Itron
ITRI
#3481
Rank
C$5.52 B
Marketcap
C$124.60
Share price
6.86%
Change (1 day)
-16.78%
Change (1 year)

Itron - 10-Q quarterly report FY


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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q
(mark one)
___ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1997

OR


X TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)
For the transition period from to

Commission file number 0-22418


ITRON, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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


2818 North Sullivan Road
Spokane, Washington 99216-1897
(509) 924-9900

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


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant(1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d)of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes__X___ No_____

As of October 31, 1997, there were outstanding 14,600,037 shares of the
registrant's common stock, no par value, which is the only class of common or
voting stock of the registrant.


===============================================================================
ITRON, INC.


INDEX


Part 1: Financial Information Page

Item 1: Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Consolidated Statements of Operations..............................1

Consolidated Balance Sheets........................................2

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows..............................3

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.........................4

Item 2: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations..........................................5-8

Part 2: Other Information

Item 1: Legal Proceedings..................................................9

Item 6: Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K...................................10

Signature...................................................................11

Exhibit 11 - Statement re Computation of Per Share
Earnings....................................................................12
Part 1: Financial Information

Item 1: Financial Statements

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

ITRON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)


Three months ended Sept. 30, Nine months ended Sept.30,
1997 1996 1997 1996
-------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues
AMR systems $38,751 $28,195 $96,655 $97,800
Handheld systems 12,689 10,406 35,714 34,266
Outsourcing 6,987 142 19,373 2,924
-------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Total revenues 58,427 38,743 151,742 134,990
Cost of sales and services
AMR systems 21,522 17,951 56,375 56,450
Handheld systems 9,322 6,153 25,392 19,426
Outsourcing 5,483 73 14,965 2,052
-------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Total cost of sales and services 36,327 24,177 96,732 77,928
-------------- -------------- ------------- --------------

Gross profit 22,100 14,566 55,010 57,062

Operating expenses
Sales and marketing 6,800 7,511 21,385 20,673
Product development 8,079 10,351 23,481 25,412
General and administrative 2,867 2,705 8,568 8,153
Amortization of intangibles 534 392 1,611 1,086
-------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Total operating expenses 18,280 20,959 55,045 55,324
-------------- -------------- ------------- --------------

Operating income (loss) 3,820 (6,393) (35) 1,738
Interest and other, net (1,172) (283) (3,561) (1)
-------------- -------------- ------------- --------------

Income (loss) before income taxes 2,648 (6,676) (3,596) 1,737
Benefit (provision) for income taxes (1,005) 2,130 1,305 (900)
-------------- -------------- ------------- --------------

Net income (loss) $ 1,643 $ (4,546) $(2,291) $ 837
============== ============== ============= ==============

Net income (loss) per share $ 0.11 $ (0.34) $ (0.16) $ 0.06
============== ============== ============= ==============

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

ITRON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited, in thousands)

September 30, December 31,
1997 1996
<S> <C> <C>
------------------- ------------------
Assets

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,036 $ 2,243
Accounts receivable, net 51,852 44,376
Inventories 31,380 33,837
Deferred income taxes, net 5,478 4,171
Other 2,815 6,116
------------------- ------------------
Total current assets 96,561 90,743
------------------- ------------------

Property and equipment, net 50,060 51,699
Equipment used in outsourcing, net 38,210 19,650
Intangible assets, net 21,000 23,344
Long-term contracts receivable 16,833 1,187
Other 1,707 798
------------------- ------------------

Total assets $ 224,371 $ 187,421
=================== ==================

Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities
Bank line of credit $ - $ 33,062
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 31,182 24,675
Deferred revenue 5,960 6,767
------------------- ------------------
Total current liabilities 37,142 64,504
------------------- ------------------

Mortgage notes payable 6,440 6,440
Subordinated notes payable 61,357 -
Project financing 1,486 -
Warranty and other obligations 1,398 2,255
------------------- ------------------
Total noncurrent liabilities 70,681 8,695
------------------- ------------------

Shareholders' equity
Common stock 103,433 98,686
Retained earnings 13,014 15,305
Other 101 231
------------------- ------------------
Total shareholders' equity 116,548 114,222
------------------- ------------------

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 224,371 $ 187,421
=================== ==================



