Goodwill before impairment	859,454			414,394			1,273,848
Accumulated impairment loss	(249,502		)	(323,330		)	(572,832		)
Goodwill, net	$	609,952		$	91,064		$	701,016

Goodwill acquired in 2012 is based on the preliminary purchase price allocation relating to the SmartSynch acquisition on May 1, 2012. Refer to Note 17 for additional information regarding this acquisition.

In the preceding table, "Other" includes activities associated with our restructuring announced in the fourth quarter of 2011. During the third quarter of 2012, we identified an error in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, which resulted in an overstatement of restructuring expense related to the expected sale of a non-core business. The identified assets to be disposed originally included $6.7 million of goodwill, which was impaired and charged to restructuring expense as a result of the expected sale proceeds being less than the carrying value of the identified assets. During the third quarter of 2012, we determined the amount of goodwill that should have been allocated to the asset disposal group was $1.3 million. In accordance with the relevant guidance, management evaluated the materiality of the error from a qualitative and quantitative perspective. Based on such evaluation, we concluded that correcting the goodwill allocated to this business asset group is not material, quantitatively or qualitatively, to our results of operations for the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 and would not have had a material impact on our results for the year ended December 31, 2011. Accordingly, we recorded a non-cash adjustment during the third quarter of 2012 to reduce restructuring expense and increase goodwill by $5.4 million. Refer to Note 13 for additional disclosure on Itron's restructuring costs. Additionally, in the third quarter, we sold a non-core business in Europe to which we allocated $675,000 of goodwill, which was recognized as restructuring expense. For the year ended December 31, 2011, "Other" includes goodwill reductions related to assets identified as held for sale as of December 31, 2011, including the $5.4 million error as discussed above.

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As a result of a significant decline in the price of our shares of common stock at the end of September 2011, our aggregate market value was significantly lower than the aggregate carrying value of our net assets. As a result, we performed an impairment test of our goodwill as of September 30, 2011, and recorded total goodwill impairment charges of $584.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2011. These goodwill impairment charges were associated with our previous reporting units of Itron International Electricity and Itron International Water. The accumulated impairment losses were reallocated to our new operating segments, Energy and Water, effective January 1, 2012.

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.

Note 6: Debt

The components of our borrowings are as follows:



	December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(in thousands)
Credit Facilities
USD denominated term loan	$	277,500	$	292,502
Multicurrency revolving line of credit	140,000		160,000
Total debt	417,500		452,502
Less: Current portion of debt	18,750		15,000
Long-term debt	$	398,750	$	437,502

Credit Facilities

In August 2011, we entered into a senior secured credit facility (2011 credit facility), which replaced the senior secured credit facility we entered into in 2007 (2007 credit facility). The 2011 credit facility consists of a $300 million U.S. dollar term loan (the term loan) and a multicurrency revolving line of credit (the revolver) with a principal amount of up to $660 million, which was increased from $500 million in April 2012. Both the term loan and the revolver mature on August 8, 2016, and amounts borrowed under the revolver are classified as long-term. Amounts borrowed under the revolver 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 2011 credit facility permits us and certain of our foreign subsidiaries to borrow in U.S. dollars, euros, British pounds, or, with lender approval, other currencies readily convertible into U.S. dollars. All obligations under the 2011 credit facility are guaranteed by Itron, Inc. and 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 2011 credit facility, are guaranteed by the foreign subsidiary and by its direct and indirect foreign parents. The 2011 credit facility includes debt covenants, which contain certain financial ratios 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 2011 credit facility at December 31, 2012.

Scheduled principal repayments for the term loan are due quarterly in the amounts of $3.8 million through June 2013, $5.6 million from September 2013 through June 2014, $7.5 million from September 2014 through June 2016, and the remainder due at maturity on August 8, 2016. The term loan may be repaid early in whole or in part, subject to certain minimum thresholds, without penalty.

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Required minimum principal payments on our outstanding credit facilities are as follows:



	Minimum Payments
	(in thousands)
2013	$	18,750
2014	26,250
2015	30,000
2016	342,500
2017	—
Total minimum payments on debt	$	417,500

Under the 2011 credit facility, we elect applicable market interest rates for both the term loan and any outstanding revolving loans. We also pay an applicable margin, which is based on our total leverage ratio (as defined in the credit agreement). The applicable rates per annum may be based on either: (1) the LIBOR rate, plus an applicable margin, or (2) the Alternate Base Rate, plus an applicable margin. The Alternate Base Rate election is equal to the greatest of three rates: (i) the prime rate, (ii) the Federal Reserve effective rate plus 1/2 of 1%, or (iii) one month LIBOR plus 1%. At December 31, 2012, the interest rate for both the term loan and the revolver was 1.47% (the LIBOR rate plus a margin of 1.25%).

Total credit facility repayments were as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
2011 credit facility term loan	$	15,002	$	7,500	$	—
2011 credit facility multicurrency revolving line of credit⁽¹⁾	100,000		40,000		—
2007 credit facility term loans	—		406,950		155,163
2007 credit facility revolving line of credit⁽²⁾	—		170,000		—
Total credit facility repayments	$	115,002	$	624,450	$	155,163

⁽¹⁾ We borrowed $80.0 million under the multicurrency revolving line of credit during 2012.

⁽²⁾See repayment of the convertible senior subordinated notes below.

At December 31, 2012, $140 million was outstanding under the 2011 credit facility revolver, and $54.3 million was utilized by outstanding standby letters of credit, resulting in $465.7 million available for additional borrowings.

Upon repayment of the 2007 credit facility in August 2011, unamortized prepaid debt fees of $2.4 million were written-off to interest expense. Prepaid debt fees of approximately $6.6 million were capitalized in the third quarter of 2011 associated with the 2011 credit facility, and $897,000 were capitalized in the second quarter of 2012 associated with the increase in the revolver in April 2012. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, unamortized prepaid debt fees were as follows:



	December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(in thousands)
Unamortized prepaid debt fees	$	5,367	$	6,027

Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes

On August 1, 2011, in accordance with the terms of the convertible senior subordinated notes (convertible notes), we repurchased $184.8 million of the convertible notes at their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. On September 30, 2011, we redeemed the remaining $38.8 million of the convertible notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The convertible notes were separated between the liability and equity components using our estimated non-convertible debt borrowing rate at the time the convertible notes were issued, which was determined to be 7.38%. This rate also reflected the effective interest rate on the liability component for all periods during which the convertible notes were outstanding. The carrying amount of the equity component of $31.8 million is retained as a permanent component of our shareholders' equity, and no gain or loss was recognized upon derecognition of the convertible notes as the fair value of the consideration transferred to the holders equaled the fair value of the liability component.

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The discount on the liability component was fully amortized by the end of the second quarter of 2011. The interest expense relating to both the contractual interest coupon and amortization of the discount on the liability component is as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Contractual interest coupon	$	—	$	3,420	$	5,590
Amortization of the discount on the liability component	—		5,336		10,099
Total interest expense on convertible notes	$	—	$	8,756	$	15,689

Note 7: Derivative Financial Instruments

As part of our risk management strategy, we use derivative instruments to hedge certain foreign currency and interest rate exposures. Refer to Note 1, Note 14, and Note 15 for additional disclosures on our derivative instruments.

The fair values of our derivative instruments are determined using the income approach and significant other observable inputs (also known as “Level 2”). We have used observable market inputs based on the type of derivative and the nature of the underlying instrument. The key inputs used at December 31, 2012 included 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 at December 31, 2012. We include the effect of our counterparty credit risk based on current published credit default swap rates when the net fair value of our derivative instruments is in a net asset position. We consider our own nonperformance risk when the net fair value of our derivative instruments is in a net liability position by 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 at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:



		Fair Value
	Balance Sheet Location	December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
		(in thousands)
Asset Derivatives
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Other current assets	$	146	$	241

Liability Derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20
Interest rate swap contracts	Other current liabilities	$	629	$	—
Interest rate swap contracts	Other long-term obligations	2,096		—
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815-20
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Other current liabilities	$	114	$	222
Total liability derivatives		$	2,839	$	222

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OCI during the reporting period for our derivative and nonderivative instruments designated as hedging instruments (collectively, hedging instruments), net of tax, was as follows:



	2012			2011
	(in thousands)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on hedging instruments at January 1,	$	(14,380	)	$	(10,034	)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments	(1,689		)	1,909
Unrealized gain (loss) on a nonderivative net investment hedging instrument	—			(8,866		)
Realized (gains) losses reclassified into net income (loss)	—			2,611
Net unrealized gain (loss) on hedging instruments at December 31,	$	(16,069	)	$	(14,380	)

Following the termination of our net investment hedge in August 2011, the net derivative loss of $14.4 million will remain in accumulated OCI until such time when earnings are impacted by a sale or liquidation of the associated foreign operation.

