BADGER METER INC
For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Feb 17, 2026.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2025 · Filed Feb 17, 2026
BMI$158.18-0.9%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-14.
0000950170-25-020889
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-12-31; filed 2026-02-17.
0001193125-26-054739
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 64 previous paragraphs and 69 current paragraphs.
37 unchanged; 26 reworded; 5 added; 1 removed; 0 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 1 previous and 1 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (5)
Current report
Current Business Trends - Tariffs
Current report
In 2025, the U.S. government implemented a series of trade tariffs on goods imported into the U.S. from various countries. In many cases, these tariffs resulted in reciprocal tariffs and other actions on goods being exported from the U.S. These associated tariffs are complex and continue to evolve as negotiations occur. We evaluate the impact of global tariffs and trade restrictions on our business and operations and leverage our manufacturing footprint, when possible, through the use of the USMCA trade agreement to minimize impact. Additionally, we have enacted certain price increases to offset tariff costs that we are not able to mitigate. As the global economic environment, trade and tariff negotiations continue to evolve, the Company will continue to evaluate the exposure and work to mitigate these costs.
Current report
Business Combinations
Current report
Estimating the fair value of acquired long-lived assets and liabilities as part of a business combination requires the use of significant judgment and estimates. These estimates are often calculated using valuation models which leverage historical results and forecast assumptions, which are driven by business and market expectations. Forecasted results, including future revenue growth and profit margins, are scrutinized for reasonableness based on known inputs at the time of model creation, but actual results could vary significantly from these estimates. The Company utilizes third party valuation specialists for certain business combinations to assist in the valuation of these long-lived assets and liabilities, with significant focus on purchase price allocation between acquired intangible assets, such as developed technology, customer lists and tradenames. The valuation of identifiable intangible assets utilizes these historical and forecasted results, and utilizes complex valuation calculations, including the excess earnings and relief from royalty methods, and other judgmental assumptions, such as customer attrition and discount rates.
Current report
An initial purchase price allocation is calculated at the time of acquisition based on data obtained via due diligence and other sources to determine the fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities. These estimates are refined as additional information is obtained over the twelve months following acquisition, including asset appraisals and valuation reports, to ensure best estimates are utilized in calculating fair value and proper allocation of the purchase price.
Removed paragraphs (1)
Previous report
Effective January 1, 2023, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of Syrinix Ltd. ("Syrinix"), headquartered in the United Kingdom, a provider of high-frequency pressure monitoring and leak detection solutions.
Reworded paragraphs (26)
Previous wording
As noted above, customers are increasingly looking for more frequent and diverse data to holistically manage their water networks. As a leading provider of water quality and pressure management monitoring solutions, we are able to meet these needs and enhance the scope of actionable data for customers to measure, conserve and protect water.
Current wording
As noted above, customers are increasingly looking for more frequent and diverse data to holistically manage their water networks. As a leading provider of water quality, pressure management, sewer line and lift station monitoring solutions, we are able to meet these needs and enhance the scope of actionable data for customers to measure, conserve and protect water.
Previous wording
Our BlueEdge tailorable smart water solutions provide actionable information through data analytics derived from an interconnected and interoperable network of sensors and devices that enable people and organizations to efficiently use and conserve water. Badger Meter is well positioned to benefit from the adoption of smart water solutions. Our strong relationships with telecommunication providers such as AT&T and Verizon (among others), we stay abreast of emerging cellular technology changes to provide the premier infrastructure-free AMI solution.
Current wording
Our BlueEdge tailorable smart water solutions provide actionable information through data analytics derived from an interconnected and interoperable network of sensors and devices that enable people and organizations to efficiently use and conserve water. Badger Meter is well positioned to benefit from the adoption of smart water solutions. Our strong relationships with telecommunication providers such as AT&T and Verizon (among others) allows us to stay abreast of emerging cellular technology changes to provide the premier infrastructure-free AMI solution.
Previous wording
As the industry continues to evolve, the Company has been at the forefront of innovation across measurement hardware (metering, water quality, pressure sensors, etc.), radio and software technologies in order to meet its customers’ increasing expectations for accurate and actionable data and insights. As technologies such as ORION Cellular and BEACON digital solutions have become more widely adopted, the Company’s revenue from Software as a Service (SaaS) has increased significantly, and is margin accretive.