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITRON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited, in thousands)

Nine months ended Sept. 30,
1997 1996
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss) $ (2,291) $ 837
Noncash charges (credits) to income:
Depreciation and amortization 12,887 7,450
Deferred income taxes (1,288) (1,204)
Changes in operating accounts:
Accounts receivable (7,476) (6,836)
Inventories 2,457 (19,899)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 2,734 2,899
Long-term contracts receivable (15,646) (586)
Deferred revenue (807) (4,234)
Other, net 6,177 (2,072)
------------- -------------
Cash used by operating activities (3,253) (23,645)

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Short-term investments - 25,074
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (7,863) (24,954)
Equipment used in outsourcing (22,308) (6,331)
Proceeds from sale of outsourcing equipment 3,035 -
Other, net (1,256) (4,502)
------------- -------------
Cash used by investing activities (28,392) (10,713)
------------- -------------

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Change in bank line of credit, net (33,062) 25,511
Mortgage notes payable - 840
Borrowings under subordinated debt, net 61,515 -
Project financing 1,486 -
Issuance of common stock 4,556 3,056
Other, net (57) 43
------------- -------------
Cash provided by financing activities 34,438 29,450
------------- -------------

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 2,793 (4,908)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 2,243 6,473
------------- -------------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 5,036 $ 1,565
============= =============


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
</TABLE>
ITRON, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

Note 1: Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements presented in this Form 10-Q are unaudited
and reflect, in the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments
necessary for a fair presentation of operations for the three and nine month
periods ended September 30, 1997. Certain information and footnote disclosures
normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These condensed
consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited
consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the
Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 5, 1997.

The Company reports revenue in three categories: AMR (automatic meter reading)
systems, Handheld systems (EMR or electronic meter reading), and Outsourcing.
AMR and Handheld systems revenues include all product and other revenue
associated with each business segment. Outsourcing includes revenues for
contracts under which the Company installs, owns, and operates an AMR system to
provide automated meter reading services over a period of time, typically 15
years.

The results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September
30, 1997, are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full
fiscal year or for any other fiscal period.

Note 2: Balance Sheet Components
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Inventories (unaudited, in thousands): September 30, December 31,
1997 1996
------------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Material $ 16,514 $ 22,687
Work in process 3,830 1,570
Finished goods 9,802 9,047
------------------- ----------------
Total manufacturing inventories 30,146 33,304
Service 1,234 533
------------------- ----------------
Total inventories $ 31,380 $ 33,837
=================== ================
</TABLE>
Item 2:MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table summarizes the major components of operating income for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, and changes between those two
periods:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Percentage of Total Revenue Percentage
--------------------------------
Nine months ended September 30, 1997 1996 Change
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>

Revenues
AMR systems 64% 73% (1%)
Handheld systems 23% 25% 4%
Outsourcing 13% 2% 563%
------------- ------------
Total revenues 100% 100% 12%

Cost of sales and services
AMR systems 58% 58% -
Handheld systems 71% 57% 31%
Outsourcing 77% 70% 629%
------------- ------------
Total cost of sales and services 64% 58% 24%
------------- ------------

Gross profit 36% 42% (4%)

Operating expenses
Sales and marketing 14% 15% 3%
Product development 15% 19% (8%)
General and administrative 6% 6% 5%
Amortization of intangibles 1% 1% 48%
------------- ------------
Total operating expenses 36% 41% (1%)
------------- ------------
Operating income 0% 1% (102)%
============= ============
</TABLE>

Revenues
The Company's total revenues increased $19.7 million, or 51%, to $58.4 million
in the third quarter of 1997 from $38.7 million in the third quarter of 1996.
For the nine-month period ended September 30, 1997, total revenues were $151.7
million compared to $135.0 million in the same period one year ago.

AMR systems revenues were higher for the quarter ended September 30, 1997
compared to the comparable quarter in 1996 by $10.6 million. For the nine-month
period ended September 30, AMR revenues were $1.1 million lower in 1997 than in
1996.. The increased revenues in the quarter resulted primarily from increased
meter module shipments related to new contracts announced during the first half
of 1997 and a change in the mix of meter module shipments. For the 1997 nine
month period, slightly lower volumes of meter module shipments were partially
offset by AMR software systems revenues from the Company's UTS subsidiary. The
majority of these increased software systems revenues were related to initial
revenue from large power billing systems and work performed under the
Independent Systems Operator (ISO) contract in California. Although average
selling prices for meter modules decreased slightly in the 1997 periods compared
to the 1996 periods, the effect of that decrease was not material.

