Badger Meter, Inc. (BMI Quick QuoteBMI - Free Report) recently joined AT&T Smart City Alliance — a framework created by AT&T Inc. (T Quick QuoteT - Free Report) — which helps cities provide smart water metering solutions to people.

Notably, AT&T’s smart cities framework is backed by an association of key technology leaders and industry organizations, comprising Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO Quick QuoteCSCO - Free Report) , Deloitte, Ericsson, General Electric Co. (GE Quick QuoteGE - Free Report) , IBM, Intel and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. They are working together to help cities address critical issues like high energy costs, transportation, aging infrastructure and public safety by using the Internet of Things (IoT).

Thus, the integration of AT&T’s widespread network and Badger Meter’s cellular AMI solutions will help utilities boost water sustainability. The collaboration is in sync with Badger Meter’s plan to offer smart city water metering solutions by utilizing cellular networks.

Badger Meter’s ORION Cellular endpoints provide increased deployment flexibility. Moreover, the company is poised to gain from growing demand for E-Series meters and ORION cellular endpoints as well as BEACON Advanced Metering Analytics (AMA) managed solution in the near future.

Further, Badger Meter’s recent agreement to acquire Tampa, FL-based Innovative Metering Solutions will help enhance its E-Series Ultrasonic product line, lower production costs and provide a platform for advancement of ultrasonic capabilities.

However, Badger Meter has underperformed the industry with respect to price over the past year mainly due to raw material price inflation. The stock has gained around 9%, while the industry recorded 24% growth.

Badger Meter currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

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