Current wording
As the water industry continues to evolve, the Company has been at the forefront of innovation across measurement hardware (metering, water quality, pressure sensors, sewer monitoring, etc.) and communication and software technologies in order to meet its customers’ increasing expectations for accurate and actionable data and insights. As technologies such as ORION Cellular and BEACON digital solutions have become more widely adopted, the Company’s revenue from SaaS has increased significantly and is margin accretive.
Previous wording
The Company also seeks opportunities for additional revenue enhancement. For instance, the Company has made inroads into select regional markets outside the US such as the Middle East, UK and others with our BlueEdge offering. The Company sometimes oversees and supervises field installation of its products and provide training and other services for certain customers. Strategic mergers and acquisitions are another avenue for profitable sales growth.
Current wording
The Company also seeks opportunities for additional revenue enhancement. For instance, the Company has made inroads into select regional markets outside the U.S. such as the Middle East, U.K. and others with our BlueEdge offering. The Company sometimes oversees and supervises field installation of its products and provides training and other services for certain customers. Strategic mergers and acquisitions are another avenue for profitable sales growth.
Previous wording
Effective January 30, 2025, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of Hadronex, Inc, a Delaware Corporation d/b/a SmartCover® Systems ("SmartCover"), headquartered in Escondido California. SmartCover is a provider of sewer line and lift station monitoring solutions. The purchase consideration, net of cash acquired, was approximately $185 million in cash.
Current wording
Effective January 30, 2025, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of Hadronex, Inc, a Delaware Corporation d/b/a SmartCover® Systems (SmartCover), headquartered in Escondido, California. SmartCover is a provider of sewer line and lift station monitoring solutions.
Previous wording
The total purchase consideration for Syrinix, net of cash acquired, was $17.1 million. The Company's allocation of the purchase price at December 31, 2023 included $0.6 million of receivables, $0.7 million of inventories, $2.1 million of other assets, $7.7 million of intangible assets and $10.3 million of goodwill. The intangible assets acquired are primarily developed technology, customer relationships and trademarks with estimated average useful lives of 13 to 15 years. The Company also assumed $1.9 million of payables, $2.0 million of deferred income taxes and $0.4 million of other current and long-term liabilities as part of the acquisition.
Current wording
The total purchase consideration for SmartCover, net of cash acquired, was $184.0 million, following the net working capital adjustment of $0.9 million. The Company's allocation of the purchase price at December 31, 2025 included $6.6 million of receivables, $4.5 million of inventories, $4.8 million of other assets, $59.6 million of developed technology intangible assets, $26.0 million of other intangible assets and $118.3 million of goodwill that is not deductible for tax purposes. The intangible assets acquired are primarily developed technology, customer relationships and trademarks with estimated average useful lives of 12 to 20 years. The Company also assumed $1.6 million of payables, $18.3 million of net deferred income tax liabilities, $12.2 million of deferred revenue and $3.7 million of other liabilities as part of the acquisition. The allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired was based upon the estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had completed its analysis for estimating the fair value of the assets acquired with no additional adjustments. This acquisition is further described in Note 3 “Acquisitions” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2025, the Company had completed its analysis for estimating the fair value of the net assets acquired. Revenue associated with SmartCover for the eleven months ended December 31, 2025 was $39.7 million. SmartCover is reported within the utility water product line and the Company will continue to operate under a single segment. This acquisition is further described in Note 3 “Acquisitions” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Previous wording
Net sales in 2023 increased $138.0 million, or 24.4%, to $703.6 million from $565.6 million in 2022. Sales into the utility water market were $603.1 million, an increase of 27.8% over the prior year’s $471.8 million. The increase in utility water sales reflected strong growth across the Company's broad suite of smart water solutions and the continued robust adoption of cellular AMI solutions, specifically ORION Cellular endpoints and BEACON SaaS revenues, as well as increased E-Series Ultrasonic meter volumes. Sales of products into the global flow instrumentation end markets were $100.5 million, 7.2% higher than the prior year’s $93.8 million due to steady order demand across the water-focused end markets, offset by modest decline in de-emphasized general industrial markets.
Current wording
Net sales in 2025 increased $90.1 million, or 10.9%, to $916.7 million from $826.6 million in 2024. Sales into the utility water market were $816.1 million, an increase of 12.5% over the prior year’s $725.5 million. The increase in utility water sales reflected the ongoing customer adoption of the Company's broad suite of digital smart water solutions, including ultrasonic meters, ORION Cellular endpoints, water quality products and BEACON SaaS, as well as revenue associated with the acquisition of SmartCover of $39.7 million. Sales of products into the global flow instrumentation end markets were $100.6 million, a decrease of 0.5% from the prior year’s $101.1 million due to modest growth across the water-focused end markets, offset by declines in de-emphasized applications.