The Company expects that AMR sales will grow in the future and that a portion of
that growth will be from sales of telephone-based AMR meter modules, sales of
UTS's large power billing systems and additional ISO contracts which UTS hopes
to obtain. However, much of the expected growth in AMR continues to be dependent
upon the timing and resolution of mergers and acquisitions in the utility
industry, industry regulatory reform issues in the United States, development of
international markets, and various other factors.
Handheld  Systems revenues  increased $2.3 million,  or 22%, to $12.7 million in
the current quarter from the same quarter in 1996. On a year to date basis,
Handheld Systems revenues of $35.7 million were $1.4 million, or 4%, higher than
the year to date period ended September 30, 1996. The increased 1997 revenues
were mainly due to international shipments of the Company's latest handheld
computer, the Genesis Portable Computer ("GPC"), to a South Korean utility. The
Company expects that Handheld Systems revenues may decline as a percentage of
total revenues over time as utilities adopt more advanced meter reading
technologies. In recent years, the Company's Handheld Systems revenues have been
driven by sales to new customers internationally and by upgrade and replacement
sales domestically, and the Company expects this trend to continue in the
future.

Outsourcing revenues were $7.0 million and $19.4 million for the three and nine
month periods ended September 30, 1997, respectively, compared to $142,000 and
$2.9 million in the same periods in 1996. The Company currently has two
outsourcing contracts from which it is generating revenues. Outsourcing revenues
in 1997 were derived primarily from the Company's largest outsourcing contract,
which is with the Duquesne Light Company ("Duquesne"). During the third quarter,
the Company signed an amendment to its contract with Duquesne. The amended
contract revised completion dates for a number of critical contract milestones.
As in the original contract, the amended agreement provides for certain one-time
monetary penalties for failure to meet certain specified milestones, including
three milestones that must be met in the next eight months. The total amount of
these penalties, should the Company fail to meet every one of the specified
critical milestones is approximately $25 million. The Company is currently in
compliance with its agreement with Duquesne and believes it will fully satisfy
all future milestones. (For additional information see "Amended Duquesne
Agreement" filed as an exhibit with this 10-Q and "Description of Business --
Certain Risk Factors -- Dependence on the Installation, Operations and
Maintenance of AMR Systems Pursuant to Outsourcing Contracts" in the Company's
most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.)

Outsourcing revenues are expected to stay at the same level experienced in the
current period through the remainder of the year. The Company expects
outsourcing revenues to decline in 1998 both as a percentage of total revenues
and in absolute dollars. The Company recognizes revenue for outsourcing
agreements using the cost-to-cost, percentage-of-completion method of accounting
for long-term contracts. Under this method, revenue is recognized
proportionately as project costs are incurred. Revenue recognition in any given
period is equal to: (a) the ratio of actual costs incurred during the period to
total projected costs over the life of the contract; multiplied by (b) the total
amount of minimum contractually committed revenue to be received over the entire
contract term if the minimum level of services required under the contract are
performed.. Estimates of future costs are reviewed quarterly. To the extent
actual revenues or actual costs, or the timing of those revenues or costs,
differ from projected revenues and costs, outsourcing revenues and margins could
be affected. In general, during the beginning of an outsourcing contract,
services are performed and expenses incurred at a greater rate than in the later
part of the contract. After the initial installation of project assets, customer
invoicing usually remains constant throughout the term of the contract. The
resulting excess of revenue over invoicing is reflected on the Company's balance
sheet as a Long-Term Contract Receivable. As work on an outsourcing contract
progresses, expenses are incurred at a lesser rate, resulting in recognized
revenue which is less than the invoiced amount, which causes a decrease in the
Long-Term Contract Receivable.

Gross Profit
Gross margins of 38% of revenues for the current quarter were equal to the 1996
third quarter. Overall gross margins for the nine month period ended September
30, 1997 were 36% compared to gross margins of 42% in the same period in 1996.
The lower profit margins result primarily from a higher portion of revenues
coming from the Company's contract with Duquesne, lower margins on International
Handheld System sales, and excess manufacturing capacity.