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 base 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 July 31, 2013 to August 8, 2016. The 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 will be recognized in earnings when the hedged item affects earnings. The amounts paid or received on the hedges will be recognized as adjustments to interest expense. The amount of net losses expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months is $629,000. At December 31, 2012, our LIBOR based debt balance was $417.5 million.

In 2007, we entered into a pay fixed 6.59% receive three-month Euro Interbank Offered Rate (EURIBOR), plus 2%, amortizing interest rate swap to convert a significant portion of our euro denominated variable-rate term loan to fixed-rate debt, plus or minus the variance in the applicable margin from 2%, with an original maturity date of December 31, 2012. The objective of this swap was to protect us from increases in the EURIBOR base borrowing rates. The swaps did not protect us from changes to the applicable margin under our credit agreement. Throughout the duration of the hedging relationship, this cash flow hedge was expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk. Consequently, effective changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap were recorded as a component of OCI and were recognized in earnings when the hedged item affected earnings. The amounts paid or received on the hedge were recognized as adjustments to interest expense. In August 2011, we repaid our 2007 credit facility, which included the euro-denominated term loan. In conjunction with the debt repayment, we paid $2.9 million to terminate the related interest rate swap, and the accumulated loss in OCI was reclassified to interest expense.

In 2010, we entered into two interest rate swaps with one-year terms, which each converted $100 million of our U.S. dollar term loan from a floating LIBOR interest rate to fixed interest rates of 2.11% and 2.15%, respectively. These swaps expired on June 30, 2011 and did not include the additional interest rate margin applicable to our term debt.

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

The before-tax effect of our cash flow derivative instruments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31 are as follows:



Derivatives in ASC 815-20 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)								Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)									Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
Derivatives in ASC 815-20 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships									Location	Amount								Location	Amount
	2012			2011			2010			2012		2011			2010				2012		2011			2010
	(in thousands)									(in thousands)									(in thousands)
Interest rate swap contracts	$	(2,725	)	$	(4,200	)	(4,542	)	Interest expense	$	—	$	(7,254	)	$	(11,829	)	Interest expense	$	—	$	(201	)	$	(100	)

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Net Investment Hedge

We are exposed to foreign exchange risk through our international subsidiaries. As a result of our acquisition of an international company in 2007, we entered into a euro denominated term loan, which exposed us to fluctuations in the euro foreign exchange rate. Therefore, we designated this foreign currency denominated term loan as a hedge of our net investment in international operations. The non-functional currency term loan was revalued into U.S. dollars at each balance sheet date, and the changes in value associated with currency fluctuations were recorded as adjustments to long-term debt with offsetting gains and losses recorded in OCI. The loan was repaid in full in August 2011 as part of the repayment of our 2007 credit facility. The net derivative loss will remain in accumulated OCI until such time when earnings are impacted by a sale or liquidation of the associated foreign operation.

The before-tax and net of tax effects of our net investment hedge nonderivative financial instrument on OCI for the years ended December 31 are as follows:



Nonderivative Financial Instruments in ASC 815-20 Net Investment Hedging Relationships	Euro Denominated Term Loan Designated as a Hedge of Our Net Investment in International Operations
	2012		2011			2010
	(in thousands)
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative (Effective Portion)
Before tax	$	—	$	(14,278	)	$	25,760
Net of tax	$	—	$	(8,866	)	$	15,825

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Relationships

We are also exposed to foreign exchange risk when we enter into non-functional currency transactions, both intercompany and third-party. At each period-end, 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 560 contracts were entered into during the year ended December 31, 2012), which are 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 $120,000 to $51 million, offsetting our exposures from the euro, British pound, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Brazilian real, and various other currencies.

The effect of our foreign exchange forward derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31 is as follows:



Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instrument under ASC 815-20	Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives in Other Income (Expense)
	2012			2011			2010
	(in thousands)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	(422	)	$	(2,022	)	$	665

Note 8: Defined Benefit Pension Plans

We sponsor both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans for our international employees, primarily in Germany, France, Italy, Indonesia, and Spain, offering death and disability, retirement, and special termination benefits. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by using the projected unit credit method. The measurement date for the pension plans was December 31, 2012.

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 $440,000 and $520,000 to the defined benefit pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The timing of when contributions are made can vary by plan and from year to year. For 2013, 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 $580,000 to our defined benefit pension plans.

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The following tables summarize the benefit obligation, plan assets, funded status of the defined benefit plans, amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2012 and 2011.



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011
	(in thousands)
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at January 1,	$	72,601		$	71,388
Service cost	2,700			2,512
Interest cost	3,625			3,754
Actuarial (gain) loss	24,492			(597		)
Benefits paid	(4,131		)	(4,898		)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	2,395			(1,338		)
Other	84			1,780
Benefit obligation at December 31,	$	101,766		$	72,601

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at January 1,	$	7,980		$	7,694
Actual return on plan assets	225			427
Company contributions	440			520
Benefits paid	(227		)	(516		)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	143			(145		)
Fair value of plan assets at December 31,	8,561			7,980
Ending balance at fair value (net pension plan benefit liability)	$	93,205		$	64,621

The weighted average discount rate used to measure our benefit obligations, which is based on published bond indexes, decreased by 215 basis points from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2012, driving a $24.5 million actuarial loss during 2012, which is recognized in OCI. The significant actuarial weighted average assumptions are discussed in greater detail below.

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



	At December 31,
	2012		2011
	(in thousands)
Assets
Plan assets in other long-term assets	$	227	$	449

Liabilities
Current portion of pension plan liability in wages and benefits payable	2,899		2,621
Long-term portion of pension plan liability	90,533		62,449

Net pension plan benefit liability	$	93,205	$	64,621

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Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (pre-tax) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs consist of:



	At December 31,
	2012		2011
	(in thousands)
Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	20,676	$	(3,750	)
Net prior service cost	1,063		1,131
Amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income	$	21,739	$	(2,619	)

Amounts recognized in OCI (pre-tax) are as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(in thousands)
Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	24,492		$	(597	)	$	1,710
Settlement gain (loss)	(13		)	(25		)	80
Plan asset (gain) loss	108			(105		)	85
Amortization of net actuarial gain (loss)	(161		)	85			(26		)
Amortization of prior service cost	(68		)	(74		)	(3		)
Other	—			(1		)	1,228
Other comprehensive (income) loss	$	24,358		$	(717	)	$	3,074

The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost during 2013 is $1.0 million.

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(in thousands)
Service cost	$	2,700		$	2,512		$	1,980
Interest cost	3,625			3,754			3,490
Expected return on plan assets	(331		)	(322		)	(295		)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service costs	68			74			3
Amortization of actuarial net (gain) loss	161			(85		)	26
Settlements and Other	97			25			(80		)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	6,320		$	5,958		$	5,124

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The significant actuarial weighted average assumptions used in determining the benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost for our benefit plans are as follows:



	At and For The Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at end of period:
Discount rate	3.36	%	5.51	%	5.35	%
Expected annual rate of compensation increase	3.41	%	3.38	%	3.35	%
Actuarial assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the period:
Discount rate	5.51	%	5.35	%	5.60	%
Expected rate of return on plan assets	4.08	%	4.00	%	3.96	%
Expected annual rate of compensation increase	3.38	%	3.35	%	3.24	%

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 three 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 €250 million for bonds with less than 10 years to maturity and €50 million for bonds with 10 or more years to maturity, and excluding the highest and lowest yielding 10% of bonds within each maturity group. The discount rates used, depending on the duration of the plans, were 2.75%, 3.25% and 3.50%, respectively. As a result of the 215 basis point decline in the weighted average discount rate used to measure our benefit obligations, the actuarial loss, which is recognized in OCI, was $24.5 million in 2012.