Previous wording
Net sales in 2024 increased $123.0 million, or 17.5%, to $826.6 million from $703.6 million in 2023. Sales into the utility water market were $725.5 million, an increase of 20.3% over the prior year’s $603.1 million. The increase in utility water sales reflected strong growth across the Company's broad suite of smart water solutions, led by cellular AMI adoption, including mechanical and ultrasonic meters, ORION Cellular endpoints, and BEACON SaaS revenues. Sales of products into the global flow instrumentation end markets were $101.1 million, 0.6% higher than the prior year’s $100.5 million due to modest growth across the water-focused end markets, offset by slight declines in de-emphasized general industrial markets.
Current wording
Net sales in 2024 increased $123.0 million, or 17.5%, to $826.6 million from $703.6 million in 2023. Sales into the utility water market were $725.5 million, an increase of 20.3% over the prior year’s $603.1 million. The increase in utility water sales reflected strong growth across the Company's suite of smart water solutions, led by cellular AMI adoption, including mechanical and ultrasonic meters, ORION Cellular endpoints, and BEACON SaaS. Sales of products into the global flow instrumentation end markets were $101.1 million, 0.6% higher than the prior year’s $100.5 million due to modest growth across the water-focused end markets, offset by slight declines in de-emphasized general industrial markets.
Previous wording
Operating earnings in 2023 were $118.0 million, or 16.8% of sales, compared to $87.3 million, or 15.4% of sales, in 2022. Gross margin dollars increased $56.5 million due to higher net sales, with gross margin as a percent of sales increasing from 38.9% in 2022 to 39.3% in 2023. The gross margin improvement was due to higher volumes and favorable sales mix. Selling, engineering and administration (“SEA”) expenses were $158.4 million or 22.5% of sales compared to $132.7 million or 23.5% of sales in the prior year. The increase in SEA expenses year-over-year was due to higher personnel costs, including headcount, salaries and incentive compensation, as well as the acquisition of Syrinix and the associated intangible asset amortization.
Current wording
Operating earnings in 2025 were $183.4 million, or 20.0% of sales, compared to $157.9 million, or 19.1% of sales, in 2024. Gross margin dollars increased $52.9 million due to higher net sales, with gross margin as a percent of sales increasing from 39.8% in 2024 to 41.7% in 2025. The gross margin improvement was due to favorable product mix, driven by sales growth in ultrasonic meters, ORION Cellular radios, water quality products and SmartCover. Selling, engineering and administration (SEA) expenses were $198.6 million or 21.7% of sales in 2025 compared to $171.2 million or 20.7% of sales in the prior year. The increase in SEA expenses year-over-year included $19.4 million for SmartCover, including $5.8 million of acquired intangible asset amortization. Excluding the impact of SmartCover, SEA increased $8.0 million from higher personnel costs, including salaries and incentive compensation.
Previous wording
Operating earnings in 2024 were $157.9 million, or 19.1% of sales, compared to $118.0 million, or 16.8% of sales, in 2023. Gross margin dollars increased $52.7 million due to higher net sales, with gross margin as a percent of sales increasing from 39.3% in 2023 to 39.8% in 2024. The gross margin improvement was due to higher volumes and favorable product and customer sales mix. Selling, engineering and administration (“SEA”) expenses were $171.2 million or 20.7% of sales in 2024 compared to $158.4 million or 22.5% of sales in the prior year. The increase in SEA expenses year-over-year was due to higher personnel costs, including headcount, salaries and incentive compensation, as well as professional fees associated with acquisition-related activities.
Current wording
Operating earnings in 2024 were $157.9 million, or 19.1% of sales, compared to $118.0 million, or 16.8% of sales, in 2023. Gross margin dollars increased $52.7 million due to higher net sales, with gross margin as a percent of sales increasing from 39.3% in 2023 to 39.8% in 2024. The gross margin improvement was due to higher volumes and favorable product and customer sales mix. SEA expenses were $171.2 million or 20.7% of sales in 2024 compared to $158.4 million or 22.5% of sales in the prior year. The increase in SEA expenses year-over-year was due to higher personnel costs, including headcount, salaries and incentive compensation, as well as professional fees associated with acquisition-related activities.