Year to date AMR systems gross margins were 42% for both 1997 and 1996.
Handheld  systems gross  margins  declined from 43% of revenues in the 1996 nine
month period to 29% in the comparable 1997 period. The decline in margins was
largely a result of a shift in mix to international sales. International
handheld sales have historically been at lower margins than domestic due to
volume pricing and lower software license content. In addition, replacement and
upgrade business, which is increasingly becoming a more significant share of the
Company's domestic handheld systems business, has traditionally been discounted
from new handheld systems sales.

Outsourcing gross margins were 23% and 30% of revenues for the nine month
periods ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The primary source of
outsourcing revenues in the 1997 period results from the Company's contract with
Duquesne. The lower margins on this contract reflect the early stages of the
Company's fixed network product which has not yet benefited from any substantial
cost reduction programs, and the fact that this is the Company's first large
scale, fixed network installation.

The Company's overall gross profit may be affected in the future by competitive
pricing pressure, the ability to utilize existing manufacturing capacity, the
mix and volumes of meter modules shipped, the risks inherent in cost estimation
for outsourcing contracts, and other factors.

Operating Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses of $6.8 million for the three month period ended
September 30, 1997, decreased 9% from the comparable period in 1996 and also
decreased slightly as a percentage of revenue from 15% in the third quarter of
1996 to 14% in the current quarter. For the year to date period ended September
30, 1997, sales and marketing expenses were $21.4 million compared to $20.7
million for the same period in 1996, reflecting a 3% increase. The higher
expenses were primarily for consulting services and incentive compensation. The
Company expects that sales and marketing expenses will remain at approximately
13% to 14% of total revenues for the remainder of the year.

Product development expenses of $8.1 million in the current quarter decreased
$2.3 million, or 22%, from the comparable quarter in 1996, and decreased as a
percentage of revenues from 27% to 14%. For the year to date period ended
September 30, 1997, product development expenses of $23.5 million were down
almost $2 million from $25.4 million in the same period in 1996. The decreases
for both the quarter and year to date periods were primarily due to
non-recurring materials charges of approximately $2.1 million in the third
quarter of 1996. These materials charges resulted from design improvements to
both the Company's Fixed Network Cell Control Units and new handheld computer,
the GPC. The Company expects that 1997 product development expenses will remain
at approximately 15% to 16% of total revenues for the remainder of the year.

General and administrative expenses of $2.9 million in the three months ended
September 30, 1997, increased $162,000, or 6%, over the third quarter of 1996,
but decreased as a percentage of total revenues from 7% to 5%. For the year to
date period, general and administrative expenses increased $415,000, or 5%, over
the comparable 1996 period, yet remained level as a percentage of revenues. The
increase for both the quarter and year to date periods was due to several
factors including acquisition costs for DCI, the Company's subsidiary that is
responsible for telephone-based AMR systems for electric meters, DCI
administrative expenses, and incentive compensation expenses. General and
administrative expenses are expected to remain at approximately 5% to 6% of
total revenues in the foreseeable future.

Amortization of intangibles increased $142,000 and $525,000 in the three and
nine month periods ended September 30, 1997, respectively, over the same periods
in 1996, yet remained at 1% of total revenues. The increased expenses were due
to amortization of patents and licenses acquired during the last half of 1996.
Interest and Other, Net
The Company had net interest and other expense in 1997 of $1.2 million for the
third quarter and $3.6 million year to date. Interest expense during the quarter
and year to date periods was reduced by $110,000 and $517,000, respectively, for
capitalized interest related to outsourcing installations. Interest expense in
the 1997 periods was incurred primarily in connection with the Company's 6 3/4%
Convertible Subordinated Notes ("the Notes") and by borrowings under the
Company's bank line of credit. Interest expense was partially offset by interest
income on the investment of a portion of the net proceeds from the Notes. The
Company completed a $63.4 million (including over-allotment option) private
placement of the Notes in March and April of 1997. In the 1996 third quarter and
year to date periods, the Company had net interest expense of $283,000 and
$1,000, respectively, from interest related to borrowings under the Company's
bank line of credit.