Our expected rate of return on plan assets is derived from a study of actual historic returns achieved and anticipated future long-term performance of plan assets. While the study primarily gives consideration to recent insurers’ performance and historical returns, the assumption represents a long-term prospective return.

The total accumulated benefit obligation for our defined benefit pension plans was $90.8 million and $65.8 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

We have one plan in which the fair value of plan assets exceeds the plan's accumulated benefit obligation.

The total obligation and fair value of plan assets for plans with accumulated benefit obligations exceeding the fair value of plan assets are as follows:



	At December 31,
	2012		2011
	(in thousands)
Projected benefit obligation	$	100,357	$	66,525
Accumulated benefit obligation	89,687		60,452
Fair value of plan assets	6,925		1,765

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.

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The fair values of our plan investments by asset category as of December 31, 2012, and 2011 are as follows:



	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(in thousands)
2012
Cash	$	903	$	903	$	—
Insurance funds	7,658		—		7,658
Total fair value of plan assets	$	8,561	$	903	$	7,658

2011
Cash	$	860	$	860	$	—
Insurance funds	7,120		—		7,120
Total fair value of plan assets	$	7,980	$	860	$	7,120

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

Annual benefit payments, including amounts to be paid from our assets for unfunded plans, and reflecting expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid as follows:



Year Ending December 31,	Estimated Annual Benefit Payments
Year Ending December 31,	Estimated Annual Benefit Payments
	(in thousands)
2013	$	3,469
2014	3,895
2015	4,162
2016	4,619
2017	4,259
2018 - 2022	25,894

Note 9: Stock-Based Compensation

We record stock-based compensation expense for awards of stock options, stock sold pursuant to our ESPP, and the issuance of restricted stock units and unrestricted stock awards. We expense stock-based compensation primarily using the straight-line method over the vesting requirement period. For the years ended December 31, stock-based compensation expense and the related tax benefit were as follows:



	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Stock options	$	1,547	$	1,445	$	3,994
Restricted stock units	16,583		13,842		14,230
Unrestricted stock awards	769		469		364
ESPP	613		655		519
Total stock-based compensation	$	19,512	$	16,411	$	19,107

Related tax benefit	$	5,377	$	4,478	$	5,402

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

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Subject to stock splits, dividends, and other similar events, 3,500,000 shares of common stock are reserved and authorized for issuance under our 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (Stock Incentive Plan). Awards consist of stock options, restricted stock units, and unrestricted stock awards. At December 31, 2012, 1,383,780 shares were available for grant under the Stock Incentive Plan.

Stock Options

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

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Dividend yield	—		—		—
Expected volatility	42.1	%	46.5	%	48.7	%
Risk-free interest rate	0.8	%	1.6	%	2.3	%
Expected life (years)	5.1		4.9		4.6

Expected volatility is based on a combination of historical volatility of our common stock and the implied volatility of our traded options for the related expected life period. We believe this combined approach is reflective of current and historical market conditions and an appropriate indicator of expected volatility. The risk-free interest rate is the rate available as of the award date on zero-coupon U.S. government issues with a term equal to the expected life of the award. The expected life is the weighted average expected life of an award based on the period of time between the date the award is granted and the 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 years ended December 31 is as follows:



	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	Aggregate Intrinsic Value ⁽¹⁾		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	(in thousands)				(years)	(in thousands)
Outstanding, January 1, 2010	1,179		$	52.93	5.90	$	22,863
Granted	71		61.97					$	27.18
Exercised	(148	)	40.51			$	4,532
Outstanding, December 31, 2010	1,102		$	55.21	5.58	$	10,883

Granted	113		$	51.12				$	21.38
Exercised	(42	)	19.71			$	1,283
Forfeited	(63	)	58.50
Expired	(1	)	7.00
Outstanding, December 31, 2011	1,109		$	55.97	4.51	$	2,323

Granted	196		$	43.27				$	16.51
Exercised	(54	)	21.91			$	1,078
Expired	(114	)	69.37
Outstanding, December 31, 2012	1,137		$	54.06	4.81	$	3,815

Exercisable, December 31, 2012	899		$	56.37	3.60	$	3,308

Expected to vest, December 31, 2012	222		$	45.49	9.35	$	468


⁽¹⁾	The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding stock options represents amounts that would have been received by the optionees had all in- the-money options been exercised on that date. Specifically, it is the amount by which the market value of Itron’s stock exceeded the exercise

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

As of December 31, 2012, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested stock options was approximately $3.1 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.5 years.

Restricted Stock Units

Certain employees and senior management 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.

Subsequent to vesting, the restricted stock units are converted into shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis and issued to employees. We are entitled to an income tax deduction in an amount equal to the taxable income reported by the employees upon vesting of the restricted stock units.

The restricted stock units issued under the Long Term Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Performance Award Agreement) are determined based on the attainment of annual performance goals after the end of the calendar year performance period. During the year, if management determines that it is probable that the targets will be achieved, compensation expense, net of forfeitures, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the annual performance and subsequent vesting period for each separately vesting portion of the award. Performance awards typically vest and are released in three equal installments at the end of each year following attainment of the performance goals. For U.S. participants who retire during the performance period, a pro-rated number of restricted stock units (based on the number of days of employment during the performance period) immediately vest based on the attainment of the performance goals as assessed after the end of the performance period. During the vesting period, unvested restricted stock units immediately vest at the date of retirement for U.S. participants who retire during that period. For U.S. participants who are or will become retirement eligible during either the annual performance or vesting period, compensation expense is accelerated and recognized over the greater of the performance period (one year) or through the participant’s retirement eligible date. For the 2012 performance awards, no awards became eligible for vesting as a result of minimum performance thresholds for the 2012 performance year not being met.

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



	Number of Restricted Stock Units		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Aggregate Intrinsic Value⁽¹⁾
	(in thousands)				(in thousands)
Outstanding, January 1, 2010	326
Granted⁽²⁾	360		$	62.45
Released	(84	)			$	5,733
Forfeited	(14	)
Outstanding, December 31, 2010	588

Granted⁽²⁾	355		$	54.71
Released	(271	)			$	20,413
Forfeited	(47	)
Outstanding, December 31, 2011	625

Granted	464		$	47.21
Released	(275	)			$	16,855
Forfeited	(40	)
Outstanding, December 31, 2012	774

Vested but not released, December 31, 2012	27				$	1,199

Expected to vest, December 31, 2012	700				$	31,198


⁽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.

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⁽²⁾	These restricted stock units include 61,500 shares for the 2011 awards and 132,980 shares for the 2010 awards under the Performance Award Agreement, which are eligible for vesting at December 31 of each respective year.

At December 31, 2012, unrecognized compensation expense on restricted stock units was $21.7 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.9 years.

Unrestricted Stock Awards

We grant unrestricted stock awards to 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 years ended December 31:



	2012		2011		2010
Shares of unrestricted stock granted	18,569		11,397		5,662

Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	41.43	$	41.19	$	64.35

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Under the terms of the ESPP, employees can deduct up to 10% of their regular cash compensation to purchase our common stock at a 15% discount from the fair market value of the stock at the end of each fiscal quarter, subject to other limitations under the plan. The sale of the stock to the employees occurs at the beginning of the subsequent quarter.

The following table summarizes ESPP activity for the years ended December 31:



	2012		2011		2010
Shares of stock sold to employees⁽¹⁾	101,330		98,653		51,210

Weighted average fair value per ESPP award⁽²⁾	$	6.29	$	6.22	$	9.27


⁽¹⁾	Stock sold to employees during each fiscal quarter under the ESPP is associated with the offering period ending on the last day of the previous fiscal quarter.


⁽²⁾	Relating to awards associated with the offering periods during the years ended December 31.

At December 31, 2012, all compensation cost associated with the ESPP had been recognized. There were approximately 600,000 shares of common stock available for future issuance under the ESPP at December 31, 2012.