Previous wording
Net interest income was $8.6 million in 2024, $4.0 million in 2023 and $0.6 million in 2022. The increase in interest income in 2024, 2023 and 2022 was due to increased cash balances.
Current wording
Net interest income was $5.1 million in 2025, $8.6 million in 2024 and $4.0 million in 2023. The decrease in interest income in 2025 was due to the deployment of $184.0 million of cash associated with the SmartCover acquisition. The increase in interest income in 2024 and 2023 was due to increase in cash balances.
Previous wording
There were no significant variations in the provision for income taxes as a percentage of earnings before income taxes which was 25.0%, 24.1% and 24.2% for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Current wording
There were no significant variations in the provision for income taxes as a percentage of earnings before income taxes which were 24.9%, 25.0% and 24.1% for 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Previous wording
For 2023, the increase in operating earnings resulted in net earnings of $92.6 million compared to $66.5 million in 2022. On a diluted basis, earnings per share were $3.14 in 2023 compared to $2.26 in 2022.
Current wording
For 2025, the increase in operating earnings resulted in net earnings of $141.6 million compared to $124.9 million in 2024. On a diluted basis, earnings per share were $4.79 in 2025 compared to $4.23 in 2024.
Previous wording
We use primary working capital ("PWC") as a percentage of sales as a key metric for working capital efficiency. We define this metric as the sum of receivables and inventories less payables, divided by the last 12 months net sales. As of December 31, 2024, the Company classified the short term portion of deferred revenue as other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, whereas previously short term deferred revenue was included in payables. The following table shows the components of our PWC:
Current wording
We use primary working capital (PWC) as a percentage of sales as a key metric for working capital efficiency. We define this metric as the sum of receivables and inventories less payables, divided by the last 12 months net sales. The following table shows the components of our PWC:
Previous wording
Overall, PWC increased $16.7 million compared to the previous year-end. Receivables at December 31, 2024 were $84.3 million compared to $83.5 million at the end of 2023, an increase of $0.8 million due to increased sales, offset by improved days sales outstanding. The Company believes its receivables balance is fully collectible. Inventories at December 31, 2024 were $143.4 million compared to $153.7 million at the end of 2023. Inventory decreased $10.2 million, due to effective inventory management. Payables at December 31, 2024 were $55.7 million compared to $81.8 million at the end of 2023. The decrease was due to the short term deferred revenue being classified in other current liabilities, lower inventory balance and the timing of payments relative to year end.
Current wording
Overall, PWC increased $19.9 million compared to the previous year-end. Receivables at December 31, 2025 were $112.4 million compared to $84.3 million at the end of 2024, an increase of $28.0 million due to the addition of SmartCover and timing of shipments within the fourth quarter. The Company believes its receivables balance is fully collectible. Inventories at December 31, 2025 were $151.9 million compared to $143.4 million at the end of 2024. Inventory increased $8.5 million, due to increased commodity costs, timing of inventory receipts and the acquisition of SmartCover. Payables at December 31, 2025 were $72.3 million compared to $55.7 million at the end of 2024. The increase was due to the increased inventory balance and the timing of payments relative to year end.
Previous wording
Cash provided by operations in 2023 was $110.1 million compared to $82.5 million in 2022. The increase from 2022 was driven primarily by increased operating earnings and working capital management. Operating cash flow was more than adequate to fund acquisitions ($17.1 million, net of cash acquired), capital expenditures of $12.0 million and dividends of $29.1 million in 2023.
Current wording
Cash provided by operations in 2025 was $183.7 million compared to $155.0 million in 2024. The increase from 2024 was driven primarily by increased operating earnings. Operating cash flow and cash on hand were more than adequate to fund acquisitions of $184.0 million, capital expenditures of $14.0 million and dividends of $43.5 million in 2025.
Previous wording
Capital expenditures were $12.8 million, $12.0 million and $5.9 million in fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2025 are expected to be in the $15.0-19.0 million range, but could vary depending on timing of projects, growth opportunities and the amount of assets purchased.
Current wording
Capital expenditures were $14.0 million, $12.8 million and $12.0 million in fiscal 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2026 are expected to be in the $15.0-19.0 million range, but could vary depending on timing of projects, growth opportunities and the amount of assets purchased.
Previous wording
The Company had no short-term borrowings as of the end of 2024 or 2023. At the end of 2024, the Company was in a net cash position of $295.3 million.
