Why Shares of Itron Stock Jumped 17.4% This Week

Why Shares of Itron Stock Jumped 17.4% This Week

Brett Schafer, The Motley Fool

Fri, July 31, 2026 at 6:17 PM GMT+3 2 min read

Shares of Itron (NASDAQ: ITRI) jumped as much as 18.7% this week, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. The global utility technology provider posted strong second-quarter earnings and raised its full-year guidance, sending the stock higher.

As of 10:44 AM EST on Friday, July 31, shares of Itron are up 17.4%. Here's why, and whether now is a good time to buy the stock.

Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »

Raised full-year guidance

Itron makes utility meters and grid intelligence technology to help manage the electric grid. It helps meters manage electricity demand volatility, a growing need amid the current artificial intelligence (AI) boom.

This quarter, Itron posted non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of $1.59, well above analyst expectations of $1.29, and raised its full-year earnings guidance. Management commentary indicates there is significant demand for Itron's products and services for electric grid stability as the AI infrastructure build-out continues.

Should you buy Itron stock?

After this week's pop, Itron trades at just below $100. Its full-year EPS guidance is for $6.40 at the midpoint, or a forward price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) a touch above 15. For anyone who believes the AI revolution will be a tailwind for Itron, this does not look like an overly expensive stock to buy right now.

Should you buy stock in Itron right now?

Before you buy stock in Itron, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Itron wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $394,601!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,197,093!*

Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 895% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 206% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.

See the 10 stocks »

*Stock Advisor returns as of July 31, 2026.

Brett Schafer has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Itron. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Why Shares of Itron Stock Jumped 17.4% This Week was originally published by The Motley Fool