Note 10: Defined Contribution, Bonus, and Profit Sharing Plans

Defined Contribution Plans

In the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, and certain other countries, we make contributions to defined contribution plans. For our U.S. employee savings plan, which represents a majority of our contribution expense, we provide a 50% match on the first 6% of the employee salary deferral, subject to statutory limitations. For our international defined contribution plans, we provide various levels of contributions, based on salary, subject to stipulated or statutory limitations. The expense for our defined contribution plans was as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Defined contribution plans expense	$	7,551	$	7,228	$	6,217

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Bonus and Profit Sharing Plans and Awards

We have employee bonus and profit sharing plans in which many of our employees participate, as well as an award program, which allows for recognition of individual employees' achievements. The bonus and profit sharing plans provide award amounts for the achievement of annual performance and financial targets. Actual bonus and profit sharing award amounts are determined at the end of the year if the performance and financial targets are met. As the bonuses are being earned during the year, we estimate a compensation accrual each quarter based on the progress towards achieving the goals, the estimated financial forecast for the year, and the probability of achieving results. Bonus and profit sharing plans and award expense was as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Bonus and profit sharing plans and award expense	$	25,297	$	28,926	$	46,782

Note 11: Income Taxes

The following table summarizes the provision (benefit) for U.S. federal, state, and foreign taxes on income from continuing operations:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(in thousands)
Current:
Federal	$	11,935		$	5,472		$	10,486
State and local	1,387			2,045			765
Foreign	19,448			9,898			22,715
Total current	32,770			17,415			33,966

Deferred:
Federal	12,195			17,861			7,216
State and local	468			(2,099		)	3,340
Foreign	(19,526		)	(37,265		)	(31,743		)
Total deferred	(6,863		)	(21,503		)	(21,187		)

Change in valuation allowance	88			8,518			3,195
Total provision for income taxes	$	25,995		$	4,430		$	15,974

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A reconciliation of income taxes at the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% to the consolidated actual tax rate is as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(in thousands)
Income (loss) before income taxes
Domestic	$	167,299		$	125,010		$	173,032
Foreign	(31,080		)	(626,776		)	(48,587		)
Total income (loss) before income taxes	$	136,219		$	(501,766	)	$	124,445

Expected federal income tax provision (benefit)	$	47,677		$	(175,618	)	$	43,556
Goodwill impairment	(1,905		)	207,054			—
Change in valuation allowance	88			8,518			3,195
Stock-based compensation	1,787			951			1,541
Foreign earnings	(23,769		)	(19,222		)	(14,986		)
Tax credits	(2,174		)	(6,877		)	(9,746		)
Uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties	(2,740		)	(3,996		)	(10,242		)
Change in tax rates	174			(1,522		)	(1,428		)
State income tax provision (benefit), net of federal effect	1,242			(768		)	1,968
U.S. tax provision on foreign earnings	2,370			—			279
Domestic production activities deduction	(2,612		)	(4,313		)	(886		)
Local foreign taxes	3,635			3,525			4,140
Other, net	2,222			(3,302		)	(1,417		)
Total provision for income taxes	$	25,995		$	4,430		$	15,974

Our tax provisions for 2012, 2011 and 2010 reflect benefits of lower statutory tax rates on foreign earnings as compared with our U.S. federal statutory rate, foreign interest expense deductions and the benefits of certain acquisition related elections for tax purposes. During 2012 we recognized a benefit related to the release of reserves for uncertain tax positions. No foreign tax benefit was recorded for the goodwill impairment charge in 2011. During 2010 we de-recognized a reserve for an uncertain tax position due to a change in the method of depreciation for certain foreign subsidiaries.

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Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following:



	At December 31,
	2012			2011
	(in thousands)
Deferred tax assets
Loss carryforwards⁽¹⁾	$	54,904		$	61,330
Accrued expenses	32,998			27,103
Warranty reserves	16,712			21,230
Pension plan benefits expense	14,834			6,677
Equity compensation	10,501			10,526
Depreciation and amortization	9,632			9,241
Tax credits⁽²⁾	7,054			17,481
Inventory valuation	4,557			4,252
Other deferred tax assets, net	5,824			2,654
Total deferred tax assets	157,016			160,494
Valuation allowance	(29,560		)	(29,953		)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	127,456			130,541

Deferred tax liabilities
Depreciation and amortization	(59,210		)	(71,889		)
Tax effect of accumulated translation	(2,012		)	(2,733		)
Other deferred tax liabilities, net	(4,826		)	(7,885		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(66,048		)	(82,507		)
Net deferred tax assets	$	61,408		$	48,034

⁽¹⁾

For tax return purposes at December 31, 2012, we had U.S. federal loss carryforwards of $26.4 million that expire during the years 2021 through 2022. The remaining portion of the loss carryforwards are composed primarily of losses in various foreign jurisdictions. The majority of these losses can be carried forward indefinitely. At December 31, 2012, there was a valuation allowance of $29.6 million primarily associated with foreign loss carryforwards.


⁽²⁾	For tax return purposes at December 31, 2012, we had: (1) federal and state research and development tax credits of $18.1 million, which begin to expire in 2020; (2) alternative minimum tax credits of $2.5 million that are carried forward indefinitely; and (3) general business tax credits of $5.2 million, which begin to expire in 2029.

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

We do not provide U.S. deferred taxes on temporary differences related to our foreign investments that are considered permanent in duration. These temporary differences consist primarily of undistributed foreign earnings of $48.8 million and $42.1 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Foreign taxes have been provided on these undistributed foreign earnings. We have not computed the unrecognized deferred income tax liability on these temporary differences. There are many assumptions that must be considered to calculate the liability, thereby making it impractical to compute at this time.

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estimates of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. These reserves are established when we believe that certain positions might be challenged despite our belief that our tax return positions are fully supportable. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the outcome of tax audits. The provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve positions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):



Unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2010	$	46,206
Gross increase to positions in prior years	2,037
Gross decrease to positions in prior years	(11,700		)
Gross increases to current period tax positions	13,743
Audit settlements	(175		)
Decrease related to lapsing of statute of limitations	(4,002		)
Effect of change in exchange rates	(2,060		)
Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2010	$	44,049

Gross increase to positions in prior years	2,132
Gross decrease to positions in prior years	(16,603		)
Gross increases to current period tax positions	1,866
Audit settlements	—
Decrease related to lapsing of statute of limitations	(2,888		)
Effect of change in exchange rates	(74		)
Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011	$	28,482

Gross increase to positions in prior years	299
Gross decrease to positions in prior years	(51		)
Gross increases to current period tax positions	3,347
Audit settlements	(27		)
Decrease related to lapsing of statute of limitations	(5,769		)
Effect of change in exchange rates	152
Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2012	$	26,433



	At December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
The amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate	$	25,852	$	28,196	$	32,706

We classify interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits and interest income on tax overpayments as components of income tax expense. The net interest and penalties expense (benefit) recognized is as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(in thousands)
Net interest and penalties expense (benefit)	$	(414	)	$	(795	)	$	498



	At December 31,
	2012		2011
	(in thousands)
Accrued interest	$	3,095	$	3,781
Accrued penalties	3,030		2,766

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We believe it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by approximately $3.6 million within the next twelve months due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. At December 31, 2012, we are not able to reasonably estimate the timing of future cash flows relating to our uncertain tax positions.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states and foreign jurisdictions. We are subject to income tax examination by tax authorities in our major tax jurisdictions as follows:



Tax Jurisdiction		Years Subject to Audit
U.S. federal		Subsequent to 1998
France		Subsequent to 2009
Germany		Subsequent to 2007
Brazil		Subsequent to 2006
United Kingdom		Subsequent to 2006

Note 12: Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

Operating lease rental expense for factories, service and distribution locations, offices, and equipment was as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Rental expense	$	17,877	$	18,513	$	15,530

Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2012, under noncancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year are as follows:



	Minimum Payments
	(in thousands)
2013	$	17,214
2014	14,267
2015	12,120
2016	9,907
2017	8,021
Beyond 2017	2,968
Future minimum lease payments	$	64,497

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

Guarantees and Indemnifications

We are often required to obtain standby letters of credit (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.