Current wording
The Company had no borrowings as of the end of 2025 or 2024. At the end of 2025, the Company was in a net cash position of $226.0 million.
Previous wording
The Company’s financial condition remains strong. On July 8, 2021, the Company entered into a new credit agreement, with a maturity date of July 8, 2026. The credit agreement includes a $150.0 million multi-currency line of credit that supports commercial paper (up to $100.0 million). The facility includes several features that enhance the Company’s financial flexibility including an increase feature, acquisition holiday and favorable financial covenants. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2024. The Company believes that its operating cash flows, available borrowing capacity, and its ability to raise capital provide adequate resources to fund ongoing operating requirements, future capital expenditures and the development of new products. The Company had $154.1 million of unused credit lines available at December 31, 2024.
Current wording
The Company’s financial condition remains strong. On July 8, 2021, the Company entered into a new credit agreement, with a maturity date of July 8, 2026. The credit agreement includes a $150.0 million multi-currency line of credit that supports commercial paper (up to $100.0 million). The facility includes several features that enhance the Company’s financial flexibility including an increase feature, acquisition holiday and favorable financial covenants. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2025. The Company believes that its operating cash flows, available borrowing capacity, and its ability to raise capital provide adequate resources to fund ongoing operating requirements, future capital expenditures and the development of new products. The Company had $154.7 million of unused credit lines available at December 31, 2025.
Previous wording
The Company's significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2024 are discussed in Note 12 “Leases” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There are no material undisclosed guarantees. As of December 31, 2024 the Company had no additional material purchase obligations other than those created in the ordinary course of business related to inventory and property, plant and equipment, which generally have terms of less than 90 days. The Company also has long-term obligations related to its postretirement plans which are discussed in detail in Note 7 “Employee Benefit Plans” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Postretirement medical claims are paid by the Company as they are submitted, and they are anticipated to be $0.3 million in 2025 based on actuarial estimates; however, these amounts can vary significantly from year to year because the Company is self-insured.
Current wording
The Company's significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2025 are discussed in Note 12 “Leases” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There are no material undisclosed guarantees. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had no additional material purchase obligations other than those created in the ordinary course of business related to inventory and property, plant and equipment, which generally have terms of less than 90 days. The Company also has long-term obligations related to its postretirement plans which are discussed in detail in Note 7 “Employee Benefit Plans” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Postretirement medical claims are paid by the Company as they are submitted, and they are anticipated to be $0.2 million in 2026 based on actuarial estimates; however, these amounts can vary significantly from year to year because the Company is self-insured.
Previous wording
Our products carry warranties that generally range from one to twenty years and are based on terms that are generally accepted in the market. We provide for the estimated cost of product warranty at the time of sale. The product warranty provision is estimated based upon warranty loss experience using actual historical failure rates and estimated costs of product replacement. The variables used in the calculation of the provision are reviewed at least annually. At times, warranty issues may arise which are beyond the scope of our historical experience. We provide for any such warranty issues as they become known and estimable. The introduction of additional technology, such as our ORION cellular radios, electronic meters and registration, have generally caused our annual warranty claims rates to increase over time. While our warranty costs have historically been within calculated estimates, it is possible that future warranty costs could differ significantly from those estimates. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, our reserve for product warranties was $16.7 million and $11.1 million, respectively.
Current wording
Our products carry warranties that generally range from one to twenty years and are based on terms that are generally accepted in the market. We provide for the estimated cost of product warranty at the time of sale. The product warranty provision is estimated based upon warranty loss experience using actual historical failure rates and estimated costs of product replacement. The variables used in the calculation of the provision are reviewed throughout the year. At times, warranty issues may arise which are beyond the scope of our historical experience. We provide for any such warranty issues as they become known and estimable. The introduction of additional technology, such as our ORION cellular radios, electronic meters and registration, have generally caused our annual warranty claims rates to increase over time. While our warranty costs have historically been within calculated estimates, it is possible that future warranty costs could differ significantly from those estimates. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, our reserve for product warranties was $21.6 million and $16.7 million, respectively.
