• The consensus price target for Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE: BMI) has gradually declined over the past year, indicating adjusted analyst expectations.
• Smart water meters industry growth is driven by the need for operational efficiencies and reduction of Non-Revenue Water (NRW), with Badger Meter being a key player.
• Argus Research analyst Kristina Ruggeri sets a price target of $218 for Badger Meter, amidst the company's upcoming first quarter 2025 earnings report.

Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE: BMI) is a global leader in manufacturing and marketing flow measurement, quality, control, and communication solutions. Their products are essential in municipal water utilities and industries like water/wastewater, HVAC, and corporate sustainability. The company offers a diverse range of products, including mechanical and static water meters, flow instrumentation products, and advanced metering analytics.

The consensus price target for Badger Meter's stock has seen a gradual decline over the past year. Last month, the average price target was $196, down from $202.5 last quarter and $206.1 last year. This trend suggests that analysts have adjusted their expectations, possibly due to market conditions, company performance, or industry trends.

The smart water meters industry is growing rapidly, driven by the need for operational efficiencies in domestic water utilities with limited budgets. Smart meters help reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW), which accounts for 30-35% of total water volume globally. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology is expected to grow significantly, as it lowers operational costs through better data communication.

Badger Meter is a key player in this market, alongside companies like Sensus and Landis+Gyr. The market is ripe with innovation, focusing on IoT and AI for real-time monitoring and sustainability in smart cities. The Asia Pacific region, led by infrastructure developments in China and India, is experiencing the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR).

Argus Research analyst Kristina Ruggeri has set a price target of $218 for Badger Meter, indicating potential earnings growth. However, the company may not have the optimal combination of factors for an earnings beat. Badger Meter will release its first quarter 2025 earnings report on April 17, 2025, followed by an earnings conference call. Investors should stay informed about key expectations surrounding the company's performance.