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



	December 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(in thousands)
Credit facilities⁽¹⁾
Multicurrency revolving line of credit	$	660,000		$	500,000
Long-term borrowings	(140,000		)	(160,000		)
Standby LOCs issued and outstanding	(54,328		)	(44,549		)
Net available for additional borrowings and LOCs	$	465,672		$	295,451

Unsecured multicurrency revolving lines of credit with various financial institutions
Multicurrency revolving line of credit	$	67,308		$	67,968
Standby LOCs issued and outstanding	(29,906		)	(28,733		)
Short-term borrowings⁽²⁾	(851		)	—
Net available for additional borrowings and LOCs	$	36,551		$	39,235

Unsecured surety bonds in force	$	164,820		$	139,954


⁽¹⁾	Refer to Note 6 for details regarding our secured credit facilities.


⁽²⁾	Short-term borrowings are included in “Other current liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In the event any such standby LOC or bond is called, we would be obligated to reimburse the issuer of the standby LOC or bond; however, we do not believe that any outstanding LOC or bond will be called.

We generally provide an indemnification related to the infringement of any patent, copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property right on software or equipment within our sales contracts, which indemnifies the customer from and pays the resulting costs, damages, and attorney’s fees awarded against a customer with respect to such a claim provided that (a) the customer promptly notifies us in writing of the claim and (b) we have the sole control of the defense and all related settlement negotiations. We may also provide an indemnification to our customers for third party claims resulting from damages caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of our employees/agents in connection with the performance of certain contracts. The terms of our indemnifications generally do not limit the maximum potential payments. It is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments under these or similar agreements.

Legal Matters

We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims of which the outcomes are subject to significant uncertainty. Our policy is to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes related to legal matters, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the liability required, if any, for these contingencies is made after an analysis of each known issue. A liability is recorded and charged to operating expense when we determine that a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Additionally, we disclose contingencies for which a material loss is reasonably possible, but not probable. Liabilities recorded for legal contingencies at December 31, 2012 were not material to our financial condition or results of operations.

In 2010 and 2011, Transdata Incorporated (Transdata) filed lawsuits against three of our customers, CenterPoint Energy (CenterPoint), TriCounty Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Tri-County), and San Diego Gas & Electric Company (San Diego), a customer of recently acquired SmartSynch, and 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. CenterPoint, Tri-County, and San Diego have denied all of the substantive allegations and filed counterclaims seeking a declaratory judgment that the patents are invalid and not infringed. In December 2011, the Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation consolidated all of these cases in the Western District of Oklahoma for pretrial proceedings. 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 district court scheduled claim construction proceedings for February and May, 2013. The remainder of the pretrial schedule depends on the date of the final claim construction decision. 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.

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In June 2011, a lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging infringement of three patents owned by EON Corp. IP Holdings, LLC (EON), related to two-way communication networks, network components, and related software platforms. The complaint seeks unspecified damages as well as injunctive relief. On July 16, 2012, Itron filed a Motion to Sever and Transfer Venue (the Motion) to the Eastern District of Washington. The Court denied the Motion without prejudice, which allows us to file a new motion and provide additional evidence to the Court in support of the motion. We believe these claims are without merit and we intend to vigorously defend our interests. We do not believe this matter will have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition, although an unfavorable outcome could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for the period in which the claim is resolved.

Warranty

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	79,536		$	51,283
New product warranties	8,735			8,305
Other changes/adjustments to warranties	4,451			50,104
Claims activity	(38,979		)	(28,565		)
Effect of change in exchange rates	(138		)	(1,591		)
Ending balance	53,605			79,536
Less: current portion of warranty	27,115			52,588
Long-term warranty	$	26,490		$	26,948

Total warranty expense is classified within cost of revenues and consists of new product warranties issued and other changes and adjustments to warranties. Warranty expense for the years ended December 31 is as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Total warranty expense	$	13,186	$	49,851	$	38,579

Warranty expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 reflects a $5.3 million adjustment, which reduced a warranty accrual, originally recorded in 2011, as a result of lower than estimated replacements. Warranty expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 reflects a charge of $12.6 million associated with a vendor-supplied component in North America and a charge of $6.6 million resulting from the identification of a specific batch of C&I meters that were manufactured in North America with a misaligned automated solder-feeder. Warranty expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 also reflects the benefit of an $8.6 million insurance recovery associated with the settlement of product claims in Sweden in 2010 and a warranty charge of $9.2 million related to certain products in Brazil. Warranty expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 reflects $14.4 million recorded for arbitration claims in Sweden, which were settled in the third quarter of 2010.

Extended Warranty

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	24,448		$	14,637
Unearned revenue for new extended warranties	8,832			11,099
Unearned revenue recognized	(1,390		)	(1,233		)
Effect of change in exchange rates	70			(55		)
Ending balance	31,960			24,448
Less: current portion of unearned revenue for extended warranty	2,031			1,305
Long-term unearned revenue for extended warranty within Other long-term obligations	$	29,929		$	23,143

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Health Benefits

We are self insured for a substantial portion of the cost of our U.S. employee group health insurance. We purchase insurance from a third party, which provides individual and aggregate stop loss protection for these costs. Each reporting period, we expense the costs of our health insurance plan including paid claims, the change in the estimate of incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims, taxes, and administrative fees (collectively, the plan costs).

Plan costs are as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Plan costs	$	26,755	$	24,331	$	20,548

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



	December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(in thousands)
IBNR accrual	$	2,552	$	2,460

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

Note 13: Restructuring

During the fourth quarter of 2011, we announced the approval of projects to restructure our manufacturing operations to increase efficiency and lower our cost of manufacturing. We began implementing these projects in the fourth quarter of 2011, and we expect to substantially complete these projects by the end of 2013.

Certain projects are subject to a variety of labor and employment laws, rules, and regulations, which could result in a delay in implementing projects at some locations. Real estate market conditions may impact the timing of our ability to sell some of the manufacturing facilities we have designated for closure and disposal. This may delay the completion of the restructuring projects beyond 2013.

The total expected restructuring costs as of December 31, 2012 were $77.8 million, which is a decrease of approximately $7.7 million from the total expected costs at December 31, 2011. This decrease was primarily the result of gains on the dispositions of fixed assets and a correction to the amount of goodwill allocated to one of our non-core businesses sold as part of the restructuring process. In addition, expected severance costs were reduced as the result of certain employees, in positions that were eliminated under the restructuring plan, filling vacant positions within the Company.

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The total expected restructuring costs, the costs recognized in prior periods, the restructuring costs recognized during the year ended December 31, 2012, and the remaining expected restructuring costs as of December 31, 2012 are as follows:



	Total Expected Costs at December 31, 2012		Costs Recognized in Prior Periods		Costs Recognized During the Year Ended December 31, 2012			Remaining Costs to be Recognized at December 31, 2012
	(in thousands)
Employee severance costs	$	47,891	$	42,530	$	1,666		$	3,695
Asset impairments	21,351		25,144		(4,839		)	1,046
Other restructuring costs	8,592		408		4,838			3,346
Total	$	77,834	$	68,082	$	1,665		$	8,087

Segments:
Energy	$	55,987	$	51,873	$	1,317		$	2,797
Water	16,127		15,321		(765		)	1,571
Corporate unallocated	5,720		888		1,113			3,719
Total	$	77,834	$	68,082	$	1,665		$	8,087

Other restructuring costs include expenses 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 following table summarizes the activity within the restructuring related balance sheet accounts during the year ended December 31, 2012:



	Accrued Employee Severance			Asset Impairments & Net (Gain) Loss on Sale or Disposal			Other Accrued Costs			Total
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance, January 1, 2012	$	28,168		$	—		$	399		$	28,567
Costs incurred and charged to expense	1,666			(4,839		)	4,838			1,665
Cash payments	(15,717		)	—			(1,919		)	(17,636		)
Non-cash items	—			4,839			—			4,839
Effect of change in exchange rates	381			—			(102		)	279
Ending balance, December 31, 2012	$	14,498		$	—		$	3,216		$	17,714

Asset impairments are determined at the asset group level. Assets held for sale are classified within other current assets and are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated or amortized. During the year-ended December 31, 2012, we adjusted the estimated impairment of certain assets and recognized gains on the sale of various asset groups. As part of the sale of a non-core business in Europe, $675,000 of goodwill was allocated to the business and charged to asset impairment restructuring expense. In addition, during the third quarter of 2012, we corrected an overstatement of $5.4 million in restructuring expense, originally recognized during the year ended December 31, 2011, for the goodwill allocated to a non-core business in North America that was sold in May 2012. See Note 5 for additional information related to the goodwill impairment correction.

