Itron (ITRI) And Sonnen Team Up To Maximize Grid Efficiency

Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ:ITRI) recently partnered with a leading provider of intelligent residential energy storage systems, sonnen group to maximize grid efficiency. The collaboration will allow both utilities to effectively control and manage their stored energy resources.

Per the deal, both companies will work together for the integration of the sonnenBatterie eco with Itron's IntelliSOURCE Enterprise demand response management system. The deal will augment the wide smart grid solution portfolio of Itron offering utilities. It will also help to better manage the distributed energy resources (“DER”) of both firms.

Notably, Itron aims to partner with several other DER vendors to optimize grid efficiency. In fact, Itron is already working with sonnen on a project in California for increased deployment of DER. Additionally, the project will help customers, utilities and other energy service companies to monitor the impact of DERs by forecasting them in advance.

Thus, Itron’s alliance with sonnen reflects its attempt to offer solutions enabling electric and gas utilities for developing smart grids to manage assets and lower operational costs. In sync with this, Itron recently teamed up with Utilidata, Inc., a global software company to help electric utility companies modernize electric grid.

Of late, GTM Research, a leading market analysis and advisory firm, recognized Itron among The Networked Grid Top 10 Smart Grid Vendors in the submarket of advanced metering infrastructure (“AMI”). According to its latest report, Itron has shipped the highest automated meter reading and AMI communications modules quarter over quarter in North America.

Moreover, Itron remains committed to strengthen its ability by delivering a broader set of solutions and innovation in the smart city. Hence, the company’s differentiated software and services offerings, combined with ongoing operational discipline, will drive its the top line.

However, Itron stock has gained around 15%, underperforming its industry’s growth of 31% due to elevated expenses and intense competition in the AMI space.

Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider

Itron currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some better-ranked stocks in the same sector are Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE:BMI) , AMETEK, Inc. (NYSE:AME) and Fortive Corporation (NYSE:FTV) . All three stocks carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.

Badger Meter has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 15.3%. The company’s shares have moved up 27% in the past year.

AMETEK has a long-term earnings growth rate of 11.5%. The company’s shares have rallied 39% over a year.

Fortive has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 9.6%. The stock has gained 29% in a year’s time.

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