Previous wording
The Company operates in numerous taxing jurisdictions and is subject to regular examinations by U.S. federal, state and non-U.S. taxing authorities. Our income tax provision for income taxes is based on the interpretation of applicable taxing laws in the jurisdictions in which we conduct business. Due to the ambiguity of tax laws within each jurisdiction, the judgment involved in evaluating and estimating certain tax positions, and how these estimates impact other taxing considerations, it is possible that our income tax positions could differ from actual payments made or benefits received. The Company annually reviews all uncertain tax positions, which represent tax positions taken that are subject to varied interpretations of applicable tax law. The gross accrued liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $1.2 million and $1.4 million, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Interest is accrued on all unrecognized tax benefits and recorded as interest expense and penalties are recorded as operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accrued interest was approximately $0.1 million at both December 31, 2024 and 2023 and there were no penalties accrued in either year.
Current wording
The Company operates in numerous taxing jurisdictions and is subject to regular examinations by U.S. federal, state and non-U.S. taxing authorities. Our income tax provision for income taxes is based on the interpretation of applicable taxing laws in the jurisdictions in which we conduct business. Due to the ambiguity of tax laws within each jurisdiction, the judgment involved in evaluating and estimating certain tax positions, and how these estimates impact other taxing considerations, it is possible that our income tax positions could differ from actual payments made or benefits received. The Company annually reviews all uncertain tax positions, which represent tax positions taken that are subject to varied interpretations of applicable tax law. The gross accrued liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $1.3 million and $1.2 million, as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Interest is accrued on all unrecognized tax benefits and recorded as interest expense and penalties are recorded as operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accrued interest was approximately $0.2 million and $0.1 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and there were no penalties accrued in either year.
Previous wording
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future, based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. The Company establishes valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets that are not likely to be realized. The Company recorded valuation allowances of $3.3 million and $2.7 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The valuation allowance relates primarily to foreign net operating loss carryforwards.
Current wording
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future, based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. The Company establishes valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets that are not likely to be realized. The Company recorded valuation allowances of $3.2 million and $3.3 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The valuation allowance relates primarily to foreign net operating loss carryforwards.
Previous wording
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is exposed to various market risks. The Company operates in an environment where competition varies from moderate to strong. The Company believes it currently provides the leading technology in water meters and radio systems for water utilities. A number of the Company's competitors in certain markets have greater financial resources. As the global water metering market continues to adopt static metering technology, the number of competitors in the North American market may increase. We believe new static metering market entrants lack brand recognition and product breadth and do not have the appropriate utility sales channels to meaningfully compete in the North American market. In addition, the market's level of acceptance of the Company's newer product offerings, including real-time water quality monitoring and BEACON SaaS, may have a significant effect on the Company's results of operations. As a result of significant research and development activities, the Company enjoys favorable patent positions for several of its products.
Current wording
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is exposed to various market risks. The Company operates in an environment where competition varies from moderate to strong. The Company believes it currently provides the leading technology in water meters and radio systems for water utilities. A number of the Company's competitors in certain markets have greater financial resources. As the global water metering market continues to adopt static metering technology, the number of competitors in the North American market may increase. We believe new static metering market entrants lack brand recognition and product breadth and do not have the appropriate utility sales channels to meaningfully compete in the North American market. In addition, the market's level of acceptance of the Company's newer product offerings, including real-time water quality monitoring, sewer line monitoring and BEACON SaaS, may have a significant effect on the Company's results of operations. As a result of significant research and development activities, the Company enjoys favorable patent positions for several of its products.
Previous wording
Raw materials used in the manufacture of the Company's products include purchased castings made of metal or alloys (such as brass, which uses copper as its main component, aluminum, stainless steel and cast iron), plastic resins, glass, microprocessors and other electronic subassemblies, and components. The Company does not hold significant amounts of precious metals. The price and availability of raw materials is influenced by economic and industry conditions, including supply and demand factors that are difficult to anticipate and cannot be controlled by the Company. Commodity risk is managed by keeping abreast of economic conditions and locking in purchase prices for quantities that correspond to the Company's forecasted usage.
Current wording
Raw materials used in the manufacture of the Company's products include purchased castings made of metal or alloys (such as brass, which uses copper as its main component, aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron and bismuth), plastic resins, glass, microprocessors and other electronic subassemblies, and components. The Company does not hold significant amounts of precious metals. The price and availability of raw materials is influenced by economic and industry conditions, including supply and demand factors that are difficult to anticipate and cannot be controlled by the Company. Commodity risk is managed by keeping abreast of economic conditions and locking in purchase prices for quantities that correspond to the Company's forecasted usage.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Refer to Note 3 "Acquisitions" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding our recent business combinations.