The current portions of the restructuring related liability balances were $13.2 million and $25.6 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 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 related balances were $4.5 million and $3.0 million as of

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December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The long term portion of the restructuring liability is classified within "Other long-term liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following table includes long-lived assets held for sale and long-lived assets held and used that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related recognized losses for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:



	Net Carrying Value		Fair Value Measurement (Level 3)		Total Loss Recognized
	(in thousands)
2012
Long-lived assets held for sale	$	3,184	$	3,184	$	2

2011
Long-lived assets held for sale	$	898	$	898	$	13,151
Long-lived assets held and used	8,558		8,558		7,754
					$	20,905

The fair values of the disposal groups included in long-lived assets held for sale were determined based on the estimated proceeds from their expected sales, net of estimated selling costs. The fair values of the assets held and used were based on the market approach using similar properties in the respective geography to determine an estimated sales price. Long-lived assets held for sale in 2012 consist of one asset group that includes land, a building, and building improvements. This asset group was included in long-lived assets held and used at December 31, 2011, at which time the carrying value was reduced to fair value, and an impairment charge was recognized and included in the total loss in the table above. In 2011, long-lived assets held for sale encompassed two disposal groups, each representing a business, and consisting of land, building, machinery and equipment, intangible assets, and goodwill.

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.

Note 14: Shareholders’ Equity

Stock Repurchase Plan

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Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other comprehensive income (loss) is reflected as a net increase (decrease) to shareholders’ equity and is not reflected in our results of operations. The changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, were as follows:



	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments				Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Nonderivative Instruments				Pension Plan Benefit Liability Adjustments			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(in thousands)
Balances at January 1, 2010	$	98,165		$	(8,961	)		$	(21,339	)		$	3,265		$	71,130
Current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(124,191		)	4,441			—	15,825			—	(2,179		)	(106,104		)
Balances at December 31, 2010	$	(26,026	)	$	(4,520	)		$	(5,514	)		$	1,086		$	(34,974	)

Current period other comprehensive income (loss)	1,308			4,520				(8,866		)		852			(2,186		)
Balances at December 31, 2011	$	(24,718	)	$	—			$	(14,380	)		$	1,938		$	(37,160	)

Current period other comprehensive income (loss)	21,405			(1,689		)		—				(16,940		)	2,776
Balances at December 31, 2012	$	(3,313	)	$	(1,689	)		$	(14,380	)		$	(15,002	)	$	(34,384	)

The before-tax amount, income tax (provision) benefit, and net-of-tax amount related to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) during the reporting periods were as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(in thousands)
Before-tax amount
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	28,002		$	1,101		$	(121,031	)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	(2,725		)	3,054			(4,541		)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on a nonderivative net investment hedging instrument	—			(14,278		)	25,760
Net hedging (gain) loss reclassified into net income (loss)	—			4,200			11,829
Pension plan benefits liability adjustment	(24,358		)	717			(3,074		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	919			(5,206		)	(91,057		)

Tax (provision) benefit
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(6,597		)	207			(3,160		)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	1,036			(1,145		)	1,611
Net unrealized gain (loss) on a nonderivative net investment hedging instrument	—			5,412			(9,935		)
Net hedging (gain) loss reclassified into net income (loss)	—			(1,589		)	(4,458		)
Pension plan benefits liability adjustment	7,418			135			895
Total other comprehensive income (loss) tax (provision) benefit	1,857			3,020			(15,047		)

Net-of-tax amount
Foreign currency translation adjustment	21,405			1,308			(124,191		)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	(1,689		)	1,909			(2,930		)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on a nonderivative net investment hedging instrument	—			(8,866		)	15,825
Net hedging (gain) loss reclassified into net income (loss)	—			2,611			7,371
Pension plan benefits liability adjustment	(16,940		)	852			(2,179		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$	2,776		$	(2,186	)	$	(106,104	)

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Note 15: Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The fair values at December 31, 2012 and 2011 do not reflect subsequent changes in the economy, interest rates, tax rates, and other variables that may affect the determination of fair value.



	December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
			(in thousands)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	136,411	$	136,411	$	133,086	$	133,086
Foreign exchange forwards	146		146		241		241

Liabilities
2011 credit facility
USD denominated term loan	$	277,500	$	275,365	$	292,502	$	296,856
Multicurrency revolving line of credit	140,000		138,751		160,000		163,269
Interest rate swaps	2,725		2,725		—		—
Foreign exchange forwards	114		114		222		222

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).

2011 Credit Facility - term loan and multicurrency revolving line of credit: The term loan and revolver are not traded publicly. The fair values, which are determined 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 16: Segment Information

We operate under the Itron brand worldwide and manage and report under two operating segments, Energy and Water. A transition to the new organizational structure, including changes to operations, as well as financial and management systems, was completed in the first quarter of 2012.

The Energy operating segment includes our global electricity and gas businesses, while the Water operating segment includes our global water and heat businesses.

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

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Segment Products



Energy	Standard electricity (electromechanical and electronic) and gas meters; advanced electricity and gas meters and communication modules; smart electricity meters; smart electricity and gas communication modules; prepayment systems, including smart key, keypad, and smart card communication technologies; advanced systems including handheld, mobile, and fixed network collection technologies; smart network technologies; meter data management software; knowledge application solutions; and professional services including implementation, installation, consulting, and analysis.

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

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(in thousands)
Revenues
Energy	$	1,651,533		$	1,912,427		$	1,801,342
Water	526,645			521,697			457,929
Total Company	$	2,178,178		$	2,434,124		$	2,259,271

Gross profit
Energy	$	530,396		$	578,575		$	541,900
Water	184,751			167,883			158,775
Total Company	$	715,147		$	746,458		$	700,675

Operating income (loss)
Energy	$	135,369		$	(112,831	)	$	184,163
Water	59,210			(303,772		)	43,611
Corporate unallocated	(43,453		)	(42,580		)	(43,577		)
Total Company	151,126			(459,183		)	184,197
Total other income (expense)	(14,907		)	(42,583		)	(59,752		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	$	136,219		$	(501,766	)	$	124,445

For the year ended December 31, 2012, no single customer represented more than 10% of total Company or the Water operating segment revenues, and one customer accounted for more than 10% of the Energy operating segment revenues.

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

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

Revenues by region were as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
United States and Canada	$	1,014,739	$	1,182,775	$	1,168,523
Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)	878,615		899,642		803,154
Other	284,824		351,707		287,594
Total revenues	$	2,178,178	$	2,434,124	$	2,259,271

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Property, plant, and equipment, net, by geographic area were as follows:



	At December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
United States	$	98,389	$	107,153	$	115,499
Outside United States	156,823		155,517		183,743
Total property, plant, and equipment, net	$	255,212	$	262,670	$	299,242

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Energy	$	82,081	$	97,135	$	97,827
Water	27,324		32,313		33,376
Corporate Unallocated	66		18		2
Total Company	$	109,471	$	129,466	$	131,205

Note 17: Business Combinations

SmartSynch

On May 1, 2012, we completed our acquisition of 100% of SmartSynch. The acquisition was financed through borrowings on our multicurrency revolving line of credit and cash on hand. SmartSynch provides smart grid solutions that utilize cellular networks for communications. The acquisition strengthens our cellular communications offerings, and we believe the acquisition brings greater choice to utility customers across the spectrum of smart metering deployments.

The preliminary purchase price for SmartSynch was $77.7 million in cash (net of $6.7 million of cash and cash equivalents acquired). We have made a preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair value assessments. We are continuing to collect information to determine the fair values of certain accrued liabilities associated with specific contracts and income taxes, which would affect goodwill. As a result, the fair values of these assets and liabilities are provisional until we are able to complete our assessment. The following reflects our preliminary allocation of purchase price as of the acquisition date, May 1, 2012:



	Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Current assets⁽¹⁾	$	12,392
Property, plant, and equipment	1,642
Intangible assets	43,400
Goodwill	46,101
Total assets acquired	103,535

Current liabilities	25,343
Long-term liabilities	465
Total liabilities assumed	25,808

Total net assets acquired	$	77,727


⁽¹⁾	Current assets include the fair value of accounts receivable of $6.0 million, which equals its contractual balance as it is considered fully collectible.