Income Taxes
The Company had an income tax benefit of 36% of pre-tax earnings for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997 compared to an income tax provision of 52% for
the same period in 1996. The higher 1996 tax rate is attributable primarily to
the UTS acquisition. The acquisition resulted in a one-time recognition of
taxable income due to an accounting method change and higher state taxes.
Additionally, the Company will benefit from higher research and development
credits in 1997 compared to 1996 as a result of the credit's extension to cover
all of the 1997 tax year. To the extent pre-tax earnings, or the components of
those earnings, differ from expectations, the effective tax rate for the year
could change from the current year-to-date rate.
FINANCIAL CONDITION

Operating activities used $3.3 million in cash during the first nine months of
1997 compared to using $23.6 million during the same nine month period one year
ago. The decreased cash used in operating activities resulted to a large degree
from reductions in inventory balances during 1997 from year-end levels.
Inventory levels have steadily decreased since the Company has been in the
process of implementing a "build to order" production schedule since the fourth
quarter of 1996. During the first three quarters of 1996, the Company was
substantially operating under a "build to expectation" production schedule.
Accounts receivable balances have increased from the year-end level due to the
higher level of revenues along with the timing of revenues within the current
comparative quarter. The Company's Long-Term Contracts Receivable balance, which
represents the amount of outsourcing revenues earned but not yet billed,
increased $15.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 1997. The
Company expects Long-Term Contracts Receivable may increase by approximately $5
million more at year end.

The Company invested $28.4 million of cash in the first nine months of 1997,
compared to $10.7 million in the comparable period in 1996. The lower investment
level in the 1996 year-to-date period was the result of liquidating $25.1
million in short-term investments. Cash was invested in the first nine months of
1997 to fund $7.9 million of property and equipment additions and $22.3 million
of product costs for the Company's outsourcing installations. In the first nine
months of 1996, the Company invested $25.0 million in property and equipment,
the majority of which was for equipment to expand production capacity at both of
the Company's principal manufacturing locations. The Company also invested $6.3
million in outsourcing installations and $4.0 million for acquisitions of
intellectual property rights in the 1996 period. Itron anticipates spending cash
on product costs for the Company's outsourcing installations at a substantially
reduced rate during the remainder of 1997. 1997 property and equipment additions
for the Company are expected to be less than half of the 1996 level.

Financing activities in the first nine months of 1997 generated $34.4 million in
cash. The Company received $61.5 million in net proceeds from the Note offering
in March and April of 1997, which were used to pay off the Company's bank line
of credit, and to fund operations. During the second quarter of 1997, the
Company closed an $8 million, long-term, fixed rate project financing facility
for an outsourcing agreement and has received $1.5 million of the funds to date.
. The Company generated $29.5 million in cash in the comparable nine months of
1996, primarily from borrowings under the Company's bank line of credit.

Existing sources of liquidity at September 30, 1997 include approximately $5.0
million of existing cash and cash equivalents and $50 million of available
borrowings under the Company's bank line of credit agreement. This agreement
expires on May 31, 1998 at which time the Company intends to renew it. Itron
expects to have some cash requirements during the remainder of the year for
existing outsourcing installations and intends to seek project financing for
future outsourcing agreements. The Company believes that existing cash and
available borrowings are sufficient to fund operations for the next twelve
months.

Certain Forward-Looking Statements
When included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the words "expects,"
"intends," "anticipates," "plans," "projects" and "estimates," and analogous or
similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such
statements, which include, but are not limited to, statements contained in
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such
forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others,
changes in the utility regulatory environment, delays or difficulties in
introducing new products, increased competition and various other matters, many
of which are beyond the Company's control. These and other risks are described
in more detail in "Description of Business --Certain Risk Factors" in the
Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and such description is hereby
incorporated herein by reference. These forward-looking statements speak only as
of the date of this report. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or
undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking
statement contained herein to reflect any change on the Company's expectations
with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on
which any such statement is based.
Part 2: Other Information

Item 1: Legal Proceedings

On October 3, 1996, Itron filed a patent infringement suit against CellNet Data
Systems ("CellNet") in the United States District Court for the District of
Minnesota, alleging that CellNet is infringing on the Company's United States
Patent No. 5,553,094, entitled "Radio Communication Network for Remote Data
Generating Stations," issued on September 3, 1996. The Company is seeking
injunctive relief as well as monetary damages, costs and attorneys' fees. The
discovery phase of this lawsuit has commenced. There can be no assurance that
the Company will prevail in this action or, even if it does prevail, that the
legal costs incurred by the Company in connection therewith will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition.

