Secondary Offering Weighs on Itron (ITRI)

May 7, 2008 by Douglas A. McIntyre

Itron Inc. (NASDAQ:ITRI) announced after yesterday’s close that it will sell 3.4 million shares of common stock in an at the market public secondary offering.

Yesterday’s closing price was $94.47 per share, so gross proceeds will be in the vicinity of $321 million.  Itron said it plans to use $250 million of the proceeds to repay a portion of  outstanding non-convertible debt and the rest will be used for general corporate purposes.

While this will effectively be a spot secondary in result, this is under an existing shelf filing.  The funds are expected to close on or about May 12, 2008, so shares should be sold today.  Itron produces meters that read electricity, gas, water, and heat usage for utilities; and various other associated metering products for residential, commercial and industrial, and transmission and distribution customers.

Goldman, Sachs & Co. is the sole underwriter in this offering.

Itron’s market cap was $2.9 Billion as of yesterday and as of December 31, 2008, the company had $1.578 Billion in long-term debt and total liabilities were carried as $2.29 Billion.

You can join our open email distribution list to hear about other secondaries, IPO’s, spin-offs, and other special situation previews.

So far, shares are down a little more than 2% in pre-market trading at $92.47.

Jon C. Ogg
May 7, 2008

Sponsored: Want to Retire Early? Start Here

Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Orare you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?

Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.

Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.