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Intangible assets acquired were as follows:



	Fair Value		Weighted Average Useful Life
	(in thousands)		(in years)
Core-developed technology	$	15,100	7
Customer contracts and relationships	8,900		11
Total identified intangible assets subject to amortization	24,000		8
In-process research and development	19,400
Total identified intangible assets	$	43,400

The fair values for the identified intangible assets were estimated using the income approach. Under the income approach, the fair value reflects the present value of the projected cash flows that are expected to be generated. The intangible assets will be amortized using the estimated discounted cash flows assumed in the valuation models. Existing technology represents the fair values of SmartSynch products that have reached technological feasibility and were part of SmartSynch's product offerings at the date of the acquisition. Customer contracts and relationships represent the fair value SmartSynch developed with its customers, including backlog.

IPR&D assets acquired represent the fair value of SmartSynch research and development projects that had not yet reached technological feasibility and consist primarily of projects to upgrade the hardware components of cellular communication modules to be compatible with 3G cellular network standards. These projects are expected to be completed in the next six months. Incremental costs to be incurred for these projects, currently estimated at $125,000, will be expensed as incurred in product development operating expenses. Once the projects are completed, they will be amortized over the expected life of the technology, which is expected to be seven years.

Goodwill of $46.1 million arising from the acquisition consists largely of the synergies expected from combining the operations of Itron and SmartSynch, as well as certain intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition. Based on synergies expected to be realized by the Electricity and Gas reporting units within the Energy operating segment, $36.5 million was assigned to the Electricity reporting unit and $9.6 million was assigned to the Gas reporting unit. The entire goodwill balance is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Itron's acquisition related expenses of $3.0 million were recognized during the year ended December 31, 2012 and are included in general and administrative expenses.

The following table presents the revenues and net income (loss) from SmartSynch's operations that are included in our consolidated statements of operations:



	May 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012
	(in thousands)
Revenues	$	21,808
Net income (loss)	(8,092		)

The following supplemental pro forma results are based on the individual historical results of Itron and SmartSynch, with adjustments to give effect to the combined operations as if the acquisition had been consummated on January 1, 2011.



	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011
	(in thousands)
Revenues	$	2,189,232	$	2,464,326
Net income (loss)	100,994		(523,505		)

The significant nonrecurring adjustments, net of the estimated tax impact, include the following:


•	Elimination from the supplemental pro forma net income of acquisition-related expenses incurred by SmartSynch prior to the acquisition and by Itron pre- and post-acquisition totaling $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.

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The supplemental pro forma results are intended for information purposes only and do not purport to represent what the combined companies' results of operations would actually have been had the transaction in fact occurred at an earlier date or project the results for any future date or period.

Note 18: Quarterly Results (Unaudited)



	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter			Total Year
	(in thousands, except per common share and stock price data)
2012
Statement of operations data:
Revenues	$	571,640	$	579,140	$	504,063		$	523,335		$	2,178,178
Gross profit	183,105		196,745		171,797			163,500			715,147
Net income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc.	25,353		31,615		35,347			15,960			108,275

Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic	$	0.64	$	0.79	$	0.90		$	0.40		$	2.73
Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted	$	0.63	$	0.79	$	0.89		$	0.40		$	2.71

Stock Price:
High	48.23		45.42		45.85			45.26			48.23
Low	36.60		33.50		38.28			38.71			33.50

2011
Statement of operations data:
Revenues	$	563,691	$	612,401	$	615,555		$	642,477		$	2,434,124
Gross profit	184,978		191,951		176,996			192,533			746,458
Net income (loss) attributable to Itron, Inc.	27,120		34,436		(517,082		)	(54,631		)	(510,157		)

Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic	$	0.67	$	0.85	$	(12.70	)	$	(1.35	)	$	(12.56	)
Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted	$	0.66	$	0.84	$	(12.70	)	$	(1.35	)	$	(12.56	)

Stock Price:
High	64.04		55.99		49.40			38.49			64.04
Low	51.12		46.68		29.50			27.52			27.52

During 2011, we incurred a goodwill impairment charge of $584.8 million. In addition, restructuring projects were approved to increase efficiency and lower our cost of manufacturing, for which we incurred costs of $1.7 million in 2012 and $68.1 million in 2011.

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ITEM 9:	CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

There were no disagreements with our independent accountants on accounting and financial disclosure matters within the three year period ended December 31, 2012, or in any period subsequent to such date, through the date of this report.

ITEM 9A: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


(i)	Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s 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, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that as of December 31, 2012, the Company’s 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.

(ii) Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

(a)

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control— Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2012.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report that is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(b)

Changes in internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s disclosure controls, including the Company’s internal controls, are designed to provide a reasonable level of assurance that the stated objectives are met. We concluded, as stated in (a) above, that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective in providing this reasonable level of assurance as of December 31, 2012. The Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that the Company’s disclosure controls or internal controls will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been prevented or detected. These inherent limitations include the fact that judgments in decision-making can be faulty. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. Because of the inherent limitations in a control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be prevented or detected.

We are in the process of upgrading our global enterprise resource planning software systems. During the quarter ended December 31, 2012, Management continued to update the design and documentation of internal control processes to supplement and complement existing internal controls and procedures relating to the implementation of an Oracle suite of financial applications for financial consolidations and management reporting during the first quarter of 2012. The implementation of these new applications resulted in changes to our internal controls over financial reporting. Management will continue to monitor, evaluate, and update the related processes and internal controls as necessary during the post-implementation period to ensure adequate internal control over financial reporting.

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Other than as described above, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2012 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.


(c)	Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Itron, Inc.

We have audited Itron, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Itron, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Itron, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Itron, Inc. as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 and our report dated February 21, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Seattle, Washington

February 21, 2013

ITEM 9B: OTHER INFORMATION

No information was required to be disclosed in a report on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of 2012 that was not reported.

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PART III

ITEM 10: DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The section entitled “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors” appearing in our Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 3, 2013 (the 2013 Proxy Statement) sets forth certain information with regard to our directors as required by Item 401 of Regulation S-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

Certain information with respect to persons who are or may be deemed to be executive officers of Itron, Inc. as required by Item 401 of Regulation S-K is set forth under the caption “Management” in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The section entitled “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” appearing in the 2013 Proxy Statement sets forth certain information as required by Item 405 of Regulation S-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

The section entitled “Corporate Governance” appearing in the 2013 Proxy Statement sets forth certain information with respect to the Registrant’s code of conduct and ethics as required by Item 406 of Regulation S-K and is incorporated herein by reference. Our code of ethics can be accessed on our website, at www.itron.com under the Investors section.

There were no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to Itron's board of directors during 2013, as set forth by Item 407(c)(3) of Regulation S-K.

The section entitled “Corporate Governance” appearing in the 2013 Proxy Statement sets forth certain information regarding the Audit/Finance Committee, including the members of the Committee and the Audit/Finance Committee financial experts, as set forth by Item 407(d)(4) and (d)(5) of Regulation S-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 11: EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The sections entitled “Compensation of Directors” and “Executive Compensation” appearing in the 2013 Proxy Statement set forth certain information with respect to the compensation of directors and management of Itron as required by Item 402 of Regulation S-K and are incorporated herein by reference.

The section entitled “Corporate Governance” appearing in the 2013 Proxy Statement sets forth certain information regarding members of the Compensation Committee required by Item 407(e)(4) of Regulation S-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

The section entitled “Compensation Committee Report” appearing in the 2013 Proxy Statement sets forth certain information required by Item 407(e)(5) of Regulation S-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12: SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The section entitled “Equity Compensation Plan Information” appearing in the 2013 Proxy Statement sets forth certain information required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

The section entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” appearing in the 2013 Proxy Statement sets forth certain information with respect to the ownership of our common stock as required by Item 403 of Regulation S-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13: CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The section entitled “Corporate Governance” appearing in the 2013 Proxy Statement sets forth certain information required by Item 404 of Regulation S-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

The section entitled “Corporate Governance” appearing in the 2013 Proxy Statement sets forth certain information with respect to director independence as required by Item 407(a) of Regulation S-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 14: PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The section entitled “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Audit Fees and Services” appearing in the 2013 Proxy Statement sets forth certain information with respect to the principal accounting fees and services and the Audit/Finance Committee’s policy on pre-approval of audit and permissible non-audit services performed by our independent auditors as required by Item 9(e) of Schedule 14A and is incorporated herein by reference.