On April 29, 1997, Itron was served by CellNet with a complaint alleging patent
infringement. The suit is pending in the United States District Court for the
Northern District of California. Itron's management has reviewed the complaint
and believes it to be without merit. The patent in question was issued in 1988.
Itron's management is unaware of any previous assertion by CellNet of any claim
of patent infringement by Itron. Itron intends to vigorously defend this suit.
The complaint seeks injunctive relief as well as monetary damages, costs and
attorneys' fees.

On May 29, 1997, Itron and its President and Chief Executive Officer, Johnny M.
Humphreys, were served with a complaint alleging securities fraud filed by Mark
G. Epstein (Epstein v Itron, et al.) on his own behalf and alleged to be on
behalf of a class of all others similarly situated, in the U.S. District Court
for the Eastern District of Washington (Civil Action No. CS-97-214 RHW). The
complaint alleges, among other matters, that Itron and Mr. Humphreys violated
Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 10b-5
thereunder by making allegedly false statements regarding the development
status, performance and technological capabilities of Itron's Fixed Network
automatic meter reading ("AMR") system and regarding the suitability of Itron's
encoder receiver transmitter devices for use with an advanced Fixed Network AMR
system. The complaint seeks monetary damages, costs and attorneys' fees and
unspecified equitable or injunctive relief. On July 28, 1997, the Company and
Mr. Humphreys filed a motion to dismiss the complaint for failure to state a
claim for relief. On October 26, 1997 a hearing was held on the motion to
dismiss, at which time the court took the motion under advisement. The Company
believes it has good defenses to the claims alleged and intends to defend itself
vigorously in this action.

On September 3, 1997, Itron and Mr. Humphreys agreed to accept service of
process of a complaint which was filed in the Superior Court of the State of
Washington, County of Spokane, (Civil Action No. 97204889-8) against the
Company, its President and Chief Executive Officer, Johnny M. Humphreys, Itron
Board Chairman Paul A. Redmond, Itron Director Jon E. Eliassen, and Washington
Water Power Company. The complaint, filed by plaintiff Katya M. Haub, purports
to be brought on behalf of herself and a class of all others similarly situated.
The class period alleged is identical to that alleged in a previously-filed
proposed class action (Epstein v. Itron, et al.) filed in the United States
District Court for the Eastern District of Washington at Spokane. The complaint
alleges, among other matters, that the defendants are liable for claims made
under the Washington State Securities Act, the Washington State Consumer
Protection Act, and the common law of negligent misrepresentation and seeks
monetary damages, costs, attorneys' fees and equitable or injunctive relief. The
complaint generally alleges that the defendants were responsible for materially
incorrect statements about Itron's business, markets, and future prospects
including allegedly misleading statements with respect to the development and
deployment of Itron's Fixed Network system. The Company has filed a motion to
stay. A hearing on this motion was held on October 31, 1997, at which time the
court issued a temporary stay pending determination of the Company's motion to
dismiss in the Epstein case, and took the motion under advisement. The Company
believes it has good defenses to the claims alleged, and intends to defend
itself vigorously against this action.
Item 6:  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

a) Exhibits

Exhibit 10 -Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Utility Automated
Meter Data Acquisition Lease and Services Agreement between the
Registrant and Duquesne Light Company dated September 11, 1997.
(Confidential treatment requested for a portion of this contract)

Exhibit 11 - Statement re Computation of Earnings per Share

Exhibit 27 - Financial Data Schedule

b) Reports on Form 8-K

One report on Form 8-K, dated September 3, 1997, was filed during the
quarter ended September 30, 1997, pursuant to Item 5 of that form. The
report related to a class action lawsuit filed against the Company.
SIGNATURE


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


ITRON, INC.
(Registrant)



By: /s/ DAVID G. REMINGTON
David G. Remington
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Authorized Officer and Principal
Financial Officer)


Date: November 14, 1997