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PART IV

ITEM 15: EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

(a) (1) Financial Statements:

The financial statements required by this item are submitted in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(a) (2) Financial Statement Schedule:

Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Financial Statement Schedules not listed above have been omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes thereto.

(a) (3) Exhibits:



Exhibit Number		Description of Exhibits

3.1		Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Itron, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Itron, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 27, 2003 - File No. 0-22418)

3.2		Amended and Restated Bylaws of Itron, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Itron, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 7, 2011 - File No. 0-22418)

4.1		Credit Agreement dated August 5, 2011 among Itron, Inc. and a syndicate of banks led by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and J.P. Morgan Europe Limited. (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Itron, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 8, 2011 - File No. 0-22418)

4.2		Security Agreement dated August 5, 2011 among Itron, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. (Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Itron, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 8, 2011 - File No. 0-22418)

10.1		Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Agreement for Executive Officers. * (attached hereto)

10.2		Schedule of certain executive officers who are parties to Change in Control Severance Agreements with Itron, Inc. * (attached hereto)

10.3		First Amendment to Change in Control Agreement between Itron, Inc. and Marcel Regnier. * (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Itron, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 2, 2012 - File No. 0-22418)

10.4		Employee Agreement between Itron Holding France and Marcel Regnier. * (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Itron, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 2, 2012 File No. 0-22418)

10.5		Form of Indemnification Agreements between Itron, Inc. and certain directors and officers. * (Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to Itron, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 30, 2000 - File No. 0-22418)

10.6		Schedule of directors and executive officers who are parties to Indemnification Agreements with Itron, Inc. * (attached hereto)

10.7		Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. (Filed as Appendix A to Itron, Inc.’s Proxy Statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed on March 26, 2007 - File No. 0-22418)

10.8		2010 Stock Incentive Plan. (Filed as Appendix A to Itron, Inc.’s Proxy Statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed on March 17, 2010 - File No. 0-22418)

10.9		Executive Management Incentive Plan. * (Filed as Appendix B to Itron, Inc.’s Proxy Statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed on March 17, 2010 - File No. 0-22418)

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Exhibit Number		Description of Exhibits

10.10		Terms of the Amended and Restated Equity Grant Program for Nonemployee Directors under the Itron, Inc. Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Itron, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 26, 2008 - File No. 0-22418)

10.11		Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Grant Notice and Agreement for Nonemployee Directors under the Itron, Inc. Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to Itron, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 26, 2009 - File No. 0-22418)

10.12		Form of Stock Option Grant Notice and Agreement for use in connection with both incentive and non-qualified stock options granted under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. * (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Itron, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 18, 2010 - File No. 0-22418)

10.13		Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice and Agreement for U.S. Participants for use in connection with the Company’s Long-Term Performance Plan (LTPP) and issued under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. * (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Itron, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 18, 2010 - File No. 0-22418)

10.14		Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice and Agreement for International Participants (excluding France) for use in connection with the Company’s LTPP and issued under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. * (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Itron, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 18, 2010 - File No. 0-22418)

10.15		Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice and Agreement for Participants in France for use in connection with the Company’s LTPP and issued under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. * (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Itron, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 18, 2010 - File No. 0-22418)

10.16		Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice and Agreement for all Participants (excluding France) for use in connection with the Company’s Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. * (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Itron, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 18, 2010 - File No. 0-22418)

10.17		Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice and Agreement for Participants in France for use in connection with the Company’s Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. * (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Itron, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 18, 2010 - File No. 0-22418)

10.18		Form of Long Term Performance Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) Award Notice and Agreement for U.S. Participants for use in connection with the Company’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. * (Filed as Exhibit 10.18 to Itron, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 25, 2011 - File No. 0-22418)

10.19		Form of Long Term Performance RSU Award Notice and Agreement for International Participants (excluding France) for use in connection with the Company’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. * (Filed as Exhibit 10.19 to Itron, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 25, 2011 - File No. 0-22418)

10.20		Form of Long Term Performance RSU Award Notice and Agreement for Participants in France for use in connection with the Company’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. * (Filed as Exhibit 10.20 to Itron, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 25, 2011 - File No. 0-22418)

10.21		Form of RSU Award Notice and Agreement for all Participants (excluding France) for use in connection with the Company’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. * (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Itron, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on November 6, 2012 - File No. 0-22418)

10.22		Form of RSU Award Notice and Agreement for Participants in France for use in connection with the Company’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. * (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Itron, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on November 6, 2012 - File No. 0-22418)

10.23		Form of Stock Option Grant Notice and Agreement for use in connection with both incentive and non-qualified stock options granted under the Company’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. * (attached hereto)

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Exhibit Number		Description of Exhibits

10.24		Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. * (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Itron, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on form 10-Q, Filed on November 1, 2011 - File No. 0-22418)

10.25		Amended and Restated 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10.20 to Itron’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 26, 2009 - File No. 0-22418)

10.26		Stock Option Plan for Nonemployee Directors. (Filed as Exhibit 10.11 to Itron, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated July 22, 1992)

10.27		Offer Letter, dated as of August 31, 2011, between Itron, Inc. and LeRoy D. Nosbaum. * (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Itron, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 7, 2011 - File No. 0-22418)

10.28		Offer Letter, dated as of November 16, 2012, between Itron, Inc. and Philip C. Mezey. * (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Itron, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on November 19, 2012 - File No. 0-22418)

10.29		Offer Letter, dated as of November 16, 2012, between Itron, Inc. and John W. Holleran. * (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Itron, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on November 19, 2012 - File No. 0-22418)

21.1		Subsidiaries of Itron, Inc. (attached hereto)

23.1		Consent of Ernst & Young LLP Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. (attached hereto)

31.1		Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (attached hereto)

31.2		Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (attached hereto)

32.1		Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (attached hereto)

101.INS**		XBRL Instance Document. (attached hereto)

101.SCH**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema. (attached hereto)

101.CAL**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase. (attached hereto)

101.DEF **		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase. (attached hereto)

101.LAB**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase. (attached hereto)

101.PRE**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase. (attached hereto)

*		Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

**		Pursuant to applicable securities laws and regulations, we are deemed to have complied with the reporting obligation relating to the submission of interactive data files in such exhibits and are not subject to liability under any anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws as long as we have made a good faith attempt to comply with the submission requirements and promptly amend the interactive data files after becoming aware that the interactive data files fail to comply with the submission requirements. Users of this data are advised that, pursuant to Rule 406T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed and otherwise are not subject to liability.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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, in the City of Liberty Lake, State of Washington, on the 21st day of February, 2013.



		ITRON, INC.

	By:	/S/ STEVEN M. HELMBRECHT
		Steven M. Helmbrecht
		Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on the 21st day of February, 2013.



Signatures		Title


/s/ PHILIP C. MEZEY
Philip C. Mezey		President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer), Director

/s/ STEVEN M. HELMBRECHT
Steven M. Helmbrecht		Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ KIRBY A. DYESS
Kirby A. Dyess		Director

/s/ JON E. ELIASSEN
Jon E. Eliassen		Chairman of the Board

/s/ CHARLES H. GAYLORD, JR.
Charles H. Gaylord, Jr.		Director

/s/ THOMAS S. GLANVILLE
Thomas S. Glanville		Director

/s/ SHARON L. NELSON
Sharon L. Nelson		Director

/s/ GARY E. PRUITT
Gary E. Pruitt		Director

/s/ GRAHAM M. WILSON
Graham M. Wilson		Director

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SCHEDULE II: VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS



Description	Balance at beginning of period		Other adjustments			Additions charged to costs and expenses		Balance at end of period noncurrent
	(in thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2012:
Deferred tax assets valuation allowance	$	29,953	$	(481	)	$	88	$	29,560
Year ended December 31, 2011:
Deferred tax assets valuation allowance	$	24,600	$	(3,165	)	$	8,518	$	29,953